US slaps sanctions on key Iranian banks

Almost 10 months ago, Afghanistan fell into the hands of the Taliban. The hardline Islamists' return to power led to a mass exodus of the Afghan population, with the US taking in some 78,000 refugees. California received the largest number, followed by Texas, where some 10,500 Afghans are already calling the Lone Star State home. Texans are proud to welcome them, as our correspondents report.

The 8.6% yearly increase is the biggest since 1981. President Biden's efforts to stem the tide are having little effect as the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to hit global economies.

At rallies held across the US, protesters had one message for lawmakers: They have had enough. Protesters called for stricter gun laws following another spate of mass shootings.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, made the announcement at a joint press conference in Tehran. The two allies have both been heavily hit by US sanctions.

In a bid to reassert US influence in Latin America and counter Chinese influence, Biden signed a new pact to take more laborers and offer greater humanitarian assistance to migrants.

The US Defense Secretary said Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatened to change the status quo. Lloyd Austin said Washington would continue to stand by Taiwan at an event in Singapore.

Starting on Sunday, international passengers flying to the United States will no longer have to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding the plane.

The Yellowstone National Park was closed down for the first time since 1988 due to torrential rains, flooding and melting snow. The park was just opening for the summer tourist season.

Former US President Donald Trump's closest advisors and family described the effort to push election lies. His former Attorney General William Barr at one point said he was "detached from reality" in Monday's hearing.

Beijing has no reason to sanction Australia, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The call comes after ministers from two countries met for the first time in years.

Joe Biden is set to travel to Israel on July 13 before heading to the occupied West Bank and Saudi Arabia. The trip's announcement comes despite pledges to side-line the "pariah" Saudi state.

Federal Reserve raises key interest rate 0.75% as it tries to calm inflation. The Federal Reserve said on Wednesday that it is raising its benchmark interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point, the sharpest hike since 1994, as it seeks to combat the fiercest surge in U.S. inflation in four decades.