The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to make housing more accessible and affordable. This bill aims to reduce barriers and expand the use of funds for building affordable homes. The bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for further approval.
Key Facts
The Senate approved the housing bill with an 89-10 vote.
The bill intends to tackle a national issue of housing accessibility and affordability.
It proposes to cut down on housing regulations and oversee corporate investors.
The bill seeks to broaden the scope of how housing funds are used.
A similar bill was previously passed by the House earlier this year.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren collaborated with Republicans to gain widespread support.
The bill addresses the need for various types of housing, including those for first-time buyers and renters.
It includes provisions for housing for seniors, people with disabilities, and both urban and rural housing needs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing criticism for their lack of activity during the NFL free agency period. The team has only made minor moves and is in the midst of leadership changes, with questions surrounding their quarterback and coach. Critics suggest the Steelers may need to rebuild their team to improve their playoff chances.
Key Facts
The Steelers are entering a new period under coach Mike McCarthy.
The team is uncertain about who will play quarterback in the upcoming season.
General Manager Omar Khan has not made significant moves during free agency.
The Steelers extended the contract of defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
Critics say the team overvalues its current roster and needs to be realistic.
The team has not won a playoff game in nearly ten years.
Mike McCarthy is taking over after Mike Tomlin, who was known for his defensive skills, left.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is considering retirement, which affects the team's planning.
The Bank of England is planning to change the designs on banknotes, replacing pictures of historical figures with images of animals. This change aims to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.
Key Facts
The Bank of England will swap historical figures for animal images on banknotes.
The new designs aim to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
Banknotes are a form of cash used for payments.
The change is part of an effort to focus on environmental issues.
There hasn't been a specific timeline mentioned for when this change will happen.
The Trump administration is thinking about waiving a rule called the Jones Act to help lower rising gasoline prices. This rule usually requires that only U.S. ships carry goods between U.S. ports. Officials are looking at this option because of higher fuel prices tied to the conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
The Jones Act mandates that only U.S.-built, owned, and crewed ships can carry cargo between U.S. ports.
The Trump administration may temporarily waive this rule for 30 days to address rising gas prices.
The waiver is considered due to conflict with Iran, which has affected oil flows and increased fuel prices.
Critics of the Jones Act say the law is outdated and raises costs for consumers.
Potential waivers aim to improve the flow of energy and agricultural goods between U.S. ports.
Waiving the Jones Act may slightly decrease gasoline prices, but the impact is expected to be small.
The law was originally passed in 1920 to support the U.S. merchant fleet and prepare for national emergencies.
The FBI is responding to an active shooter situation at a synagogue near Detroit, Michigan. Local law enforcement is working with the FBI to secure the area after a vehicle rammed into the building, causing a fire. A shelter-in-place order is in effect, and the public is advised to stay away from the area.
Key Facts
An active shooter situation is happening near a synagogue in the Detroit area.
The FBI and local law enforcement are on the scene.
A car crashed into the synagogue and caught fire.
The synagogue includes an early learning center for children.
A shelter-in-place order has been issued for safety.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit has asked people to avoid the area.
No injuries have been confirmed, except possibly the shooter.
Police are investigating reports of an active shooter at a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, after a truck crashed into the building. Smoke is coming from the synagogue's roof, and many police vehicles are at the scene. No suspects have been arrested yet.
Key Facts
Police responded to an active shooter report at Temple Israel synagogue near Detroit.
A truck crashed into the synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
Smoke is visible coming from the synagogue's roof.
Many police vehicles are stationed around the synagogue.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard stated no one is in custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed agents are investigating the incident.
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament has been canceled unexpectedly this year. The announcement came from the CBI's social media, citing "circumstances beyond our control" as the reason. Fans expressed disappointment, linking the decision to issues like player transfers and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) factors.
Key Facts
The CBI tournament is a college basketball event featuring 16 teams and uses a double-elimination format.
The CBI has been held annually since 2007, except in 2020 due to COVID-19.
This year's tournament was canceled unexpectedly, with the reason given being "circumstances beyond our control."
Fans were upset about the cancellation and shared their thoughts online.
Some fans believe player transfers and NIL factors influenced the decision to cancel.
The CBI usually involves teams that are not in the NCAA Tournament or NIT.
The cancellation might make it harder for certain teams to showcase their players.
A rare and powerful storm, known as a kona low, is expected to hit Hawaii with hazardous weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and snow over high elevations. The storm could bring significant flooding, landslides, and property damage, affecting all Hawaiian islands through the weekend.
Key Facts
A storm called a kona low will heavily impact Hawaii this week.
Rainfall totals could reach up to a foot in the most affected areas.
The Hawaiian Islands will see threats like flash flooding, damaging winds, and thunderstorms.
High elevations on the Big Island could experience snow and ice.
Rainfall might reach between 15 and 20 inches in some areas, nearly an entire year's worth.
There are multiple weather warnings, including flood watches and high wind watches.
The storm is expected to persist through the weekend, with conditions starting to improve early next week.
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor weather updates and be prepared for potential hazards.
The New York Yankees are facing challenges with their bullpen in spring training after losing key players. Carlos Lagrange, a top pitching prospect, could be moved from a starting role to help strengthen the bullpen.
Key Facts
The Yankees lost key bullpen players Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to the New York Mets.
The current bullpen has struggled, relying heavily on David Bednar, Tim Hill, and Ryan Yarbrough.
Carlos Lagrange, a 22-year-old pitcher, is ranked No. 2 among Yankees prospects and No. 79 on the MLB Top 100 list.
Lagrange has impressed in spring training with a fastball that reaches triple-digit speeds.
In spring training, Lagrange has a 0.93 ERA and nine strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings pitched.
Israel launched an air attack on a building in Beirut, which was captured during a live broadcast by Al Jazeera. The Israeli military stated that the attack was part of a series of strikes aimed at Hezbollah targets in the city.
Key Facts
Israel conducted an air attack on a building in Beirut.
The attack happened during a live broadcast by Al Jazeera.
Israeli military referred to the operation as a "wave of strikes."
The strikes targeted what Israel called Hezbollah infrastructure.
Hezbollah is a political and militant group based in Lebanon.
Israel has intensified its attacks on Beirut, Lebanon, with recent strikes on central parts of the city, including the Bashoura neighborhood and southern suburbs. These actions are part of a larger conflict with Hezbollah, resulting in significant casualties and displacements in Lebanon. Over 800,000 people have been forced to leave their homes since the violence started after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel following the initiation of a U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Key Facts
Israel attacked central Beirut, particularly the Bashoura area and southern suburbs.
The attacks mark an escalation in Israel's bombing campaign across Lebanon.
At least 687 people have died, and over 1,500 have been wounded due to the conflict.
More than 800,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting.
The conflict began after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2.
In response, Israel launched aerial and ground attacks aimed at Hezbollah.
A UN and humanitarian groups report highlights that Lebanese civilians are heavily affected.
Many displaced people are staying in government shelters or makeshift tents.
Iyo Sky's role at "WrestleMania 42" is being adjusted. She is expected to face Asuka in a singles match, but there's a possibility Kairi Sane might also be included. Previously, Sky has had conflicts with Asuka and Sane, and the storyline involves these tensions.
Key Facts
Iyo Sky will compete in "WrestleMania 42," possibly against Asuka and maybe Kairi Sane.
Last year, Sky retained the WWE Women's World Championship in a triple threat match.
Sky previously worked with The Kabuki Warriors as part of the Damage CTRL faction.
The faction disbanded when Sky became more popular.
Asuka and Sane turned against Sky on a September episode of "Raw."
Sky and Ripley defeated The Kabuki Warriors at "Crown Jewel."
Fans think Sane might become a good character again at "WrestleMania 42."
Las Vegas is expected to experience a heatwave that may break or tie several daily and some monthly temperature records. The National Weather Service has provided safety tips for residents to cope with the high temperatures.
Key Facts
A heatwave is expected in Las Vegas from Thursday to Monday.
Temperatures might reach up to 88 F, close to daily records.
The monthly record temperature for March in Las Vegas is 93 F, set in 2022.
The heatwave is caused by strong high pressure over the Southwestern U.S.
The National Weather Service advises people to stay hydrated and avoid heat during peak times.
High temperatures can be dangerous for those without cooling or hydration.
Safety tips include drinking water, wearing sunscreen, avoiding alcohol, and not leaving pets in vehicles.
Braun Strowman, real name Adam Scherr, has started a new business in television production after leaving WWE. He teamed up with Magilla Entertainment and Nick Antonicelli to create Meat Castle Media, which will focus on making unscripted TV shows and podcasts.
Key Facts
Braun Strowman is a former WWE wrestler who was released in May 2025.
His real name is Adam Scherr.
Scherr has started a new TV production company called Meat Castle Media.
He partnered with Magilla Entertainment and Nick Antonicelli for this venture.
The company plans to create unscripted TV series and podcasts.
Their first show, called "Hands On," will feature Scherr trying different crafts.
Scherr did not dismiss the possibility of returning to wrestling in the future.
A gunman shot and injured two people at Old Dominion University in Virginia. The shooter is dead, but the details of how they died are not clear. The university canceled classes and asked people to avoid the area while authorities responded.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred at Old Dominion University in Virginia.
The gunman fired inside the business school building.
Two people were injured and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The shooter was reported dead, but it's unclear how they died.
Old Dominion University canceled classes and suspended operations for the day.
Emergency services, including federal agents, responded to secure the area.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said state support is being mobilized.
Old Dominion University has about 24,000 students with a significant military-affiliated student population.
Police and federal agents are dealing with an active shooter, vehicle-ramming incident, and fire at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Nearby schools have taken safety measures, and the FBI is on site assisting with the situation, but no details on injuries or suspects have been released yet.
Key Facts
An active shooter, vehicle-ramming incident, and fire occurred at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Police and federal agents, including the FBI, are responding to the incident.
The vehicle involved caught fire after ramming into the building.
Nearby schools have moved into secure mode for safety.
Authorities have not shared information about injuries or suspects.
The public is advised to avoid the area as the situation is still developing.
Temple Israel is a major synagogue with a preschool and large congregation that has been evacuated.
A large fraud scandal in France has led to about one million cars being illegally registered. Fake dealerships manipulated the national vehicle registration system, costing the government significant tax revenue and allowing unsafe vehicles onto the roads. The issue started when parts of the vehicle registration process were privatized in 2017.
Key Facts
About one million cars are illegally registered in France due to a fraud scandal.
Fake dealerships exploited the national vehicle registration system.
The fraud led to a loss of €550 million in taxes and fines from 2022 to 2024.
The fraud involves unsafe cars being allowed on roads, posing safety risks.
The manipulation began in 2017 when the registration process was partially privatized.
Some criminals used fake registrations to avoid high taxes on polluting cars.
Police noticed a big rise in speeding offences linked to these fraud cases.
The French government is working on solutions to improve system security.
Two people are in critical condition after a shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia. The gunman is dead, but details about how they died and their identity are not yet known. Authorities have declared the campus safe, and investigations are ongoing.
Key Facts
A gunman opened fire at Old Dominion University in Virginia, injuring two people.
The shooting happened in Constant Hall, a building on the university's campus.
The gunman is dead, but it's unclear how they died.
The identities of the shooter and the injured people have not been released.
The university issued an emergency alert and canceled classes for the day.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is helping with the investigation.
The governor of Virginia is monitoring the situation and coordinating state support.
Gun violence, including incidents at schools, remains a significant issue in the US.
The White House said an ABC News story about a possible Iranian drone attack on California was incorrect. The alert from the FBI was based on unverified information about a potential threat, and officials say there is no real danger to the U.S. from Iran right now.
Key Facts
The White House said there is no real threat from Iran to the U.S. homeland.
The FBI's alert mentioned a possible drone attack from Iran, but the information was unverified.
The alert was based on a single email received by California law enforcement.
California officials work closely with federal partners on such security concerns.
The conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns about Iranian retaliation against U.S. and Israeli actions.
President Donald Trump said the situation is being investigated.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated he is not aware of any immediate threats but is prepared for emergencies.
A woman named Alexa Passarelli adopted a rescue dog named Joni in 2021. Years later, she tracked down the dog's previous owners and received Joni's baby photos. The original owners had to give up Joni after a severe winter storm in Texas made it hard for them to care for her.
Key Facts
Alexa Passarelli adopted her dog, Joni, in March 2021 from a shelter in New York.
Joni originally came from Texas, but Alexa had little information about Joni's past.
During a visit to Texas, Alexa used Joni's vet records to reach out to her previous owners.
The previous owners adopted Joni as a Christmas present but had to surrender her due to home damage from the "Great Texas Freeze."
The Texas freeze led to damage in many homes, affecting pet care and leading shelters to relocate animals to other states.
Alexa received Joni’s puppy photos, which she shared on Instagram.
The video of Joni's puppy photos generated over 30,100 views and 152 comments on Instagram.
