Neighbors dig through Venezuela rubble to search for loved ones after 2 deadly earthquakes
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — In cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors were helping each other dig through the rubble from back-to-back earthquakes. Officials say the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that hit Wednesday evening killed around 235 people and left thousands injured. The quakes were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and could be felt throughout the region. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez says authorities are shifting rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas. The natural disaster is the latest challenge for Rodríguez, who took office in January after the U.S. seized then-President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise military operation.
NATO summit should display unity and pledges to defense, deputy NATO chief tells AP
LONDON (AP) — NATO's deputy commander said he wants a summit in Turkey to encourage member countries to spend more on defense and support Ukraine. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer says the meeting will test the alliance's unity. U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about U.S. forces in Europe, causing concern among European leaders. The summit, scheduled for July 7-8, will discuss increasing military production, including artillery shells. European nations are investing in credible forces to counter Russia. The outcome of a U.S. review of forces in Europe will impact how quickly Europeans must take responsibility for their own security.
Asian shares plunge as traders sell to lock in profits after recent rallies driven by AI
BANGKOK (AP) — Shares have tumbled in Asia, led by heavy losses in Japan and South Korea as traders sold to lock in gains from recent rallies in stocks related to artificial intelligence. U.S. futures also declined, while oil prices fell. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index shed 4.5% and the Kospi in Seoul plunged 6.9%, recovering some lost ground. Both the Nikkei and Kospi hit record highs earlier this week. The wide swings in both markets are typical of recent volatility in technology shares as investors react to the deluge of dollars heading into AI data centers and other investments. On Thursday, the U.S. stock market drifted to a mixed finish after several AI stocks veered back up the roller coaster.
Europe's extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say
The record-breaking heat that’s scorching Europe day and night this month would not have been possible without climate change, according to a new study. The World Weather Attribution rapid study released Friday found that the heat would have been virtually impossible just five decades ago, and is 200 times more likely than 20 years ago. Millions in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, are experiencing extreme temperatures and humidity this week associated with a heat dome. Daytime temperatures have topped 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) in many places, while high nighttime temperatures have also made it harder to cool down and recover.
A historic heat wave catches Europe's fashion industry unprepared
PARIS (AP) — Paris Fashion Week Men’s became a test of fashion’s relationship with heat. A historic heat wave pushed houses to move shows earlier, hand out ice packs, cold towels, parasols and water, and build runways around waves, fog and mist. But the spring-summer collections often told a different story, sending models out in leather, neoprene, wool coats and layers. Dior and Rick Owens shifted show times, Louis Vuitton staged a giant wave, Saint Laurent used fog, and Issey Miyake offered one of the week’s more breathable answers. The heat also fed a wider French debate over air conditioning and raised a sharper question: whether fashion week itself can function in summers that are growing hotter.
Texas school board to vote on required Bible readings in public education
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas board of education is set to vote on a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes stories and passages from the Bible. Texas has been at the forefront of conservative efforts to incorporate religion into schools. The Republican-controlled Texas State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to the list this week and will vote on it Friday. Critics say the reading list lacks diversity, blurs the separation of church and state, and leaves teachers and students little room to decide what they want to read. Others welcome the inclusion of religious texts focused on Christianity in public schools.
California voters will consider a measure in November to raise taxes on billionaires
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Californians will vote in November on a controversial proposal to impose a one-time tax on billionaires to help fund federal funding cuts to healthcare for low-income people. A major labor union has announced it is moving forward with the proposal, despite staunch pushback from a wide swath of critics. That includes Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Opponents of the measure say that it will push billionaires out of the state. That would be a problem because they contribute so much income tax revenue to California. The ballot fight could become one of the costliest in state history.
Things to know about the Venezuela earthquakes
A rare double earthquake ravaged Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 188 people and leaving more than 200 trapped. Many more are feared dead. Thousands of people have been reported missing and about 1,500 people have been injured. Some of the heaviest damage and casualties were in La Guaira, a coastal region north of the capital, Caracas. The powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck 39 seconds apart along the San Sebastian fault on Venezuela’s northern coast, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Supreme Court's ruling to end protections for Haitian, Syrian immigrants could have broader impact
MIAMI (AP) — The Supreme Court ’s decision allowing President Donald Trump's administration to end temporary legal protections for Haitian and Syrian immigrants may affect people from many other countries. Thursday´s decision directly applies to about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians but may be a sign of what´s in store for nearly 1.3 million people from 17 countries on Temporary Protected Status. Many have lived and worked in the United States for decades and have American children. Aside from Haitians, large numbers of beneficiaries are from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine and Honduras.
Reflecting Pool liner was cut with a sharp knife or razor, National Park Service says
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top official at the National Park Service says a liner along the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was cut with a sharp knife or razor this month, causing damage to the foam sealant installed as part of a $16 million rehabilitation project. The park service reported the June 9 incident to U.S. Park Police. Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the park service, said about 70 fence post tops also were thrown into the pool. Lands made the statements in a court document filed late Wednesday as part of a lawsuit filed by a nonprofit organization to halt the administration’s work on the project.
