Welcome to The Morning Scoop, your compact, curated compilation of the biggest stories currently doing the rounds on the world stage. If you’re just waking up, good morning to you, if you’re halfway through your day, keep going, you’re almost there. Without further ado, I present to you…

Trump speaks out after devastating Venezuela earthquake
President Donald Trump has offered U.S. support to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, killing at least 32 people and injuring hundreds more. In a statement posted overnight, Trump described the early reports as “not good” and said the twin quakes had left a “devastating number of deaths,” while pledging that the United States stood “ready, willing and able” to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.

The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction across Venezuela, with buildings collapsing in Caracas and fears that the casualty toll could rise significantly as search teams continue combing through the rubble. U.S. officials say disaster-response teams and humanitarian aid are being mobilised, with Trump ordering federal agencies to prepare a rapid response as international assistance begins arriving in the stricken nation.

Lionel Richie falls ill on stage
Fans were left concerned after music legend Lionel Richie was forced to cut a concert short after falling unwell on stage in Minnesota. The 77-year-old singer told the crowd he was feeling dizzy during a performance of his hit song Dancing on the Ceiling, before sitting down and later announcing an unscheduled intermission. Richie did not return to the stage, with a member of his team later informing fans that he was unable to continue the show.

Bill Gates reveals names of three women he had affairs with
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates identified three women with whom he had extramarital affairs during closed-door testimony to a congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein. Gates named Russian bridge player Mila Antonova, nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina and medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt while answering questions about Epstein’s alleged attempts to gain leverage over him.

According to the testimony, Gates said Epstein became aware of the affairs and may have considered using that information to pressure him into re-establishing contact, though Gates insisted he was never actually blackmailed.

New Texas bible mandate sparks outrage
A controversial new education policy in Texas is drawing fierce debate after state officials approved measures that increase the presence of Biblical content in public schools. Critics argue the move blurs the line between church and state, while supporters say the Bible is an important historical and literary text that students should understand.

The backlash comes amid broader efforts in Texas to introduce more religion-related material into classrooms, including a Bible-infused curriculum and laws requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms.

Joe Manganiello speaks out on seven-year health battle
Actor Joe Manganiello has revealed that he secretly endured a devastating seven-year health struggle involving a series of autoimmune-related illnesses that affected multiple parts of his body, including his skin, thyroid, eyes, lungs and digestive system. The ordeal left him battling chronic pain, undergoing numerous medical procedures, and eventually requiring a life-saving organ removal. Despite consulting leading specialists, he says doctors were unable to provide clear answers for much of his illness.

That’s all we’ve got time for today. Check back tomorrow for more!