Taliban seizes key Afghan cities as US troops complete pullout

The Taliban advances in Afghanistan were the latest in a series of blows to government forces as U.S. troops complete their pullout after nearly two decades in the country.

More Cubans attempt dangerous trip to US across Florida Straits

Zuleydis Elledias has gotten up each morning for the past two months hoping for a phone call, a message — any news on the fate of her husband and nephew, who disappeared at sea after the boat they were in capsized as they tried to reach Florida.

Tokyo train stabbing leaves 10 injured, suspect in custody

Fire officials and news reports say a man with a knife has stabbed at least 10 passengers on a commuter train in Tokyo and was seized by police after fleeing.

Taliban kill director of Afghan government's media department

The Taliban on Friday shot and killed Dawa Khan Menapal, the director of Afghanistan's Government Information Media Center.

Birthplace of Olympics threatened as Greece battles forest fires

The archaeological site at the birthplace of the modern Olympics in Greece was being threatened by one of the major forest fires burning in Greece.

US women's soccer team defeats Australia, wins Olympic bronze medal

The United States won the bronze medal in women’s soccer after a 4-3 win over Australia, with goals from Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd.

Beirut explosion: Lebanon marks 1 year since blast with mourning, anger

The Beirut explosion killed at least 214 people and injured thousands. Lebanon is marking one year since the blast with a national day of mourning.

German court sets trial for 100-year-old former Nazi guard

A German court has set a trial date for a 100-year-old man who is charged with 3,518 counts of accessory to murder on allegations he served as a Nazi SS guard at a concentration camp on the outskirts of Berlin during World War II.

Belarus sprinter granted Polish visa says ‘punishment’ awaited her at home

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya who had a public feud with her team officials said authorities “made it clear” she would face punishment if she returned home.

Belarus Olympic sprinter to seek asylum after Instagram post, airport standoff

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya's tension with Belarus started with an Instagram post that set off massive backlash in state-run media back home, where authorities relentlessly crack down on government critics.

US expands Afghan refugee program, citing Taliban violence

The U.S. is expanding its efforts to evacuate at-risk Afghan citizens amid Taliban violence, now including aid workers, journalists and others.

Japan expands virus state of emergency amid record cases, Tokyo Olympics

Japan expanded a state of emergency to four more areas in addition to Tokyo following record COVID-19 spikes as the capital hosts the Olympics.

1st evacuation flight of Afghan interpreters arrives in US

The first flight evacuating more than 200 Afghans who served as interpreters or other roles alongside the U.S. military arrived in the U.S.

COVID-19 booster: Israel to offer 3rd shot to older citizens

Israel’s prime minister has announced that the country will offer a coronavirus booster to people over 60 who have already been vaccinated.

Tokyo's daily COVID-19 cases exceed 3,000 in day for 1st time

Tokyo reported 3,177 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, another all-time high just days after the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Simone Biles withdrew from Olympics gymnastics final to protect team, self

U.S. star Simone Biles pulled out of the women's gymnastics team final at the Tokyo Olympics after not being in the right headspace to compete.

German chemical explosion: 1 dead, 4 missing in Leverkusen complex blast

An explosion at a complex of chemical companies in Leverkusen, Germany, killed at least one person. Another 31 were hurt and four are still missing.