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.
The Department of Justice filed a complaint against Judge James Boasberg for making improper comments about President Trump and his administration, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The complaint was prompted by Boasberg's past rulings on deportations that upset the Trump administration, leading to calls for his impeachment.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice filed a misconduct complaint against Judge James Boasberg.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the complaint due to Boasberg's public comments about President Trump.
Judge Boasberg previously made rulings on deportations that angered the Trump administration.
Trump and some House Republicans called for Boasberg's impeachment over his deportation rulings.
The White House disregarded Boasberg's order against deporting Venezuelans because it came after flights had left the U.S.
The Trump administration cited the Alien Enemies Act to justify its deportation actions.
Chief Justice John Roberts stated that impeachment is not a proper response to disagreement with a judge's ruling.
The D.C. Circuit Court put a hold on proceedings regarding holding the administration in contempt for ignoring Boasberg's order.
A shooting took place at a skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in the deaths of four people, including a police officer. The gunman, Shane Tamura, entered the building and began shooting in the lobby and later on the 33rd floor. Additionally, an NFL employee sustained serious injuries, and one person remains in critical condition.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at 345 Park Avenue, a 44-story building in Manhattan.
Four people were killed, including New York police officer Didarul Islam.
The gunman, 27-year-old Shane Tamura from Las Vegas, used an assault-style rifle.
The attack happened around 6:30 PM local time.
The shooting took place in the building's lobby and on the 33rd floor.
An NFL employee was seriously injured and is recovering from surgery.
People inside the building sent messages warning others about the shooter.
The gunman initially missed his target, intending to reach NFL offices but ended up at the wrong floor.
A man named Shane Tamura was suspected to have a brain condition called CTE, often linked to football players, after committing a shooting in Manhattan. His note mentioned CTE and blamed the NFL for not sharing enough about the risks of football. CTE is a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, common in athletes, but doctors can't diagnose it in living people.
Key Facts
Shane Tamura is accused of killing four people in a Manhattan skyscraper and then himself.
Tamura left a note asking for his brain to be studied for CTE, a brain condition linked to football.
CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is linked to repeated head injuries and can cause serious symptoms like mood swings and memory loss.
Tamura was a high school football player but did not play professionally.
A study of former football players' brains found CTE in a large majority.
Former NFL players have criticized the NFL for not properly addressing or acknowledging the risks associated with head injuries.
The NFL previously faced accusations of trying to influence research and minimize the public's perception of head trauma risks.
A court upheld a major settlement between retired football players and the NFL concerning neurological issues.
Susan Monarez has become the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after being confirmed by the Senate. She is the first director to be confirmed under a new law and the first in over 70 years without a medical degree. Monarez has outlined her priorities, including restoring trust in the CDC, improving public health infrastructure, and ensuring clear communication during disease outbreaks.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez was confirmed by the Senate as the new CDC director with a vote of 51-47.
She is the first CDC director confirmed by the Senate under a 2023 law and the first in over 70 years without a medical degree.
Monarez has experience as a microbiologist and immunologist and has served as acting director of the CDC earlier this year.
She was chosen after the initial nominee, Dave Weldon, was withdrawn due to concerns about his views on vaccines.
Monarez's priorities include restoring public trust in the CDC, modernizing public health systems, and preparing for future disease outbreaks.
President Trump has proposed reducing the CDC's budget for the fiscal year 2026.
Monarez has previous experience as the deputy director of ARPA-H, an agency focusing on health research.
There is tension between traditional public health views and the administration's approach, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees federal health agencies.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to change a major scientific finding from 2009. This finding has been used to control carbon emissions from fossil fuels under the Clean Air Act.
Key Facts
The EPA is considering changing a scientific finding that has been in place since 2009.
This finding is related to the harmful effects of pollutants from fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are natural sources like coal, oil, and gas.
The current finding allows these pollutants to be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
The Trump administration has been working to reduce federal regulations.
The announcement was made as part of the administration's broader policy changes.
The merger between Paramount and Skydance, worth $8 billion, was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with a 2-1 vote. The approval led to discussions about its effects on free speech rights and connections to a lawsuit involving former President Trump.
Key Facts
Paramount and Skydance merged in a deal valued at $8 billion.
The FCC, which oversees communications laws, approved the merger with a 2-1 vote.
The vote split along party lines, meaning each commissioner voted according to their political party.
Paramount paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former President Trump.
Anna Gomez was the FCC commissioner who voted against the merger.
The merger raised questions about free speech rights, known as the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution.
Anna Gomez discussed her dissenting vote with Geoff Bennett, a media correspondent.
A small group of lawmakers from both political parties are working together on a plan to prevent disasters, despite most others sticking to their own party's ideas. This approach aims to bridge the divide and function effectively in a politically divided environment.
Key Facts
The House and Senate have narrow Republican majorities.
Many lawmakers prefer to stick with their own party's views.
A bipartisan team is working on a disaster prevention proposal.
Sen. John Curtis is a Republican from Utah.
Sen. Alex Padilla is a Democrat from California.
This effort tries to find common ground in a divided political climate.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to change a key scientific finding from 2009 that says greenhouse gases are harmful to human health. This change could affect how the U.S. regulates emissions from vehicles and power plants. The decision may lead to legal challenges as it could alter the legal basis for current climate rules.
Key Facts
Lee Zeldin, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, plans to overturn a 2009 finding about greenhouse gases.
The 2009 finding is important because it is the legal basis for U.S. laws about emissions under the Clean Air Act.
The original decision came after a 2007 Supreme Court case that labeled greenhouse gases as pollutants.
Changing the finding may impact rules on emissions from cars and power plants.
There is expected opposition and potential lawsuits from environmental groups.
Zeldin stated that some believe the climate change regulations hurt the economy.
The proposed change will be open for public comments before a final decision is made.
