A quick look back at this week's biggest stories

A village lies in rubble after Sunday night's powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck several provinces, in a remote valley in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Credit: AP/Nava Jamshidi
Here is a quick look back at the top global stories of the week, plus some of our best journalism away from the headlines.
Afghan earthquake kills over 2,200
More than 2,200 people died in an earthquake that hit Afghanistan's mountainous east early Monday. The country is already struggling with drought, a weak economy and a displacement crisis.
Take a look at our photos from the earthquake.
China holds big military parade with allies
China showcased its military might in a parade Wednesday marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II as it seeks to wield greater influence in the world. Flanking Chinese President Xi Jinping at the parade were Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, in a show of unity as the three countries are under pressure from the United States.
Read about China's new weapons, see photos of the parade, and read about the geopolitical shift China's rise might lead to. And watch the hot-mic moment when leaders were caught talking about extending the human life span.
Florida to eliminate vaccine mandates
In a significant departure from decades of public policy, Florida’s State Surgeon General said Wednesday that the state will do away with vaccine mandates, casting them as “immoral” intrusions into parental rights.
Here is what you need to know about the vaccine mandate removal, and here is what Americans think. And here is what life in America was like before widespread vaccination. Plus some takeaways from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's contentious congressional hearing Thursday, and fact-checking his false and misleading claims.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, from right, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Tiananmen Square in Beijing Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Credit: AP/Uncredited
...away from the headlines
Our reporting questions why and how Israel attacked a Gaza hospital, killing several journalists, including AP's Mariam Dagga. Read about Gregory Bovino and how his Los Angeles campaign is racking up immigration arrests. Look at this beautiful digital presentation about the drought affecting Syria. A popular 15-year-old computer whiz is becoming the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. And tips for finding remote employment.
And some of our best photos
Here is our top weekly selection. A look at Giorgio Armani's fashion through the years after his death this week, pictures from a Tehran musical that tells a love story, underground schools in war-hit Ukraine, and images of New Delhi residents on the swollen banks of the Yamuna River.
Maduro, wife due in court today ... Washers, dryers required in new apartments ... Caribbean flights resume ... Out East: Custer Institute and Observatory
Maduro, wife due in court today ... Washers, dryers required in new apartments ... Caribbean flights resume ... Out East: Custer Institute and Observatory



