1. Global soccer’s governing body FIFA says it has lifted a one-game ban for US star striker Folarin Balogun in the men’s World Cup. The decision will allow him to play in a match against Belgium on Monday. Sources told NHK that US President Donald Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s suspension. Trump wrote on social media on Sunday, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” US media outlets say Trump and Infantino are close and the soccer body’s sudden reversal will raise further questions about their relationship.
2. China has fired a strategic missile equipped with a dummy warhead. Beijing says the missile was launched from a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine on Monday, and claims the missile has already fallen as planned. The Chinese Navy posted on social media saying a strategic missile was launched at 12:01 PM local time, and fell in international waters in the Pacific Ocean. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said the launch was a routine arrangement as part of China’s annual military training. She said it was consistent with international law and common practice and was not directed at any specific country or target.
3. An annual wind chime festival is underway at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.The festival, designed to soothe visitors to Futarasan Shrine with the refreshing sounds of wind chimes, kicked off on Friday. Some 1,100 porcelain and ceramic wind chimes, crafted by artist Sato Kazuhiko at his home studio have been hung throughout the shrine compound. Sato also serves as a shrine staff.