'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

In Oval Office farewell, Trump says Elon Musk is 'not really leaving'

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

Elon Musk has finished his role in the Trump administration at a farewell event in the Oval Office. Although Musk is leaving his official position with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), President Trump mentioned that Musk will continue to visit and influence the White House. Musk's work involved reducing government spending, but it attracted controversy and scrutiny, especially after layoffs and program cuts.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk's role in Trump's administration ended with a farewell in the Oval Office.
• Musk worked with the Department of Government Efficiency, or Doge, which focuses on cutting government costs.
• Trump said that Musk "is not really leaving" and will continue to have some involvement.
• Doge aims to reduce taxpayer spending and the US national debt, currently at $36 trillion.
• Musk's work resulted in mass layoffs and the closure of many USAID programs.
• There has been criticism and global protests against Musk's companies, leading to a drop in Tesla sales.
• As of late May, Doge claimed it saved the government $175 billion, but only $61.5 billion of that was detailed.
• Musk plans for Doge to continue striving for $1 trillion in savings.

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BBC US

More hot, dry weather forecast as Canada battles wildfires

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

Wildfires are currently burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada, prompting evacuations and air quality warnings due to smoke. Hot, dry weather is expected to continue, increasing the difficulty of controlling the fires. The air quality effects from the fires are being felt as far south as the US Midwest.

Key Facts:

• Thousands of people have left their homes in Saskatchewan and Manitoba due to wildfires.
• Flin Flon, a city in Manitoba with 5,000 residents, is under evacuation because of a nearby blaze.
• Both provinces have declared states of emergency because of the fires.
• Smoke from the fires has led to air quality alerts in Canada and parts of the US, including Chicago and states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
• There are 15 active fires in Saskatchewan, with seven not yet controlled.
• In Manitoba, 22 fires are burning, and four are out of control.
• Meteorologists predict continued hot and dry weather, which makes it harder to fight the fires.
• The 2023 wildfire season was the worst on record for Canada, with extensive areas burned.

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BBC US

Alaska hiker rescued from under 700lb boulder in frigid creek

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

A hiker in Alaska, Kell Morris, was trapped under a large boulder in a cold creek for three hours. His wife called for help, and rescuers used inflatable airbags and a helicopter to free him. He was treated for hypothermia but left the hospital with only minor injuries.

Key Facts:

• Kell Morris was trapped under a 700lb boulder while hiking near Anchorage, Alaska.
• His wife helped keep his head above water and called rescuers with precise location coordinates.
• Morris was trapped for three hours in the icy creek before being rescued.
• Rescuers used inflatable airbags to lift the boulder off him.
• A helicopter transported Morris to the hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.
• Morris only suffered minor injuries and is now walking again.
• The rescue team had to jump from a hovering helicopter due to the rough terrain.
• The rescue operation took place near Godwin Glacier.

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BBC US

Aerial footage shows massive smoke plumes from Canadian wildfires

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

A wildfire emergency in western Canada has forced 17,000 people to leave their homes in Manitoba due to ongoing fires. Over 166 wildfires are currently active across Canada, with 84 of them considered "out of control." The Canadian Armed Forces are assisting in Manitoba to help with evacuations and firefighting efforts.

Key Facts:

• 17,000 people in Manitoba, Canada, have been evacuated due to wildfires.
• More than 166 wildfires are active across Canada.
• Out of these, 84 fires are labeled "out of control."
• Major wildfires are also happening in Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia.
• Manitoba has declared a state of emergency.
• The Canadian Armed Forces are helping with firefighting and moving people to safety.
• The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre is monitoring these fires.

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BBC US

Bernard Kerik, head of New York police during 9/11, dies at 69

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

Bernard Kerik, former New York City police commissioner during the 9/11 attacks, has died at the age of 69. His death was confirmed as a result of an illness, and tributes have been paid by public figures, including former mayors Rudy Giuliani and Eric Adams. Kerik served in various roles in law enforcement and government, faced legal troubles, and was pardoned by President Trump in 2020.

Key Facts:

• Bernard Kerik served as New York City's police commissioner during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
• He passed away at the age of 69 after a private battle with illness, confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel.
• After 9/11, Kerik was appointed by President George Bush to lead a provisional police force in Iraq.
• In 2009, Kerik pleaded guilty to tax fraud and other charges and was sentenced to three years in prison.
• President Donald Trump pardoned Kerik in 2020.
• Rudy Giuliani and Eric Adams, both former mayors of New York City, expressed condolences and shared tributes.
• Kerik withdrew from consideration to lead the Department of Homeland Security in 2004.
• He was involved in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

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BBC US

'I left one conflict zone to enter another': Harvard's Jewish foreign students on Trump row

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

The Trump administration attempted to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, which notably impacts Jewish students like PhD student Genia from Israel. A judge has delayed this decision while the case is in court, but concerns remain about President Trump's motives and allegations of political use of antisemitism.

Key Facts:

• President Trump aims to restrict Harvard's enrollment of international students.
• More than 25% of Harvard students are from overseas.
• A judge has temporarily blocked Trump's attempt while the case is ongoing.
• Trump's actions are said to aim at protecting Jewish students, but some feel it may harm them instead.
• Genia, an Israeli student, fears she could be forced to return to Israel if the ban is enforced.
• Harvard's leadership claims they are working to tackle antisemitism on campus.
• The Trump administration alleges Harvard leans too far left and does not adequately address antisemitism.
• The U.S. government has given Harvard 30 days to demonstrate compliance with international student enrollment standards.

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BBC US

Five ways the world's richest man changed the White House

BBC US • May 30, 2025 • Us

Elon Musk's brief time working with President Trump in the White House aimed to cut government spending significantly. His efforts, while notable, also sparked controversy due to drastic measures and his business interests that intersected with his government role.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk worked with the Trump administration for 129 days on reducing government spending.
• His goal was to cut spending drastically, initially targeting trillions, but the end result claimed savings of $175 billion.
• About 260,000 federal jobs were cut, causing legal challenges and controversy.
• Some job cuts were reversed, such as those at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
• Musk’s department made some errors during cuts, including a mistake involving foreign aid distribution.
• Efforts to access sensitive data led to privacy concerns.
• Musk's business dealings raised potential conflict of interest issues, as his companies have significant government contracts.
• His changes led to a large reduction in US foreign aid programs, impacting international relations.

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BBC US

Thousands flee wildfire in Manitoba as 'out of control' blazes burn across Canada

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

Thousands of people in Manitoba, Canada, have been forced to leave their homes due to wildfires spreading out of control. The Canadian military is helping with evacuations and firefighting efforts. The fires have also led to concerns in nearby regions, and smoke is expected to affect air quality in parts of the United States.

Key Facts:

• Manitoba has declared a state of emergency because of wildfires, leading to the evacuation of 17,000 people.
• The Canadian Armed Forces are aiding in evacuation and firefighting, offering faster transport to safety.
• Earlier this month, a married couple died in Manitoba due to fast-spreading fires.
• Evacuees are being sheltered in sports venues and community centers across the region.
• Smoke from the fires is expected to reach cities in the US, like Minneapolis, Detroit, and Chicago.
• Over 166 fires are burning across Canada—84 of them are out of control.
• This follows Canada’s worst wildfire season on record in 2023, with over 42 million acres burned.
• Scientists attribute worsening wildfire seasons to climate change, which affects Canada more severely than many other regions.

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BBC US

Watch: Severe storm hammers Austin with hail, wind

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

Severe weather hit Austin, Texas, causing damage to buildings, including the state capitol. High winds and large hail led to power outages affecting over 72,000 people. Restoration efforts continued with 30,000 people still without power the next day.

Key Facts:

• Severe weather affected Central Texas, including Austin.
• The storm brought strong winds, large hail, and flooding.
• The state capitol building's dome was damaged.
• Austin Energy reported that 72,500 customers lost power during the storm.
• 30,000 customers were still without electricity the next day.

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BBC US

Simon Jack: Tariff ruling doesn't really change US-UK deal

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

A recent U.S. court decision has ruled some U.S. trade tariffs as illegal, but this decision does not change tariffs on important UK exports like cars, steel, and aluminum. The UK has a deal with the U.S. to lower these tariffs, but it has not been put into action yet.

Key Facts:

• The U.S. court ruling declared certain tariffs illegal but did not affect tariffs on UK cars, steel, and aluminum.
• Currently, UK car exports to the U.S. face a 27.5% tariff, while steel and aluminum face a 25% tariff.
• The UK has a deal to reduce these tariffs to 10% for cars and zero for steel and aluminum, but it is not yet in effect.
• The UK government is working to implement the tariff reduction deal quickly.
• Trump's planned 10% tariffs on other UK goods like salmon and whisky have been blocked by this ruling.
• The U.S. government plans to appeal this court decision.
• The situation creates uncertainty for UK businesses involved in international trade with the U.S.

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BBC US

Victoria's Secret takes down US website after 'security incident'

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

Victoria's Secret temporarily took down its U.S. website and limited some services in its stores due to a "security incident." The company is working to restore operations, and its UK website remains unaffected. The incident affected its share price, which dropped about 7%.

Key Facts:

• Victoria's Secret has temporarily taken down its U.S. website because of a security issue.
• In-store services were also limited as a precaution.
• The UK website of Victoria's Secret was not affected by this incident.
• Victoria's Secret operates around 1,350 stores in 70 countries.
• The company's share price dropped by about 7% following the announcement.
• Some customers expressed frustration on social media about being unable to check their order status.
• The incident takes place amid a series of cyber attacks on retailers, affecting firms like M&S and Co-op.
• Experts advise customers to change passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect their data.

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BBC US

Trump commutes gang leader's sentence in flurry of pardons

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

President Donald Trump commuted the federal prison sentence of Larry Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples gang. Hoover is still serving a state sentence, so he will not be released soon. Trump also pardoned several other individuals, including a former congressman and rapper.

Key Facts:

• Larry Hoover's federal prison sentence was commuted by President Trump, but he still has a 200-year state prison sentence for murder.
• Larry Hoover founded the Gangster Disciples in Chicago in the 1970s and built it into a nationwide gang.
• Hoover was convicted in 1973 of ordering a murder and was later convicted in the 1990s on multiple federal charges.
• Despite his commuted federal sentence, prosecutors allege Hoover remains involved with gang activities from prison.
• Trump has pardoned more than 40 people during his second term, including those linked to the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Michael Grimm, a former congressman, was pardoned after serving time for tax fraud.
• Other pardons include former Connecticut Governor John Rowland and rapper Kentrell Gaulden (known as NBA YoungBoy).
• A presidential pardon can only address federal crimes, not state-law sentences.

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BBC US

What tariffs has Trump announced and why?

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

President Donald Trump announced various tariffs, which are taxes on goods coming into the US from other countries. He argues these tariffs will help US manufacturing and jobs. A US court blocked many of these tariffs, but the White House is appealing the decision.

Key Facts:

• Tariffs are taxes on goods imported from other countries.
• Trump said the tariffs aim to boost American-made goods and narrow the trade gap, which is the difference between what the US sells and buys internationally.
• The White House planned to implement a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union.
• The US and China engaged in tariff increases but later agreed to reduce many of these tariffs for 90 days.
• Trump imposed a 25% tax on steel and aluminum imports and a 25% levy on foreign-made cars.
• A US court blocked the broad tariffs, but the White House is appealing this decision.

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BBC US

US trade court blocks Trump's sweeping tariffs

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

A U.S. federal court stopped President Trump's tariffs, stating that the president does not have the power to impose them without Congress. The ruling was challenged by the Trump administration, but it supports the idea that only Congress can control trade with other countries.

Key Facts:

• The Court of International Trade blocked President Trump's tariffs, calling them beyond his authority.
• The court stated the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to handle trade, not the president alone.
• Trump’s administration immediately appealed the court’s decision.
• The blocked tariffs targeted countries like China, Mexico, and Canada, intended to address concerns like illegal immigration and drug flow.
• The lawsuit against the tariffs was filed by the Liberty Justice Center on behalf of small businesses.
• New York’s attorney general supported the decision, emphasizing that the president cannot raise taxes without Congress.
• The ruling relates to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which does not cover sweeping tariff powers.
• Following the court's decision, stock markets in Asia and U.S. stock futures increased.

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BBC US

Trump administration to 'aggressively' revoke visas of Chinese students

BBC US • May 29, 2025 • Us

The Trump administration plans to revoke visas of certain Chinese students studying in the U.S., focusing on those linked to the Chinese Communist Party or studying sensitive subjects. The plan includes tighter checks on future visa applicants from China and has led to changes in student visa policies. U.S. relations with China have been strained, affecting Chinese student numbers in the U.S.

Key Facts:

• The Trump administration wants to revoke visas for some Chinese students, particularly those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying important fields.
• Criteria for future visa applications from China and Hong Kong will be stricter.
• U.S. embassies have been ordered to stop new student visa appointments while expanding social media screening of applicants.
• About 280,000 Chinese students were studying in the U.S. last year.
• The number of Chinese students in the U.S. has decreased due to various factors, including Covid-19 and political tensions.
• Some international students are unhappy with the visa changes and regret choosing to study in the U.S.
• A judge blocked an attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students.
• China has urged the U.S. to protect the rights of international students.

Source Information

BBC US

Smugglers jailed for deaths of Indian family in US-Canada border blizzard

BBC US • May 28, 2025 • Us

Two men, Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand, received prison sentences for their roles in the deaths of an Indian family attempting to cross into the US from Canada during a blizzard in January 2022. The Patel family, traveling from India, died from freezing temperatures near the US-Canada border. Patel and Shand were involved in human trafficking that led to these tragic events.

Key Facts:

• The Patel family from India died near the US-Canada border in January 2022 while trying to cross during a blizzard.
• Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel was sentenced to over 10 years in prison, and Steve Anthony Shand was sentenced to six-and-a-half years.
• Both men were convicted of human trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.
• The family, including two schoolteachers and their children, were caught in -38C (-36F) temperatures.
• The Patels were part of a larger group being smuggled into the US and got separated.
• They were found 12 meters from the US border in Manitoba, Canada.
• Shand was supposed to pick up the migrants after they crossed the border.
• Prosecutors said Patel and Shand prioritized profit over the safety of migrants.

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BBC US

Migrant arrested over letter threatening to assassinate Trump

BBC US • May 28, 2025 • Us

A Mexican national named Ramon Morales-Reyes was arrested for sending a letter threatening to assassinate former President Donald Trump. He was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Wisconsin, with deportation proceedings underway.

Key Facts:

• Ramon Morales-Reyes is accused of sending a threatening letter about former President Trump.
• He is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico.
• The Department of Homeland Security says Morales-Reyes admitted he would shoot Trump.
• Morales-Reyes is currently detained in Wisconsin with deportation proceedings pending.
• He has a criminal record, including multiple illegal entry attempts into the US.
• The letter was received by officials on May 21, and Morales-Reyes was arrested the following day.
• Morales-Reyes mentioned self-deporting to Mexico and expressed anger over deportations involving his family.
• He has previously been arrested for a felony hit and run.

Source Information

BBC US