Iran has launched retaliatory strikes targeting Bahrain in the latest escalation of Middle East tensions, following U.S. military action against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz region. Bahrain condemned the attack as a "flagrant threat," signaling deepening regional instability [The Hill, Guardian].

Venezuela's humanitarian crisis intensified as the death toll from twin earthquakes climbed to at least 920, with rescue operations entering a critical third day. U.S. rescuers are racing against the survival window as search efforts continue through rubble across the country [Fox News, NBC News]. The natural disaster has compounded Venezuela's economic struggles, threatening gains made in recent years.

In domestic news, the Supreme Court's expansion of Trump administration immigration powers triggered expert warnings of steeper U.S. population decline, raising concerns about long-term economic implications [NPR]. Meanwhile, California officials uncovered a scandal at a supposedly "no-kill" shelter, where 117 dog bodies were discovered, many bearing bullet fragments—prompting investigations into the facility's practices [Guardian].

Europe's record-breaking heatwave shows signs of easing, with cooler temperatures expected by the weekend after much of the continent experienced dangerous heat [BBC]. In tech policy, the U.S. approved partial release of Anthropic's Mythos AI model, even as California voters weigh a potential billionaire tax amid the state's AI wealth boom [DW English, Newsweek].

On Capitol Hill, internal Democratic divisions widened as CBC leadership pushed back against calls for "new leadership" from party members [The Hill]. Former national security adviser developments also drew Trump's ire, with the ex-president calling for harsh treatment following a guilty plea.