Self-governing U.S. territory in the Caribbean
Two powerful earthquakes have struck near Caracas, killing thousands and injuring many more while triggering a major disaster response. The government reports rising tolls and widespread missing-persons amid damaged infrastructure and international aid efforts.
A series of court rulings restricts high-profile political figures as Lula’s government pushes anti-deforestation efforts. Bolsonaro remains under house arrest for a 2022 coup attempt, while Bolsonaro’s political allies face ongoing legal actions amid a tense presidential race.
Multiple aircraft crashes across the Americas have been reported, with Bahamas Flamingo Air suspending flights after a Cessna 402 crash in North Andros, Bahamian PM Davis mourns, and investigations underway. One survivor from the Bahamas incident is confirmed amid confirmed casualties.
Caricom’s reparations commission has convened in London to press Britain on sovereignty, decolonisation and reparations, while seeking a framework for negotiations. Caribbean leaders say the region remains the most colonised and demand self-determination for overseas territories, debt relief, and a formal apology.
The House has cleared a key hurdle on bills to make daylight saving time permanent or standard time the year round. The debate centers on health, safety and daily life implications, with supporters arguing for more daylight and critics warning of darker winter mornings.
President Trump has delivered a primetime address releasing declassified intelligence he says shows China acquired large volumes of U.S. voter data and that officials hid reports about foreign efforts to target U.S. elections. Journalists, former intelligence officials and state authorities have said the documents do not prove foreign actors altered 2020 vote counts and many of the administration's claims have been disputed.
The Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House to make daylight saving time permanent in most of the United States. Senate consideration is uncertain and health experts warn permanent DST could disrupt sleep, while some communities push for permanent standard time. The decision hinges on balancing public health, regional impacts, and the logistics of time-zone alignment.
Puerto Rico’s northeast faces 48-hour water rationing as heat persists. Officials warn that outages are spreading and infrastructure remains underfunded, with government and lawmakers pressing for accountability amid protests and protests.
Bird strikes have contributed to a high-profile helicopter crash in New York and a separate investigation into a long-dunken 1952 disaster. Authorities say birds struck helicopters during low-altitude flights, prompting safety reviews and potential flight-restrictions. Investigations have highlighted the risk to urban sightseeing and the need for clearer safety procedures.
The 86-year-old Paul Pelosi faces a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge and an unlawful-turn infraction after allegedly striking a legally parked car in Yountville on July 3 and driving away. No injuries were reported; Pelosi has a history of traffic infractions and a 2022 DUI conviction.
Defaults among federal student loan borrowers have surged after the pause ended, with around 9.5 million in default and more facing higher payments as the government ends the SAVE plan. The government has shifted repayment options and tightened relief, raising concerns about financial strain.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has suspended funding to the U.S. Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority after an ongoing investigation found widespread financial mismanagement, false certifications and improper payments. The authority has spent only a fraction of disaster recovery funds nine years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, with investigations pointing to misused administrative costs and unspent project money. The agency is considering next steps, including an appeal process.
The Pan Am Clipper Endeavor has been located deep in the Atlantic—two stories in one: the wreckage confirms what historians knew and shows how safety measures implemented over decades have saved lives in air travel.
Japanese Red Army member Kozo Okamoto has died in Lebanon at 78, according to the PFLP. The Lod Airport attack of 1972 killed 26 people and shaped decades of militancy and regional politics. Okamoto lived in Lebanon under asylum, later facing forgery charges, and was celebrated by supporters as a fighter for the Palestinian cause.
Brazilian President Lula Da Silva is defending sovereignty as talks with the US fray over election interference fears. Milei’s rhetoric and Bolsonaros’ campaign moves intensify regional tensions ahead of Brazil’s October vote. Diplomatic spats include visa revocations and downgrades, amid a broader regional shift toward conservative leadership.
DoorDash has revised its fee structure to vary service fees by distance and order size while keeping a fixed merchant delivery fee. The change, rolled out in most of the United States with several markets excluded for now, aims to reflect the effort involved in deliveries and to improve fee clarity for shoppers.
DoorDash is expanding its use of autonomous tech and drone delivery. A pilot in Phoenix has gig workers loading Dot robots with orders, highlighting the human role in robot-assisted delivery. The company is also rolling out DoorDash Air and revising service fees to better reflect delivery costs, while continuing to rely on Dashers for most daily deliveries.
At the National Urban League conference, Kamala Harris has proposed revisiting the Electoral College, expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices, and considering statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. She frames these ideas as part of a broader push to engage voters and recalibrate U.S. institutions ahead of midterm battles.
The Jones Act waiver has been narrowed and extended for 90 days, with case-by-case reviews for voyages. The extension aims to keep fuel moving amid Iran-related disruptions, as prices remain volatile and the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
Puerto Rico’s water rationing remains in effect for 48-hour cycles across San Juan and surrounding municipalities as drought and aging infrastructure strain supplies. Officials have not set an end date, while water trucks prioritize hospitals and elder care. The crisis, driven by dry weather and underinvestment in the water system, persists into August 2026.
USA Basketball has announced its 12-player roster for the Berlin World Cup, led by Breanna Stewart and a mix of veterans and first-time World Cup players. Sabrina Ionescu has been left off the squad, a decision that executives say weighs multiple factors as the team shifts toward a post-Olympic era.
Federal judges have blocked key parts of President Trump’s attempts to centralise voter-roll control and to curtail birthright citizenship, and lawyers have asked courts to treat his new August orders as violations of earlier injunctions. Separately, the Fifth Circuit has reversed a lower court ruling and restored Texas’s 2021 election restrictions.
The progressive New York Democrat has publicly discussed starting the egg-freezing process, sharing personal details in a recent Instagram live while reports of a breakup with partner Riley Roberts surface. She has indicated the journey is part of her plans for the future as questions about her relationship linger.
Two Miss Universe Canada contestants faced backlash for Indigenous-inspired costumes. Indigenous former winner Ashley Callingbull interrupted the broadcast to address concerns, calling for education and reconciliation. Organizers pledge guidelines and a cultural liaison to prevent future missteps.
Prichard Colón has died at 33 after a career hallmarked by a 2015 coma following blows to the head during a fight with Terrell Williams. He remains 16-0 before that bout; the incident triggered lawsuits and sparking renewed focus on safety in boxing.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.
Puerto Rico faces severe drought with over a third of the island in extreme conditions and 30% in severe drought. San Juan has seen record drought and heat; authorities have activated water-rationing programs, while the U.S. Virgin Islands have declared a drought disaster. Farmers report losses as hydroponics and soil crops wither, and infrastructure struggles compound the crisis.
Federal prosecutors allege that a gang known as Los Baja Deo trafficked fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, generating nearly $50 million and driving violence. The operation involved drug distribution through public housing, use of the USPS, and violence to protect the conspiracy. The DOJ seeks assets totaling about $49.7 million.
Justus Kelley has won Miss USA 2026, becoming the first married woman, first mother, and the first contestant in her 30s to win the pageant as the 75th edition crowns her in Miami. The Virginia native uses the platform to champion foster care and reflects on her family’s dedication.
The Menudo reunion tour is launching with a seven-member lineup spanning generations, led by Rene Farrait, Roy Rossello, Raymond Acevedo, Sergio Gonzales, Ralphy Rodriguez, Ruben Gomez and Robert Avellanet. The tour runs from Oct. 10 in Los Angeles to Dec. 12 in San Juan, with plans for high-energy performances and updated choreography.
US carriers are returning to Ben Gurion, expanding seats as demand climbs for the Jewish New Year and holidays. Despite new capacity, fares remain high through autumn, with relief not expected until November as demand shifts post-election.
Sen. John Fetterman has recorded a one-minute video praising Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and saying he will work with President Trump to defend Pennsylvania’s steel industry. The clip has intensified Democratic doubts about Fetterman’s party loyalty, prompted fresh talk of a possible party switch and handed Republicans a high‑profile talking point ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Tesla has launched its two-seat, steering‑wheel‑free Cybercab robotaxi in Austin and begun limited service in other Texas and Florida cities. Federal safety regulators have opened an audit of Tesla's self‑certification, investors have punished the stock after an underwhelming launch, and rivals Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are intensifying the robotaxi race.
An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767-300 has overrun the runway while landing at Miami International Airport after a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The plane struck multiple vehicles on a road beside the airport, killing five people and injuring at least five others. The NTSB has dispatched investigators and the FAA has grounded flights at the airport.
An Amazon Air cargo flight overshot the runway at Miami International Airport, striking vehicles and causing multiple fatalities. Investigators have recovered flight records and are examining weather, speed, and crew actions. Two runways remain closed as the response and probe continue.
The NTSB has released details from cockpit data after a Miami crash involving an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767. One pilot warned of high speed before landing, but a crew response remains unclear as investigators probe a runway overrun that killed five ground workers and injured others.
Amazon has paused operations with 21 Air after a fatal Miami crash involving Prime Air Flight 7598. Investigators are reviewing speed, descent and maintenance as the NTSB probes the Sept. 6 incident that killed five workers and injured five others. Amazon is supporting the investigation and seeking other carriers.
DoorDash is expanding nationwide Costco delivery in the U.S., joining Uber Eats in extending grocery delivery networks. The move follows DoorDash’s existing partnerships in Puerto Rico and Australia and comes as Costco membership drives delivery uptake. Uber Eats is extending its Costco delivery to nearly 600 locations, while Instacart and Amazon face intensified competition in the grocery space.
Multiple suspects linked to the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president have been extradited to the United States for trial in Florida, where prosecutors are pursuing conspiracy and murder charges. The move underscores a long-running effort to hold all participants accountable as Haiti grapples with gang violence and political instability.
The US has disclosed an ongoing probe into how Lockheed Martin F-35 parts shipped from Australia for service ended up in Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities have reportedly taken possession. The parts, including a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door with radar-absorbing coating, were diverted in late May, raising questions about security and technology leakage.