Eagles to host Cowboys in 2025 NFL season opener

BBC US • May 12, 2025 • Us

The Philadelphia Eagles will play against the Dallas Cowboys in the opening game of the 2025 NFL season on September 4. This is the first time since 2000 that the two teams have met in a season opener. The Eagles, who won the last Super Bowl, will begin their title defense against this well-known rival.

Key Facts:

• The Eagles will host the Cowboys in the NFL season opener on September 4, 2025.
• The last time the Eagles and Cowboys faced off in a season opener was in 2000.
• The Eagles won Super Bowl 59 with a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
• 20 defending Super Bowl champions have played in the season opener since 2004, with 15 of them winning.
• Brian Schottenheimer is the new head coach of the Cowboys.
• The full schedule of NFL games will be released soon, on Wednesday at 20:00 ET (Thursday 01:00 BST).

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BBC US

Canada's Liberal Party one seat closer to majority after Quebec recount

BBC US • May 11, 2025 • Us

Canada's Liberal Party gained one more seat in parliament after a recount in a Quebec riding called Terrebone. This recount resulted in Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste winning by just one vote, bringing the party's total to 170 seats, which is two short of the 172 needed for a parliamentary majority.

Key Facts:

• The recount in the Terrebone riding showed Tatiana Auguste winning with 23,352 votes, just one vote ahead of the Bloc Québécois candidate.
• The Liberal Party now has 170 seats in the House of Commons.
• A majority in Canada's parliament requires 172 seats.
• Canadian election rules mandate a recount when the winning margin is less than 0.1% of the votes.
• The initial results after the election gave Auguste the victory, but a validation process initially showed Sinclair-Desgagné ahead.
• The recount was led by Superior Court of Quebec Justice Danielle Turcotte.
• There are recounts happening in three other ridings.
• The Liberal Party was three seats short of a majority after the general election.

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BBC US

Kentucky Derby-winning jockey banned for use of crop

BBC US • May 11, 2025 • Us

Jockey Junior Alvarado was fined and suspended for using his riding crop too many times during the Kentucky Derby race. He was fined $62,000 and will miss two racing days at Churchill Downs because he hit the horse, Sovereignty, more than the allowed six times.

Key Facts:

• Junior Alvarado is the jockey who won the Kentucky Derby.
• He used the riding crop eight times during the race.
• Rules allow a rider to use the crop a maximum of six times.
• Alvarado received a $62,000 fine and a two-day racing suspension.
• This was Alvarado's second offense, causing the fine to double.
• Sovereignty, the horse, won the 151st Kentucky Derby.
• Alvarado earned $31,000 from the $310,000 prize.
• Sovereignty's trainer is William Mott and the owner is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

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BBC US

Trump calls for 20,000 new officers to aid deportations

BBC US • May 10, 2025 • Us

Former President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security to bring in at least 20,000 new officers to help with his deportation plans. The plan includes incentives for undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, such as government-funded flights and exit bonuses. The order also encourages collaboration with local law enforcement and other federal agencies to support these efforts.

Key Facts:

• Trump ordered the hiring of at least 20,000 new officers for deportation efforts.
• The federal government will pay for flights and give bonuses to undocumented people who leave the U.S. on their own.
• The executive order does not say how the increased staffing will be paid for.
• Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) currently has over 21,000 employees, with 6,100 as deportation officers.
• Trump aims to involve state and local police and the National Guard in enforcing border laws.
• The self-deportation plan includes a government app called CPB Home for easier coordination.
• A judge recently ruled against the use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport certain migrants, labeling it unlawful.
• The self-deportation initiative is referred to as "Project Homecoming."

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BBC US

Maga says Pope Leo may be American, but he's not 'America first'

BBC US • May 10, 2025 • Us

Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago and the first American Pope, has stirred reactions in the U.S. His views on social issues like immigration have led to criticism from supporters of former President Trump, who believe he may not prioritize American interests first. Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, has noted potential conflicts between Pope Leo and Trump.

Key Facts:

• Pope Leo XIV was born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago.
• He has expressed concerns about poverty and immigration.
• Pope Leo XIV is seen as supportive of liberal-leaning Pope Francis.
• Steve Bannon predicted friction between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump.
• About 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.
• The majority of U.S. Catholics, including Republicans, view Pope Francis favorably.
• The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed support for Pope Leo XIV's election.
• Pope Leo's brother mentioned he would likely voice disagreements on immigration issues.

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BBC US

New Jersey mayor arrested for protesting at migrant centre

BBC US • May 10, 2025 • Us

Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, was arrested for trying to enter a migrant detention facility without permission. He was there with three Democratic Congress members and was later released after a few hours. Authorities claim the group trespassed, while members of Congress said they were there to ensure the facility met safety rules.

Key Facts:

• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in New Jersey.
• Baraka was with three Democratic Congress members who were not arrested.
• Authorities accused the group of ignoring warnings and entering the facility forcefully.
• There was no immediate information on whether Baraka faced any criminal charges.
• A statement from Homeland Security claimed the protesters put safety at risk but could have entered with proper requests.
• Videos show Baraka being arrested after refusing to leave upon warnings.
• City officials claim the facility operated without required local permits.
• Mayor Baraka said he did nothing wrong after his release.

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BBC US

The US and China are finally talking. Why now?

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

The United States and China are beginning trade talks in Switzerland as tensions from a trade war ease. Both countries imposed tariffs on each other, but now they are deciding to negotiate to improve economic relations.

Key Facts:

• The US and China are holding their first high-level trade meeting since the US imposed tariffs in January.
• Tariffs from both countries have reached up to 125%, with some Chinese imports facing up to 245%.
• The talks are seen as a step towards breaking the ongoing trade deadlock.
• China's foreign ministry stated the talks are happening at the US request.
• US President Trump claims Chinese officials want to negotiate due to their struggling economy.
• The trade war has affected factory output and manufacturing in China.
• The US economy has also faced challenges, contracting for the first time in three years due to tariff uncertainties.
• The negotiations coincide with Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow, where China aims to show its strength as a global leader.

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BBC US

Mexico sues Google over 'Gulf of America' name change

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

Mexico is suing Google because the company changed the name of the "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" for U.S. users on Google Maps. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum argues that the United States doesn't have the right to change the gulf's name for the entire region.

Key Facts:

• Mexico is taking legal action against Google for renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America on Google Maps for U.S. users.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico requested Google to reconsider the name change multiple times.
• Google claims the name change follows updates from official government sources.
• The U.S. House of Representatives voted to rename the gulf for federal agencies.
• Former President Donald Trump supported the name change, saying the U.S. does most of the work in the area.
• The change on Google Maps does not affect users in Mexico; they still see "Gulf of Mexico."
• The Associated Press did not adopt the new name, resulting in limited access to White House events until a judge's order.
• President Trump indicated plans to potentially change how the U.S. refers to another body of water, the Persian Gulf.

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BBC US

Turkish Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk to be released

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

A federal judge ordered the release of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, who was detained by US immigration officials. The judge found no evidence of violence against her and stated she met all release conditions.

Key Facts:

• Rumeysa Ozturk is a 30-year-old student at Tufts University.
• She was arrested by US immigration officials in Massachusetts and held in Louisiana.
• A federal judge ordered her release, stating there was no evidence of violence.
• The ACLU represents Ms. Ozturk, and they welcomed her release.
• Ms. Ozturk was accused of supporting Hamas, but only an opinion piece she wrote was presented as evidence.
• The judge ruled she could travel freely between Massachusetts and Vermont.
• Ms. Ozturk has asthma, which worsened during her detention.
• The case is seen as part of a broader immigration crackdown on students supporting Palestine.

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BBC US

'I flipped out, I said no way!' - Chicago celebrates hometown Pope

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

Residents of Chicago, especially Catholics, are excited about the election of Pope Leo XIV, who grew up on the city's South Side and served as an altar boy at St Mary's of the Assumption. The choice of an American pope brings hope for rejuvenating the Catholic Church in the U.S., despite its declining influence and attendance in recent years.

Key Facts:

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, grew up in Chicago's South Side.
• The church where he served as an altar boy, St Mary's of the Assumption, is now in disrepair.
• The Catholic Church's influence in U.S. cities like Chicago has decreased, with falling attendance and closed schools.
• Catholics are about 20% of the U.S. population, down from 24% at the century's start.
• Pope Leo XIV attended a local school where he was known as a top student and aspired to be a priest.
• His father was a school administrator, and his mother was a librarian; they bought their home in 1949.
• The Midwest Augustinians, a group Pope Leo once led, released a list of priests accused of abuse in 2024 after public pressure.

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BBC US

Trump names Fox News host as top Washington DC prosecutor

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

President Donald Trump has appointed Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host and former prosecutor from New York, as the interim US attorney for Washington DC. This comes after his original pick, Ed Martin, lost necessary Senate support. Pirro's permanent appointment, which needs Senate confirmation, remains undecided.

Key Facts:

• Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News host, is now the interim US attorney for Washington DC.
• Pirro previously worked as a district attorney and a judge in New York.
• Trump's first choice, Ed Martin, lost support in the Senate, especially after Senator Thom Tillis opposed him.
• Pirro was involved in spreading false claims about the 2020 election results.
• Pirro's earlier false claims led to a lawsuit against Fox News, settled for over $787 million.
• Ed Martin, the former interim attorney, criticized investigations into the Capitol riot and dismissed prosecutors handling those cases.
• Trump appointed Martin to a new role in the Justice Department focused on past investigations into him.
• Donald Trump has pardoned individuals and altered prosecutions related to the January 6 Capitol riot.

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BBC US

How good is the UK trade pact for America?

BBC US • May 09, 2025 • Us

The new trade deal between the US and UK keeps a 10% tariff on most UK goods while lifting some tariffs on cars and metals. The agreement opens more opportunities for American agricultural products, like beef and ethanol, to enter the UK market. The overall impact of the deal is seen as limited, with minimal changes despite being described as significant by both governments.

Key Facts:

• A 10% tariff on most UK goods remains in place due to the new US-UK trade deal.
• Some tariffs on cars and metals will be lifted.
• The deal provides more access for American agricultural products, such as beef and ethanol, into the UK market.
• Details of the changes that would expand American product sales are unspecified.
• Analysts think the benefits of the deal are limited and mostly maintain the status quo.
• The auto industry in the UK expects some benefit from the rollback of specific tariffs.
• Trade talks between the US and UK have been ongoing for almost ten years.
• There is a mixed reaction from US agricultural groups, with some viewing the deal as only a starting point.

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BBC US

'He's one of us' - Catholic Americans react to first US-born pope

BBC US • May 08, 2025 • Us

Robert Prevost has been elected as the first American pope and will be known as Pope Leo XIV. He was born in Chicago and became a priest in 1982. This is a significant event for American Catholics.

Key Facts:

• Robert Prevost is the new pope and the first American to hold this position.
• He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
• He was elected after a two-day conclave in Vatican City.
• Prevost was born in 1955 in Chicago.
• His parents are of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent.
• He became a priest in 1982.
• This news brings excitement to American Catholics.

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BBC US

BBC correspondent questions Trump over US beef exports

BBC US • May 08, 2025 • Us

President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a trade deal, but the UK will still not accept certain types of American beef due to its food standards. The deal is expected to increase the export of US products like beef and ethanol to the UK.

Key Facts:

• The trade deal was announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
• The UK bans imports of certain American beef and chlorinated chicken because of its food standards.
• These UK food standards will remain unchanged despite the new trade deal.
• The White House stated that the deal would open more market opportunities worth "billions of dollars" for US products.
• Products like US beef and ethanol are part of this expected increase in exports to the UK.

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BBC US

Trump calls election of first American pope a 'great honour'

BBC US • May 08, 2025 • Us

President Donald Trump praised the election of Robert Francis Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, as the first American pope. Many American politicians, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also congratulated Prevost, celebrating the historic moment for the Catholic Church.

Key Facts:

• Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to become pope.
• President Trump called the election a "great honour" for America.
• Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and studied near Philadelphia before working as a missionary in Peru.
• Prominent politicians like Mike Johnson and Marco Rubio congratulated the new pope.
• The United States has a large Catholic population, ranking fourth in the world.
• Chicago's mayor and Illinois governor both expressed their pride and congratulations on social media.
• Pope Leo XIV, as a cardinal, previously shared critical views of some US policies.

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BBC US

Watch: Moment protesters storm into Columbia University library

BBC US • May 08, 2025 • Us

On Wednesday, pro-Palestinian protesters entered the main library at Columbia University. Two security officers were hurt, more than 70 protesters were arrested, and no charges have been filed yet. The U.S. Secretary of State said the visa status of those involved will be reviewed.

Key Facts:

• Pro-Palestinian protesters entered Columbia University's main library.
• The protest occurred on a Wednesday.
• Two security officers were injured during the incident.
• Protesters needed to show Columbia IDs to exit the library without facing arrest.
• Over 70 protesters were arrested, but none have been charged so far.
• The U.S. Secretary of State mentioned that protesters' visa statuses will be reviewed.
• The Secretary of State described those involved as "trespassers and vandals."

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BBC US

Canada has been 'over reliant on the US for too long', says Joly

BBC US • May 07, 2025 • Us

Canada wants to build stronger connections with the UK and the European Union. The country's foreign minister, Melanie Joly, stated that Canada has depended too much on the US. Recently, Canadian leaders met with US officials to discuss trade issues, including the tariffs the US has placed on Canadian goods.

Key Facts:

• Canada's foreign minister, Melanie Joly, aims to strengthen ties with Europe and the UK.
• Joly believes Canada has been too dependent on the US.
• US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian metals and cars.
• Canadian officials recently met with Trump to discuss a "fresh start" for US-Canada relations.
• Trump acknowledged the meeting but didn't commit to removing the tariffs.
• Tariffs have caused concern in Canada, impacting jobs and families.
• Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney invited King Charles III to open Canada's parliament.

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BBC US

Arizona man shot to death in road rage 'returns' to address his killer

BBC US • May 07, 2025 • Us

In a unique case, the family of Arizona road rage victim Chris Pelkey used artificial intelligence (AI) to create a video in which he delivered his own statement during his killer’s sentencing. The court accepted the use of AI, and the judge sentenced Gabriel Horcasitas to 10.5 years in prison for manslaughter.

Key Facts:

• Chris Pelkey was killed in a road rage shooting in Arizona three years ago.
• His family used AI to recreate Pelkey so he could give a statement in court.
• They used his voice recordings, videos, and pictures for the AI video.
• The AI video of Pelkey was presented at the sentencing of Gabriel Horcasitas.
• Horcasitas was found guilty and sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for manslaughter.
• The judge appreciated the use of AI and noted its expression of forgiveness.
• AI is also used in other legal cases in Arizona to explain court rulings.
• Experts are divided on the ethical implications of using AI in legal settings.

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BBC US

What do Canadians make of Carney's meeting with Trump?

BBC US • May 07, 2025 • Us

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Carney stated that Canada is not for sale in response to Trump's suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Carney recently won an election by promising to confront Trump's tariffs on Canadian products and his occasional comments about annexing Canada.

Key Facts:

• Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada.
• Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
• During the meeting, Carney stated that Canada "is not for sale."
• Trump mentioned the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
• Carney was elected by promising to oppose Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods.
• Trump has sometimes talked about annexing Canada.
• The BBC gathered Canadian opinions on the meeting's significance.

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BBC US

Fed holds rates because of tariff 'uncertainty'

BBC US • May 07, 2025 • Us

The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged due to uncertainty caused by President Trump's tariffs. The tariffs have complicated the decision-making process for the Fed, leaving them unsure about future steps in managing economic growth and inflation.

Key Facts:

• The Federal Reserve chose not to change interest rates despite President Trump's push to lower them.
• Fed Chairman Jerome Powell noted that tariffs have created uncertainty about future economic conditions.
• The Fed's decision is the third consecutive time they have kept rates steady, leaving them around 4.3%.
• Tariffs from Trump's policies could lead to higher inflation, slower economic growth, and increased unemployment.
• Tariffs have increased risks of both an economic slowdown and rising prices, making the Fed's decisions difficult.
• The recent tariff announcements have raised import taxes significantly on goods from various countries, especially China.
• US logistics and ports report decreased trade activity, increasing recession concerns.
• US and China officials are scheduled to meet for trade talks, but details are not yet clear.

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BBC US