Nearly 3,000 people have died in Venezuela after two strong earthquakes hit the country on June 24, 2026. Rescue teams are ending their search for survivors while tens of thousands of people are still missing.
Key Facts
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
The death toll reached 2,954 as of July 4, 2026.
Tens of thousands of people remain missing, with the UN estimating up to 50,000 unaccounted for.
The area hardest hit was La Guaira, a coastal region north of Caracas.
Rescue efforts usually focus on the first 72 hours after a quake; some survivors were found after this time.
International teams, including those from the US and South America, are ending their rescue operations.
The earthquakes caused about $6.7 billion in damage, around 6% of Venezuela’s annual economic output.
Many Venezuelans criticized their government for a slow response, although officials say thousands of troops and workers were sent to help.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked the United States to continue supporting Lebanon after a new agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which was helped by the US. The deal aims to end conflict in southern Lebanon, but fighting and attacks are still happening in the area.
Key Facts
President Aoun sent a message to President Donald Trump, asking the US to stand by Lebanon’s rights, institutions, army, and people.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed agreement to try to end conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The deal includes steps for Hezbollah to disarm, Israel to gradually leave southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army to take control in some areas.
Hezbollah rejected the agreement because it does not set a date for Israel’s withdrawal.
Fighting began on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel; Israel responded with air and ground attacks in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reports more than 4,300 people killed and over 12,000 wounded since March 2.
Around 400,000 displaced people have returned to southern Lebanon, with plans to help more return or relocate through housing and rent aid.
Israeli forces reported killing an armed fighter in southern Lebanon during recent clashes.
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Scientists warn that Norfolk Island’s coral reefs face serious threats from disease, pollution, a developing El Niño weather pattern, and a government-approved dredging project. These factors combined could cause permanent damage to the unique coral species found around the island.
Key Facts
Norfolk Island’s corals are threatened by a disease that causes white spots, killing coral flesh and leaving behind white skeletons.
Pollution from cattle farming, land clearing, and wastewater is worsening coral disease and algae outbreaks.
The island’s reefs have shown a threefold increase in diseased corals since March, with 30% to 50% affected over five years.
The developing El Niño could raise water temperatures, risking coral bleaching and death.
The federal government approved a plan in April 2025 to dredge a nearby shipping channel to improve port access, which may harm the reefs.
Norfolk Island is a remote Australian territory located 1,600 km northeast of Sydney, with reefs around three bays.
Local residents and scientists emphasize the coral reefs’ ecological and economic importance for tourism and the island community.
Researchers believe many coral species on Norfolk Island have not yet been formally identified by science.
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Kelsey Pfendler, an American rower, completed a solo, record-breaking trip rowing from California to Hawaii in under 44 days. She set new speed records for both women and men on this 2,400-mile ocean crossing.
Key Facts
Pfendler launched from Monterey, California, and arrived in Honolulu after nearly 1.5 months at sea.
She aimed to be the first American woman, youngest woman, and fastest person to row solo across the mid-Pacific.
Her 21-foot rowboat is named Lily.
Pfendler broke previous records: the female record of 86 days and the male record of 52 days.
Her journey was followed by hundreds of thousands on social media where she shared daily videos.
She detailed challenges like blistered hands, sleeping difficulties, and dealing with weather and ocean currents.
Pfendler has worked as a Grand Canyon raft guide since age 18.
She hopes her achievement inspires others to face their own tough challenges.
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Ukrainian attacks have damaged about one-third of Russia’s oil refining, leading to fuel shortages in Russia. This has caused Moscow to limit fuel exports and sales in many regions, but President Putin says the war in Ukraine will continue until Russia’s goals are reached.
Key Facts
Ukrainian attacks disrupted one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
This disruption caused fuel shortages in Russia.
Moscow extended bans on petrol exports.
Fuel sales are restricted in over 40 Russian regions and Crimea.
President Putin says the strikes are not critical.
Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, including a recent large strike on Kyiv.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly five years.
Experts discuss whether economic pressure could push Russia towards peace talks.
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A wooden boat carrying students returning from exams sank in central Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The boat went down near the joining point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, and many passengers survived the accident.
Key Facts
The boat was carrying students returning from state exams.
The accident occurred in Kasai province at the meeting point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers.
At least 20 people died, and around 80 survived according to local officials.
A witness said there were more than 200 people on the boat.
Boat accidents are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to overcrowding and poor safety standards.
Poor safety rules and lack of infrastructure in remote areas contribute to many deaths in boat accidents.
Local leaders criticized boat owners for prioritizing money over people’s safety.
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David Muir, ABC's news anchor, traveled to the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Redwood National and State Parks in California to highlight the natural beauty and Native American tribes connected to these lands. This visit is part of ABC's 24-hour "Disney Celebrates America" program marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Key Facts
The Grand Canyon has rock formations nearly 2 billion years old and has been home to indigenous people for at least 12,000 years.
The Grand Canyon National Park works to educate visitors about the Native tribes who care for the land.
The Havasupai Tribe, whose name means "People of the Blue-Green Water," live at the base of the Grand Canyon and work to protect its environment.
There are 11 federally recognized tribes connected to the Grand Canyon with deep ancestral ties and consider the land sacred.
Redwood trees in Northern California grow up to 380 feet tall and can be over 2,000 years old, making them older than the United States.
The Redwood forests are ancestral lands of the Yurok Tribe, California’s largest Native tribe.
The special broadcast by ABC runs across multiple platforms from the night of July 3 through July 4 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on St Petersburg, Russia, targeting an oil terminal and nearby port facilities. The attack caused minor damage and no casualties, while Ukraine says the strikes aim to hurt Russia’s war funding. Fighting also continues in eastern Ukraine, with both sides reporting conflicting control over key areas.
Key Facts
Ukraine used drones to attack St Petersburg’s oil terminal and port areas overnight.
St Petersburg and Leningrad regional governors reported no casualties and limited damage.
Around 72 drones were shot down over the region during the attack.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the strikes part of “long-range sanctions” on Russia.
Russia’s President Putin said the attacks on energy sites were not critical.
Ukraine denied Russian claims of capturing the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine.
Fighting continues in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions with both Russian and Ukrainian forces claiming gains.
Drone attacks also killed one person each in Russia’s Bryansk region and Crimea.
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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, said that Iran’s power to block ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is like having a nuclear weapon. He made this statement in a video after attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Key Facts
Dmitry Medvedev is the deputy chairman of Russia’s security council.
He compared Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz to holding a nuclear weapon.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway where many ships pass through.
Iran has the ability to disrupt or block traffic in this important shipping route.
Medvedev made his statement in a video posted on social media.
He had just returned from attending the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The comment emphasizes the strategic importance of Iran’s position in the region.
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President Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might visit the White House as soon as next week. This would be Netanyahu’s first visit since the US and Israel began their conflict with Iran. Despite some public disagreements, Trump said their relationship remains good.
Key Facts
Netanyahu has requested a meeting with President Trump, possibly soon after Trump returns from a NATO summit.
The US and Israel are allies, with the US providing Israel significant military aid, including $38 billion over ten years starting in 2016.
The US and Israel have been involved in wars against Iran during Trump’s second term, with conflicts starting in June 2025 and February 2026.
There is public criticism of Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, including concerns over sending troops without Congress approval.
Polls show a majority of Americans think the war against Iran is not worth it and feel the US supports Israel too much.
Trump criticized Netanyahu’s attacks on Lebanon and reportedly called him “f***ing crazy” during a phone call about the situation there.
The US and Iran agreed to a memorandum in June to suspend hostilities, but fighting has continued, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Trump administration defends the conflict as a way to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.
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Turkey’s President Erdogan said Middle East peace needs support from nearby countries and warned that Israel should not be allowed to ruin the recent U.S.-Iran agreement. He criticized Israel’s government for trying to damage the deal and urged for calm in the region.
Key Facts
President Erdogan spoke in Istanbul with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Erdogan said lasting peace needs the support and actions of regional countries.
He accused Israel of trying to “dynamite” the U.S.-Iran deal.
The U.S. and Iran recently held indirect talks in Qatar to work on the agreement.
The deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear program terms, and steps toward ending the conflict.
Iran plans to set up a communication channel with the U.S. to report violations of the agreement.
Despite the deal, both the U.S. and Iran launched attacks last week, showing disagreement over the deal’s terms.
Erdogan has condemned Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party reelected its leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at its national convention in Erfurt, despite large protests outside. Tens of thousands demonstrated against the party, which is Germany’s biggest opposition group and has risen in popularity, especially in the eastern part of the country.
Key Facts
Alice Weidel was reelected with 81% of the vote, and Tino Chrupalla with 70%.
The AfD has led the opposition party list since the February 2025 national election, with over 20% of the vote.
Around 31,000 people protested, holding signs against the AfD and calling for diversity.
Some protesters and police clashed, though most demonstrations were peaceful.
The AfD’s convention coincided with the 100-year anniversary of a Nazi meeting, a point of controversy.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency classified AfD as a right-wing extremist group but suspended the label due to legal challenges.
Mainstream parties refuse to work with AfD, keeping a political “firewall” against far-right influence.
The AfD appeals to voters unhappy with the current government and seeks to capitalize on economic frustrations.
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Alexis de Tocqueville described "liberty of action" as the freedom to act and make choices in daily life. This idea remains important today as people join together to help their communities by being kind and connected.
Key Facts
"Liberty of action" means having the freedom to make choices and take actions.
Alexis de Tocqueville introduced this idea in his work.
It is about individuals acting freely in their daily lives.
The concept is still relevant in modern society.
People use this freedom to improve their communities.
Acts of kindness and building connections are examples of this liberty.
Community involvement shows how this idea works today.
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More than one million people were expected to attend Pride in London, the UK's largest Pride event and one of the biggest public gatherings in the city. The event took place after the organization faced a legal dispute with its former chief executive, but strong community support helped make the celebration successful.
Key Facts
Pride in London is the biggest Pride event in the UK and a major public event in London.
Organizers expected over one million people to join the celebrations.
The organization had a legal dispute with its former CEO over the misuse of donated vouchers.
The former CEO admitted to contempt of court for not returning company property and will be sentenced soon.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, officially opened the parade with about 35,000 participants and 600 groups.
The parade route went from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place and lasted about six hours.
Performers like MNEK, Beth Ditto, and Meek appeared on the main stage at Trafalgar Square.
Attendees said supporting Pride was very important, especially after challenges faced by the organization and the wider Pride movement.
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A wooden boat carrying students sank in central Congo’s Kasai province, killing at least 20 people. The boat went down near the meeting point of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, and many survivors escaped.
Key Facts
The boat was carrying students returning from state exams.
The accident occurred in Kasai province, central Congo.
The boat sank while entering the confluence (where two rivers meet) of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers.
At least 20 people died, and 80 survivors were reported.
Witnesses said over 200 people were on the boat.
Boating accidents are common in Congo due to overcrowded boats, poor safety rules, and limited infrastructure.
Officials and local groups blame negligence by boat owners focusing on money over safety.
The sinking happened on a Friday.
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A severe storm in Wisconsin caused a boat to capsize on Geneva Lake, resulting in the deaths of three children despite all wearing life jackets. The storm and others across the Midwest and Northeast caused widespread power outages, downed trees, and forced the cancellation of holiday events.
Key Facts
Three children died after a recreational boat capsized in Geneva Lake, Wisconsin during a sudden storm.
All four children on the boat were wearing life jackets.
Six adults and one child were rescued from the water.
The storm caused widespread damage including downed trees and power lines across multiple states.
About 750,000 utility customers were left without power in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and New Jersey.
The storm forced cancellations of July Fourth holiday events and fireworks displays in several cities.
Lake Geneva declared a state of emergency after the storm.
One person in Lake Geneva was injured by a falling tree during the storm.
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In Armenia, a drag performance scene exists but faces strong opposition including threats and social rejection. Despite difficulties, this community is growing and attracting both locals and foreigners, reflecting changing politics and society as Armenia moves closer to the European Union.
Key Facts
Armenia is located where Europe, Asia, and the Middle East meet.
Drag shows are common and accepted in much of the European Union but remain secret and risky in Armenia.
Drag performers in Armenia face violence, discrimination, police pressure, and family rejection.
There is a small but active drag community that draws local and international attention.
This community challenges very conservative social and religious traditions in Armenia.
Armenia is strengthening political ties with the European Union and moving away from Moscow’s influence.
Many Russians fleeing the war in Ukraine have moved to Armenia, affecting its society.
A documentary supported by the Pulitzer Center explores this hidden drag culture in Armenia.
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Tens of thousands of people marched in London for the annual LGBT+ Pride parade, with Mayor Sadiq Khan joining the event. The parade highlighted ongoing issues like long waits for gender-affirming healthcare, hate crimes, and the loss of LGBTQ+ safe spaces.
Key Facts
Over 35,000 people from about 600 groups participated in the Pride parade in central London.
The march went from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall via Piccadilly.
NHS waiting times for gender-affirming care can exceed four years in some areas.
There is no full legal ban yet on conversion therapy, despite a government promise in 2018.
Since 2006, 58% of London’s LGBTQ+ venues have closed.
More than 18,000 hate crimes related to sexual orientation were reported to police in 2025.
London’s first official Pride march was in 1972, inspired by the 1969 Stonewall protests in New York.
Some activists criticize recent events for allowing companies to use Pride for profit without strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, and for lacking diversity. Some groups have distanced themselves from the event due to concerns about sponsors’ links to the arms trade and the war in Gaza.
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Ukraine launched a large drone attack on Russia, targeting oil facilities and military sites near St. Petersburg. Russia claims hundreds of drones were used, with some hitting Moscow, while Ukraine continues to strengthen its long-range drone strikes inside Russia.
Key Facts
Ukraine used around 400-500 drones in a recent attack on Russia.
The main targets were oil infrastructure in St. Petersburg’s port and military sites near the Kronstadt naval base.
Smoke and damage were seen at an oil facility, according to videos released by Ukraine.
Russian regions are facing fuel shortages due to Ukrainian attacks on infrastructure.
Ukraine is also targeting supply lines to Crimea, causing fuel shortages and curfews there.
Russia says it seized the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine, but this claim is uncertain.
Russian advances have been slow and costly, with high casualties reported.
President Vladimir Putin made a rare public appearance in a military uniform amid the ongoing conflict.
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German police had clashes with protesters outside a meeting of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Erfurt. The event happened on the 100th anniversary of an important Nazi Party meeting nearby, which the AfD denies any connection to.
Key Facts
The AfD is a far-right political party in Germany.
The party held its national convention in the city of Erfurt.
Protests occurred outside the convention, leading to scuffles with police.
The meeting date marked 100 years since a Nazi Party meeting in the same area.
The AfD rejects any links to the Nazi Party.
Police were involved to control the situation around the event.
The event and protests attracted media attention due to the anniversary coincidence.
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