Four people died and at least 14 were injured when gunmen shot at a crowd outside a lounge in downtown Chicago. The shooting took place late at night, and the suspects fled the scene. Police are asking for anonymous tips to help find those responsible and are investigating the motive behind the attack.
Key Facts
Gunmen opened fire outside a lounge in Chicago, killing four and wounding at least 14.
The shooting occurred around 11:00 PM local time in the River North neighborhood.
Victims included 13 women and five men, aged 21 to 32.
The injured were taken to local hospitals, with at least three people in critical condition.
No arrests have been made following the shooting, and the suspects fled the scene.
Rapper Mello Buckzz was hosting an event at the lounge when the shooting happened.
Police found two different types of bullet casings and are reviewing footage.
Artis Lounge is closed while the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking public help for leads.
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President Donald Trump's tax and spending plan has led to much discussion about its impact on the United States' national debt. Experts are analyzing how these financial changes may affect government borrowing and debt levels.
Key Facts
Donald Trump is the President of the United States.
His administration has introduced a new tax and spending bill.
The bill has sparked debate about its potential economic impact.
Experts are focusing on how it may influence national debt levels.
National debt refers to the total amount of money a government owes.
The bill's effect on government borrowing is being closely watched.
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Two streets in Adolf Hitler's hometown, Braunau am Inn, Austria, will be renamed because they honor Nazi supporters. The decision came after a local council vote deemed the street names unconstitutional, impacting about 200 households. The change is part of broader efforts to address Austria's historical links to the Nazis.
Key Facts
Braunau am Inn, Adolf Hitler's birthplace, is changing the names of two streets.
The streets were named after Josef Reiter and Franz Resl, both Nazi party members.
The street name change affects around 200 homes, altering their addresses.
The decision followed a "secret vote" by the local town council.
The move was supported by groups remembering victims of Nazi concentration camps.
Suggestions have been made to rename the streets after Austrians who opposed the Nazis.
This action is part of Austria's ongoing process to confront its World War II history.
During the Holocaust, led by the Nazis, around 65,000 Austrian Jews were killed.
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A new tax and spending bill reflects the ideas of Russell Vought, an important figure in the Trump administration. Although he did not directly write the bill, it aligns with his vision for government changes.
Key Facts
Russell Vought has been profiled by McKay Coppins in the Atlantic.
Vought plays a significant role in shaping the federal government's direction under the Trump administration.
A tax and spending bill has been proposed that reflects Vought's ideas.
The bill is part of efforts to transform how the federal government operates.
The discussion about Vought and the bill was featured on NPR's "All Things Considered."
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President Donald Trump will start a year-long celebration for America’s 250th independence anniversary in Iowa. This event also marks the passage of his tax cuts and spending package. The festivities aim to unite Americans despite existing political divides.
Key Facts
President Trump is launching celebrations for America’s 250th birthday in Des Moines, Iowa.
The event will include displays of American history, music, and fireworks.
Trump’s visit to Iowa coincides with the recent approval of his tax and spending package by the House.
The package passed narrowly with a 218-214 vote in favor.
Organizers hope the celebrations will help unite the country amidst political divisions.
A recent poll shows more U.S. adults disapprove of Trump’s job performance than approve.
The same poll highlights a significant difference in patriotism between Democrats and Republicans.
Budget cuts in Trump’s administration could affect the funding for some anniversary events planned by state humanities councils.
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The article discusses various events involving Donald Trump, including a significant legislative win in his second term and a military parade he hosted. It also covers international reactions to US military actions in Iran and other unrelated stories like a helicopter crash and a court case verdict.
Key Facts
Donald Trump achieved a big legislative success during his second term as president.
Trump hosted a military parade in Washington DC to celebrate 250 years of the US Army.
The parade was estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.
Demonstrations took place across the US during the parade, with some protesting against Trump.
US military strikes on Iran led to international protests in countries like France and Pakistan.
A helicopter crash occurred in Michigan, but there were no injuries reported.
Karen Read was found not guilty in a court case where she was accused of being involved in her boyfriend's death.
Heavy rain in West Virginia caused flash floods, resulting in at least six deaths.
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A major bill, dubbed "One Big, Beautiful Bill," was passed after tight negotiations among Republicans. The goal was to finalize it by July 4th, a deadline set by the president.
Key Facts
The bill is named "One Big, Beautiful Bill."
It was supported by a narrow Republican majority.
The president wanted the bill finished by Independence Day, July 4th.
The process involved weeks of negotiations among Republicans.
Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins provided information on the bill.
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Sarah Longwell, a Republican strategist and publisher, discussed with William Brangham how some Republicans who were once against a certain bill have changed their stance.
Key Facts
Sarah Longwell is a Republican strategist.
William Brangham conducted the interview.
Sarah Longwell is also the publisher of The Bulwark, a publication.
The discussion was about Republicans changing their views on a bill.
The bill was referred to as "One Big, Beautiful Bill."
Some Republicans initially opposed this bill.
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The article discusses a bill from President Trump that benefits companies and small businesses. It makes tax breaks lasting, increases options for expenses, and lets companies deduct costs for new factories.
Key Facts
President Trump's bill benefits both big corporations and small businesses.
The bill makes previous tax breaks permanent.
It expands the rules for how businesses can report expenses.
Companies can deduct the cost of building new manufacturing plants.
Jay Timmons from the National Association of Manufacturers shared a business perspective on the bill.
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The Supreme Court plans to hear two cases about whether states can stop transgender athletes from joining women’s and girls’ sports. A man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia claims he faced harsh treatment and torture in a well-known prison in El Salvador. A Chicago suburb will purchase the childhood home of Pope Leo and turn it into a museum.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will look at two cases about transgender athletes in sports next term.
These cases question if states can stop transgender athletes from participating in women’s and girls’ sports.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia says he experienced severe beatings and torture while in prison in El Salvador.
The prison where Garcia was held is infamous for harsh conditions.
A Chicago suburb where Pope Leo lived as a child will buy his childhood home.
The suburb plans to make Pope Leo’s childhood home into a historical site.
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President Trump plans to reduce funding for small airports in rural areas across the United States. Over 180 airports that currently receive federal funds for commercial flights might see a funding cut by half.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to cut funding for small airports in rural America.
More than 180 rural airports currently get federal funding.
The funding ensures these airports can offer commercial air services.
The proposed cuts could reduce the funding by 50%.
This change is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration.
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Earlier this week, the U.S. government decided to pause some weapons shipments to Ukraine. The Defense Department explained it needs these weapons for its own possible future situations.
Key Facts
The U.S. government paused certain weapons deliveries to Ukraine this week.
The decision was announced by the Trump administration.
The Defense Department stated the weapons are needed for U.S. emergencies or plans.
The discussion on this decision involved Kimberly Kagan from the Institute for the Study of War.
Jennifer Kavanagh from Defense Priorities also discussed the move.
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The Trump administration has decided to revert the names of nine Army bases back to their original names honoring Confederate generals. This decision has sparked discussions about acknowledging and moving past the military's history of segregation.
Key Facts
The Trump administration changed the names of nine Army bases back to their original Confederate general names.
Confederate generals were leaders in the Southern states during the Civil War, which was partly about maintaining slavery.
The previous renaming of these bases aimed to address the military's segregationist history.
This reversal has led to debates about how the military should handle its history.
The change comes after previous efforts were made by a bipartisan group, meaning people from different political parties worked together.
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The Education Department stopped the release of nearly $7 billion, which was meant for school programs. This decision will affect millions of children and families.
Key Facts
The Education Department has paused the distribution of almost $7 billion.
The funding was scheduled to be released on July 1.
This money was intended for important school programs.
Millions of children and working families will be impacted by this funding freeze.
The department has offered little explanation for the delay.
Laura Barrón-López and Jodi Grant discussed the situation, highlighting the consequences.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a tax cut and spending bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” by a narrow vote of 218 to 214. The bill will raise the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, increase spending on immigration enforcement, and maintain earlier tax cuts, but it will reduce funding for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The bill now moves to President Trump to be signed into law.
Key Facts
The House of Representatives passed the bill after 29 hours of debate.
The vote was close: 218 in favor and 214 against.
All Democrats opposed the bill, and two Republicans joined them.
The bill will allow the U.S. government to borrow an additional $5 trillion.
It increases spending significantly on immigration enforcement.
It maintains tax cuts from 2017, which primarily benefit high earners.
Funding for Medicaid and SNAP will be reduced to cover costs.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates 17 million more people will be without health insurance over 10 years because of this bill.
The national deficit is projected to grow by $3.3 trillion over the next decade.
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke for almost nine hours in protest before the bill was passed.
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The CIA is revisiting its 2016 findings on Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. CIA Director John Ratcliffe asked analysts to review their earlier conclusions.
Key Facts
The CIA's initial report was about Russia interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
John Ratcliffe is the current CIA Director.
Ratcliffe instructed CIA analysts to re-examine the 2016 findings.
The review is focused on the CIA's original conclusions.
This task took place during President Trump's administration.
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Chicago experienced a significant decrease in the number of homicides in the first half of the year, similar to a trend seen across the United States. Jeff Asher's Real-Time Crime Index collects data from many law enforcement groups in the country to look closely at violent crime.
Key Facts
Chicago saw a notable drop in homicides during the first half of the year.
This decrease in homicides is part of a national trend.
William Brangham discussed the state of violent crime in the U.S. with Jeff Asher.
Jeff Asher uses the Real-Time Crime Index to gather crime data.
The Real-Time Crime Index collects information from hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the U.S.
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The U.S. Supreme Court will hear two cases challenging state bans on transgender women and girls participating in school and college sports. These cases come from Idaho and West Virginia and will address laws that have sparked debate on fairness and discrimination in athletics.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will review state laws banning transgender women and girls from sports at publicly funded schools and colleges.
The laws aim to ensure fairness in sports but face criticism for alleged discrimination.
Twenty-seven states have enacted these types of laws.
The debate involves the U.S. Constitution's equal treatment and Title IX, which requires equal opportunities in schools receiving federal funds.
Participation of transgender athletes in sports is rare, with fewer than 10 in major leagues like the NCAA.
A brief supporting the state bans is signed by 102 female athletes and family members who argue about fairness.
Prior to recent orders, most sports organizations allowed transgender athletes to compete if they met certain medical conditions.
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This year, 86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland will qualify for a winter fuel payment, according to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. This policy change comes after an earlier decision to limit these payments was reversed. Now, pensioners with incomes of £35,000 or less can receive the grant.
Key Facts
86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland will be eligible for the winter fuel payment this year.
The eligibility change follows a previous decision to restrict payments for cost-saving reasons.
Pensioners with an income of £35,000 or lower can qualify for the payment.
288,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland are expected to receive this payment.
Across the whole UK, about 80% of pensioners will keep the payment, but in Northern Ireland, the percentage is higher due to generally lower incomes.
Winter fuel payments started in 1997 to help pensioners with heating costs during winter.
Previously, Northern Ireland had to follow a policy where payments were restricted to those on benefits and pension credit.
Minister Lyons had secured £17 million from Stormont for a one-off payment for pensioners affected by last winter's cuts.
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