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The world’s oceans had their hottest June ever recorded, and they may continue to get even warmer in the coming months due to climate change and a possible El Niño event. Scientists warn that these high ocean temperatures can lead to more extreme weather and harm marine life.
Key Facts
In June, global sea surface temperatures reached a record high of 21.0 degrees Celsius (69.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
This June’s temperatures broke previous records set in 2023 and 2024.
Around 82 percent of the world’s oceans experienced marine heatwaves during the first half of 2026.
Regions like the Mediterranean, central North Atlantic, and equatorial Pacific showed especially high sea temperatures.
El Niño, a weather pattern with warm Pacific waters, could increase ocean and air temperatures more this year and next.
El Niño can cause extreme weather worldwide, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires.
Oceans absorb about 90 percent of excess heat caused by greenhouse gases, making them critical to Earth’s climate.
Warmer oceans lead to sea level rise and harm coral reefs, which can bleach and die from prolonged heat.
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Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, defeated 15-term US Representative Diana DeGette in Colorado’s Democratic primary for the 1st congressional district. Kiros campaigned strongly against US support for Israel and received backing from prominent progressive groups and leaders.
Key Facts
Melat Kiros, 29, was born in Ethiopia and graduated from Notre Dame law school in 2022.
Kiros unseated Diana DeGette, who served 15 terms in Congress, in the primary election.
The race focused partly on differing views about Israel and US support amid the conflict in Gaza.
Kiros faced controversy for her comments on Gaza, a Boulder firebombing attack, and the 9/11 attacks.
President Donald Trump was mentioned in the broader context of Colorado political races, where Phil Weiser beat Michael Bennet for governor candidacy.
DeGette supports Israel’s right to exist but opposes providing offensive arms.
Kiros was endorsed by progressive groups like the Democratic Socialists of America and Justice Democrats and Senator Bernie Sanders.
The district strongly leans Democratic, making Kiros the favorite for the general election.
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Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, is projected to win the Democratic primary for Colorado's First Congressional District, unseating longtime Rep. Diana DeGette. Kiros will now run against Republican Christy Peterson in the November general election.
Key Facts
Melat Kiros is 29 years old and has never held political office before.
Kiros received about 49.3% of the vote, while DeGette got 43.5%, and another candidate had 7.2%.
This district covers Denver and has been represented by DeGette since the mid-1990s.
Kiros supports democratic socialism and has backing from the Democratic Socialists of America and Senator Bernie Sanders.
A 2025 survey suggested more Denver voters favored socialism over capitalism.
Kiros secured 63% of delegate votes at the Denver Democratic Assembly earlier in 2026, showing strong early support.
DeGette is the longest-serving member of Colorado’s congressional delegation and serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Kiros will face Republican Christy Peterson, who ran unopposed in her primary, in the November 3 general election.
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The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear President Donald Trump’s appeal in a legal case where he was found liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll and defaming her. Carroll’s lawyers are now asking a federal judge to order President Trump to pay her $5 million, the amount decided by a New York jury.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s request to review the $5 million judgment in favor of E. Jean Carroll.
A New York jury found President Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the mid-1990s and defaming her in 2022.
The $5 million award was previously held in escrow while President Trump appealed the verdict.
Carroll’s lawyers have asked a judge to enforce the payment now that the Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal.
President Trump said he will keep fighting the case despite the Supreme Court’s decision.
Trump’s appeal included objections to the use of the "Access Hollywood" tape and testimony from two other women during the trial.
The case has been in litigation for over four years at multiple court levels.
Carroll’s attorneys emphasized it is time for the case to end and for the payment to be made.
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A missile strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026, killed mostly children. More than four months later, the U.S. government has not officially confirmed responsibility or released detailed findings from its investigation.
Key Facts
The strike was part of the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran.
The attack was the deadliest reported during this conflict, with many young victims.
The Pentagon conducted an investigation but has not publicly shared its results.
President Donald Trump said he has not seen evidence that the U.S. carried out the strike.
Iran’s government has not responded to requests for comment about the incident.
Independent reporters face challenges due to limited Pentagon information and political sensitivities.
Families of the victims have not received clear answers about the attack.
It remains unclear how many missiles hit the school and the exact number of casualties.
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The U.S. Education Department has moved special education oversight to the Health and Human Services Department, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made controversial statements about disabilities like autism. Disability advocates worry this move, along with new Justice Department guidelines easing the institutionalization of disabled people, could roll back hard-won rights to inclusion and independence.
Key Facts
The Education Department transferred special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leads the Health and Human Services Department and has made disputed comments linking vaccines to autism.
Disability advocates fear a return to the “medical model,” which views disabilities as defects needing cure, replacing the “social model” that supports inclusion.
The Justice Department issued guidance that lowers the threshold for institutionalizing people with disabilities.
Since the 1960s, laws have expanded the rights of people with disabilities to live, learn, and work alongside nondisabled people.
The 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead v. L.C. ruling requires services to be provided in the least segregated, most integrated settings.
Advocates question whether Kennedy will support the goal of special education helping disabled students develop skills for independent living and work.
The changes raise concerns that people with disabilities may lose rights to live and learn equally in the community.
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Ukrainian drone attacks have hit Russian oil refineries repeatedly, causing major fuel shortages across Russia. This has led to long lines at gas stations, fuel rationing, and higher prices as Russia struggles to produce enough gasoline for its people.
Key Facts
Ukraine has launched over 50 attacks on Russian oil facilities since late March 2026.
Many refineries have been hit multiple times, including one in Tuapse struck four times in two weeks.
Russia’s crude oil processing dropped by 25% in June compared to last year, reaching the lowest level in over 20 years.
Gasoline production fell by 17%, creating a big gap between supply and demand.
Fuel rationing is in place in many Russian regions with long car lines at gas stations.
Moscow’s mayor of Irkutsk brought portable toilets to help people waiting in fuel lines.
President Vladimir Putin admitted there are fuel problems and fuel queues but said shortages are temporary and not critical.
Russia exports only a small amount of gasoline and mostly relies on domestic production for its fuel needs.
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Judges are continuing to sentence people involved in a shooting outside the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas. The incident happened during a protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, leading to arrests and long prison sentences for some convicted protesters.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred in July 2025 outside the Prairieland Detention Center near Dallas, Texas.
A police officer was wounded during the protest, which included setting off fireworks.
More than a dozen people have been convicted or pleaded guilty related to the shooting.
The U.S. Justice Department says the attack was done by members of the leftist group antifa, but the protesters’ lawyers deny this connection.
Some defendants, including a former Marine, received long prison sentences, with one getting 100 years for attempted murder.
Others pleaded guilty to charges like providing support to terrorists and face up to 15 years in prison.
Defense attorneys argued the protest was peaceful and weapons were brought only for protection.
Prosecutors said the group came prepared with firearms, first aid kits, and body armor, showing bad intent.
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The traditionalist Catholic group Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) plans to consecrate four new bishops without approval from Pope Leo XIV. This act causes automatic excommunication and deepens a longstanding division within the Catholic Church.
Key Facts
The SSPX opposes changes made by the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, including celebrating Mass in local languages instead of Latin.
In 1988, the SSPX’s founder consecrated bishops without papal consent, leading to excommunications and the group being without official church status.
The SSPX is growing and today includes over 700 priests and hundreds of seminarians and religious members worldwide.
Consecrating bishops without the Pope’s approval leads to automatic excommunication under Catholic Church law.
Excommunication is the Church’s strongest penalty, intended to encourage repentance and reconciliation.
Despite excommunication, SSPX bishops remain validly ordained but their ordinations are considered illicit (not officially allowed).
Pope Leo XIV has prioritized unity in the Church and faces his first major challenge from the SSPX’s defiance.
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California has banned the use of "sell by" labels on food packages to reduce confusion and food waste. Starting July 1, 2026, food makers in California must use only two labels: "Best if Used By" for quality and "Use By" for safety.
Key Facts
California's new law stops food packages from using "sell by" dates.
"Sell by" dates guide stores on how long to sell items but don't show if food is safe.
The law requires two labels: "Best if Used By" (for taste/quality) and "Use By" (for safety).
This change aims to reduce food waste by stopping people from throwing away food too soon.
California is the first U.S. state to make these food label rules.
Other states like New York have similar laws pending approval.
Food banks have problems with "sell by" dates because people think food is expired.
The law also hopes to cut greenhouse gas emissions caused by wasted food.
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A traditionalist Catholic group called the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) plans to consecrate four new bishops without the approval of Pope Leo XIV. This act risks automatic excommunication and a break from the Catholic Church, but the SSPX believes it is preserving church tradition.
Key Facts
The SSPX will hold a large ceremony in Econe, Switzerland, to consecrate four bishops against the pope’s wishes.
Pope Leo XIV warned that the consecrations are a serious sin and urged the group to stop.
Church law says consecrating bishops without papal approval leads to automatic excommunication.
The SSPX was founded in opposition to the Catholic Church’s modern reforms from the Second Vatican Council.
The group prefers the older Latin Mass over the modern services used by most Catholics.
SSPX members are treating the event like a celebration, with souvenirs and special wine for participants.
SSPX leaders say they accept the penalties and believe preserving tradition is more important.
The ceremony marks 38 years since a similar act by the SSPX led to excommunications.
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Many current members of the U.S. Congress are losing their primary elections as the 2026 midterms approach. Both Democratic and Republican voters are supporting challengers over incumbents for reasons related to disagreement with party leadership and loyalty to President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Colorado Democrat Diana DeGette recently lost her primary race.
Seven House incumbents have lost primaries so far in 2026, more than in 2024.
Senate seat primaries are rarer, but two Republican senators have lost renomination this year.
President Trump has actively supported challengers against some Republican incumbents he sees as disloyal.
Democratic voters are favoring candidates who promise a stronger opposition to President Trump.
Incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost his primary partly because of his past vote against Trump’s impeachment.
Historically, more incumbents lose during years with redistricting, but even without it, losses are rising.
Academic experts say voters often want change, causing incumbents to lose, especially in intense political climates like 2026.
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Melat Kiros defeated longtime U.S. Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado's 1st Congressional District. Kiros, 29, is set to become the first Black woman to represent Colorado in Congress and will likely win the general election in November.
Key Facts
Melat Kiros beat Diana DeGette, who had been elected 15 times before, in the Democratic primary.
Kiros won by about 6 percentage points with 49% of the vote versus DeGette's 44%.
The district is strongly Democratic, making Kiros the expected winner in the November general election.
Kiros is 29 years old and would be the first Black woman to represent Colorado in Congress.
DeGette had more financial support but Kiros was backed by progressive groups like Justice Democrats and Sunrise Movement.
Kiros received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders.
Millions of dollars were spent in the race by outside groups supporting both candidates.
The district covers Denver and parts of Arapahoe County.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump have publicly disagreed after Trump claimed Meloni asked him for a photo at a recent G7 meeting, a claim she denied. The dispute reflects political tensions between the two leaders and has affected their personal and diplomatic relationship.
Key Facts
President Trump said Meloni begged him for a photo at the G7 meeting in France, claiming she wanted to improve her low approval ratings.
Meloni denied Trump's claim in a social media video, saying the photo story was false and expressed surprise at how Trump treats allies.
Meloni also said her popularity issues are unrelated to the U.S., though she noted being friends with Trump has not helped her politically.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled plans to attend a U.S.-Italian business event in Miami amid the tensions.
The dispute seems partly political, as Trump criticized Meloni for not fully supporting the U.S. regarding Iran.
Meloni’s popularity has declined after a failed judicial reform referendum and opposition alliance building ahead of elections.
Public disagreements with Trump may help Meloni politically by distancing her from Trump’s unpopularity in Italy.
Despite the dispute, Italy's government is trying to improve relations with the U.S., including events to celebrate American independence.
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Two strong earthquakes, called a "doublet," hit Venezuela’s northern coast on June 24, 2026, causing over 180 deaths and widespread damage. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within 39 seconds of each other and mainly affected the coastal areas near Caracas, especially La Guaira.
Key Facts
A doublet earthquake occurs when two similar-sized quakes happen close together in time and place.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2, followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake 39 seconds later.
These earthquakes caused buildings to collapse in Caracas and other areas, with at least 180 people killed and about 1,500 injured.
Thousands were reported missing after the disaster.
The affected area includes La Guaira, a coastal region just north of Caracas that suffered heavy damage.
The quakes happened along the Bocono fault, a major fault running about 300 miles through the Venezuelan Andes.
The earthquakes occurred where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet and move past each other.
The fault movement was a shallow strike-slip, where rock blocks slide horizontally past each other.
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Venezuela recently experienced rare and deadly earthquakes that caused many deaths and injuries. The article lists several of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America over the last 100 years, showing the history of such natural disasters in the region.
Key Facts
Venezuela was hit by back-to-back deadly earthquakes in June 2026, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries.
In September 2017, Mexico suffered two strong earthquakes (8.1 and 7.1 magnitude) killing nearly 500 people.
A major earthquake in Ecuador in April 2016, measuring 7.8, killed more than 650 people.
Chile experienced an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in February 2010, which also caused a tsunami and killed 523 people.
El Salvador faced two big earthquakes in early 2001 that resulted in over 1,200 deaths due to shaking and landslides.
The largest recorded earthquake in history was in Chile in May 1960, at magnitude 9.5, killing more than 1,655 people and leaving millions homeless.
Other deadly earthquakes hit countries such as Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Ecuador throughout the 20th century.
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Two strong earthquakes hit northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing many injuries and over 1,450 deaths. The government declared a state of emergency and planned to create a $200 million fund to rebuild damaged hospitals and homes, while international aid arrived to help.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck close together, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The quakes occurred about 170 kilometers west of Caracas, the capital city.
Over 1,450 people died and thousands were injured.
The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical for rescue efforts.
Venezuela has experienced nearly 60 earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher since 1900.
Half of the strongest recent quakes in the region happened in the last eight years.
The government declared a state of emergency and is setting up a $200 million recovery fund.
Countries from around the world are sending aid to Venezuela.
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Two NASA astronauts performed a spacewalk outside the International Space Station to fix a broken wrist joint on a robotic arm. The faulty joint stopped working during regular use, and the repair took 7 hours and 20 minutes.
Key Facts
The repair happened outside the International Space Station.
The problem was with a wrist joint on a robotic arm.
The joint failed and did not move as it should.
Two astronauts carried out the spacewalk to make the fix.
The spacewalk lasted 7 hours and 20 minutes.
The robotic arm is important for the station’s operations.
The astronauts worked carefully in the space environment.
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Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary in Denver by defeating incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette. This result continues recent wins for the far-left wing of the Democratic Party and presents a new challenge for House Democratic leaders before the November election.
Key Facts
Melat Kiros identifies as a democratic socialist.
Kiros defeated Diana DeGette, a progressive incumbent representative from Colorado.
The primary win was for a Denver-based U.S. House seat.
Kiros is a former attorney.
The victory is seen as part of a series of wins for the far-left faction in the Democratic Party.
House Democratic leadership may be concerned about the impact on their strategy ahead of the November general election.
Republicans are likely to view this outcome positively.
The election reflects shifts in the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics.
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Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, erupted last Friday on the Italian island of Sicily. Bright orange lava flowed down from about 3,000 meters high, covering a distance of at least 300 meters.
Key Facts
The eruption happened last Friday at Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy.
Lava flowed down about 300 meters (1,000 feet) from the eruption site.
The eruption started at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (about 9,840 feet).
The bright orange lava created a visible trail along the volcano’s slope.
Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe.
The information comes from the Etna Observatory of the Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.
Footage of the lava flow shows the glowing orange lava moving down the volcano.
This volcanic activity was recently recorded and shared through news and video.
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