The U.S. Supreme Court decided to let the Trump administration proceed with efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. This ruling overturned a previous court order that had temporarily stopped job cuts and other changes within the department. The case is still ongoing in lower courts.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to continue plans to close the Department of Education.
A previous court order blocked these plans and required the rehiring of around 1,400 workers.
The case is not yet resolved and will continue in lower courts.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed strongly with the Supreme Court's decision.
The Education Secretary called the decision an important win for reforms.
The original court order stopping the cuts was issued by a federal judge who said the department couldn't function with so many layoffs.
The administration argues the changes aim to streamline operations without completely eliminating the department.
The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to continue his plan to reduce the Education Department and proceed with laying off nearly 1,400 employees. This decision pauses a previous court order that had blocked the layoffs and questioned the overall plan. Legal challenges against the plan are still ongoing.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court supported Trump's plan to scale back the Education Department.
This plan involves laying off about 1,400 employees at the department.
The decision overrides a previous order by Judge Myong Joun that blocked the layoffs.
The ruling had the support of the conservative justices, while the three liberal justices opposed it.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon supported the decision, stating the President has authority over federal staffing.
Critics argue the court's decision undermines public education.
Employees affected by the layoffs have been on paid leave since March.
Legal challenges by Massachusetts cities and education groups are still pending.
A group of 24 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing over $6 billion in federal grants for K-12 and adult education. These funds, which support various school programs, were halted weeks before the school year began, leading to financial challenges for some districts.
Key Facts
A total of 24 states and the District of Columbia are suing the Trump administration.
The lawsuit is about the freezing of more than $6 billion in education grants.
These grants support programs like migrant education, before- and after-school activities, professional development for teachers, and services for English learners.
The funding freeze was announced just weeks before the start of the school year.
Some districts had already planned and budgeted for the upcoming school year, causing them financial strain.
The lawsuit includes states like California, New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, Arizona, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
Some Republican lawmakers also oppose the funding freeze, alongside many Democrats.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has cut funding for similar education programs.
The rising price of shoes in the U.S. might affect consumers and businesses. This could have an impact on Donald Trump, particularly if it influences voter opinions or economic policies.
Key Facts
Shoe prices in the U.S. are increasing.
Rising shoe costs can affect people's spending habits.
Higher prices could influence retail businesses that sell shoes.
The situation may impact Donald Trump's political landscape.
Economic changes can affect voter opinions and political support.
Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, announced he will run for mayor of New York City as an independent candidate. He lost to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary and now wants to challenge Mamdani's ideas. The mayoral race includes several candidates, including current Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Key Facts
Andrew Cuomo is a former New York governor.
He announced his candidacy for New York City's mayoral race as an independent.
Cuomo lost to Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic primary.
Current Mayor Eric Adams is also running as an independent.
Curtis Sliwa is running as a Republican candidate.
Mamdani is a left-wing candidate who supports higher taxes on the wealthy.
Cuomo's campaign is part of his comeback after resigning amid allegations.
Some people worry that multiple candidates could divide the vote against Mamdani.
This week's new book releases feature a mix of fiction and nonfiction, including stories about folklore, time travel, and personal reflections on past choices. Some books explore themes of family stories and home, while others deal with complex narratives based on authors' real-life experiences.
Key Facts
Silvia Moreno-Garcia's new book "The Bewitching" is inspired by old family stories about witches and tells the tale of Minerva, a graduate student.
"The Girl I Was" by Jeneva Rose is about a middle-aged character confronting her younger self through time travel.
Hannah Pittard's novel "If You Love It, Let It Kill You" deals with a fictionalized account of a personal experience related to betrayal and relationships.
Carrie R. Moore's debut short story collection "Make Your Way Home" focuses on the concept of home, particularly in the American South.
These books are available at libraries, independent bookstores, and online retailers like Amazon.
The releases offer a variety of stories, ranging from mystery and romance to reflections on personal history and heritage.
Over 20 U.S. states have sued the Trump administration for freezing billions in education funds meant for after-school and summer programs. These funds, intended for low-income families, were stalled as the administration reviews if programs align with its priorities. Some programs might close if the money isn't released soon.
Key Facts
Over 20 states are suing the Trump administration for freezing education funds.
The frozen funds affect programs serving 1.4 million children, including at Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA.
Congress allocated the money to help low-income families with after-school care, academic support, and enrichment.
The lawsuit argues that withholding funds breaks the Constitution and federal laws.
If funds aren't released, many programs might have to close, affecting children nationwide.
The Boys & Girls Clubs in Rhode Island are using state funding to keep summer programs running.
91 out of 100 school districts most affected by the freeze are in Republican congressional districts.
Some Republican officials are asking for the release of the funds, emphasizing their necessity for upcoming school sessions.
More immigration judges were let go as part of efforts to speed up deportations in the United States. Thirty-one judges, including those recently fired, were not given reasons for their dismissal. This comes as the federal government tries to deal with a large backlog of immigration cases.
Key Facts
Sixteen immigration judges were notified they would lose their jobs on July 22.
These judges worked in states like Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York, and California.
Many judges were at the end of their two-year probationary period with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
The firings occurred after Congress allocated more than $3 billion for immigration activities, including hiring more judges.
There is a backlog of nearly 4 million immigration cases in the U.S.
Recently, EOIR has pushed judges to manage cases faster and give verbal decisions.
Some judges have resigned voluntarily as part of a program to reduce the federal workforce.
Two Massachusetts Senators raised concerns about previous judge firings.
Nine people died in a fire at an assisted living home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Many residents and five firefighters went to the hospital, and the fire's cause is still being looked into.
Key Facts
A fire occurred at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Nine people lost their lives in the fire.
Dozens of residents and five firefighters were hospitalized.
The fire broke out at around 9:50 PM on Sunday local time.
Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the incident, including about 30 who were off-duty.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
There were about 70 residents in the facility before the fire.
The building had sprinklers, and the fire was contained to one wing, but smoke spread throughout.
All hospitalized firefighters had non-life-threatening injuries.
A fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injured 30 others, including five firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the state has pledged full support to the affected community.
Key Facts
A fire occurred at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts.
At least nine people died, and 30 others were injured due to the fire.
Among the injured were five firefighters who responded to the incident.
The fire started on Sunday night, with about 70 residents in the facility at the time.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.
About 50 firefighters responded, including 30 who were off duty.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has promised the state's support for the victims and community.
Some residents needed rescue by firefighters when the flames and smoke were intense.
Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and tornadoes, affect both urban and rural areas, but rural regions, especially those with older adults, face more challenges in recovery. Rural hospitals are closing, which makes it harder for people to get needed medical care, and older adults are more likely to have health conditions that require consistent treatment.
Key Facts
Natural disasters do not discriminate between urban and rural areas.
Rural areas have more older adults compared to urban areas, with 20% of rural residents being over 65.
Many rural hospitals have closed, forcing people to travel farther for medical care.
Older adults often have chronic health issues, which can worsen during disasters when power outages disrupt treatments.
Over 95% of people aged 60 and over have at least one chronic condition.
Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, with more at risk.
Traveling distances for healthcare in rural areas have increased by about 20 miles compared to 20 years ago.
Disasters can interrupt medical treatments like dialysis and insulin supply, which are crucial for chronic conditions.
President Donald Trump is set to attend a luncheon at the White House Faith Office, where the administration may make a significant announcement about Russia. Trump confirmed that the U.S. plans to send Patriot missiles to Kyiv and intends to sell weapons to NATO allies so they can support Ukraine.
Key Facts
President Trump will attend a White House Faith Office luncheon.
A significant announcement regarding Russia is expected.
The event is scheduled to start at noon Eastern Time.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will have meetings in Washington with President Trump and other officials.
Trump stated that the U.S. will send Patriot missiles to Kyiv.
The U.S. plans to sell weapons to NATO allies to help Ukraine.
A U.S. special envoy met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss strengthening Ukraine's defenses amid ongoing conflict with Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over continued attacks on Ukraine and confirmed that more air defense missiles will be sent to Ukraine, with European countries also discussing financial support for weapons.
Key Facts
A U.S. special envoy met with Ukraine's President to talk about air defenses and possible new international sanctions on Russia.
Trump expressed disappointment with Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine, calling for them to stop.
The U.S. is sending Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine and Europe is considering financing additional weaponry.
Russia has increased drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, with June seeing high civilian casualties.
The European Union, while unable to buy weapons itself, can have member countries purchase and send arms.
Germany has committed to helping, with discussions ongoing about more countries contributing defense systems to Ukraine.
A U.N. report highlighted a rise in civilian casualties due to intensified Russian attacks.
There's a growing interest from the Trump administration in providing military aid to Ukraine, despite earlier doubts.
A wildfire near the Grand Canyon has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and many other buildings. The fires have closed the North Rim of the park for the rest of the 2025 tourist season. Authorities in Arizona are working to control the fires, which are believed to have been started by lightning.
Key Facts
The Grand Canyon Lodge was the only place to stay inside the North Rim area of the national park.
The lodge was built in the 1930s and included a restaurant, gift shop, and post office.
The Dragon Bravo Fire has destroyed 50 to 80 buildings, including visitor centers and offices.
No one was hurt in the fire, and everyone was evacuated safely.
Strong winds helped the fire spread quickly.
Firefighters had to leave some areas because of a chlorine gas leak from a nearby water facility.
The White Sage Fire has burned over 40,000 acres in the Kaibab National Forest.
Both fires are thought to have been started by lightning.
Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales won the $100,000 prize in the seventh series of Love Island USA and chose to share it. The show, noted as Peacock's most-streamed reality series, focused heavily on themes of mental health and received public attention for addressing online bullying against its participants.
Key Facts
Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales won the seventh series of Love Island USA.
The winning couple received a $100,000 cash prize.
Bryan chose to split the prize money with Amaya.
The show was Peacock's most-watched reality show this year.
Mental health awareness was an important theme during the series.
Contestants faced significant online bullying, prompting the show to address cyberbullying publicly.
A contestant, Cierra Ortega, left the show early following a backlash from past online comments.
Love Island USA provided support to participants to manage the challenges of public exposure.
Senate Republicans are working to pass President Trump's plan to cut $9.4 billion from public media and foreign aid spending. The House has already approved the plan, and the Senate must decide before the Friday deadline. These cuts would affect public broadcasting and various international aid programs.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to cut $9.4 billion from spending on public media and foreign aid.
The House approved the plan with a close vote of 214-212.
The Senate has until Friday to make a decision before the spending cuts can be finalized.
If the Senate makes changes to the plan, the House will need to vote again.
The proposed cuts include nearly $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Concerns have been raised about the impact on local public radio and TV stations, especially those serving Native American communities.
The plan also includes cutting about $8.3 billion from foreign aid, targeting programs related to health, emergency assistance, and economic support in developing countries.
The PEPFAR program, credited with saving lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS, is among those facing cuts.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman criticized President Trump's plan to impose high tariffs on Brazil, calling it "grotesquely illegal." Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, citing political issues in Brazil, which Krugman argues is not a typical or legal justification for tariffs.
Key Facts
Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, criticized Trump's tariff plan for Brazil as illegal.
President Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods.
The reason given for this tariff is a political issue in Brazil, related to a trial against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Krugman argues that imposing tariffs for political reasons is not allowed under U.S. law or international trade agreements.
Trump also announced new tariffs for Mexico and the European Union, starting August 1.
The U.S. White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Krugman pointed out that these tariffs could break international treaties, as they are not justified economically.
A U.S. Senate report has criticized the Secret Service for significant mistakes during an assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania last year. The report highlights failures in communication and security, urging stricter disciplinary actions and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key Facts
A Senate report blamed the Secret Service for failures during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The incident happened on July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
A gunman shot at Trump, grazing his ear, and killed one bystander while wounding two others.
The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by a government sniper.
Six Secret Service agents were disciplined, with suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days.
The report noted breakdowns in security, communication, and coordination with local police.
The report urged more severe consequences for those responsible and suggested security reforms.
Trump stated that he believed "God was protecting" him during the incident.
Firefighters in Utah captured footage of a wildfire turning into a fire vortex near Old La Sal. The blaze, known as the Deer Creek Wildfire, had burned 8,925 acres and was not yet contained as of July 13. No injuries were reported from the vortex event.
Key Facts
A wildfire near Old La Sal, Utah, formed a fire vortex on July 12.
The fire vortex was described as an uncommon event.
The Deer Creek Wildfire covered 8,925 acres as of July 13.
The fire was 0% contained at that time.
No injuries were linked to the fire vortex.
The information was provided by Utah's Bureau of Land Management.
Flooding is a common issue in the United States, but only 4% of homeowners have flood insurance. Many people's regular home insurance doesn't cover flood damage, and federal help usually only covers a small part of the repair costs. As climate change leads to more intense rainstorms, the need for flood insurance is increasing, but costs can be high.
Key Facts
Just 4% of U.S. homeowners have flood insurance.
Many home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Federal aid for flood damage often covers only part of repair costs.
Climate change is causing more frequent and intense rainstorms.
The National Flood Insurance Program offers policies, but prices can be high.
Federal flood insurance provides up to $250,000 for homes and $500,000 for businesses.
Over 90% of U.S. counties have residents eligible for federal flood insurance.
The government started the National Flood Insurance Program in 1968 after private insurers stopped offering flood coverage.
