Reform UK has received millions of pounds in donations from two cryptocurrency billionaires, Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, raising concern among Labour MPs about the influence of large private donors in UK politics. The government has introduced a cap on overseas donations, but it may not limit these contributions, and some politicians want to broaden the cap to cover all donors.
Key Facts
Reform UK received £7 million in donations from two crypto billionaires in one quarter.
Christopher Harborne has given £15 million to Reform UK and £5 million to Nigel Farage personally.
Ben Delo co-founded the crypto trading platform BitMEX and became the UK’s youngest self-made billionaire.
Delo was pardoned last year by President Donald Trump after a US conviction related to money laundering controls.
Both donors live abroad but might avoid new donation limits by returning to the UK or challenging the rules.
Labour raised £6 million from all private donors in the first quarter of 2024, less than Reform UK received from just two donors.
The government’s current cap focuses on overseas donors but allows large donations if transparency is maintained.
Some Labour MPs want to extend donation limits to all donors due to concerns about political influence.
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Transport for London (TfL) reported that on the second day of a tube strike, public transport use in London was at 86% of normal levels. The strike involves London Underground drivers protesting proposals for a voluntary shorter workweek, and staffing levels were slightly better than during the previous strike day.
Key Facts
The strike took place from midnight to 11:59 pm BST on Thursday.
Overall public transport journeys reached 86% of normal usage during the strike.
London Underground travel was down by 43% compared to last year.
Use of other rail services increased: London Overground by 12%, Elizabeth line by 18%, and Docklands Light Railway by 9%.
Around 60% of Tube drivers worked on Thursday, up from Tuesday, with some lines like the Jubilee line staffed by 91% of drivers.
The strike was called by RMT union members over a proposal for a voluntary 35-hour, four-day workweek for drivers.
TfL said the proposal was voluntary and aimed at giving drivers more time off while improving Tube service efficiency.
Despite the strike, TfL operated services on most lines and apologized for the disruption.
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Three Republican senators facing difficult reelection campaigns voted with Democrats to stop the Justice Department from creating a fund to prevent "weaponization," a plan proposed by President Donald Trump. The amendment they supported failed narrowly by one vote.
Key Facts
Three Republicans—Susan Collins, Dan Sullivan, and Jon Husted—voted with Democrats on an amendment.
The amendment aimed to block the Justice Department from making an "anti-weaponization" fund.
This fund was originally proposed by President Donald Trump.
The amendment was narrowly defeated, with a 49-50 vote.
The three Republican senators are in tough races this fall.
The vote took place in the U.S. Senate.
The exact purpose of the "anti-weaponization" fund relates to preventing misuse of government resources.
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Senators Bill Cassidy and Cory Booker asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration’s plan to use nearly $1.8 billion in an “anti-weaponization” fund. They joined a legal challenge against the payouts, even as the administration is stepping back from the plan.
Key Facts
The fund is called the “anti-weaponization” fund.
It involves nearly $1.8 billion.
Senators Bill Cassidy (Republican from Louisiana) and Cory Booker (Democrat from New Jersey) oppose the fund.
They asked a federal judge to block the fund’s use.
The Trump administration is reducing its support for the fund.
The senators say the fund threatens the constitutional order and authority.
This legal challenge focuses on the payment of the funds.
The issue is part of a current debate in U.S. government policy.
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The Kennedy Center has been ordered by a federal judge to remove President Donald Trump's name from the building and official materials by June 12. This follows a lawsuit that challenged the name change and the center’s planned two-year closure for renovations.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled that President Trump’s name must be removed from the Kennedy Center’s title and signage.
The ruling came after Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty sued over changing the center’s name and planned closure.
Staff were told to immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and documents to use the original name.
Exterior and interior signs must be changed back by June 12.
The Kennedy Center board previously added President Trump's name without congressional approval.
The center is considering whether to stay open during a $257 million renovation scheduled to start July 5.
The judge acknowledged the need for renovations but said the board must follow legal rules before making closure decisions.
Some artists canceled performances after the name change was announced, and the National Symphony Orchestra’s director left the center.
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The U.S. Interior Department announced it will spend $5.1 million to regild four gold-plated statues near the Lincoln Memorial. These statues, called Arts of War and Arts of Peace, were gifts from Italy about 75 years ago and will have their gold layer restored.
Key Facts
The project involves regilding four equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial.
The statues are named Arts of War and Arts of Peace.
Italy gifted the statues to the U.S. roughly 75 years ago.
The restoration will include applying new gold leaf to the statues.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.1 million.
The work is managed by the Interior Department.
The statues are located close to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The restoration aims to preserve the statues' appearance and protect them from damage.
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President Donald Trump announced over $700 million in federal funding to upgrade and build coal power plants in the United States, including support for exports. Experts say there is no such thing as “clean coal” because burning coal produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and causes pollution harmful to health and the environment.
Key Facts
The Trump administration plans to spend $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal plants and $75 million on a coal export terminal in California.
An additional $185 million will fund two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart one in Maryland.
The Defense Production Act of 1950 is being used to allocate these funds.
Experts and government data show coal is a major source of carbon dioxide, a gas that causes global warming.
Coal burning also produces pollution that harms lungs, causes acid rain, and damages the environment.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology tries to reduce emissions but is expensive and not commonly used on coal plants in the U.S.
In 2022, coal caused more than half of carbon dioxide emissions from U.S. power plants.
Many coal plants are old and costly to run compared to cheaper renewable energy sources.
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The article discusses how President Donald Trump’s image and name have become very visible in government buildings and projects, similar to what is often seen in authoritarian regimes. It also notes public disapproval of naming government places after him while he is still in office.
Key Facts
Authoritarian leaders often have their images and statues widely displayed to show power.
Unlike past U.S. leaders, President Trump is pushing for his face to be on a $250 bill and his signature on new $100 bills.
Large banners of President Trump have appeared on government buildings such as the departments of justice, labor, and agriculture.
He reportedly suggested renaming major transportation hubs like Dulles airport and Penn station after himself.
A judge recently ordered his name removed from the Kennedy Center, citing lack of congressional approval.
Public opinion polls show most Americans oppose naming government sites after President Trump while he is president.
Some researchers say constant display of leaders’ images might not increase support and can backfire by reducing trust.
President Trump’s focus on self-promotion comes as many voters feel he is not addressing their problems adequately.
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President Trump spoke at the White House about new efforts to support coal power. The administration is investing $700 million and plans to give $185 million in grants to build two coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
Key Facts
President Trump gave remarks from the White House about coal power.
The government is investing $700 million to support the coal industry.
The Energy Department will provide $185 million in grant funding.
The grants will help build two coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
The plan includes restarting some coal power projects.
The announcements are part of the administration’s energy policy.
The focus is on increasing coal production and supporting coal jobs.
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The Trump administration stopped $3 million in federal funding to Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit because the unit did not secure any indictments or convictions in four years. The Department of Health and Human Services said it would not approve the state’s fraud unit for continued funding.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration cut $3 million in funding to Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud unit.
The cut happened because the unit failed to get any indictments or convictions in four years.
The Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to Hawaii’s Attorney General Anne Lopez.
The department said it would not recertify Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Medicaid Fraud Control Units investigate and prosecute fraud and abuse in Medicaid programs.
This decision affects Hawaii’s ability to investigate Medicaid-related crimes with federal support.
The letter came from the agency’s Inspector General, March Bell.
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Senate Republicans voted against a proposal to stop the Department of Justice from creating a $1.8 billion fund aimed at addressing threats linked to supporters of President Donald Trump. The acting Attorney General said the administration planned to cancel the fund, but Republicans still blocked the amendment.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, proposed an amendment to ban a $1.8 billion DOJ fund targeting threats related to MAGA supporters.
The amendment aimed to prevent the DOJ from setting up this "anti-weaponization" fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the administration planned to drop the fund proposal.
Senate Republicans voted to defeat the amendment, blocking the ban on the fund.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was notably involved in the vote against the amendment.
The fund was part of efforts to address certain security concerns related to political supporters of President Trump.
The vote reflects ongoing political debate over government actions concerning the former president’s allies.
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President Donald Trump announced that he will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals next week. He accepted the invitation from James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks. The game will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will attend the NBA Finals Game 3.
The game is scheduled for next week.
The event will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Trump was invited by James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks.
This event marks a presidential appearance at a major basketball game.
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Four people, including two Ohio state workers, were charged with a $30 million fraud scheme involving Medicaid payments for children's behavioral health services that were never provided. Authorities seized 14 luxury cars linked to the case as part of their investigation.
Key Facts
Two Ohio state employees and two others were indicted for Medicaid billing fraud.
The fraud involved $30 million related to children's behavioral health services.
The services billed were not actually provided to children.
Federal law enforcement is leading the investigation.
Investigators seized 14 luxury vehicles, including brands like Maserati, Mercedes, Bentley, and McLaren.
The case highlights issues in Medicaid, a US government program that helps pay for health care for low-income individuals.
The news was reported by CBS News with information from the Justice Department.
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President Donald Trump supports the Protect College Sports Act, a new law proposed in the U.S. Senate. The law aims to regulate the college sports industry, which Trump described as disorganized.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the Protect College Sports Act.
The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate this week.
The law seeks to regulate how college sports operate as a business.
Trump said the college sports system is currently a “total mess.”
He stated that many people agree the system needs to be fixed.
Trump shared his support for the bill on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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A senior UK cabinet minister criticized potential challengers to Labour leader Keir Starmer, saying that feeling entitled to lead is not enough and that stable leadership requires real achievements. He also said politicians often blame leaders instead of their own records, and that leadership should be a team effort.
Key Facts
Peter Kyle, UK business secretary, said "entitlement is not a qualification" for leadership.
He expressed concern that politics rewards the wrong behavior, not those who deliver stability and results.
Kyle highlighted recent achievements like a new trade deal with the Gulf and support plans for British Steel, chemicals, and ceramics industries.
Kyle warned against blaming one leader for a party’s problems, saying leadership involves the whole government.
He criticized past Conservative leaders for changing leaders without examining their government’s performance.
Wes Streeting, a former health secretary, said the Labour party needs a "battle of ideas" before choosing a new leader.
Streeting said he supports a competitive leadership race with multiple candidates, including women.
The discussion comes ahead of a byelection in Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is expected to win.
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Millions of people in Indiana were advised to avoid drive-thrus and reduce pollution because of rising ozone levels that can harm health. The state issued an air quality alert lasting until midnight, warning children, adults who are active, and people with breathing problems to limit outdoor time.
Key Facts
Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management declared an Air Quality Action Day for almost the entire state, affecting about 7 million people.
Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels called “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” which can affect people with asthma and active children/adults.
Warm weather, strong sunlight, and light wind helped create conditions that cause ozone to form in the air.
Ground-level ozone is not released directly but forms when vehicle and industrial pollutants react with sunlight.
Officials advised residents to avoid drive-thrus, combine trips, carpool, use public transport, and turn off vehicle engines when idling for more than 30 seconds.
Major Indiana cities under alert include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend, plus smaller towns like Noblesville and Bloomington.
A Code Orange alert was also issued in parts of southern Indiana near Louisville, signaling health risks to sensitive groups.
The alert aims to reduce emissions that contribute to ozone creation and protect public health during high pollution days.
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Anderson Cooper spoke out in defense of CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins after President Donald Trump criticized her appearance and suggested she should smile more during a White House meeting. Cooper pointed out that such comments are not typically made about men.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump commented on Kaitlan Collins’s physical appearance during a meeting in the Oval Office.
Trump told Collins she has “hatred in her eyes” and that she should smile more.
Kaitlan Collins is a reporter for CNN.
Anderson Cooper, also a CNN journalist, publicly defended Collins.
Cooper noted that similar personal remarks are rarely directed at men.
President Trump is nearly 80 years old.
The incident happened during a public White House event.
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President Donald Trump accused California Democrats of trying to "steal" the recent gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral primaries and delaying vote counting, but he did not provide any proof. Officials from California’s Democratic Party and the governor’s office called the claims baseless and emphasized that vote counting in the state follows established procedures.
Key Facts
President Trump made claims on social media accusing California Democrats of election theft and vote counting delays without evidence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles did not comment on the president’s statement about an investigation.
California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks said Trump’s claims were baseless and assured a fair and accurate count.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said the president was lying about the election.
California uses many mail-in ballots, which can take days or weeks to count due to signature verification and volume.
Ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving within seven days are still counted, and counties have up to 30 days to complete counting.
President Trump has previously criticized mail-in voting despite having voted by mail himself in a Florida election earlier in 2026.
Final results from the California primary must be reported by July 3, 2026.
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President Trump has named Bill Pulte as the acting director of National Intelligence. Bill Pulte does not have known experience in national security. This change replaces Tulsi Gabbard in that role.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed acting director of National Intelligence by President Trump.
Pulte has no known background or experience in national security.
He replaced Tulsi Gabbard as the head of the agency.
The National Intelligence role is important for protecting the country from security threats.
The appointment has raised concerns about how well the agency will perform under his leadership.
Tulsi Gabbard previously held the position before Pulte.
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President Donald Trump is using a law from the Cold War era to give $700 million to coal power plants in the United States. This move is part of his ongoing support for the coal industry, despite concerns about its pollution and health effects.
Key Facts
President Trump is using the Defense Production Act to provide money to over a dozen coal power plants across the US.
The coal plants supported include some that can export coal.
Trump has supported coal by giving it grants, forcing consumers to pay to keep old plants open, and removing some pollution rules.
Coal is the most polluting fossil fuel and contributes significantly to climate change and health problems.
Environmental groups criticize this funding, saying it harms public health and the environment.
Coal jobs in the US have dropped by over 90% in the last 100 years, and coal use has decreased by more than half since 2008.
Cheaper natural gas and renewable energy sources are becoming more common, despite Trump’s policies favoring coal.
The coal industry says more coal is needed to meet growing electricity demand from new technology like artificial intelligence.
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