Michael Madsen, an actor known for roles in Quentin Tarantino's films like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill," passed away at his home in Malibu, California. He died from natural causes, possibly cardiac arrest, and authorities found no signs of foul play. Madsen had a long career with over 300 acting credits.
Key Facts
Michael Madsen died at his home in Malibu, California.
The cause of death is believed to be natural, with cardiac arrest noted as the likely cause.
No foul play is suspected in his death.
He was known for roles in Quentin Tarantino's films, including "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill."
Madsen had more than 300 acting credits since the early 1980s.
He was recently involved in independent films and was excited about upcoming projects.
His managers described him as an iconic actor who will be missed.
President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" proposes to lower taxes, mainly helping wealthy Americans. To cover these tax cuts, the plan includes reducing federal spending on programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill could increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion in ten years.
Key Facts
The bill is called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
It aims to reduce taxes, mostly for the wealthiest Americans.
To pay for the tax cuts, the bill suggests cutting spending on Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans.
Supporters believe the bill could boost the economy and create jobs.
Some Republicans and other critics worry it might hurt many Americans.
The Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan group, says the bill could add about $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur, urged countries to cut trade and arms sales to Israel, citing their involvement in alleged abuses against Palestinians. Her report claims that numerous international companies support the Israeli military efforts and calls for accountability for their roles.
Key Facts
Francesca Albanese represents the UN and spoke about Israel's actions in Palestinian territories.
She asked countries to stop all trade and weapons sales to Israel.
The report mentions many companies that supposedly help Israel's military work.
Nearly 57,000 Palestinians have died since the 22-month conflict began, according to the UN.
The report talks about how Israel uses military technology and includes companies like Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems.
It also mentions companies like Microsoft and Amazon for helping with Israel's surveillance systems.
The report highlights heavy machinery firms like Caterpillar as involved in property destruction.
Albanese aims to hold businesses accountable for their roles in these actions.
Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in Spain. Jota was a forward for Liverpool and recently played with Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal’s national team.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota was 28 years old and played for Liverpool.
He died in a car crash on the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain.
Jota's brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash.
Jota last played for Portugal’s national team in the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, 2025.
He appeared in 49 games for Portugal and debuted internationally in November 2019.
Jota helped Liverpool win several titles, including the Premier League and FA Cup.
He scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool.
Jota married his longtime partner just days before his passing.
A new trade deal between the United States and Vietnam has been completed, marking the first such agreement under President Donald Trump with an Asian country. This deal avoids a high 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods, reducing it instead to 20%, and includes measures to prevent certain trade practices. However, concerns exist that the deal may cause tension with China.
Key Facts
The US and Vietnam have secured a trade deal, the first for President Trump in Asia.
Vietnam initially faced a 46% tariff rate, now reduced to 20% as part of the deal.
This deal focuses on preventing "transhipping," a practice where goods are moved through Vietnam to avoid higher tariffs.
The deal aims to reduce tariffs while opening Vietnam's market to US products, like cars.
Concerns are raised about how China might react due to its economic ties with Vietnam.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is working towards a trade agreement with the US but progress remains slow.
US discussions with South Korea involve potential increases in tariffs on products like cars and semiconductors.
There are ongoing negotiations about costs related to US troops in South Korea.
Trump's temporary pause on global reciprocal tariffs ends on July 9, affecting future trade negotiations.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, is speaking for over three hours as Republicans get ready to vote on a tax and spending bill. He is using a special rule allowing leaders to talk for as long as they want to delay the vote.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader.
He has spoken for over three hours.
Republicans are preparing to vote on a tax and spending bill.
Jeffries is using a rule called the "magic minute" that lets leaders speak without a time limit.
His speech began just before 5 a.m. ET.
Jeffries spoke about people's worries over losing health care and criticized Republicans' support for Trump.
The vote will happen after Jeffries finishes speaking.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that Mikhail Gudkov, a high-ranking naval officer, was killed in the Kursk region during fighting. The incident occurred amid ongoing military operations in the area, with reports suggesting a Ukrainian missile attack led to his death.
Key Facts
Mikhail Gudkov was a deputy head of the Russian navy.
He was killed in the Kursk region of Russia during combat operations.
Gudkov was appointed to his role by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March.
Reports suggest Gudkov died in a Ukrainian missile attack on a command post.
The Kursk region has seen repeated clashes, despite Russian claims of control.
Gudkov previously led the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade.
Russia announced captures in eastern Ukraine but faces ongoing resistance.
A separate Russian air strike in Odesa, Ukraine, killed two people.
Ethiopia's Prime Minister announced that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile is complete and will be officially opened in September. Egypt and Sudan worry the dam will affect their water supply, but Ethiopia emphasizes the dam's benefits for energy and regional development.
Key Facts
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is located on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia plans to officially inaugurate the dam in September.
The project can generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity, doubling Ethiopia's current electricity output.
At full capacity, the dam can store 74 billion cubic meters of water.
Egypt relies on the Nile for nearly all its water and sees the dam as a threat to its water security.
Negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan have not resolved disagreements.
Ethiopia began generating electricity from the dam in February 2022.
Ethiopian officials state the dam is not a threat but an opportunity for shared economic growth.
The United States added 147,000 jobs in June, which was more than expected. The unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.1%, but there are still concerns that some private companies are careful about hiring new workers.
Key Facts
The U.S. added 147,000 jobs in June.
Analysts had predicted only 110,000 new jobs.
Government and healthcare sectors were the main sources of job growth.
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.1% from 4.2% in May.
Some private businesses are cautious about hiring new employees.
The Labor Department provided the job and unemployment figures.
US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about reaching a trade deal with Japan before a deadline, after which tariffs will be reinstated. He warned that if no agreement is made, he might impose higher tariffs on Japanese products, especially cars and rice. The ongoing talks have been crucial due to the substantial US trade deficit with Japan.
Key Facts
President Trump is doubtful about a trade deal with Japan before the deadline next week.
Trump threatened new tariffs of 30 to 35 percent on Japanese products if the deal fails.
Japan's exports of cars and electronics to the US are significant for its economy.
Trade negotiations between the US and Japan have been ongoing.
Japan’s chief trade negotiator plans to visit the US soon for more discussions.
The US had a $69.4 billion trade deficit with Japan in 2024.
Trump claims Japan does not buy enough rice or cars from the US, despite trade data showing purchases.
Existing tariffs include a basic 10 percent on goods, with specific higher tariffs on vehicles, car parts, aluminium, and steel.
A wildfire on the island of Crete in Greece has forced over 1,500 people to evacuate as the region experiences a heatwave. More than 230 firefighters are working to control the fire, which has affected homes and hotels due to strong winds. Similar fires and heat-related incidents have been reported in other parts of Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy.
Key Facts
Over 1,500 people were evacuated from Crete due to a wildfire.
The fire started near Ierapetra on Crete's southeastern coast.
More than 230 firefighters, including teams from Athens, are battling the fire.
Strong winds have helped the fire spread, affecting homes and hotels.
Three settlements were evacuated, and some people were treated for breathing problems.
Drones and helicopters are being used to fight the fire.
The Greek fire service stated that there is a high risk of more wildfires in the area.
The region of southern Europe is experiencing an early summer heatwave with temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Supreme Court will hear a case about whether states can set rules on which school sports teams transgender students may join. This follows recent rulings that supported transgender athletes' rights in Idaho and West Virginia. These cases are part of a larger national debate about transgender participation in sports.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will review cases involving Idaho and West Virginia about transgender students in school sports.
Two weeks ago, the Court upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Over 24 states have passed laws preventing transgender women and girls from taking part in certain sports.
Republican leaders argue these laws ensure fairness in women's and girls' sports.
The University of Pennsylvania changed records from a transgender swimmer and will apologize to other female athletes as part of settling a case.
The new Supreme Court case involves Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender student from West Virginia.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals supported Pepper-Jackson’s rights based on equal protection and Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in education.
Idaho was the first state to ban transgender women and girls from public school sports teams in 2020.
A recent YouGov poll suggests that the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, would win the most seats in the UK Parliament if an election were held today. The poll indicates that the Labour party would take second place, while the formerly ruling Conservative Party would drop significantly in seats. The Reform UK party's growing popularity is linked to its policies on immigration and changes in its public image.
Key Facts
Reform UK is predicted to win 271 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons, according to YouGov.
The Labour Party would gain 178 seats, coming in second.
The Conservative Party is projected to win 46 seats, marking a significant decline.
Reform UK was founded as the Brexit Party in 2018 and has shifted its focus to appeal to more voters.
The party's policies include ending certain environmental policies and limiting immigration.
Reform UK has gained support by winning recent by-elections and attracting former Conservative members and voters.
The party aims to control immigration and oppose policies involving the UK’s commitment to climate goals.
The next UK general election is expected to be in 2029.
The Trump administration's increased efforts to find and deport immigrants are impacting industries that depend on immigrant workers. Businesses like agriculture, construction, and long-term care are particularly affected by ICE raids seeking unauthorized workers.
Key Facts
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a government agency involved in enforcing immigration laws.
The Trump administration has focused on cracking down on unauthorized immigrants in the workforce.
Industries like agriculture, construction, and long-term care heavily rely on immigrant labor.
ICE is actively conducting raids on businesses believed to employ unauthorized workers.
These raids affect the ability of these industries to retain their workforce.
Representatives from affected industries are discussing the challenges of maintaining sufficient staff.
Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with the murder of four University of Idaho students, agreed to plead guilty earlier this week to avoid the death penalty. During a court hearing, the prosecutor presented evidence linking Kohberger to the crime, including DNA and surveillance footage, and described his actions on the night of the killings.
Key Facts
Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty for the murder of four students.
The prosecutor shared key evidence, including DNA from a Q-tip found in the garbage, that connects Kohberger to the crime.
Surveillance footage and cell phone tracking placed Kohberger near the crime scenes before and during the time of the killings.
The murders occurred on November 13, 2022, at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.
Kohberger attacked and killed the victims using a knife.
Kohberger had started a doctoral program in criminal justice nearby months before the murders.
Evidence showed Kohberger's phone was in the area of the crime 23 times before the stabbings.
After the murders, Kohberger took extensive measures to evade detection.
Astronomers have discovered a new comet named 3I/ATLAS that has come from another star system. This is the third interstellar object found in our solar system, and scientists are eager to study it.
Key Facts
A new comet, named 3I/ATLAS, has been discovered coming from outside our solar system.
This is the third interstellar object ever observed in our solar system.
The comet was detected by the ATLAS survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile.
3I/ATLAS is about 420 million miles away from Earth.
The comet will be visible to telescopes on Earth until September.
It poses no danger to Earth, according to NASA.
In December, the comet will appear again for further observation.
A new observatory, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, is expected to find more interstellar objects in the future.
Vance Boelter is facing legal proceedings for the murder of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murder of a state senator and his wife. A court hearing will discuss if Boelter should remain in custody without bail, and prosecutors are seeking a grand jury indictment before he enters a plea.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter is charged with killing Melissa Hortman and her husband, and also wounding a state senator and his wife.
Boelter appeared in court wearing a suicide prevention suit and claimed he hadn't slept in nearly two weeks.
His lawyer requested a delay in the hearing due to poor jail conditions affecting communication.
Boelter is accused of disguising himself as a police officer during the attacks.
The search for Boelter was one of the largest in Minnesota's history, lasting around 40 hours.
Authorities said Boelter may have targeted multiple Democratic officials.
There is a possibility of Boelter facing federal death penalty charges, though no decision has been made.
Minnesota does not have the death penalty, having abolished it in 1911.
Kneecap is an Irish hip-hop group from Northern Ireland, known for rapping in the Irish language. Formed in 2017, the band gained attention for its performances and political lyrics about Irish language rights and the reunification of Ireland.
Key Facts
Kneecap is a hip-hop group formed in 2017 by Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The group raps predominantly in the Irish language, which has historical significance in the region.
The band gained prominence through controversial performances and statements.
Their music covers topics like youth culture in Belfast and Irish language rights.
The Irish language has seen a revival and became an official language in Northern Ireland in 2022.
Kneecap's debut song was inspired by a protest supporting Irish language rights.
The band cites influences from U.S. hip-hop and Irish rebel music.
The legal fight over "ghost guns" in the U.S. continues, even after the Supreme Court upheld a rule requiring background checks and serial numbers for certain firearm kits. These kits can be used to build working guns and have previously avoided regulation, raising concerns among law enforcement. However, gun rights groups are still challenging these rules and seeking further legal changes.
Key Facts
Ghost guns are firearms made from kits that previously did not require background checks or serial numbers.
The Supreme Court upheld a rule from the Biden administration requiring these kits to have serial numbers and be sold with background checks.
Law enforcement is concerned about ghost guns because they are often found at crime scenes and cannot be easily traced.
Gun rights groups believe further legal challenges are possible, as the Supreme Court's decision focused on administrative law.
The Trump administration ordered a review of all Biden-era gun regulations, including the ghost gun rule.
Cody Wilson, a 3D-printed gun advocate, has filed a legal motion to prevent the enforcement of the ghost gun rule.
Wilson aims to clarify whether the Second Amendment includes the right to build guns, not just own them.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will have a phone call on Thursday morning. This will be their sixth call this year since Trump became President again. The planned call comes as the U.S. pauses some weapon shipments to Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Putin will speak by phone on Thursday at 10 a.m. EDT.
This will be their sixth publicly known conversation in 2023.
The topic of their call has not been shared by either leader.
The Pentagon is pausing some weapon shipments to Ukraine, including missiles and artillery.
The U.S. is reviewing its global military stockpiles, which affects the paused shipments.
The last known call between Trump and Putin was on June 14.
A U.S. official confirmed details about the paused weapons deliveries but remained anonymous.
Putin also recently spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron after nearly three years without direct contact.
