QtrendsPowerful back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela, collapsing buildings in Caracas. The Trump administration requests $87.6 billion from Congress, largely for Iran war funding. Western Europe suffers a record-breaking heat wave, with France recording its hottest day ever. The U.S. lifts Iran oil sanctions, easing tensions and lowering jet fuel prices. A UN commission finds Israel deliberately targeting children in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
A series of powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant damage in the capital city of Caracas. Buildings collapsed and widespread destruction was reported across affected areas. The seismic events have triggered emergency response efforts as rescue teams search for survivors amid the rubble. The strongest of the quakes was felt strongly across northern Venezuela.
The Trump administration has requested $87.6 billion in emergency spending from Congress, with a significant portion allocated for what it calls urgent Iran war costs. The request has sparked debate over the scale of military engagement and who would bear the financial burden. NPR reports questions around a proposed $300 billion Iran reconstruction fund and how it would be financed. The move signals potential escalation of U.S. military posture in the region.
Western Europe is experiencing a brutal heat wave, with France recording its hottest day ever. Record temperatures have also been reported in the UK and Spain. The extreme weather is being driven by an 'Omega' blocking pattern, which has trapped hot air over the continent. Authorities have issued health warnings as the heat wave leads to casualties and strains infrastructure.
The United States has lifted oil sanctions on Iran as part of a broader de-escalation agreement, leading to a drop in global jet fuel prices. Asian airfares are expected to fall as a result. Meanwhile, shipping regulations have emerged as a new point of friction between Washington and Tehran. A federal judge also ruled that the SAVE voter verification tool is unlawful.
A United Nations commission has concluded that Israel is deliberately targeting children in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, labeling it a genocide against Palestinians. Separate incidents in Gaza and the occupied West Bank have killed two people including a child. Meanwhile, former Israeli leaders and security chiefs have threatened legal action over what they describe as 'Jewish terrorism', highlighting internal tensions.