Deadly 7.8-Magnitude Earthquake Kills Dozens

The magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake damaged schools, homes, hospitals and roads across the southern Philippines. DAVAO, Philippines — A powerful offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 37 people, injuring hundreds and sending tsunami waves onto parts of Mindanao as rescue crews searched damaged buildings and landslide-hit villages. The magnitude 7.8 quake hit at 7:37 a.m. near Sarangani province, just as many schools were reopening and workers were starting the day. …

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Missing Student Discovered Dead in Remote Area

The discovery ended a weeklong international search near Kyoto. KYOTO, Japan — James “Weston” Higginbotham, a 20-year-old Auburn University student from Alabama, was found dead in a mountainous area outside Kyoto after disappearing during a family vacation in Japan, his family announced Saturday. The discovery ended a weeklong search that drew support from volunteers, local residents and people across multiple countries. Higginbotham’s disappearance gained widespread attention after he was reported missing on May 29 while …

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“Twin Peaks” Actor Dies Suddenly at 44

The Welsh performer built a career across television, film and London’s West End before his sudden death. CARDIFF, Wales — Welsh actor Owain Rhys Davies, known for appearances in “Twin Peaks: The Return,” “The OA” and numerous West End productions, has died at age 44, according to a statement released by his family. The announcement was made public over the weekend and confirmed Tuesday by multiple entertainment outlets. Davies’ death has drawn attention across the …

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Panic Erupts as Unknown Spray Sickens Dozens

Police in Japan are investigating after an unknown substance was reportedly sprayed inside a crowded commercial building. TOKYO, Japan — At least 26 people were injured after a person allegedly sprayed an unidentified substance inside a busy Tokyo shopping complex, triggering panic among shoppers and a large emergency response Sunday, authorities said. The incident occurred inside a multistory commercial facility in central Tokyo during one of the weekend’s busiest shopping periods. Witnesses reported hearing screams …

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Couple on Vacation Found Stabbed in Crocodile-Infested River

Authorities in South Africa are investigating whether poachers killed the couple and stole their vehicle. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa — A retired South African couple visiting Kruger National Park were found stabbed to death after disappearing during a sightseeing trip, prompting a major murder investigation and a search for suspects believed to have fled with the victims’ vehicle. Ernst Marais, 71, and his wife Dina Marais, 73, disappeared May 20 after leaving their holiday …

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Boy, 10, Found Abandoned by Parents at Airport

Authorities in Spain are reviewing claims that parents boarded a flight after their son could not travel because of passport issues. BARCELONA, Spain — Airport workers in Spain reportedly intervened after a couple allegedly left their 10-year-old son alone at an airport while they boarded a flight for a family vacation, according to local media accounts published Friday. The case drew widespread attention after reports said the child was unable to board because of documentation …

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Police Officer Falls to His Death During Dream Vacation

Matthew Paton, 52, fell into a ravine near Machu Picchu while hiking with his wife during a long-planned trip to Peru. CUSCO, Peru — An Australian police officer died after falling nearly 1,000 feet into a ravine while hiking the Inca Trail near Machu Picchu with his wife this week, authorities said, ending a yearslong dream trip that family members said he had carefully planned and eagerly anticipated. Peruvian rescue crews recovered the body of …

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Mine Blast Leaves 82 Dead

Officials said at least 82 workers were killed as emergency crews searched damaged underground tunnels following one of the country’s deadliest mining disasters in years. BEIJING, China — Chinese authorities widened a national industrial safety investigation Sunday after a powerful explosion at a coal mine killed at least 82 workers, injured dozens more and triggered renewed scrutiny over safety enforcement in the country’s mining sector. The blast occurred late Friday at a large underground coal …

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“Virgin River” Actor Found Dead After Days Missing

Canadian authorities say the “Virgin River” actor disappeared days before his remains were discovered near Lions Bay, British Columbia. LIONS BAY, British Columbia — Canadian actor Stewart McLean, known for appearances in “Virgin River,” “Arrow” and other television series filmed in Vancouver, was found dead this week after being reported missing days earlier, prompting a homicide investigation by authorities in British Columbia. Investigators said McLean, 45, was last seen May 15 at his residence in …

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Terrifying Tram Collision Leaves 28 People Hospitalized

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after two trams collided during evening service in western Germany. DÜSSELDORF, Germany — At least 28 people were hospitalized after two trams collided head-on in Düsseldorf on Thursday evening, prompting a major emergency response and disrupting rail service across part of the city, authorities said. The collision happened during regular transit operations in the western German city, where firefighters, police officers and medical teams responded to reports of passengers …

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