Rubio sanctions ICC for 'targeting' Israel and US

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced sanctions against four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants against Israeli and American officials. The sanctions block any property the judges have in the U.S. and were imposed due to the ICC's investigations into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan and Israeli officials' alleged crimes in Gaza.

Key Facts:

• Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, imposed sanctions on four ICC judges.
• The judges were involved in ICC investigations targeting Israel and the U.S.
• The sanctions block the judges' property and interests in the U.S.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Rubio and President Trump for the sanctions.
• The ICC called the sanctions an attempt to undermine its independence.
• The U.S. and Israel reject the war crimes allegations by the ICC.
• The ICC is an international court that prosecutes severe crimes like genocide and war crimes.

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BBC US

Judge threatens to remove Diddy from courtroom

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

A judge in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial warned him against making gestures at the jury. The trial includes testimony from a former partner, who described feeling pressured into activities she was uncomfortable with. Combs denies the charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.

Key Facts:

• The judge threatened to remove Sean Combs from court for nodding and making faces at the jury.
• Sean Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
• A witness, known as "Jane," testified about feeling pressured to take part in uncomfortable situations.
• "Jane" described trips and gifts from Combs during their relationship.
• Combs allegedly paid $10,000 monthly for a home for "Jane," which she felt came with expectations.
• The witness claimed that Combs provided her with drugs during their relationship.
• Testimony includes an alleged balcony incident involving Combs and a friend of his ex-girlfriend.
• The court is also hearing from other witnesses, and cross-examinations will continue.

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BBC US

Tesla shares tumble as Trump-Musk feud erupts

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

Tesla shares dropped by 14% after a public disagreement between Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump. The company lost about $150 billion in market value, as the conflict involved potential loss of government contracts, leading to investor concern.

Key Facts:

• Tesla shares fell by 14%, resulting in a $150 billion loss in market value.
• The conflict started after Musk criticized a Trump-supported spending bill.
• Trump threatened to stop government contracts with Musk's companies, including SpaceX, which has significant deals with the government.
• The disagreement shifted from policy issues to personal insults on social media.
• Elon Musk opposed Trump's bill, saying it would increase government debt and potentially cause a recession.
• Trump's elimination of a tax credit for electric vehicles, once beneficial to Tesla's sales, also contributed to the tension.
• Tesla's stock reached its lowest point since May amid the public feud and investor concerns.
• An analyst expressed surprise at the situation, noting investor fears about regulatory changes affecting Tesla.

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BBC US

Trump and Musk enter bitter feud - and Washington buckles up

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are having a public disagreement. Trump criticized Musk for his negative comments on tax and spending laws, while Musk responded by calling Trump "ungrateful" and stated that he is concerned about the national debt. This follows their previous working relationship, but tensions have now risen.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk and Donald Trump are in a public dispute that started last week.
• Trump criticized Musk for opposing his tax and spending plans and suggested Musk's change in opinion is due to potential impacts on Tesla.
• Musk replied on social media, saying he's focused on reducing national debt and accused Trump of being ungrateful.
• Musk and Trump previously worked together, with Musk having a role in Trump's administration in the Department of Government Efficiency, known as "Doge."
• Their relationship was once strong, but tensions have been building and have now become public.
• Musk's 130-day term as a special government employee ended recently, accompanied by a friendly send-off.
• Trump's reaction included notable past tense references to their relationship, suggesting a shift.
• The dispute could affect how congressional Republicans support Trump's policies, given Musk's influence.

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BBC US

Trump: 'I'm very disappointed in Elon'

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

Former President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Elon Musk after Musk criticized a major tax and spending bill that Trump supports. The bill, which includes significant tax cuts, was criticized by Musk following the removal of an Electric Vehicle (EV) mandate. In other unrelated news, a zebra is loose in Tennessee, Canadian wildfires have forced evacuations, and SpaceX faced issues with a test flight causing an uncontrolled re-entry.

Key Facts:

• Trump said he was surprised by Elon Musk's criticism of the tax and spending bill.
• The bill includes major tax cuts, which Trump describes as "incredible."
• Trump mentioned the removal of the Electric Vehicle (EV) mandate could be why Musk is upset.
• A zebra, noted as a pet, is on the loose in Tennessee after being seen on a road.
• Canadian wildfires prompted the evacuation of 17,000 people in Manitoba due to emergency conditions.
• SpaceX’s Starship experienced a spinning issue during a test flight, causing it to re-enter Earth's atmosphere uncontrollably.

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BBC US

How countries responded to Trump's travel ban

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

US President Donald Trump signed an order to put a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, starting June 9. Some other countries face partial travel restrictions. Chad, Somalia, Venezuela, and the African Union have responded in different ways to this ban.

Key Facts:

• The travel ban affects nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and more.
• Seven other countries, like Venezuela, face partial travel restrictions.
• Chad's president decided to stop issuing visas to US citizens in response.
• Somalia expressed a willingness to discuss security concerns with the US.
• The African Union urged the US to engage in dialogue and consider the long-term partnership with Africa.
• Venezuela criticized the ban, mentioning risks for Venezuelans in the US.
• Trump's order will be reviewed every three to six months, allowing changes to the list of countries.
• Reasons for the ban include security risks and visa system exploitation concerns.

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BBC US

Supreme Court rules for heterosexual woman in discrimination case

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Marlean Ames, an Ohio woman who claimed she faced job discrimination because she is heterosexual. The court decided to equalize the evidence standards for discrimination cases, meaning people from majority groups, like heterosexuals, don't have to meet extra requirements.

Key Facts:

• The Supreme Court sided with Marlean Ames, who alleged job discrimination due to her heterosexual orientation.
• The justices unanimously agreed to change the evidence standards for discrimination cases.
• This ruling makes it easier for people from majority groups to file discrimination claims.
• Ames had worked for the Ohio Department of Youth Services for over 20 years and was denied a promotion.
• Previous court rules required majority group members to provide extra evidence or show a pattern of discrimination.
• Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson wrote the main opinion, supported by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch.
• The court emphasized that anti-discrimination laws apply equally to all individuals.
• Lower courts will reevaluate Ames' case with the updated evidence standards.
• Ames argued that her employer favored LGBTQ employees over her.

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BBC US

Tariffs prompt record plunge in US imports

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

US imports dropped by 20% in April, the largest-ever monthly decrease, due to new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. This fall reduced the trade deficit significantly and affected imports from major partners like China and Canada. Negotiations between the US and China are ongoing to address these trade issues.

Key Facts:

• US imports fell by 20% in April, marking a record monthly decrease.
• The US trade deficit, the difference between the value of imports and exports, was cut nearly in half.
• Imports from China and Canada dropped to their lowest since 2021 and 2020, respectively.
• The US imposed a 10% tax on most goods from international trading partners.
• President Trump has raised taxes on certain items like steel, aluminum, and cars.
• Talks between the US and China continue as both countries aim to resolve trade disputes.
• The average tariff rate in the US is now the highest since the 1930s.
• Imports fell in categories like cars, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals but increased from countries like Vietnam and Taiwan.

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BBC US

Ten African countries hit by bans and restrictions

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has imposed a travel ban on 12 countries, including seven from Africa. This ban, starting next Monday, stops people from these countries from entering the U.S. due to security concerns.

Key Facts:

• The travel ban affects 12 countries, seven of which are in Africa: Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
• Affected non-African countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, and Yemen.
• There are also travel restrictions on nationals from Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for specific visas.
• President Trump stated the ban aims to protect Americans from foreign security threats.
• Some countries on the list, like Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, are dealing with civil wars and lack proper systems to issue documents.
• The travel ban will start on June 9, and applies only to new visa applications; current visas remain valid.
• The suspect in a recent attack mentioned by Trump is from Egypt, a country not on the banned list.
• The African Union has expressed concerns about the impact of the ban and urged the U.S. to consult more with affected countries.

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BBC US

Trump orders inquiry into Biden's actions, alleging 'cognitive decline'

BBC US • June 05, 2025 • Us

Former President Donald Trump has initiated an investigation into Joe Biden's actions during his presidency, questioning Biden’s mental capacity and alleging that aides tried to hide his condition. Trump accused Biden's team of using an autopen, a device that replicates signatures, to sign important documents and described this situation as a significant scandal.

Key Facts:

• Trump has launched an inquiry questioning Joe Biden's actions as president.
• Trump claims there was a conspiracy to conceal Biden's mental health from the public.
• An autopen, a device that signs documents, is at the center of Trump's allegations.
• Biden called Trump's move baseless, asserting he made important presidential decisions himself.
• A Republican-led group wants testimony from Biden’s former aides about his mental and physical health.
• Biden has advanced prostate cancer, which he announced after leaving the White House.
• A recent book alleges Biden's condition during his re-election campaign was severe.
• Biden ended his re-election bid following poor debate performance and mounting pressure.

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BBC US

Judge halts deportation of Colorado suspect's family

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

A judge has temporarily stopped the deportation of the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who is accused of attacking Jewish demonstrators in Colorado. The family, who are Egyptian citizens, is not charged in the incident. The judge's order comes amid multiple rulings against the Trump administration's deportation plans.

Key Facts:

• A US judge paused the deportation of Mohamed Sabry Soliman's family, who are not charged in his alleged attack.
• Soliman faces federal hate crime charges for an attack on Jewish demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado.
• The family consists of his wife and five children, all Egyptian citizens, detained in Texas.
• Deportation plans were halted after the White House had prepared one-way tickets for them.
• The judge stated that deporting them without a proper process could cause harm.
• Homeland Security is investigating if the family was aware of or supported Soliman's alleged actions.
• Soliman entered the US on a tourist visa in August 2022, which later expired.
• His wife turned in a phone with his messages to authorities, indicating cooperation.

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BBC US

Witness testifies that Diddy dangled her over apartment balcony

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Bryana Bongolan, a graphic designer, testified in court that Sean "Diddy" Combs dangled her over a 17th-floor apartment balcony and threw a knife at her friend, Casandra Ventura. Photos of bruises on Ms. Bongolan were shown in court as she described various incidents of alleged abuse involving Combs. Combs, who is facing multiple charges, denies the allegations, and his lawyers aimed to challenge Ms. Bongolan's credibility during cross-examination.

Key Facts:

• Bryana Bongolan testified that Sean "Diddy" Combs held her over a balcony and threw a knife at her friend, Casandra Ventura.
• Photos showing bruises on Ms. Bongolan were presented as evidence in court.
• Sean "Diddy" Combs faces charges including racketeering, conspiracy, and sex trafficking and has pleaded not guilty.
• Ms. Bongolan claimed she and Ms. Ventura, Combs' ex-girlfriend, used drugs together and saw signs of Combs' alleged violence.
• During an incident in 2016, Combs allegedly entered Ventura's apartment and held Ms. Bongolan over a balcony.
• Prosecutors showed images with metadata that matched the date of the incident.
• Ms. Bongolan also described another incident where Combs allegedly threw a knife at Ms. Ventura.
• Combs' defense attorneys questioned Ms. Bongolan’s past statements to prosecutors, challenging her memory and credibility.

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BBC US

What Merz wants from Trump showdown meeting

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting the United States to meet President Donald Trump. They plan to discuss important topics like tariffs, defense spending, and the war in Ukraine. Merz, known for his direct approach, hopes to strengthen relations, but the meeting could be tense due to past instances of unexpected challenges faced by visiting leaders at the White House.

Key Facts:

• Friedrich Merz is the new German Chancellor and is visiting the US for the first time as leader.
• Merz will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
• Discussion topics include tariffs, defense spending, and the war in Ukraine.
• Recently, Trump doubled import taxes on steel and aluminum, causing concerns in the EU.
• Germany is the largest EU exporter to the US, and changes in trade policies affect German businesses.
• Merz is known for his direct communication style and has been critical of the current US administration’s stance on Europe.
• The US White House has been quiet about Merz's visit, with little mention in briefings.

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BBC US

Trump administration threatens Columbia University's accreditation

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

The Trump administration has warned Columbia University that it could lose its official recognition for receiving federal support due to claims that the university did not protect Jewish students from harassment. This warning came in a letter from Education Secretary Linda McMahon, which said Columbia broke laws designed to prevent discrimination.

Key Facts:

• The Trump administration is considering taking away Columbia University's accreditation over claims of failing to protect Jewish students.
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Columbia violated anti-discrimination laws by ignoring harassment towards Jewish students.
• Accreditation is important because it decides which universities can receive federal funding.
• The dispute is part of President Trump's broader criticism of some US universities regarding how they handle safety and discrimination issues.
• Previously, Columbia lost $400 million in federal funding due to similar accusations.
• The Middle States Commission on Higher Education oversees Columbia's accreditation status.
• Changes in Columbia's campus rules were made to address previous government demands but did not seem to resolve the issues.
• Other universities, like Harvard, have also been involved in similar disputes with the administration.

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BBC US

Musk turns on Republicans - and gives Trump's big bill a harder path

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Elon Musk criticized a major tax and spending bill supported by former President Trump. Musk urged people to contact Congress to oppose the bill, saying it would increase U.S. debt and threaten Republicans' political futures.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk was a temporary government employee in the Trump administration for 130 days.
• Musk criticized Trump's tax and spending bill on social media, calling it a "disgusting abomination."
• Musk encouraged people to contact their Congressional representatives to oppose the bill.
• The bill includes significant tax breaks and increased investment in defense.
• Musk warned Republicans that supporting the bill could lead to political consequences in future elections.
• Most House Republicans supported the bill, which passed with a narrow vote.
• The White House is reportedly attributing Musk's opposition to the bill's cuts to green energy subsidies.
• Musk's stance represents a shift from his previous support of Trump and the Republican party.

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BBC US

Man sent chemicals to suspect in California fertility clinic bombing: FBI

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

A man was arrested at New York's JFK airport for allegedly supplying chemicals used in a car bombing outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California. The bombing happened on May 17, killing one person and injuring four others. The FBI said the attack was intentional and called it an act of terrorism.

Key Facts:

• The arrested man's name is Daniel Park, and he is from Kent, Washington.
• He allegedly sent 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate, which is used in homemade bombs, to another man named Guy Edward Bartkus.
• Bartkus is accused of carrying out the bombing and was killed in the explosion.
• The FBI has labeled the explosion as a deliberate terrorist act.
• Bartkus left writings suggesting he was against childbirth and wanted human extinction.
• Daniel Park and Bartkus had done experiments together and communicated online about their plans.
• After the explosion, Park traveled to Europe but was detained in Poland and sent back to the United States.
• The blast damaged multiple buildings, with the clinic's wall partially destroyed.

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BBC US

Watch: Canadian wildfires torch vehicle, turn sky deep red

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

A state of emergency has been declared in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada, due to spreading wildfires. Over 200 wildfires are burning, with more than 100 out of control. Officials warn that hot and dry weather could make firefighting more difficult.

Key Facts:

• Manitoba declared a state of emergency on May 28, followed by Saskatchewan.
• Wildfires have forced residents in some areas to evacuate.
• Over 200 fires are active in Canada, with more than 100 out of control.
• The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre provided the wildfire data.
• Officials expect challenging conditions due to hot and dry weather forecasts.

Source Information

BBC US

Iran's supreme leader criticises US proposal for nuclear agreement

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized a U.S. proposal for a new nuclear agreement that calls for Iran to stop enriching uranium and rely on a regional group for nuclear fuel. Iran plans to respond soon to the proposal, which U.S. officials consider "detailed and acceptable." Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and insists on continuing uranium enrichment.

Key Facts:

• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is Iran's supreme leader and has the final say on major decisions.
• The U.S. proposal requires Iran to halt uranium enrichment and depend on a regional consortium for nuclear reactor fuel.
• Uranium enrichment is a sensitive process because it can be used for nuclear reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.
• Iran's previous nuclear deal in 2015 limited its uranium enrichment but was abandoned by the U.S. in 2018 under President Trump.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency reported Iran's uranium stockpile now includes highly enriched uranium close to weapons-grade.
• President Trump warned Iran of possible U.S. and Israeli military action if talks fail.
• Iran insists its nuclear activities are meant for peaceful purposes and seeks to keep enriching uranium.
• The U.S. proposal reflects ongoing negotiations involving Omani mediators and would involve sanctions relief if Iran complies.

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BBC US

Man accused of writing Trump assassination letters was framed, officials say

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Ramon Morales-Reyes, accused of writing threatening letters about former President Trump, was found to be framed by another person, Demetric Deshawn Scott. Investigators revealed Scott wrote the letters to stop Morales-Reyes from testifying in a robbery case against him, and Morales-Reyes, an undocumented immigrant, now faces a deportation hearing.

Key Facts:

• Ramon Morales-Reyes was initially accused of writing letters threatening to harm former President Trump.
• Investigators determined that Demetric Deshawn Scott actually wrote the letters.
• Scott aimed to prevent Morales-Reyes from testifying in a legal case where Scott is accused of robbery.
• Morales-Reyes was arrested and faces a deportation hearing, as he is in the U.S. without proper documentation.
• Morales-Reyes's lawyer stated that his client was relieved the truth came out but remains traumatized.
• The letters had been sent to various officials, creating a mistaken identity case against Morales-Reyes.
• Scott admitted to writing the letters with the intention to protect himself legally, not to threaten Trump.
• Morales-Reyes applied for a U visa, available for crime victims who help law enforcement, but it has a long approval wait.

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BBC US

Canada proposes sweeping immigration and security bill

BBC US • June 04, 2025 • Us

Canada is proposing a new bill aimed at tightening immigration and enhancing security measures. This bill would increase powers to monitor borders, restrict asylum claims, and introduce stricter rules on cash transactions. It responds to concerns about organized crime and immigration system integrity, while facing criticism for potentially infringing on civil liberties.

Key Facts:

• The bill, called the Strong Borders Act, would limit some asylum claims and expand the authorities' ability to inspect mail.
• It seeks to stop crime by giving police more power to monitor the US-Canada border.
• Asylum seekers in Canada for more than a year could be banned from filing a claim and face deportation.
• Those entering from the US under the Safe Third Country Agreement must file for asylum within 14 days.
• Authorities could pause immigration processes for reasons related to public health and security.
• The law would impose new limits on cash transactions over C$10,000.
• Critics argue the bill breaches civil liberties and could lead to mass deportations.
• The measures address issues important to US-Canada relations and might influence trade discussions.

Source Information

BBC US