Two large earthquakes hit Venezuela’s northern coast, causing severe damage and many deaths. Rescue teams from several countries, including the UK, are working together to find survivors among collapsed buildings in the worst affected areas like La Guaira.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast within 39 seconds.
The worst damage happened in La Guaira, where many buildings collapsed.
Official death count is about 2,595, but the real number might be higher.
Over 12,400 people were injured by the earthquakes.
More than 58,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, according to satellite data.
Rescue teams from countries like Brazil, Ecuador, and the UK are helping.
Volunteers like Israel Rivas play a key role, acting as interpreters and assistants.
Rescue workers use dogs and special listening devices to search for survivors under rubble.
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Madonna released her fifteenth album, "Confessions II," featuring 16 dance and club-inspired songs. The album reunites her with producer Stuart Price and includes collaborations with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and her daughter Lola Leon. Madonna will promote the album during the Football World Cup final half-time show.
Key Facts
"Confessions II" is Madonna’s fifteenth album, released on July 3, 2026.
The album has 16 tracks with a focus on dance and club music styles.
Madonna worked again with British producer Stuart Price, who helped with her 2005 successful album.
The album includes influences from pop, folk, and reggae music.
Collaborations feature Sabrina Carpenter, Dutch DJ Martin Garrix, Belgian artist Stromae, and Madonna’s daughter Lola Leon.
The album was promoted with a surprise mini-concert in New York’s Times Square for Pride Month.
Madonna will perform at the Football World Cup final half-time show alongside Shakira and BTS on July 19.
Music critics say this is her best album in years, praising its continuous club-style flow.
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Wing Commander IV, released in early 1996, was a video game that used full-motion video (FMV) with big-name actors and real film sets. The game pushed technology by using six CDs to store nearly four gigabytes of content, making it one of the most expensive CD-ROM productions of its time.
Key Facts
Wing Commander IV was released in February 1996, after missing its original Christmas 1995 launch date.
The game featured full-motion video (FMV) using 35mm film and real sets, unlike earlier digital backgrounds.
Well-known actors like Mark Hamill and Malcolm McDowell returned to star in the game.
It came on six CD-ROM discs, holding nearly four gigabytes of data.
The game’s production cost was around $12 million, considered extremely high for a CD-ROM title.
Wing Commander IV aimed to combine elements of movies and games into one interactive experience.
The game was part of a 1990s trend where games tried to match Hollywood’s quality and storytelling.
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New satellite images from almost 800 places in Iran show damage to military and nuclear sites caused by US-Israeli strikes since March 9. The images reveal destruction to buildings, ammunition storage, missile bases, naval docks, and airports in cities like Bushehr and Esfahan.
Key Facts
Over 250,000 high-resolution satellite images previously restricted have been released by Planet Labs after a US government request.
The images show damage at Esfahan and Bushehr, including destroyed military buildings, ammunition areas, aircraft, ships, and missile sites.
Bushehr’s military and government facilities, including aircraft hangars and missile launch sites, suffered heavy damage, with some buildings flattened.
Craters from attacks were found on Bushehr International Airport runways, with some repaired since.
More than 60 military structures were damaged or destroyed near Esfahan, including at the Shekari 8 airbase and locations near Baharestan.
The restrictions on satellite images limited independent checks of the conflict’s impact on military and civilian facilities.
Restrictions still block access to images for most of the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza.
Media outlets have sought satellite imagery from non-US sources due to the ongoing limits on Planet Labs’ photos.
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In June, thousands of people became new U.S. citizens during ceremonies held as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. While many new citizens feel proud, they also feel concerned due to increased immigration restrictions and enforcement.
Key Facts
Yesica McKeone became a U.S. citizen after living in California since she was two years old.
Many new citizens experienced mixed feelings of pride and unease at their naturalization ceremonies.
The naturalization process has become harder, with longer waits, tougher tests, and higher fees under President Trump’s administration.
Federal immigration arrests near some communities add to the worries of new citizens.
Naturalization ceremonies are part of the nationwide celebrations for the U.S. 250th anniversary.
The U.S. has a more open path to citizenship compared to some other countries that nearly block immigrant citizenship.
The history of U.S. citizenship laws has involved debates about who is allowed to become a citizen, starting from limits on “free white persons” to removing quotas in 1965.
Citizenship represents both a legal protection and a complex sense of belonging for immigrants today.
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Residents in Lenox Township, Michigan, are upset about plans for a new data center they say officials are hiding from them. People across the U.S. are reacting similarly by asking for delays on building new data centers and trying to remove officials supporting these projects.
Key Facts
A website promoting a proposed data center in Michigan went live but did not say who was behind it.
Township officials denied any application for the data center, but emails showed developers had contacted them for support.
Residents held long public meetings and started a petition to recall four township board members.
People are concerned data centers lower property values, use lots of water and electricity, and may cause job losses.
The U.S. has over 4,400 data centers; one can use as much electricity as 2,000 homes.
Large data centers can use millions of gallons of water daily, which can stress local water supplies.
Many data center projects are kept secret by companies signing non-disclosure agreements with local governments.
In early 2026, around 75 data center projects worth about $130 billion were blocked or delayed due to public opposition.
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A mother shares her experience of her 4-year-old daughter Ayla’s diagnosis with a rare kidney cancer called Wilms tumor. After months of common symptoms that seemed harmless, a lump in Ayla’s belly led to scans and tests that confirmed the cancer diagnosis in early 2026. Since then, Ayla has undergone chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment.
Key Facts
Ayla’s symptoms included unusual sleeping patterns, hives, tummy pain, bloating, and fatigue.
Initial medical tests like blood tests came back normal and symptoms were thought to be common childhood issues.
A lump in Ayla’s belly was found, which raised serious concerns leading to emergency scans.
The diagnosis was stage 3 Intermediate Risk Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer affecting children.
Ayla received four rounds of chemotherapy, reducing the tumor size from 11 cm to 6 cm.
She had surgery to remove the right kidney and tumor.
This was followed by 16 days of radiation treatment.
Childhood cancer is very rare, making it difficult to immediately suspect cancer from common symptoms.
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Nayara Energy, an Indian oil company partly owned by Russian interests, has reportedly sold petroleum to Russia amid Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities, which have caused fuel shortages in Russia. Indian officials say companies are not selling fuel directly but do not rule out Russian purchases through traders.
Key Facts
Nayara Energy runs India’s second-largest private oil refinery in Gujarat with a capacity of 400,000 barrels per day.
Nayara was originally owned by Essar but partly acquired by Russian state-controlled Rosneft and a Russian asset management firm.
About 60,000 metric tonnes of petrol were reportedly shipped from India to Russia in two tankers carrying 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes each.
Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries since March have caused fuel shortages and rationing in Russia.
Russian President Putin admits the strikes have caused some fuel shortages but calls them temporary and not critical.
Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says Indian companies are not directly selling fuel to Russia, but fuel may reach Russia via traders.
The European Union sanctioned Nayara Energy last year, banning petroleum imports from the company.
Ukraine’s strikes have targeted oil facilities including in Crimea and the Black Sea town of Tuapse, impacting Russian energy supply.
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The United Nations human rights chief warned about a growing risk of serious human rights abuses near the city of el-Obeid in central Sudan. The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and paramilitary forces has caused heavy fighting, civilian suffering, and shortages of food, water, and medical care.
Key Facts
The U.N. human rights chief called the situation in el-Obeid a “red alert” due to the risk of atrocity crimes.
Sudan is in the fourth year of a war between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has caused at least 59,000 deaths and displaced about 13 million people.
Around 30 million people in Sudan need humanitarian help because of the war.
El-Obeid, a city with about 500,000 residents, has faced severe sieges and heavy drone attacks.
The RSF has tried several times to re-establish a siege on el-Obeid after the military broke it in early 2025.
Recent attacks on infrastructure in and around el-Obeid have caused shortages of food, fuel, water, healthcare, and transportation.
The U.N. urged world leaders to act quickly to prevent further violence and suffering in the region.
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A special spacecraft called Link was launched to save NASA’s Swift telescope, which is falling closer to Earth faster than before. The Link spacecraft will catch the telescope and raise its orbit so it can keep studying space events like explosions of stars.
Key Facts
The Link spacecraft was launched from the Marshall Islands using a Pegasus rocket carried by an airplane.
NASA is paying $30 million to have Katalyst Space Technologies capture and boost the Swift telescope’s orbit.
Swift was launched in 2004 and is currently orbiting about 224 miles above Earth.
Solar storms have increased the drag on the telescope, causing it to lose altitude faster.
Link will raise Swift’s orbit by about 150 miles slowly to avoid shaking the telescope.
The mission was put together in just nine months because Swift needs help before October.
Observations from Swift are paused to save its orbit until the rescue mission is complete.
NASA might use a similar mission in the future to help the Hubble Space Telescope, which is also losing altitude.
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Two weeks after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, rescue teams continue searching for survivors but expect few remain alive. More than 2,500 people have died from the disaster.
The number of approved H-1B visa renewals is on track to reach a record high in fiscal year 2026, despite efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to tighten rules for the visa program. These renewals include extensions and changes for workers already in the U.S., and the data reflects petition approvals rather than individual workers.
Key Facts
About 273,026 H-1B visa renewals were approved in the first nine months of fiscal year 2026.
This number is close to the record of 291,542 renewals approved in fiscal year 2025.
Renewals are for workers already in the U.S. on H-1B visas, not new visa approvals through the lottery.
President Trump’s administration tried to add a $100,000 fee on many new foreign worker petitions, but a court blocked this fee.
The administration aims to change the visa lottery to favor higher-paid applicants.
The data combines different petition types, including renewals, job changes, and amendments, so it does not count unique workers.
In fiscal year 2024, about 65% of approved H-1B petitions were renewals or extensions.
Experts say the approval numbers show petition activity but are not the same as counting individual visa holders.
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Moldova’s Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu resigned, causing the whole government to step down. President Maia Sandu will consult with lawmakers to quickly appoint a new prime minister while Munteanu continues in his role temporarily.
Key Facts
Alexandru Munteanu was Moldova’s Prime Minister since November 2025.
He resigned because he felt he could no longer follow his principles in office.
His resignation triggered the collapse of the current government.
President Maia Sandu leads the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
Moldova’s parliament will consult parties to choose the next prime minister soon.
The government faces pressure from a scandal involving a state-owned aviation company, MoldATSA, including false CV claims and controversial hires.
A special investigative committee was set up to review management and hiring practices in state-owned firms.
Moldova seeks to join the European Union and balances ties between Europe and Russia.
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Health officials in New York warn that Vibrio vulnificus, a harmful bacteria sometimes called "flesh-eating bacteria," may be found in coastal waters during summer, especially around the July 4 holiday. The bacteria can cause serious infections, especially in people with open wounds or weak immune systems, but beaches have not been closed because of this.
Key Facts
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that lives in warm saltwater and brackish water (where fresh and saltwater mix).
It can cause serious infections if open wounds touch contaminated water or from eating undercooked shellfish like oysters.
About 20% of people who get infected may die, sometimes within days.
The bacteria has been found farther north than before due to warming coastal waters, including in parts of New York.
The Southampton Town Trustees issued an advisory warning residents and visitors about this bacteria.
Most infections happen to people with underlying health problems or weak immune systems.
No New York beaches have been closed because of Vibrio vulnificus; standard water monitoring continues.
Symptoms of infection include redness, swelling, pain, fever, and low blood pressure; immediate medical care is recommended if symptoms appear.
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Ukraine has been conducting regular drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel depots, causing gas shortages across Russia. This has led to concern among Russians and a shift in tone from Russian officials and media, acknowledging hardships and the need for possible mobilization. Western sanctions have also limited Russia’s ability to produce new weapons.
Key Facts
Ukrainians use long-range drone strikes that Russia struggles to defend against.
Russian gas shortages have affected ordinary citizens, like taxi drivers, due to damage to fuel infrastructure.
Russian officials and media personalities now warn of upcoming hardships and sacrifices for the public.
Some military bloggers call for a major military mobilization in Russia due to worsening war dynamics.
Many Russian families fear conscription (military draft) but lack resources to avoid it.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the drone attacks and gas shortages but described the situation as manageable.
Western sanctions limit Russia’s ability to produce new military equipment.
Russia continues retaliatory attacks in Ukraine despite challenges at home.
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Taylor Swift is preparing for a large wedding at Madison Square Garden in New York City with American football player Travis Kelce. The event includes flowers, food, and large decorations, and many famous friends and family members have arrived for the celebration.
Key Facts
The wedding is planned to take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Workers have been seen unloading flowers, food, and decorations including a white fairytale castle.
Friends and family are staying at the Ritz-Carlton in New York and attended a rehearsal dinner at the stadium.
Celebrities spotted at the rehearsal include Lena Dunham, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, and others.
The couple is enforcing a no phones rule to keep the event private.
The decorations for the rehearsal dinner included apricot-colored roses and a romantic garden theme.
Madison Square Garden was lit in pink lights to mark the occasion.
Musical performances by Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw are rumored for the wedding day.
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A new weather map shows how conditions might affect fireworks displays across the U.S. on July 4. The map provides details about rain, clouds, smoke, and fire risks to help people enjoy or prepare for the celebrations safely.
Key Facts
The map covers more than 2,000 fireworks shows across the United States.
It shows the chances of storms, cloud cover, and whether fireworks will be visible.
Smoke from fireworks and wildfires can reduce visibility during shows.
Wind affects how smoke moves and can impact nearby neighborhoods.
Fire risk is higher in dry areas with wildfires, making safety important.
The map predicts good viewing conditions for major shows in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
Nashville’s show might face delays or cancellations due to nearby active weather.
A heat dome will bring very hot weather to much of the central and eastern U.S. on July 4.
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U.S. home prices fell at the fastest rate in at least nine years in June, with the national median asking price dropping to $430,000. This decline, along with stable time on the market, suggests more buyers are cautiously returning to the housing market despite still-high mortgage rates.
Key Facts
The median home price in the U.S. fell 2.5% compared to last year, reaching $430,000 in June.
This was the eighth month in a row that home prices declined nationally.
Mortgage rates remain high, averaging about 6.43% for a 30-year fixed loan.
Monthly payments for a typical home buyer are about $132 less than last year due to lower prices and slightly lower rates.
The West and South regions saw the biggest price drops, with the West down 4% and the South down 2.5%.
The average time homes spent on the market stayed the same as last year, at 53 days.
The number of homes being removed from sale listings dropped nearly 10% compared to last year.
Active home listings grew slightly overall, with the largest increases in the Northeast and Midwest.
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Iran is preparing a six-day funeral for its late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, expected to attract millions and serve as a display of national unity and resistance. The funeral will take place in Tehran and Mashhad, with parts of the body also passing through Iraqi cities. Khamenei’s son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, is not expected to attend due to injuries from the strike that killed his father.
Key Facts
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed in a US-Israeli attack in February 2024.
A six-day funeral for Khamenei will start Saturday in Tehran and end Thursday in Mashhad.
The funeral is expected to draw millions of mourners and send messages of strength to the world.
Khamenei’s body will also be carried through the Iraqi Shia cities of Karbala and Najaf at Iraq’s request.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali’s son and successor, was injured in the strike and will likely not appear at the funeral.
Mojtaba lost his wife and young daughter in the attack and has made only written public statements.
Israel’s defense minister recently threatened Mojtaba’s life.
Iran’s vice-president called the funeral “the most important event of this century” in Iran.
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NASA has launched a new spacecraft named LINK to catch and rescue the Swift space telescope, which is falling toward Earth due to atmospheric drag caused by increased solar activity. LINK will use robotic arms to capture Swift and lift it back to a safer orbit, marking the first time such a mission has been attempted.
Key Facts
The Swift observatory studies powerful cosmic explosions and was launched in 2004.
Swift’s orbit has dropped from 373 miles (600 km) to around 220 miles (360 km) because Earth's atmosphere has expanded and slowed it down.
If Swift falls below 186 miles (300 km), a rescue will not be possible.
NASA funded a commercial company, Katalyst Space Technologies, to build and launch the rescue spacecraft LINK.
LINK has three robotic arms, cameras, and guidance systems to capture Swift.
LINK launched aboard a Pegasus XL rocket and is currently checking its systems before approaching Swift.
The mission is considered high-risk but important for preserving Swift’s unique scientific capabilities.
The rescue attempt has about three to four weeks before LINK approaches and tries to capture Swift.
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