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President Donald Trump said the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was damaged by vandals but now looks "perfect." He said those responsible are mostly caught and the pool will be fully restored. Security around the pool has been increased, and some officials question the handling of the restoration project.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed the Reflecting Pool was "gruesomely vandalized" but is now looking good.
He said the vandals damaged the pool by cutting a 350-foot hole and using chemicals.
The vandals have mostly been caught and are being prosecuted, according to the president.
Security has been increased with fencing around parts of the pool.
The Interior Department said fencing was planned before but was put up earlier due to vandalism concerns.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned the quality and cost of the pool’s renovation.
Blumenthal raised concerns about contractors with ties to President Trump and the quick return of algae problems.
The administration has not publicly shared evidence of the vandalism claims.
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President Donald Trump gave his first public comments on Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, in relation to the possibility of Burnham becoming UK prime minister. Trump called Burnham "the mayor of a town" and said he had heard Burnham is "extremely liberal." Burnham had said the UK should avoid the US's "polarised, poisonous politics."
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the former Mayor of Greater Manchester in the UK.
Burnham is considered a candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as UK prime minister.
Burnham said the UK should avoid political division like that seen in the US.
President Trump commented on Burnham during a campaign event in the UK.
Trump described Burnham as "the mayor of a town."
Trump said he had heard that Burnham is "extremely liberal."
The article was published about 24 minutes after Trump's comments.
The context is UK politics and the leadership race within a UK political party.
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Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela near its capital, Caracas, causing buildings to collapse and forcing many people to evacuate. The government declared a state of emergency while rescue teams work to find survivors, but no official death toll has been confirmed yet.
Key Facts
The first quake measured magnitude 7.2, and the second, stronger one was magnitude 7.5, both occurring seconds apart near Caracas.
Tremors were felt as far as Bogotá, Colombia, over 1,000 km away.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded, mainly along Venezuela’s northern coast.
At least two buildings in the Caracas area have completely collapsed.
Over 500 emergency workers are involved in rescue efforts.
Venezuela’s main international airport and public transportation have been closed or paused due to damage.
Internet outages and fuel supply cuts have been reported in Caracas.
Classes in schools are suspended for the rest of the week.
The official number of casualties has not been confirmed, though some deaths have been mentioned.
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Two strong earthquakes hit west of Caracas, Venezuela, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5. The damage is severe, and the government declared a state of emergency as experts expect many deaths.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas.
The earthquakes measured 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude.
The area suffered widespread damage.
Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
Officials fear thousands of people may have died because of the earthquakes.
Emergency services are responding to the crisis.
The earthquakes caused disruptions in local communities.
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From 2020 to 2025, the number of children under 18 in the U.S. dropped by 1.8 million in every region except the South, where child population increased. The South also saw overall population growth and is facing challenges like crowded schools and housing pressures.
Key Facts
The U.S. child population fell by 1.8 million between 2020 and 2025.
The South is the only region where the under-18 population grew, adding about 304,000 children.
The West saw the largest decline in children, down by over 1 million (5.7%).
The South's total population grew 6%, nearly twice the national average of 3.1%.
Growth in the South includes more children, adults in family-building years, and retirees.
Most child population growth in the South happened in metro counties, while rural and small counties saw declines.
The U.S. median age rose to 39.4 years in 2025, reflecting an aging population.
People aged 65 and older increased by 16.2% nationally during this period.
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The Senate voted to block a resolution that would limit President Trump's power to take military action in Iran. Senator Bill Cassidy, who had earlier supported a similar resolution, joined most Republicans in stopping the new measure.
Key Facts
The Senate blocked a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers regarding Iran.
Senator Bill Cassidy initially supported a previous war powers resolution.
Cassidy argued with President Trump earlier during a GOP lunch at the U.S. Capitol.
After a briefing from Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Cassidy voted with most Republicans to block the resolution.
The vote marked a change from Cassidy’s earlier position on limiting war powers.
President Trump publicly criticized Cassidy for supporting the earlier resolution.
The issue relates to how much authority the president has for military actions without congressional approval.
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Thousands of people gathered in Tehran to mark Ashura, an important day in the Shia Muslim calendar. This was the first Ashura since the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran.
Key Facts
Ashura is a significant religious event for Shia Muslims.
Thousands gathered in Tehran to observe the day.
The gathering was the first since the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Attendees carried flags, banners, and images of Khamenei.
The killing is part of the broader conflict between the US and Iran.
The event took place on the eve of Ashura.
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Papua New Guinea is facing serious food shortages because of the El Niño weather pattern, which has caused frost and drought that damaged crops and water supplies. About 3 million people, especially in the Highlands, may be affected as farms struggle to produce enough food and clean water becomes scarce.
Key Facts
El Niño caused frost and long dry spells in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, damaging food gardens.
Oxfam PNG says the country is the worst affected in the Pacific by El Niño’s effects, including frost, drought, and pests.
Around 3 million people may be affected nationwide, with 1.9 million in the Highlands region at risk.
Some farming communities have food supplies lasting only two to three months.
Frost damage includes large losses to key crops like potatoes.
Rivers and creeks are drying up, reducing access to clean water.
Schools have reduced hours due to heat and water shortages.
The government is urging local areas to prepare for an extended dry season without causing alarm.
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Hundreds of migrants in Paris are facing very hot weather with little protection or help. Some migrants have been swimming in unsafe places to try to cool down as temperatures reach record highs.
Key Facts
A heatwave is affecting Europe, including Paris.
Many migrants in Paris do not have enough shelter.
The high temperatures are breaking records.
Some migrants swim in unsafe areas to stay cool.
There is little aid available to help migrants during the heatwave.
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The Senate voted 50 to 47 against a measure that would limit President Trump's power to conduct war against Iran. Some Republican senators who had supported restricting these war powers earlier changed their votes after discussions with the White House, while President Trump expressed frustration with Congress's actions on this issue.
Key Facts
The Senate blocked a resolution that aimed to restrict President Trump's ability to wage war against Iran.
The vote was 50 against and 47 in favor, with two Republicans joining Democrats to support the measure.
The resolution was introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and would have required the president to end military hostilities with Iran unless authorized by Congress.
The Trump administration argues the U.S. is no longer in conflict with Iran due to a current ceasefire.
President Trump criticized the Congress's attempts to limit his war powers and had a tense meeting with Senate Republicans.
Some Republican senators who had voted to limit war powers reconsidered and voted against advancing the resolution after briefings from White House officials.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso helped negotiate support to block the resolution.
President Trump recently signed an agreement with Iran to extend a ceasefire and start discussions on Iran's nuclear program.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency as rescue teams searched for survivors and assessed damage, especially in the capital city, Caracas.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on the same day.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2.
The second quake had a magnitude of 7.5.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
Caracas, the capital, suffered heavy damage.
Rescue crews are actively searching for survivors.
Videos show the destruction caused by the earthquakes.
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US AI company Anthropic has accused Chinese tech firm Alibaba of illegally copying its Claude AI model’s abilities by making millions of fake interactions. Anthropic says this copying method, called "distillation attacks," helps rivals steal and reuse their AI technology, and it asked the US government to take action against such practices.
Key Facts
Anthropic alleges Alibaba-linked groups made nearly 29 million fake exchanges with its Claude AI using thousands of fraudulent accounts.
This activity is called "distillation attacks," where answers from a powerful AI are used to train a weaker AI.
The attacks targeted Claude’s best features, like handling complex tasks and decision-making skills.
Anthropic believes these attacks give Chinese companies free access to US AI advancements.
The company sent a letter on June 10 to US Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren about these concerns.
The US Department of Defense claims Alibaba and other Chinese firms have ties to the Chinese military, which Alibaba denies.
Alibaba recently sued the US government to remove its name from a Pentagon blacklist.
Other US AI firms like OpenAI have also accused Chinese groups of stealing AI technology through similar attacks.
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The Senate voted 47-50-1 against formally criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration again over its military actions in Iran. Republican leaders convinced some senators that condemning the administration could hurt ongoing negotiations related to the conflict.
Key Facts
The vote took place late Wednesday night.
The final count was 47 in favor, 50 against, and 1 abstention.
The resolution aimed to officially criticize the Trump administration’s military actions in Iran.
This would have been the second time Congress tried to formally rebuke the administration over this issue.
Republican leaders persuaded some swing votes to oppose the resolution.
Senators were concerned that a rebuke might negatively affect peace talks or conflict negotiations with Iran.
The vote reflects disagreements in Congress about how to handle the Iran conflict.
The issue involves the balance of power between Congress and the President in decisions about war.
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California lawmakers are considering a bill that would give public school teachers up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave funded by the state. The bill includes language that could also allow paid leave for elective abortions, making California possibly the first state to offer taxpayer-funded paid abortion leave for teachers.
Key Facts
The bill, Assembly Bill 65, is authored by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.
It aims to provide up to 14 weeks of state-funded paid pregnancy disability leave to California teachers.
Teachers currently can’t access pregnancy disability benefits through the State Disability Insurance program like many private-sector workers.
The bill’s language includes paid leave for "termination of pregnancy," which refers to abortions.
Some lawmakers and critics are concerned about the lack of an annual limit on leave and privacy issues for teachers.
The measure passed the California Assembly with bipartisan support and now goes to the Senate for further debate.
Lawmakers expect the bill to be amended, possibly removing or changing the abortion-related provisions.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports providing paid pregnancy leave for teachers after several previous efforts failed.
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Two independent Australian MPs, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, have started a new centrist political party called Community Strong Australia. The party aims to offer an alternative to the two major parties, focusing on unity, climate action, and listening to community concerns without strict party rules.
Key Facts
The new party, Community Strong Australia, was launched in Canberra.
It has no official leader and allows members to vote freely.
Founders Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender are socially liberal independents known as "teal" MPs.
The party wants to move away from division and political in-fighting.
Key issues include housing affordability, cost of living, climate change, childcare, education, and healthcare.
The party was created in response to voter frustration and rising support for the right-wing One Nation party.
Climate 200, an organization that funds independent candidates, is not involved in this new party.
The party is expected to be officially registered by the Australian Electoral Commission in October.
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A federal immigration enforcement operation called Operation Metro Surge took place in Minnesota starting in December under President Donald Trump’s administration. While the operation officially ended in February, many immigrants in the area still feel scared and face ongoing challenges like trauma and economic hardship.
Key Facts
Operation Metro Surge began in December to target undocumented immigrants, especially those accused of crimes.
The operation involved raids in Minneapolis, including schools and homes, by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents.
Two U.S. citizens protesting the operation, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed by federal agents in January.
Public backlash, including from some Republicans, led to the removal of hundreds of agents by the end of February.
Immigrants in Minnesota, including asylum seekers, report ongoing fear and trauma even months after the operation ended.
Some students stopped attending school during the raids and some had to leave school to support their families after job losses.
Community groups and schools worked to provide support, such as food and donations, to those affected.
The administration described the operation as successful in removing dangerous criminals but many residents experience long-term effects.
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Kerala, a state in southern India, has the highest number of elderly people in the country, with many living alone due to children moving away for work. The state government has created a new department to help older adults stay in their homes and improve their quality of life through community support and care programs.
Key Facts
Kerala is India’s fastest-ageing state, with almost 23% of its population expected to be over 60 by 2036.
Many elderly people in Kerala live alone because their children move to other parts of India or abroad for jobs.
The government launched a special department for elderly welfare, the first of its kind in India.
The new department focuses on "ageing in place," helping seniors remain in their homes instead of moving to care institutions.
Plans include training professional caregivers, creating elderly parks and day-care centers, and encouraging social activities for older people.
Kerala’s ageing population grew due to better healthcare, longer life lifespans, and lower birth rates.
People working abroad often send money home but cannot provide physical or emotional support to their elderly parents.
The government will conduct a survey of senior citizens to guide future policies for the "Silver Economy," which means economic activities related to older adults.
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Utah Senate President Stuart Adams lost his Republican primary election after supporting a large data center project in Box Elder County that upset many voters. This project became a key issue in the race and contributed to Adams being removed from his powerful position.
Key Facts
Stuart Adams was the Utah Senate President and one of the state's longest-serving legislative leaders.
He supported a large data center development in Box Elder County, Utah.
The data center project was controversial and caused many voters to oppose Adams.
Adams lost his GOP primary election to a challenger on Tuesday.
The voter backlash against the data center project played a major role in the election outcome.
This loss ended Adams’ long tenure as the Senate President in Utah.
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The president of Venezuela declared a state of emergency after several earthquakes affected the country. This decision aims to help manage the damage and protect citizens in the affected areas.
Two strong earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck Caracas, Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse and people to evacuate onto the streets. The exact number of casualties and overall damage is not yet known, but residents described the tremors as the strongest they have ever felt.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes hit Caracas seconds apart on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
The earthquakes occurred on a national holiday celebrating the 1821 Battle of Carabobo.
Buildings collapsed, and many people left their homes to wait outside in case of aftershocks.
Residents reported power outages, broken walls, fallen utility poles, and lack of phone signals.
Some people were unable to save their pets or personal belongings during the evacuation.
The last major earthquake in Caracas was in 1967, with a magnitude of 6.6, which killed over 200 people.
Residents described the current tremors as stronger and more frightening than the 1967 quake.
Emergency calls for help were heard from the rubble of collapsed buildings.
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