Alyssa Burkett was attacked and killed outside her workplace in Carrollton, Texas, on October 2, 2020. The main suspect is Andrew Beard, the father of her child, and police found evidence linking him to the crime, including a GPS tracker and a disguised black SUV used in the murder.
Key Facts
On the morning of October 2, 2020, Alyssa Burkett was shot through her car window and then stabbed multiple times.
Burkett tried to get help, leaving a bloody handprint on a nearby window.
Andrew Beard, her child’s father, was named by Burkett’s mother as a prime suspect.
Police stopped Beard hours after the murder and seized his pickup truck.
Investigators found a GPS tracking device in Burkett’s car connected to Beard’s home.
A black Ford SUV used in the attack, bought specifically for the murder, was found abandoned near Beard’s house.
The SUV contained a fake beard and dark makeup used in disguise.
Beard later turned himself in and was charged with murder; his fiancée Holly Elkins spoke with police during the investigation.
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California’s primary elections are expected to face delays in reporting results due to a slow vote-counting system and a large number of late absentee ballots. This slow process may cause uncertainty about close races for days or weeks, affecting key contests like the governor’s race and congressional seats.
Key Facts
California has 58 county election offices that must verify many last-minute absentee ballots.
In past elections, more than 25% of votes in California arrived after election day and were counted later.
The state’s large number of registered voters (over 23 million) contributes to the workload for election workers.
California uses a “jungle primary” system where the top two candidates advance, increasing late voting strategy.
The 2024 governor’s race is closely contested among two Democrats and one Republican.
Critics, including Republicans and President Trump, have questioned the security and speed of California’s vote counting.
Some Republicans are pushing stricter voter ID and citizenship proof laws, which critics say could reduce voter participation.
Election experts warn that slow results can reduce voter confidence and invite false claims about election fraud.
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Alyssa Burkett was killed outside her office in Carrollton, Texas, in October 2020. Andrew Beard, who had a custody dispute with Burkett over their daughter, was charged with her murder, but investigators later found that Beard's fiancée, Holly Elkins, was involved in a plot related to the crime.
Key Facts
Alyssa Burkett, 24, was shot and stabbed to death outside her office in Carrollton, Texas.
Andrew Beard, father of Burkett’s 1-year-old daughter, was initially charged with her murder.
Beard and Burkett had a custody battle over their daughter Willow before the murder.
Beard’s fiancée, Holly Elkins, told police Beard was home during the time of the killing but later was found involved in a murder plot.
Witnesses said the attacker was a Black man driving a black Ford SUV.
The attacker shot Burkett through her car window, then stabbed her 44 times with a hunting knife.
Police found GPS tracker batteries and chargers during a search of Beard’s home.
The investigation revealed that Beard was only part of a bigger story involving the murder.
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Federal authorities arrested and charged four people for drug trafficking after finding a 2,000-foot-long underground tunnel connecting Mexico and the United States. The investigation lasted several months and targeted drug smuggling through this tunnel.
Key Facts
Four individuals were arrested and charged by the Justice Department.
The charges relate to drug trafficking activities.
Officials discovered an underground tunnel about 2,000 feet long.
The tunnel connects the U.S. and Mexico.
The investigation took several months to complete.
The tunnel was used to smuggle drugs across the border.
The operation was carried out by federal authorities.
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A Republican lawmaker, Representative Gus Bilirakis, has reintroduced a bill to create a bipartisan commission focused on making long-term fixes to Social Security and Medicare before their funds run out. The commission would study the programs' finances and recommend changes for lawmakers to consider, aiming to avoid sudden cuts or tax hikes.
Key Facts
Representative Gus Bilirakis reintroduced the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security Act.
The Social Security trust fund may run out of money as early as 2033.
The proposed commission would include experts from both political parties.
The panel would analyze finances and suggest reforms to lawmakers.
It would review whether cost-of-living adjustments truly match seniors' expenses.
The approach is based on a similar successful bipartisan commission from the 1980s.
Lawmakers would decide which recommendations to approve after receiving the commission's report.
Some experts worry that such commissions have delayed needed structural reforms in the past.
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John Humphrys, a former BBC presenter, shared a story about being drunk on air while reporting on President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Humphrys said he barely managed the broadcast and never drank before work again. He recently started a podcast where he talks about his early career and experiences, including reporting on the Aberfan disaster.
Key Facts
John Humphrys worked for the BBC for many years and presented the Today programme for 32 years.
In August 1974, Humphrys was reporting live when President Nixon resigned and admitted he was drunk during the broadcast.
Humphrys had consumed wine and cocktails before going on air that day.
After the broadcast, his assistant told him he could not be intoxicated on air again.
Humphrys quit drinking almost entirely after that incident.
He was born in 1943 and grew up in Cardiff, where he faced difficulties at school due to poverty.
Humphrys was the first journalist to arrive at the Aberfan disaster site in 1966, where a coal tip collapsed, killing many children and adults.
He recently released a podcast called The Odd Couple, sharing stories from his career and life.
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New York and six other states sued the Trump administration over a deal that cancels offshore wind projects. The states argue the deal pays a French energy company to stop wind projects and invest in fossil fuels, which they say harms the economy and clean energy efforts.
Key Facts
New York and six other states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont) joined the lawsuit.
The Trump administration made a deal with TotalEnergies to refund $1 billion if the company invests in fossil fuel projects instead of offshore wind.
The lawsuit claims the deal harms states' economies, energy systems, and climate goals.
The states say the lease was canceled without following proper legal procedures.
The lawsuit names Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and other officials as defendants.
The states want a federal judge to cancel the lease cancellation and settlement agreement.
Separately, renewable energy groups sued over the Pentagon delaying national security reviews for onshore wind farms, stopping new wind projects.
The Pentagon says it is evaluating wind projects, but the process is complex and slow.
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The Department of Defense hired Elias Irizarry, who was convicted for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, stating he is a qualified and patriotic professional. Despite some concerns about his past actions, Irizarry expressed regret for his role and serves as a political appointee in a special operations position.
Key Facts
Elias Irizarry was convicted of a misdemeanor for entering and remaining in a restricted building during the January 6 Capitol riot.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
Irizarry was 19 years old at the time of the riot.
He was hired by the Department of Defense for a role related to Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict.
Pentagon officials acknowledged concerns about hiring someone linked to January 6 but defended the decision.
Irizarry described the January 6 attack as a disgrace and expressed shame over his participation.
The acting Pentagon press secretary called Irizarry a patriotic young professional.
The Washington Post reported on the hiring, prompting a critical response from the Pentagon’s press office.
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During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, Representative Madeleine Dean questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about the progress of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The exchange between them became tense as Rep. Dean pressed for answers.
Key Facts
The hearing took place before the House Appropriations Committee.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was questioned.
Representative Madeleine Dean focused on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The questioning became intense and heated.
The discussion centered on the status and details of the Epstein case.
This was a formal congressional hearing involving government officials.
The hearing was reported by CBS News.
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President Donald Trump’s administration is canceling a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate people who claimed government abuse. This decision came after strong opposition from Republican senators and legal problems.
Key Facts
The $1.8 billion fund was called the “anti-weaponisation” fund.
It was created to pay people who said they were abused by the government.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the fund will not move forward.
The fund faced political backlash, including from Republican senators.
A judge had temporarily paused the fund until June 12.
The fund resulted from a legal settlement over a $10 billion lawsuit involving Trump’s tax records and the IRS.
Blanche refused to guarantee in writing that the fund would be stopped during a congressional hearing.
President Trump publicly supported the fund and criticized media and Democrats for opposing it.
Senators want to focus funding on immigration enforcement and exclude unrelated spending priorities.
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Iowa has several important elections in 2026, including open U.S. Senate and governor seats. Democrats hope to win these races and gain control of Congress, despite Iowa usually voting Republican in recent years.
Key Facts
Iowa has open U.S. Senate and governor seats for the first time in decades.
Democrats want to use Iowa to help them take control of Congress.
Republicans currently hold all of Iowa’s congressional seats and control the state government.
More voters in some Iowa districts do not identify with any party than with Democrats or Republicans.
Democratic candidates Josh Turek and Zach Wahls are competing for the Senate nomination.
The winning Democrat will likely face Trump-endorsed Republican Ashley Hinson for the Senate seat.
House races in Iowa could be close, especially the 2nd Congressional District seat left open by Hinson’s Senate run.
The election is seen as an early test of President Donald Trump’s influence and policies.
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President Donald Trump will speak at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24 after a shooting disrupted the original event in April. The dinner will have tighter security and will be held at a smaller venue, the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington.
Key Facts
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was originally held in April but was stopped due to a shooting outside the venue.
President Trump was evacuated safely after the shooting.
A man named Cole Allen, 31, has been charged with attempting to kill the president and pleaded not guilty.
The rescheduled dinner will take place on July 24 with stronger security measures.
The new venue is the Waldorf Astoria hotel, previously owned by President Trump from 2016 to 2021.
President Trump said he accepted the invitation to speak and called the decision a sign of strength.
This was President Trump’s first attendance of the event in either of his terms.
The White House Correspondents’ Association emphasized that violence will not change their plans or public life.
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Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey, who has missed over 100 votes since early March due to health reasons, announced he plans to return to work in person within a few weeks. He said he will share more information about his medical condition when he returns.
Key Facts
Tom Kean Jr. is a Republican congressman from New Jersey’s 7th District.
He has not voted since March 5 and has been absent from Capitol Hill.
Kean is currently focusing on his medical recovery following a personal health issue.
He expects to return to in-person work soon, within weeks.
Kean promised to be transparent about his medical condition when he comes back.
He is running unopposed in the upcoming Republican primary for his district.
His absence and health have raised questions but Kean has provided few details so far.
He last commented publicly in late April, saying doctors expect a full recovery.
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Michelle Obama, former first lady, said she could not be a cast member of the reality TV show "The Real Housewives." However, TV host Andy Cohen invited her to join the show's reunion episodes, which are known for their lively discussions and drama.
Key Facts
Michelle Obama said she could not be a "Real Housewife."
The comment was made during a podcast called "Lemme Say This."
The podcast hosts are Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix.
The episode was released on a Monday.
Andy Cohen, a TV host connected to "The Real Housewives," gave Michelle Obama an open invitation.
The invitation was specifically for the reunion shows of the reality TV franchise.
The "Real Housewives" reunion shows are known for dramatic conversations.
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California Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez said he will fully cooperate with a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Gomez admitted to personal mistakes that hurt his family but said he did not break any House rules or laws.
Key Facts
Congressman Jimmy Gomez is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged sexual misconduct.
The investigation started after reports he was seen kissing a younger aide who worked for another member of Congress.
Gomez said the mistakes he made were personal, consensual, and did not violate laws or House ethics rules.
He apologized to his wife, family, and constituents and said he is seeking professional help to repair family relationships.
The Ethics Committee has been investigating various members of Congress amid recent misconduct allegations.
Other members, such as Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, resigned amid similar allegations.
The committee is focused on maintaining a workplace free of sexual misconduct within Congress.
Gomez chairs the Congressional Dads Caucus and was connected socially to other members facing allegations.
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Federal officials released video showing a 2,000-foot-long tunnel used for drug smuggling between Mexico and the US. Four men were arrested and charged with trafficking over $45 million worth of cocaine and face up to life in prison.
Key Facts
The tunnel connects border cities in Mexico and the United States.
It has electricity, reinforced walls, ventilation, and a rail system.
Authorities found the tunnel during an investigation of a warehouse in San Diego.
The warehouse was supposedly a discount store.
Four men were arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
The cocaine involved is valued at more than $45 million.
If convicted, the accused men could receive life sentences.
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Democratic senators want to add rules to control how the military uses artificial intelligence (AI). They are working to include these rules in the annual defense policy bill, called the NDAA, which is being discussed by the House Armed Services Committee.
Key Facts
Senators from the Democratic Party are proposing limits on military AI use.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York introduced a bill on this topic.
The bill aims to restrict AI in launching nuclear weapons.
It also seeks to limit AI use for spying on American citizens.
The bill addresses AI development and deployment in the military.
The bill is planned to be added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The House Armed Services Committee is debating this defense policy bill soon.
The goal is to create safe rules or "guardrails" for military AI technology.
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Rick Chow, a convenience store owner in South Carolina, was found not guilty of murder in the 2023 shooting death of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton. Despite the verdict, Carmack-Belton’s family plans to file a civil wrongful death lawsuit against Chow.
Key Facts
Cyrus Carmack-Belton was shot and killed in May 2023 during a chase outside a gas station.
The shooting started after Carmack-Belton was suspected of stealing water bottles from Chow’s store.
Chow and his son chased the teenager, and Chow fired one shot that hit Carmack-Belton in the back.
Prosecutors said the teen was running away and not a threat when shot; the defense said Chow believed his son was in danger and that the teen had a gun.
A jury found Chow not guilty of murder after about eight hours of deliberation.
The verdict means prosecutors did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The family’s lawyer said they will pursue a civil wrongful death case, which has a lower proof requirement than criminal court.
The family showed strong emotions in court after the verdict was announced.
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Police officers faced a violent protest near the home of the man who killed Henry Nowak in Southampton. The protest included several hundred people throwing objects at officers, who had to retreat, following the life sentence of Vickrum Digwa for Nowak’s murder.
Key Facts
Henry Nowak, 18, was murdered in December 2025 while walking to his student accommodation in Southampton.
Vickrum Digwa, 23, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the murder.
Protesters gathered first outside Southampton Central Police Station and then near Digwa’s family home in St Denys.
Demonstrators threw chairs, cans, and flares at police officers wearing riot gear.
Digwa claimed he carried a large blade for religious reasons and falsely told police he was a victim of a racist attack.
Body camera footage showed Nowak telling officers he was stabbed while handcuffed and dying.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the police response to the incident.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the violence "completely unacceptable," and Southampton MP Satvir Kaur warned against using the murder to create community divisions.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating among independent voters has dropped to the lowest point ever, according to a new YouGov/The Economist poll. His overall approval rating stands at 35%, with 21% approval from independents and a 71% disapproval in that group.
Key Facts
President Trump's overall approval rating is 35%, with 61% disapproval.
Among independent voters, Trump’s approval rating is 21%, and disapproval is 71%.
This 21% approval among independents is the lowest ever recorded for Trump in either term.
Trump's net approval rating among independents is -50, much lower than at the same point in his first term.
The survey was conducted from May 29 to June 1, with 1,604 U.S. adults participating and a margin of error of ±3.5%.
Other polls from late May also show low approval ratings from independents, ranging from 24% to 29%.
Experts warn that low support among independents could hurt Republican chances in upcoming elections, especially midterms.
The White House responded by highlighting President Trump's accomplishments and the 2024 election victory.
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