More than 4,000 people have died from two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The quakes destroyed many buildings in La Guaira state, and rescue teams have stopped searching for survivors, but families are still looking for missing relatives.
Key Facts
The death toll has reached at least 4,118 people.
Around 16,740 people were injured in the earthquakes.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake.
These were the strongest earthquakes in Venezuela in over 100 years.
Entire high-rise apartment buildings were flattened in the coastal state of La Guaira.
Many people are still missing after the earthquakes.
Rescue teams have stopped searching for survivors, but families continue to search through rubble.
Venezuela is facing a huge recovery challenge due to its ongoing economic crisis.
The United Nations has requested nearly $300 million in aid for earthquake relief.
Venezuela's interim president asked the UK to release frozen assets, including 30 tons of gold, to help with recovery efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, had her conviction for embezzlement upheld but is still allowed to run for president next year after an appeal court shortened her ban. Despite the court ruling that she helped siphon millions in funds to her party, many voters in the French town of Montargis remain supportive of her and her call for immigration control.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen was convicted of embezzling over €2.8 million through a fake-jobs scheme from 2004 to 2016.
An appeals court upheld her conviction but reduced her ban from running for office, allowing her to run for president in 2024.
She was ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor for one year with a home curfew.
Le Pen plans to appeal to France's highest court, which will pause her sentence while she campaigns.
Polls show Le Pen remains popular and competitive for the upcoming presidential elections.
Montargis, a town south of Paris, elected a far-right mayor from Le Pen’s party in recent local elections.
Locals in Montargis express frustration with immigration and government issues, seeing Le Pen as a candidate for change.
The National Rally party has worked to improve its image but maintains strict anti-immigration policies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australian police released video footage of Bradley Murdoch, the man who killed British backpacker Peter Falconio, being questioned about the location of Falconio’s body. Murdoch died in prison last year without revealing where the body is, and police continue to seek information to close the case.
Key Facts
Peter Falconio, from Huddersfield, was killed in July 2001 near Barrow Creek in Australia's Northern Territory.
Bradley Murdoch was convicted in 2005 for Falconio’s murder and the assault and attempted kidnap of Falconio’s girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Murdoch denied knowing the location of Falconio’s remains during a recent police interview, which was released publicly.
Murdoch died in jail last year from throat cancer without giving any information about Falconio’s burial site.
Falconio was shot after Murdoch stopped their vehicle, claiming to check sparks coming from it.
Lees escaped by hiding in scrub and was later rescued by passing truck drivers.
Police released the video ahead of the 25th anniversary of Falconio’s disappearance and are still asking for any information about the body.
Authorities urged anyone with knowledge, no matter how small, to come forward to help resolve the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pope Leo XIV excommunicated six bishops and some members of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) after they consecrated bishops without papal permission. A leading SSPX member said this action is seen by many in the group as ineffective and may make the group stronger.
Key Facts
The Vatican excommunicated six SSPX bishops and some lay members on July 2.
The excommunications followed the SSPX consecrating four bishops without approval from the pope.
Excommunication bars a person from receiving Catholic sacraments like communion and confession.
SSPX members argue that acting out of necessity can excuse them from excommunication, but the Vatican disagrees.
About 30,000 SSPX members and 124 priests serve in over 115 chapels in the U.S.
A North Carolina SSPX leader said the group sees the excommunication as a "tactical error" by the pope.
Some Catholic experts think the punishments will strengthen SSPX members rather than weaken them.
The current situation is compared to a similar conflict from 1988 when the SSPX founder was excommunicated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
During the San Fermin bull run festival in Pamplona, Spain, one runner was injured when a bull’s horn pierced his face. The event involved six bulls running through narrow streets, causing several runners to fall and 12 people to receive medical treatment for various injuries.
Key Facts
The bull run took place in Pamplona, Spain, on July 11, 2026.
One runner was gored in the face by a bull’s horn.
Twelve other runners needed medical help for minor injuries.
Six bulls and accompanying steers ran through crowded, narrow streets.
Runners stumbled and fell, causing pileups during the 875-meter course.
The black bull broke away early and struck a group of people.
The festival lasts eight days, with this being the fifth run.
The San Fermin festival gained international fame after Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel “The Sun Also Rises.”
The last death during the bull runs was in 2009, but injuries like gorings and broken bones are frequent, especially among inexperienced runners and tourists.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British police released a 26-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the death of former British politician Ann Widdecombe. Police continue to investigate the circumstances of her death, which is not thought to be related to terrorism or politics.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe, aged 78, was found dead in her home near Dartmoor National Park in southwest England.
A 26-year-old man was arrested nearby but has since been released and is no longer a suspect.
Police are continuing their investigation to understand what happened.
Authorities do not believe the killing was an act of terror.
There is no evidence suggesting the death was politically motivated.
Widdecombe was a Conservative Member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and served as prisons minister.
After politics, she appeared on reality TV shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
Later, she joined the Brexit Party and spoke for the anti-immigration Reform UK party.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ann Widdecombe, a former British Member of Parliament, was found dead at her home with serious injuries. A 26-year-old man arrested in connection with her death was released, and the police continue to investigate the case.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe lived in a bungalow called Widdecombe’s Rest in Haytor Vale, Dartmoor national park.
She was expected to appear on a Channel 5 TV show but did not join the scheduled Zoom call.
Police found her body on Thursday morning at her home.
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested near her home but has now been released.
Police say the crime is not seen as politically motivated or terror-related.
The investigation is ongoing, with police working quickly to find those responsible.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010 and later as an MEP for the Brexit party and Reform UK.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage commented that her death shows increased dangers for politicians in Britain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Typhoon Bavi has caused strong winds and rain on Japan’s southern islands and is moving toward Taiwan and eastern China. Both Taiwan and China are preparing with evacuations, flight cancellations, and emergency alerts as the storm approaches.
Key Facts
Typhoon Bavi’s strongest winds near its center are about 144 kph (89 mph).
It hit Japan’s Okinawa islands, causing strong winds, high waves, and canceled over 200 flights.
Taiwan reported at least 36 injuries related to the storm as of Saturday morning.
More than 14,000 people were evacuated in Taiwan, and schools and offices were closed on Saturday.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall in eastern China’s Zhejiang province early Sunday.
In Fujian province, over 3,700 people were moved from dangerous areas, and 17,000 emergency workers are ready.
China issued an orange typhoon alert, the second-highest level, suspending schools, ferries, flights, and some trains.
China also issued its first red alert for rainstorms this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to lead on international aid by restoring the goal of spending 0.7% of the UK’s national income on overseas aid, a target set by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown but abandoned in 2020. They also want the UK, under future leadership roles in global groups like the G20 and G7, to promote international cooperation on issues such as wealth taxes and sustainable development goals.
Key Facts
Labour MPs want Andy Burnham to bring back the commitment to spend 0.7% of UK income on aid over a 10-year plan.
The 0.7% aid target was chosen during Gordon Brown’s time as prime minister but was dropped in 2020 by Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of restoring the aid budget, current Labour leader Keir Starmer cut aid spending to fund defense, causing the development minister to resign.
Fleur Anderson, a former development minister, says long-term planning for aid spending is more important than annual targets.
Liam Byrne, a Labour MP, wants the UK to push for a global wealth tax during its 2027 G20 leadership.
The G20 is a group of major economies that discusses global financial and political issues, including countries like Brazil, South Africa, and China.
Gareth Thomas, another Labour MP, suggests the UK should use its G20 and G7 leadership to start talks on new international development goals after 2030.
Past UK leadership in global groups helped secure debt relief for poor countries and could now focus on promoting cooperation and sustainable development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Schools in the UK have struggled with extreme heat, with classroom temperatures rising above 40°C (104°F), causing health problems like heatstroke and nausea among students and teachers. Many schools lack air conditioning and proper shading, making it hard to teach or learn during heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Key Facts
Some UK classrooms have reached over 40°C during recent heatwaves.
Students and teachers have suffered from heat-related illnesses such as headaches, nausea, and fainting.
Teachers have used wet towels and water trays to help cool pupils.
Many school buildings are old, poorly insulated, and have little or no air conditioning.
Government advisers say all UK schools should have air conditioning within 25 years.
Over 1,000 schools in England and Wales closed or partly closed during the June heatwave.
The heatwaves caused significant school absences, affecting about 20% of school sessions.
The economic impact of the June heatwave was estimated to be £100–200 million due to lost work and school closures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 26-year-old man arrested in connection to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer a suspect. Police continue to investigate the case and are asking the public for any information that could help.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe’s body was found with serious injuries at her home in Devon on Thursday.
Police arrested a 26-year-old white British man near Widdecombe’s home but have since released him.
The investigation is ongoing and police are focused on finding those responsible.
Police have ruled out terrorism or political motives in the killing.
Officers ask the public not to speculate or spread rumors, as it could harm the investigation and upset the family.
The family has requested privacy while they deal with the loss.
Police continue to search for a white male believed to be connected to the death.
All evidence is being examined carefully as detectives work quickly on the case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A survey shows that Australia might no longer have a majority of religious people if the 2026 census question about religion is changed. When asked a simple yes/no question about religion, more than half of respondents said they have no religion, a higher number than the current census format shows.
Key Facts
In the 2021 census, about 39% of Australians said they have no religion.
The new survey found 43% said no religion using the current census question format.
When asked “Do you have a religion?” with a yes/no option first, 54% said no religion.
This difference suggests about 2 million adults might be counted differently with a new question format.
The campaign "Census – Not Religious? Mark No Religion" says the current question overstates religious affiliation.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) considered changing the question but rejected it to keep data comparable with past censuses.
Religion is generally lower among younger people (18-34) and higher among university-educated adults.
The ABS consulted various groups but said no question could satisfy all needs perfectly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Volunteers in La Guaira, Venezuela, have turned a fast-food restaurant into an emergency clinic. This change was necessary because many hospitals were damaged or destroyed by recent earthquakes.
Key Facts
Earthquakes hit Venezuela and caused damage to hospitals.
Hospitals in La Guaira were damaged or destroyed.
Volunteers acted to help people needing medical care.
A fast-food restaurant was converted into a temporary clinic.
The clinic serves as an emergency medical center for the community.
Local volunteers are playing a key role in providing healthcare after the disaster.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has announced he will approve a license for Ukraine to produce its own Patriot missile interceptors. This decision could help Ukraine defend itself against Russian missile attacks, but experts say it will take a long time before Ukraine can actually build and use these missiles.
Key Facts
President Trump announced on July 9 that he will allow Ukraine to make its own Patriot missile interceptors.
Ukraine is running low on Patriot missiles, which are needed to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Russia has increased its missile attacks partly because Ukraine has fewer interceptors to stop them.
Ukraine’s missile defenses failed on July 6 when 23 ballistic missiles were launched at Kyiv, killing at least 22 people.
Many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, are also trying to buy Patriots to replace those given to Ukraine.
Germany is investing billions to produce more Patriot missile systems.
Approving the license will take at least 6 months to a year due to strict export controls and paperwork.
Only after this process will the manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, be able to grant Ukraine the license to produce the missiles.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump warned that the United States will strongly attack Iran if it tries to kill or succeeds in killing him. The U.S. military is prepared for a possible one-year operation to destroy parts of Iran if necessary. This warning comes amid rising tensions following reports of an alleged Iranian plan to assassinate President Trump and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump said on social media that the U.S. would "completely decimate" Iran if it attempts to assassinate him.
He stated the U.S. military is ready for a one-year period, extendable, to carry out military actions against Iran.
The warning followed reports that Israel shared intelligence about a specific Iranian plan to kill President Trump.
Iran recently held a funeral for its former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike months ago.
Two days of military attacks between the U.S. and Iran have raised concerns about a potential return to war.
Qatari negotiators are meeting with Iranian officials, working with the U.S., to try and reduce tensions and resume peace talks.
President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over, but he is open to further negotiations.
The situation comes after a shaky ceasefire that aimed to prevent full-scale conflict in the Middle East.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tensions have risen again between the United States and Iran after a recent ceasefire ended. Iranian leaders say they will not give up, and President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire over, leading to the most serious conflict escalation in about a month.
Key Facts
Iranian leaders have stated they will never surrender.
President Donald Trump says the ceasefire with Iran has ended.
The conflict between the US and Iran has intensified recently.
This is the most serious escalation in nearly a month.
The article discusses whether this means the two countries are at war again.
The situation involves political and military tensions between both countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A small plane crashed in the Bahamas, killing all 10 people on board, including nine passengers and the pilot. The plane was flying from Nassau to San Andros Airport when it encountered problems and crashed just before landing.
Key Facts
The crash involved a Cessna 402 aircraft operated by Flamingo Air.
The accident happened on the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary.
Officials first reported one survivor, but that person later died from injuries.
The plane crashed into bushes shortly before landing at San Andros Airport.
Flamingo Air’s operating certificate was temporarily suspended as a safety precaution.
The Ministry of Aviation said the suspension is not a punishment but a safety measure.
There were two other safety incidents involving Flamingo Air on the same day.
One earlier flight had to return to Nassau due to a pilot-reported issue and a fire onboard after landing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many Sudanese university students have fled war and now live in refugee camps in the Central African Republic. Their education has been interrupted by conflict, and they face big challenges like learning in a new language and missing years of school. Despite these problems, some are trying to continue their studies with help from organizations like the UN.
Key Facts
Islam Ibrahim fled Sudan after her father was killed during fighting in el-Fasher and now lives in a refugee camp in the Central African Republic.
Many Sudanese students in exile had to leave their studies behind due to war and displacement.
More than 30 students from Darfur interviewed said their education is on hold and they are unsure if they can return home.
The war has caused an education gap, with students in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces missing years of schooling and exams.
Students in safer areas controlled by the Sudanese army have been able to return to classes more regularly.
Refugees have received support from the UNHCR to study at the University of Bangui, but now must learn in French instead of Arabic.
Students face financial, psychological, and language challenges while trying to continue their education in exile.
Some towns like Amdafock are now controlled by rebel groups, making it unsafe for families to return.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce held a private wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 3, 2026. The event was highly secretive, with no official photos released and strict rules to keep details from the public, but fans gathered outside and searched for small memorabilia left behind.
Key Facts
The wedding took place at Madison Square Garden with about 1,000 guests.
No verified pictures of the ceremony, venue interior, or Taylor Swift’s wedding dress have been shared.
Guests and staff signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and had to give up their cell phones.
The couple used tents and street closures to keep the event private.
Fans waited outside and collected small items like an AirPod and a ring pop, which were later sold online.
The event was called "the United States’ royal wedding" by some fans and media.
Taylor Swift is known for sharing personal stories through her music but chose to keep this event private.
Security measures caused some inconvenience to New Yorkers during a heat wave that weekend.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A deadly wildfire in southeastern Spain has killed at least 12 people, including four British citizens, with 23 others still missing. Firefighters are working to contain the fire near the village of Bedar during a severe heatwave affecting Southern Europe.
Key Facts
The wildfire is one of Spain’s deadliest, with at least 12 confirmed deaths.
Four of the dead are reported to be British, found in a burnt-out car with a right-hand steering wheel.
Another 23 people are missing in the affected area.
The fire spread quickly due to high temperatures around 40°C (104°F), dry ground, and strong winds.
Officials suspect a fallen power line may have caused the fire, but local electricity companies deny this.
Some victims may not have followed official evacuation routes.
The area affected, Los Gallardos in Almería province, is home to many foreigners with second homes.
Climate change is increasing heatwaves and wildfires in Europe, with Southern Europe experiencing extreme weather this summer.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
