Texas lawmakers are starting a special session to consider redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts. Republicans aim to adjust these districts to favor their party in elections, and former President Trump supports this plan.
Key Facts
Texas lawmakers are meeting in a special session starting Monday.
The main focus of this session is to redraw congressional districts.
Redrawing districts can influence election outcomes by changing the areas each district covers.
The Republican Party in Texas wants to redraw these districts to help them win more seats.
Former President Donald Trump supports the idea of redrawing these districts.
Congressional districts are areas that each elect a representative to the U.S. House of Representatives.
President Trump plans to impose a 50% tariff on all goods from Brazil, impacting the U.S. coffee industry since Brazil supplies about 30% of U.S. coffee imports. The tariff could lead to higher coffee prices for consumers and create challenges for small coffee roasters.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 50% tariff on all goods from Brazil, starting August 1.
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, supplying about 30% of U.S. coffee imports.
The U.S. coffee industry is concerned the tariff will increase coffee prices.
Small coffee roasters fear their profit margins will shrink due to increased costs.
Additional tariffs are also planned for other coffee-producing countries like Vietnam, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
The Trump administration claims these tariffs are part of efforts to protect American jobs and renegotiate trade deals.
The tariffs are also said to be political measures related to Brazil’s past political issues.
President Trump released a new video for naturalization ceremonies that welcomes new citizens. His message focused on becoming part of the "national family" and emphasized the importance of protecting American culture and values, which differs from past presidents who often highlighted the contributions of immigrants.
Key Facts
Each president crafts a personalized message for new citizens during naturalization ceremonies.
President Trump's video message welcomed new citizens as part of the American "national family."
Trump emphasized the responsibility to protect American culture, including rights like freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.
Previous presidents often highlighted how immigrants enrich the U.S. and celebrated diversity.
Trump's message focused more on what the U.S. offers to new citizens, rather than celebrating their backgrounds.
Trump's video was released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and will be used in future ceremonies.
Unlike previous presidents, Trump did not use the term "immigrant" in his message to new citizens.
Past presidents, like Biden, have acknowledged the immigrant journey and sacrifices in their speeches.
Texas is holding a special legislative session after recent floods killed over 130 people. Lawmakers aim to fund recovery efforts and improve disaster preparedness. The session occurs while there is uncertainty about the future of FEMA, the federal agency responsible for disaster management.
Key Facts
Recent floods in Texas Hill Country resulted in over 130 deaths.
Texas lawmakers are meeting to discuss recovery funding and future disaster protection.
President Trump and Governor Abbott toured flood-damaged areas.
There is uncertainty about FEMA's future, as there are proposals to reduce or eliminate it.
Governor Abbott called for the session to address flood-related issues and other political agendas.
One proposal includes installing sirens to warn of future dangers, like those used in Israel.
The session will include discussions on flood safety for youth camps and creating a disaster guide.
Texas might rely on federal disaster relief grants, but FEMA's role is uncertain.
Many teenagers are using protein supplements, often influenced by social media and peer pressure. A study found that 40% of teens had used these supplements, with boys focusing on muscle gain and girls sometimes using them to replace meals. Experts warn that while most teens already get enough protein from their regular diets, excessive protein intake can be harmful.
Key Facts
A study showed that 40% of teens used protein supplements last year.
Boys use these supplements mainly to build muscles; girls sometimes use them to replace meals.
Social media and influencers strongly influence teens' use of protein supplements.
Most teens already get enough protein from their regular food.
Too much protein can harm the kidneys and liver and cause stomach pain.
Safe protein intake depends on a person's body weight and activity level.
Protein supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Parents also play a role in encouraging protein supplement use.
Harvard University is in a court battle with the Trump administration in Boston over a freeze on more than $2 billion in federal grants. The Trump administration claims Harvard failed to address antisemitism, while Harvard argues this freeze is illegal and harms research. Harvard seeks a quick judgment, but a final decision might still be far off, as either side could appeal.
Key Facts
Harvard is challenging a federal funding freeze by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration alleges Harvard violated civil rights laws related to antisemitism.
Harvard argues the funding freeze violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which regulates how federal agencies make and enforce rules.
The lawsuit claims the funding cut will affect important research in medicine, science, and technology.
The court hearing will be held in Boston and is expected to last one day.
A ruling isn't expected to resolve the issue fully, as appeals are likely.
Many universities are watching the case because it could have widespread effects on federal funding for education.
Harvard claims the government is interfering with its academic freedom and decision-making on admissions and employment.
Ecuador has sent José Adolfo Macías, also known as "Fito," to the United States. He is the leader of a violent gang involved in drug trafficking. U.S. authorities accuse him of smuggling large amounts of cocaine into the country.
Key Facts
José Adolfo Macías, nicknamed "Fito," is the leader of the Los Choneros gang.
He was extradited from Ecuador to the United States.
U.S. authorities charged Macías with importing large quantities of cocaine.
Macías escaped from a prison in Ecuador but was recaptured later.
He led the gang since 2020, and the group collaborated with Mexican cartels.
The gang used hitmen, bribes, and military weapons.
Macías is the first person Ecuador extradited to the U.S.
Previously, two other Ecuadorian traffickers were extradited from Colombia.
The article describes a measles outbreak in Canada, which has affected over 3,800 people in 2025. Most cases are in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, with many infections occurring in communities with low vaccination rates.
Key Facts
Canada has over 3,800 measles cases in 2025, primarily affecting children and infants.
This number is almost three times higher than measles cases in the United States.
Alberta is the province with the highest measles spread rate in North America.
Canada ranks eighth among the top 10 countries with measles outbreaks, according to CDC data.
The recent outbreak in Ontario began at a large Mennonite gathering where some communities have lower vaccination rates.
Measles cases in Canada have not been this high since the disease was declared eliminated in 1998.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective and protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
The illness spread mainly in low-vaccination communities with cultural or religious beliefs against immunization.
Jake Larson, a respected WWII veteran known as 'Papa Jake' on TikTok, has passed away at the age of 102. He was part of the Allied forces during D-Day in 1944 and later became popular on social media, sharing war stories with over a million followers. Recently, he was awarded an Emmy for an interview about D-Day.
Key Facts
Jake Larson was a WWII veteran who participated in D-Day in 1944.
He gained over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, sharing stories about the war.
Larson was 102 years old when he passed away on July 17.
He co-won an Emmy Award for a D-Day anniversary interview.
Before D-Day, he was stationed in Northern Ireland at age 19.
Larson visited Normandy several times in later years for commemorative events.
His granddaughter announced his death on TikTok and requested privacy for the family.
Former President Trump has stated he might block a new stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless the team changes back to its previous name, "Washington Redskins." Trump expressed his views on Truth Social, also suggesting that the Cleveland Guardians should revert to their former name, "Cleveland Indians."
Key Facts
Former President Trump is threatening to interfere with a new stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless the team changes its name back to "Washington Redskins."
The Washington Commanders changed their name in 2020 after criticism that the previous name was racist toward Indigenous people.
Trump shared his views on his social media platform, Truth Social, expressing support for the old team names.
Trump also suggested that the Cleveland Guardians change their name back to the "Cleveland Indians," a change made in 2021.
Activist Suzan Harjo has been advocating for name changes due to the racist connotations and historical violence associated with the old names.
The D.C. Council is considering a plan to redevelop the stadium site, with Congress granting the city control over the area.
There is no clear explanation of how Trump could affect the stadium project.
The Washington, D.C. mayor's office and the involved sports teams have not commented on Trump's statements.
The UK government plans to introduce a new ombudsman to address issues like leaky pipes and overcharging by water companies. This move is part of larger efforts to reform the water industry following concerns over rising bills and pollution in waterways. The government aims to halve sewage discharges by 2030 and improve water quality regulations.
Key Facts
The government will create a water ombudsman to help with complaints about water companies.
This is part of broader reforms to improve the water industry and address public concerns.
The Environment Secretary aims to cut sewage discharges by half by the year 2030.
A review by the Water Commission may suggest changes in how the water sector is regulated.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) will have more responsibilities under the new plan.
The government has not given a timeline for when the ombudsman will start but says it will have legal power in disputes.
Water companies have been criticized for high executive pay and under-investment.
A new investment of £104 billion over five years is planned to update the water infrastructure, with consumer bills expected to rise.
The floods in south central Texas reduced the number of missing people from 160 to three. The floods, caused by heavy rain, led to at least 135 deaths, including children at a summer camp. A coordinated search effort by thousands of officials helped account for many of the missing.
Key Facts
The number of missing people after Texas floods dropped from 160 to three.
The floods on July 4 caused by heavy rain resulted in at least 135 deaths.
Children at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River were among those who died.
Kerrville was a central location in the search and rescue operations.
Thousands of officials worked tirelessly to find and account for missing people.
The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, contributing to the danger.
Factors like timing, cell service issues, and location increased the flood's impact.
President Donald Trump visited the affected area to show support.
Ellen DeGeneres moved from the U.S. to the UK, specifically to the Cotswolds, after Donald Trump was re-elected as U.S. president. She discussed her reasons for relocating, addressing possible reversals in gay marriage rights in the U.S. and her past show controversies during a public appearance in Cheltenham.
Key Facts
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to the UK in November after Trump's re-election.
They initially planned to live part-time in the UK but decided to stay after the election results.
Ellen mentioned considering remarriage in England due to potential changes in U.S. gay marriage laws.
She addressed past toxic workplace allegations linked to the end of her show, calling them "clickbait."
Ellen was a prominent figure on U.S. television for 30 years with a popular talk show and other roles.
She described her new life in the Cotswolds, sharing its charm and beauty, and mentioned owning farm animals.
Ellen noted challenges in being openly gay in Hollywood and discussed ongoing societal issues with acceptance.
The Southern Baptist Convention in the U.S. has recently supported reversing the legalization of same-sex marriage.
The Trump administration announced plans to close the EPA's scientific research unit, known as the Office of Research and Development. This change is part of a larger reduction in staff at the EPA, aiming to cut costs and reorganize resources within the agency. A new office will be created to focus on applied science and environmental solutions.
Key Facts
The EPA plans to close the Office of Research and Development.
This office handled research on environmental hazards such as pollution and climate change.
The closure is part of a 23% staff reduction to save $748.8 million.
The EPA will add more experts in air, water, and chemicals to other sections.
A new "Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions" will be established.
As of earlier this year, the EPA workforce reduced from 16,155 to 12,448 employees.
Several cities received federal money over ten years ago to bring back streetcars in their downtown areas. Some streetcar projects are doing well, while others are struggling or ending.
Key Facts
Federal funding was provided more than ten years ago for streetcars in downtown areas.
The streetcar projects aimed to improve public transport in cities.
Some cities have seen success with their streetcar systems.
Other cities are facing challenges and issues with their streetcars.
At least one city has decided to phase out its streetcar project.
Flint, Michigan, has finished replacing around 11,000 lead water pipes as required by a 2017 settlement. Despite this, some lead pipes are still present in Flint and other areas in the United States.
Key Facts
Flint, Michigan, had dangerous lead levels in its tap water for over ten years.
In July, Flint announced it completed replacing about 11,000 lead pipes.
The replacement of pipes was required by a 2017 legal agreement.
Despite completing this work, not all lead pipes have been removed from Flint.
Lead pipes are also found in various states across the country.
Erik Olson from the Natural Resources Defense Council discussed the issue further.
One person died, and two people are missing after six individuals went over a waterfall in Oregon on Saturday. Three people were rescued and sent to the hospital. Emergency services used drones to search for survivors and paused the search overnight, planning to continue on Sunday.
Key Facts
Six people went over a waterfall in Oregon on Saturday.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two people are still missing.
Three people were rescued and taken to the hospital.
The incident happened at Dillon Falls, which is 15 feet high.
Emergency responders used drones to search for survivors.
The search paused overnight and will resume on Sunday.
Dillon Falls is located on the Deschutes River near the city of Bend in a popular tourist area.
At least 94 Palestinians were killed by Israeli military fire in Gaza on Sunday while trying to get food from aid trucks, according to Palestinian health officials. The incident occurred near the Zikim crossing, with reports of gunfire aimed at civilians waiting for assistance. Israel's military stated it fired warning shots after facing crowds, but disputed the reported number of casualties.
Key Facts
At least 94 Palestinians died in Gaza during an attempt to get food aid on Sunday.
The deadliest incident occurred in northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing with Israel.
Israeli forces reportedly fired on civilians, with 81 people killed in that specific area.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that many injured people arrived at a Gaza City hospital.
Israel's military said it fired warning shots when confronted by large groups of Palestinians.
Israel is investigating the incident but disputed casualty numbers reported by Palestinians.
Israel announced new evacuation orders in a part of central Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over deaths at a church in Gaza City and called for a ceasefire.
The Israeli foreign ministry plans to fund a tour in Israel for right-wing social media influencers from the United States. This initiative aims to strengthen pro-Israel support among young Americans by bringing 16 influencers, who support the MAGA and America First campaigns, to the country.
Key Facts
The tour targets influencers under 30 who support US President Trump's MAGA and America First campaigns.
These influencers have large followings on social media, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions.
The tour is intended to counter declining support for Israel among younger Americans.
The Israeli foreign ministry wants to organize 550 influencer tours to Israel by the end of the year.
Influencers will be encouraged to share messages that align with Israeli government views on Palestinian relations.
The tours will be managed by an organization called Israel365, which promotes pro-Israel views, especially among Christians.
Israel365 opposes a two-state solution and wants to defend Western civilization from extremist threats.
The foreign ministry has agreed to a funding deal worth about $86,000 for the tour.
Governor Katie Hobbs visited the Grand Canyon's North Rim to see the damage caused by a wildfire. The fire, started by lightning and initially allowed to burn under a "confine and contain" strategy, later intensified, prompting evacuations and greater suppression efforts. The blaze has damaged over 70 structures, including a historic lodge, and is only 8% contained.
Key Facts
Governor Katie Hobbs surveyed wildfire damage at the Grand Canyon's North Rim.
The fire started from a lightning strike on July 4 and initially was managed with a "confine and contain" approach.
Changing weather conditions led to the fire growing and required aggressive containment efforts.
Over 70 structures have been destroyed, including a historic lodge and cabins.
As of the latest update, the fire was contained by 8% and had burned more than 18 square miles.
Governor Hobbs plans to meet with federal officials to discuss the fire response and possible improvements.
The North Rim is now closed for the rest of the season due to the damage.
The fire camp housing over 800 personnel is set up to coordinate firefighting efforts.
