July 5, Wednesday, 2017 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Emma Howard and Mr. Mick Corliss

1. The United States has strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of an “intercontinental ballistic missile.”
2. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he plans to confirm with U.S. and South Korean leaders that they will increase pressure on North Korea.
3. NHK has learned that Japan and the European Union are expected to reach a framework agreement on a free trade deal after settling almost all sticky points.