A large earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka region caused tsunami waves to hit parts of the United States, including California and Hawaii. Authorities in Hawaii and California are monitoring the situation closely, warning residents to stay safe, but there are no reports of significant damage yet.
Key Facts
A big earthquake off Russia’s far-eastern coast led to tsunami waves reaching the US and other areas.
Tsunami waves hit the west coast of California early Wednesday morning, as well as Hawaii on Tuesday night.
Hawaii’s Governor warned residents that waves can still be dangerous, even if they appear small.
Authorities in Hawaii closed commercial harbors and canceled flights on Maui.
Residents in some Hawaiian coastal areas were advised to evacuate due to potential tsunami waves.
Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and the eastern coast were also affected by tsunami waves.
The tsunami waves in Russia reached up to 13 feet high, causing evacuations and some submerged buildings.
The National Weather Service warned that the tsunami impact could continue for hours to more than a day.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 40 percent, the lowest of his second term. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Americans are divided on his handling of key issues like the economy and immigration.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is at 40 percent, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The poll included 1,023 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
The poll was conducted over three days and finished on a Monday.
83% of Republicans support Trump, while only 3% of Democrats do.
About one-third of independents approve of Trump's performance.
Americans have mixed opinions on Trump's handling of the economy and immigration.
A CNN poll found 55 percent of Americans think Trump has been too aggressive with deporting undocumented immigrants.
In a mid-July poll, 38 percent of participants approved of Trump's work on the economy.
NPR released a 36-minute episode discussing the idea that experiencing joy can be a form of resistance. The episode looks into how joy might be used to create social change and why this idea has gained attention recently.
Key Facts
The NPR episode is 36 minutes long.
The main topic is whether joy can act as resistance.
The discussion explores how joy might be used for social change.
The episode considers the popularity of the phrase "joy is resistance."
Jess Kung produced the episode.
Courtney Stein edited the episode.
Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer for the episode.
State lawmakers across the U.S. are proposing laws to limit or ban certain food dyes and additives. Some states have already enacted such laws, while others plan to enforce warning labels. This legislative push is partly influenced by a political movement aiming to improve health, but there is debate over the necessity and scientific basis of some proposals.
Key Facts
Many state lawmakers are proposing bills to limit synthetic food dyes and chemical additives in food.
Proposals focus on banning dyes like Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.
New laws in Arizona and Utah will remove certain dyes from school meals.
Texas requires warning labels on foods with certain additives.
Some legislative proposals have been unsuccessful, not passing through the legislative process.
The movement to change food additive policies is influenced by "Make America Healthy Again," supported by political figures.
Some people worry that not all proposed bans are based on solid scientific evidence.
Food industry leaders express concern over the challenge of differing state rules and suggest the need for federal regulation for uniform standards.
India might face up to 25% taxes on its exports to the United States if a trade agreement is not reached soon. President Donald Trump stated that the deadline for a deal is set for August 1. Both countries have been negotiating, with agriculture and dairy being key points of discussion.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned India could face up to 25% tariffs without a trade deal by August 1.
India and the US have been negotiating a trade agreement for several months.
Trump has criticized India's high tariffs, calling it the "tariff king."
Previously, a 27% tariff on Indian goods was announced by Trump but was paused.
The US Trade Representative noted that India has a long history of protecting its domestic market.
Agriculture and dairy are significant sticking points in the negotiations.
India aims to protect its farmers and ensure food security.
US ran a $45 billion trade deficit with India last year, which Trump aims to reduce.
There is a concern about a potential shortage of British-grown peas due to unusually dry and sunny weather, resulting in the earliest harvest in 14 years. Farmers in key pea-growing regions like Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire have reported up to a 30% decrease in harvested peas. Recent weather conditions, including heatwaves and lack of rain, have led to lower yields, which may cause shortages in supermarket freezers.
Key Facts
Farmers expect a shortage of British-grown peas because of unusually dry and sunny weather.
Harvest started earlier than usual, marking the earliest in 14 years.
Pea-growing regions like Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and East Yorkshire saw up to a 30% decrease in harvested peas.
England experienced its driest spring in over 100 years, followed by the warmest June on record.
The early harvest and heat stress caused many peas not to develop properly, with fewer peas in each pod.
Farmers face challenges as crops dry out and die due to heat and lack of moisture.
Peas need to be frozen within about 4 hours after picking to maintain quality.
Recent rainfalls have been insufficient to improve the situation significantly.
A report found that noncitizen voting in U.S. elections is very rare. In a Michigan election, out of 5.7 million votes, 16 were from noncitizens. The report highlights that fears of widespread noncitizen voting are unfounded.
Key Facts
Michigan's review found 16 cases of noncitizen voting out of 5.7 million votes in the 2024 general election.
Noncitizen voting is illegal in federal elections in the U.S.
The Center for Election Innovation & Research (CEIR) studied noncitizen voting and found it rare and uncoordinated.
The U.S. states have varied in how they investigate and report noncitizen voting.
The Department of Homeland Security provides tools to help states check voter citizenship.
Some states, like Michigan and Georgia, have audited voter rolls using these tools.
There are differing opinions about additional security measures for preventing noncitizen voting.
Hundreds of employees at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have lost their jobs this year. Some were dismissed due to perceived conflicts with the Trump administration, while others do not know the reason for their termination. This has caused worry among current employees and changes the DOJ's work environment.
Key Facts
The DOJ has fired over 200 career civil servants this year.
Some former employees do not know why they were fired, including those who had good performance records.
The DOJ plays a crucial role in national security, civil rights, and public corruption.
Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before a Senate subcommittee amid these changes.
Ila Deiss, a long-time immigration judge, lost her job without notice after working nearly 25 years.
Carolyn Feinstein, a forensic accountant, was also dismissed unexpectedly despite positive reviews.
The Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan group, expressed concern over the situation at the DOJ.
The word "dude" has been around since the late 19th century, originally used to describe young men in New York City who dressed in fancy and exaggerated styles. Over time, the word spread and evolved, becoming popular in various cultures, including surfers and skaters in California.
Key Facts
The word "dude" dates back to at least the late 1800s.
It was first used to refer to young men in New York City who dressed in an over-the-top, sophisticated way.
These men were likened to "Yankee Doodle," who fancied himself a European "dandy."
Gerald Cohen, a language professor, studied the word's origins with other scholars for over 20 years.
A New York City newspaper poem titled "The Dude" helped spread the word widely.
The term "dude ranch" originated from city dwellers dressing up in cowboy attire during vacations in the West.
Dude ranches became a way for people to experience cowboy culture, often while dressing in costumes.
Emil Bove, a former defense lawyer for Donald Trump, has been confirmed as a judge on a federal appeals court. The U.S. Senate confirmed his appointment with a 50-49 vote, mainly opposed by Democrats and two Republicans.
Key Facts
Emil Bove has been appointed to a lifetime position as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit.
The court covers cases from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
The U.S. Senate confirmed his role with a close vote of 50-49.
All Democrats and two Republicans opposed his confirmation.
Bove previously served as a defense lawyer for Trump in his criminal trials.
During confirmation hearings, Bove denied accusations of instructing staff to break laws.
Two whistleblowers claimed Bove suggested ignoring court orders on Trump’s deportation issues.
Over 900 former Justice Department employees and 75 retired judges opposed Bove’s nomination.
Lucy and Natalie, both from the UK, shared their struggles with shopping addiction, a condition where people feel a strong, uncontrollable urge to buy things. Lucy fell into debt and filled her home with clothes, while Natalie collected thousands of items due to her compulsive buying triggered by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Both women highlight the need for better understanding and support for people with shopping addictions.
Key Facts
Lucy, a 37-year-old from West Yorkshire, used to shop up to 14 hours a day, accumulating a large number of clothes.
She ended up with £12,000 in debt and had difficulties paying her bills to continue buying clothes.
Lucy realized her shopping might be an addiction during a therapy session and was diagnosed with oniomania, a compulsive shopping disorder.
Shopping addiction, also called compulsive buying disorder, is when someone can't resist the urge to shop despite negative effects.
It is estimated that shopping addiction affects around 5% to possibly 10% of adults.
Lucy and others are advocating for more research and support for shopping addiction, similar to what exists for substance addiction.
Natalie, another person affected, has 400 bottles of perfume and 10,000 household items due to compulsive buying triggered by OCD.
Natalie spends significant amounts of money due to influences like advertisements and online videos, despite undergoing unsuccessful therapy.
The Senate confirmed Emil Bove, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, to serve as a judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The confirmation vote was close, and Bove's past actions, including his work in the Justice Department, have led to criticism from Democrats, who oppose his nomination. Some Republicans supported Bove despite whistleblower complaints about his conduct.
Key Facts
The Senate confirmed Emil Bove as a federal appeals court judge with a 50-49 vote.
Bove is a former lawyer for Donald Trump and was involved in Trump's New York legal cases.
He will serve on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Democrats criticized Bove due to his role in dropping a corruption case against New York City's Mayor.
Some whistleblowers have accused Bove of suggesting ignoring legal commands, a claim he denies.
An audio recording reportedly contradicts some of Bove's testimony at his confirmation hearing.
Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against his confirmation.
Democratic Leader Schumer expressed strong opposition to Bove's confirmation, citing his past actions.
The Senate Banking Committee has moved forward with a housing bill to increase the number of homes in the U.S. This bill aims to make building homes easier and faster, addressing high home prices and a shortage of affordable housing.
Key Facts
The Senate Banking Committee advanced a major housing bill with unanimous support.
The bill is called the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025.
It aims to reduce regulatory barriers, like zoning and building standards.
The act involves the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) creating new guidelines for land use.
A pilot program will offer grants and loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners and certain landlords.
The bill includes $1 billion over five years for an "innovation fund" to help communities come up with new housing solutions.
The legislation has bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans recognizing housing as a significant problem.
The bill reflects current trends in housing policy, like the push for easier building processes.
The NTSB will hold a hearing to discuss the midair collision that occurred near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. The accident resulted in 67 deaths and is the deadliest U.S. aviation incident since 2001. The hearing aims to present new findings without blaming anyone.
Key Facts
The collision happened on January 29, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
An American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed, killing all 67 people on board.
The crash was the deadliest U.S. aviation incident since 2001.
The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) is investigating and will hold a hearing to share details.
DCA airspace is known to be congested, posing safety risks.
Altimeters, devices that measure altitude, on the helicopter may not have worked correctly.
There was potential miscommunication or radio interference with DCA air traffic control.
The NTSB hearing will focus on understanding facts instead of placing blame.
A heatwave is affecting about half of the United States, with weather officials advising millions of people to stay indoors. The heat is impacting areas like the mid-west, south-east, and north-east, causing cities like New York to set up cooling centers and extend swimming pool hours to help residents stay cool.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service reported 168 million Americans are under heat advisories.
The heat affects regions including the mid-west, south-east, and parts of the north-east U.S.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul advised people to help vulnerable neighbors, as heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the state.
NYC Emergency Management warns that the extreme heat can be dangerous and life-threatening.
There was a power outage affecting subway lines in New York City, possibly due to the heat.
LaGuardia Airport in New York reported a temperature of 100F, a new record for the location.
Tampa, Florida, reached 100F, setting a new record compared to the previous 99F in 2020.
Cooling centers and extended swimming pool hours have been set up in New York to help residents cope with the heat.
This year, Congress has set records for long speeches and extended voting periods. Senator Cory Booker gave the longest Senate speech ever, and House Speaker Mike Johnson held the longest-ever vote in the House twice. These actions reflect the challenging nature of passing significant legislation.
Key Facts
Senator Cory Booker talked for 25 hours and 4 minutes, setting a new record for the longest speech in the Senate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson kept a vote open for almost 10 hours, setting a record for the longest House vote, and he did this twice in two weeks.
A record-setting speech was also made by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, lasting 8 hours and 44 minutes.
Congress is dealing with significant and challenging legislation, often involving lengthy processes and negotiations.
A recent House vote discussed the GENIUS Act, concerning rules for stablecoin issuers, that took nearly 10 hours but passed and was signed.
The Senate tied its record for having four "vote-a-rama" sessions this year. A "vote-a-rama" is a series of rapid votes on various issues.
Majority Leader John Thune has indicated more votes, including on Trump's nominees, may happen soon.
These efforts are part of Congress's regular activities when the president's party holds a majority, especially early in the term.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he ended his association with Jeffrey Epstein because Epstein took young female employees from his Mar-a-Lago resort. Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser of Epstein, claimed she was recruited while working at Mar-a-Lago. Despite conspiracy theories about Epstein's death, investigations have concluded it was a suicide.
Key Facts
Donald Trump said he cut ties with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein took young women working at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
Trump named Virginia Giuffre, a well-known accuser of Epstein, as one of these workers.
Giuffre claimed she was approached by Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago and was later abused by Epstein.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein's crimes.
The U.S. Department of Justice and FBI concluded that Epstein's death in jail was a suicide.
Conspiracy theories suggest Epstein kept a list of powerful contacts and question his death, but official reviews found no evidence to support these claims.
The release of further Epstein-related documents has been controversial, with concerns about victim privacy.
Former President Donald Trump stated that he fell out with Jeffrey Epstein after Epstein "stole" young women who worked at Trump's Mar-a-Lago beach club spa. Trump's comments came amid ongoing questions about his past relationship with Epstein and legal proceedings involving Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate.
Key Facts
Trump claimed Jeffrey Epstein took young women from his Mar-a-Lago spa.
Trump made these remarks after returning from Scotland.
Trump confirmed one of these young women was Virginia Giuffre, who worked at Mar-a-Lago and later accused Epstein of sexual abuse.
Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, has been subpoenaed to testify before Congress but seeks legal protection.
Questions about Trump's relationship with Epstein followed him during recent travels.
Trump and Epstein were friends for over a decade before falling out in the early 2000s.
There have been calls for Trump officials to release files related to Epstein, including a rumored "client list."
Some women accused Trump of inappropriate behavior at events linked to Epstein, which Trump has denied.
Democrats argued on the Senate floor about how to oppose President Trump. Senator Cory Booker criticized his party for not doing enough and tried to change a police-related bill. Although he withdrew his objection, the debate highlighted divisions within the party.
Key Facts
Democrats argued on the Senate floor about their approach to countering President Trump.
The argument occurred during a debate on a set of bills related to police grants.
Senator Cory Booker criticized his party for being passive against Trump.
Booker tried to add an amendment to the police grant bill to benefit his state.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Catherine Cortez Masto expressed frustration with Booker's move.
Booker argued that the legislation being considered was unfair to certain states.
He urged Democrats to be more active in opposing Trump.
Booker eventually withdrew his objection, allowing the legislation to pass.
