Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips is a well-known liver specialist in India who uses social media to promote science-based medicine and criticize traditional Indian practices like Ayurveda and homeopathy. While many admire him for standing up for evidence-based health care, others strongly dislike his direct and often harsh online style.
Key Facts
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips works at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, treating patients with liver disease.
He is very active on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where over 300,000 people follow him as the "Liver Doc."
Philips publicly calls homeopathy and other alternative medicines "false" and often criticizes traditional Indian medical systems.
His outspoken style has led to legal cases and discussions by India's Ayush Ministry, which oversees traditional medicine.
Despite his online persona being blunt and confrontational, people who know him describe him as polite and soft-spoken in person.
Philips adopted a loud online style to make sure his messages about public health are heard amid criticism and trolling.
He grew up in Kerala, initially wanted to be a writer, but followed his father’s footsteps in medicine.
His medical training included difficult experiences, like struggling with the entrance exam and witnessing shortages at a large public hospital in Kolkata.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People across the United States took part in Pride parades to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities. New York City held its 57th annual Pride march, honoring activism and diversity with thousands of participants.
Key Facts
The 57th annual New York City Pride march took place on June 28.
The theme was "For All of Us," honoring the legacy of activist Marsha P. Johnson.
The march started at Midtown and ended in Greenwich Village near the Stonewall Inn.
Grand marshals included entertainer Bowen Yang and the group Gays Against Guns, which opposes gun violence.
Other cities, including San Francisco, Nashville, St. Petersburg, and Denver, also held Pride parades around the same time.
New York City also hosted the 34th annual Dyke March as part of Pride weekend.
Pride events celebrate LGBTQIA+ resilience, unity, and activism.
The NYC Pride march originally started as a protest remembering the 1969 Stonewall riots.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be drained soon after the July 4th celebrations for the country's 250th anniversary. He said the pool's lining was damaged and algae formed because of people he called criminals.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the Reflecting Pool on Sunday.
The Reflecting Pool will be drained after July 4, 2026, the 250th U.S. anniversary.
He said the pool was damaged by people he called criminals and vandals.
The damage included harm to the pool’s lining.
Algae grew in the pool, which he said was caused by those same people.
The Reflecting Pool is located at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The pool had been in use despite the reported damage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong heat wave will affect much of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing very high temperatures and humidity. The heat could cause health risks for many people and worsen wildfire conditions in the West.
Key Facts
Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) are already common in parts of the Southwest, like Phoenix and central Texas.
More than 130 million people in southern and Great Plains states face moderate to severe heat risk.
Several areas, including the lower Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, will see highs over 100°F.
Major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, and Dallas will experience some of their hottest days this year.
High humidity will make it feel like 100 to 115°F in many places, increasing health risks.
Nighttime temperatures will remain warm, often in the 70s or even 80s Fahrenheit, making cooling off difficult.
The heat is caused by a strong high-pressure system, called a "heat dome," that blocks rain and traps hot air.
Dry and windy weather could increase wildfire dangers in the Western U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina said he generally supports President Donald Trump’s nominee, Todd Blanche, for the position of Attorney General. Tillis, who is on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will carefully review the nomination before making a final decision.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from North Carolina.
President Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche to be the full-time Attorney General.
Todd Blanche currently serves as the acting Attorney General.
Tillis expressed a “positive predisposition” toward Blanche’s nomination.
Tillis is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which reviews such nominations.
Tillis plans to go through the official nomination process before finalizing his opinion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pakistani security forces carried out a ground operation and airstrikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 29 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban. This follows recent militant attacks in Pakistan and increases tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose governments blame each other for harboring militants.
Key Facts
Pakistan's military launched a ground operation and targeted militant hideouts along the Afghan border.
The strikes killed 29 militants, mainly from the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and allied groups.
The operation was in response to several recent attacks against police and security forces in Pakistan.
A recent attack in Karachi killed three Pakistani paramilitary soldiers; the attackers were linked to a TTP faction.
The Pakistani Taliban and the Afghan Taliban are separate groups but have an alliance.
Afghanistan’s government has not commented on the latest strikes.
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed hundreds since February.
Peace talks mediated by other countries, including China, have so far failed to stop the violence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is facing growing tensions with some labor unions despite presenting himself as a supporter of workers. Several unions have not endorsed him for reelection, citing issues such as unreturned questionnaires, wage disputes, and difficult communication with his team. These challenges come as Moore considers a possible run for president in 2028.
Key Facts
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO did not endorse Moore’s 2024 reelection campaign after endorsing him in 2022.
The union said Moore’s team did not return an endorsement questionnaire, a required step for consideration.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport food service workers started a “Poor Because of Moore” campaign demanding better wages.
Some union leaders describe Moore’s approach as antagonistic or unresponsive.
Communication with Moore’s labor relations director, Dyana Forester, has been reported as difficult by union officials.
Disagreements exist with building trades over labor agreements on a bridge rebuilding project.
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 rejected the state’s salary offer for public service workers, saying it was too low.
Some Maryland unions, like firefighters and teachers, have endorsed Moore’s reelection and praise his record.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump criticized Janeese Lewis George, the likely next mayor of Washington, D.C., calling her a "communist" and saying her policies would harm the city. Janeese Lewis George is the Democratic candidate and has expressed support for reducing incarceration and making the city a sanctuary.
Key Facts
Janeese Lewis George is the Democratic nominee for mayor of Washington, D.C.
President Trump called her a "communist" and warned against her policies.
George has said she wants to reduce the number of people in prisons in D.C.
She supports making Washington, D.C. a sanctuary city, which generally means protecting undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.
President Trump believes these policies will have a negative effect on the district.
The mayoral election in Washington, D.C. is approaching or recently took place.
Janeese Lewis George is widely expected to become the new mayor.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto does not have to add a cancer risk warning label on its Roundup weedkiller. Activists from the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement expressed strong disappointment with the decision.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made a decision favoring Monsanto, a company that makes pesticides.
Monsanto’s product Roundup was at the center of the case about cancer risk warnings.
The Court said Monsanto does not need to put a warning label about potential cancer risks on Roundup.
The “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement had asked for such warnings to protect public health.
Activists in MAHA feel betrayed by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
This decision could lead to more activism and debate over pesticide safety and regulation.
The ruling may affect how companies label products that might pose health risks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump announced that the federal government will start renovating the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on September 1. The renovation is part of Trump’s efforts to improve public spaces in the capital and aims to create a golf course capable of hosting major tournaments.
Key Facts
The East Potomac Golf Links is described by President Trump as old, run down, and unsafe.
The renovation project includes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf architect Tom Fazio.
The upgraded golf course will remain open to the public.
Trump claims the new course could host major golf events like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup.
The project follows a legal dispute over control of D.C.’s public golf courses, including a lease termination involving the National Links Trust.
A recent court ruling said the administration must give advance notice before making changes to the golf course.
This renovation is part of a broader effort by President Trump to remodel various public spaces in Washington, D.C.
Officials have not yet provided detailed comments on the project timeline or potential legal challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three firefighters died on Saturday while fighting wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. The firefighters worked for the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Key Facts
Three wildland firefighters died on June 27.
The firefighters were responding to the Knowles and Gore fires.
The fires are located along the Colorado-Utah border.
The firefighters were part of the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Wildland Fire Service.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the deaths on Sunday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Tim Kaine said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seems to be removing Army leaders because of a personal grudge. Kaine questioned if Hegseth wants only people who agree with him around, especially targeting the Army.
Key Facts
Senator Tim Kaine spoke about the removal of Army General Chris Donahue.
Kaine suggested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has a personal grudge against the Army.
Kaine implied Hegseth is pushing out honest leaders and replacing them with loyal supporters.
The focus is on Chiefs and leaders within the U.S. Army.
The comments were made publicly during an interview on Sunday.
The matter involves U.S. defense leadership and military management.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. and Iran agreed to stop military attacks against each other and plan to meet in Qatar to discuss their conflict over the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement follows a recent ceasefire and aims to ensure safe passage for ships through the strait.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran agreed to halt all military strikes, referred to as "kinetic activity."
A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Qatar to discuss issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The ceasefire agreement is about 11 days old but has faced renewed attacks from both sides.
The conflict centers on different views of a memorandum of understanding about the strait's control.
Iran agreed to allow safe passage for commercial ships; the U.S. lifted its blockade of Iranian ports.
A "hotline" was planned between the U.S. military and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to manage ship movements, but it was not yet working as of Saturday.
The talks were initially planned for Switzerland but moved to Qatar due to rising tensions.
Vice President Vance led the U.S. delegation in prior negotiations; Nick Stewart will participate in the upcoming talks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine asked President Donald Trump to rethink ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants. This request follows a Supreme Court decision that allows the Trump administration to remove Haitians and Syrians from the TPS program.
Key Facts
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is a Republican.
He urged President Donald Trump to reconsider ending TPS for Haitian migrants.
TPS is a program that protects people from countries affected by disaster or conflict, allowing them to stay temporarily in the U.S.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration can end TPS for Haitians and Syrians.
Thousands of Haitians and Syrians currently have TPS status in the U.S.
The Trump administration had planned to end TPS protections.
DeWine's call came shortly after the Supreme Court decision was announced.
The issue affects migration policy and humanitarian protection in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said that the typical 401(k) retirement account increased by almost $30,000 in 13 months during his second term. However, data from Fidelity Investments shows the average increase was about $9,454, much less than Trump’s claim.
Key Facts
President Trump stated a typical 401(k) balance grew by nearly $30,000 in 13 months.
The S&P 500 stock index rose about 24% between January 2025 and June 2026.
Fidelity Investments analyzed 401(k) accounts for 25 million people across 26,000 plans.
The average 401(k) increase across age groups was around $9,454, about one-third of Trump’s figure.
The highest average increase by age group was about $16,000 for people aged 55 to 59.
Many 401(k) balances are affected by contributions as well as stock market gains.
Median gains (middle value) may be lower than the average because large accounts raise the average.
Only 10% to 20% of Americans have 401(k) balances as large as $200,000, which would be needed for a $30,000 gain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Todd Young discussed a tense moment with Senator Mark Kelly amid criticism from President Trump about a video Kelly helped release. The video told military members not to follow illegal orders and was produced by Kelly and five other lawmakers.
Key Facts
Senator Todd Young represents Indiana and is a Republican.
Senator Mark Kelly represents Arizona and is a Democrat.
In November, Kelly and five other lawmakers made a video advising military members not to obey illegal orders.
President Donald Trump criticized Kelly for this video.
Young spoke about a difficult encounter with Kelly during a TV interview.
The discussion took place on ABC News’s show “This Week.”
The issue involved differing views on military orders and loyalty.
The event reflects ongoing political tensions involving President Trump and members of Congress.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A severe heatwave in Europe has caused over 1,300 extra deaths since June 21, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Several countries, including Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, set new temperature records, reaching above 40°C in some places.
Key Facts
The heatwave has caused 1,300 more deaths than usual in Europe since June 21.
Germany recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.7°C in eastern Brandenburg.
Poland hit a new record temperature of 40.5°C in the town of Slubice.
The Czech Republic reached 41.1°C, its second record in two days.
Most additional deaths are among people aged 65 and older.
France reported about 1,000 extra deaths since Wednesday, with many people dying at home.
The heatwave forced some events to be canceled, such as the Dutch Defqon.1 music festival and Paris’s pride march.
Climate change is making Europe heat up twice as fast as the world average, leading to more frequent extreme heat events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended President Donald Trump’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living legally in the U.S. The Supreme Court recently supported this decision.
Key Facts
TPS is a program that allows people from certain countries to live and work temporarily in the U.S. due to unsafe conditions in their home country.
President Trump’s administration decided to end TPS for people from Haiti.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the administration’s choice to end the program for Haitians.
Markwayne Mullin is the current Secretary of Homeland Security.
Mullin publicly supported the administration’s action on TPS during a statement.
TPS is meant as a temporary measure, not a permanent immigration status.
Haitians who had TPS now face losing their legal protection to stay in the U.S.
This decision affects people who have been living legally in the U.S. under TPS from Haiti.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A scientific journal recently removed two papers from the 1940s by physicist Max Planck due to what appears to be a copyright or publishing error. Historians found that the journal’s removal was likely caused by a mistaken use of an automated system and not because of any problems with the science itself.
Key Facts
Max Planck was a German physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics and won a Nobel Prize in 1918.
Two of Planck’s papers from the 1940s were retracted and removed by the journal Naturwissenschaften (now The Science of Nature).
The papers were removed completely, with empty files left online and a note saying they were withdrawn due to an article violation.
The journal’s editor was unaware of the retractions until contacted by a reporter.
Historians Yves Gingras and Mahdi Khelfaoui investigated and said the retractions likely came from a publisher’s misunderstanding of copyright rules or past publishing methods.
The papers’ removal may have been triggered by an automated algorithm mistaking them for duplicate publications.
Both papers were philosophical reflections and not questioned for scientific accuracy.
The retractions seem tied to the switch to electronic publishing and how old papers were archived digitally.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, has told migrants on temporary protected status (TPS) to either apply for permanent residency or leave the country. This follows a Supreme Court decision ending TPS protections for many Haitian and Syrian immigrants, potentially leading to their deportation despite ongoing dangers in their home countries.
Key Facts
TPS is a temporary legal status given to people fleeing war, disaster, or dangerous conditions in their home countries.
The Supreme Court ruled to end TPS for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians.
Homeland Security will offer deported migrants plane tickets and $2,100 to help them restart their lives if they return home.
Haiti has been unstable since a 2010 earthquake, and Syria has been in a civil war since 2012.
The State Department still warns against travel to Haiti and Syria due to violence and crime.
Many Haitian immigrants have lived and worked in the US for years and oppose the decision.
Ohio's governor and some Republican lawmakers criticized the Supreme Court ruling and support extending TPS for Haitians.
Approximately 1.7 million people from 17 countries hold TPS in the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
