News for July 2, 2026
Venezuelan security guard pulled alive from building basement 8 days after twin quakes
CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela (AP) — Rescuers have pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement, ending a grueling dayslong operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores was extracted safely after being trapped since June 24 under the rubble in the basement of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in the coastal town in La Guaira. Rescuers initially made contact with him over the weekend. Gil Flores, who worked as a night-shift security guard at the complex, was inside his small security cabin when the first violent tremor struck.
Former Olympian indicted on felony charge over alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian has been indicted on a felony charge for alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hearn is a former Olympic canoe racer who was indicted on a single count of property destruction in Washington, D.C. court. District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said he ripped up recently installed sealant and caused over $1,000 in damage. Hearn previously told The Associated Press that he reached into the pool to examine the newly peeled coating during a 64-mile bike ride. Trump has said federal authorities made “multiple arrests” of people he said were vandalizing the Reflecting Pool following a $16-million rehabilitation project he launched for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Vatican excommunicates schismatic bishops and priests, and warns their followers
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has responded aggressively to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent. The Vatican on Thursday declared that the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church and it excommunicated its bishops. It also warning its faithful they also could face the harsh sanctions. The Vatican went above and beyond the minimal sanctions foreseen by the church’s canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society’s seminary in Switzerland. The Vatican has excommunicated the four new bishops and the two bishops that participated in the ceremony. It declared that the society had created a schism, or intentional rupture with the church.
There were 16 kids living in squalor in an Ohio home. Why weren’t they found sooner?
HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — The discovery of 16 children living in deplorable conditions in rural Ohio has left people wondering why the life-threatening squalor wasn’t detected earlier. Seven were taken to hospitals, including one who was in critical condition when rushed to care Tuesday. Windows and doors at the home in Hamden, about 60 miles from Columbus, have been boarded up. Four people who are the children’s parents and grandparents face child endangerment charges. Neighbor Josh Odell says he has a view of the backyard but never saw a child.
Russia lands heavy strikes on Ukraine’s capital, killing at least 21
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 civilians in the city and injuring many more. Moscow says the assault is in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities. The attack lasted 11 hours overnight into Thursday morning, causing widespread damage across the city. Ukrainian officials report damage to 30 locations, including residential buildings. Russia’s Defense Ministry says the strikes targeted military-linked sites. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister calls it a “night of horror” and urges more international support for air defenses. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
The Supreme Court tackled race, history and the law in fraught and reflective major rulings
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has wrapped up a term with significant rulings on race and discrimination. Justices were divided on cases affecting voting rights, immigration, and birthright citizenship. They narrowed key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, arguing that partisan gerrymandering isn’t necessarily racist. The court also upheld birthright citizenship for all born in the U.S., rejecting attempts to limit it. In another case, they found that Trump’s anti-immigrant comments weren’t racist. These decisions have deep implications for American politics and society, especially as debates over race and identity continue to evolve.
Trump administration’s $46 billion ‘smart wall’ races ahead on the US-Mexico border
PHOENIX (AP) — The United States is rapidly building what it calls a “smart wall” on the Mexico border, combining tall steel fencing with advanced technology like sensors and cameras. Customs and Border Protection says the technology helps free up agents for other tasks. Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall have been signed.
Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal
NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a skyscraper-scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurled a banner about love and peace because he wanted to “do something special” for their engagement. The couple was arraigned on felony reckless endangerment, burglary and other charges Thursday, a day after the spectacle at the skyscraper. A court complaint noted the danger to officers who climbed part of the way up the antenna to intercept the two. Known as Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, they were the subjects of a 2024 Netflix documentary called “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” As they left court, Beerkus told journalists that, in his words, “We believe in love.”
Alex Ovechkin declares ‘I’m back!’ and re-signs with Capitals to return for a 22nd NHL season
Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals. The league’s career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. Ovechkin turns 41 in September. He has 929 goals after scoring 32 in his 40-year-old season. The Russian superstar broke Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals in April 2025. He had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire. Ovechkin in a news release sent out by the Capitals declared, “I’m back.”
