A new poll by Morning Consult and the Cato Institute shows that many Americans support changing the Constitution to add rights like health care, balance the federal budget, and limit campaign spending. The poll also finds that Americans back other changes, such as voter ID laws and making English the national language, with some agreement across political lines.
Key Facts
73% of Americans support a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to health care.
69% want an amendment to require a balanced federal budget and limit political campaign spending.
66% support requiring photo ID to vote.
65% would back making English the national language.
60% support banning flag burning and guaranteeing free college through amendments.
Only 36% support banning diversity, equity, and inclusion topics in public schools and 38% back ending birthright citizenship by amendment.
The poll surveyed 2,253 adults on June 25-26, 2026, with a 2% margin of error.
Amending the Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of Congress or state legislatures and ratification by three-fourths of states, making it a difficult process.
The last amendment passed was the 27th in 1992, which limits congressional pay changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Washington, D.C., and much of the eastern U.S. are experiencing very high temperatures this week, with the capital expecting a high of 102 degrees on Thursday. The extreme heat is affecting plans for the city’s July 4th weekend events as it prepares to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
Key Facts
The eastern half of the United States is facing extreme heat this week.
Washington, D.C., is forecast to reach 102 degrees on Thursday.
The National Weather Service provided the temperature forecast.
The heat is impacting preparations for July 4th weekend celebrations.
The city will mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding during these events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Algerians took part in parliamentary elections that were marked by many candidates being excluded. Meanwhile, severe flooding in Ivory Coast caused many deaths, and in Cameroon, a coastal community faced environmental damage from large amounts of rubbish.
Key Facts
Algeria held parliamentary elections recently.
Hundreds of potential candidates were prevented from running in the elections.
Ivory Coast experienced severe flooding that led to dozens of deaths.
In Cameroon, a waterfront community faced environmental harm from tons of trash covering black volcanic sands.
These events were covered as part of broader news on Africa’s political and environmental issues.
The elections occurred amid ongoing regional challenges and social issues.
The article also mentions other global and African news, but focuses mainly on Algeria’s election.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Authorities in Hamden, Ohio, removed 16 children living in poor and unsafe conditions from a home and arrested four adults related to the children on child endangerment charges. The children were not enrolled in school and lived mostly confined to a small room, with some needing hospital care.
Key Facts
16 children, aged 1.5 to 18, were found living in squalor in a home in Hamden, Ohio.
The children were mostly kept in a small room under very poor conditions.
Seven children were taken to hospitals, including one in critical condition.
The children were not enrolled in school, and neighbors never saw them.
Four adults related to the children—parents and grandparents—were arrested for child endangerment.
The adults pleaded not guilty and were given $300,000 bond each.
The investigation began after authorities visited the home for an unrelated reason.
A warrant related to misdemeanor indecent exposure charges was issued for one adult on the day of the investigation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested about 10,000 people during a five-day period in late June as part of President Donald Trump’s increased effort to deport more immigrants. This surge is part of a shift away from well-known city raids toward quieter methods, but the number of arrests is rising sharply.
Key Facts
ICE made approximately 10,000 arrests over five days at the end of June, averaging around 2,000 arrests per day.
The arrests are part of President Trump’s push to deport illegal immigrants, including those with criminal records.
The agency has moved from large, public raids in major cities to less visible enforcement actions.
ICE detention numbers rose to about 39,000 in June, up from about 30,000 in previous months.
ICE does not usually release arrest figures, making comparisons difficult.
December had the highest monthly average of arrests under the Trump administration before this surge, with 1,283 arrests per day.
In January, after heavy enforcement in Minneapolis, arrests averaged about 1,212 per day nationwide.
The enforcement approach changed after incidents in Minneapolis led to reduced presence of ICE officers there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A series of earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant damage and challenges for the country. Maps show the areas most affected and highlight the scale of the disaster.
Key Facts
Multiple earthquakes hit Venezuela recently.
The earthquakes caused widespread damage in various regions.
Maps have been created to show which areas were hit hardest.
The disaster has affected homes, infrastructure, and local communities.
Authorities and emergency teams are responding to help those impacted.
The earthquakes add to ongoing difficulties in Venezuela.
The exact number of casualties or injuries has not been clearly reported yet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The administration of President Donald Trump is reducing rules that limit commercial fishing across the U.S. This includes reopening parts of New England waters to scallop fishing, which had been closed to protect fish populations. Officials say the goal is to support the fishing industry while managing environmental concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration is cutting commercial fishing regulations nationwide.
New England waters, including parts of Georges Bank, may reopen to scallop fishing.
Georges Bank is an important fishing area off Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.
Fishing restrictions were put in place in 1994 after declines in cod stocks due to overfishing.
Trump declared a national scallops day to celebrate these changes.
NOAA and the Department of Commerce are leading the policy changes to boost seafood production.
The New England Fishery Management Council has not yet agreed to reopen some areas and will discuss this again.
The administration aims to balance increased fishing access with environmental protection.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK’s Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, has quit the social media platform X, saying it spreads abuse and false information instead of real discussion. The UK’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport will also stop using X, joining other government offices that have left the platform due to concerns about online safety and harmful content.
Key Facts
Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Secretary, left X over its spread of abuse and misinformation.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) also decided to stop using X.
The Attorney General’s Office quit X last month for similar reasons, citing racism and misogyny on the platform.
Critics say Elon Musk has reduced controls on X, making it a place for extremist and divisive content.
Many news outlets, celebrities, and organizations have left X due to its toxic online environment.
The UK media regulator Ofcom is investigating X’s AI chatbot, Grok, for sharing illegal images, including those involving minors.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has introduced a social media ban for children under 16 to protect youth online.
Musk has criticized UK online rules like the Online Safety Act, saying they might limit free speech.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States is marking its 250th anniversary since 1776, highlighting its long democracy and stable constitution. The celebration comes at a time of political division and changing global views about America’s role in the world.
Key Facts
The U.S. is celebrating 250 years since its founding in 1776.
It has operated under the same constitution since 1789, making it the world’s longest-running democracy.
Other countries, like France, have experienced many changes in government types over similar periods.
The anniversary raises questions about what the celebration means today.
The U.S. is known for its influence in global politics, trade, culture, and history, including winning the Cold War.
President Donald Trump supports loosening traditional alliances.
Global admiration for American democracy is currently decreasing.
The country faces internal political divisions as it marks this milestone.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Army General Christopher Donahue gave up his leadership of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa during a ceremony in Germany. He was removed from the position last month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Key Facts
General Christopher Donahue led U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
He stepped down from his role in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed him unexpectedly last month.
Donahue is 56 years old.
He was known as an important and rising leader in the Army.
Donahue has a long career in military special operations.
This change affects U.S. military leadership in Europe and Africa.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government announced that it will no longer cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) by rejecting all requests to hand over individuals for trial. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the ICC has no authority over U.S. citizens and that American courts have sole power to try them.
Key Facts
The U.S. will not honor extradition requests from the ICC or take part in its investigations.
The ICC tries people accused of serious crimes like genocide and war crimes.
The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and started work in 2002.
The U.S. signed but never approved the treaty that created the ICC, and it is not a member.
The ICC only acts if a country’s own courts won’t investigate or prosecute serious crimes.
Acting Attorney General Blanche criticized the ICC for acting beyond its rights and questioned its fairness.
Major countries like Russia, China, and the U.S. are not part of the ICC.
The letter from the U.S. government restates a long-held position and may signal a tougher stance on the ICC.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement in August but have not shared many details about their wedding plans. Media reports and hints from the couple have sparked widespread interest and guesses about the upcoming event.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce got engaged in August.
Both have kept their wedding plans mostly private.
Fans and media are speculating about the details of the wedding.
Some people have compared the wedding to a royal wedding in America.
The couple has released only a few clues about the celebration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham said he would take funding the UK’s defence investment plan very seriously if he becomes prime minister. The plan adds £15 billion to defence spending but leaves a £4.7 billion funding gap that the next prime minister must address.
Key Facts
The defence investment plan was published with a £15 billion spending increase.
The plan has a £4.7 billion shortfall that needs to be filled by the next prime minister.
Andy Burnham has not seen all details before the plan’s release but pledges no compromise on national security.
Burnham rejects criticism of his approach to public finances and refers to his experience managing Greater Manchester’s budget.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto promises no tax increases for working people but allows some flexibility on business rates.
Burnham opposes sharp cuts to welfare benefits and supports improving education and mental health services.
He is the only candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer and is expected to become prime minister on July 20.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the defence funding gap and questioned Burnham about it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is preparing for a large private event at Madison Square Garden during the July 4 weekend. The event is believed to be the wedding celebration of singer Taylor Swift and football player Travis Kelce, although neither person has confirmed this.
Key Facts
NYC officials and the NYPD are monitoring a major event at Madison Square Garden on July 4.
The event is rumored to be Taylor Swift’s wedding to Travis Kelce, with no official confirmation from them.
An internal NYPD memo mentions a two-day operation including a rehearsal dinner and a larger celebration.
About 100 guests are expected at the rehearsal dinner, and roughly 1,000 guests for the main event.
Security will include street closures, protective barriers, and about 135 NYPD officers assigned.
Police overtime for the event could cost tens of thousands of dollars due to the size and workload.
New York City approved permits for a special event involving tents and crowd management from June 29 to July 4.
The event adds to NYC’s busy schedule during Fourth of July, America’s 250th anniversary, and a strong summer tourism season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Haruki Murakami released a new novel called "The Tale of KAHO" in Japan, featuring a female main character for the first time in his full-length novels. Fans gathered at a Tokyo bookstore to get their copies right after midnight, marking the book's launch.
Key Facts
The novel is titled "The Tale of KAHO."
It is Murakami’s first full-length novel with a woman as the main character.
Kaho, the protagonist, is a picture book author who experiences strange events.
The story began as a short story performed by Murakami at a university event two years ago.
The book has 352 pages and is made up of four chapters.
The novel was published by Shinchosha Publishing in Japan.
The story originally appeared as shorter versions in the Shincho magazine.
Fans took part in a countdown event at Kinokuniya bookstore in Tokyo to receive the book at midnight.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist named David Hearn was charged with felony destruction of property in Washington, D.C. This charge relates to damage found at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He could face up to 10 years in prison.
Key Facts
David Hearn is a former Olympic canoeist.
He was indicted by a Washington, D.C. grand jury.
The charge is felony destruction of property.
The damage was found at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Hearn is 67 years old.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro made the announcement.
The felony charge could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A former US Olympian, David "Davey" Hearn, has been charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC. Authorities say he tore a recently installed sealant from the pool, causing about $1,000 in damage after a $14 million renovation.
Key Facts
David "Davey" Hearn is a 67-year-old three-time Olympic canoeist.
He is charged with a felony for destruction of property related to the Reflecting Pool.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2026, when Hearn allegedly ripped sealant from the pool bottom.
The pool had recently undergone a $14 million renovation but showed issues like peeling sealant and algae growth.
Hearn denies intentionally damaging the pool and says he only touched already damaged material.
US Park Police have arrested five people and issued citations to five others for vandalism involving the pool.
President Donald Trump publicly criticized the vandals and pledged immediate repairs to the Reflecting Pool.
The Reflecting Pool is a historic monument built in the 1920s, located between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota have created the first synthetic cell that can grow and divide, completing a full life cycle. This synthetic cell represents a breakthrough in creating life-like systems from scratch.
Key Facts
The synthetic cell was developed by a team at the University of Minnesota.
This cell can complete a full life cycle, meaning it can grow and divide.
This is the first time scientists have made a synthetic cell able to fully reproduce.
Kate Adamala, a professor at the university and co-founder of the company Biotic, worked on the project.
The achievement was shared in an interview on CBS News.
This development may help scientists better understand life and create new biological technologies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Spotify removed streams of the song "Earrings" by Malcolm Todd after detecting that the streaming numbers were not from real listeners. This happened following suspicious bets placed on the song’s success on the prediction market platform Kalshi, which is now investigating the issue with Spotify.
Key Facts
The song "Earrings" quickly rose 70% in streams overnight, reaching No. 1 on Spotify's U.S. chart.
Spotify identified the streams as manipulated and removed them, saying they do not pay royalties for fake streams.
Kalshi is a prediction market where people bet on future events, including music chart success.
Kalshi is working with Spotify to investigate the suspicious bets.
There are concerns about prediction markets being vulnerable to manipulation with inside information.
In a previous case, a suspicious bet on the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro involved a U.S. soldier charged with using classified information.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulates prediction markets in the U.S.
Prediction markets have attracted billions in venture capital but face questions about security and fairness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Louisiana, is refusing to support a voter ID bill unless the SAVE America Act is included in important legislation. Her stance has slowed down work in the House of Representatives as she insists on attaching the SAVE Act to major bills.
Key Facts
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana.
She opposes a bill to increase voter ID requirements unless it includes the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act focuses on changes to voter eligibility rules.
Luna’s refusal to support the bill has caused delays in House legislative work.
She has said she does not care if people dislike her for her position.
The dispute is between Luna and Republican party leaders who want to pass the voter ID bill.
Luna’s actions represent a rebellion within the Republican Party.
The disagreement centers on attaching the SAVE Act to large, must-pass bills.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
