The US dollar has experienced a significant drop in the first half of 2025, marking its worst performance since 1973. The decline is linked to President Trump's economic policies, which have affected investor confidence and led to a decrease in the dollar's strength compared to other major currencies.
Key Facts
The US dollar index dropped 10.8% in the first six months of 2025.
President Trump's trade policies and Federal Reserve criticisms have reduced the dollar's attractiveness as a safe investment.
Trump's tax bill, under debate, could add trillions to US debt, worrying investors.
Gold prices have reached record highs as central banks buy gold due to fears of dollar devaluation.
Tariffs announced by Trump led to major selloffs in US financial markets, decreasing the value of stocks and government bonds.
The OECD reduced its US growth expectation for 2025 from 2.2% to 1.6%.
The proposed tax bill could increase US Federal debt by $3.3 trillion by 2034.
Moody's lowered the US credit rating, reflecting concerns about the country's economic growth and currency demand.
A Ukrainian drone hit a Russian industrial plant far from Ukraine, resulting in deaths and injuries. Both Ukraine and Russia are using the ongoing conflict to test and improve drone technology, with Ukraine focusing on increasing domestic production of drones.
Key Facts
A Ukrainian drone struck a plant in Izhevsk, Russia, killing three people and injuring 35.
The plant hit is involved in producing air defense systems for the Russian military.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said the country will produce more drones to counter Russia's increasing drone attacks.
In June, Russia launched over 5,400 drones at Ukraine, setting a new record.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported 60 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight in various regions.
Four Russian drones hit the city of Zaporizhzia in Ukraine, causing power outages.
The United States has paused new military aid to Ukraine, while Europe has increased its support.
Elon Musk's social media company, X, has hired Nikita Bier as head of product to attract younger users. Bier is known for creating popular social media apps aimed at teens, and experts believe his experience could help X in reaching a youthful audience.
Key Facts
Elon Musk owns the social media company X, which was formerly called Twitter.
Nikita Bier has been appointed as X's head of product to focus on attracting younger users.
Bier is known for creating apps like tbh, an anonymous polling app for teens, which Meta acquired in 2017.
In 2023, Bier's app Gas, which focuses on giving compliments, was bought by Discord.
X has faced challenges with keeping advertisers and users since Musk bought it for $44 billion in 2022.
The platform's monthly active users count was over 600 million as of March 2023.
A Pew Research report showed a decrease in U.S. users of X from previous years.
Other tech companies, including Meta, are aggressively recruiting top talent in artificial intelligence.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) plans to have all its online shopping services fully running in four weeks after a cyber attack that impacted its operations. The attack in April affected sales and customer data, which the company says will reduce its profits by about £300 million. Efforts are underway to restore its distribution center and revive its online services completely.
Key Facts
M&S aims to restore full online shopping in four weeks.
Online orders restarted in June, but some services like click and collect remain unavailable.
The cyber attack in April caused disruption, leading to a £300 million estimated loss in profits.
M&S is focusing on restoring its Castle Donington distribution center.
Online services have resumed in England, Scotland, and Wales, but not yet in Northern Ireland.
E-gift cards were sent to customers affected by order cancellations or delays.
Competitor Sainsbury's noted some benefit from M&S's stock issues.
There are signs of high demand for M&S's summer fashion styles.
Hurricane Flossie grew stronger and became a Category 2 storm near the Pacific coast of Mexico. It had winds reaching 100 mph and was expected to move away from Mexico while possibly becoming a major hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Key Facts
Hurricane Flossie became a Category 2 hurricane.
It was located 150 miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico.
The hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 100 mph.
It was moving northwest at 10 mph.
Rainfall was affecting parts of coastal Mexico.
Forecasters expected the hurricane to get stronger.
It could become a major hurricane with winds of at least 111 mph.
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart passed away at the age of 90. He was a well-known Pentecostal preacher who gained a large audience through his television ministry but faced a decline after being involved in prostitution scandals in the late 1980s. Despite his troubles, Swaggart continued to preach for decades.
Key Facts
Jimmy Swaggart, a famous televangelist, died at 90.
His death was announced on his public Facebook page.
Swaggart was involved in a prostitution scandal in 1988 that affected his popularity.
In 1988, he apologized in a sermon, saying, "I have sinned against you."
He resigned from the Assemblies of God Church the same year after being defrocked.
Swaggart grew up in a poor family and started his ministry in Louisiana.
He founded Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, which became highly successful in the 1980s.
A scandal involving photos with a prostitute led to a significant decline in his career.
A drone attack attributed to Ukraine hit a military factory in Izhevsk, Russia, resulting in three deaths and 35 injuries. Ukrainian officials confirmed that the attack involved long-range drones targeting the Kupol Electromechanical Plant.
Key Facts
Three people died, and 35 were injured in a drone attack on a factory in Izhevsk, Russia.
The factory produces missile systems and radar stations.
The attack was carried out by two long-range drones from Ukraine.
The strike occurred more than 1,000 kilometers from the Russian-Ukrainian border.
This factory was previously targeted by a Ukrainian drone strike in November.
Russia imposed temporary restrictions on flights at Izhevsk airport following the attack.
Ukrainian media stated that such attacks aim to weaken Russia's military potential.
Russia continues to launch drone and missile attacks on various locations in Ukraine.
A court in Georgia sentenced opposition figure Nika Gvaramia to eight months in prison for not cooperating with a parliamentary investigation into alleged wrongdoing by a former president. This action is part of a broader crackdown on opposition leaders in Georgia, drawing criticism from international bodies that accuse the government of suppressing dissent.
Key Facts
Nika Gvaramia, an opposition leader in Georgia, received an eight-month prison sentence.
He was also banned from holding public office for two years.
The sentence was due to his refusal to assist in a parliamentary investigation.
The investigation is related to former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is serving a prison term.
Other opposition figures like Giorgi Vashadze have faced similar charges and sentences.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, faces accusations of undermining democracy.
International voices, including the UK and Amnesty International, have criticized these actions.
There have been protests in Georgia since disputed elections last year.
In 2001, a man was killed near a restaurant in Yekaterinburg, Russia, and he named his alleged attackers before dying. These suspects remained free for 24 years before recent arrests, which led to their deaths and caused diplomatic tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan. The incident has highlighted issues of discrimination against ethnic Azeris in Russia.
Key Facts
A man was stabbed to death in 2001 near a restaurant in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The victim named his suspected killers, who were thought to be ethnic Azeris.
The suspects were identified and apprehended 24 years later.
Two of the suspects died during the arrest process, according to Russian prosecutors.
The arrests have started diplomatic issues between Russia and Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan claims Russian officers used excessive force, killing two of the suspects and injuring their relatives.
The situation has further strained relations, with Azerbaijan arresting Russian intelligence officers and closing a Moscow-funded media outlet.
Ethnic Azeris in Russia reportedly face discrimination and harsh treatment by authorities.
Police in Turkiye detained four people connected to a cartoon in the magazine LeMan, which critics say showed religious prophets in an offensive way. The government has started an investigation into the cartoon, which sparked public protests and debates about press freedom and religious respect.
Key Facts
Four people were detained in Turkiye over a cartoon in LeMan magazine.
The cartoon was criticized for allegedly depicting Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses inappropriately.
Turkish officials launched a formal investigation under laws against insulting religious values.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya condemned the cartoon, stating it is not protected as press or expression freedom.
Six detention orders were issued, but two individuals are still abroad.
LeMan magazine apologized but said the cartoon was misinterpreted and not meant to offend.
The magazine insists the cartoon highlighted suffering from a conflict and did not mock Islam.
Protests occurred outside the magazine's office, leading to debates on free expression in Turkiye.
The jury is deciding on a case against Sean Combs, who is accused of sex trafficking, transporting people for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Combs, who denies the charges, is facing allegations from two former girlfriends who say he coerced them into illegal activities. The trial involves complex legal issues, with numerous testimonies and evidence presented over nearly two months.
Key Facts
Sean Combs is on trial in New York City for sex trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy.
The charges involve allegations from two former girlfriends, including the singer Cassie Ventura.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial has lasted almost two months with 34 witnesses testifying against him.
The government claims Combs forced his partners into illegal activities across various locations.
The defense argues that the sexual activities were consensual.
A former prosecutor highlighted the differing complexities in proving the charges, with racketeering being the broadest.
Ventura has previously filed a civil suit against Combs which was settled for $20 million.
Ghanaian police have rescued 76 Ghanaians from a job scam in Nigeria. The victims were misled with false job and football contract offers, and upon arrival, their personal items were taken away. Seven suspects have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to bring the victims back to Ghana.
Key Facts
76 Ghanaians were trafficked to Nigeria under a fake job scheme and have been rescued.
They were promised jobs, football contracts, or visa help but had their documents and phones seized upon arrival.
Victims were housed in cramped conditions and were forced to contact family for money.
The suspects used victims' phone contacts to scam their friends and family.
Seven Ghanaian suspects were arrested in connection to this trafficking.
The rescue was a joint effort by Ghanaian police, Interpol, and Nigerian law enforcement.
Victims are currently awaiting repatriation to unite with their families in Ghana.
Ghana's Criminal Investigation Department advised caution with job offers abroad to avoid scams.
A company linked to the scam, QNET, has been banned in Ghana for similar fraudulent activities.
Singapore has introduced a new law that allows police to seize bank accounts and block money transfers if they suspect someone is being scammed. This law aims to tackle the rising scam problem in the country, giving police the authority to intervene even if the potential victim does not believe they are at risk.
Key Facts
Under the new law, police can seize bank accounts and stop money transfers if they suspect scam activity.
The law was passed to address victims' refusal to believe they are being scammed.
Scam-related losses in Singapore reached S$1.1 billion in 2024.
Police can block a person's use of ATMs and other banking services if they suspect a scam.
The account owner can still access their money for necessary expenses, controlled by police oversight.
The account can be held by police for up to 30 days, with up to five possible extensions.
Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of this power and lack of accountability.
Singapore has seen a rise in scams, increasing from around 15,600 in 2020 to over 50,000 in 2024.
Women's clothing and personal care products usually cost more than similar products for men, a phenomenon known as the "Pink Tax." New tariffs introduced by the Trump administration may impact these products and women's jobs. An expert explains these effects on a program called Now You Know.
Key Facts
The "Pink Tax" refers to the higher prices on women's clothing and personal care items compared to similar men's products.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and new ones from the Trump administration could affect prices further.
Tariffs may increase the cost of products, including those affected by the Pink Tax.
Changes in trade policies can impact jobs, including those held by women.
Prachi Agarwal, an expert in trade policy, discusses these issues in a program called Now You Know.
Agarwal is connected to the International Economic Development Group at ODI Global.
Police in Idaho have identified a suspect who is believed to have intentionally started a brush fire and then ambushed, killing two wildland firefighters and critically injuring another.
Key Facts
Police in Idaho identified a suspect connected to the shooting.
Two wildland firefighters died in the attack.
A third firefighter was critically injured.
The suspect allegedly started a brush fire on purpose before the attack.
The incident is described as an ambush, meaning a surprise attack.
The world population has grown from about 2 billion to 8 billion in the last century, while the average number of children born per woman has decreased. Economists Michael Geruso and Dean Spears worry about a potential future drop in population, which they discuss in their upcoming book. They believe this population decline could have significant impacts.
Key Facts
The world's population increased from around 2 billion to 8 billion over the past 100 years.
The average number of children born to each woman, known as fertility rate, has been decreasing.
Economists Michael Geruso and Dean Spears have written a book called "After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People."
They raise concerns about a possible future decline in population numbers.
The economists believe a population decline could have major consequences.
The discussion is featured in an episode of the NPR show "The Indicator from Planet Money."
A father jumped into the ocean to save his daughter after she fell from the fourth deck of a Disney Cruise ship. Both were rescued by a ship's rescue boat after about 10 minutes in the water, and they returned safely to the ship. The incident occurred near the end of a four-day cruise around the Bahamas.
Key Facts
The incident happened on a Disney Cruise ship called the Disney Dream.
A girl fell overboard from the fourth deck, and her father jumped in to save her.
They were in the water for about 10 minutes before being picked up by a rescue boat.
Passengers on the ship cheered as the rescue boat successfully retrieved the father and daughter.
The ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after a four-day trip around the Bahamas.
Disney Cruise Line confirmed the rescue but did not provide many details about the incident.
It's uncommon for passengers to fall from cruise ships, but rescues are often not successful when it happens.
In 2019, only nine out of 25 people who fell overboard on cruise ships were rescued.
The government will review the parental leave and pay systems in the UK. The review will examine maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave, aiming to modernize and address problems identified by campaigners and a parliamentary committee.
Key Facts
The UK government plans to review parental leave and pay policies, including maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.
Mothers can take up to 52 weeks off work with statutory maternity leave, receiving pay for 39 weeks.
Fathers can take up to two weeks off with statutory paternity leave, which was introduced in 2003.
Shared parental leave lets parents share up to 50 weeks off and 37 weeks of pay.
The review responds to calls for modernizing the system, which hasn't been updated for decades.
Some criticisms label the UK's parental leave system as one of the worst in the developed world.
Campaigners believe the review could significantly improve support for working families.
Low usage of shared parental leave and financial barriers prevent some parents from taking full advantage of existing leave options.
Bryan Kohberger, a 30-year-old man, plans to plead guilty to the fatal stabbings of four college students in Idaho. This plea is reportedly part of a deal to avoid the death penalty, though this has not been confirmed by state prosecutors.
Key Facts
Bryan Kohberger is a murder suspect in Idaho.
He intends to plead guilty to killing four students.
The plea is part of a reported deal to avoid the death penalty.
The prosecutor's office has not confirmed the plea deal.
Relatives of victim Kaylee Goncalves shared the news on Facebook.
The murders took place in November 2022, days before Thanksgiving.
Kohberger was a criminology graduate student at the time of the killings.
Three acquaintances of Kohberger must travel from Pennsylvania to Idaho to testify for his defense.
A Norwegian couple mistakenly believed they had won £282,000 from a lottery but actually only won about £28. They were among several people who received incorrect notifications from a state-run gambling company in Norway.
Key Facts
A Norwegian couple thought they had won over 3.9 million kroner (about £282,000) in a lottery.
The couple, Halvor Begum and Iselin Olafsen, actually won only 390 kroner, which is about £28.
The mistake was due to false notifications sent by a state-owned gambling company in Norway.
Many others in Norway received similar incorrect winning notifications.
The couple initially planned what to do with the believed winnings, including discussing buying an engagement ring.
