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- Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rises to 920 as rescue efforts intensify.
- Teams qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32
- Calgary festivals consult with city councillors about costs and planning issues
- U.S. military strikes Iranian targets following drone attack on cargo ship
- Footballer Héctor Bello pays tribute to wife who died protecting their daughter in Venezuela earthquakes
- Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
- US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
- Dembele’s hat-trick leads France to 4-1 victory over Norway in World Cup 2026
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Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rises to 920 as rescue efforts intensify.
8:01 am
Venezuela‘s earthquake death toll rises to 920 as rescue efforts intensify.
Tremors from a series of powerful earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in a rising death toll, now reported at 920, as interim President Juan Guaidó pledges to rescue as many survivors as possible. The international community is responding, with multiple nations offering aid and assistance in rescue operations. This humanitarian crisis follows a severe series of seismic events, prompting worry over both immediate safety and longer-term recovery efforts. For more details on international contributions, visit our coverage of international aid efforts.
In parallel, concerns have emerged regarding potential economic repercussions, as Venezuela’s fragile infrastructure faces immense strain. Recovery may further challenge an already struggling economy, potentially leading to escalated inflation and a deeper humanitarian crisis. Analysts will be watching closely as the situation develops, particularly for upcoming decisions on further international support and aid distribution efforts.
Key developments across the world
Venezuela quake death toll reaches 920 as interim president vows to save ‘as many as possible’
GLOBAL SECURITY — A devastating earthquake in Venezuela has resulted in a death toll of 920, with fears of further casualties.
The interim president of Venezuela has pledged to rescue as many trapped individuals as possible as rescue efforts continue amidst extensive destruction. Countries worldwide have begun pledging aid to assist Venezuela in its recovery efforts following the disaster.
Owner of car searched by police after Beijing tower plane crash identified
GLOBAL SECURITY — Authorities in Beijing are investigating a car linked to a recent plane crash near a high-rise tower.
Drawing significant attention, the plane crash has raised security concerns among residents and officials alike. The investigation continues as investigators seek to determine the circumstances surrounding this troubling incident.
UK search team joins Venezuela earthquake rescue effort
GLOBAL SECURITY — A UK search team has been deployed to assist in rescue efforts in Venezuela following the earthquake.
This collaboration reflects international solidarity in response to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the natural disaster. The team’s expertise aims to help locate and assist those still trapped under rubble as dangers from aftershocks loom.
Both Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni are begging for trouble
DIPLOMACY — The relationship between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni has soured, impacting political dynamics across the globe.
This fallout has implications for international relations, particularly regarding their shared nationalist agendas. The tension highlights the potential for diverging paths that could complicate cooperative efforts between the US and Italy.
Texas makes Bible passages required reading for millions of public school students
INTERNATIONAL LAW — Texas has mandated Bible passages as required reading in its public school curriculum, sparking nationwide debate.
This decision has raised concerns regarding the separation of church and state, and its implications for educational diversity in schools. Critics argue it may infringe on students’ rights and alter the secular nature of public education in the United States.
What to watch — Rescue and recovery efforts in Venezuela will be critical in the coming days as the situation evolves.
Further reading from global news sources
Al Jazeera
Which countries have pledged aid to Venezuela after powerful earthquakes?
BBC News
UK search team joins Venezuela earthquake rescue effort
The Guardian
Venezuela quake death toll reaches 920 as interim president vows to save ‘as many as possible’
Financial Times
Owner of car searched by police after Beijing tower plane crash identified
AP News
What to know about the decision to make Bible stories required reading in Texas public schools
Teams qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32
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Get you up to speed: Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32?
As of June 27, 2026, 28 teams have qualified for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will commence with the round of 32 from June 28 to July 3. There are still four spots available for teams to advance.
The knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins with the round of 32 from June 28 to July 3, and 28 teams have already qualified, leaving four spots remaining. The knockout format sees the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, advancing to this stage for the first time following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
FIFA has confirmed the introduction of head-to-head records as the primary tie-breaker for teams level on points for the first time at a World Cup, effective in the ongoing tournament. With the knockout phase set to begin on June 28, the final group standings have led to 28 teams qualifying, with four spots still open as the tournament progresses.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the remaining four spots for the knockout stage will be filled.
Teams qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32
Sport|World Cup 2026Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, round of 32?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage format, criteria and rules for qualification. Find out who’s in and who’s out.
Published On 27 Jun 202627 Jun 2026|Updated: 11 minutes agoUpdated: 11 minutes ago
The knockout bracket in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is quickly filling up.
It begins with the round of 32, which runs from June 28 to July 3.
So far, 28 teams have made the cut, with only four spots available.
What is the format and criteria for qualification, and which teams have progressed or been eliminated?
What is the format of the World Cup knockouts?
The top two teams in each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-place finishers, advance to knockouts.
The knockout phase begins with the round of 32, introduced at the World Cup following the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.
Then comes the round of 16, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and a playoff for third place. The final is on July 19.
The stage-wise breakdown of the tournament’s schedule is:
Group stage: June 11 to June 27
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarterfinals: July 9-11
Semifinals: July 14-15
Bronze medal match: July 18
Final: July 19
What are the rule changes for the tie-breaker criteria at the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA is using head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tie-breaker for teams level on points for the first time at a World Cup.
Tie-breaker criteria for World Cup groups
According to FIFA’s rules for the tournament, if two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the group stage ends, the following criteria, in the order below, will be applied to determine the ranking:
Step one
Greatest number of points gained in the group matches.
Superior goal difference in the group matches between the teams concerned (head-to-head).
Greatest number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned (head-to-head).
If the teams are still tied, the criteria below apply:
Step two
Superior goal difference across all group matches.
Greatest number of goals scored across all group matches.
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained.
If the teams somehow still cannot be separated, then the following criteria apply:
Step three
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA World Rankings.
The criteria for the eight best‑ranked teams
The eight best teams among those ranked third will be determined as follows:
Greatest number of points gained in all group matches.
Goal difference resulting from all group matches.
Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches.
The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA World Rankings.
The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during a stop of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on June 2, 2026 [Timothy A Clary/AFP]
Which teams have reached the World Cup round of 32?
(As of June 27, 06:00 GMT)
⚽️ Mexico (Group A)
The cohosts were the first to qualify for the knockouts, after taking top spot in Group A with a 1-0 win over South Korea on Thursday, June 18. The Mexicans started their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa in a chaotic tournament opener.
⚽️ USA (Group D)
The United States were the second team to punch their ticket to the knockouts, thanks to their 2-0 win over Australia that sent them to top of Group D on Friday, June 19. The USA thumped Paraguay 4-1 to kick off their campaign.
⚽️ Germany (Group E)
Germany became the third team to enter the last 32 with a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday, June 20. The Germans – who failed to get out of the group stage both at Russia 2018 and four years ago in Qatar – started their tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao.
⚽️ Argentina (Group J)
Argentina sealed their ticket to the knockouts with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, June 22, as Lionel Messi scored twice, becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals. The Argentina captain also bagged his maiden tournament hat-trick in their 3-0 opening game win over Algeria. Reigning champions Argentina are guaranteed the top spot in Group J.
⚽️ France (Group I)
Pre-tournament favourites France secured a place in the round of 32 with a 3-0 win over Iraq later on Monday, as Kylian Mbappe scored a brace. The 2018 world champions beat Senegal 3-1 to kick off their tournament, with Mbappe scoring twice in that game as well.
⚽️ Norway (Group I)
Norway beat Senegal 3-2 in their second game of the tournament, sealing their place in the knockouts. The Norwegians, who are back at the World Cup after 28 years, started their campaign with a 4-1 thrashing of Iraq.
The Norway team do the traditional rowing celebration with their fans after the match [Jeenah Moon/Reuters]
⚽️ Colombia (Group K)
Colombia joined the party on Tuesday, June 23, with their 1-0 win over DR Congo. The South Americans also won 3-1 against Uzbekistan in their opening game.
⚽️ Switzerland (Group B)
Unbeaten Switzerland finished top of Group B with seven points.
They officially confirmed their Round of 32 qualification with a 2-1 victory against cohost Canada on Wednesday, June 24, in Vancouver.
⚽️ Canada (Group B)
Though Canada lost to Switzerland in the final group game, they had enough points – four – to take the second spot in Group B. They started their tournament with a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina before thrashing Qatar 6-0.
⚽️ Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s case for a place in the last 32 was confirmed with a commanding 3-1 win over Qatar.
Coach Sergej Barbarez’s team finished third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada and were later confirmed as one of the best third-place qualifiers, shortly after their final group match against the 2022 World Cup host nation on Wednesday, June 24.
⚽️ Brazil (Group C)
On Wednesday, June 24, Brazil advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup in style after Vinicius Junior netted twice in a 3-0 win over Scotland in their final Group C match. The five-time champions topped Group C with seven points and a +6 goal difference.
⚽️ Morocco (Group C)
Morocco were the second team to advance from Group C, finishing on seven points, after one draw and two wins.
Soufiane Rahimi of Morocco celebrates after scoring in their 4-2 win over Haiti in the final group game [Ronald Wittek/EPA]
⚽️ South Africa (Group A)
Bafana Bafana’s unexpected 1-0 win against South Korea on Wednesday, June 24, officially advanced the African nation to the Round of 32. It’s the first time South Africa will take part in the knockout rounds.
⚽️ Ecuador (Group E)
Ecuador squeezed into the last 32 with an upset 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, June 25, in a nail-biting game. The result meant Ecuador finished Group E with four points, guaranteeing them a place in the last 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
⚽️ Ivory Coast (Group E)
Nicolas Pepe’s double sealed Ivory Coast’s first trip to the knockouts with a 2-0 victory over Curacao on Thursday, as the African team finished second in Group E. In previous group games, they lost 2-1 to Germany and won 1-0 against Ecuador.
⚽️ Netherlands (Group F)
The Netherlands punched their ticket to the knockouts as table toppers of Group F with a 3-1 win over Tunisia in the final group game. They finished on top with seven points, registering two wins and a draw.
⚽️ Japan (Group F)
Japan advanced as the second-placed team from Group F, following a 1-1 draw with Sweden in the final group game. They collected five points with two draws and a win.
⚽️ Sweden (Group F)
Sweden progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams, with four points, with a win, a draw and a defeat.
⚽️ Australia (Group D)
Australia claimed the second spot in Group D and advanced to the knockouts after their 0-0 draw with Paraguay on Thursday. The Socceroos collected four points from three games.
Australia players celebrate after sealing the World Cup knockout qualification [Carlos Barria/Reuters]
⚽️ Paraguay (Group D)
Paraguay ended their group campaign with four points, and advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
⚽️ Belgium (Group G)
Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 in their final group game to take the top spot, finishing with five points.
⚽️ Egypt (Group G)
Egypt finished second in Group G, below Belgium on goal difference, with five points, sealing knockout qualification for the first time.
⚽️ Spain (Group H)
Spain beat Uruguay in their final group game to finish as table toppers in Group H with seven points.
⚽️ Cape Verde (Group H)
Cape Verde finished second in Group H, with three points, making history as the tournament debutants reached the knockouts for the first time, extending their fairytale journey.
⚽️ Senegal (Group I)
Senegal smashed Iraq 5-0 in the final group fixture, which proved enough to send them to the next round as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
Saudi Arabia – Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas, U.S. – June 26, 2026 Cape Verde’s Dailon Livramento celebrates after the match as they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Taormina” fetchpriority=”low”>Cape Verde’s Dailon Livramento celebrates after the match as they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup [Troy Taormina/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters]
⚽️ Portugal (Group K)
With a game in hand, Portugal also sealed their knockout berth, after a win and a draw confirmed their spot.
⚽️ England (Group L)
England are assured of a knockout berth after a win and a draw in their first two games.
⚽️ Ghana (Group L)
Ghana are also through to the round of 32 after collecting four points from their first two games.
Iran – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington, U.S. – June 26, 2026 Egypt’s Mahmoud Saber celebrates scoring their first goal with Mostafa Zico and Mohamed Abdelmoniem IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen” fetchpriority=”low”>Mahmoud Saber celebrates scoring Egypt’s first goal with Mostafa Zico and Mohamed Abdelmoniem [Troy Wayrynen/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters]
Which teams have been knocked out of the World Cup 2026?
⚽️ Haiti (Group C)
Haiti became the first team to be sent home packing from the World Cup after suffering a 3-0 loss to Brazil on Friday, June 19. Playing in their first tournament since 1974, they also lost 1-0 to Scotland in their first game.
⚽️ Turkiye (Group D)
Turkiye soon followed suit, bowing out of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Paraguay later on Friday. They also suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Australia in the first group match – their first appearance at the tournament after 24 years.
⚽️ Tunisia (Group F)
Tunisia became the third team to be eliminated after they lost 4-0 to Japan on Saturday, June 20. The defeat came shortly after they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in the opener. Tunisia were the first African team to win a World Cup match when they beat Mexico in 1978, but they have never progressed beyond the group stages.
⚽️ Jordan (Group J)
Jordan, one of the four debutants at the tournament, bowed out on Monday, June 22, after losing 2-1 to Algeria in their second group game. The Asian side also lost 3-1 to Austria in their opening game.
⚽️ Panama (Group L)
Panama were knocked out of the World Cup on Tuesday, June 23, after suffering their second defeat of the group stage, falling 1-0 to Croatia. They also lost 1-0 to Ghana in their first game.
⚽️ Qatar (Group B)
The 2022 World Cup host nation were eliminated in their final group match on Wednesday, June 24.
The Middle East nation lost their group finale to Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Qatar finished bottom of Group B with one point.
⚽️ Czechia (Group A)
Cohost Mexico eliminated Czechia’s final hope of progressing to the last-32 with a dominant 3-1 victory over the central European nation on Wednesday, June 24.
Czechia, ranked 40th in the world, had been widely expected to contend for a round of 16 spot but finished last in Group A with one point from their three group fixtures.
⚽️ Curacao (Group E)
Curacao became the eighth team eliminated from the tournament, a fate that arrived later than many anticipated after the Caribbean country became the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup finals.
Their loss to the Ivory Coast sealed their fate in the tournament.
⚽️ New Zealand (Group G)
After losing to Belgium in the final group game, New Zealand bowed out, finishing bottom with one point.
⚽️ Uruguay (Group H)
Their loss to Spain in the final group game meant Uruguay finished third with just two points, and thus exited the tournament.
⚽️ Saudi Arabia (Group H)
Saudi Arabia also failed to make the cut from Group H, finishing bottom with two points.
⚽️ Iraq (Group I)
Iraq were sent home on account of finishing bottom in Group I, with zero points.
Curacao’s Arjany Martha and teammates look dejected after the match [Pilar Olivares/Reuters]
Calgary festivals consult with city councillors about costs and planning issues
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Get you up to speed: Several Calgary festivals meeting with city councillors over costs and planning barriers
Festival organisers are in discussions regarding enhanced support through a City of Calgary subsidy for festivals and events. No specific agreements or outcomes have been confirmed at this time.
Festival organisers are seeking increased support from the City of Calgary through a proposed subsidy to enhance future events. Details regarding the ongoing discussions and potential timeline for implementation have not been disclosed.
Festival organisers are in discussions regarding enhanced support via a City of Calgary subsidy. Further details on this initiative are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
What remains unclear — The specific details of the proposed subsidy for festivals and events have not been disclosed.
Calgary festivals consult with city councillors about costs and planning issues
Festival organizers said the conversations are around increased support through a City of Calgary subsidy for festivals and events.
U.S. military strikes Iranian targets following drone attack on cargo ship
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Get you up to speed: U.S. strikes targets in Iran after Iranian drone attack on cargo ship, posing challenge to ceasefire
The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz and on Qeshm Island following Iran’s drone attack on a commercial vessel. The strikes, described as a “powerful response” by U.S. Central Command, hit multiple targets including missile and drone storage facilities and radar sites.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the strikes were conducted by six land-based aircraft targeting four locations in Iran, specifically missile and drone storage facilities as well as radar sites. The strikes occurred after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating ongoing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets in response to a drone attack on a commercial vessel, which U.S. Central Command termed a “powerful response” to Iran’s “dangerous behaviour.” Vice President JD Vance underscored that the U.S. would respond to violence, stating, “Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it,” signalling that diplomacy remains contingent on Iran’s adherence to the terms.
What remains unclear — It is unclear how the renewed U.S. strikes on Iran will affect ongoing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
U.S. military strikes Iranian targets following drone attack on cargo ship
Washington — The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets on Friday over Iran’s drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries agreed to extend an already rickety ceasefire last week.
The strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities and radar sites, U.S. Central Command said in a statement posted to social media, calling it a “powerful response” to Iran’s “dangerous behavior.”
“The unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces clearly violated the ceasefire,” CENTCOM said.
A U.S. official told WTX US News that American aircraft hit multiple targets along the Strait of Hormuz and on Iran’s Qeshm Island. The strikes hit four targets and were carried out by six land-based U.S. aircraft, the official said. The strikes are now over.
One day earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, a U.S. official confirmed to WTX US News on Thursday. The ship’s bridge was damaged, but no casualties or environmental impact were reported, according to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations Centre, which said the vessel was off the coast of Oman.
President Trump called the attack a “foolish violation” of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, which was extended for 60 days in a memorandum of understanding between the two countries last week. Asked by reporters Friday if Iran would face any consequences, Mr. Trump responded: “You’ll find out.”
The Iranian drone attack — and the U.S. response — could mark a setback to the Trump administration’s efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed to most shipping traffic for months. Shortly after the vessel was struck, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization paused an effort to evacuate hundreds of ships and thousands of mariners who were stranded in the Persian Gulf. The organization said the ship “did not transit under IMO’s evacuation framework.”
The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding says Iran must arrange for safe, toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz “using its best efforts” for 60 days. In the week after Mr. Trump signed the deal, the number of ships that sailed through the strait every day surged, while oil prices plummeted to near pre-war levels.
Still, disagreements over the strait have lingered. The U.S. favors a route through the southern portion of the Strait of Hormuz, hugging the coastline of Oman, while Iran has said ships still need to seek its permission and use a northern route closer to the Iranian coast. Iran also hasn’t ruled out collecting tolls on commercial ships after the 60-day period ends, an idea the U.S. and its allies in the region have called unacceptable.
Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority said Thursday: “Any passage through routes outside the framework designated by PGSA will not be covered by safe passage guarantees and will not be entitled to insurance coverage or related liabilities.”
It’s also not clear what impact the renewed U.S. strikes on Iran will have on talks between the two countries, which are set to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program for the next two months. The two sides first struck a ceasefire in early April, and while that arrangement was repeatedly tested by tit-for-tat strikes, U.S. forces did not reopen the large-scale bombing campaign against Iran that ran for more than a month.
Vice President JD Vance, who is helping lead talks with Iran, wrote on social media Friday: “Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the [memorandum of understanding] is being applied, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence.”
Footballer Héctor Bello pays tribute to wife who died protecting their daughter in Venezuela earthquakes
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Get you up to speed: Footballer pays tribute after wife dies heroically shielding daughter, 1, in Venezuela earthquakes | News World
Andrea Bello died protecting her one-year-old daughter, Alana, during powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. The earthquakes, which struck near the capital Caracas, resulted in at least 589 confirmed deaths and left nearly 50,000 people missing.
Search and rescue teams are continuing operations in the aftermath of the earthquakes, with nearly 50,000 individuals reported missing. The Venezuelan football federation has confirmed additional casualties, including the death of player Yordelis Pereira, highlighting the widespread impact on local communities.
Héctor Bello, the husband of Andrea Bello, confirmed her death while saving their daughter during the earthquakes, expressing his grief and thanking supporters for their compassion. The Venezuelan football federation announced the death of another player, Yordelis Pereira, amid ongoing relief efforts for the nearly 50,000 missing individuals and the estimated 10,000 predicted fatalities.
What remains unclear — The total number of casualties and missing persons due to the earthquakes has not yet been confirmed.
Footballer Héctor Bello pays tribute to wife who died protecting their daughter in Venezuela earthquakes
Andrea Bello has died protecting her daughter from the earthquakes (Picture: Héctor Bello/Instagram)
The body of brave mum Andrea Bello was discovered protecting her one-year-old daughter after the earthquakes broke out in Venezuela.
Her husband, Marítimo de La Guaira player Héctor Bello, penned an emotional tribute to her, asking for ‘strength’.
Miraculously, their toddler, Alana, survived thanks to her mum’s sacrifice and was discovered under the rubble in time by search and rescue.
Nearly 50,000 people are missing and at least 589 people have died following magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes in and around the capital Caracas on Thursday.
The rare double strike, which were 39 seconds apart, was the strongest since 1900, according to the US Geological Survey.
The organisation has also predicted more than 10,000 deaths.
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Footballer Héctor Bello penned an emotional tribute to his wife (Picture: Héctor Bello/Instagram)
On social media, the Venezuelan defender said she had ‘left them alone in the fight’, leaving him ‘all alone’ with their little girl.
‘How do I tell that to my daughter?’ Héctor wrote. ‘Andrea, how do I explain to your daughter that you lost your life to save hers and I wasn’t there in that moment to do anything?
‘How do I explain? Give me strength now because I can’t take any more.’
In another message today, he added: ‘You’ll always be our favourite hero, Mummy. I’m going to make sure our baby remembers how wonderful you were, how much you loved her.
‘I’ll tell her the story of how you saved her, how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who, even with your last breath, never abandoned her.’
Remembering his wife, Héctor – also known as Kike – shared how her cheeks would ‘turn red’ when she laughed ‘all in love’.
‘Oh Andrea, Mummy, I can’t handle this, my love, I really can’t.’
One-year-old Alana is recovering in hospital but is doing well (Picture: Héctor Bello/Instagram)
The heartbroken dad shared a snap of Alana after the earthquake, sporting a huge black eye and cuts around her eyebrow.
‘You won’t see your daddy looking strong or smiling like always, but I promise I’ll heal and make you the happiest girl in the world,’ he penned.
Alana is still in the hospital along with her aunt, after the pair were saved from their home, which had collapsed in the earthquakes.
In another post, he said: ‘My daughter and her aunt are doing well, they won’t be discharged today – they’re staying at the hospital. Thank you so much for supporting me through this immense pain.’
He continued to share information about the Venezuelan relief efforts, as well as more tributes to his wife and updates on his daughter.
The country’s football federation also confirmed the death of Yordelis Pereira, a player for Academia Puerto Cabello.
The earthquakes have left thousands homeless, particularly around the coast and La Guaira State, where Héctor and Andrea lived.
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Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
1:00 am
Trump threatens 100% tariffs on countries imposing digital service taxes
Tariff Threat
President Donald Trump announced a potential 100% tariff on imports from any country imposing a digital services tax on American companies.
President Donald Trump announced a potential 100% tariff on imports from any country imposing a digital services tax on American companies.
Tariff Implications
A threatened 100% tariff on countries taxing US digital services could significantly disrupt international trade and deepen tensions, particularly with European nations already facing economic challenges.
A threatened 100% tariff on countries taxing US digital services could significantly disrupt international trade and deepen tensions, particularly with European nations already facing economic challenges.
Strong Warning
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America.”
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America.”
US President Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs if Europe implements digital services tax
President Donald Trump on Friday threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services provided by United States companies.
In a social media post, Trump took aim at European countries, he said, that are discussing the “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies.
The US president has repeatedly sought to use tariffs to deter such taxes, but many countries are seeking revenue as their economies increasingly operate in digital realms dominated by American companies.
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% tariff on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump wrote.
He added that the new tax would supersede any previously negotiated trade deals. Trump said the penalty would apply to any country that moves forward with such a tax, but he singled out European nations in his post.
Trump has consistently opposed international attempts to tax or regulate American tech giants. Last year, he threatened fresh tariffs on any nation attempting to do so, writing in a post last August that digital taxes and regulations “are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.”
The warning arrives just ahead of Trump’s 4 July deadline for the European Union and the US to begin implementing a trade agreement that caps most tariffs on EU exports at 15%.
The EU finalised that trade deal with the United States in May. It followed months of internal EU debate after European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen initially reached a tentative agreement last year during a visit to Trump’s golf course in Scotland.
The issue of digital tax remained unresolved
Digital taxes were excluded from that pact and remain a primary source of friction between the US and the European bloc.
While the US government has previously launched Section 301 investigations into digital services taxes, it remains unclear how Trump intends to enforce his latest threat, or whether the tariffs would be applied globally or targeted at specific countries first.
Britain, having left the EU, has levied its own 2% digital services tax since 2020 on revenue generated by search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces that “derive value” from UK users.
In a policy document released at the time, the British government argued that existing corporate tax rules for digital firms had “led to a misalignment between the place where profits are taxed and the place where value is created.”
The UK tax features specific thresholds, ensuring it is primarily paid by major multinational corporations. The policy was implemented to “ensure the large multinational businesses in-scope make a fair contribution to supporting vital public services,” the document noted.
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