Several U.S. states are trying to lower the cost of prescription drugs by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the companies that handle drug coverage for health plans. Some PBMs also own pharmacies, like CVS, which has been fighting these new rules in court.
Key Facts
States want to reduce drug prices by controlling pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
PBMs manage drug claims for health insurance and negotiate with drug makers.
Some PBMs, including CVS, also own their own pharmacies.
At least 12 states have passed laws to limit payments to PBMs and require more transparency.
Tennessee will ban PBMs from owning retail pharmacies starting in 2028.
CVS has sued in federal court to stop this Tennessee law and keep its 136 pharmacies open.
A survey found 6 in 10 U.S. adults worried about affording medications.
About 4 in 10 adults reported not taking medicine as prescribed due to cost in the past year.
More than 120 bills about PBMs were introduced in 26 states in 2026.
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A tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz shortly after Bahrain reported that Iran launched a drone attack on its territory, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. These events are part of ongoing tensions and military strikes between Iran and the United States in the region, despite efforts to reach a temporary agreement to ease the conflict.
Key Facts
A tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday; the crew is safe and no environmental damage occurred.
Bahrain reported an Iranian drone attack on its island, where the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is based.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted several U.S. military locations in the region but did not specify which ones.
The U.S. conducted airstrikes in response to an Iranian drone attack on a ship near Oman on Thursday.
Bahrain is a strong critic of Iran and recently hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers.
The recent attacks highlight the risk of the conflict between Iran and the U.S. escalating, despite an interim deal aimed at peace.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the tanker attack.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry called the drone attack a serious threat to the safety of its citizens and residents.
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Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, recently won a by-election and is gaining support within the Labour Party. Many Labour MPs hope he could become prime minister and help the party maintain its majority in the next general election, but some have doubts about his abilities to lead nationally.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham recently won an important by-election in Makerfield.
Labour MPs are showing strong support for Burnham as a potential leader.
He is popular with the public compared to many other politicians.
Burnham is known for being friendly and able to connect well with voters.
Some worry he may not be ready to handle the challenges of national leadership.
There are concerns that his focus on Manchester might alienate people in other parts of the country.
Burnham appointed James Purnell, a former cabinet minister, as his chief of staff.
Some party members believe Burnham’s popularity may only last a short time under tough political pressure.
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Lightning strikes caused several fires in Sussex and Kent during the early morning hours, damaging homes and requiring extensive firefighting efforts. Fire crews managed multiple incidents, but no injuries were reported.
Key Facts
Lightning triggered about six fires in Sussex and Kent overnight.
Serious damage occurred to homes in Eastbourne and Bexhill.
Firefighters used special equipment like aerial ladder platforms to fight some fires.
The blaze in Eastbourne has been fully extinguished; others are still being managed.
No casualties were reported in any of the lightning-related fires.
Thunderstorms followed a weather warning for lightning issued from 2:00 to 8:00 a.m.
Hot and humid conditions after days of strong sunshine contributed to the storm weather.
Previous red heat warnings ended, but amber warnings remain for parts of the region.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a patriotic message celebrating the American soccer team during the World Cup, highlighting players with international backgrounds. The article explains that the World Cup shows how modern national teams are made up of players from diverse origins, reflecting global migration rather than homogenous nations.
Key Facts
The U.S. soccer team’s players include individuals born abroad or with mixed heritage, such as Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, and Folarin Balogun.
The Department of Homeland Security posted a "Defend the Homeland" image featuring these players during the World Cup.
The World Cup showcases teams with diverse rosters, including players of African, Caribbean, and European descent.
Countries like Belgium, Spain, France, and England have many players with immigrant backgrounds.
The tournament challenges the idea that national teams are made up of only one ethnic or racial group.
African nations and their diaspora play a significant role in global soccer, with many talented players contributing to European leagues.
U.S. policies restricting travel during the World Cup have not reduced the presence of international fans in American cities.
The event highlights both global migration and the diversity within American society.
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Cait Conley, an Army veteran, won the Democratic primary for New York's 17th Congressional District and will challenge Republican incumbent Mike Lawler in the November election. Both candidates focus on local issues but see the race as important for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Cait Conley won the Democratic primary for New York’s 17th Congressional District.
Mike Lawler is the current Republican representative running for a third term.
Lawler is known for bipartisan work and has criticized certain policies of President Trump’s administration.
Conley served 16 years in the Army, including six deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Conley plans to focus on the “affordability crisis” affecting families if elected.
The district favored Democrats in the 2020 presidential election.
Both candidates view the race as important for influencing control of Congress.
Conley emphasizes leadership skills from her military background as key to serving the district.
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Chelsea, a 36-year-old woman from Oregon, was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a drunk driver. She lost two limbs after the collision, which happened when a speeding truck crossed into their lane. Despite the trauma, she is focusing on recovering and moving forward.
Key Facts
Chelsea, from Klamath Falls, Oregon, was riding on the back of a motorcycle with her husband when they were hit by a drunk driver.
The drunk driver was traveling over 80 mph and crossed into their lane around a curve.
Chelsea and her husband were driving about 40 mph at the time of the crash.
Chelsea was thrown from the bike and her limbs were severed and found on the road.
Her husband suffered a broken thigh bone (femur) from hitting the truck’s trailer hitch.
Passersby helped Chelsea at the scene until emergency services arrived.
She was airlifted to a larger hospital for treatment but initially did not want to see her injuries.
Chelsea chooses to focus on positive steps forward despite her life-changing injuries.
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The Trump administration is preparing special welcome packages for white South African refugees coming to the U.S. These packages will include items like a tablet, an American flag, and materials presenting a particular view of history and race relations. This move differs from past refugee arrivals, such as Afghans, who mostly received basic essentials and face entry delays.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is focusing on resettling white South African refugees, citing claims of their persecution by South Africa’s Black-majority government.
Welcome packs for these refugees will include a tablet computer, U.S. flag, copies of founding American documents, and politically themed materials.
These materials include a children’s book from PragerU that critiques the South African government and portrays Nelson Mandela in a controversial way.
The administration has reduced refugee admissions overall but favors Afrikaner South Africans in its current refugee program.
Afghan refugees, who helped U.S. troops, face delays and barriers in resettlement compared to the South Africans.
A letter from a U.S. health official in the pack emphasizes that immigrants should assimilate and prioritize U.S. citizens.
Critics say these welcome packages politicize the refugee program and unfairly prioritize white South Africans over other groups.
PragerU, which provides some materials, states its goal is to teach immigrants about America’s founding values.
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Nigel Farage’s campaign group called Action on World Health, which opposes the World Health Organization (WHO), is moving its base to the United States as a nonprofit. The group has added new members to its board, including American lobbyists and allies of Farage, and now seeks donations in US dollars.
Key Facts
Action on World Health was co-founded by Nigel Farage and opposes the WHO, claiming it is too close to China and influenced by private funding.
The campaign group is relocating to Delaware, USA, and will operate as a charitable foundation and grassroots nonprofit.
Andy Wigmore, a friend of Farage and Brexit campaigner, joined the group’s board alongside American lobbyist Gerry Gunster.
The group now solicits donations in US dollars and provides a way for people worldwide (but not the UK) to contact politicians about the WHO.
Under President Donald Trump, the US left the WHO, which focuses on global health issues like pandemics.
Some board members have ties to business and political groups, including Republicans Overseas UK and the nuclear technology company IP3.
The group has past connections with the nicotine and vaping industries and opposes strict regulations on vaping products.
Critics say the campaign spreads misinformation about the WHO and call for stricter rules on politicians’ outside jobs and interests.
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A giraffe named Gracie, who escaped from a private ranch in rural Texas, was found safe after nearly two weeks. Authorities used aerial searches to locate her a few miles away from the ranch, and efforts are underway to bring her back safely.
Key Facts
Gracie is a reticulated giraffe that escaped from Cedar Hollow Ranch in Leakey, Texas on June 12.
Leakey is a small town about two hours west of San Antonio with around 700 residents.
The search included helicopters and drones, funded partly by a $5,000 reward offered by the ranch manager.
There was a false report on Tuesday claiming Gracie was found, but it was later corrected by authorities.
The Real County sheriff, Nathan Johnson, helped coordinate the search and confirmed the giraffe was found on Friday morning.
Gracie was located about four miles south of the ranch in scrubby terrain.
The giraffe appeared healthy ("fat and happy") and showed playful behavior when found.
A team is being assembled to safely capture and return Gracie to the ranch.
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A long-lasting heatwave in Europe is slowly moving east, easing the situation in France where fewer areas remain on high alert. Despite this, French hospitals are still very busy, and the government has taken steps like banning alcohol sales at night and canceling events to protect public health during the heatwave.
Key Facts
The heatwave has lasted several days and affected much of Europe.
In France, fewer than half of the regions remain at the highest alert level, down from two-thirds the day before.
Hospitals in the Paris area are under great pressure and have activated an emergency plan.
Authorities banned evening alcohol sales and public drinking to reduce health risks.
Many events and festivals have been postponed or canceled to avoid overwhelming emergency services.
Critics say the French government’s long-term plans for dealing with heatwaves and climate change need improvement.
Concerns include school closures and a lack of air conditioning in hospitals and retirement homes.
The heatwave is linked to climate change and has caused record-breaking high temperatures.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela three days ago, killing at least 920 people and leaving over 51,000 missing. Rescue teams face challenges due to damaged infrastructure and limited government presence, while local people dig through rubble searching for survivors before the 72-hour rescue period ends.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck Venezuela’s coastal area near La Guaira.
At least 920 people have died, with more than 51,000 reported missing.
Rescue workers have saved 243 people and treated over 3,300 injured as of Friday.
The government restricted access to La Guaira to control traffic and rescue efforts.
Many local people are digging with their hands due to a shortage of official rescue teams.
Food and water have been distributed to survivors by government forces.
About 861 international volunteers from multiple countries are aiding in rescue operations.
Up to 6.76 million people may be affected by the disaster, including around two million in Caracas.
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A strong earthquake hit Venezuela, causing at least 920 deaths and many people missing. Foreign rescue teams have arrived to help find survivors, but the search is slow and resources are limited.
Key Facts
The earthquake is the strongest in Venezuela in over 100 years.
The death toll reached 920 but is expected to rise.
Thousands of people remain missing after the quake.
Foreign search and rescue teams have come to assist.
Rescue efforts are slow and face limited resources.
Authorities warn that the final death count could be much higher.
There is frustration about the official response to the disaster.
The event has caused widespread damage and loss in Venezuela.
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Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement aimed at reducing tensions after months of fighting between Israeli forces and the Lebanese group Hezbollah. The deal is seen as a step toward peace in the region.
Key Facts
The agreement was announced by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors.
It comes after months of cross-border fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah.
The deal hopes to ease ongoing tensions between the two sides.
Hezbollah is a militant group based in Lebanon.
The conflict negatively affected regional peace and security.
The United States has shown interest in supporting the ceasefire.
This agreement is considered a potential breakthrough in Middle East peace efforts.
No detailed terms of the agreement were described in the report.
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The US military carried out strikes on Iran after a drone attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the attack and called it a violation of a ceasefire, while peace talks between Washington and Tehran continue.
Key Facts
A cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz was targeted by a drone attack.
The US military responded with strikes on Iran following the attack.
President Donald Trump said Iran was responsible for the attack.
Trump described the attack as a "foolish violation" of the ceasefire.
The incident happened during ongoing peace negotiations between the US and Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
The situation increased tensions in the Middle East region.
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Heavy rain caused flooding in western Japan on Friday as two tropical storms moved closer to the region. The storms, named Mekkhala and Higos, are expected to bring more heavy rain to the Tokyo area on Saturday.
Key Facts
Two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, are approaching Japan.
Storm Mekkhala was near the southern island of Amami on Friday afternoon.
The storms are expected to reach the Tokyo region by Saturday.
Heavy rain from the storms caused flooding in parts of western Japan, including Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.
Over 30 homes were flooded in Nara and Hiroshima.
A man was injured after falling into a waterway in Nara.
The swollen Kamo River in Kyoto was shown on television with muddy water.
Train and flight services were disrupted due to the heavy rain and flooding.
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A strong heatwave is moving through Europe, with Germany reaching a record temperature of 41.3°C near Saarbrücken. The extreme heat is spreading to central and eastern European countries like Poland and the Balkans, causing event changes and health concerns.
Key Facts
Germany recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.3°C near Saarbrücken.
The heatwave is moving east, affecting countries including Poland and the Balkans.
The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt shortened cycling and running parts due to heat.
France experienced temperatures over 40°C, leading to heat-related deaths and drownings.
The Paris Pride march was postponed to reduce strain on emergency services.
Budapest Pride will continue despite forecasted 38°C heat to highlight LGBTQ+ rights.
The UK broke its June temperature record three days in a row, reaching 37.3°C.
An amber heat warning remains in the UK, with temperatures expected to peak in the low 30s.
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Ranch dressing has become very popular among international visitors to the United States during the World Cup. Many fans have been sharing memes, videos, and even packing ranch dressing in their luggage as they try it for the first time.
Key Facts
Ranch dressing is widely available in the U.S.
International World Cup fans are discovering and enjoying ranch dressing.
Fans have created many online memes and videos about ranch dressing.
Some visitors pack ranch dressing in their carry-on luggage.
Ranch dressing is viewed as a flavorful topping or sauce by these visitors.
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The BBC’s Today programme on Radio 4 is changing its priorities so journalists focus more on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This shift, combined with fewer journalists, worries some staff that the programme’s traditional radio and TV content will lose importance and affect its reliability.
Key Facts
Today is a flagship news programme on BBC Radio 4 with over 5 million weekly listeners.
BBC staff were told to prioritize creating content for social and digital platforms over traditional radio and TV.
The number of journalists has been reduced, and there are no dedicated Today correspondents.
Some BBC staff fear this change will reduce Today’s relevance and rely more on outside reporters.
Others believe prominent BBC names will still appear on Today despite the new focus.
The changes reflect wider audience shifts toward digital news among younger people.
The BBC faces at least £500 million in budget cuts and changing audience habits.
Other BBC news programmes like The World Tonight will be cancelled, while Today’s presenter lineup will shrink from five to four.
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Thai police arrested a 46-year-old Australian man, Simon Carman, suspected of murdering a 17-year-old girl. Her body was found inside a suitcase near Pattaya, Thailand, after security cameras showed them together before the crime.
Key Facts
The victim was a 17-year-old girl found dead inside a suitcase near Pattaya.
Simon Carman was arrested at Bangkok airport while trying to fly to Perth, Australia.
Security cameras recorded the girl entering a condo with Carman and later him carrying a large suitcase on a motorbike.
The girl’s body showed signs of a violent assault and heavy bruising on her face.
Friends reported the girl missing, which led police to track her last movements.
Carman denies the killing but has scratches on his hands that suggest a struggle.
He faces charges including murder, hiding a body, and taking a minor for an indecent purpose.
Australia is offering consular help to Carman, and Thailand recently tightened visa rules for tourists amid crime concerns.
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