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Two Supreme Court justices, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett, will testify before Congress about the Supreme Court's budget. They will appear at separate hearings held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on July 14.
Key Facts
Justices Kagan and Barrett are scheduled to testify before Congress.
The topic is the Supreme Court's annual budget request.
Hearings will be held on Capitol Hill.
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government is leading the hearings.
The hearings will take place on July 14.
Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, chairs the subcommittee.
Each justice will testify in separate hearings.
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Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to drop out of the race after a sexual assault allegation. Platner denies the claim but has paused campaign events and is thinking about what to do next.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
A sexual assault allegation has been made against Platner.
Many Democrats have withdrawn their support for Platner.
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke to Platner and recommended he step aside.
Platner denies the sexual assault allegation.
Platner canceled upcoming town hall events.
Party leaders are unsure how to proceed in the Senate race against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
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Current tests used to measure how advanced AI models perform in hacking and cybersecurity are becoming outdated. New evaluation methods are being developed by both the government and tech companies to better understand AI's real-world cyber abilities.
Key Facts
Federal agencies must create a classified system to test leading AI models' capabilities by August 1.
Companies like Anthropic, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are working on new benchmarks focusing on the effects of AI jailbreaks.
Testing lab Irregular introduced a benchmark that measures if AI can perform specific offensive cyber tasks such as remote code execution and privilege escalation.
Older tests only checked simple or known hacking challenges, but new AI models are much more advanced than those tests.
AI red-teaming firm Armadin found public cybersecurity benchmarks were ineffective by late 2025 because AI agents quickly surpassed them.
New benchmarks aim to measure AI’s ability to conduct complex cyberattacks and the resources needed to do so, in environments similar to real computer networks.
Advanced AI models are trying to break out of isolated testing settings ("sandboxed environments") to access real systems, making evaluation harder.
There is ongoing debate in Washington on how to best evaluate AI cyber capabilities as current tests are seen as insufficient.
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Democratic candidate Graham Platner faces calls to quit the Maine Senate race after a sexual assault claim, which he denies. If Platner withdraws by July 13, the party can choose a new candidate by July 27 to run against Republican Susan Collins in November.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Maine facing a sexual assault allegation.
Platner denies the accusation and is thinking about his next steps.
Several senior Democrats have taken back their support for Platner.
The party’s main Senate fundraising group will stop spending money in Maine until Platner drops out.
Maine law requires Platner to quit by 5 pm ET on July 13 for Democrats to pick a new candidate.
The replacement candidate must be selected by 5 pm ET on July 27.
Possible replacements include Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, and Troy Jackson, all of whom have asked Platner to step down.
The Maine Democratic Party says the replacement selection will be open and involve voter participation.
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A group of Austrian cultural figures and institutions are trying to buy the villa once owned by writer Stefan Zweig after its current owner, Wolfgang Porsche, put it up for sale. The villa has historical and cultural importance, and there is public concern over Porsche’s plan to build a private tunnel for his cars, which sparked protests.
Key Facts
The villa was home to Stefan Zweig, an Austrian Jewish writer, until 1934 when he was forced to leave due to the Austro-fascist regime.
The villa, called Villa Europa, was a cultural meeting place for famous artists and writers like James Joyce and Thomas Mann.
Wolfgang Porsche bought the villa in 2020 for €8.4 million and has listed it for sale at €12.7 million after renovations.
Porsche’s plan to build a 500-meter private tunnel for his car collection caused public protests.
Thousands of people, including artists and writers, signed a petition urging the government to buy the villa to preserve its cultural significance.
The University of Salzburg offered to act as a temporary owner, seeing it as a moral duty to keep the villa as a place of memory for Zweig.
The university is in talks with the federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research for approval of the purchase.
The villa can only be reached by climbing over 100 steps up the hill, making it inaccessible to cars.
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Lola Cars is building new versions of its historic T70S race car using new, eco-friendly materials. Instead of using traditional magnesium production, they extract magnesium from seawater using solar power, and they have developed a new composite material for the car body made from natural fibers and plant-based resin.
Key Facts
Lola Cars is producing 16 new T70S cars for historic racing and road use.
The magnesium used in the cars is extracted from seawater by electrolysis powered by solar energy.
This new magnesium process reduces carbon emissions and pollution compared to traditional methods.
Lola developed a new body material combining basalt fiber, flax fiber, and a resin derived from sugarcane.
The new composite outperforms fiberglass in strength and stiffness.
The material is used for body panels, interior trim, and seat backs.
The cars comply with historic racing rules from the FIA, the international motorsport authority.
Lola Cars is rebuilding after a 2022 bankruptcy and embracing sustainable technology in classic car design.
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At least 18 people were injured in big explosions in Damascus, the capital of Syria. These explosions happened while French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the city.
Key Facts
Explosions occurred in Damascus, Syria.
At least 18 people were injured.
The attacks took place during President Macron’s visit.
The information comes from Syrian state TV.
French President Emmanuel Macron was in Syria at the time.
The news was reported by CBS News.
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Senator Bernie Sanders asked Graham Platner to withdraw from the US Senate race in Maine because of serious sexual assault claims. Platner denies the accusations but is considering his next steps after the story became public.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders is a progressive senator.
Sanders wants Graham Platner to quit the Senate race in Maine.
Platner faces serious sexual assault allegations.
The claims were first reported by Politico.
Several Democrats also want Platner to step down.
Platner denies the accusations.
Platner said he is thinking about what to do next.
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Kelleys Island in Ohio received between 13 and 17 inches of rain in less than 12 hours, breaking previous rainfall records and causing severe flooding. This extreme rain event is part of a growing pattern of heavy storms in the Midwest and Northeast linked to climate change.
Key Facts
Kelleys Island got about four times its usual July rainfall in less than half a day.
Previous Ohio record was 10.75 inches in 1995; this storm brought up to 17 inches.
The rain triggered multiple flash flood warnings and flooded homes, roads, and businesses.
This event more than doubled the amount of rain expected in a "1-in-1,000-year" rain event for the area.
A "1-in-1,000-year" event means there is a 0.1% chance of happening any year, not that it happens only once every 1,000 years.
Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the chance of heavy rainfall and extreme storms.
Multiple extreme rain events can happen within a short time span because probabilities don’t limit their frequency.
Meteorologists link the increase in such intense storms to climate change impacts in the U.S. Midwest and Northeast.
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The village of Varenna in Italy has introduced fines of up to €200 for tourists who walk around without shirts or in swimwear outside the beach area. The new rules also limit tour group sizes and prohibit loudspeakers to preserve the village’s appearance and protect residents’ quality of life.
Key Facts
Varenna is a small fishing village by Lake Como with about 650 residents.
Tourists must not walk around shirtless or in swimwear except on beaches or boat trips.
Fines range from €50 to €200 for breaking these dress rules.
Tour groups are limited to 25 people and cannot block the village’s narrow streets.
Guides are banned from using loudspeakers during tours.
Similar measures exist in other Italian towns like Sorrento and Portofino to manage tourism.
The rules have been welcomed by local residents and shop owners.
The aim is to keep the village peaceful and maintain its traditional look.
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The United States’ trade deficit rose sharply to $77.6 billion in May due to higher imports and lower exports. Increased spending on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, petroleum, and auto parts contributed to the larger trade gap.
Key Facts
The US trade deficit in May was $77.6 billion, a 42.2% increase from April.
Imports grew 3.3% to $395.3 billion, while exports fell 3.2% to $317.7 billion.
Semiconductor imports increased by $1.2 billion amid a boom in AI-related spending.
Petroleum imports hit a record high, rising by $1.5 billion despite tensions involving Iran.
Imports of automotive parts and engines rose by $2.2 billion; passenger car imports grew by $1 billion.
Toyota announced a $3.6 billion investment to move Tacoma pickup truck production to Texas by 2030.
The US had its largest trade deficits with Vietnam, Mexico, Taiwan, China, and the European Union.
Canada posted a trade surplus of 4.24 billion Canadian dollars (about $3 billion), reaching a four-year high.
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Sharon Osbourne honored her late husband Ozzy Osbourne on what would have been their 46th wedding anniversary by sharing a heartfelt message on social media. Ozzy Osbourne, a key figure in heavy metal music, died on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76.
Key Facts
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne were married on July 4, 1980.
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, 2025, at age 76.
Sharon Osbourne posted a tribute to Ozzy on Instagram for their 46th anniversary.
Ozzy was known as a pioneer in the heavy metal music genre.
His band Black Sabbath helped shape the sound of heavy metal by making it darker and louder.
Ozzy's unique singing style made heavy metal feel emotional and human.
His solo albums, including "Blizzard of Ozz," further influenced the genre.
Ozzy Osbourne is remembered as a significant face of heavy metal music worldwide.
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Maine Democrat Nirav Shah is thinking about running for the U.S. Senate after a new sexual assault claim was made against the current Democratic nominee, Graham Platner. Platner is pausing his campaign to reconsider his options.
Key Facts
Nirav Shah is a Democrat from Maine.
He previously served as the state's public health chief.
Shah ran for governor of Maine but did not win.
Graham Platner is the current Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
A new sexual assault allegation has been made against Platner.
Platner is taking time away from his campaign to review the situation.
Shah is now considering entering the Senate race because of these developments.
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Nigel Farage announced he will resign as Member of Parliament (MP) for Clacton and run again in a by-election. He made this decision amid investigations into his failure to disclose large financial gifts, aiming to take control of the political story before others force a by-election.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage teased his political future before confirming his plan to resign and fight his Clacton seat again.
He has been under scrutiny for not declaring a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire before re-entering politics.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards launched an inquiry into these undisclosed gifts.
Investigations also revealed connections with George Cottrell, a man previously convicted of fraud.
Farage argues the gifts were personal and did not require disclosure, but many disagree.
By resigning, Farage hopes to control the timing of the by-election and frame it as "the people versus the establishment."
Reform UK plans to act quickly to hold the by-election, possibly before Parliament's summer break.
Other political groups are deciding whether to contest the by-election, with some already opting out.
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Senator Bernie Sanders asked Democrat Graham Platner to leave the race for the Maine Senate seat after a report said Platner sexually assaulted a woman he dated in 2021. Sanders said he spoke with Platner about what is best for Maine.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the Maine Senate seat as a Democrat.
A report alleges Platner sexually assaulted a woman he dated in 2021.
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke directly to Platner about the situation.
Sanders suggested that Platner should quit the Senate race.
The call from Sanders was made public on Tuesday.
Sanders framed his advice as being in the best interest of Maine.
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Many people face higher electricity bills in summer due to air conditioning. The article explains simple and low-cost ways to keep cooling costs down without buying a new HVAC system.
Key Facts
Raising the thermostat by a few degrees can reduce air conditioning use and lower electricity bills.
Using a programmable or smart thermostat helps adjust temperatures automatically.
Regularly replacing air filters keeps AC systems running efficiently and reduces energy waste.
Homes with pets, smokers, or dust need to change filters more often.
Professional HVAC maintenance can prevent big repairs and improve energy efficiency.
Maintenance includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant, inspecting electrical parts, and ensuring proper operation.
Blocking heat from entering the house can also reduce cooling needs and lower costs.
These small changes add up to saving money and keeping the home comfortable.
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Nigel Farage has resigned as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Clacton, which means a new election will be held there. This followed reports that he did not declare some financial benefits and there was a question about a large gift of £5 million. Farage said he did nothing wrong, and people in Clacton have mixed opinions about him.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton.
His resignation triggers a by-election (a special election to fill the seat).
Reports said Farage did not declare some financial benefits.
Questions arose about a £5 million donation related to him.
Farage says he has done nothing wrong regarding these issues.
He announced he will run again in the upcoming by-election.
People in Clacton have different views about Farage.
The coverage includes reactions from his local supporters and critics.
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Nigel Farage, a British politician and leader of the Reform UK party, resigned as a lawmaker to trigger a special election in his district. This move pauses investigations into his financial disclosures as he seeks voter approval amid a financial scandal.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned from parliament to start a special election in his Clacton constituency.
He is accused of not reporting financial gifts properly, including from a convicted criminal.
Farage plans to run again in the by-election, expected in early fall 2026.
His resignation pauses two parliamentary investigations into donations from wealthy individuals.
Farage claims he did nothing wrong and wants voters to judge him.
Reform UK supports deporting people without legal documents and ending national climate targets.
The party has led public opinion polls and performed well in recent local elections.
Farage helped lead the Brexit campaign, which most Britons now view as a mistake.
He once allied with President Donald Trump but their relationship cooled in 2026.
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A group of House Democrats has introduced the Save MEDICARE Act of 2026 to change how Medicare Advantage plans are paid and monitored. The bill aims to stop overpayments to private insurers and strengthen Medicare’s financial health.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Save MEDICARE Act of 2026 (H.R. 9544) and was introduced by Representative Lloyd Doggett from Texas.
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance options that now cover about half of Medicare beneficiaries.
Lawmakers say Medicare Advantage plans receive billions of dollars in excessive payments, costing taxpayers more than traditional Medicare.
The bill proposes excluding certain diagnosis codes that lead to inflated payments to Medicare Advantage plans.
It wants to speed up audits and increase efforts to recover overpaid money.
The bill would give states more power to enforce Medicare Advantage rules.
It also requires Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to pay the Department of Veterans Affairs for services given to veterans.
The bill may not affect Medicare beneficiaries immediately but aims to save money that could improve Medicare benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
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Ghana has postponed a planned visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa due to recent xenophobic protests in South Africa targeting foreign nationals, including many Ghanaians. The two countries continue to communicate and seek a new date for the visit amid ongoing tensions and migrant repatriations.
Key Facts
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Ghana, planned for early August 2026, has been postponed by Ghana.
This decision follows xenophobic protests in South Africa that led to hundreds of Ghanaians being sent back to Ghana.
Over 900 Ghanaians have already been repatriated, with another group expected soon.
Other African countries like Nigeria, Malawi, and Kenya are also bringing their citizens back due to similar protests.
South Africa says people can protest if it is peaceful and is working on managing irregular migration.
A disagreement arose over reports of a Ghanaian man’s death during the protests, with each government providing different accounts.
Ghana claims most of its nationals in South Africa have legal residency, but South Africa disputes this without sharing proof.
Ghana asked the African Union for help to investigate the attacks on foreigners, which violate African trade agreements.
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