QtrendsVatican excommunicates the breakaway SSPX ultra-conservative Catholic sect. A Venezuelan man is rescued alive from a collapsed mall basement eight days after twin earthquakes. A dangerous heatwave grips the US East Coast ahead of the Fourth of July, with New York hitting 100°F. A former Olympic canoeist is indicted for allegedly vandalizing Washington D.C.'s Reflecting Pool. Russia launches a massive drone and missile assault on Kyiv, killing more than 20 people.
The Vatican has formally excommunicated the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), declaring the ultra-conservative Catholic group in schism. Bishops, priests, and followers of the breakaway sect have been cut off from the Church after they defied repeated warnings from Pope Leo. Major outlets including CNN, BBC, AP News, NPR, and The Guardian all report on the historic schism.
A security guard in Venezuela was pulled alive from the basement of a collapsed building eight days after twin earthquakes struck the country. Rescue teams working through unstable rubble managed to reach the trapped man, who was dehydrated but conscious. The survivor has been hailed as a miracle by local media and international outlets.
A severe heatwave is baking the eastern United States just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, with New York City hitting 100°F. The extreme temperatures pose health risks for outdoor celebrations and are hitting low-income neighborhoods the hardest. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors.
A former Olympic canoeist has been indicted on felony charges for allegedly damaging Washington D.C.'s Reflecting Pool. The act was highlighted by former President Donald Trump, who connected the vandalism to broader political grievances. The suspect faces significant legal penalties if convicted.
Russia has launched a massive combined drone and missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least 21 people in what officials describe as one of the heaviest assaults on the city. Rescuers are working through debris as air defenses attempted to intercept the barrage. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue strikes on Russia's oil infrastructure in response.