The Ohio Supreme Court decided not to hear an appeal from Mackenzie Shirilla, 21. She was convicted of murder for causing a 2022 car crash that killed her boyfriend and a friend.
Key Facts
Mackenzie Shirilla was convicted in 2023 for murder related to a car crash.
The crash happened in 2022 and resulted in two deaths.
Prosecutors said Shirilla intentionally drove very fast, about 100 miles per hour, without braking.
Shirilla asked for a new trial, but the Ohio Supreme Court refused to review her appeal.
She is 21 years old.
The victims were her boyfriend and another friend.
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A top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Robert Garcia, requested detailed information from contractors working on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation. The pool has shown problems like algae growth and peeling paint since the renovation was finished during President Trump's administration, which cost over $16 million.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation was completed during President Trump’s administration.
The renovation cost taxpayers more than $16 million.
After the renovation, the pool developed algae and peeling paint issues.
Rep. Robert Garcia sent letters to the contractors responsible for painting and cleaning the pool.
Garcia asked for contracts, work scope, water quality records, communications with the National Park Service, and payment details by July 8, 2026.
Democrats lack subpoena power to force contractors to provide information or respond.
President Trump said the pool will be drained again for permanent repairs around the Fourth of July.
Six people were arrested for alleged damage to the pool, but no charges were filed, and authorities have not provided evidence of vandalism.
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A report found serious problems with maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, where 520 mothers and babies were harmed or died over several years. The report exposed poor care, understaffing, and bullying, leading to calls for a public inquiry into maternity services across England.
Key Facts
Between 2012 and 2025, 444 women and 76 babies at Nottingham University Hospitals were harmed in ways that might have been avoided.
The review was led by Donna Ockenden, a maternity safety expert, who investigated care at two Nottingham hospitals.
Problems included poor monitoring of babies during labor, misreading health signals, delays in scans, and failure to act quickly on concerns.
27 mothers died between 2006 and 2024, with care failures possibly playing a role in six deaths.
Families and staff described a culture of bullying and toxic behavior that made improvement difficult.
The government is considering a public inquiry into maternity care across the NHS, but not all families agree on this.
The review gathered evidence from over 2,500 families and 800 staff members connected to the hospitals.
Health Secretary James Murray called the findings "horrific" and said the NHS failed these families catastrophically.
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The Trump administration plans to ask Congress to allow the sale of E15, a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol, all year long. Currently, E15 is only allowed during part of the year because it can cause more air pollution in hot weather. The administration wants to keep gas prices lower and support rural jobs by making this change permanent.
Key Facts
E15 is a gasoline mix that contains 15% ethanol.
Normally, E15 can only be sold part of the year due to pollution concerns in hot weather.
The Trump administration will ask Congress to allow E15 all year round.
E15 gas usually costs about 25 cents less per gallon than regular gasoline.
Making E15 permanent could save consumers over $20 billion in fuel costs yearly.
Corn-growing states and supporters say E15 helps reduce gas prices and supports rural jobs.
The Environmental Protection Agency temporarily allowed E15 sales this year during the summer driving season.
The move aims to help lower gas prices amid tensions with Iran affecting fuel costs.
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A federal judge has stopped the Justice Department from obtaining medical records of transgender patients treated at New York City hospitals. The judge issued a temporary order to protect these records from being accessed during an investigation.
Key Facts
A federal judge named Katherine Polk Failla made the ruling.
The ruling applies to hospitals in New York City.
It blocks the Justice Department from getting medical records of transgender people.
The order is temporary and was made at the request of the plaintiffs (those opposing the subpoenas).
The investigation is related to transgender health care.
The Trump administration’s Justice Department wanted access to the records.
The judge’s ruling prevents this access for now.
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A federal judge has permanently stopped President Donald Trump’s order that would require voters to prove their citizenship when voting. The judge agreed with 19 states that sued, saying the President does not have the power to change how states run federal elections.
Key Facts
The judge’s name is Denise Casper.
The ruling stops the citizenship proof requirement for voting.
19 states filed a lawsuit against this rule.
The judge said the President cannot change state election rules.
The rule was part of an executive order from President Trump.
The case focuses on federal elections, which states run.
The Constitution gives states control over how elections are managed.
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President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the start of the Great American State Fair in Washington, which celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. Several musical performers originally planned for the event have withdrawn, citing concerns related to the event.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak at the Great American State Fair kickoff in Washington.
The event marks the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The fair is a large celebration held on the National Mall.
More than half of the musical acts initially set to perform have pulled out.
Some performers left due to concerns about the event, although the article does not specify the exact reasons.
The Great American State Fair includes concerts and other festivities.
The event has attracted significant public attention as part of the birthday celebrations.
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Eleven Democratic senators expressed serious worries about a new website launched by President Trump’s administration for new and expecting mothers. They say the site promotes crisis pregnancy centers, which critics argue may not provide complete or unbiased health information.
Key Facts
The website, Moms.gov, was launched on Mother’s Day.
It offers resources from 2,750 pregnancy centers.
Some of these centers are called crisis pregnancy centers by Planned Parenthood.
Crisis pregnancy centers are often criticized for not giving full or accurate medical advice.
Eleven Democratic senators raised concerns about the website.
The senators believe the site could push families toward these centers instead of offering balanced healthcare options.
The criticism was made public in a letter by the senators on a Wednesday.
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A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring voters to prove their citizenship with documents when registering to vote. The judge said the order is unconstitutional because states and Congress, not the President, control election rules.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order needing voters to show proof of citizenship, like passports or birth certificates.
A US district judge in Massachusetts ruled this order unconstitutional, stating the President has no specific power over elections.
States and Congress have the legal authority to set and regulate election rules, not the President.
The executive order had not yet been put into effect when it was blocked.
President Trump also proposed another order for 2026 to limit mail voting and create a federal voter citizenship list, which faces legal challenges.
The US Postal Service proposed a rule requiring states to share lists of mail ballot requests, which some states oppose.
The Postal Service warned it might not deliver mail ballots in states refusing to share voter information.
All 47 Democratic senators sent a letter opposing this postal rule, warning it could prevent millions from voting.
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President Trump and the Department of the Interior are being asked to provide proof for claims that the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool was sabotaged. The recently renovated pool has problems like algae growth, peeling paint, and dead ducks just before the US 250th anniversary, causing concern and calls for investigation.
Key Facts
The reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial underwent a $14.7 million renovation before the 250th anniversary of the US.
President Trump claimed that vandals purposely damaged the pool's lining, but no photo or video proof has been released yet.
The pool shows problems including algae blooms, peeling paint, and floating sections of the liner.
Dead ducks were found in and near the pool, raising environmental concerns.
Workers are treating the algae with hydrogen peroxide and advanced ozone technology to remove it.
Experts say the pool’s dark bottom likely made the algae problem worse by raising water temperature.
A Virginia company conducting the renovation says the damage is minor and plans repairs under warranty.
Senator Richard Blumenthal requested documents related to the project, citing corruption, lack of transparency, and incompetence.
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President Donald Trump will start the celebrations for America's 250th birthday with a rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The event will include military flyovers, music performances, and a speech from the president, replacing a cancelled concert series after some artists withdrew.
Key Facts
The rally will mark the beginning of weeks-long festivities for America's 250th birthday.
President Trump described the event as a special "rally to America" honoring the anniversary.
Several musicians cancelled their performances due to concerns about political ties to the event.
The event will feature fighter jet flyovers, military bands, and singer Lee Greenwood performing.
The celebrations include a 16-day Great American State Fair running from June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall.
All 56 US states and territories will be showcased during the state fair.
Congress allocated $150 million in federal funds for the 250th birthday celebrations.
Freedom 250, a group created by President Trump, and America250, established by Congress, are organizing many events.
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A federal judge ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to explain why it placed a tarp over the Kennedy Center’s front side after the court removed Trump's name from the building. The tarp hides part of the building, including John F. Kennedy’s name, and the judge wants a report on its purpose by July 31.
Key Facts
A judge said the Trump administration must explain the tarp and scaffolding on the Kennedy Center by July 31.
The tarp covers the building’s facade after Trump’s name was removed under a court order.
The court ruled the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was unlawful.
Trump’s name was removed early in the morning following the judge’s order.
Joyce Beatty, a Democratic representative and Kennedy Center board member, sued to remove Trump’s name.
The court also blocked Trump’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years starting July 4.
The Trump administration requested a federal appeals court to pause the removal order.
Beatty’s lawyers say the tarp blocks John F. Kennedy’s name and may be meant to delay returning the building to how it was before Trump’s name was added.
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Andy Burnham has chosen James Purnell as his chief of staff if he becomes prime minister. Both Burnham and Purnell were part of a Labour government football team called Demon Eyes, formed in the late 1990s by New Labour advisers.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham’s choice of James Purnell brings together two old friends and Labour ministers.
The Demon Eyes football team included prominent Labour figures like Burnham, Purnell, Ed Balls, and David Miliband.
The team was formed around 1998 during the early years of Tony Blair’s government.
Demon Eyes was known for being very competitive and focused on winning.
The team’s name came from a Conservative Party poster showing Tony Blair with red “demonic” eyes.
Many team members later left politics for other careers.
The team played in the Labour stronghold area of north London.
Football was a common interest that connected Labour politicians, with conversations often about politics.
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Four years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion numbers in the U.S. have not decreased as expected; instead, they have increased by about 21% since 2020. Abortions continue to occur in every state, including those with strict bans, largely due to telehealth services and medication abortion.
Key Facts
Over 1.12 million abortions were provided by U.S. clinicians in 2025, about 21% more than in 2020.
The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, removing federal abortion protections and letting states set their own laws.
Abortion laws now vary widely, from near-total bans to expanded protections, creating a patchwork across the country.
Abortions still happen in all 50 states, including those with strict bans, often through telehealth and medication abortion.
Telehealth has made it easier for people to get abortion pills by mail, even across state lines.
Some states have increased abortion access and support, attracting patients from states with bans.
The data may undercount abortions because some occur outside formal healthcare or may not be reported fully.
Self-managed abortions with medications obtained outside traditional healthcare are also happening.
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The U.S. Postal Service’s Postmaster General David Steiner said the USPS would not deliver mail ballots unless states share voter information with the Trump administration. Several Democratic lawmakers called this proposal illegal and said it could stop people from voting by mail.
Key Facts
Postmaster General David Steiner announced a new USPS rule requiring states to share absentee voter lists with the Trump administration.
Steiner said USPS would not deliver mail ballots to states that refuse to provide these voter lists.
Senator Gary Peters said this rule forces states to give sensitive voter data to the federal government.
Peters and other Democrats said the proposal violates the U.S. Constitution and threatens voting rights.
Senator Margaret Hassan called the rule “blatantly illegal” and said it could reduce voter participation.
Democrats demanded that Steiner withdraw the proposal immediately.
The announcement and responses happened during a Senate Homeland Security Committee hearing.
The USPS rule addresses mail delivery of ballots for absentee voting in elections.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the Trump administration for poor maintenance of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, citing recent algae growth there. She connected the issue to reduced funding and support for scientific research during President Trump's time in office.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic congresswoman from New York.
She said the Trump administration turned the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial "into a swamp."
Her comment relates to noticeable algae growth in the Reflecting Pool water.
Ocasio-Cortez linked the problem to cuts in science research funding under President Trump.
She suggested the administration’s lack of scientific understanding contributed to the issue.
The Reflecting Pool is a well-known water feature at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Algae growth in water can happen when it is not properly cleaned or maintained.
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Florida’s migrant detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz” is closer to shutting down for good. The facility is run and paid for by the state of Florida.
Key Facts
The facility is a migrant detention center in Florida.
It is nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Florida’s state government funds and operates the center.
Plans or actions are underway to close the center permanently.
The closure marks an important change in Florida’s migrant detention system.
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The United States is removing long-standing sanctions on Iran even though Iran’s nuclear plans are still uncertain. President Donald Trump is working to convince Republican senators and voters that this decision is right and that Iran will not use its oil money to support its military or nuclear program.
Key Facts
The US is lifting decades-old sanctions on Iran.
There are no firm guarantees that Iran will stop its nuclear activities.
President Trump says the US has won the war on Iran and that Iran is weakened.
Some Republican senators are skeptical of Trump’s claims about the situation with Iran.
A new Senate measure limits Trump’s ability to restart military action against Iran.
Trump blames oil companies for high gas prices, not his policies.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorses socialist-leaning Democrats who have recently won primary elections.
These Democratic candidates favor policies like defunding the police, challenging mainstream Democrats.
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A federal judge permanently stopped President Donald Trump’s executive order that required people to prove they are U.S. citizens to register to vote. The judge also blocked the rule that mail-in ballots must be received by Election Day, saying the president does not have the power to control how elections are run.
Key Facts
A federal judge issued a permanent block on President Trump’s executive order about voting rules.
The blocked order required proof of citizenship to register to vote.
The order also demanded mail-in ballots be received by Election Day.
The judge ruled that the president cannot oversee or control election rules.
The executive order was signed by President Trump last year.
The case is ongoing and may have more updates in the future.
The decision affects how voter registration and mail-in ballots are handled.
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Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer, ran for a seat in Maryland's U.S. House of Representatives but lost in the Democratic primary. Adrian Boafo, a state delegate and former campaign manager for retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer, won the primary with 32% of the vote. Dunn finished third with 13.5%.
Key Facts
Harry Dunn is a former Capitol Police officer.
Dunn ran for Maryland’s U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Steny Hoyer.
Adrian Boafo, a Maryland state delegate, also ran in the primary.
Boafo previously worked as Hoyer’s campaign manager.
Boafo won the Democratic primary with 32% of the vote.
Dunn came in third place with 13.5% of the vote.
The results were reported by Decision Desk.
Steny Hoyer is retiring from his Maryland congressional seat.
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