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Johnson to send housing bill to Trump on Monday

Johnson to send housing bill to Trump on Monday

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he will send a housing bill, approved by both the House and Senate, to President Trump on Monday. President Trump previously said he would not sign the bill unless the Senate also works on an elections bill that he opposes.

Key Facts

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson is a Republican from Louisiana.
  • The housing bill passed with strong support from both the House and Senate.
  • President Trump has not yet agreed to sign the housing bill.
  • Trump wants the Senate to act on an elections bill before he signs the housing bill.
  • The elections bill is opposed by President Trump.
  • The housing bill aims to address housing issues, but specific details are not given in this article.
  • Johnson plans to send the bill to President Trump on Monday.
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Eleven killed after plane carrying skydivers crashes in eastern France

Eleven killed after plane carrying skydivers crashes in eastern France

Summary

A small plane carrying 10 skydivers and a pilot crashed in Tomblaine, eastern France, killing everyone on board. The accident happened near a residential area shortly after takeoff, and an official investigation has begun to find out why the crash occurred.

Key Facts

  • Eleven people died: one pilot and 10 passengers, including five experienced instructors and five first-time skydivers.
  • The plane belonged to a parachute school and took off from Nancy-Essey airfield before crashing around 11:00 local time.
  • Relatives watched the crash happen as they had gathered to see the first-time skydivers jump.
  • The crash site was close to houses and a shopping center but did not cause additional injuries.
  • Half of the skydivers who died were nurses, according to a local nursing official.
  • This is the deadliest private plane crash in France’s history, excluding military and commercial flights.
  • Weather conditions, including a heatwave in the region, might be considered during the investigation but no clear cause is known yet.
  • Emergency teams provided medical and psychological support to relatives and witnesses.
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Zohran Mamdani says he and allies he endorsed carry a ‘national message’

Zohran Mamdani says he and allies he endorsed carry a ‘national message’

Summary

Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, said he and his democratic socialist allies are bringing a national political message focused on helping working Americans. They have recently won several Democratic primary races in New York, signaling a shift in the party’s approach to address economic struggles across the country.

Key Facts

  • Mamdani and his allies won Democratic nominations in multiple New York congressional and state legislature races.
  • They promote a "New Deal understanding" to address working Americans' economic difficulties.
  • Mamdani views their message as a national crisis, not just a local issue.
  • Some moderate Democrats have criticized Mamdani's movement, calling it extreme and socialist.
  • Mamdani highlighted achievements like rent freezes for about one million apartments and free childcare for two-year-olds in New York.
  • He argues that his approach is practical and aimed at delivering real results for working people.
  • Mamdani criticized party leadership for not offering a clear positive vision beyond opposing President Trump.
  • He believes the Democratic Party must explain how its policies help working Americans, not just oppose the president.
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U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump, wins the GOP primary for Senate in Louisiana

U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, endorsed by Trump, wins the GOP primary for Senate in Louisiana

Summary

U.S. Representative Julia Letlow won the Republican Senate nomination in Louisiana with the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Letlow defeated John Fleming in the runoff and pledged to support President Trump’s agenda in the Senate.

Key Facts

  • Julia Letlow won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana.
  • President Trump endorsed Letlow to replace Senator Bill Cassidy.
  • Letlow beat state Treasurer John Fleming in a runoff election.
  • Cassidy had voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial.
  • Letlow promised to work closely with President Trump.
  • Trump has been backing challengers to GOP lawmakers who opposed him.
  • Some Trump-backed candidates won recent elections, while others lost.
  • Letlow’s win is part of Trump’s effort to support loyal Republicans ahead of 2026.
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House Republican says Congress ‘probably’ will have to use reconciliation for Iran war funding

House Republican says Congress ‘probably’ will have to use reconciliation for Iran war funding

Summary

Republican Representative Mark Harris from North Carolina said Congress will probably have to use a special budget process called reconciliation to approve more money for the Pentagon related to a war involving Iran. This process helps bypass a Senate rule that allows a minority of senators to block bills.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Mark Harris is a Republican from North Carolina.
  • Harris discussed the need to fund military actions involving Iran.
  • He said Congress might use budget reconciliation to approve the funding.
  • Budget reconciliation is a way to pass bills in the Senate with a simple majority.
  • The Senate filibuster allows a minority of senators to block normal legislation requiring 60 votes.
  • Using reconciliation avoids the filibuster obstacle in the Senate.
  • This approach is seen as necessary because Senate Democrats might block regular funding bills.
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Teams scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes

Teams scramble to locate survivors 4 days after Venezuela earthquakes

Summary

Rescue teams from Venezuela and other countries are still searching for survivors four days after two strong earthquakes hit La Guaira state. The government says 1,450 people have died, many buildings were damaged, and thousands are missing.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela last Wednesday.
  • The death toll reported by the government is 1,450 people.
  • More than 770 buildings have collapsed or been damaged.
  • Around 2,600 rescue workers from various countries are helping with search efforts.
  • Nearly 140 search dogs are assisting rescue teams.
  • Thousands of people are reported missing in digital databases used by families.
  • Aftershocks measuring 4.2 and 4.5 continued to shake the area.
  • The Venezuelan military and police are patrolling La Guaira, restricting access with special permits.
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Tillis: Passing SAVE America Act before midterms is an ‘impossible task’

Tillis: Passing SAVE America Act before midterms is an ‘impossible task’

Summary

Senator Thom Tillis said it is very unlikely that the SAVE America Act will pass in the Senate before the midterm elections. He mentioned this while discussing the law’s impact on states like North Carolina, which already require voters to show ID.

Key Facts

  • Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and a member of the Republican Party.
  • The SAVE America Act focuses on voter eligibility and election laws.
  • Tillis said passing this act in the Senate before midterms is “impossible.”
  • North Carolina already has a voter ID requirement.
  • Tillis spoke about this during an interview on CNN with Jake Tapper.
  • The SAVE America Act is intended to protect or change voting rules across states.
  • The midterm elections will take place later this year.
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Ukraine's drone set another Russian oil refinery ablaze, as Putin admits fuel shortages

Ukraine's drone set another Russian oil refinery ablaze, as Putin admits fuel shortages

Summary

Ukraine has continued attacking Russian oil refineries with drones, setting fire to a major refinery in southern Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged fuel shortages in Russia and promised to protect oil facilities and increase fuel production.

Key Facts

  • Ukrainian drones caused a fire at a large oil refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, southern Russia.
  • One person died and another was injured due to falling drone debris in the area.
  • Ukraine has increased attacks on Russian military and energy facilities to reduce Moscow's income for the war.
  • Russian fuel shortages have led to long lines at gas stations and fuel rationing in some regions.
  • President Putin said the attacks aim to divide Russian society and push Russia toward negotiations.
  • Putin rejected Ukraine’s proposal to limit fighting to the four regions Russia annexed.
  • Another Russian refinery in the Yaroslavl region was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian drones.
  • Ukraine’s attacks target energy infrastructure as part of their long-term strategy in the conflict.
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Murphy backs $25 minimum wage bill

Murphy backs $25 minimum wage bill

Summary

Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut supports a new bill to raise the minimum wage in the U.S. The proposal would increase the hourly pay from $7.25 to $25 gradually over time.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Chris Murphy is a Democrat from Connecticut.
  • He introduced a bill to raise the minimum wage.
  • The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
  • The bill aims to increase the minimum wage to $25 per hour.
  • The increase would happen gradually, not all at once.
  • The bill reflects a push for higher pay for workers.
  • This is a topic of debate within the Democratic Party and nationwide.
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Watch: Inside the Venezuela country club now a makeshift hospital

Watch: Inside the Venezuela country club now a makeshift hospital

Summary

A country club in Caraballeda, Venezuela, has been changed into a temporary hospital to help people affected by recent earthquakes. Survivors are receiving medical care, food, water, and clothes at this location.

Key Facts

  • The country club is located in Caraballeda, in the state of La Guaira, Venezuela.
  • It was converted into a makeshift hospital after devastating earthquakes hit the area.
  • People injured by the earthquakes are being treated there.
  • Survivors are sleeping on mattresses placed outside on the grass.
  • Helicopters carrying aid have been landing at this temporary hospital.
  • Those who lost their homes are being given food, water, and clothing.
  • Caraballeda is one of the worst affected towns from the earthquakes.
  • The report comes from BBC Mundo correspondent Norberto Paredes.
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Democrat says he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Trump does not sign bipartisan housing bill

Democrat says he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Trump does not sign bipartisan housing bill

Summary

Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia expressed doubt that President Donald Trump will sign a bipartisan housing bill. Subramanyam criticized Trump for canceling the bill signing and mentioned that Trump has shown little concern about rising costs.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Suhas Subramanyam is a Democrat from Virginia.
  • He spoke on NewsNation’s program "The Hill Sunday."
  • Subramanyam criticized President Trump for canceling the signing of a bipartisan housing bill.
  • The bill in question involves cooperation from both political parties.
  • Subramanyam doubts that Trump will sign the housing bill.
  • Subramanyam said Trump has stated he does not care much about rising costs.
  • The discussion took place amidst concerns about housing affordability.
  • The bill aims to address housing issues through bipartisan support.
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GOP Sen. Cassidy seeks to explain RFK Jr. confirmation vote for Health and Human Services

GOP Sen. Cassidy seeks to explain RFK Jr. confirmation vote for Health and Human Services

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy explained why he voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Cassidy said that Kennedy has strong views on vaccinations, even though many people disagree with him.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy represents Louisiana and is a member of the Republican Party.
  • Cassidy is a doctor and the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
  • Cassidy voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the HHS Secretary.
  • Kennedy has controversial opinions about vaccines that do not match public opinion.
  • Cassidy spoke about his vote in a Sunday interview.
  • The confirmation of Kennedy has drawn public attention because of his vaccine views.
  • Cassidy aimed to clarify his reasons for supporting Kennedy despite the controversy.
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How the Supreme Court decides its cases — a step‑by‑step guide

How the Supreme Court decides its cases — a step‑by‑step guide

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court decides cases through a detailed process that starts when a party asks the court to review a lower court's decision. The justices select a few cases to hear each term, then consider written arguments, hear oral arguments, and finally announce their decisions.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court only reviews cases if at least four of the nine justices agree to hear them.
  • About 4,000 cases are petitioned each term, but fewer than 80 are chosen for review.
  • Losing parties in lower courts file a petition called a writ of certiorari to ask the Supreme Court to hear their case.
  • Interested groups can submit amicus curiae ("friend of the court") briefs to share their views on important cases.
  • Justices rely on law clerks—young lawyers who help summarize and recommend which cases to pick.
  • After selecting cases, both sides submit written briefs and present oral arguments before the justices.
  • Oral arguments usually last one hour, split evenly between the two sides, during which justices ask questions.
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Tell Americans the truth about their flood risk

Tell Americans the truth about their flood risk

Summary

Many places in the United States still use old rainfall data from the 1970s to assess flood risks. This outdated information may not accurately show the current chances of flooding for Americans.

Key Facts

  • Flood risk is often measured using rainfall records.
  • Some areas use rainfall data that has not been updated since the 1970s.
  • Rainfall patterns have likely changed since that time.
  • Using old data can make flood risk estimates less accurate.
  • Accurate flood risk information is important for safety and planning.
  • Americans need up-to-date data to understand their true flood risk.
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3 firefighters killed, 2 injured while tackling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border

3 firefighters killed, 2 injured while tackling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border

Summary

Three firefighters died and two were injured while fighting fast-moving wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. The fires have burned about 44 square miles and conditions are challenging due to hot, dry, and windy weather in the western United States.

Key Facts

  • Three firefighters died from a burnover, a situation where a fire traps people with no escape.
  • Two other firefighters were injured during the same wildfire event in Mesa County, Colorado.
  • The fires involved are the Knowles and Gore fires, which combined to form the Snyder Fire.
  • About 44 square miles (114 square kilometers) have burned so far.
  • The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service were involved in fighting the fires.
  • Weather conditions include high temperatures (up to 93°F or 34°C) and strong winds (up to 44 mph or 71 kph), worsening fire spread.
  • Authorities have ordered evacuations and closed public lands near the fires for safety.
  • The larger Cottonwood Fire in southwest Utah has grown over 146 square miles, destroying buildings and threatening steep, difficult terrain.
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Live updates: Mamdani defends candidates; Cassidy criticizes Hegseth, RFK Jr.

Live updates: Mamdani defends candidates; Cassidy criticizes Hegseth, RFK Jr.

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended democratic socialists during recent interviews. Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the Trump administration’s handling of vaccines. Mamdani-supported candidates won three important New York primary races, sparking discussions about the future direction of the Democratic Party.

Key Facts

  • Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City and a Democrat.
  • Mamdani supports democratic socialists and spoke in their defense.
  • Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
  • Cassidy criticized President Trump’s administration related to vaccine management.
  • Three primary elections in New York saw candidates backed by Mamdani win.
  • These primary results have started debate about the Democratic Party’s political direction.
  • The news appeared during Sunday TV show interviews.
  • The focus is on politics within the United States.
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Murphy welcomes democratic socialists to the party, says ‘capitalism isn’t working’

Murphy welcomes democratic socialists to the party, says ‘capitalism isn’t working’

Summary

Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said the Democratic Party should challenge big corporations and include democratic socialists elected in places like New York City. He believes the party should be open to different views within its membership.

Key Facts

  • Senator Chris Murphy represents Connecticut.
  • He supports the Democratic Party addressing corporate influence.
  • Murphy said the party should be a "big tent," welcoming diverse opinions.
  • He mentioned democratic socialists elected in New York City as part of this diversity.
  • Murphy stated that capitalism is not working effectively.
  • His comments were made during a Sunday interview.
  • He has promoted this inclusive idea for several years.
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Three firefighters die battling huge wildfires on Colorado-Utah border

Three firefighters die battling huge wildfires on Colorado-Utah border

Summary

Three firefighters died and two were injured while fighting large wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border. The fires have spread widely, leading Colorado's governor to declare an emergency and activate the National Guard to help.

Key Facts

  • The firefighters were part of federal teams battling the Knowles and Gore fires.
  • The fires merged into the Snyder Mesa fire, burning about 28,000 acres in Colorado.
  • The deaths happened during a sudden fire spread called a "burnover incident."
  • The two injured firefighters were treated in a hospital for burns.
  • Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard.
  • In Utah, the largest fire is the Cottonwood Fire, covering over 93,000 acres and not contained.
  • Utah banned fireworks for the 4th of July to reduce fire risks.
  • Climate change is causing hotter, drier conditions that make wildfires more common and severe.
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Social Security’s insolvency is No. 1 issue, says Sen. Bill Cassidy

Social Security’s insolvency is No. 1 issue, says Sen. Bill Cassidy

Summary

Senator Bill Cassidy, who is leaving office, said Social Security is running out of money and could soon be unable to pay full benefits. He is trying to get agreement on changes to fix the program before this happens.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bill Cassidy represents Louisiana and is leaving the Senate soon.
  • He says Social Security is heading toward insolvency, meaning it may not have enough funds to pay all benefits.
  • If insolvency happens, Social Security benefits could be cut by about 22 percent.
  • Cassidy is working to build support for reforms to prevent these benefit cuts.
  • Social Security is a government program that pays money to retired or disabled people.
  • The issue is urgent because the current funding will not last long without changes.
  • Cassidy’s efforts focus on finding a plan that can pass with enough agreement from lawmakers.
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The U.S. lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing

The U.S. lags other countries in social media restrictions for kids, but a reform push is growing

Summary

Two mothers who lost their teenage sons to harms linked to social media have become advocates for better protections for children online. While other countries have banned social media use by young teens, the U.S. is still working on laws but has seen recent legal cases hold tech companies partly responsible.

Key Facts

  • Two mothers lost their teen sons in 2020 due to social media-related harms: one from drug sales through Snapchat, the other from suicide after cyberbullying.
  • Their advocacy helped build a movement pushing for stronger social media safety laws for children.
  • Other countries like Australia, the U.K., Turkey, and Indonesia have banned social media use for kids under 15 or 16.
  • Recent U.S. jury verdicts have held companies like Meta and Google responsible for harm caused to children, showing internal company concerns likening social media to addictive drugs or casinos.
  • U.S. law Section 230 has protected social media companies from liability for user content, but lawsuits now focus on the companies’ design choices to bypass this protection.
  • The U.S. has slow-moving federal laws; the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act requires parental consent for data collection from kids under 13.
  • A new bipartisan bill, the Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act, advances some safety goals but has removed a key legal "duty of care" requirement for companies.
  • Families and advocates recognize more work is needed to create effective protections for children online.
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