Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Tensions are high in Venezuela as the death toll rises to 1,430 after two powerful earthquakes struck three days ago. Families have reported that 68,900 people are missing. Many civilians are leading search efforts, frustrated by what they see as an inadequate government response. International rescue teams continue to join the effort, with 17 flights bringing over 1,600 rescue workers by Saturday. The disaster is a major challenge for acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The capital's main airport is damaged, complicating aid delivery.
Older buildings and substandard construction left Venezuela vulnerable to earthquakes
Older buildings, substandard construction and geography left many neighborhoods in Venezuela vulnerable to collapse in strong earthquakes like the ones that struck the country this week. Engineers and other experts said the back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday were among the most intense to hit the country in more than a century, leveling buildings and leaving more than 900 dead. Videos and satellite imagery from the disaster zone reviewed by The Associated Press reveal scores of multistory buildings had collapsed.
US military says it struck 10 targets in Iran as ceasefire is strained by 2nd day of attacks
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military says it had struck 10 targets in Iran at President Donald Trump’s direction, continuing a string of attacks that have shaken the war’s uneasy ceasefire. The military said in a post on X that “Iran had a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement” but “elected not to” when its forces attacked a ship near the Strait of Hormuz earlier Saturday. U.S. Central Command said U.S. military aircraft targeted Iranian military “surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelayer capabilities” following an attack on a merchant vessel early Saturday. It later specified the strikes involved 10 Iranian military targets in and near the strait. Iran state TV reported explosions north of the Strait of Hormuz.
Dry, windy conditions fuel explosive wildfire growth across western US
BEAVER, Utah (AP) — Wildfire activity intensified across the western United States over the weekend, with strong winds and dry conditions fueling flames and forcing evacuations in many spots. The largest blaze was marching through dry, rugged mountains in Utah, where firefighters have been hampered by consecutive days of strong winds. Authorities were surveying burned areas to determine how many homes and summer cabins were destroyed. In Arizona, evacuations were ordered north of Flagstaff while a separate fire burned south of the Grand Canyon. Fires also were burning in Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and even Florida.
Central Europe sizzles as heat records are smashed in Switzerland, Denmark and Czech Republic
BERLIN (AP) — A heat wave is hitting central and eastern Europe, with record temperatures in Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Denmark. Denmark saw its hottest day since 1874, reaching 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit). In Germany, the Autobahn suffered damage due to the heat and travel warnings were issued. The Czech Republic recorded its hottest day ever. In France, hospitals are under pressure, and events have been postponed. The U.K. is seeing a slight temperature drop after record highs, while Italy remains on red alert. Experts link the heat wave to climate change, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
2 tropical storms pound Japan with floods and landslides, killing 1
TOKYO (AP) — Two major storms are pounding Japan, causing landslides and floods. The storms, Mekkhala and Higos, have left one person dead and several injured. A man in his 70s died, and three others were injured after a house collapsed in a landslide in Yamaguchi prefecture on Friday. Footage from Kyoto showed the Kamo River swollen with muddy water. A flooding alert was issued in parts of Kyoto, Osaka, and other areas in western Japan. The storms have disrupted train operations and flights in the area.
Some paid the ultimate price to enact voting rights. Their survivors see America turning backward
WASHINGTON (AP) — It's been six decades since the Voting Rights Act was enacted. Today, as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the sacrifices of those who died for that landmark law are in question. A series of Supreme Court rulings over the past dozen years, including one in April, has effectively dismantled the law. And that has both angered and saddened family members of those who died to promote equal voting rights. Those emotions come from seeing the reversal of a milestone political victory from decades ago. But they're also committed to keep fighting.
Scratching that bug bite might feel good at first but science explains why it's a bad idea
WASHINGTON (AP) — You scratched that bug bite and now it's a big itchier bump. Some science explains why scratching really can make things worse, even if you don't break the skin. University of Pittsburgh researchers put tiny “cones of shame” onto mice to help unravel what happens on a cellular level when an itch gets scratched or not. They discovered immune cells that trigger an itchy allergy reaction can be revved up even more, through a different molecular pathway, when you scratch. For the summer itchiness of bug bites, poison ivy and other types of contact dermatitis, dermatologists recommend anti-itch balms such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or oatmeal baths.
Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting married at Madison Square Garden? What we know
Reports are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly getting married at New York's Madison Square Garden. Nothing has been publicly confirmed by the couple, but the New York Times reports they are planning a small gathering there July 2 followed by a larger event July 3. The Associated Press has been unable to independently confirm those details. Public records show the city issued permits for loading and unloading theatrical materials at the arena during that time period. A company that does red carpet events also applied for a permit to set up a canopy outside. Some believe it might be a smoke screen to distract from their real plans.
Blues get Brandon Carlo; Hurricanes trade for John Carlson's rights at NHL draft
The remaking of the St. Louis Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs took another step forward with a trade between them. St. Louis acquired 29-year-old defenseman Brandon Carlo for the Nos. 73 and 76 picks in the NHL draft. Carlo joins the Blues at a time of transition, following them sending Jordan Kyrou to Washington for Connor McMichael and more and acquiring Mason McTavish from Anaheim. The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes traded a sixth-round pick and a minor leaguer's rights to negotiate with John Carlson.
