Grief and optimism clash in scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira. The government reported 1,450 dead from the quakes Sunday afternoon as it faced growing criticism from Venezuelans that its response was inadequate and overshadowed by civilian-led search-and-rescue efforts. Thousands have been reported missing. Even as the likelihood of finding people alive diminished with each passing hour, rescuers continued to free survivors from mountains of debris, offering anguished families reason to keep hopes alive.
Iran attacks Bahrain and Kuwait following US strikes and threatens to halt talks
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has again launched drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in response to new U.S. airstrikes. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the attacks that targeted Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases. Iran now threatens a “complete halt" in negotiations to end the war. The Trump administration says technical talks are on track for the coming days. Tensions continue over efforts to resume transits of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway for global oil and gas. Iran insists on controlling the strait. Meanwhile, the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group also poses a challenge.
3 firefighters killed in Colorado as wildfires stoked by heat, wind rage across the West
BEAVER, Utah (AP) — Three firefighters have died and two were injured while battling fires on the Colorado-Utah border. The U.S. Wildland Fire Service says they were responding to the Knowles and Gore fires on Saturday. Wildfire activity has intensified across the Western U.S. due to hot, dry, and windy weather. The largest blaze, the Cottonwood Fire, has grown to over 146 square miles in southwest Utah. Utah's governor declared an emergency earlier this week, and Colorado's governor on Saturday followed suit and authorized the National Guard to help. Conditions have been critical, with record-low snowpack and extreme drought fueling the fires.
Heat wave and high humidity will blast much of the eastern US this week, meteorologists say
A heat wave will blast the eastern United States this week. The National Weather Service says temperatures rising ahead of the July Fourth holiday will feel hotter because of the high humidity that’s arriving with it. The weather service says several days of high temperatures will settle in across the lower Great Lakes, the mid-Atlantic and the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. That's expected to last into next weekend across the Great Plains, Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Temperatures will reach well into the 90s and low 100 degrees F. Some cities could see their highest temperatures of the year so far as they host World Cup matches and celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.
America split from monarchy 250 years ago. Trump's presidency is testing how far it's come
America is getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary since it split from Britain's monarchy and embarked on its experiment in democracy. Donald Trump's presidency is drawing comparisons to the king whose rule inspired the American Revolution. Trump has claimed an unprecedented amount of power for himself and has been largely unchecked by a friendly Republican-controlled Congress. He's turned the Justice Department against his political enemies, leveraged the presidency to enrich himself and his family, sent the military onto city streets and pushed to seize authority that the Constitution gives to the states. Still, Trump has said he doesn't see himself as a king or dictator.
The US lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing
A campaign for stronger online safety measures for children in the U.S. is gaining steam with recent jury verdicts against tech giants like Meta and Google and a new push for legislation in Congress. Parents who turned to advocacy after their children died from social media-related harms say it feels like the tide is turning. And while the U.S. is nowhere near embracing social media bans for children like those seen from Australia to Indonesia, some U.S. senators are calling for urgent action. The Senate Judiciary Committee has invited the CEOs of Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap to testify at an upcoming hearing about children’s safety.
Democrats wrestle with race, populism and ideology in clashes with lawmakers of color
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Democratic Party is confronting its long-standing dilemmas over identity and ideology as it wrestles with populist challengers in communities of color. Left-wing insurgents are increasingly challenging legacy political institutions that often are led by Black and Latino lawmakers. The outcome could reshape the party’s power dynamics as it prepares for the upcoming elections in November. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who's poised to be the first Black speaker of the House if Democrats regain the majority, has played down the dilemma and is focused on confronting Republicans.
Canada beats South Africa 1-0 in World Cup's first knockout match on Stephen Eustáquio's late goal
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Stephen Eustáquio scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, and Canada beat South Africa 1-0 for its first knockout match victory in a World Cup. A tense match appeared to be headed for extra time until Eustáquio put a stunning volley from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner of Ronwen Williams’ net. Eustáquio plays professionally for Los Angeles FC several miles away from SoFi Stadium. Canada hung on with strong defensive play in the final minutes and advanced to face the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on Saturday, July 4.
Comedian Bill Maher wins Twain humor prize as the Kennedy Center navigates Trump-era upheaval
WASHINGTON (AP) — Comedian Bill Maher has been awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The ceremony happened Sunday night at the Kennedy Center, which has been embroiled in controversy. President Donald Trump, who reshaped the center's leadership, did not attend. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was the most prominent administration member present. The event comes amid legal battles over Trump's influence on the center. Maher and Trump have had a contentious relationship, highlighted by a past lawsuit. The ceremony, featuring celebrities like Woody Harrelson and Jay Leno, will air on Netflix on July 21.
Lauryn Hill honored, Janet Jackson stuns Teyana Taylor and Druski makes history at BET Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience with an impromptu performance of “Ex-Factor” after receiving the Living Legend Icon Award. Introduced by Ice Cube, Hill was honored Sunday with performances by SZA, Doechii, and others. After accepting the award, Hill encouraged artists to embrace their gifts. Janet Jackson also surprised Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award, praising her work ethic and artistic range. The BET Awards also honored influential figures like Clive Davis and Richard Smallwood. Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award, urging the industry to protect artists. Druski opened the show with a dramatic entrance, becoming the youngest host in the ceremony's history.
