Politics & World Affairs — July 4, 2026

Europe backfills NATO gaps. NATO's top commander said European allies have mostly filled gaps left by reduced U.S. military contributions to the alliance's crisis plans.

AP News · Read more →

Venezuela quake toll reaches 2,645. The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes rose to 2,645. Rescue teams from more than 90 countries continue searching the rubble.

Reuters · Read more →

China patrols east of Taiwan. Beijing said it launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, replacing a naval task force whose presence had drawn objections from Taipei and Western capitals.

Reuters · Read more →

Moore explains democratic socialist gains. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said democratic socialist candidates are gaining because voters want someone who will fight for them -- not because of ideology.

The Hill · Read more →

Russia claims Kostiantynivka capture. Moscow said its forces captured the strategic Ukrainian city Saturday. Ukraine launched a major overnight drone attack on St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region, Russian officials said.

Al Jazeera · Read more →