New York crypto investor accused of kidnapping Italian tourist

BBC US • May 24, 2025 • Us

A New York cryptocurrency investor, John Woeltz, and a second person, Beatrice Folchi, have been charged with kidnapping and other crimes after allegedly holding an Italian tourist captive in a Manhattan home. The victim, who was tortured and held for his bitcoin password, escaped and is now in stable condition.

Key Facts:

• John Woeltz, age 37, is charged with kidnapping and other crimes.
• Beatrice Folchi, age 24, is also arrested in connection with the case.
• The victim, a 28-year-old Italian tourist, was allegedly held and tortured in a SoHo home.
• Police found photos of the victim tied up and firearms at the scene.
• The victim traveled from Italy to New York on May 6 and escaped recently.
• The suspects allegedly tried to obtain the victim's bitcoin password.
• John Woeltz rented the SoHo home for $30,000 to $40,000 per month.

Source Information

BBC US

US Congress moves to block California ban on petrol-only cars

BBC US • May 22, 2025 • Us

Lawmakers in the U.S. are stopping a California law that aimed to ban petrol-only cars by 2035. Congress voted to cancel a special rule allowing California to have stricter car emission standards than federal rules, a decision that could lead to a legal dispute.

Key Facts:

• The U.S. Senate and House voted to block California’s petrol-only car ban.
• The California rule aimed to stop the sale of petrol-only cars by 2035.
• California had a special permission to set stricter emissions standards than federal rules.
• President Trump is expected to sign this decision into law, potentially leading to a legal battle.
• California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to sue over this move.
• Other states like New York and Massachusetts wanted to adopt similar rules, impacting a large part of the car market.
• Electric vehicles made up about 10% of new car sales in the U.S. last year.
• Critics argue the emissions standards set by California were unrealistic for carmakers.

Source Information

BBC US

US Treasury confirms the end of the penny

BBC US • May 22, 2025 • Us

The US Treasury announced that it will stop making one-cent coins, or pennies, next year. This decision is expected to save $56 million each year in production costs, as it currently costs more to make a penny than it's worth.

Key Facts:

• The US will stop producing pennies next year.
• Stopping production will save $56 million every year.
• The cost to make a penny is now 3.69 cents.
• Pennies have been in use in the US since 1793.
• President Trump directed the halt on penny production earlier this year.
• Opinions differ: some say pennies are wasteful; others believe they help keep prices low and support charities.
• Other countries, like Canada, have also stopped making similar coins due to high costs.

Source Information

BBC US

Trump to host investors in his cryptocurrency despite ethical concerns

BBC US • May 22, 2025 • Us

US President Donald Trump is hosting a dinner for major investors in a cryptocurrency named after him. Some people have raised ethical concerns and national security worries about the event. The White House says Trump is acting in public interest and not for personal gain.

Key Facts:

• President Trump is holding a dinner for the top investors of the cryptocurrency called $TRUMP.
• $TRUMP is known as a meme coin, a type of cryptocurrency based on internet trends.
• The value of $TRUMP rose sharply when launched but has since dropped significantly.
• The event is for the top 220 purchasers of $TRUMP, including crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun.
• Justin Sun, the top investor, was previously charged with fraud by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Critics have raised ethical concerns and the potential for foreign influence.
• In the past, Trump criticized Bitcoin, calling it a scam, but now supports cryptocurrencies.
• The Trump family is involved with a cryptocurrency exchange called World Liberty Financial.
• The White House states that the $TRUMP coin is unrelated to White House activities.

Source Information

BBC US

BBC at the scene of shooting outside Jewish museum

BBC US • May 22, 2025 • Us

Two Israeli embassy staff were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The incident occurred as they were leaving an event at the museum.

Key Facts:

• Two people working for the Israeli embassy were shot dead.
• This shooting happened near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC.
• The victims were leaving an event at the museum when the shooting occurred.
• The BBC's North America correspondent, Nomia Iqbal, reported from the scene.
• The shooting is under investigation, and updates are being followed closely.

Source Information

BBC US

Las Vegas to host Enhanced Games for athletes using performance-enhancing drugs

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

The Enhanced Games, a new sports event that allows the use of performance-enhancing drugs, claims that swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev set a faster time than a long-standing world record in a private trial. The event, planned to debut in May 2026 in Las Vegas, faces criticism for health risks and undermining fairness but has gained support from notable investors.

Key Facts:

• Kristian Gkolomeev swam 20.89 seconds in a 50m freestyle time trial, which is faster than a world record set in 2009 by 0.02 seconds.
• The Enhanced Games permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs that are banned in traditional sports.
• The inaugural Enhanced Games event is scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas.
• The event will include sports like short-distance swimming, sprinting, and weightlifting.
• Gkolomeev used a full-length polyurethane suit in his record-setting swim, a type banned in professional competition.
• The Enhanced Games are supported by a venture capital fund, including figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Peter Thiel.
• Despite his achievements, Gkolomeev's performance won't be officially recognized by World Aquatics.
• Gkolomeev received a $1 million reward for his record-breaking swim.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch moment Trump ambushes Ramaphosa with video

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

During a meeting in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump questioned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa about claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa, which Ramaphosa disputed. Trump showed a video of people chanting violent slogans, while Ramaphosa condemned the chants but denied that white people are being persecuted.

Key Facts:

• Donald Trump spoke with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office.
• Trump mentioned claims of white farmers fleeing South Africa.
• During the meeting, Trump played a video showing people chanting "kill the Boer, kill the farmer".
• Cyril Ramaphosa responded by condemning the chants.
• Ramaphosa pushed back against the claims that white people are being persecuted in South Africa.

Source Information

BBC US

US House works all night as Trump's budget bill still on hold

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

Allies of former US President Donald Trump are trying to pass a large tax and spending bill, but disagreements among Republicans have delayed it. The bill includes extending 2017 tax cuts and increasing spending on defense and border security. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it will add significantly to the US national debt.

Key Facts:

• Trump's allies in Congress are pushing for a tax and spending bill.
• The bill aims to extend tax cuts from 2017 and increase defense and border security spending.
• Some Republicans want deeper spending cuts, while others seek larger tax cuts.
• The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add $2.3 trillion to the national debt over 10 years.
• Trump campaigned on reducing the budget deficit, which is the gap between government revenue and spending.
• Talks continued overnight, but no final agreement has been reached.
• Democrats oppose the bill, arguing it favors the wealthy and harms lower-income people.
• The bill must pass both the House and Senate to become law.

Source Information

BBC US

Target sales slump as Trump tariffs take effect

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

Target has lowered its sales expectations for the year after seeing a 5.7% drop in sales over three months. The decline is attributed to challenges from new trade tariffs and backlash from ending diversity and inclusion targets. Target is trying to manage the impact of tariffs by sourcing more products domestically and diversifying suppliers.

Key Facts:

• Target saw a 5.7% drop in sales in the three months leading to May.
• The company faces challenges from new trade tariffs and backlash from ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) targets.
• Target sources 30% of its store-label products from China, down from 60% in 2017.
• Tariffs imposed by President Trump aim to boost American manufacturing but might cause higher prices.
• Target's chief executive, Brian Cornell, stated that pricing decisions depend on sourcing more US-made products.
• Target expects a small decline in annual sales instead of the previous forecast of 1% growth.
• The company is negotiating with suppliers to offset the impact of tariffs.
• Target was sued by shareholders over the risks associated with its DEI policies.

Source Information

BBC US

Trump administration to scrap police reform measures in some US cities

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

The Trump administration has announced that it will cancel police reform efforts introduced during the Biden administration in several U.S. cities, including Louisville and Minneapolis. These changes include ending oversight agreements and investigations into police practices, claiming the prior methods were overly controlling.

Key Facts:

• The Trump administration plans to end police reform efforts set by the Biden administration in some cities.
• This move affects oversight agreements with police departments in Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• The decision also involves stopping investigations into police actions in six cities, such as Phoenix and Memphis.
• This announcement was made close to the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death, which heightened awareness about racial issues and police conduct.
• Derek Chauvin, the officer involved in George Floyd's death, was convicted and is serving a 22-year sentence.
• The Biden-era investigations were launched to address concerns about police brutality after several high-profile cases.
• The agreements that are being canceled aimed at improving police training, accountability, and data collection.
• Approximately 70% of the justice department's civil rights division lawyers have resigned since Trump's re-election, citing changes in departmental focus.

Source Information

BBC US

Ex NYC Governor Andrew Cuomo under investigation for Covid testimony

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over his statements to Congress about his response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cuomo's team has said he hasn't been contacted by law enforcement about this investigation.

Key Facts:

• Andrew Cuomo, former Governor of New York, is under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.
• The investigation is about Cuomo's testimony to Congress during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Congressional Republicans claim Cuomo lied about his role in reviewing a Covid-related report.
• Cuomo's spokesperson stated he had no contact from law enforcement or received any subpoenas.
• Cuomo describes the news of the investigation as election interference.
• Cuomo is currently a candidate in the New York City mayoral race.
• Eric Adams, Cuomo's rival for mayor, previously had charges dropped after a prosecutor's resignation.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: Moment police apprehend a runaway kangaroo in Colorado

BBC US • May 21, 2025 • Us

Police officers in Durango, Colorado, captured a kangaroo named Irwin after it escaped from its home. The animal was legally kept as a pet, and officers managed to corner and capture it without harm.

Key Facts:

• Durango Police Department in Colorado captured a kangaroo named Irwin.
• The kangaroo had escaped from its home in Durango, a town in southwestern Colorado.
• In Colorado, it is legal to keep kangaroos as pets.
• Officers used body camera footage to record the capture.
• Officer Shane Garrison mentioned they considered using a lasso before they caught Irwin.
• The capture happened without any harm to the kangaroo.

Source Information

BBC US

Trump pressures Republicans to back his 'big beautiful' tax bill

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

President Trump is urging Republicans to support a major tax bill, which he wants to pass by May 26. The bill is causing disagreement among Republicans, mainly due to changes to tax deductions and healthcare programs.

Key Facts:

• Trump visited Capitol Hill to persuade Republicans to support his tax bill.
• Some Republicans disagree on changes to healthcare and tax deductions in the bill.
• The bill proposes increasing the cap on state and local tax deductions for couples.
• Trump needs the bill passed by May 26 to proceed to the Senate for further debate.
• Key healthcare changes include work requirements for Medicaid from 2029.
• Trump called the meeting unified, but some Republicans remain opposed to the bill.
• The bill includes about $4.9 trillion in tax breaks.
• Disagreements exist with Republicans from high-tax states regarding deduction limits.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: Moment police car is hit by lightning in Oklahoma

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

In Newcastle, Oklahoma, a police car was struck by lightning during a storm while a tornado warning was in effect. Fortunately, no one was hurt by the lightning strike.

Key Facts:

• A police car in Newcastle, Oklahoma was hit by lightning during a storm.
• The storm occurred when a tornado watch was in place.
• The event was captured on video by Newcastle Emergency Management.
• No injuries were reported as a result of the lightning strike.
• The National Weather Service had issued the tornado watch for parts of central Oklahoma, which included Newcastle.

Source Information

BBC US

Kristi Noem incorrectly defines 'habeas corpus' in Senate hearing

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem incorrectly explained the meaning of "habeas corpus" during a Senate hearing. A senator corrected her explanation by stating that "habeas corpus" requires the government to justify why they are holding someone in prison.

Key Facts:

• "Habeas corpus" is a legal term that means the government must explain why a person is detained or imprisoned.
• Secretary Kristi Noem gave an incorrect definition, saying it lets the president remove people from the U.S.
• Senator Maggie Hassan pointed out the mistake and explained the true meaning.
• Stephen Miller, a White House official, suggested suspending "habeas corpus" to allow mass deportations without court hearings.
• The discussion took place during a Homeland Security Committee hearing.

Source Information

BBC US

Arrested maintenance worker says he was forced to assist New Orleans jail break

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

A maintenance worker at a New Orleans jail, Sterling Williams, was arrested for allegedly helping ten inmates escape. He claims an inmate threatened him with a makeshift knife, forcing him to turn off the water and aid in their escape.

Key Facts:

• Sterling Williams, a 33-year-old maintenance worker, was arrested for helping inmates escape a New Orleans jail.
• Ten inmates escaped by removing a toilet and metal bars from a cell in the jail.
• Williams claims an inmate threatened him with a "shank" if he refused to help.
• Three inmates were caught the same day, and a fourth was caught the following Monday.
• Some of the escaped inmates were facing serious charges, including murder.
• Williams faces charges of aiding an escape and misconduct in office.
• Louisiana's Attorney General stated the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.
• The sheriff’s office released images showing how the escape route was created, including messages left by the inmates.

Source Information

BBC US

Elon Musk plans to cut back political spending

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

Elon Musk announced plans to reduce his political donations after previously supporting Donald Trump's campaign with over $250 million. He also stated he will continue to lead Tesla for another five years, but will take a reduced role in the political initiative called Doge.

Key Facts:

• Elon Musk plans to reduce his political donations in the future.
• Musk had previously spent over $250 million supporting Donald Trump's campaign.
• He will continue as the leader of Tesla for another five years.
• Musk will reduce his role in a political spending initiative known as Doge.
• Musk stated he currently sees no reason for further political spending, but may reconsider if necessary.
• Concerns arose over potential conflicts of interest due to Musk's ties to Trump's administration and his companies.
• Musk's political involvement faced protests and boycotts, impacting Tesla's performance.
• Musk expressed no regrets about his past political activities, claiming they were necessary.

Source Information

BBC US

US congresswoman charged with assault outside immigration centre

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

Congresswoman LaMonica McIver from New Jersey has been charged with assault after a confrontation outside an immigration detention center in Newark. The scuffle occurred during an oversight visit that involved other politicians and resulted in no injuries. Different groups, including politicians and officials, blame each other for the incident.

Key Facts:

• Congresswoman LaMonica McIver is accused of assault outside an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
• Alina Habba, interim US attorney and ally of former President Donald Trump, announced the charges against McIver.
• The incident took place during a visit to Delaney Hall, an immigration facility.
• Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark was involved in the visit; charges of trespassing against him were dropped.
• There were no reported injuries from the confrontation.
• Videos from the incident show a chaotic scene with police, immigration agents, politicians, and protesters.
• Members of Congress were eventually allowed to enter and tour the facility.
• There are differing accounts on who was responsible for the disturbance.

Source Information

BBC US

Netflix strikes deal to bring Sesame Street to streaming giant

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

Netflix has partnered with Sesame Street to bring new and past episodes to its platform. The new agreement allows the episodes to also air on PBS on the same day they are available on Netflix, securing Sesame Street's presence on both streaming and free-to-air TV.

Key Facts:

• Netflix and Sesame Street have entered into a new deal.
• This deal allows Sesame Street to be available both on Netflix and PBS.
• Netflix will offer a 56th season and 90 hours of past episodes.
• Warner Bros Discovery chose not to renew its previous deal with Sesame Street.
• Sesame Street first aired on November 10, 1969.
• The show has historically used its platform to educate children on various topics.
• Netflix is focusing more on children's content, which is 15% of its viewing.
• Other children's programming like Peppa Pig is also being added to Netflix.

Source Information

BBC US

Homeland Security says 64 people 'self-deported' on US flight

BBC US • May 20, 2025 • Us

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that 64 undocumented immigrants have returned to their home countries through a new program called "Project Homecoming." This initiative offers free travel and financial support to immigrants who choose to leave the U.S. voluntarily, aiming to encourage self-deportation without detention.

Key Facts:

• "Project Homecoming" is a program encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
• The program provides free flights and $1,000 to help immigrants return to their home countries.
• The first flight under this program went from Texas to Honduras and Colombia.
• The initiative is part of broader immigration actions by the Trump administration.
• Project Homecoming uses a mobile app called CPB Home to help immigrants arrange their departure.
• Homeland Security states this program is a smoother alternative to forced deportation.
• There have been legal challenges to other deportation efforts by the Trump administration.
• The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the end of deportation protections for 350,000 Venezuelans.

Source Information

BBC US