Bangkok (AFP) – Investigators comb through the wreckage of a huge fire at a Bangkok bar that killed least 27 people and injured dozens, Thailand’s worst such incident for almost two decades.
Hong Kong (AFP) – With a flick of their wrists, two players launch their Beyblades – customisable spinning tops that collide in a whirlwind battle to be the last one standing. They are part of a growing wave of enthusiasts in Hong Kong, as well as other parts of Asia, where the early 2000s toy craze has spun its way back into the mainstream. The toys are gaining popularity across East Asia —- including in Taiwan and Japan — fuelled by nostalgia for the Japanese manga Beyblade X and amplified by a global community on social media. Images and soundbites
Damascus (AFP) – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addresses the new transitional parliament as it convenes for its first session, around two weeks after the president appointed its remaining members, in what experts say will be a test for the new authorities. Syria’s new authorities dissolved the country’s rubber-stamp legislature after toppling longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to cover a five-year transition period.
Quito (AFP) – Decked out in a pink-and-black dress made specially for the occasion, Diana Tupiza and Andres Alquinga’s pet dog, Luna, signs the couple’s marriage certificate with a flourish and a paw print. The couple chose to make use of a recent change in the law, allowing Ecuadorian pets to serve as symbolic witnesses at civil weddings. “We are adapting to these current, modern needs, which we address in an empathetic and modern way toward the public,” says Otton Rivadeneira, director of Ecuador’s Civil Registry.
Caraballeda (Venezuela) (AFP) – Relatives of victims place candles around the rubble of a collapsed building in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, 17 days after deadly twin earthquakes hit Venezuela. The death toll from last month’s quakes has topped 4,300, says a top lawmaker.
Unknown (AFP) – Videos released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Iran’s sepahnews.com show the two foes launching fresh strikes on one another. The US says it targeted at least 140 Iranian military targets, while Iranian media reported that one Iranian soldier was killed in the strikes. It comes after a 60-day ceasefire was declared “over” by US President Donald Trump, in response to Iranian strikes on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Turre (Spain) (AFP) – The “devastating, complex, difficult and terrible fire” that killed at least 12 people in southern Spain has been stabilised, according to the head of the regional government of Andalusia, Juan Manuel Moreno. “Yesterday, 600 residents were authorised to return to their homes, but this return will take place in stages, as it must be carried out with every possible safeguard and precaution in place,” he says.
London (AFP) – “It’s unbelievable, unreal,” says an England fan at Boxpark Wembley in London after the team’s victory over Norway, securing their place in the World Cup semi-finals. Norway took an early lead in the first half, but two goals in extra time by star midfielder Jude Bellingham saw England win 2-1. “We are through to the semi-finals because of that man Jude Bellingham,” says England fan Livz Ledge.
Dover (United Kingdom) (AFP) – The medieval Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London after a hugely complicated journey to leave France for the first time in more than 900 years for an exhibition in the British capital. “It’s been very special to have witnessed the arrival of the Bayeux Tapestry, and especially for it to be back on these shores for the first time in probably a thousand years,” says Nicholas Cullinan, the director of the British Museum.
Munich (Germany) (AFP) – In a bustling bar in Munich, fathers gather for an evening of beer, scrunchies and combs as they attend the third “Dads Do Hair” workshop organised by hairdresser Anita Erdmann, who was inspired by a similar event in London. Her 90-minute sessions are fully booked every time, with countless dads eager to do more to help out at home and bond with their daughters. “One dad wrote to me that he bought a tool box and filled it with hair accessories,” says the hairdresser on the success of her workshops.
Paris (France) (AFP) – Cheers erupt across Paris as France book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, the third consecutive time for the 2018 champions. “The dream is being written,” says football fan Antonio Semedo.
Ina (Japan) (AFP) – Schoolchildren in Ina, Japan, handle the real fur and skull of an Asian black bear during a safety class on living alongside the animals, as fatal bear attacks rise elsewhere in the country. No deaths have been reported in this region of Japan, but sightings are common. “I am convinced it’s safe to live with them as long as humans don’t offend them,” says school principal Hiroshi Aruga.
