Today's News Digest
Venezuela's death toll from twin earthquakes surpasses 4,300 with thousands injured; Iran and the U.S. exchange threats over Strait of Hormuz shipping as tensions escalate following heavy clashes this week.
World
Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 4,300
Back-to-back earthquakes on June 24 have killed at least 4,333 people and injured 16,740 in Venezuela, with thousands more missing. The government and UN are calling for international financial assistance as recovery efforts begin across flattened coastal districts.
Iran-U.S. tensions escalate over Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. is demanding Iran pledge to stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz after an assault early this week, which Iranian officials described as 'a mistake.' The standoff comes amid threats from Iran's leadership and rhetoric from the Trump administration, though analysts say diplomatic channels remain open.
U.S. Democrat detained by Israeli settlers in West Bank
Congressman Ro Khanna was held for 90 minutes by armed Israeli settlers while visiting the occupied West Bank. Khanna accused Israeli soldiers of supporting the settlers and warned that the military made a 'huge mistake,' escalating tensions over U.S.-Israel relations.
Spain's deadliest wildfire kills at least 12, leaves 23 missing
A major wildfire in southern Spain has claimed at least 12 lives—including at least four Britons—with over 20 people still missing. The blaze ranks among Spain's deadliest on record, with most victims from Belgium and Britain.
China evacuates nearly 2 million as second typhoon strikes in a week
Eastern Zhejiang province is evacuating nearly two million people as a second typhoon makes landfall within seven days. The city of Wenzhou faces direct threat from the storm system.
Nigeria frees 40 kidnapped children and teachers
The Nigerian army successfully rescued more than 40 children and teachers in an operation, bringing relief to communities affected by kidnapping gangs. Local union leaders expressed joy at the safe return of the captives.
Nigeria kills 300 bandits in Zamfara operation
Nigerian soldiers and vigilantes eliminated more than 300 members of kidnapping and cattle bandit gangs in a two-day operation in Zamfara state's Gummi district, marking a significant security operation in the region.
Algeria and Mali restore diplomatic ties after yearlong rift
Algeria and Mali have begun normalizing relations by reinstating ambassadors and reopening airspace that had been closed to each other since April 2025, signaling a thaw in their regional dispute.
Syria delisted as state sponsor of terrorism, sparking economic optimism
The U.S. decision to remove Syria from its terrorism sponsor list has prompted cautious optimism among Syrian businesses and citizens, with hopes for economic revival and reduced international sanctions.
U.S. citizen tests positive for Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo
An American working for the humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse has tested positive for Ebola in the DRC, becoming the second U.S. citizen infected in an ongoing outbreak that continues to spread.
Indian speedboat capsizes in Vietnam; 15 killed
A speedboat overturned in rough seas near a Vietnamese island, killing 15 people including Indian tourists. Local media report that 21 people were rescued from the incident.
Landslide threatens Indian village during monsoon rains
Heavy monsoon rains triggered a landslide through the hill town of Shimla in India, forcing villagers to evacuate. Local authorities have blamed a construction firm for contributing to the disaster.
Moldova nominates businessman as prime minister
Moldova's president has nominated businessman Vasile Tofan as prime minister following the resignation of Alexandru Munteanu earlier this month.
Sports
England faces Norway in World Cup quarterfinal
England and Norway are competing in a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match in Miami, reviving a historic rivalry between the two nations with deep diplomatic and club soccer ties.
Spain advances to World Cup semifinal, will face France
Spain defeated Belgium and will face France in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. Neither team has lost at this year's tournament.
South African midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25
Jayden Adams, a midfielder for South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns, has died at age 25 just weeks after representing his country at the World Cup.
Science & Environment
China recovers first reusable rocket with new recovery method
China successfully recovered its first reusable rocket, demonstrating a new recovery approach that observers say mirrors SpaceX's reusable rocket technology.
Jupiter-size planet discovered escaping its star's death
Astronomers have discovered an unusual Jupiter-sized planet that managed to escape its star's red giant phase, raising questions about how such planetary survival is possible.
New dinosaur species discovered in Thailand
A previously unknown plant-eating dinosaur species, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, has been discovered in Thailand and is estimated to have lived approximately 150 million years ago. The creature was as long as a cricket pitch.
Heatwave extends into second week despite weekend cooling
Extreme heat continues into the following week despite temporary temperature drops expected over the weekend, signaling a prolonged weather pattern.
Technology & Business
China's robot drive leaves factory workers behind
Out-of-work factory workers in Kunshan, a region historically enriched by electronics manufacturing, are struggling as automation and robotics displace human labor, with parks becoming the only refuge for the jobless.
Quantum error correction enables processor recalibration
Reinforcement learning techniques are being used to constantly recalibrate quantum processors by leveraging error information to adjust control algorithms, advancing quantum computing reliability.
Ransomware negotiator imprisoned for working with attackers
A man hired to represent ransomware victims has been sentenced to six years in prison for secretly working with the attackers, betraying the victims he was contracted to help.