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Who is Daniel Riva? US diplomat stabbed to death in Myanmar; 5 things to know as ex-wife under investigation

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A US diplomat died after being stabbed in the head and neck Myanmarhis ex-wife Pavinee Supasirivisan is a suspect.

In Myanmar, a U.S. diplomat was fatally stabbed. His ex-spouse Pavinee Supasirivisan is suspected of committing the crime. (Associated Press)
In Myanmar, a U.S. diplomat was fatally stabbed. His ex-spouse Pavinee Supasirivisan is suspected of committing the crime. (Associated Press)

Who is Daniel Riva? Five things you need to know about US diplomat found dead in Myanmar

  1. Daniel Riva, 43, from Long Island, New York, was found dead on May 11 at the Sakura Residence and Hotel. This hotel is distance U.S. Embassymaking it a favorite spot for American diplomats and other guests.
  2. The Thai woman attended a second hearing at the Kamayut town court, according to a lawyer familiar with the case. Myanmar On Tuesday, he faced immigration-related charges related to crimes committed by foreigners in the country. The lawyer chose to remain anonymous, the Associated Press reported.
  3. Supasirivisan could have been sentenced to a prison term ranging from six months to five years on the immigration charge, and could have been sentenced to 10 years in prison or even the death penalty for the murder charge.
  4. Officials and witnesses who gave testimony in court were reluctant to communicate with the media and investigators about the case because of strict government rules. In addition, journalists were barred from attending court hearings.
  5. However, it has been confirmed that three prosecution witnesses, as well as legal representatives for both defendants, will give evidence at Tuesday’s hearing. The status of Supasirivisan’s plea to the charges remains uncertain.

Also read: Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo: Missing Chicago couple confirmed dead near Mexico City

This is what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand said

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it has provided consular support to the suspect, but declined to disclose further information.

The diplomat was found dead at the Sakura Apartment Hotel on May 11 with stab wounds to his head and neck, according to his lawyer. The hotel is a popular venue for diplomats, business professionals and other international guests and is approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the U.S. Embassy.

The State Department acknowledged the diplomat’s death but chose not to disclose further details, including the diplomat’s identity.

16 men, including Indian accused, arrested in Canada following South Asia extortion probe; all but one released on bail

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16 men, including Indian accused, arrested in Canada following South Asia extortion probe; all but one released on bail
Calgary police have released photos of 15 men who have been charged in connection with extortion-related incidents in the city.

Canada is investigating a racketeering case targeting Calgary’s South Asian community. 16 men, including Indians, have been charged, but only one defendant remains in jail and the rest have been released on bail.The 16 defendants face a total of 56 criminal charges related to a series of extortion-related incidents. None of those charged are Canadian citizens and hold student or work visas.Police have released photos of 15 suspects in the hope that the public will provide the latest information about their identities, associates and activities.

According to information released by Calgary police, the names of the 16 accused or wanted persons in connection with the investigation are:

Ravjot TullGermanjeet Singh (wanted on arrest warrant)Jaikaran SinghKarambir SinghAmandeep SinghAnurag SidhuAnurag SinghAmandeep MarleySandeep SinghDaksh GautamAkashdeep SinghJagandeep SinghPardeep SinghTaranveer SinghGurkaran DhaliwalOne defendant was not named in the report you shared because police only released photos of 15 suspects and said 16 people were charged.“What we need right now is more information about these individuals, who they associated with, where they spent their time, whether they worked anywhere, or any other details that may seem small but could be very important,” said Sheriff Jeff Bell.Police said some of the defendants had been using aliases. Bell noted that in one case, a suspect’s roommate did not know his real name until investigators notified him.The release of the photos has been welcomed by members of Calgary’s South Asian community.“We’ve been asking for some pictures,” said Rishi Nagar, news director at Calgary’s South Asian radio station Red FM. “[Without them,] I don’t know if the guy sitting next to me on the bus is the person who’s been charged – I don’t know. “Since April 2025, there have been 49 extortion-related incidents in Calgary, including 19 shootings. Eighteen of those involved shootings targeting victims or their property, while one involved suspects shooting at each other.Bell said the pace of violence has slowed in recent months. Nine of the shootings occurred in the first 60 days of the year, while only two shootings were recorded in the next 100 days.“What this tells us is that we have reduced the violence that is occurring,” he said.The police operations, codenamed Operation Orion and Operation Blackout, combined criminal investigations with increased police presence in South Asian communities to build trust and encourage victims to come forward.Bell called the decision to release 15 defendants on bail “concerning.” He said bail decisions were left to the court after prosecutors argued whether the defendant should remain in custody. Bail law falls under federal jurisdiction, he added, noting that tougher federal bail and sentencing legislation will come into effect next month.Bell declined to discuss the specific bail conditions imposed on the defendants, saying only that police take compliance seriously. He also said any deportation decisions would be made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).As of June 18, 138 racketeering-related immigration investigations have been opened in the Prairie provinces, according to the latest CBSA data released Thursday. Authorities have issued 37 deportation orders and deported 18 people from Canada.Police are also looking into possible links between the Calgary investigation and the Bishnoi gang.“I’m paying close attention to what’s going on in other parts of the country. Obviously, I’m watching what’s going on in the recent trial in Vancouver where there were links to the allegations of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, so we’re clear on that,” Bell said.“If we find any evidence of this, we will work with our national security partners as they are considered a terrorist organization.”

Volkswagen plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs, consider closing four German plants

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Volkswagen is considering closing four plants Germany The company will lay off as many as 100,000 people, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. The proposed plan has been shared with members of Volkswagen’s supervisory board and will be discussed at a meeting on July 9.

Volkswagen may lay off 100,000 people (AFP photo) (AFP)
Volkswagen may lay off 100,000 people (AFP photo) (AFP)

The company took these steps because it faced pressure from China car manufactureris becoming a stronger global competitor. Volkswagen is considering closing four German plants in Hannover, Zwickau and Emden as well as Audi’s Neckarsulm plant, sources said.

Volkswagen factory closed

Closing these four plants could result in more than 45,000 job losses work at riskAccording to Reuters. These possible job cuts come on top of Volkswagen and the unions having agreed to cut 50,000 jobs by the end of 2024. If the new plan goes ahead, the total number of layoffs at Volkswagen could reach about 100,000.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume presented the restructuring plan to company executives earlier this week to gain support ahead of further discussions, Reuters reported. Blum is expected to face strong opposition from labor unions and the German state of Lower Saxony, Volkswagen’s second-largest shareholder. Details of Volkswagen’s overhaul plan were first reported by German publication Manager Magazine.

Also read: Average Net Worth of Baby Boomers in 2026: How Much Wealth Do They Have? Fed data reveals details

Volkswagen latest: It’s all about cost cutting and corporate change

Volkswagen also plans to reduce investment spending by about 15% over the next five years to just over 130 billion euros ($148 billion), Manager Magazin reported. The magazine also reported that Blume and Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz want to completely reinvent the 89-year-old company. Their reported plans include splitting Volkswagen’s main passenger car business and its parts business into separate entities.

Volkswagen There was no comment on the reported confidential documents regarding the restructuring plan. However, a Volkswagen spokesman said “profound” changes were needed across the group, including all its brands and subsidiaries. Volkswagen’s union and Germany’s powerful IG Metall union strongly opposed the reported plans. The two labor groups said they would do whatever they could to stop the plans if Volkswagen goes ahead with them.

Workers oppose layoffs

Porsche SE, Volkswagen’s largest shareholder through Porsche and the Piech family, declined to comment on the reports. In fiscal year 2025, Volkswagen had 667,164 employees worldwide. Nearly 43% of Volkswagen’s global employees work in Germany. Volkswagen shares were near their lowest level in 16 years on Friday morning, down 0.4%, a sign that investors are unsure whether the restructuring plan will succeed.

Dubai Development Projects: Dubai Ruler Sheikh Hamdan approves three major projects in Dubai including Artificial Intelligence Park, 8km Creek Upgrade and Falcon Market | World News

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Dubai Ruler Sheikh Hamdan approves three major projects in Dubai including Artificial Intelligence Park, 8km Creek Upgrade and Falcon Market
Dubai announces three landmark projects after Sheikh Hamdan approves/Pictures – File

Dubai has announced a series of new landmark developments that blend artificial intelligence, Emirati heritage and world-class urban design as the emirate accelerates its ambitions to become one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.The projects, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, include the world’s first artificial intelligence-driven park design challenge, the first-ever Dubai Falcon Market, and a lighting revamp of 8 kilometers of Dubai Creek.These initiatives aim to improve quality of life, protect the emirate’s cultural identity and create new tourism and community destinations. They also support the long-term goals of Dubai City Master Plan 2040, which aims to create a greener, smarter and more people-centric city.Announcing the projects at

The world’s first artificial intelligence-designed park

One of the headlines is what Dubai describes as the world’s first artificial intelligence-driven park design challenge.Instead of commissioning traditional parks, Dubai will invite architects, urban planners, university students, researchers, start-ups, AI experts and technology innovators from around the world to use artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to design the city’s next public green space.The initiative aims to ensure that parks reflect the way residents actually use public space. Artificial intelligence will analyze community needs, while shortlisted concepts will be reviewed by an international panel of renowned designers and senior Dubai government officials. Local residents will also play a direct role in helping select the winning design.Officials say the project represents a new model of urban planning, where technology, sustainability and public participation come together to shape the city of the future. The challenge also reinforces Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and smart city innovation.

Falcon Market in Dubai

The second major project focuses on preserving one of the UAE’s oldest traditions.Dubai is set to build the region’s first comprehensive falcon market, a destination dedicated to showcasing falconry, one of the country’s most treasured cultural practices. Inspired by the shape of a falcon’s wing, the market will feature striking architecture that combines traditional heritage with modern design.The approximately 50,000 sq ft development, expected to cost Dh50 million, will include a dedicated falcon retail store, veterinary services, visitor facilities and dedicated space for cultural events, exhibitions and heritage events. Officials believe it will become a hub for falconry enthusiasts and a new tourist attraction that will highlight the Emirati identity.The market is also part of a wider effort to develop Dubai’s rural and desert areas while creating unique attractions that showcase the emirate’s history and modern ambitions.

Stream lighting project to transform waterfront area

Dubai’s historic river is also set to undergo a dramatic transformation.An eight-kilometre lighting project will illuminate the promenade, heritage areas, waterfront walks, creek entrances and building facades along Dubai Creek, creating a stunning nighttime experience for residents and visitors.Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, the project is expected to breathe new life into one of the city’s oldest areas while retaining its historic character. Officials say the lighting installations will improve safety, encourage nighttime tourism and support businesses operating along the waterfront.The initiative is part of Dubai’s wider plan to transform its waterfront into a globally recognized public destination that integrates leisure, culture and tourism with high-quality urban design.

Projects with world-class architects

In addition to these three flagship initiatives, Dubai Municipality also announced plans to collaborate with internationally renowned architects on future public projects across the emirate.One of the first collaborations will be with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who has been commissioned to design Reservoir Park, his first park project in Dubai. The development will incorporate architectural, landscape and local cultural elements, reflecting Dubai’s growing focus on internationally recognized urban design.Officials said the partnerships aim to create unique public spaces while strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for architecture, creativity and innovation.

Why these projects are important

The newly approved initiatives are more than just stand-alone developments, they reflect Dubai’s long-term vision for a city that combines technology, heritage and sustainability.From pioneering AI-led urban planning to preserving Emirati heritage and revitalizing historic neighbourhoods, these projects support the goals of Dubai’s City Master Plan 2040, which prioritizes green communities, better public spaces and improved quality of life for residents. Officials believe they will also boost tourism, strengthen the creative economy and cement Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s most innovative cities.

Green card holders’ rights under threat: New immigration ruling could increase risks for permanent residents

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Green Card Alert: U.S. Supreme Court delivers notable victory for green cards trump card U.S. government rules governing immigration enforcement determine that border officials do not need to have clear and convincing evidence of criminal activity before classifying returning green card holders as individuals seeking to enter the country — a designation that could ultimately lead to deportation proceedings.

The Supreme Court expanded executive immigration powers, ruling that border officials do not need to show clear evidence of criminal activity to green card holders seeking entry. (X/@unumihaimedia)
The Supreme Court expanded executive immigration powers, ruling that border officials do not need to show clear evidence of criminal activity to green card holders seeking entry. (X/@unumihaimedia)

In Blanche v. Muk Choi Lau, the court ruled 6-3, overturning an earlier lower court ruling that mandated migrant Authorities have more substantial evidence of legal permanent residents re-entering the United States.

The case centers on Muk Choi Lau, a legal permanent resident who was granted immigration parole after a brief trip to China in 2012, during which time he faced counterfeiting-related criminal charges in New Jersey. After his subsequent confession, Department of Homeland Security Deportation proceedings were initiated against him. Liu claimed that immigration officials wrongly classified him as an entry applicant before he was convicted of any crime.

Also read: July US Visa Announcement: Indian job seekers encounter major setbacks, green card applicants change

This is what Judge Clarence Thomas said

In the majority ruling, Justice Clarence Thomas said the Immigration and Nationality Act allows authorities to treat green card holders as if they are seeking entry if they “commit” a crime involving moral turpitude. Furthermore, he noted that border officials are under no obligation to provide clear and convincing evidence of this fact upon entry.

The ruling sends the case back to a lower court to assess whether Liu’s crime meets the criteria for a crime of moral turpitude, a key classification in U.S. immigration law.

Judge Ketanji Brown-Jackson warns against using ‘blank check’

Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan strongly dissented from the ruling, arguing that it undermined protections typically afforded to lawful permanent residents.

Jackson raised concerns because the court effectively gave the government a “big blank check.” In her dissent, Jackson warned that officials may now classify returning green card holders initially as admission applicants and rationalize that selection at subsequent removal hearings.

Opponents argued that the ruling jeopardized the security associated with permanent residency and caused confusion for legal immigrants when traveling internationally.

Immigration lawyers voice concerns about broader implications

The case had attracted great attention from immigration lawyers and advocacy groups even before the ruling because of its potential impact on the nearly 13 million legal permanent residents in the United States.

Several immigration law experts said a decision in favor of the administration could expand the circumstances under which green card holders are considered applicants for admission after returning from international travel.

Law firm Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP stressed ahead of the hearing that the case could have “significant consequences” for permanent residents by facilitating border authorities’ ability to classify returning green card holders as seeking entry, which could subject them to detention and deportation proceedings, Business Standard reported.

Immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta argued that the 2nd Circuit’s previous ruling provided enhanced protections for permanent residents because it prohibited authorities from classifying returning green card holders as incoming applicants solely because of alleged criminal activity.

Likewise, the Asian American Legal Defense and Educational Foundation (AALDEF), which supports Liu, warned during the legal proceedings that the administration’s stance could reduce permanent residency to the status of being threatened at the border based solely on suspicion.

Green Card Holders and International Travel

Following Tuesday’s ruling, several immigration professionals said it underscored the need for green card holders with pending criminal charges or unresolved legal issues to obtain legal advice before traveling internationally.

The progressive group Alliance for Justice said the ruling could create a broader path to revoking green cards.

Instead, Advancing American Freedom, a group founded by former Republican Vice President Mike Pence, said the case was important in promoting the deportation of individuals who “abuse the privilege of obtaining lawful permanent resident status.”

The ruling is part of a larger immigration conflict

The decision comes as the Supreme Court considers several major immigration issues concerning the president donald trump A wide range of immigration policy, including cases regarding birthright citizenship, asylum restrictions, and temporary protection of immigrants.

Although Liu’s case began long before Trump became president, the administration has encouraged courts to broadly interpret executive authority, arguing that mere suspicion of criminal activity can justify a lawful permanent resident’s immigration parole pending further legal action.

Why is this important?

The ruling could increase international travel risks for green card holders with unresolved criminal issues, as border officials now have greater discretion to classify them as applicants for admission and initiate deportation proceedings.

Meet Tom Leppard: The world’s most tattooed man, who lived alone in a remote Scottish cottage for 20 years with no electricity or running water | World News

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Meet Tom Leppard: The world's most tattooed man, who lived alone in a remote Scottish cottage for 20 years without electricity or running water

For more than two decades, Tom Leppard has chosen a life that few could have imagined. He lives alone in a small stone hut on the Scottish Isle of Skye, without electricity, running water or modern comforts, relying on water from a nearby stream and weekly kayaking trips for supplies. However, his reclusive lifestyle was only part of what made him compelling. Covered almost entirely in leopard-spotted tattoos, Leppard became internationally known as the most tattooed person in the world. Yet behind the striking exterior is a war veteran who has deliberately traded the hustle and bustle of modern life for the tranquility of one of Britain’s most remote landscapes.

How Tom Leppard became the world’s most tattooed man

Tom Leppard was born Thomas Wooldridge on October 14, 1935. He served in the armed forces for 28 years, including in the Royal Navy, the British Army, and later as a staff sergeant in the Rhodesian Special Forces. After leaving military life, he decided to withdraw from society and settled in a remote corner of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Although many described him as a recluse, those who met him said he was friendly and approachable, simply preferring solitude to a busy social life.Leppard is known for having a tattoo of leopard spots on a saffron yellow background covering nearly his entire body. Guinness World Records once recognized him as the most tattooed person in the world, with tattoos covering about 99% of his skin. He later took the title of the world’s most tattooed senior citizen after others surpassed his total tattoo coverage. Leppard says the tattoos don’t change who he is, but admits they completely change how others see him.

Life in the remote control scottish hut

In 1987 Leppard moved into a simple stone cottage overlooking Skye’s secluded coastline. His home has no electricity, no running water, and almost no furniture beyond the necessities. He sleeps on a foam mattress, collects drinking water from a nearby stream and washes his clothes by hand in cold water. Despite these difficulties, he calls this isolated place “paradise” and says he finds peace in its simplicity.Although Leppard lived in near-total isolation, he maintained regular contact with the outside world. Every week, he kayaks about three miles across open water to collect his pension, buy groceries and get essential supplies. Locals have become accustomed to seeing the tattooed man quietly arriving in town before disappearing across the water to his secluded home. The journey became a lasting symbol of his self-sufficient lifestyle.

Why did he choose to live alone?

Leppard often explained that his decision had nothing to do with rejecting others and everything to do with embracing solitude. After nearly thirty years of military service, he longed for a quiet life surrounded by nature. He said he truly enjoyed his own company and never considered his isolated existence lonely. Instead, he found comfort in the freedom and independence that wilderness life provided.

Leaving the wilderness and his legacy behind

As we age, the physical demands of living alone become increasingly difficult. In 2008, aged 73, Leppard left his cottage and moved to more suitable accommodation, later entering a nursing home near Inverness. He died on June 12, 2016 at the age of 80. Today, Tom Leppard is remembered not only for his extraordinary tattoos, but also for proving that happiness can come in many forms. His extraordinary story continues to fascinate people as an example of someone who deliberately chose to live outside of modern society.

New fees for U.S. naturalization: Application fees may rise by 75%; Indians will be affected by the following

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path to U.S. citizenship For some immigrants striving to achieve the American dream, the price may soon be significantly higher.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes to increase the naturalization application fee from $760 to $1,330, an increase of 75%. (Bloomberg)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes to increase the naturalization application fee from $760 to $1,330, an increase of 75%. (Bloomberg)

On Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Department of Homeland Security) proposes to increase the filing fee for Form N-400 (Application for U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization) from the existing $760 to $1,330, an increase of nearly 75 percent. Additionally, the proposal seeks to eliminate fee reduction and fee waiver options currently available to many low-income applicants.

If these changes are implemented, it will be one of the largest increases in citizenship application fees in recent years and could have a considerable impact on citizenship. migrantincluding the thousands of Indians who qualify for U.S. citizenship every year after obtaining permanent residency.

Also read: Green card holders’ rights under threat: New immigration ruling could increase risks for permanent residents

Homeland Security’s new proposal for naturalization

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a new proposal regarding naturalization that would mean a significant increase in the cost of naturalization.

If the proposal is implemented, applicants would be required to pay a $1,330 paper application fee and a $1,280 online application fee under new regulations from the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This would mean an increase in fees of 75% and 80% respectively. USCIS regulations starting in 2024 set the fee for paper-based naturalization applications at $760 and $710 for online submissions. In 2016, the fee for applicants to apply for naturalization was US$595.

As background information, the filing fee for the N-400 naturalization application will increase from $760 to $1,330, resulting in an increase of $570 per applicant.

The proposal would also repeal application fee waivers currently offered to certain applicants whose household income falls below a specified threshold.

Repeal of fee waiver for Form N-400

Increase the fee for Form N-336 (Request for Hearing on Decision) naturalization Litigation costs) from $830 to $1,475.

Overall trends point to rising immigration costs.

The Department of Homeland Security has increased premium processing fees for various immigration categories through 2026. For example, the Form I-140 premium processing fee increased from $2,805 to $2,965.

In addition, the United States Country of Citizenship and immigration services (immigration officeAccording to Berry Appleman & Leiden, according to the relevant provisions of HR1, many immigration-related fees have been increased after adjusting for inflation.

Immigration advocacy group CLINIC has previously warned that these fee increases and fee waiver restrictions could disproportionately impact low-income immigrants and could prevent eligible individuals from seeking citizenship.

Impact on Indian Nationals

Indian citizens are one of the most important groups waiting for employment green card in the United States.

Many Indian immigrants spend years or even decades working their way through the immigration system through H-1B visas, employment-based sponsorship and permanent residence processes.

For these people, obtaining citizenship often represents the ultimate achievement after a long and expensive immigration journey.

Increases in application fees may exacerbate already considerable financial stress, including:

Visa application fees include attorney fees, adjustment of status fees, travel document fees and dependent application fees.

What is a “double” earthquake? The science behind Venezuela’s strongest earthquake in more than a century

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What is a

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast on Wednesday, killing more than 180 people as part of a seismic phenomenon known as “double earthquakes.” The two earthquakes were the most powerful in Venezuela in more than a century, leaving the country facing widespread destruction.That’s why the damage is so rapid and severe.When two earthquakes occur simultaneouslyA double earthquake occurs when two earthquakes of similar magnitude hit the same area within a short period of time. A 7.2-magnitude earthquake first struck on Wednesday night. Just 39 seconds later, an even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.The successive attacks left almost no time for people to react. Buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas. More than 1,500 people were injured and thousands more were missing. Officials said the coastal strip of La Guaira in northern Caracas suffered the worst casualties and structural damage.Most earthquakes follow a more familiar pattern: a main shock followed by a series of weaker aftershocks. Christine Goulet, director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake Science Center in California, told The Associated Press that twin peaks are less common and behave differently, although they can occur anywhere in the world.A fault line with a violent historyThe twin peaks point to the geologically complex fault structure beneath Venezuela. The Bocono Fault stretches about 500 kilometers along the Venezuelan Andes and has a long record of seismic activity. Just in September 2025, a dual earthquake measuring 6.2 and 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the area west of Caracas, killing at least one person and injuring more than 100 people.This week’s earthquake was triggered by movement at the boundary where the Caribbean and South American plates meet. The Caribbean Plate north of Venezuela is moving eastward past the South American Plate at about two centimeters per year.“The displacement is huge,” Goulet was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. “It’s similar to the San Andreas Fault.”The rupture was a shallow strike-slip faulting event, meaning the two rocks slid horizontally past each other instead of one moving onto the other. Goulet noted that such movements are not automatically more destructive. “More vertical movements may cause greater damage,” she said, adding that factors such as rupture length also play an important role in determining the scale of the damage.There is relatively little activity at the Caribbean-South American plate boundary, said David Nall, associate dean of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science. USGS records show that there have been only seven earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above in the area over the past century.A region no stranger to earthquakesSince 1900, at least five earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater have occurred in northern Venezuela or along its coastline. The most recent major earthquake in living memory was the 6.6-magnitude quake in July 1967, which killed hundreds of people.Caracas resident José Vitriago, who was barely two years old at the time, still remembers the devastation. “Our house is broken,” he told state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión. He said Wednesday’s straitjacket was “terrible, horrific.”In March 1812, Venezuela’s worst recorded earthquake occurred on the same Bocono fault system. It is estimated to have killed around 30,000 people.Earthquakes remain unpredictable, but the risk of aftershocks remains. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there is a 99% chance of at least one magnitude 4 aftershock in the next week, and a 24% chance of a magnitude 6 aftershock.Venezuela does not have an earthquake early warning system, which uses ground-based sensors to detect initial seismic waves and alert residents before the strongest shaking arrives. On Wednesday, two earthquakes struck almost without warning.“There was basically no time to evacuate, which was very distressing,” Goulet said. “It’s so unfortunate.”

Kamala Harris’ ‘curse’ led to US World Cup loss to Turkey: Bizarre claims made by former VP as photo goes viral

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The United States and Türkiye staged a thrilling showdown 2026 world cup Group stage matches with co-host countries defeated 3-2 Thanks to Kaan Ayhan for the last ditch winner.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was the subject of bizarre accusations after the United States lost to Turkey in Group D at the World Cup. (Reuters)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was the subject of bizarre accusations after the United States lost to Turkey in Group D at the World Cup. (Reuters)

It is worth noting that the US team ranks first in Group D and will still enter the top 32, and will next face Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, Türkiye were eliminated even before their match against the United States after consecutive losses to Australia and Paraguay. In the World Cup, this level of elimination means that teams still need to play all the games in the group stage, which is why Turkey must face Mauricio Pochettino’s side despite having no hope of progressing further at the World Cup.

ALSO READ | World Cup 2026: Netherlands have something going on

Although Team USA’s advancement was a foregone conclusion, the loss left many fans unhappy, with them bizarrely placing the blame on the former vice president Kamala Harris for losses. It appears to have started with an article in the New York Post, which stated that Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, posted a photo with the caption, “Goal!” shortly before Turkey scored the second goal to take the lead.

Although the Washington Post article went on to mention that this was a “decisive” Group D game, the outcome of the game would not have changed anything, as Team USA defeated Paraguay and Australia to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

Still, this resulted in many Team USA supporters blaming Kamala Harris. “Kamala Curse!!!” one netizen commented when sharing the Washington Post article.

Kamala Harris bizarrely blames US for losing to Türkiye

Several others joined in, placing blame on members of the Democratic Party. “No wonder the US team lost! Kamala Harris is out of luck! Who let her compete? Where is the anger?” one netizen said. commented. other explain “This is why! Team USA lost tonight because @KamalaHarris was in attendance. She cursed the team. Is this what we do?”.

Another one additional “Kamala Harris is on the list of America’s losers. It’s no coincidence.” Also, there’s one more person insert “I can’t believe Kamala Harris caused Team USA to lose tonight!!!”.

Others saw similar reactions, including one explain “Kamala Harris caused Team USA to lose 3-2 in their final group game! Everything Kamala touched became…” followed by a poop emoji.

Even the Russian state media RT release “After Kamala took this photo and posted it at the World Cup, the U.S. trailed 2-1 and then lost 3-2. New American Curse?”

It’s worth noting that football players and fans are notoriously superstitious. At the same time, some pointed out that the loss had less to do with Harris and more to do with the coach’s decision to rotate the lineup. “The U.S. played with their B team. Many of their best players were on the bench,” they commented.

Given the progress the U.S. have made, it would make sense for Pochettino to rest some key players for later games that will determine their World Cup outcome. Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Serginho Dest were all rested as a result, but the Americans put in a stellar display as Mauricio Pochettino’s side pressed on.

Saudi doctor jailed for life for crashing car into German Christmas market, killing six people World News

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Saudi doctor sentenced to life in prison for crashing car into German Christmas market, killing six

A German court has sentenced a Saudi psychiatrist to life in prison for driving his car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing six people, including a 9-year-old boy, and injuring hundreds in one of the country’s deadliest attacks in recent years.The attack occurred on December 20, 2024, when the man, Taleb A., drove a rented BMW through the festival market. Prosecutors said the attack lasted just over a minute but caused widespread damage, Sky News reported.The victims included five women aged between 45 and 75, as well as 9-year-old Andre Gleissner. Hundreds of people were also injured in the incident.Taleb A., a Saudi-born psychiatrist who has lived in Germany since 2006, was found guilty of six counts of murder and attempted murder of hundreds of people.The defendant openly expressed anti-Islamic views, supported far-right ideology, and frequently posted online about what he described as the “Islamization of Europe.”The trial took place in a purpose-built courtroom, with Taleb A. appearing inside a bulletproof glass enclosure for security reasons. While he apologized to the nine-year-old victim’s family during the proceedings, he has also repeatedly made political statements on immigration and other issues.Among those who gave evidence was survivor Phillip Peplau, a trainee paramedic who was injured in the attack. He told Sky News that the festive atmosphere turned to chaos in seconds. “It was four days until Christmas. There were a lot of kids and families there. And then, within a second, there was blood, pain, screaming and crying everywhere,” he said.Peplau told the court he helped treat several victims at the scene, including trying to revive a woman who later died.