Garcia, who is a single mother, submitted her paperwork, then spent weeks trying to get answers.

She made repeated calls to Arizona’s Department of Economic Security, often waiting on hold only for the call to disconnect.

She also made trips to an understaffed office, where lengthy waits for assistance became the norm.

The delays meant Garcia went without benefits for two months before her case was finally approved again in June. During that time, her family relied on food-bank donations and inexpensive staples such as rice, beans and tortillas to get by.

After three years on food stamps, Garcia said she’s used to the challenges that come with the system, but lately it feels like things are getting harder and garder.

Since President Donald Trump’s tax and spending law took effect last July, more than 4.7 million people across the U.S. have lost their SNAP benefits.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that represents roughly 11% of all participants as of March.

Arizona has been hit harder than any other state, where the number of SNAP recipients have decreased by roughly 50%.

State data through the end of May shows that more than 457,000 Arizona residents are no longer receiving benefits, nearly 196,000 of whom are children.

Between March 2025 and March 2026, Arizona’s food stamp enrollment fell by more than half.

The legislation cuts SNAP spending by about $187 billion over the next decade, reducing overall funding by roughly 17%.

Starting in October next year, states will have to meet certain federal performance standards. Those that fall short could be hit with financial penalties and will also be responsible for covering more of the program’s administrative costs.

Experts and state officials say Arizona’s enrollment has fallen especially quickly because the state moved faster than many others to implement the new federal rules.

Officials in Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration have argued that complying with the federal requirements is necessary to avoid major financial penalties that could further affect residents who depend on food assistance.

The White House has defended the changes, saying they are intended to focus benefits on American citizens and reduce waste, fraud and abuse through greater cost-sharing with states.

The USDA, which oversees the food stamp program, says the new work requirements are partly responsible for the decline in participation across the country.

The post Millions Face Food Stamp Losses Under Trump Cuts appeared first on Gazette Review.

The powerful tremors brought down buildings, trapped people beneath debris and were followed by several aftershocks.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Wednesday evening about 160 kilometers west of the capital. Less than a minute later, an even stronger magnitude 7.5 quake hit the same region.

The disaster struck a region that was already dealing with economic hardship, and its aging infrastructure only made it harder for rescue crews to respond.

Rescue teams spent the night digging through collapsed buildings in search of survivors. But not every community saw the same response; some residents said they waited hours for help and ended up relying on themselves and neighbors instead.

Officials said the disaster had already claimed at least 188 lives, while another 200 people were still believed to be trapped under the rubble.

More than 1,500 people were reported injured, and at least 250 buildings were either damaged or completely destroyed, according to Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly.

La Guaira state, just outside Caracas, was among the hardest-hit areas.

President Rodriguez said the region had essentially become a disaster zone and that the government would be bringing in heavy machinery with help from private companies to speed up the rescue efforts.

One woman in La Guaira said her 19-year-old son was trapped beneath the rubble of their apartment building, but rescuers didn’t have the equipment needed to reach him.

To make matters worse, she was still mourning the death of her father just days earlier.

In the coastal city of La Guaira, many residents said there were very few rescue crews searching on the ground, meaning neighbors and volunteers had to search through the debris themselves, often digging with their bare hands.

Survivors described losing almost everything.

One upholstery shop owner said both his business and home had been destroyed, leaving his family with nowhere to go.

Elsewhere across La Guaira, people searched for anything they could find to eat or drink.

Several stores were looted in the process.

The earthquakes also damaged the region’s main airport, forcing it to remain closed on Thursday.

Videos shared by witnesses captured people fleeing in panic as ceilings collapsed and parts of buildings gave way.

The quakes struck during a public holiday, when many people were at home. As the ground shook, residents across Caracas and nearby coastal communities rushed into the streets while buildings around them crumbled.

One Caracas resident said the destruction looked like something out of a horror movie. Families climbed over piles of debris trying to escape.

Communities closer to the epicenter were also badly affected. In the seaside town of Morón, homes collapsed and both water and electricity were knocked out.

Local officials said at least eight people, including three children, were killed.

The post Two Major Earthquakes Rock Venezuela, Thousands Feared Dead appeared first on Gazette Review.

Tanimoto, a Methodist priest who lived through the 1945 atomic bombing, recorded his experiences in a 230-page manuscript that had quietly remained unnoticed in the Beinecke Library at Yale among the papers of journalist John Hersey.

Tanimoto had managed to survive the blast as he was away from the city that morning. It wasn’t until he returned later, that he was confronted with the full scale of the devastation.

He eventually decided to put his experiences into words so future generations would remember the devastating impact of nuclear war.

His daughter – who was an infant at the time – later added a lengthy foreword, explaining how the impact of the bombing echoed through their family life for decades.

The discovery of the memoir has also sparked a film project.

Actor Takehiro Hira, known for his role in Giri/Haji, is set to portray Tanimoto.

The movie, titled Hiroshima, 8:15, takes its name from the exact moment the bomb was dropped and is being developed by producer Donald Rosenfeld, previously associated with Merchant Ivory films like Howards End.

He said the project feels especially relevant today, given the ongoing tensions involving nuclear weapons around the world.

The screenplay is based in part on the memoir and on John Hersey’s earlier reporting, which helped bring international attention to Hiroshima shortly after the war.

It follows Tanimoto’s return to a city almost completely destroyed, with scenes depicting the aftermath in stark detail, including burned landscapes, collapsed structures, and the overwhelming physical and emotional shock faced by survivors.

The book itself is set for release on the anniversary of the bombing, with publishers planning a global rollout.

It is being framed not only as a historical document but also as a personal record that connects past trauma with present-day concerns about nuclear weapons and their long-term consequences.

Tanimoto felt Japan’s defeat was inevitable, but he also questioned whether the bombing was warranted.

He went on to say that few people can fully appreciate the scale of suffering endured in Hiroshima.

The post Hiroshima Survivor’s Lost Memoir Found After Decades In US Archive appeared first on Gazette Review.

Among the victims were two young children, ages 2 and 4, who were found unresponsive inside a parked car outside their home.

The soaring temperatures has also disrupted daily life across the region.

In France, some schools shortened classes or closed altogether to protect students and staff from the dangerous heat.

Several French cities saw temperatures climb to record-breaking levels.

Bordeaux reached 41.9 C, surpassing the record set less than a year ago. Meanwhile, Poitiers reached 41.2 C, breaking a temperature record that had been in place since 1947.

Paris was also expected to experience its hottest June temperature ever recorded.

Spain faced similar conditions.

San Sebastian, a city better known for its mild climate, was forecast to approach 40 C, more than twice its typical temperature for late June.

Climate data showed Europe was experiencing some of the most unusual heat conditions anywhere in the world.

Scientists say the continent is warming faster than any other major region.

A recent report from the World Meteorological Organization found that Europe’s temperature is rising at more than twice the global average rate.

The heat has also taken a heavy toll on vulnerable groups.

In Bordeaux, three elderly residents died over the weekend from health complications linked to the extreme temperatures.

Authorities also warned people to be careful around water after 13 people died from drowning while trying to cool off in the water.

According to meteorologists, the heatwave is being driven by a weather system that traps hot air over central Europe, while cooler air stays on either side.

The formation gets its name because it resembles the Greek letter Omega on weather maps.

In Britain, forecasters warned that temperatures could exceed 39 C during a four-day heatwave.

If that happens, the country would break its long-standing June temperature record, which dates back to 1957.

The warning comes only weeks after the UK recorded its hottest May temperature on record.

Across Spain, temperatures have been running well above seasonal averages, with some northern areas seeing readings more than 10 degrees higher than normal for this time of year.

Italy also remained under intense heat, with red alerts issued for 12 cities. In Turin, utility crews increased staffing and brought in additional generators as the power grid struggled to cope with increased electricity demand.

The extreme heat hasn’t just been hard on people; it’s been taking a toll on wildlife too.

Birds that build their nests under rooftops have been especially affected, as temperatures in those spaces can become dangerously hot.

The post Record-Breaking Heatwave in France Claims At Least 18 Lives appeared first on Gazette Review.

The teen was riding in the carriage with four other passengers when the horse suddenly ran off shortly before 3 p.m.

According to authorities, at least two people were thrown from the carriage as it sped through the park.

The teenager was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. The other passengers did not require medical attention.

According to a representative from the union that represents carriage drivers and workers, the driver had briefly stepped away from the carriage to help take a photo for the passengers, which is against the rules.

The horse involved had only been working in the park for about six weeks.

Union official Alexander Kemp said he wants a thorough investigation into what happened.

He also said safety has become a bigger concern in Central Park, with horse-drawn carriages sharing the roads with e-bikes, delivery vehicles and pedicabs.

Video footage of the incident that have since been shared online, shows the horse racing through the park while passengers try to escape the moving carriage.

Another clip showed the carriage overturning after striking part of another carriage along one of the park’s crowded roadways.

The incident has once again put Central Park’s iconic horse-drawn carriage rides – which have been part of the park for more than 150 years – in the spotlight.

Supporters say they are a beloved New York tradition that attracts tourists and supports local jobs.

Critics, on the other hand, say the rides can be dangerous for both horses and people and believe it’s time for the industry to come to an end.

The tragedy comes just days after another horse-related incident in the park involving the collapse and death of a carriage horse.

Following the latest accident, the Central Park Conservancy renewed its call to end horse-drawn carriage rides in the park.

The organization said the death of a young visitor should prompt city leaders to reconsider whether the industry still belongs in one of the country’s busiest public spaces.

Spanning nearly 850 acres, Central Park welcomes millions of visitors every year and remains one of New York City’s most popular attractions.

The post Teen Dies After Being Thrown From Horse-Drawn Carriage In New York City appeared first on Gazette Review.

Videos from the scene showed the aircraft badly damaged, lying on its side and split apart as thick smoke and flames poured from the wreckage.

Despite the danger, a group of people ran toward the burning plane.

Video footage showed two individuals carrying tools, including a sledgehammer and a shovel, which they used to break through part of the aircraft.

With that, several passengers were able to get out of the jet. Other video clips released by police showed firefighters putting out the blaze while the wreckage remained scattered across the highway.

The rescue also proved to be difficult as thick smoke repeatedly drove officers away from the wreckage.

One witness, Zayra Garza, who recorded one of the videos, said the scene was surreal and unlike anything she had ever witnessed. Her biggest concern was the fire, as it could cause the aircraft to explode at any moment.

Authorities later confirmed that one of the six people aboard did not survive.

Investigators later identified the victim as Josh Baer, founder of Austin-based venture capital firm Capital Factory.

The confirmation came after Texas Senator Ted Cruz paid tribute to Baer on social media, describing him as an influential figure in the worlds of innovation.

Capital Factory also released a statement expressing grief over the loss and praising Baer’s leadership and lasting impact on the organization.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft involved was a Cessna 680A business jet. It had departed from San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was heading to Austin when it crashed just south of Laredo around 10 p.m.

Federal investigators are now trying to determine what went wrong. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation, with the NTSB leading the effort.

Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño urged people not to jump to conclusions while investigators continue to gather evidence.

He said aviation accidents can take time to fully understand and stressed the importance of allowing the process to unfold.

Treviño also praised local police, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel who responded to the crash.

He said their quick actions helped contain the fire, secure the area and protect nearby residents.

During a news briefing, the mayor described it as remarkable that the accident did not result in far more casualties.

Investigators said the plane struck a vehicle traveling on the highway during the crash. Five first responders were also treated for smoke inhalation after working at the scene.

The crash occurred on Loop 20, forcing authorities to close the roadway in both directions.

Officials warned that the highway would remain shut down for an extended period while crews continue to remove debris from the site.

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the crash. However, authorities said the plane was reportedly having mechanical problems shortly before it went down.

The FBI is assisting at the scene alongside other federal agencies. Investigators are also asking anyone with video footage, including dashcam recordings, to share it with authorities.

The post One Dead After Private Jet Crashes on Texas Highway appeared first on Gazette Review.

Tiffanny Score and Steven Mills, who had undergone IVF treatments at a Florida fertility clinic, discovered their baby girl was not genetically related to either of them after noticing that their daughter’s appearance did not match their family background.

Genetic testing later confirmed that the child was biologically connected to another couple.

Not long afterwards, Score and Mills filed a lawsuit against the fertility clinic and the doctor involved in their treatment.

Thanks to the legal action, they were able to identify the baby’s biological parents, whose identities have not been revealed.

Several months later, the families worked out a custody arrangement that allows Score and Mills to remain the child’s permanent custodial parents.

Details of the agreement have not been made public.

The judge said it was good that the families were able to come to an agreement while the child is still young, to minimize any disruptions to her life.

The case has drawn attention as situations like this are extremely uncommon. Only a small number of embryo mix-ups have been reported over the years.

From the beginning, Score and Mills said they wanted to continue raising the baby, as they had already formed a deep bond with her long before she was born.

Court records indicate there has never been any disagreement that the child is biologically related to another couple.

Rather, the legal dispute centered on how to move forward after the mistake was discovered.

The case has also renewed discussion about oversight in the American IVF industry, which some experts say faces fewer regulations than similar systems in other developed countries.

Meanwhile, the fertility clinic involved has continued to face financial and legal challenges; they’ve also announced plans to close earlier this year.

A new fertility clinic has since moved into the same space.

As for the lawsuit, it’s still ongoing.

Genetic testing is currently being carried out on a frozen embryo that the clinic says belongs to Score and Mills.

That embryo has since been transferred to a different storage facility.

In a statement released through their attorney, the couple said they plan to respect the privacy of the biological parents and hope to continue building a positive and trusting relationship with them in the future.

The post Florida Couple to Keep Baby After IVF Embryo Mix-Up appeared first on Gazette Review.

Despite suffering significant injuries, she managed to hold onto a lifeguard’s rescue board long enough to be brought safely back to shore.

The 35-year-old was swimming about 30 meters from Coogee Beach with two friends when the shark suddenly attacked shortly after 11 a.m., according to officials.

Emergency crews said she sustained severe wounds to both her arm and leg.

A nearby lifeguard spotted the incident while out on a paddleboard and rushed toward her. As he approached, the shark dragged the woman beneath the surface.

Second later, she resurfaced, allowing the lifeguard to reach her.

While she was too badly injured to climb onto the board herself, he was able to pull her alongside and start making his way back to the beach.

People in the water and onshore quickly joined the rescue effort, helping get the woman out of the water.

Among those who rushed to help was an off-duty doctor who had been spending time at the beach with his family. He and several others used tourniquets to control the bleeding while waiting for paramedics.

The injuries were described as extensive, with large sections of tissue missing from her thigh and arm.

After receiving emergency treatment on the sand, the woman was moved to a nearby sports field and airlifted to hospital.

According to officials, she remained in critical condition.

Lifeguards believe the attack involved a great white shark measuring roughly 3.4 meters in length.

The attack is the latest in a series of shark incidents in Australia.

Since mid-May, three spearfishers have been killed in separate shark attacks around the country, bringing this year’s shark-related death toll to four.

Earlier this year, a 12-year-old boy was also killed after a bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour.

According to Australia’s shark incident database, the country usually sees two or three fatal shark attacks each year.

Experts say encounters between sharks and people have become more common as Australia’s population grows and more people spend time in the water surfing and diving.

The post Woman Attacked by Shark Off Sydney Beach appeared first on Gazette Review.

According to police, they were initially engaged in a standoff with the suspected gunman for about two hours after reports of the shooting came in at around 8 a.m. local time.

As soon as police arrived at the scene, the gunman began to open fire, shooting as passing vehicles and bystanders.

In total, there are 11 victims in total, including the person who was killed.

Midland Memorial Hospital received nine of the injured victims; four were taken into surgery, while the others were reported to be in stable condition.

Another injured person was transported to a hospital in nearby Odessa.

The city mayor, Lori Blong, expressed sympathy for the victims and their families and thanked the first responders who rushed to the scene.

According to authorities, the shooting began in one part of Midland before moving to another area near a veterinary hospital.

Witnesses nearby described hearing dozens of gunshots as the situation unfolded.

Police later identified the gunman as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villareal.

Officials had been looking for him since Wednesday after he allegedly opened fire on an officer during a pursuit.

Police said Villarreal fled after allegedly firing multiple shots at an officer, abandoning his vehicle a few blocks later before continuing his escape on foot.

When officers responded to reports of gunfire in Midland on Friday morning, investigators said Villareal had taken refuge inside an abandoned veterinary clinic.

Police later found him there, where he had died from what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officials confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. The FBI also arrived at the scene to assist local police department with the investigation.

Sadly, this is not the first time Midland has experienced a mass shooting.

In 2019, a gunman who had recently lost his job drove through Midland and neighboring Odessa, randomly opening fire and killing seven people while injuring dozens more.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on social media, saying that he was saddened by the violence that unfolded in Midland and expressed support for the victims, their families, and the community.

Abbott said he had been updated on the situation and praised the quick response from the Midland Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the other law enforcement agencies that helped during the incident.

The post One Dead, At Least 10 Injured in Midland Shooting appeared first on Gazette Review.