Joan Anderson, who helped popularize the hula hoop by naming it after the Hawaiian dance, passed away at the age of 101. Anderson noticed the hoop craze in Australia, brought the idea to the U.S., and worked with a toy company that made it a huge success. Despite her role, she and her husband did not receive full recognition.
Key Facts
Joan Anderson came up with the name "hula hoop" based on the Hawaiian dance.
She first saw people using wooden hoops in Australia and brought the idea to the U.S.
Anderson and her husband shared the idea with a toy company, Wham-O, in the early 1960s.
The hula hoop became a huge success, selling millions.
Anderson and her husband later filed a lawsuit for recognition, receiving a small settlement but no formal credit.
Accounts of the hula hoop's invention often omitted her contribution, inaccurately describing her as just an "Australian friend."
Joan Anderson was born in Sydney, Australia, and passed away in Carlsbad, California.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold hearings to investigate the January midair collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people. The focus is to understand what caused the crash and how to prevent future incidents, as there have been many near misses in the area recently. The collision was the deadliest plane crash in the U.S. since 2001.
Key Facts
The NTSB's hearings will explore what happened in detail and consider ways to stop future crashes.
The collision involved an American Airlines plane with 64 people on board and an Army helicopter with three soldiers.
The crash was the deadliest in the U.S. since November 2001.
Some helicopter routes in Washington are now banned to reduce airspace sharing with planes.
Investigators found 85 near misses in Washington's airspace over three years before the crash.
Controllers now handle both plane and helicopter traffic at the busy Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The Black Hawk helicopter may have had inaccurate altitude readings and missed key instructions due to incomplete radio transmissions.
There are ongoing concerns about staffing and workload for air traffic controllers in the U.S.
On Monday, a man named Shane Devon Tamura was identified as the suspect in a shooting that killed four people in a Manhattan office. Tamura claimed in a note to have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. He targeted the NFL headquarters and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Key Facts
Shane Devon Tamura, 27, was identified as the suspect in the Manhattan shooting.
Tamura left a note blaming the NFL for his alleged CTE, though this diagnosis has not been confirmed.
CTE is a brain disease often associated with repeated head injuries, common in contact sports.
CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death through an autopsy.
Football players and athletes in other contact sports are commonly linked to CTE.
The NFL has faced lawsuits from former players about CTE and settled a case in 2015 for over $1.2 billion.
In 2016, the NFL acknowledged the link between football-related head injuries and CTE.
The NFL is investing in brain injury research and working on improving helmet safety.
U.S. health officials recommend a nationwide ban on an ingredient called 7-hydroxymitragynine, found in some energy drinks and supplements, due to its opioid-like effects. This ingredient is part of kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia used for unapproved treatment of various health issues. The FDA aims to educate the public about its risks and is pushing to classify it alongside highly restricted drugs.
Key Facts
7-hydroxymitragynine is found in some energy drinks and supplements in the U.S.
It is a part of kratom, a plant used for unapproved treatments like pain and anxiety relief.
The FDA wants to ban this ingredient because it is a potent opioid.
The FDA's focus is not on natural kratom leaf products but on the concentrated form.
The FDA suggests putting 7-hydroxymitragynine on a list of the most restricted drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will review the FDA's recommendation.
Kratom products related to 7-OH have not been approved for safety by the FDA.
There has been resistance from kratom users and distributors to regulate the plant.
Older adults can delay mental decline by mixing exercise, brain activities, and healthy eating, according to a U.S. study. Participants who adopted these habits performed better on brain tests, almost as if they were younger by one or two years.
Key Facts
The U.S. study focused on lifestyle changes in seniors at risk of dementia.
Participants were aged 60 to 79 and followed healthier habits for two years.
These habits included exercise, the MIND diet, and mental activities.
The study included 2,100 adults and reported results in a medical journal and at a health conference.
Participants engaged in group exercise classes and had dietary guidance.
The MIND diet emphasizes vegetables, berries, grains, poultry, and fish while limiting red meat and sweets.
Brain exercises were part of the program through an online tool called Brain HQ.
The exact effect of these habits on reducing Alzheimer's risk is still being studied.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to cancel rules that required carmakers to produce vehicles that emit fewer greenhouse gases. These changes involve overturning a key regulation known as the "endangerment finding," which has been essential for imposing tailpipe emission standards on cars in the U.S.
Key Facts
The EPA plans to eliminate rules that demand carmakers reduce vehicle emissions, which help address climate change.
The "endangerment finding" allowed the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act since 2009.
The transportation sector is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
President Trump's administration aims to roll back regulations that promote electric vehicles and less gasoline use.
The proposal to cancel the "endangerment finding" will go through a public comment period and may face legal challenges.
Automakers may face difficulties in quickly adjusting their vehicle lineups.
The rollback supports oil and biofuel industries but faces opposition from environmental groups.
Three main sets of car efficiency and pollution rules are affected: vehicle emissions, fuel economy, and California's state-set standards.
The Trump administration announced a plan to overturn a key scientific conclusion that supports U.S. regulations to control greenhouse gas emissions. This proposal involves changing a decision made in 2009 that considered these gases harmful to public health, which serves as the foundation for many climate-related regulations. The proposal could face legal challenges and requires a review process before it becomes final.
Key Facts
The plan aims to revoke a 2009 finding that said greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.
This finding forms the basis for various regulations under the Clean Air Act.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said this change would be a major deregulatory action.
The proposal must go through a review process, including public comments, before it can be finalized.
Environmental groups plan to challenge the proposal in court.
The proposal includes rescinding limits on vehicle emissions to push for fewer electric vehicles.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
The plan is part of broader environmental rollbacks totaling 31 key rules.
A gunman killed four people, including a police officer, at a New York skyscraper where the NFL headquarters is located. The gunman, Shane Tamura, left a note blaming the NFL for his brain injury, but he went to the wrong office in the building. After the attack, he took his own life.
Key Facts
A 27-year-old gunman, Shane Tamura, carried out the attack in a New York skyscraper.
Four people died, including a New York police officer who was working as a security guard.
Tamura left a note blaming the NFL for a brain disease called CTE, which is linked to head injuries.
CTE stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a condition that affects people after repeated head trauma.
The gunman mistakenly went to the office of Rudin Management instead of the NFL's.
An NFL employee was seriously injured in the attack.
The gunman traveled from Las Vegas to New York and used a rifle in the attack.
A new bill in Congress proposes renaming the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts. The bill, presented by a Republican congressman, faces legal and legislative challenges, as existing rules may prevent new memorials at the center.
Key Facts
The "Make Entertainment Great Again Act" suggests renaming the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump.
The Kennedy Center is a prominent arts venue in Washington, D.C., opened in 1971.
President Trump took over the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center in February.
There are disagreements over claims about the center's financial management.
Republicans have voted to allocate funds for the Kennedy Center but want the opera house to be named after Melania Trump.
John F. Kennedy's grandson criticized the renaming attempt, expressing opposition on social media.
Current laws may prohibit new memorials or plaques at the Kennedy Center after 1983.
The proposed bill may not gain enough support in Congress to pass.
A gunman shot and killed four people, including an NYPD officer, and injured a fifth at a Manhattan office building. The suspect, who later took his own life, was identified as Shane Tamura from Las Vegas. The shooting involved prominent offices at 345 Park Avenue, and the motives are still being investigated.
Key Facts
A shooting took place at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan, killing four people and injuring one.
Among the victims was NYPD officer Didarul Islam, a father and soon-to-be father of three.
The suspect was Shane Tamura, 27, from Las Vegas, and he used a rifle in the attack.
An NFL employee was among the injured and is in stable condition at the hospital.
The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot on the 33rd floor of the building.
Authorities are investigating the motives, and the suspect had a recorded history of mental health issues.
The FBI and U.S. Attorney's office are assisting in the investigation.
Venus Williams will play in the U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament with Reilly Opelka as a wild-card entry. The tournament will have 16 pairs, including some top-ranked players, with matches scheduled for August 19-20.
Key Facts
Venus Williams, who is 45 years old, is making a comeback in the tennis tour alongside Reilly Opelka.
They will participate in the U.S. Open mixed doubles event next month through a wild-card entry.
The U.S. Tennis Association announced a total of 14 teams for the mixed doubles event.
Eight pairs received direct entry because of their high combined singles rankings.
The tournament includes players who have won Grand Slam singles titles.
Changes to the tournament format include increased prize money and a different schedule from the singles and other doubles events.
Matches will use shortened game formats with no-ad scoring.
More wild-card entries and singles wild-card spots are yet to be announced.
Congressional leaders in the U.S. are blaming each other for a possible government shutdown as the budget year ends. With over two months until the deadline, Republicans and Democrats are struggling to agree on funding priorities, especially regarding defense and social services.
Key Facts
U.S. Congress faces a potential government shutdown as the current budget expires on September 30.
Traditionally, both political parties blame each other for shutdown risks.
Democrats want a bipartisan spending bill, but Republicans are pushing for more funds for defense and border security.
So far, the House has passed two of the required twelve spending bills.
The Senate has not passed any spending bills, although some have gained bipartisan support in the committee.
Republicans focus on changing money distribution, cutting funds for health, education, and foreign assistance.
Congress must pass temporary funding by September 30 to prevent a shutdown while they work on a full-year budget.
In the past, Democrats helped allow previous funding bills to proceed, despite internal disagreement.
In Angola, protests erupted after taxi drivers started a strike over a 33% increase in diesel prices. The protests spread across Luanda, leading to four deaths and 500 arrests as people expressed broader frustrations with the government's economic policies.
Key Facts
Four people died and 500 were arrested during protests in Luanda, Angola.
The demonstrations began as a taxi drivers' strike against a diesel price hike of over 33%.
Roads were blocked, shops looted, and cars destroyed during the protests.
The higher diesel prices have also led to increased costs for basic goods.
President João Lourenço stated that the protests misuse the petrol price issue to challenge the government.
The current average monthly wage in Angola is about $75.
The ruling party, MPLA, warned youths against joining the protests, citing potential vandalism.
A major taxi association disclaims involvement in violence but supports the strike.
Many businesses in Luanda have stayed closed due to the unrest.
Pope Leo XIV spoke to Catholic social media influencers at a Vatican festival, highlighting the importance of maintaining human connections amid the digital age. He praised them for spreading faith online but warned against the risks of fake news and prioritizing online "likes" over genuine relationships.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV attended a festival for Catholic influencers at the Vatican.
He told them to balance their online presence with real-life human connections.
The event is part of a celebration called the Jubilee for young people in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged influencers to avoid fake news and shallow online interactions.
He emphasized the importance of creating meaningful encounters and spreading Christian values.
The Vatican advised influencers to stay on message and avoid using platforms for personal gain.
Cardinal Antonio Tagle urged influencers to be careful about false advertising and manipulation.
The event resembled a smaller version of World Youth Day, a large Catholic festival.
Several governments have responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariff deadlines by offering concessions. The European Union agreed to a tariff deal favoring the U.S., affecting international trade dynamics. Other countries are also negotiating deals, often under pressure to change their trade policies to benefit U.S. interests.
Key Facts
The EU agreed to a new tariff pact with the U.S., which includes higher tariffs and commitments to buy U.S. fossil fuels and military goods.
The deal has shifted the economic balance between the EU and the U.S.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou criticized the EU's agreement as a major setback.
Other countries are facing high tariffs similar to the EU, putting pressure on them to negotiate.
The Philippines agreed to a 19% tariff on exports to the U.S., with no tariffs on U.S. imports.
Indonesia's trade deal involves giving up controls on mineral exports and digital sectors.
Brazil's trade negotiations with the U.S. include attempts to influence internal legal matters.
Canada's attempt to avoid tariffs by removing a digital services tax led to unexpected higher tariffs.
President Trump is planning to increase tariffs, which are taxes on goods brought into the U.S. These tariffs might raise costs for American factories that rely on parts from other countries, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers. Analysts suggest this could put pressure on manufacturing jobs and wages.
Key Facts
New tariffs could raise factory costs by 2% to 4.5%.
Tariffs are set to increase on goods from many countries, with rates between 15% to 50%.
The U.S. stock market is relieved the tariffs are not as high as previously threatened.
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth suggests tariffs may lead to stagnant wages or job losses.
America lost 14,000 manufacturing jobs after tariffs in April.
Over 1 in 5 jobs in Michigan and Wisconsin could be affected by the tariffs.
Some companies are expected to pass on half of the tariff costs to consumers.
The impact of tariff costs on manufacturers and consumers remains uncertain.
People in New York City had to leave their offices quickly and find shelter after a gunman started shooting in a busy part of downtown Manhattan. Four people died in the incident, which took place inside a tall building with offices of well-known companies. Witnesses described the scene as frightening, with many fleeing to safety while police managed the situation.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred in downtown Manhattan, New York City.
Four people were killed in the incident.
The shooting took place inside a 44-story building at 345 Park Ave.
This building houses the offices of the NFL, Blackstone, and KPMG.
Witnesses described seeing people leaving buildings with their hands up.
Local TV showed people evacuating and police vehicles around the scene.
Some people took shelter in nearby buildings and were evacuated after two hours.
Police instructed bystanders to stay indoors for safety.
Congress withdrew $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which may lead to significant budget gaps for public TV and radio stations. These stations rely on federal support, and the funding cut could especially affect those in rural areas that depend heavily on these services.
Key Facts
Congress removed $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
As of 2023, CPB grants made up 10.3% of public TV stations' funding and 4.1% for radio stations in the U.S.
Some stations, like KCUW, KUHB, and WVLS, rely on CPB grants for over 90% of their funding.
Data on public media financing was gathered by Alex Curley from station websites.
Public media stations may also get money from other federal grants, corporate sponsors, and viewer donations.
Rural stations are more dependent on federal funds and serve crucial roles in local news and emergency alerts.
There are concerns that losing funding could close stations in low-population areas where they are most needed.
Many public stations are increasing their fundraising efforts to secure alternative financial support.
Democrats believe they have a good chance to regain control of the House of Representatives in 2026. They feel motivated by unpopular policies and voter enthusiasm, but they also face challenges with unpopularity and potential changes in congressional district maps.
Key Facts
Democrats see 2026 as a potential opportunity to regain the House.
The "big, beautiful bill," linked to President Trump, is polling badly.
Cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act could make the bill more unpopular.
High prices remain a concern despite promises to lower them.
Trump’s deportation policies have faced criticism for targeting more than violent criminals.
A CNN poll shows strong voting motivation among Democrats.
Democrats need to win only a few seats to take back the House majority.
The Wall Street Journal poll shows a low favorable view of Democrats among voters.
Some Republican states may redraw congressional maps, potentially affecting elections.
A police officer named Didarul Islam was one of four people killed in a shooting at an office building in New York City. The shooter, Shane Tamura, also died after turning the gun on himself. Officials praised Islam for his bravery during the attack.
Key Facts
Didarul Islam was a police officer in New York City and had migrated from Bangladesh.
Islam was killed while providing security at a building on Park Avenue.
The shooting resulted in four deaths, including Islam and the shooter.
The shooter, Shane Tamura, had a history of mental health issues.
Islam is survived by his pregnant wife and two children, with a third on the way.
New York Mayor Eric Adams and other officials called Islam a hero for his actions.
Islam had worked in the NYPD’s 47th District in the Bronx.
