Over 400 earthquakes rattle Japanese island chain
As of Thursday morning, 474 such earthquakes had been observed around the Tokara island chain, south of Kyushu, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
“Seismic activity has increased. As this region has experienced extended periods of earthquake activity in the past, please be vigilant against earthquakes that cause strong shaking,” it said in a statement.
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The largest tremors recorded since Saturday were two magnitude-5.1 quakes, one on Sunday and one on Tuesday.
They had a seismic intensity of four on the Japanese scale — described as an earthquake in which “most people are startled”, dishes rattle and “hanging objects such as lamps swing significantly”.
A similar period of seismic activity in the Tokara area was seen in September 2023, when 346 earthquakes were recorded within 15 days, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Seven of the 12 remote Tokara Islands are inhabited, with around 700 residents in total.
The islands, some of which have active volcanoes, are reached by a ferry that runs twice weekly in good weather.
“An earthquake of up to magnitude-6 strength could take place, so please be vigilant,” Hisayoshi Yokose, a marine volcanology specialist and associate professor at Kumamoto University, told NHK.
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Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”.
Grandmother Wrongfully Jailed for Five Months After AI Facial Recognition Error
A 50‑year‑old Tennessee grandmother, Angela Lipps, spent more than five months in jail after a facial recognition system wrongly linked her to bank fraud cases in North Dakota, a state she had never visited.
Lipps was arrested on July 14, 2025, after authorities in Fargo issued a warrant accusing her of multiple fraud-related offences. The case stemmed from the use of AI-powered facial recognition by the West Fargo Police Department, which relied on Clearview AI software. The system flagged Lipps as a potential suspect based on a photo from a fake ID used in the fraud cases, prompting the Fargo Police Department to move forward with charges.
She was jailed in Tennessee for over three months before being extradited to North Dakota, where she faced serious felony charges, including identity theft and unauthorized use of personal data. Lipps described the experience as “terrifying, exhausting, and humiliating,” noting that she endured her first-ever flight in custody during the extradition.
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In December 2025, her defense team provided bank records proving she was in Tennessee when the alleged crimes occurred. Prosecutors subsequently dropped the charges, and Lipps was released on Christmas Eve.
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski later acknowledged flaws in the investigation, admitting the department relied on external AI-generated leads that should not have been used. The facial recognition system, implemented without proper approval, has now been banned from police investigations. However, authorities have not issued a formal apology to Lipps.
Lipps’ ordeal has drawn widespread attention to the risks of AI in law enforcement, particularly the potential for misidentification and wrongful arrests. Civil rights advocates warn that AI facial recognition tools, especially those like Clearview AI that collect images from online sources, can produce false matches if used without rigorous human verification. Lipps’ lawyers say the experience caused severe emotional and reputational harm and are exploring possible legal action.
Grandmother Wrongfully Jailed for Five Months After AI Facial Recognition Error
US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit
A US congressman has called on King Charles III to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his anticipated visit to the United States later this spring, highlighting ongoing international scrutiny of Epstein’s global network and connections to powerful figures.
Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act compelling the US Department of Justice to release key documents last year, urged the King to hold a private meeting with victims to hear directly about how influential individuals and institutions failed them. Khanna stressed that Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom, including through Ghislaine Maxwell and connections within British political and social circles.
Khanna emphasized that the issue “is not solely an American matter,” noting the broader questions about how Epstein maintained influence and protection across borders. Members of Congress have also sought testimony from King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and former UK officials about their links to Epstein. Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year over his associations with Epstein, has denied wrongdoing and cannot be compelled to testify in the US.
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The King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning to visit Washington at the end of April, where they may meet US President Donald Trump and address a joint session of Congress. The visit comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.
Buckingham Palace has previously stated that the King’s “sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.” The monarch also expressed readiness to support police inquiries following Andrew’s arrest and release on suspicion of misconduct related to his former role as UK trade representative.
Recent Epstein files released by the US Justice Department include photos showing Andrew with Epstein and other sensitive material, while Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, without admitting liability.
Khanna’s call underscores growing international pressure for justice and accountability for Epstein’s victims and highlights the continuing scrutiny of high-profile individuals connected to the scandal. Advocates say a private meeting with the King could signal a commitment to supporting survivors and addressing historical failings by powerful institutions.
US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit
Spain Shuts Airspace to US Warplanes, Rejects Iran Conflict Involvement
Spain has taken a firm stance against the ongoing Iran war, announcing the closure of its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations targeting Iran, in a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions with Washington.
Spain’s Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, confirmed that Madrid will not permit the use of its territory or military facilities for any actions linked to the conflict. She specifically ruled out access to the jointly operated bases at Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.
The decision reinforces Spain’s broader policy of non-participation in the Iran war, which officials say is aimed at preventing further escalation and upholding international law.
Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, José Manuel Albares, said the government’s position is to avoid any action that could intensify the conflict, stressing that diplomacy remains the preferred path.
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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most vocal European critics of the US-led strikes, previously describing them as “reckless” and “illegal.” He disclosed that Spain had already rejected all US flight plans connected to military operations in Iran, including refuelling missions.
“We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars,” Sánchez stated, underscoring Spain’s commitment to neutrality in the conflict.
The restriction means US aircraft operating from bases such as RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom will now be forced to reroute around Spanish airspace, either via the Atlantic or through France, adding logistical challenges to ongoing missions.
In response, officials in the administration of Donald Trump maintained that US operations—reportedly under “Operation Epic Fury”—are progressing successfully without Spain’s involvement. A White House official said the US is meeting or exceeding its military objectives independently.
However, the disagreement has widened into a diplomatic rift, with Trump previously threatening a full trade embargo on Spain over its refusal to support the war effort.
Spain’s stance has also drawn a notable response from Tehran. The Iranian government signalled it would be open to Spanish requests concerning transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply typically flows.
The waterway has faced disruptions due to heightened military tensions, including threats of drone and missile attacks, pushing global oil prices higher and raising concerns about energy security.
Spain’s decision highlights deepening divisions among Western allies over the Iran conflict, with Madrid positioning itself firmly in favour of diplomacy while resisting military escalation.
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