India, US hold closed-door talks on AI, chips, critical minerals to deepen tech ties
The embassy said the roundtable focused on strengthening the investment environment and expanding bilateral cooperation on AI.
Trump administration pledges $150M in aid, deploys Navy warships after deadly Venezuela earthquakes
Following a catastrophic set of earthquakes that left at least 235 people dead in Venezuela, the Trump administration has activated a government-wide humanitarian response, pledging $150 million in aid and deploying U.S. Navy warships to assist in life-saving rescue operations. The rapid mobilization Thursday comes after back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes rocked northern Venezuela roughly 120 miles west of Caracas Wednesday night. The rare earthquake “doublet” injured more than 940 people and turned the state of La Guaira into a disaster zone, while forcing the closure of the damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport, according to Venezuela’s Health Ministry. US RESCUE TEAMS TO DESCEND ON HARD-HIT CARIBBEAN AFTER CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE MELISSA’S IMPACT The U.S. Department of State announced on Thursday it is mobilizing $150 million in aid, which includes $50 million in new bilateral awards for relief partners on the ground — such as Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services and World Vision — along with a $100 million contribution to a United Nations humanitarian pooled fund. To spearhead efforts on the ground, the State Department has deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team alongside two highly specialized urban search-and-rescue teams from fire departments in Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California. U.S. WARSHIPS TO PATROL INTERNATIONAL WATERS AROUND VENEZUELA AS TRUMP VOWS TO STOP CARTELS U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said it is surging assigned U.S. military forces to the region, directing the USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings to Venezuela to back the State Department-led operations. The USS Fort Lauderdale will serve as a “floating command center” with a flight deck to support heavy-lift helicopters and a well deck to launch landing craft, according to SOUTHCOM. Meanwhile, the agile USS Billings will provide critical support close to the shorelines to accelerate the disaster response missions. SOUTHCOM said it is also sending rotary-wing aircraft, which will provide critical life-saving airlift support, transporting U.S. government response personnel, search and rescue teams and partners during relief operations. Amid the crisis, the State Department emphasized that the safety of U.S. citizens remains the administration’s highest priority. “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. The Department of State is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas,” officials wrote in a statement. “The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating disaster and will continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical time.” U.S. citizens in Venezuela are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and can contact the State Department 24/7 at 202-501-4444 for emergency assistance. Family members in the U.S. seeking information on loved ones can call toll-free at 888-407-4747.
French citizen who illegally cast ballot in 2022 midterms says New Jersey automatically registered him to vote
FIRST ON FOX: Attorneys representing a French national who recently admitted to illegally casting a ballot in the 2022 federal midterm elections told Fox News Digital that he thought he was allowed to vote because he was automatically registered when he received his New Jersey driver’s license. Eliezer Kadoch, 39, of Toms River, pleaded guilty to voting by an alien in a federal election before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Brandon Day in Trenton federal court, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Though Kadoch is a citizen of France and has never held U.S. citizenship, he illegally voted on Nov. 8, 2022, during an election that was held in part to elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives, according to court documents. FOUR NONCITIZENS CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY VOTING IN 2020, 2022 AND 2024 FEDERAL ELECTIONS IN NEW JERSEY Attorney Yosef Jacobovitch, who is representing Kadoch, told Fox News Digital that when his client cast the ballot, he “mistakenly believed” he was legally permitted to vote because he had been automatically registered when he obtained his New Jersey driver’s license. “Mr. Kadoch accepted responsibility for his actions,” Jacobovitch said. “… There was never any intent to violate the law or cast an unlawful ballot. Unfortunately, the offense to which he pleaded guilty does not require proof of criminal intent, and he now fully understands that.” Kadoch now faces up to six months in federal prison and a $100,000 fine, according to officials. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 26. SUPREME COURT HANDS TRUMP TWO MAJOR IMMIGRATION VICTORIES The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) reported that issuing driver’s licenses to noncitizens, combined with automatic voter registration, can result in them being added to voter rolls. In recent years, the nonprofit said numerous states — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia — investigated the issue and identified noncitizens on their voter rolls. Model legislation drafted by AFPI suggested solutions including requiring proof of citizenship to vote, and implementing audit requirements to ensure that noncitizens are not on the voter rolls. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer noted the case was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office’s Election Integrity Task Force, a coalition of federal law enforcement partners dedicated to preserving and protecting the integrity of elections in New Jersey. The investigation was a joint effort involving special agents from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Kadoch’s immigration status was not publicly released. The New Jersey Department of State, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, Ocean County Clerk’s Office and AFPI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
Dems put on blast over poll that shows record-low patriotism in US: ‘Tear our society apart’
Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., is sounding the alarm over polling revealing that a record-low number of Americans were “very proud” of their country last year. “In Gallup’s 25-year patriotism survey, just 17 percent, or less than 1 in 5 American adults, reported that they were ‘very proud’ of being an American,” Hageman said in a floor speech on Tuesday. “Our excitement for America has been dimmed by accusations of an unacceptable morality, our self-image tarnished by a novel self-flagellation,” she added. Hageman’s speech, set to be delivered in the coming week, argues that the country has a distinct cultural identity that merits preservation and urges readers to rekindle their appreciation of it on America’s 250th Independence Day. STUNNINGLY LOW PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS IN US THINK AMERICA STANDS ABOVE EVERY OTHER NATION: POLL “We must stop pretending that America is just an idea, or that we have no shared culture worth fighting for,” Hageman wrote. “This does not mean that we reject other cultures or traditions. America has, in fact, been one of the most gracious countries in history to welcome people from across the globe to our shores. By inviting those who seek to make our country home, however, we are not obligated to subjugate our American history, culture and traditions for theirs. We instead welcome them here to partake in and succeed in the American way of life.” Gallup’s 2025 findings record that only 36% of Democrats said they were “very proud” of the U.S., down from 62% the year before. Comparatively, Republicans recorded much higher levels at 92 percent among respondents. Independents also hit a low point, with just 53% expressing a great deal of pride, a seven-point drop from a year prior. ONLY 27 PERCENT OF DEMOCRATS WILL DISPLAY AMERICAN FLAG ON JULY 4: POLL Hageman said she believes the findings reflect the thinking of the Democratic Party and attempts to reinterpret the country’s founding. “My friends on the other side of the aisle have worked mightily to weaponize our history with slavery to indict our nation as irredeemable,” Hageman said. “Today, the left reveres 1619 as the year of America’s true founding. The year the first slaves were imported to America has become the defining moment for a new generation of cultural revolutionaries hellbent to tear our society apart.” Hageman said she believes the trend is reversible. In particular, she said a sense of patriotism could be restored through a renewed focus on the country’s founding. WHAT THE FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD TELL AOC ABOUT THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION “I hope that by focusing on America’s 250th anniversary – and looking back over that history with honesty and accuracy — we will reverse these declines,” Hageman said. “I am, in fact, optimistic that those festivities we’ve already enjoyed are currently inspiring a new sense of purpose in our national identity. And I believe we are on the right track to making America proud again.”
Blue state leaders erupt after Supreme Court’s decision ending TPS protections for Haitians, Syrians
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration in two key immigration cases on Thursday, drawing strong opposition from blue state Democrats and prompting a prominent House Republican to break ranks over concerns of a looming healthcare “crisis.” In a 6-3 decision in Mullin v. Doe, the high court ruled that Haitian and Syrian nationals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) cannot turn to federal courts to postpone the revocation of their legal status while challenging the Trump administration’s policies. In a separate ruling, the court also held that migrants turned away at the southern border before entering the U.S. are not entitled to apply for asylum. Democrat leaders in New York and Massachusetts immediately held news conferences to denounce the Supreme Court’s decisions and pledge local resistance. SUPREME COURT HANDS TRUMP TWO MAJOR IMMIGRATION VICTORIES In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state would push back by designating “sensitive locations” to block ICE agents and banning masks for immigration enforcers. “This is New York. We fight back. We defend our people,” Hochul said. “For those who think they can come here and just tell us that that’s going to be the different way that it is, you got to get to us first.” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams delivered some of the harshest rhetoric, accusing the Trump administration of operating with a “White supremacist lens.” “This is another day in Trump’s America where we have someone in the White House who believes in fascist rules with a White supremacist lens,” Williams said. “He is doing that because his policies are based on treating people like they are not human beings, particularly if they’re Black and Brown.” TRUMP FOES MELT DOWN THAT SCOTUS IS UNLEASHING ‘RACIAL TERROR’ ON US WITH ICE RAID RULING In her dissenting opinion on the ruling, Supreme Court Justice Elena argued there is evidence the Trump administration was motivated by “racial animus” when revoking Haitians’ TPS, citing statements Trump made during the lead-up to the 2024 election, including claims that Haitians were “eating pets in Ohio.” However, Justice Samuel Alito, who authored both majority opinions for the Supreme Court’s decisions, noted the respondents themselves suggested the administration might simply oppose TPS as a general policy matter rather than targeting a specific group. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James called the ruling a “betrayal of who we are supposed to be as a nation,” and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the activation of a free municipal legal hotline to help affected immigrants. “The people of New York City are going to show up for you as we face down a Supreme Court ruling that just opened the door to fear instability and the threat of deportation for so many,” said Mamdani, whose wife is Syrian-American. “… We don’t let those who are afraid of what makes this city great try to divide us. We reject the politics of fear.” FEDERAL JUDGE HALTS TRUMP TPS POLICY, ACCUSES DHS OF MAKING MIGRANTS ‘ATONE FOR THEIR RACE’ In Massachusetts, which hosts roughly 45,000 TPS holders, Gov. Maura Healey slammed the decision, arguing it “makes no sense for our families, our economy, our communities, [or] our country.” A visibly emotional Boston Mayor Michelle Wu addressed migrants directly, telling them, “You belong here.” The ruling also exposed a rift within the GOP, as Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., strongly criticized the move to end TPS for Haitians. While Lawler noted he does not dispute the president’s legal authority to end TPS, he warned that doing so now could trigger a disaster for the U.S. healthcare system, which heavily relies on Haitian workers. “Of the 350,000+ lawful Haitian TPS holders, roughly 1/3rd work in our healthcare system,” Lawler wrote in an X post. “Immediately shutting off TPS will create a crisis in our hospitals, nursing homes, and in the I/DD community.” Lawler also pointed to the rampant gang violence in Haiti, citing the State Department’s Level 4 travel advisory, as proof that the situation “continues to warrant an extension” of protections. DHS FIRES BACK AT ‘ACTIVIST JUDGES’ BLOCKING TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS CRACKDOWN He urged the administration to allow an “orderly process” over the next six months for Haitian TPS holders to maintain their work authorizations and called on the Senate to take up his legislation to temporarily extend their status. Following the decision, the White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the rulings as a win for the rule of law. “This ruling is a tremendous win for the Trump administration,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. “Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what President Trump has always maintained: temporary protected status is, by definition, temporary. It was never intended to be a pathway to permanent status or legal residency.” Similarly, DHS General Counsel James Percival posted on X that “the T in TPS stands for TEMPORARY, yet many of these designations became de facto amnesty.” “This is a win for the rule of law and common sense,” Percival said.
Red state gov bans July Fourth fireworks statewide over wildfire concerns ahead of America’s 250th anniversary
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday issued a temporary, statewide restriction on fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, citing “historic” and “extraordinary” wildfire conditions across the state. Cox, a Republican, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, temporarily suspending state law to allow the state forester to ban the discharge of fireworks within municipal boundaries between July 2 and July 5. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, 94% of Utah is facing severe or extreme drought. RESIDENTS WAKE UP SCREAMING AS COPS RACE TO RESCUE THEM FROM LATE-NIGHT APARTMENT BLAZE: VIDEO The state has already seen 354 wildfires scorch nearly 142,000 acres this season, with more than 75% of the wildfires having been caused by humans. While the mandate snuffs out some of the holiday excitement, it offers a potential compromise for residents wanting to celebrate. Local municipal leaders, working alongside their fire chiefs, are granted the authority to designate specific “safe areas” where fireworks will still be permitted. FIRE DEPARTMENTS TURN TO AI TO DETECT WILDFIRES FASTER If local leaders do not designate these areas, the state forester’s closure remains in full effect. “Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox wrote in a statement, acknowledging that Utahns typically enjoy celebrating with pyrotechnics. “But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.” In a statement posted to X, Cox added, “Our goal is to make sure our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5.” COLORADO UTILIZING GRAZING CATTLE TO HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES IN AT-RISK AREAS Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that prolonged drought, critically dry vegetation and extreme weather are causing blazes to spread faster and behave in ways that “defy historical expectations.” To deter preventable fires, the Utah Department of Public Safety is ramping up patrols in high-risk areas, and officials warn that sparking an illegal wildfire could lead to significant criminal and civil consequences. State officials plan to re-evaluate the wildfire danger after the Independence Day weekend to determine if similar restrictions will be necessary for the state’s Pioneer Day holiday from July 22 to July 25. Residents are urged to check local restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts and report any suspicious activity immediately. Cox’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Venezuela rescue teams race to find earthquake survivors
NewsFeed Rescue teams raced to find survivors and recover bodies after twin earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday. The death toll has climbed to 188 with thousands more reported missing and injured. Al Jazeera’s Maria Alesia Sosa reports from the scene of the devastation in Caracas. Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
WNBA: Alyssa Thomas suspended one game for fist into Cailtin Clark’s throat
Both players were on the floor when Thomas pushed her fist into Clark’s throat before getting up and stepping over her. By Reuters Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has received a flagrant foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has announced. The incident occurred with 6:52 left in the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 triumph over host Indiana on Wednesday. No foul was called. Thomas will serve the suspension on Saturday, when the Phoenix visit the Toronto Tempo. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas shoots the ball, while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse [Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images/Reuters] The WNBA office said it has the option to review games and “classify as flagrant any foul not called as such during a game”. In this instance, Clark drove into the lane and fell on her side following contact with Phoenix defender Lexi Held. In the ensuing scramble for the ball, Thomas pushed her fist into Clark’s throat before getting up and stepping over Clark. Fever coach Stephanie White was upset after the contest that Thomas was not called for a foul. “Number one, you’ve got to call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful,” White said. The teams also had played a testy contest two nights earlier, in which a combined six technical fouls were called during Indiana’s 86-77 victory. Thomas, 34, is a six-time All-Star. She is in her second season with the Mercury after playing 11 campaigns with the Connecticut Sun. Thomas is averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in 18 games this season. Advertisement Clark exited Wednesday’s game with 5:15 left in the third quarter due to back issues. Clark, 24, is averaging a career-high 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds through 17 games this season. She is a two-time All-Star. The Fever host the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. Adblock test (Why?)
Venezuela earthquakes live: At least 188 dead as rescue efforts intensify
blinking-dotLive updatesLive updates, Venezuelans battle to rescue loved ones trapped alive beneath rubble of collapsed buildings after two major earthquakes. Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
‘Melody’ Poll?: Will Italian PM Giorgia Meloni contest election from Delhi? This is what her minister said
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has recalled a humorous moment from her 2023 India visit when Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani joked that she could win a Delhi election