Natural Disasters and Extreme Weather

A major earthquake struck Japan's southern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, prompting tsunami warnings in the region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency [NBC News]. Details on the preliminary magnitude and impact remain limited in available reports.

Meanwhile, catastrophic wildfires continue to ravage Southern Europe with no end in sight. French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France is "facing a completely unprecedented fire," describing the situation as France's worst fire-related crisis since World War II [NPR]. The blazes have forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate across Spain and France, with officials warning that the fires could continue to burn for months as evacuations remain ongoing [CBS News]. Fire crews are racing against the clock as another heat wave looms on the horizon, threatening to further fuel the disaster.

In the Western Hemisphere, Hurricane Genevieve is bringing life-threatening surf to Baja California [UPI], while Tropical Storm Fausto (weakened from hurricane status) is bringing large, dangerous surf to Hawaii [UPI].

Middle East and International Diplomacy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with President Trump on Tuesday—their first encounter since the Iran war began [NPR]. The meeting comes amid domestic pressures for both leaders. Netanyahu faces reelection challenges, partly due to his deteriorating relationship with Trump, while Trump confronts pressure to end the conflict.

The meeting will take place in the context of ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts. The U.S. and Iran have extended their pause in hostilities, with negotiations now focusing on talks between Tehran and Oman over restarting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz [Bloomberg]. Trump has been talking up Iran diplomacy as these negotiations advance.

Netanyahu's visit to Washington has drawn protests. Demonstrators confronted his motorcade in Washington DC, with protesters holding signs and chanting accusations [Al Jazeera].

Also scheduled to meet with Trump after attending Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral service on Tuesday are Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Netanyahu [Guardian].

Global Governance and International Institutions

The United States walked out of a UN Security Council meeting during remarks by France, according to the BBC. The walkout followed a row sparked when the U.S. joined North Korea and Russia in voting against extending the term of the UN high commissioner for human rights.

In a separate development, Chad announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court [UPI], marking another nation's departure from the institution.

Security and Crime

Shots were fired at the U.S. consulate in Toronto for a second time this year [BBC]. Police engaged in a high-speed car chase but failed to arrest the suspect, who remains at large. The incident echoes a similar attack in June, when three people were arrested following a shooting at the same location.

In Seattle, authorities revealed that at least three suspects were involved in the Bite of Seattle shooting, according to a court filing [Guardian]. This represents more shooters than the two previously thought to be responsible.

U.S. Politics

The Michigan Senate Democratic primary is entering its final stretch. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and former Wayne County health director Abdul El-Sayed squared off in their second one-on-one debate to replace retiring Senator Gary Peters [The Hill]. The race has been contentious, with El-Sayed facing criticism over controversial remarks.

El-Sayed refused to apologize for an "ogre on a pike" remark, clarifying that he was targeting Senator John Fetterman rather than his primary rival Haley Stevens [Fox News].

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are pressing Todd Blanche, Trump's nominee for attorney general, for answers about subpoenas he issued that were later withdrawn [NYT Politics]. The pressure comes days before a committee vote on his nomination.

Tuesday will also see unusual elections testing both Republican and Democratic coalitions. South Dakota will hold its first-ever gubernatorial runoff, with Gov. Larry Rhoden facing outsider Toby Doeden, while Georgia Democrats vie to replace Rep. David Scott [Fox News].

Economy and Trade

German officials are working behind the scenes to identify Chinese economic vulnerabilities that could be exploited if the European Union enters a trade war with China [Bloomberg]. The strategic planning reflects growing tensions in global trade relations.

Sports

Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team [BBC], taking over the role previously held by other managers.

What to Watch

Tuesday's Netanyahu-Trump meeting will be closely watched for signals about the direction of U.S. policy toward Israel and Iran, particularly as diplomatic talks over the Strait of Hormuz continue. The European wildfire crisis will remain a critical humanitarian story, with officials warning of months of potential burning ahead. Meanwhile, Michigan's Democratic primary and South Dakota's gubernatorial runoff will test party coalitions ahead of broader electoral contests. The status of Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination vote and any developments from the UN dispute over human rights oversight will also merit close attention.