The 45th annual "A Capitol Fourth" event will be broadcast live from the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2025, starting at 8 p.m. EDT. Alfonso Ribeiro will host the celebration, which includes performances by The Beach Boys and The Temptations.
Key Facts
"A Capitol Fourth" will take place on July 4, 2025.
The event will be held at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
The program will start at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Alfonso Ribeiro will host the event.
Performers include The Beach Boys, The Temptations, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
The event will be broadcast live.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Four people died and 14 were hurt in a drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in Chicago. A car drove by the club and fired into a crowd after a party. Police have not arrested anyone yet.
Key Facts
The shooting happened outside a Chicago nightclub.
It occurred around 11:00 PM local time on Wednesday.
A dark-colored car drove by and fired into a crowd.
The crowd was leaving a party for rapper Mello Buckzz.
Four people, two men and two women, died in the shooting.
Four people are in critical to serious condition in hospitals.
Police have not caught any suspects yet.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported from the U.S. to El Salvador, claims he suffered severe beatings and psychological torture in a Salvadoran prison. His lawyers filed a court document detailing these abuses to argue against his deportation back to countries that might transfer him to El Salvador again.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador mistakenly in March.
In El Salvador, he was held at CECOT, a large prison in Tecoluca known for poor conditions.
Garcia reported severe mistreatment, including beatings, inadequate food, and no sleep.
Conditions were overcrowded, with detainees forced to kneel for hours and denied bathroom breaks.
His health worsened significantly, including noticeable weight loss.
A Maryland senator attempted to visit Garcia, but he was moved to a different prison before the visit.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security claims Garcia is associated with gangs, which he and his family deny.
Garcia's wife previously filed protection orders against him for alleged abuse.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump toured a new immigration detention facility in Florida called "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility will house immigrants and was built on an old landing strip with plans to take in detainees soon. During the visit, Trump discussed immigration policies and a new tax plan passed by the Senate, which allocates funds for his immigration agenda.
Key Facts
"Alligator Alcatraz" is a new immigration detention facility in Florida.
The facility was built quickly on a decades-old landing strip and can hold up to 5,000 people.
The U.S. government plans to spend $450 million in the first year to operate the facility, using funds from a federal emergency program.
Trump's tax and spending plan, passed by the Senate, includes $150 billion for immigration enforcement over four years.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem toured the facility with Trump.
Trump made a claim about the cost of illegal immigration based on a report by a group that supports low immigration.
Other reports, including one from the Congressional Budget Office, suggest that immigration can have positive economic impacts.
The Cato Institute noted that immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in government benefits.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Supreme Court will review cases involving state laws in Idaho and West Virginia that ban transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports. This review comes after two students won rulings allowing them to compete, and the decision could affect similar laws in other states.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is reviewing laws from Idaho and West Virginia about transgender athletes in female sports.
Two students, Becky Pepper-Jackson and Lindsay Hecox, challenged these state bans and won in lower courts.
Idaho's law was the first of its kind; now, about 24 states have passed similar laws.
Both district and appeals courts granted injunctions, allowing the athletes to compete.
The Idaho law was found to violate constitutional rights by a panel of judges at the appeals level.
West Virginia's Attorney General supports the Supreme Court's review, calling the state law "common sense."
The American Civil Liberties Union argues that excluding transgender kids from sports is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court's decision could influence laws in other states with similar bans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The town of Dolton, Illinois, plans to buy Pope Leo's childhood home and turn it into a historic site. The local Board of Trustees voted to offer for the house, amid past local political scandals. Pope Leo, the first American-born pope, grew up in this house before pursuing a career in the Vatican.
Key Facts
Pope Leo's childhood home in Dolton, Illinois, is up for auction.
The Dolton Board of Trustees voted to buy the house and make it a historic site.
Pope Leo, originally named Robert Prevost, grew up there before moving for college.
The house was bought in 1949 by his parents and has changed owners several times.
It was listed for auction with a minimum price of $250,000.
Dolton has faced financial and political issues, including scandals involving the previous mayor.
Pope Leo’s election has brought attention to Dolton.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump's large spending and tax cut bill is moving to his desk for a signature after House Republicans passed it with a close vote. The bill focuses on cutting taxes and increasing spending on national defense and immigration, but it reduces funding for social programs like Medicaid, potentially affecting millions of people. All Democrats and two Republicans opposed the bill.
Key Facts
House Republicans passed the bill by a narrow vote of 218 to 214.
All Democrats and two Republicans voted against it.
The bill includes major tax cuts and increased spending on defense and immigration.
It reduces funding for social programs, such as Medicaid, which may affect around 12 million people.
The Congressional Budget Office provided estimates on the impact of the bill.
President Trump actively promoted the bill to get it passed.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries delivered the longest leadership speech in House history, warning against the bill's impact.
The bill contradicts Trump's campaign promise not to alter Medicaid benefits.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" proposes to lower taxes, mainly helping wealthy Americans. To cover these tax cuts, the plan includes reducing federal spending on programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this bill could increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion in ten years.
Key Facts
The bill is called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
It aims to reduce taxes, mostly for the wealthiest Americans.
To pay for the tax cuts, the bill suggests cutting spending on Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans.
Supporters believe the bill could boost the economy and create jobs.
Some Republicans and other critics worry it might hurt many Americans.
The Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan group, says the bill could add about $3.3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The legal fight over "ghost guns" in the U.S. continues, even after the Supreme Court upheld a rule requiring background checks and serial numbers for certain firearm kits. These kits can be used to build working guns and have previously avoided regulation, raising concerns among law enforcement. However, gun rights groups are still challenging these rules and seeking further legal changes.
Key Facts
Ghost guns are firearms made from kits that previously did not require background checks or serial numbers.
The Supreme Court upheld a rule from the Biden administration requiring these kits to have serial numbers and be sold with background checks.
Law enforcement is concerned about ghost guns because they are often found at crime scenes and cannot be easily traced.
Gun rights groups believe further legal challenges are possible, as the Supreme Court's decision focused on administrative law.
The Trump administration ordered a review of all Biden-era gun regulations, including the ghost gun rule.
Cody Wilson, a 3D-printed gun advocate, has filed a legal motion to prevent the enforcement of the ghost gun rule.
Wilson aims to clarify whether the Second Amendment includes the right to build guns, not just own them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent YouGov poll suggests that the Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, would win the most seats in the UK Parliament if an election were held today. The poll indicates that the Labour party would take second place, while the formerly ruling Conservative Party would drop significantly in seats. The Reform UK party's growing popularity is linked to its policies on immigration and changes in its public image.
Key Facts
Reform UK is predicted to win 271 out of 650 seats in the House of Commons, according to YouGov.
The Labour Party would gain 178 seats, coming in second.
The Conservative Party is projected to win 46 seats, marking a significant decline.
Reform UK was founded as the Brexit Party in 2018 and has shifted its focus to appeal to more voters.
The party's policies include ending certain environmental policies and limiting immigration.
Reform UK has gained support by winning recent by-elections and attracting former Conservative members and voters.
The party aims to control immigration and oppose policies involving the UK’s commitment to climate goals.
The next UK general election is expected to be in 2029.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On Independence Day in the United States, an estimated 150 million hot dogs are consumed. Social media often features viral trends related to hot dogs, but not all information shared is accurate. For example, a misleading TikTok video showed a doctored image of a hot dog under a microscope.
Key Facts
Independence Day is celebrated in the USA with fireworks, parades, and food, particularly hot dogs.
Approximately 150 million hot dogs are eaten in the USA on July 4th, enough to stretch across the country multiple times.
A TikTok video falsely claimed to show dirt, worms, and hair in a hot dog under a microscope; the creator later admitted the video was altered.
Hot dogs are actually made from small pieces of beef, pork, or poultry mixed with spices.
Hot dogs became popular in the US through a German immigrant named Charles Feltman in the late 1800s.
Social media trends, like "hot dogs or legs," become popular on platforms like TikTok.
Gourmet hot dog recipes featuring unusual toppings have gained significant traction on social media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will have a phone call on Thursday morning. This will be their sixth call this year since Trump became President again. The planned call comes as the U.S. pauses some weapon shipments to Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump and President Putin will speak by phone on Thursday at 10 a.m. EDT.
This will be their sixth publicly known conversation in 2023.
The topic of their call has not been shared by either leader.
The Pentagon is pausing some weapon shipments to Ukraine, including missiles and artillery.
The U.S. is reviewing its global military stockpiles, which affects the paused shipments.
The last known call between Trump and Putin was on June 14.
A U.S. official confirmed details about the paused weapons deliveries but remained anonymous.
Putin also recently spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron after nearly three years without direct contact.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, is speaking for over three hours as Republicans get ready to vote on a tax and spending bill. He is using a special rule allowing leaders to talk for as long as they want to delay the vote.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader.
He has spoken for over three hours.
Republicans are preparing to vote on a tax and spending bill.
Jeffries is using a rule called the "magic minute" that lets leaders speak without a time limit.
His speech began just before 5 a.m. ET.
Jeffries spoke about people's worries over losing health care and criticized Republicans' support for Trump.
The vote will happen after Jeffries finishes speaking.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new bill related to President Donald Trump has raised concerns over its potential costs and impact on US public programs. While the White House states it would reduce deficits, independent studies suggest it would increase the national deficit and affect areas like medical cover and taxes. The bill faces criticism over the possible cuts to welfare programs and the addition to national debt.
Key Facts
President Trump's new bill is facing opposition and discussions regarding its cost and economic impact.
The White House claims the bill will reduce the deficit by over $2 trillion, but studies suggest it may increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion over ten years.
The national deficit occurs when the government's expenses exceed its income from taxes and other sources.
Experts agree the bill will likely lead to a higher national debt, which is the total money the government owes.
Some believe the bill may boost the economy temporarily but eventually lead to more significant deficits and debt.
Analyses suggest that the bill's proposed tax cuts are larger than the proposed spending cuts, leading to increased deficits.
Critics are concerned about potential reductions in welfare programs like Medicaid, contradicting claims that such programs would remain unchanged.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man living legally in Maryland, was accidentally deported to El Salvador where he faced harsh conditions in prison. He is now back in the United States and involved in legal cases against the government for his deportation and separate smuggling charges.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a Salvadoran man who was legally residing in Maryland.
In March, he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration.
The deportation happened despite a 2019 judge's order preventing his return to El Salvador due to safety concerns.
After being deported, Abrego Garcia was reportedly beaten and mistreated in a Salvadoran prison known as CECOT.
His deportation became a widely discussed issue in the context of US immigration policies.
Abrego Garcia has since returned to the US and is fighting both a civil lawsuit and criminal charges.
The US government plans to deport him to a third country after his ongoing legal issues are resolved.
The Department of Homeland Security has labeled him as a dangerous illegal immigrant, contrary to his claims.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. employers added 147,000 jobs in June, with revisions for April and May showing an increase of 16,000 more jobs than previously reported. The unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.1% as some people left the workforce. Job growth occurred mainly in health care and local governments, while manufacturing lost jobs due to ongoing tariff issues.
Key Facts
The U.S. added 147,000 jobs in June as reported by the Labor Department.
Revisions for April and May showed an additional 16,000 jobs added.
The unemployment rate fell from 4.2% in May to 4.1% in June.
Health care and state and local government sectors saw job increases.
The federal government cut 7,000 jobs in June.
Factories lost 7,000 jobs in June, continuing a decline from previous months.
Manufacturing struggles were linked to tariffs affecting business.
The Federal Reserve may not rush to lower interest rates, citing steady job growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two main opposition leaders in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have joined a new political party called the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge the current government in the next election. They left their previous parties to form this coalition, hoping to unite their supporters and have a stronger chance of winning. This move is significant in Nigerian politics and comes after they both lost in the last election due to divided votes.
Key Facts
Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving their respective parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).
The ADC aims to unite opposition supporters for the 2027 election to challenge President Bola Tinubu's ruling party.
In the 2023 election, Tinubu won with 37% of the vote, while Abubakar and Obi received 29% and 25% respectively.
David Mark, the interim chairman of the ADC, said the goal is to strengthen democracy in Nigeria and prevent a one-party system.
Atiku Abubakar might run for the presidency for the fifth time, with Peter Obi as a potential vice-presidential candidate.
Other notable figures in the coalition include former Senate President David Mark and former minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Political analysts believe the coalition has a better chance of defeating Tinubu if they work together.
The current ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed confidence and stated they are not worried about the new coalition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are divided over President Trump’s key tax and spending bill. Five Republicans have voted "no," which, combined with Democratic opposition, keeps the bill from moving forward right now.
Key Facts
Republicans in the House are debating a big tax and spending bill pushed by President Trump.
The bill includes tax cuts, more money for defense and border security, and cuts to social safety programs like Medicaid.
Five Republicans voted against the bill, adding to opposition from all Democrats, which blocks the bill from advancing.
The bill needs 218 votes to move forward; 217 have voted against and 207 have voted in favor.
President Trump posted on social media urging Republicans to support the bill, emphasizing its economic benefits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is negotiating with Republicans to gain support.
A vote in the Senate previously passed the bill with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie.
Eight Republican lawmakers have not yet cast their vote on the bill.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
House Republicans have moved forward with a large tax and spending bill after overcoming internal disagreements. They aim to pass the bill by July 4, which includes tax cuts and increased spending but is expected to raise federal debt. In a separate news, Sean Combs was found not guilty of serious charges but guilty of lesser ones in his federal trial.
Key Facts
House Republicans advanced a major tax and spending bill after debating internally.
The bill aims to extend previous tax cuts and add new ones.
Critics predict the bill will increase the federal debt by trillions.
The bill includes more spending on defense and immigration enforcement.
The bill is expected to benefit wealthier individuals more than those earning less than $55,000 annually.
Sean Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking but guilty of lesser charges.
Combs remains in custody until his sentencing for the lesser convictions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Wisconsin State Supreme Court decided that a law from 1849 does not stop abortions from happening in the state. This means that people in Wisconsin can still access abortion services.
Key Facts
The ruling was made by the Wisconsin State Supreme Court.
The court looked at a law from the year 1849.
The court decided that this law does not ban abortions.
This decision keeps abortion access available in Wisconsin.
The ruling was announced on a Wednesday.
The case was covered by NPR's Morning Edition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
