Germany and the Netherlands have officially secured their places at the 2026 World Cup, with Germany delivering a dominant 6–0 victory over Slovakia to top Group A with 15 points. Julian Nagelsmann’s side took early control, scoring four goals before halftime. Nick Woltemade opened the scoring in the 18th minute, continuing his impressive form, while Serge Gnabry quickly doubled the lead. Leroy Sané struck twice, both set up by Florian Wirtz, putting Germany firmly in command

Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, has denied claims that she gave a “dirty” or “jealous” look to Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, during the Miss Universe pageant after a viral clip sparked online outrage. The short video showed Shiraz glancing toward Ayoub, prompting accusations of hostility and a flood of critical comments on her Instagram, with users calling her “Miss Genocide.” Shiraz refuted the allegations, stating she was merely looking at other contestants and urged people no

James D. Watson, who co-discovered the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, has died at 97, according to his former research lab. The Chicago-born scientist, only 24 at the time of the discovery, shared the 1962 Nobel Prize with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for revealing DNA’s twisted-ladder shape — a breakthrough that revolutionized genetics, medicine, and forensic science.

Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting areas it said were used by Hezbollah to rebuild its military capabilities. The strikes followed evacuation orders for several towns, including Aita al-Jabal, Al-Tayyiba, and Tayr Debba, located 4 to 24 kilometers from the Israeli border. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, one person was killed and another wounded in the bombings.

Veteran actress Diane Ladd, a three-time Oscar nominee celebrated for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Wild at Heart, and Rambling Rose, passed away at 89 at her home in Ojai, California. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news with an emotional tribute, calling Ladd her “amazing hero” and “greatest gift.” Ladd’s illustrious career spanned film, television, and theatre, earning her acclaim for portraying strong, unforgettable women.