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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A large fire broke out at an old commercial building in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday night. Firefighters are working to control the blaze, and nearby residents are asked to evacuate or shelter in place while power is shut off in the area.
Key Facts
The fire began around 8:40 p.m. at an old commercial building on Front Street in Allentown.
It grew to a six-alarm fire, indicating a very large and serious blaze.
The fire spread to a house across the street.
About 3,600 customers lost power after PPL Electric Utilities turned off electricity near the fire.
Authorities asked residents in the 300 block of Front Street to evacuate through their backyards.
Others in the area were told to stay indoors and shelter in place for safety.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Firefighters are still working to control the fire, and updates are ongoing.
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NATO leader Mark Rutte met with President Donald Trump at the White House to reduce tensions before the upcoming NATO summit. President Trump has criticized NATO for not doing enough and ordered a review of US troops in Europe after saying NATO allies did not support the US war on Iran.
Key Facts
NATO leader Mark Rutte visited the White House before the NATO summit.
The meeting aimed to reduce tensions between NATO and President Trump.
President Trump said NATO was not doing enough.
He ordered a review of US military forces stationed in Europe.
The President criticized NATO allies for not supporting the US war on Iran.
The NATO summit is set to take place next month.
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President Donald Trump opened the Great American State Fair on the National Mall as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States. He gave a prepared speech emphasizing that America is strong and prosperous.
Key Facts
The event took place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The Great American State Fair is part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations.
President Trump spoke to a crowd during the opening ceremony.
He followed a prepared speech without deviating from it.
In his speech, President Trump said, "America is back."
The event highlights American history and achievements as the country marks 250 years of independence.
The fair brings together people to celebrate the nation’s past and future.
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A 17-year-old teenager was found not guilty of planning a terrorist attack on politician Peter Dutton and a Labor Day march in Brisbane. The court heard the teen had an interest in bombs and extremist material but concluded his actions were not serious plans to commit terrorism.
Key Facts
The teen was charged with preparing a terrorist act but pleaded not guilty.
The trial took place in Brisbane Supreme Court and lasted several days.
The teen had researched materials for making bombs and expressed violent ideas online and in a diary.
He showed a fascination with previous terrorists and violent media, including a film and a video game.
The defense argued the teen was experimenting with dangerous ideas and making “edgy jokes,” not intending to carry out attacks.
The teen had mental health challenges and was affected by his parents’ separation.
The prosecution claimed the alleged plan was to draw attention to opposition to modern industries and technology.
The jury found that the teen did not have the intention to commit the terrorist acts he was accused of planning.
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Rescuers in Venezuela are searching through the rubble of a collapsed building to find survivors. This effort is a response to damage likely caused by an earthquake or a similar disaster.
Key Facts
Venezuelan rescuers are currently working at a building collapse site.
They are looking for people who might be trapped under the rubble.
The collapse happened recently, prompting urgent rescue efforts.
The situation is related to a natural event, such as an earthquake.
Authorities and rescue teams are involved in the search and recovery process.
The incident has drawn attention to safety and disaster response in Venezuela.
Updates about the situation are being shared through news and official channels.
The exact cause of the collapse and the number of victims is still being determined.
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Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana met with Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House to get an update on the situation with Iran. This meeting happened after Cassidy had a strong disagreement with President Trump earlier that day.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is from Louisiana and is a Republican.
Cassidy had a heated argument with President Donald Trump during a meeting.
Later the same day, Cassidy received a briefing about Iran from Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The briefing took place at the White House.
The discussion focused on the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
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A new Quinnipiac poll shows President Donald Trump’s approval rating among independent voters has risen to 34 percent, his highest since December. Despite this increase, his overall approval remains below 40 percent, and many voters express skepticism about recent U.S. military actions in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating among independents rose to 34 percent in the latest poll.
This is the highest approval among independents since December, but still below a majority.
Overall, Trump has a 38 percent approval rating and a 55 percent disapproval rating.
Polling was done from June 18 to June 22, surveying 1,165 registered voters.
60 percent of voters said recent U.S. military action against Iran was not worth it.
Nearly half of voters think the U.S. is too supportive of Israel.
Operation Epic Fury was a joint U.S.-Israel military action against Iran in February.
The poll shows mixed feelings about Trump’s foreign policy among voters, especially independents.
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President Donald Trump began America’s 250th independence celebration with a political rally at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The event featured Trump highlighting his administration’s achievements and included patriotic themes, although some performers and states withdrew due to political concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump opened the Great American State Fair, marking the start of America's 250th year of independence.
He spoke about the country’s progress, mentioning a deal with Iran, immigration enforcement, and a tax bill.
The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was renovated for the celebration, costing about $14.1 million.
Trump claimed vandalism caused damage to the reflecting pool’s liner, but no evidence was provided.
Many scheduled performers, including popular musicians, withdrew because they felt the event became politically focused.
Some states chose not to participate in the event for similar reasons.
The FBI director’s girlfriend sang the national anthem at the event and denied nepotism claims.
Other events on the National Mall included a UFC fight and a Patriot Games contest for high school students with scholarships as prizes.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for removing materials about slavery, Indigenous people, and climate from national monuments but was ordered to restore them.
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A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit off the northern coast of Japan, near Iwate, but officials said there was no tsunami risk. The quake caused some shaking in Tokyo and northeastern towns, but no injuries or damage have been reported so far.
Key Facts
The earthquake struck off Japan’s eastern coast near Iwate at a depth of about 50 kilometers (30 miles).
Both Japan’s Meteorological Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey reported the magnitude as 6.9.
The quake occurred during the morning rush hour in northeastern Japan and was felt mildly in Tokyo.
No injuries or damage have been reported immediately after the quake.
Some bullet trains and local trains were stopped for safety checks in the affected regions.
Nuclear plants, including Fukushima Daiichi, showed no problems after the earthquake.
Officials warned people to be cautious of potential aftershocks.
This area has had repeated strong quakes in recent months and is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes.
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