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.

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BBC US

Watch: Canada wildfire smoke drifts into US and across the Atlantic

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is moving into the United States and even across the Atlantic Ocean. The fires have burned over 3.4 million acres in Canada, and the situation has caused thousands of people to leave their homes in Manitoba.

Key Facts:

• Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality in the U.S., including states like Minnesota.
• Maps and satellite images show that the smoke is spreading a long way, reaching over the Atlantic Ocean.
• So far, more than 3.4 million acres of land have burned in Canada due to the fires.
• The fires are happening in unusually hot and dry conditions.
• Wildfires in Manitoba have caused thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

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BBC US

Watch: Slurry of mud and hot water erupts from Yellowstone pool

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

A pool in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, erupted with a mix of mud and hot water, captured on a new webcam. This happened at a site previously closed due to a similar explosion in July 2024.

Key Facts:

• The Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park erupted with mud and hot water.
• The eruption was caught on a recently installed webcam.
• The same site experienced a hydrothermal explosion in July 2024.
• The previous explosion in 2024 led to debris in the air and the site's closure for months.
• Yellowstone National Park is located in the USA, in the state of Wyoming.

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BBC US

Chinese nationals accused of smuggling 'dangerous biological pathogen' into US

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

Two Chinese nationals have been accused of trying to smuggle a harmful fungus into the U.S. The U.S. Attorney's Office says the fungus, which might be used as a weapon against crops, could cause economic and health problems. The investigation involved the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Key Facts:

• Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, face charges of conspiracy, smuggling, false statements, and visa fraud.
• They allegedly tried to bring the fungus through Detroit airport to study it at a University of Michigan lab.
• The fungus, Fusarium graminearum, can harm crops like wheat and rice and cause health issues if it contaminates food.
• It is considered a "potential agroterrorism weapon" because it can cause massive crop damage.
• Officials say the fungus leads to huge economic losses worldwide each year.
• Ms. Jian allegedly received funding from the Chinese government and is claimed to be a Chinese Communist Party member.
• The accusations are described as serious national security concerns by U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
• The University of Michigan and the Chinese embassy have been contacted for comments.

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BBC US

Trump tariffs forecast to hurt global growth

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

Global economic growth is forecast to slow down this year due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. under President Donald Trump. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicts a growth rate of 2.9%, a decrease from its prior 3.1% forecast, and highlights the effects of increased trade barriers and uncertainty on economies worldwide.

Key Facts:

• The OECD expects worldwide economic growth to slow to 2.9% this year from the previously projected 3.1%.
• The report attributes the slowdown to increased trade barriers, largely due to U.S. tariffs under President Trump.
• The OECD reduced its growth forecast for the U.S. economy from 2.2% to 1.6%.
• The report warns that slower growth will affect economies globally and lead to less job creation.
• The OECD lowered its growth forecast for the UK economy this year from 1.4% to 1.3%.
• The UK faces additional challenges, including government debt and uncertainty in trade relations.
• U.S. official data showed an economic contraction at an annual rate of 0.2% in early 2023, the first since 2022.
• The OECD suggests the UK should raise tax revenues to strengthen its public finances.

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BBC US

Defamation trial begins for MyPillow boss Mike Lindell over election claims

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

A trial has started for MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who is accused of making false claims about a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems after the 2020 U.S. election. The employee, Eric Coomer, says these claims ruined his reputation. Lindell is facing a jury trial in Denver, Colorado, and he plans to defend himself.

Key Facts:

• Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, is on trial for defamation in Denver, Colorado.
• The case involves accusations that Lindell falsely claimed a Dominion Voting Systems employee helped steal the 2020 election.
• The employee, Eric Coomer, says these accusations harmed his reputation and put him in danger.
• Eric Coomer handled security at Dominion Voting Systems and filed the lawsuit in 2022.
• Lindell's trial began with jury selection and he plans to speak in his own defense.
• Dominion has also filed lawsuits against others who claimed their voting machines were manipulated.
• In 2021, several stores stopped selling MyPillow products after Lindell promoted election conspiracy theories.

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BBC US

King of the Hill and Parks and Rec actor shot dead

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

Actor Jonathan Joss, known for his roles in "King of the Hill" and "Parks and Recreation," was shot and killed. His husband claims it was a hate crime, but police found no evidence of this. A suspect has been arrested, and the investigation continues.

Key Facts:

• Jonathan Joss voiced John Redcorn on "King of the Hill" from 1997 to 2009.
• He also played Chief Ken Hotate in "Parks and Recreation."
• Joss was shot dead in San Antonio, Texas; his husband claims it was a hate crime.
• Police found no evidence to support the crime was related to Joss's sexual orientation.
• Jonathan and his husband were at their former home site, which had been destroyed by fire.
• A suspect named Sigfredo Alvarez Ceja has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
• Joss was recently seen at a "King of the Hill" panel in Austin, Texas.
• The show "King of the Hill" is set to return on August 4, with new episodes available on Hulu.

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BBC US

Canada to expedite nation building projects to counter Trump

BBC US • June 03, 2025 • Us

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to speed up approval for major national projects to strengthen Canada's economy, especially in response to new tariffs imposed by the U.S. The projects aim to make Canada less reliant on other countries and could include infrastructure like pipelines and clean energy initiatives.

Key Facts:

• Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, held his first meeting with provincial leaders since winning the election in April.
• Carney wants to fast-track "nation building" projects to boost the economy amid U.S. tariff increases on Canadian goods.
• The target is for projects to be approved in under two years to enhance Canada's economy and independence.
• Proposed projects would focus on infrastructure like highways, railways, pipelines, and clean energy, and must be eco-friendly and beneficial to indigenous communities.
• Carney criticized U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum as unfair and illegal.
• Canada's minister for US-Canada trade, Dominic LeBlanc, is heading to the U.S. to continue trade discussions.
• There is some disagreement among Canadian provinces on projects like oil and gas pipelines.
• Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about potential impacts on their land and water rights.

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BBC US

Tulsa plans $105m in reparations for America's 'hidden' massacre

BBC US • June 02, 2025 • Us

The city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, plans to provide $105 million to its Black community as reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This plan focuses on community redevelopment rather than direct payments and is called the "Road to Repair," with funds managed by the Greenwood Trust.

Key Facts:

• Tulsa is giving $105 million to its Black community as reparations for the 1921 massacre.
• The plan does not include direct payments to massacre survivors or descendants.
• The funds will support housing and cultural preservation, with $24 million allocated for housing.
• The initiative is called the "Road to Repair" and is managed by the Greenwood Trust.
• The city council's approval is not needed for the plan, but it will authorize property transfers.
• The massacre destroyed Tulsa's Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, in 1921.
• Approximately 300 Black residents died, and more than 1,000 structures were destroyed in the attack.
• Tulsa's reparations plan is one of the first for a specific racially motivated incident.

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BBC US

Secret Syrian intelligence files show missing US journalist was imprisoned by Assad regime

BBC US • June 02, 2025 • Us

Secret intelligence files have revealed that missing American journalist Austin Tice was imprisoned by the Syrian government, contradicting their previous denials. Tice was abducted near Damascus in August 2012, and the files, backed by former Syrian officials' testimonies, show he was detained in a facility in Damascus and held by a group loyal to President Assad.

Key Facts:

• Austin Tice, an American journalist, went missing near Damascus, Syria in August 2012.
• Newly uncovered intelligence files indicate he was held by the Syrian regime.
• The files include communications from different branches of Syrian intelligence.
• US officials had long suspected Syrian government involvement, but it was previously denied by the regime.
• Tice's detention was confirmed by former Syrian officials to the BBC.
• Tice was held by a group called the National Defence Forces, supportive of President Assad.
• During his captivity, Tice attempted to escape but was recaptured.
• He was reportedly treated for a viral infection while detained.
• A former NDF member said Tice was considered valuable for potential diplomatic negotiations with the US.

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BBC US

Harvard Chinese grad speech draws praise and ire

BBC US • June 02, 2025 • Us

A Chinese Harvard graduate named Jiang Yurong delivered a graduation speech urging for unity in a divided world. The speech was given shortly after the US decided to revoke visas for Chinese students, causing mixed reactions both in the US and China.

Key Facts:

• Jiang Yurong is a Chinese graduate from Harvard who spoke at the university's graduation ceremony.
• Her speech emphasized unity and understanding among different cultures and people.
• The speech was delivered after the US announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students.
• A US judge blocked the Trump administration's ban on foreign students on the same day as the speech.
• The speech received different reactions online; some praised it while others criticized Jiang's background.
• In China, some praised her message of shared humanity, while others criticized her elite status.
• Allegations have surfaced about Jiang's connections to the Chinese Communist Party, but the BBC has not independently confirmed them.
• Harvard has over 6,800 international students, making up more than 27% of its student body.

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BBC US

What we know about the attack in Colorado

BBC US • June 02, 2025 • Us

A suspect identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman carried out an attack in Boulder, Colorado, injuring eight people. Authorities say the attack, considered an act of terrorism, occurred during a peaceful event organized by "Run for Their Lives" to raise awareness for Israeli hostages in Gaza. Soliman is currently in custody and there is no evidence suggesting he was part of a larger group.

Key Facts:

• An attack happened in Boulder, Colorado, injuring eight people during a peaceful event.
• The suspect is Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national.
• The FBI views the attack as a "targeted act of violence" and a potential act of terrorism.
• Witnesses say Soliman used an incendiary device and a makeshift flamethrower.
• Soliman's U.S. visa expired in February 2023, and he had been living in Colorado Springs.
• The victims, consisting of four men and four women aged 52 to 88, suffered burns and other injuries.
• The event was linked to "Run for Their Lives," which raises awareness for Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
• Authorities are continuing their investigation, with no evidence pointing to a larger conspiracy.

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BBC US

Trump's tariffs 'not going away' as deadline for deals loom, top adviser says

BBC US • June 01, 2025 • Us

President Trump plans to continue his tariffs on imported goods once a pause ends in early July. The tariffs, which are additional taxes on imports, could go up worldwide unless trade deals are made. One major focus is a potential trade agreement with China, which has not yet been finalized.

Key Facts:

• President Trump announced tariffs on imports ranging from 11% to over 100%.
• A 90-day pause on these tariffs, aiming to stabilize stock markets, will expire soon.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the president will likely uphold the tariffs when the pause ends.
• A major trade agreement with China has not been reached, with both countries involved in ongoing tariff exchanges.
• The US plans to increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%.
• Relationships between the US and several international partners have been strained due to these tariffs.
• The Treasury Secretary mentioned that China might be holding back essential products in global supply chains.
• Negotiations between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are anticipated, though no date has been set.

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BBC US

Trump's mass firings to remain on hold, appeals court rules

BBC US • May 31, 2025 • Us

A U.S. appeals court has decided to keep on hold President Donald Trump's order to reduce the number of federal employees. The decision follows a California judge's earlier action to pause the order, which aimed to cut government spending by reducing the workforce.

Key Facts:

• A U.S. appeals court blocked President Trump's order to make large job cuts in federal government agencies.
• President Trump issued the order in February to reduce the government workforce significantly.
• A California judge initially paused the order, and the appeals court has now agreed to keep it on hold.
• The Trump administration might ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take a look at the case.
• The appeals court said the President's order went beyond his constitutional powers.
• The order was challenged by federal employee unions and other groups.
• The order was part of the Trump administration's efforts to cut government spending.
• The White House stated they would continue to fight the court's decision.

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BBC US

Hegseth urges Asia to boost defence against China's 'imminent' threat to Taiwan

BBC US • May 31, 2025 • Us

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that China poses a significant threat to Taiwan. He urged Asian countries to increase their defense efforts and cooperate with the US to prevent conflict. Hegseth made these remarks during a defense summit in Singapore, while China has not responded to his statements.

Key Facts:

• Pete Hegseth is the US Secretary of Defense.
• He stated that China is an "imminent" threat to Taiwan.
• Asian countries were advised to boost their defense spending.
• Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-la Dialogue, an annual defense meeting in Singapore.
• Taiwan is a self-governing island, but China claims it and has not ruled out using force.
• China is viewed as building up its military to potentially use force by 2027.
• The US does not seek to dominate China but will not allow it to intimidate allies.
• China sent a lower-level delegation to the summit and canceled a planned speech.

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BBC US

'As awkward as it gets': Ricky Gervais gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

BBC US • May 31, 2025 • Us

British actor and comedian Ricky Gervais received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday. He is known for his work on the TV shows The Office and After Life. His new star is the 2,813th on the famous Los Angeles sidewalk.

Key Facts:

• Ricky Gervais is a British actor and comedian.
• He got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday.
• He is known for creating and starring in The Office.
• He recently worked on the comedy-drama series After Life on Netflix.
• His star is the 2,813th on the Walk of Fame.
• The ceremony took place in Los Angeles.
• Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez commented that Gervais' star adds a comedian's touch to the area.

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BBC US

Watch: Diddy's ex-employee tells court he called her after Cassie's lawsuit

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

A former employee of Sean "Diddy" Combs, known as "Mia" in court, testified in his trial in New York. She claimed Diddy called her after Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in 2023 and alleged that Diddy sexually assaulted her multiple times during her employment. Diddy has denied all allegations of sexual assault.

Key Facts:

• "Mia," a former employee, testified in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial in New York.
• "Mia" stated that Diddy called her after Cassie Ventura's lawsuit in 2023.
• Cassie Ventura accused Diddy of physical and sexual abuse in her lawsuit.
• "Mia" alleged Diddy sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions during her eight years of employment.
• Diddy has denied all allegations of sexual assault, trafficking, and abuse.
• The trial is occurring in New York.
• The case received coverage from the BBC and involves sensitive testimonies.

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BBC US

Joe Biden says he's 'feeling good' in first comments since cancer diagnosis

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

Former President Joe Biden spoke publicly for the first time after his office announced he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He stated he is feeling positive and believes he can overcome the illness. Biden's cancer is classified as high-grade, meaning it can grow and spread quickly.

Key Facts:

• Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• He has spoken to reporters about his diagnosis and expressed feeling good.
• The cancer is categorized as high-grade, with a Gleason score of 9.
• A Gleason score assesses how quickly cancer is likely to grow and spread.
• High-grade cancer means it could spread more quickly.
• Biden is confident he can beat the cancer.

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BBC US