Japan issues heavy rain emergency in Kagoshima

Japan’s weather agency has issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture after record downpours triggered fears of landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers, according to Xinhua.

Kirishima recorded 107.5 mm of rain in one hour early Friday, with a 12-hour total of over 480 mm — nearly double its August average.

Torrential rain is forecast to continue across Kyushu through Sunday, with up to 200 mm expected in southern areas and 120 mm in the north. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert as dangerous conditions may already be present, Xinhua reported.

 

 

Convicted rapist quits Australian parliament after losing legal bid to stay

An Australian politician and convicted rapist has resigned from parliament moments before he was to be kicked out, after losing a legal challenge to remain, BBC reported.

Gareth Ward, 44, was last month found guilty of sexually assaulting two young men, aged 18 and 24, between 2013 and 2015, and is now in custody pending sentencing.

Earlier this week, Ward launched a legal bid to stop the New South Wales (NSW) parliament from expelling him, but it was dismissed on Thursday after the court rejected arguments that the move was an "affront" to democracy, according to BBC.

India’s Modi, Brazil’s Lula speak amid Trump tariff blitz

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva have spoken by phone, their offices said, discussing a broad range of topics that included tariffs imposed by the United States on goods from both countries, Aljazeera reported.

Lula confirmed a state visit to India in early 2026 during the call on Thursday, which occurred a day after the Brazilian leader told the news agency Reuters that he would initiate a conversation among the BRICS group of countries on tackling US President Donald Trump’s levies, which are the highest on Brazil and India.

The group of major emerging economies also includes China, Russia and South Africa, according to Aljazeera.

Ex-Superman actor says he's becoming an ICE agent

Former Superman actor Dean Cain has announced he will soon be sworn in as an ICE agent, joining the agency’s efforts to expand its workforce. Cain, who is already a sworn law enforcement officer, praised the recruitment campaign aimed at doubling ICE’s personnel to support President Trump’s push for increased deportations, BBC reported.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Cain’s honorary appointment, highlighting his encouragement for Americans to join ICE and help protect communities. ICE is actively recruiting, offering bonuses of up to $50,000 and removing age limits to attract more candidates amid rising immigration enforcement.

Currently, ICE employs about 20,000 officers and staff nationwide. The agency recently received a significant budget increase, making it the highest funded federal law enforcement body, as it steps up deportations despite protests and criticism, according to BBC.