The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report projecting that U.S. federal deficits and debt will worsen over the next decade. The increased spending on Social Security, Medicare, and debt service is a key driver of this rise in federal debt. The report notes that the deficit for the fiscal year 2026 will be higher than earlier projections.
Key Facts
The CBO projects U.S. federal deficits and debt will increase over the next ten years.
Key spending areas contributing to this rise include Social Security, Medicare, and debt service payments.
The deficit for fiscal 2026 is expected to be about 5.8% of GDP, similar to 2025.
On average, the deficit-to-GDP ratio over the next decade will be 6.1%.
President Donald Trump endorsed measures like the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” affecting fiscal projections.
Tariffs raised federal revenue but also increased inflation concerns between 2026 and 2029.
Total deficits from 2026 to 2035 are projected to be $1.4 trillion higher than earlier predictions.
Debt is expected to rise from 101% of GDP to 120%, exceeding past highs.
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for the police to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and re-examine the investigation into the possibility of Jeffrey Epstein's victims being trafficked in the UK. A BBC investigation revealed that Epstein made numerous flights connecting to the UK, possibly involving abuse victims. Brown emphasized the need for an in-depth police investigation into this issue.
Key Facts
Gordon Brown, former UK Prime Minister, wants police to interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor about Epstein-related issues.
Brown suggests re-opening the investigation into Epstein's activities in the UK.
A BBC investigation found 87 flights linked to Epstein in and out of UK airports from the 1990s to 2018.
Some flights reportedly included British women who claim abuse by Epstein.
Brown reviewed US Justice Department documents about Epstein's activities.
There was concern that UK authorities might not have known about trafficking through UK borders.
Thames Valley Police are currently checking claims of Epstein sending women to meet Andrew in 2010.
Bruce Mouat led Team GB to a 9-4 win over China in their first men's curling match at the Winter Olympics. This comes after Mouat's disappointment in the mixed doubles event. Team GB aims to improve on their previous silver medal, with their next match against Sweden.
Key Facts
Team GB, led by Bruce Mouat, won their opening match 9-4 against China.
This match was part of the Winter Olympics curling event.
Mouat had recently competed in the mixed doubles but did not win a medal.
Team GB are previous silver medalists from the 2022 Winter Olympics.
They are world champions in curling three out of the past five years.
The team's next match is against Sweden, who defeated them in the 2022 final.
Nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. The suspect, a woman, died from a self-inflicted wound, and over 24 people were injured. The police have not shared any information about why the shooting happened.
Key Facts
Nine people died in a mass shooting at a high school in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
The suspect was a woman.
The suspect died from a self-inflicted wound.
More than 24 people were injured in the incident.
Police have not stated the motive for the shooting.
Tumbler Ridge is located in the province of British Columbia, Canada.
U.S. lawmakers questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi about her department's handling of files related to Jeffrey Epstein during a hearing. The focus was on the heavy redaction of these files and the lack of meetings with Epstein's victims. Some lawmakers criticized President Trump's administration for not being transparent about Epstein's documents.
Key Facts
Attorney General Pam Bondi was questioned by U.S. lawmakers about the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The hearing was named “Oversight of the US Department of Justice” but focused on the Epstein case.
Democratic lawmakers criticized Bondi for alleged cover-up and not supporting Epstein's victims.
President Trump's administration faced criticism for withholding or heavily redacting Epstein documents.
Women who accused Epstein and their families attended the hearing.
A new law, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, requires the release of all documents related to Epstein, but allows some redactions.
Some lawmakers claim the released documents still have too many redactions.
Bondi defended her actions and accused Democrats of political motives.
People in Iran gathered to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Many participants showed support for the government and expressed concerns about efforts to improve relations with the United States.
Key Facts
The rallies occurred in various locations across Iran.
The events marked the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
Many attendees expressed their support for the Iranian government.
There was concern among participants about recent diplomatic moves involving the U.S.
The rallies are an annual event commemorating the revolution that happened in 1979.
Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA 2028 Olympic Games, will keep his position after the board reviewed his involvement in files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Wasserman faced criticism for past interactions with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell but emphasized he had no ongoing relationship with them. The board decided that Wasserman should continue to lead the planning of the 2028 Olympics.
Key Facts
Casey Wasserman will remain as chair of the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
Wasserman was mentioned in US justice department files about Jeffrey Epstein.
The files showed he flew on Epstein's private plane in 2003 and exchanged emails with Ghislaine Maxwell.
Wasserman expressed regret for his past interactions with Maxwell.
His relationship with Epstein and Maxwell was reviewed, with no further revelations beyond public information.
The LA28 board decided Wasserman should continue leading the Olympics project.
Singer Chappell Roan and athlete Abby Wambach both ended their business relationships with Wasserman's agency after the files were released.
An abuse survivor linked to Jeffrey Epstein has urged Buckingham Palace to investigate Prince Andrew's connection to the financier. Juliette Bryant wants the Palace to thoroughly review Andrew's records and emails. Bryant, who has not accused Andrew of abuse, expressed hope that actions will follow recent supportive statements from the Royal Family.
Key Facts
Juliette Bryant, an abuse survivor, has urged Buckingham Palace to look into Prince Andrew's files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Bryant has not accused Prince Andrew of abuse but wants more investigation into his ties with Epstein.
Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing support for ongoing investigations.
The Palace is open to cooperating with the police if approached for assistance.
Andrew has denied any wrongdoing linked to his friendship with Epstein.
More than three million files about Epstein were disclosed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Some released files suggest Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his work as a trade envoy.
Bryant met Epstein in 2002 in Cape Town and reported being abused by him multiple times.
West Indies defeated England by 30 runs in a T20 World Cup match, leading Group C. Sherfane Rutherford scored an unbeaten 76 runs, and Gudakesh Motie took crucial wickets for West Indies, reducing England's score.
Key Facts
West Indies scored 196-6 in their match against England.
Sherfane Rutherford hit 76 runs without getting out, with seven sixes.
West Indies bowled out England for 166 in 19 overs.
Gudakesh Motie took 3 wickets, playing a key role in West Indies' victory.
West Indies now lead Group C, with their second win in the tournament.
England's loss moved them to third place in the group, behind Scotland.
England's Adil Rashid performed well, conceding only 16 runs in four overs.
Sam Curran was England's top scorer with 43 not out.
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his role in the TV show Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48. He passed away after battling bowel cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2023. Van Der Beek was known for his roles in several popular TV shows and movies during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key Facts
James Van Der Beek was 48 years old when he died.
He gained fame from his role in the TV drama Dawson's Creek.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023.
He publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
Bowel cancer can spread if it's not treated and is more common in men.
Van Der Beek was proactive in raising awareness about cancer screenings.
He continued acting during his treatment and participated in charity events remotely.
The Dawson's Creek cast held a charity reunion event that Van Der Beek joined virtually.
Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, has announced large-scale job cuts at the newspaper. This decision will significantly change how the paper reports news, affecting its operations and possibly the broader U.S. media landscape.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos is the owner of The Washington Post and is also the boss of Amazon.
The Washington Post is known for its pivotal role in reporting events like the Watergate scandal.
Bezos bought the paper in 2013 and had promised a new period of success for it.
The newspaper will undergo mass layoffs, which will alter its news reporting methods.
Bezos justified the layoffs by saying that data guides where they need to concentrate resources.
There is a discussion about the potential influence of financial factors and links to President Trump on these changes.
Thomas Frank was fired from his job as Tottenham's manager after an eight-month period due to poor team performance. The decision was made soon after the team lost to Newcastle and was supported by the club's executive team and owners.
Key Facts
Tottenham dismissed Thomas Frank as their manager after losing to Newcastle.
The club's chief executive, Vinai Venkatesham, and sporting director, Johan Lange, decided to fire Frank.
The club's owners agreed with the decision, influenced by fan discontent.
Frank was hired in June after a successful run at another club, Brentford.
His efforts at Tottenham were challenged by issues like player discipline and tactical doubts.
Frank tried to enforce a strict culture, addressing player behavior such as lateness.
Some players supported Frank's approach, while others did not respond well.
The club faced internal conflicts and disagreements during his tenure.
President Trump has attempted to prosecute political opponents during his second term, but these efforts have not been successful in court. Federal grand juries have dismissed cases against individuals like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. A case involving six Democratic lawmakers was also not pursued by a grand jury.
Key Facts
President Trump has tried to use the legal system against political opponents during his current term.
Federal grand juries generally return indictments but have declined to do so in several high-profile cases initiated by Trump.
A federal judge dismissed charges against James Comey due to the invalid appointment of a prosecutor by Trump.
Charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed twice for similar reasons.
A DOJ employee was found not guilty of assault after an incident involving a sandwich and a federal agent.
A grand jury did not indict six Democrats accused by Trump of seditious behavior in a video.
The invalid appointments of prosecutors have undermined several cases initiated during Trump's term.
It is uncertain if there will be further attempts to indict the Democratic lawmakers.
Libya has given new oil and gas exploration rights to foreign companies for the first time since 2007, trying to reinvigorate its oil sector after years of turmoil. Major companies like Chevron and Nigeria's Aiteo won licenses in this round. This move marks a renewed, though cautious, interest in Libya's energy industry.
Key Facts
Libya assigned new oil and gas exploration licenses to foreign firms.
The first licensing round since 2007 was announced by Libya's National Oil Corporation.
Winners included Chevron, Aiteo, and consortia involving Repsol, British Petroleum, Eni North Africa, QatarEnergy, and others.
The country hopes to boost oil production after years of conflict following Muammar Gaddafi's overthrow in 2011.
Only five out of 20 available blocks were awarded due to concerns about political instability and security.
Libya is divided politically, affecting oil production and revenues.
Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah aims to increase daily oil production by 850,000 barrels in a new deal with TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips.
Libya's National Oil Corporation plans to introduce more favorable contract terms to attract investment.
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stressed his preference for negotiating a deal with Iran over military action. Despite their discussions, Netanyahu remains doubtful about diplomacy with Iran, while Trump continues to prepare for possible military options if talks do not succeed. Both leaders agreed to keep communicating closely and also talked about progress in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to pursue a deal with Iran rather than resort to military action at the moment.
Trump and Netanyahu met for three hours to discuss Iran and regional issues.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran resumed in Oman for the first time since June.
Trump has prepared for military action by building up forces in the Gulf region.
Trump plans to hold another round of talks with Iran next week.
Netanyahu is skeptical about the success of diplomacy with Iran and leans toward military action.
Both leaders talked about the situation in Gaza during their meeting.
Paul Dacre, the former editor of the Daily Mail, testified in a privacy trial that he stopped the use of private investigators for unlawful news gathering. This trial involves seven people, including Prince Harry and Sir Elton John, who are suing the publisher for privacy violations. Dacre stated he ended these practices when he became aware of them and denied allegations of phone hacking by the paper's journalists.
Key Facts
Paul Dacre was editor of the Daily Mail and later became editor-in-chief of its parent company, DMG Media Ltd.
He testified in a court case involving privacy breach allegations against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.
Seven people, including Prince Harry, are suing ANL for "grave breaches of privacy."
Dacre said he stopped unlawful newsgathering once he found out about it.
He banned his journalists from using private investigators in 2007.
He denied that he knew about any phone hacking, which was claimed to have been done by a third-party hacker for story leads.
Emails in court showed past exchanges about stories involving possibly hacked information, but Dacre claimed these were not linked to the Daily Mail.
Dacre had previously defended ANL’s practices during the Leveson Inquiry into press standards in 2012.
Bangladesh is preparing for an election to choose a new parliament and decide on a "July Charter." Gen Z, the largest group of voters, might influence the election outcome and bring significant changes.
Key Facts
Bangladesh is holding an election for a new parliament.
Voters will also decide on a "July Charter," which is described as controversial.
Gen Z now represents the largest group of voters in Bangladesh.
This is the first election since the Bangladesh uprising in 2024.
The role of Gen Z in the election is a focus of interest, with questions about their potential impact.
Al Jazeera produced a related episode with contributors Tanvir Chowdhury and other journalists.
The United States temporarily closed and later reopened the airspace over El Paso, Texas, due to claims that a Mexican cartel's drone entered U.S. airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially paused flights, but lifted the airspace closure after determining there was no threat to commercial aviation. The Mexican government has not confirmed the drone incident, and reports suggest it might have been related to U.S. military testing.
Key Facts
The FAA temporarily closed airspace over El Paso, Texas, due to alleged cartel drone activity.
Flights resumed after the FAA found no threat to commercial aviation.
The closure lasted from late Tuesday night until early Wednesday morning.
U.S. authorities suggested a cartel drone caused the incident.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there was no info on drone use but agreed to investigate.
Some anonymous U.S. officials hinted at a possible false alarm due to military tests.
Reports also mentioned that a party balloon was earlier mistaken for a drone and shot down.
President Trump's administration has taken a strong stance on cartel threats, designating cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations."
A preacher in Kenya, Paul Mackenzie, and seven others have been charged with the deaths of more than 50 people found in shallow graves. The group faces charges including organized crime and terrorism related to their cult activities. Mackenzie, who denies the charges, is alleged to have led a doomsday cult encouraging followers to starve to death.
Key Facts
Paul Mackenzie and seven others are charged in Kenya for the deaths of over 50 people found in graves.
They are accused of crime and terrorism linked to their cult's teachings.
The prosecutor claims the cult promoted extreme beliefs and disobeyed government authority.
Mackenzie's group reportedly told followers to starve themselves and their children to reach heaven.
By 2025, investigations uncovered over 400 bodies linked to Mackenzie's activities.
Autopsies showed many victims died from hunger, but some were strangled or suffocated.
Mackenzie and others have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case highlights a call for stricter regulation of fringe religious groups in Kenya.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to say sorry to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Jayapal criticized Bondi's department for how they handled important documents related to the case. Bondi responded by accusing Jayapal of using drama to criticize her.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal called on Pam Bondi to apologize to Jeffrey Epstein's victims.
Jayapal critiqued Bondi's department for its handling of sensitive case documents.
Pam Bondi is the Attorney General who faced these criticisms.
Bondi accused Jayapal of using dramatic tactics for attention.
The subject relates to the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
