Protesters in South Africa have set a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country, causing concern among African migrants. Meanwhile, floods in Ghana have caused deaths and severe disruption in the capital.
Key Facts
South Africa has a deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave, set by protesters.
Many African migrants in South Africa are worried about the approaching deadline.
Floods in Ghana’s capital have killed at least three people and caused major problems.
Cape Verde is becoming a safer place for LGBTQ+ people in Africa.
There are reports of violence and unrest related to migration issues in parts of Africa.
The situation reflects broader concerns about migration and social tensions in the region.
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The main pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) lobbying group in the U.S. has increased its efforts to influence lawmakers. This move comes after Congress approved new rules changing how PBMs operate, following years of blame from drug companies about high medicine prices.
Key Facts
The top PBM lobbying group is actively advocating for its industry.
Congress passed a law last winter that changes PBM regulations.
Pharmaceutical companies had blamed PBMs for raising drug prices.
PBMs manage prescription drug benefits for health plans and negotiate prices.
The new law aims to overhaul the PBM business to address drug cost concerns.
The PBM lobby is responding to challenges from both Congress and drug makers.
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Daveigh Chase, an actress known for roles in The Ring and Lilo & Stitch, died on June 16 at age 35. A medical report cited AIDS as the cause of death, with other health issues listed, and her manager noted she had suffered from sepsis and meningitis before passing.
Key Facts
Daveigh Chase died on June 16 at the age of 35.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported AIDS as the cause of death.
Other health conditions included chronic polysubstance use.
Chase’s manager said she died from sepsis following meningitis treatment in a hospital.
Her father said she had been homeless and living with her boyfriend in Los Angeles before she died.
She started acting at age four and had her first TV role at seven in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Chase’s breakthrough role was in Donnie Darko (2001), and she played Samara Morgan in The Ring (2002).
She voiced Lilo in Lilo & Stitch (2002), winning an award for best voice acting.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended recent tax changes aimed at making housing more affordable for young people. He said the government wants to reduce unfair advantages for investors and help more Australians own homes, despite some recent falls in house prices.
Key Facts
Albanese appeared on ABC’s 7.30 program to discuss housing reforms.
He said the tax changes prevent investors from getting big tax breaks when they bid high prices on homes.
House prices have risen by 400% since 1999, more than twice the growth in wages.
Homeownership rates for younger Australians have been falling.
Treasury estimates expect house prices to keep rising but at a slower pace.
Major banks predict house prices will stay flat or fall slightly until 2026.
Albanese wants to avoid a society where younger and older generations have very different chances of owning homes.
He also praised actor Paul Hogan for opposing political attacks on Australia’s multicultural society.
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In April 2026, the United States generated more electricity from solar power than from coal for the first time when including small rooftop solar installations. While utility-scale solar alone did not surpass coal, the combined total from all solar sources edged ahead as coal use continued to decline.
Key Facts
April 2026 data shows solar electricity production surpassed coal electricity production in the US for the first time.
Small-scale solar, such as rooftop panels, accounts for a large part of solar energy and is mostly used where it is produced rather than sent to the power grid.
Coal generated about 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in April 2026, utility-scale solar produced 31 TWh, and small-scale solar contributed nearly 10 TWh.
Solar power grew over 20% compared to the previous year, though it still only provided about 9.4% of grid power in April versus coal’s 12%.
Combining all renewable sources including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power produced 117 TWh, almost three times coal’s output.
Coal use is declining despite government efforts to support it, while solar remains the cheapest way to add new electricity capacity in most of the US.
Longer daylight in April and new solar installations completed late in the previous year help boost solar production.
Solar is expected to maintain or increase its lead over coal during the summer months in coming years.
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After earthquakes struck Venezuela, rescue teams are working hard to find people trapped under the rubble. The search and rescue efforts have been ongoing for at least five days.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced earthquakes that caused damage and trapped people in debris.
Rescue crews are actively searching for survivors.
The rescue operations have continued for several days.
Katie Susman, head of the International Rescue Committee for Latin America, is involved in the response.
The situation has drawn international attention and coverage.
The rescue efforts are urgent and ongoing to save lives.
The article includes live stream updates from ABC News about the rescue work.
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British comedian John Oliver will appear as a guest star in two popular soap operas, "General Hospital" and "Days of Our Lives." He previously expressed his wish to be in a soap opera and will appear in multiple episodes of both shows this summer.
Key Facts
John Oliver hosts HBO’s "Last Week Tonight."
He publicly said he wanted to act in a soap opera in March 2024.
Oliver will appear in three episodes of "General Hospital" airing July 2, 3, and 6.
He has already filmed a week of episodes for "Days of Our Lives" which will air August 11, 12, and 14.
"General Hospital" executive producer Frank Valentini praised Oliver's professionalism and humor.
Oliver described being on "General Hospital" as an honor and a fun experience.
He joked about the uniqueness of being in two soap operas at once.
Oliver said soap opera acting is not a backup career plan for him.
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President Donald Trump answered questions from reporters in the Oval Office about recent Supreme Court decisions on mail-in voting and presidential authority. He also talked about the SAVE Act during the discussion.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to reporters on Monday in the Oval Office.
The discussion came hours after the Supreme Court made important rulings on mail-in ballots.
The Supreme Court also issued decisions affecting presidential powers.
President Trump addressed questions related to these rulings.
He spoke about the SAVE Act during the event.
The event was covered by CBS News and available through their app and website.
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The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government must get a warrant to access a person’s location history collected by companies like Google. The Court said this kind of data is protected by the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court decision was split 6-3 in favor of privacy protections for location history.
The case involved police using a "geofence warrant," which requests data on all phones in a certain area to find a suspect.
The police worked with Google to identify and arrest Okello Chatrie, who shared his location with Google regularly.
Chatrie argued that the geofence warrant violated his Fourth Amendment rights because it was an unconstitutional search.
The government claimed Chatrie had no expectation of privacy because he shared his location and was moving in public.
Justice Elena Kagan wrote the majority opinion, stating that accessing any amount of location data is a search under the Fourth Amendment.
The Court noted that people often feel forced to share location data for their phones and apps to work correctly, but this does not remove privacy rights.
Privacy groups and tech companies supported the ruling, emphasizing that it protects people’s rights against government overreach.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, killing over 1,700 people and causing many buildings to collapse. In hard-hit cities like La Guaira, locals have been doing most of the rescue work themselves, as government help has been limited and slow.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela’s northern state of La Guaira within 39 seconds of each other.
Over 1,700 people have died, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Venezuela’s history.
Almost 800 buildings collapsed due to the earthquakes.
Many survivors and victims’ families are digging through rubble by hand, using simple tools like crowbars and pickaxes.
An aftershock on Monday measured 4.6 in magnitude but caused no additional damage.
Government rescue efforts have been criticized for being slow and lacking proper equipment.
More than 25,000 emergency workers, police, and soldiers have been deployed to help, according to Interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
A damage assessment commission will use a color-coded system to decide who can return home safely.
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This article explains three important mistakes savers should avoid in July due to current economic conditions like rising inflation and possible changes in interest rates. It advises savers to carefully compare offers, pay attention to key dates like government reports and Federal Reserve meetings, and avoid quickly locking in the first high interest rate they find.
Key Facts
Inflation is increasing again, and there may be future hikes in interest rates.
Traditional savings accounts often have very low interest rates, around 0.38%.
Savers should not rush to accept the first high-rate certificate of deposit (CD) offer they see.
Important dates to watch in July include the inflation report release on July 14 and the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28-29.
Banks may raise savings rates after these dates, creating better opportunities.
Interest rates can vary among banks—some may raise rates, others may not.
Comparing rates from multiple banks can help savers find the best option.
Being patient and informed can improve savings returns in the current economic environment.
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Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican members of the House that delaying work on the House agenda because of disagreements about the SAVE America Act and other bills could hurt their own goals. He urged them not to block legislation, calling it a strategy that defeats itself.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House and a Republican from Louisiana.
Johnson spoke to House Republicans on Monday.
He warned them against blocking the House's legislative work.
The delay is related to disagreements over the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act is a proposed law about voter eligibility.
Johnson said blocking the agenda would be “self-defeating.”
The statement was meant to encourage cooperation among House Republicans.
The issue centers on how to handle voting rules and other legislative measures.
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South Korea plans to invest nearly one trillion dollars in artificial intelligence by 2029. This is part of a major effort to grow its technology and business sectors.
Key Facts
South Korea will invest about one trillion dollars in AI technology by the year 2029.
The investment aims to boost the country's technology industry and economy.
Samsung workers avoided a strike by agreeing to bonuses linked to increased AI profits.
South Korean ministries have blocked access to a Chinese AI tool, DeepSeek, on military devices.
Other business news includes Comcast planning to make NBCUniversal a separate, public company.
France is introducing a new law targeting online shopping platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
The article mentions global trade and infrastructure issues alongside South Korea’s AI plans.
The focus is on economic and technological developments in the Asia-Pacific region.
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President Donald Trump continues to push for the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board after the Supreme Court blocked his effort temporarily. The Court sent the case back to a lower court because of legal procedures, not on the main issues of the case.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Lisa Cook removed from the Federal Reserve board.
The Supreme Court recently blocked his attempt to remove her right away.
The Court’s decision was based on legal technicalities, not the case’s main arguments.
The case will now go back to a lower court for further consideration.
President Trump posted updates about the situation on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Lisa Cook is currently serving on the Federal Reserve board.
The Federal Reserve board oversees U.S. monetary policy and banking regulations.
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Gas prices in the United States are falling as tensions between the U.S. and Iran ease, leading to lower crude oil costs. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now about $3.86, with some states experiencing bigger drops than others.
Key Facts
The national average gas price has dropped below $4 per gallon, currently around $3.86.
Gas prices vary by state due to differences in taxes, demand, and proximity to refineries.
Western states like Washington, California, and Oregon saw the largest recent price decreases (15-17 cents).
Southern and some Midwest states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi have lower prices but smaller recent declines.
Prices remain roughly 60 cents higher than last year’s Independence Day prices.
Nearly 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles during the July Fourth week.
The drop in gas prices follows negotiations between the U.S. and Iran and increased shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gasoline prices typically follow crude oil prices with a delay of 4 to 6 weeks.
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France is facing a severe heatwave that has caused hospitals and funeral homes to become overwhelmed. The heat has led to at least 1,000 more deaths than usual since June 24, mostly affecting older people, and more heatwaves are expected soon.
Key Facts
Since June 24, France recorded 1,000 more deaths than expected due to extreme heat.
Around 85% of those who died were people aged 65 and older.
At least 40 deaths were from drowning as people sought relief in rivers and canals.
Funeral homes are more than 66% full, much higher than the normal 30-45%.
Two funeral homes in central Paris have been at full capacity since Friday.
French Prime Minister Sébastian Lecornu said the government’s measures have so far "held up well."
Cities like Paris get hotter due to the "urban heat island" effect caused by buildings and pavement.
Many hospitals in France lack air conditioning, which could reduce heat-related deaths by 40%.
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Andy Burnham, expected to soon become the UK prime minister, has shared his plan to improve life for people and restore trust in politics by changing how the country is governed. His ideas include more public control over essential services, building more council homes, and reforming education to value both academic and technical skills equally.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham plans a major shift in British government to improve living standards and rebuild trust.
He wants more public control of services like water, housing, energy, and transport to reduce living costs.
Burnham will create a “No 10 North” hub to help spread power and resources across the UK, based in Manchester.
He aims for the biggest council housing building program since after World War II.
Burnham wants to reform business rates to support high street shops and encourage growth.
His education plan will give equal value to academic and technical courses, not just university paths.
He promises to follow fiscal rules set by Rachel Reeves and maintain sound public finances.
Burnham hinted at early cost-of-living help for people struggling with bills soon after taking office.
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Starting July 1, some Medicare patients can access GLP-1 weight-loss drugs by paying a $50 monthly copay through a new temporary program called Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. The program will last 18 months and covers certain medications made by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk for patients meeting specific health criteria.
Key Facts
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program begins July 1 and runs through December 31, 2027.
It helps Medicare patients pay for GLP-1 drugs prescribed just for weight loss, not other conditions.
Patients will pay a $50 monthly copay, which does not count toward their deductible or annual out-of-pocket limit.
Eligible patients must have a qualifying BMI level and related health conditions, verified by a doctor.
The program covers Lilly’s Foundayo and Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in pill and injection forms.
Patients already receiving GLP-1 drugs for conditions like diabetes under Medicare Part D are not eligible.
The program is temporary, and coverage after 2027 depends on government decisions or changes in the law.
Patients cannot use coupons or discounts to reduce the $50 copay in this program.
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Andy Burnham, a UK politician, wants to give more power to local areas across the UK, including cities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. He believes this change will help all parts of the UK grow economically. Experts have found that past devolution has not clearly increased economic growth, but it might have prevented decline.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham plans to shift power from the UK central government to local regions like Greater Manchester and others in the UK.
Devolution means giving local governments control over areas like health, education, transport, and taxation.
Scotland has broad devolved powers, including health, education, police, and some tax control.
Wales and Northern Ireland have significant but more limited powers compared to Scotland.
English city regions, like Greater Manchester, have gained some powers since 2009, mainly in transport and housing.
Studies show no clear evidence that devolution has increased economic growth in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland since 1998.
Economic performance in these nations remains below the UK average, with Scotland at 93%, Northern Ireland 83%, and Wales 74%.
Burnham believes Greater Manchester’s experience with devolution shows it can help local economies grow.
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After twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, many false videos spread online. Some videos show old events from Venezuela, others show disasters from different countries, and some are made using artificial intelligence (AI). These videos cause confusion about the true impact of the earthquakes.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced twin earthquakes causing serious damage and deaths.
Social media is full of misleading videos about the disaster.
Some videos are from past events in Venezuela but shared as if they are new.
Other videos come from different countries like Turkey, Thailand, and Myanmar.
One viral video of a building collapse was from a controlled demolition in Turkey in 2023.
AI-created videos show fake scenes of buildings collapsing in Venezuela.
These fake videos often have unrealistic effects, like buildings bending like rubber.
Fact-checkers use tools like reverse image searches to find the original sources of misleading videos.
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