Two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela within seconds, causing buildings to collapse and widespread panic. Rescue teams are searching through rubble in Caracas and other areas, and officials have declared a state of emergency as the death toll and damage continue to rise.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes hit Venezuela moments apart, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
Caracas was one of the hardest-hit cities, with many buildings falling down.
At least 32 people have been confirmed dead, but the number is expected to increase.
Authorities declared a state of emergency, suspended classes, and closed the main airport.
Health workers have been asked to go to hospitals to help.
People in affected areas fled their homes into the streets due to fear of aftershocks.
Communication problems have made it hard for families to contact each other and for officials to understand the full damage.
The US Geological Survey warns there could be thousands or even over 100,000 deaths in the worst-case scenario.
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Rachel Reeves, the current UK chancellor, appears to accept that she will lose her job when Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister in about three weeks. She has shown support for Burnham and did not confirm if she would take a lower position in his cabinet.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK.
Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister in approximately three weeks.
Reeves had hoped to remain chancellor but seems resigned to losing the position.
She publicly supports Burnham and praised her work as chancellor.
Reeves did not clarify whether she would accept a different, lower cabinet role under Burnham.
It is the new Prime Minister’s decision to appoint cabinet members.
Reeves was interviewed by the BBC and participated in the British Chambers of Commerce conference.
Various political figures are also speaking at the conference, including Burnham and other party leaders.
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In Astoria, Queens, a neighborhood with a large Arab community, people gathered to celebrate the success of Arab nations in the World Cup. Fans from countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria came together to watch games, show support, and express pride in their heritage.
Key Facts
Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the second time in a row.
Egypt won their first-ever World Cup game by defeating New Zealand 3-1.
Algeria won a 2-1 comeback match against Jordan, both Arab nations in Group J.
Astoria has a well-established Arab-American population with many North African immigrants.
Steinway Street is a popular area in Astoria filled with Arab cafes, shops, and fans wearing national team jerseys.
The World Cup celebrations helped create a sense of Arab unity and pride among immigrants living in New York.
Despite stricter U.S. immigration and travel policies under President Trump, local communities support the teams from their home countries.
Public viewing events, like watching games outside shops and in cafes, help fans feel connected to their native countries.
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A woman attacked by a shark at Coogee beach in Sydney is no longer in critical condition and remembers the event well, her brother said. She remains in hospital recovering from surgeries, including an arm amputation, and faces a long rehabilitation ahead. Several Sydney beaches have been closed after several great white shark sightings, which are linked to the sharks following migrating salmon.
Key Facts
Leah Stewart, 34, was attacked by a shark at Coogee beach in Sydney and lost one arm.
She is awake, alert, and remembers the attack in detail, according to her brother.
Leah’s remaining arm has severe damage and will need further surgery and rehab.
Sydney beaches like Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, and Maroubra were closed due to great white shark sightings.
Shark activity has increased because great white sharks are feeding on large groups of Australian salmon near the shore.
Juvenile sharks tend to stay closer to the coast during this time of year and are more likely to interact with humans.
Experts say shark sightings at this time of year are normal as sharks follow their prey during migration.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela’s capital, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people under the debris. Rescue teams are working to help survivors, and the government has declared a state of emergency. At least 32 people have died so far.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela’s capital.
Many buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged.
People are trapped under the rubble.
A large search-and-rescue operation is in progress.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency.
At least 32 fatalities have been reported.
Authorities continue to assess the situation and rescue survivors.
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French President Emmanuel Macron will host Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for talks on the French Riviera to strengthen cooperation between France and Italy. The meeting comes after Meloni distanced herself from US President Donald Trump and aims to improve ties in areas like defense, nuclear energy, and space.
Key Facts
Macron and Meloni will meet in Antibes, France, for a bilateral summit.
This is their first formal meeting since a strategic alliance treaty between the two countries began in 2021.
The summit will focus on cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and space.
Meloni had a recent fallout with President Trump over his remarks at a G7 summit.
Macron and Meloni have different views on some issues, like migration policy and military support to Ukraine.
The meeting will include signing agreements on a French-Italian air defense system and a European satellite project.
Macron and Meloni have worked to ease tensions despite past disagreements.
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A Liberian oil tanker called the Stoic Warrior passed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The ship followed a new route near Oman’s coast promoted by a United Nations maritime agency, as tensions rise between Iran and the United States over a recent agreement.
Key Facts
The Stoic Warrior tanker navigated the Strait of Hormuz using a new route close to Oman.
This route was developed by Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency managing sea shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage used for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas transport.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned ships and said it mined the strait during recent conflicts starting in February 2026.
The U.S. and Iran signed a temporary deal with a 60-day period to finalize terms, amid public and private talks.
Violence between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon threatens regional stability and the agreement.
Israel conducted its first airstrike in Lebanon since a ceasefire started, increasing tensions.
The tanker traveled close to the shores of the United Arab Emirates and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to avoid the guarded central shipping lane.
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Kenya’s lawmakers have passed a new set of financial measures two years after protests against a previous tax bill turned deadly. The government says the new bill will help raise $770 million needed before the 2027 elections.
Key Facts
Kenya passed a new controversial financial bill recently.
The bill comes two years after protests against an earlier tax bill.
The earlier protests involved mostly young people from Generation Z and led to deaths.
The government under President William Ruto supports the new bill.
The bill aims to raise $770 million in revenue.
The money is needed ahead of Kenya’s 2027 elections.
Lawmakers approved the bill despite public concerns.
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A historic heatwave in Paris is making life very hard for people living in top-floor attic apartments under the city’s zinc roofs. These small, cramped spaces get extremely hot and are hard to cool down, which can be dangerous for residents’ health.
Key Facts
Paris is experiencing a historic heatwave with record-high temperatures.
Many people live in top-floor attic apartments under zinc roofs, which absorb and hold heat.
Zinc roofs give Paris its famous gray look but make the attic spaces very hot and hard to ventilate.
Living in attic rooms under these roofs increases the risk of heat-related health problems, based on studies including one from 2003 that showed a high death risk.
Paris has the highest risk of heat-related deaths compared to other European capitals.
These attic apartments are often small and expensive, mostly rented by young people like students or recent graduates.
The apartments usually have few windows and no way to get cool air flowing through at night.
People who live in these spaces wish they could afford housing that is safer and cooler during heatwaves.
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An article by senior Ethiopian officials argues that Ethiopia is not being forced into war by outsiders, but this view is challenged by critics who say Ethiopia's government is responsible for internal conflicts and tensions with Eritrea. The conflict in northern Ethiopia from 2020 to 2022 stemmed mainly from internal ethnic and political divisions, not external forces, and Eritrea entered the war to defend itself at Ethiopia’s request.
Key Facts
Ethiopian officials claim Ethiopia is reluctantly involved in conflict due to external pressure.
Critics say this claim hides the ruling Prosperity Party’s role in domestic problems.
The war in northern Ethiopia started in November 2020 and ended with a ceasefire in November 2022.
The war was caused mainly by internal ethnic and political conflicts in Ethiopia.
Eritrea joined the conflict after being invited by the Ethiopian government to defend itself.
Ethiopian leaders previously thanked Eritrea for its role, contradicting recent claims that Eritrea was hostile.
The story that peace talks in Pretoria were nearly violent but then peaceful is disputed as exaggerated.
The peace agreement was the result of ongoing confidential discussions before formal talks began.
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A severe heat wave in Paris and across Europe has made living in attic apartments under zinc roofs dangerous due to extreme heat. Research shows that these rooftops absorb heat, increasing health risks, especially for those who cannot afford cooler, lower-floor apartments.
Key Facts
Paris and many parts of Europe are experiencing a historic and intense heat wave.
Zinc roofs cover about three-quarters of Paris rooftops and absorb a lot of heat.
Attic apartments directly under these roofs become very hot and can harm health.
A 2003 heat wave study found that living in attic rooms under roofs increased death risk by over four times.
Paris had the highest risk of heat-related deaths among 30 European capitals studied.
Many attic residents are students or low-income people who pay high prices for small rooms.
Zinc roofs are valued culturally and listed as a heritage by UNESCO but contribute to heat problems.
The heat wave has caused more deaths and serious health threats across Europe.
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Members of the U.S. House of Representatives welcomed Han Kuo-yu, head of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, to Washington and expressed strong support for Taiwan. This visit comes as the Trump administration reviews a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which has already received preliminary approval from Congress.
Key Facts
Han Kuo-yu leads an eight-person Taiwanese parliamentary delegation visiting Washington.
Over 30 U.S. House members from both parties attended a reception to show support for Taiwan.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers emphasized bipartisan support for Taiwan’s peace and commerce.
The Trump administration is considering a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan.
Taiwanese delegation also met several Democratic senators who urged quick approval of the arms sale.
Taiwan is a key player in advanced chip production through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), important to the U.S. economy.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control.
The U.S. lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to Taiwan’s self-defense and opposing Chinese pressure.
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A UK hybrid school called London Park School (LPS) Hybrid offers students a mix of online and in-person learning. This approach has helped some students, like Ellie Ball and Ahlam De Chausay, improve their school experience and confidence. The school has been recognized for its mental health support and ability to help students who struggle with traditional schooling.
Key Facts
Ellie Ball, 16, attends LPS Hybrid four days a week online and once a week in person.
Ellie struggled to attend her old local school but now enjoys school and plans to take four A-levels.
LPS Hybrid is part of Dukes Education and was shortlisted for national and international education awards.
The school uses technology and screen time as part of learning, which some students find helpful.
The UK government plans to ban social media for young people but says this will not affect educational platforms.
Ellie’s father fears the ban may limit access to important online learning resources for many students.
Another student, Ahlam De Chausay, said hybrid learning helped her become more confident and independent.
The school emphasizes a balance of screen time and independent, offline study to build students’ skills.
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EU officials held talks with the Taliban in Brussels to discuss increasing deportations of Afghan migrants. The meeting caused strong anger among Afghan women and human rights groups, who see it as giving legitimacy to a regime that severely restricts women's rights.
Key Facts
The talks focused on deporting Afghans without legal residence permits in the EU.
Many Afghan women feel the meeting is a betrayal because the Taliban restricts their rights, such as banning schooling past age 11 and excluding them from work and public life.
The European Parliament has condemned the persecution of Afghan women and girls in recent resolutions.
The European Commission said deportations would focus on those seen as security threats, but the invitation to the Taliban mentioned all Afghans without legal status.
There were protests and criticism from human rights groups against the EU for engaging with the Taliban.
The rise of right-wing politicians in the European Parliament is linked to tougher migration policies and has influenced this approach.
The Taliban regained control in Afghanistan in 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, leading to worsening conditions for women.
The EU received about 1 million asylum claims from member states in recent years, including many from Afghans.
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The UK set a new June temperature record of 36.1°C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday. This record may be broken again on Thursday as temperatures could reach up to 37 or 38°C in central southern England, with hot weather continuing into Friday before cooling down over the weekend.
Key Facts
A new June temperature record of 36.1°C was set in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday.
Temperatures on Thursday might rise to 37 or 38°C, breaking the record again.
Red and amber heat warnings are in place due to extreme heat risks like transport disruption and heat illnesses.
The hottest areas on Thursday include central southern England, the Midlands, and parts of Wales.
Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooler, with highs between 15-30°C depending on the region.
Thunderstorms and heavy showers are expected in southwest England on Thursday evening, with risks of flash flooding.
The heatwave will begin to ease from Friday, with temperatures dropping to normal levels by Sunday.
Heat warnings will remain active in some areas through Friday and Saturday.
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President Donald Trump called UK Labour’s Andy Burnham “extremely liberal” and suggested he might oppose oil exploration in the North Sea. Trump also criticized the UK’s support in the ongoing Iran conflict during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer as Labour party leader in the UK.
President Trump said Burnham “probably won’t open up the North Sea” for oil drilling.
Burnham has criticized Trump before, calling US politics “polarised” and “poisonous.”
Since Trump’s 2024 election win, Keir Starmer initially tried to keep good relations but later faced tensions over the Iran conflict.
Trump met NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office to discuss alliance issues.
Trump has expressed anger at some NATO allies, including the UK, for not supporting the US in the Iran war.
Rutte showed evidence of European defense spending increases and military cooperation to reassure Trump.
Trump praised Rutte’s leadership but remained skeptical about the overall support from NATO allies.
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Two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela, causing widespread damage and killing at least 32 people. The government declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams are searching for survivors in heavily damaged areas, especially in the capital, Caracas.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.
At least 32 people died and about 700 were injured; more casualties are expected as rescue efforts continue.
The worst damage is in Caracas, especially in the Altamira and El Paraíso districts.
The earthquakes originated in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas, with shallow depths that increased shaking.
The government declared a state of emergency, closed Caracas’s main airport, and suspended school classes.
Emergency workers, including doctors and nurses, were asked to help treat the injured.
Tremors were felt as far away as Colombia and Brazil’s Amazon region.
US Geological Survey warned the death toll could rise significantly due to vulnerable building materials.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela near the town of Moron, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 700. The government declared a state of emergency as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and remote areas.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in strength.
The earthquakes happened within one minute of each other.
Moron, located about 170 km west of Venezuela’s capital Caracas, was near the epicenter.
At least 32 people died and more than 700 were injured.
Venezuela’s main airport was shut down after the quakes.
Many buildings collapsed, causing people to flee into the streets.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
These are some of the strongest earthquakes in Venezuela in over 100 years.
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A family in east London is struggling with very hot indoor temperatures in their flat, which reached over 31°C, making it hard to keep their baby safe and comfortable. Experts warn that many children in England live in overheated homes, which can cause health problems, and call for better home designs and government support to handle rising heat from climate change.
Key Facts
Jackson Bylett and his family live in a hot flat in east London, where temperatures have passed 31°C indoors.
The NHS advises babies should sleep in rooms between 16 and 20°C to avoid health risks.
Over 70,000 babies in England live in homes that become uncomfortably hot, with 1.59 million children affected overall.
Babies are vulnerable to heat because they cannot regulate their body temperature well, increasing risks like sudden infant death syndrome.
A survey showed 70% of parents said overheating disrupts their children's sleep, and nearly half said it affects concentration.
England’s homes were mostly built for cooler climates, so now keeping heat out is a growing challenge.
Experts recommend using blinds, reflective films, and staying hydrated as short-term solutions.
Longer-term solutions include better data, home upgrades, and government funding for changes like external shutters and reflective paint.
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Three sisters from Brazil have been recognized as the longest-living trio of sisters in the world, with a combined age of 316 years. Scientists are studying their DNA to learn about the genes that help people live longer and stay healthy.
Key Facts
The three sisters live in Brazil.
Their combined age totals 316 years.
They hold the record for the longest-living trio of sisters worldwide.
Researchers are analyzing their DNA.
The goal is to understand genetic factors behind long life and good health.
This study may help explain how genes contribute to aging.
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