World
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and injuring over 1,500 in what seismologists call a rare 'earthquake doublet.' The first quake, magnitude 7.3, hit near La Guaira, followed minutes later by a 7.0 tremor nearer Caracas. Rescuers are still searching through collapsed buildings as the death toll is expected to rise. Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency and international aid teams are arriving to assist.
AP News
Politics
With the 2026 midterm elections just over four months away, Democratic candidates are showing stronger-than-expected performance in primary races across key swing districts. Recent polls show Democrats leading the generic congressional ballot for the first time this cycle, driven by voter frustration over inflation and concerns about Republican-backed policy proposals. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, but Democrats believe a 'red wave' reversal is possible in November.
NBC News
Business
The US Personal Consumption Expenditures price index surged 4.1% year-over-year in May, the highest reading since April 2023 and the first time above 4% in three years. Core PCE, excluding food and energy, rose 3.4%. The data keeps a Federal Reserve interest rate hike on the table for later this year. Markets now see a September rate increase as likely, though falling oil prices following the US-Iran peace deal may ease inflation pressures in coming months.
Reuters
Technology
Oracle reduced its workforce by 21,000 employees in fiscal 2026, a 13% drop, as the cloud computing giant accelerates its shift toward AI-driven automation. The company confirmed that AI systems have replaced roles in customer support, database management, and software testing. Oracle now employs around 141,000 full-time workers, down from 162,000 a year ago. The layoffs reflect a broader trend across the tech industry as companies invest heavily in AI.
Bloomberg
Science
Astronomers using NASA's TESS space telescope have discovered two 'super-puff' exoplanets, TOI-791b and TOI-791c, that are as large as Jupiter but have densities lower than cotton candy. TOI-791b has just 3% of Jupiter's mass while being nearly the same size, and TOI-791c is even larger yet holds only 5.9% of Jupiter's mass. The planets orbit a Sun-like star 1,113 light-years away and are among the least dense planets ever discovered.
Sci.News
Sports
India defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Shafali Verma smashed 53 off 34 balls — her second half-century of the tournament — to steer the chase of 137. Earlier, spinners Radha Yadav (3/28) and Sree Charani combined to restrict Bangladesh to 136/8. India now faces a must-win clash against Australia to advance.
ESPNcricinfo
Health
Researchers in Spain and Switzerland have identified a molecule called OLE that reprograms the brain's immune cells — microglia — to resume their protective role against Alzheimer's disease. In animal models, the treatment reduced toxic beta-amyloid plaque buildup by 42% and improved memory function. The findings, published in Cell Death and Disease, offer a new approach that targets immune cells rather than plaques directly.
ScienceDaily
Environment
A record-breaking heatwave driven by an 'Omega block' weather pattern is gripping Western Europe, with temperatures soaring past 40°C in France and the UK logging its hottest June day ever at 36.1°C. At least 48 people have died in France from drowning while trying to cool off, and two children died from heat in a car. France has shut down nuclear reactors due to cooling water restrictions, schools have closed, and rail networks are disrupted across the continent.
Reuters