AnewZ Morning Brief – 25 June 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief – 25 June 2026
Emergency services work at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, 24 June, 2026
Reuters

Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 25 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.   

Venezuela declares national emergency after major earthquakes

Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela’s capital on Wednesday, toppling buildings in Caracas, trapping people under rubble. A magnitude 7.2 quake was followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. U.S. President Donald Trump said the quakes had left a “devastating number of deaths,” as Washington mobilised a disaster assistance team. Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after the strong back-to-back earthquakes. 

Trump clashes with Republicans over Iran war as Senate blocks resolution

U.S. President Donald Trump faced internal Republican criticism over the Iran war during a closed-door meeting, with Senator Bill Cassidy raising concerns about the administration’s strategy and lack of transparency. Shortly afterward, the Senate voted 50-47 to block a war powers resolution aimed at ending U.S. involvement in the conflict, largely along party lines. Trump later defended the Senate decision, saying it signaled pressure on Iran, despite it having no immediate policy impact. 

Heatwave grips Western Europe, killing dozens

Western Europe is facing an intense heatwave that has killed dozens of people, disrupted infrastructure, and forced closures across schools, transport systems, and cultural landmarks. Britain recorded its highest-ever June temperature at 36.1°C, while Paris reached 40.9°C, marking a new June record for France. Italy placed 16 cities under its highest heat alert as authorities warned conditions could worsen in the coming days. 

Trump administration moves ahead with Türkiye jet engine sale

The Trump administration is expected to proceed with a proposed $750 million sale of F-110 jet engines to Türkiye despite objections from a senior Democratic lawmaker. The administration has informed Congress that it intends to move forward with the sale for Türkiye’s domestically developed KAAN fighter jet, describing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a “great partner in the region,” despite the congressional hold. 

Epstein: Ghislaine Maxwell challenges conviction as Bill Gates testifies

Ghislaine Maxwell has claimed in a new court filing that recently released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents show her rights were violated before her conviction and 20-year sentence for helping Epstein abuse teenage girls. She is seeking a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that her prosecution was unlawful and based on unfair legal conduct. Meanwhile, Bill Gates testified that he never interacted with Epstein’s victims, but acknowledged he may have been in their presence, according to a transcript of his closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee released Tuesday.  

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