The Trump administration is not releasing $715 million meant for adult education programs across the country. This creates uncertainty for programs that help over a million students each year.
Key Facts
The federal government is holding back $715 million for adult education.
This decision affects programs that serve more than one million adult students annually.
The withheld funds are meant for supporting educational opportunities for adults.
The uncertainty caused by this decision impacts the planning and operation of these programs.
Adult education programs provide services like GED preparation and English language learning.
President Trump plans to sign a major tax and spending bill into law after it narrowly passed Congress. The bill includes tax cuts, increased defense spending, and changes to immigration policies. While supporters believe it will boost the economy, there is concern over the bill's effects on national debt and its benefits mainly going to wealthier Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump will sign a new tax and spending bill into law.
The bill passed Congress with a narrow margin of 218 votes to 214.
It includes extending tax cuts that began in 2017.
There are significant cuts to Medicaid, which provides healthcare for low-income individuals.
The bill increases defense spending by $150 billion.
It reduces tax credits for clean energy initiatives set during the Biden administration.
The bill allocates $100 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics highlight that wealthier Americans will benefit more from the tax changes than those with lower incomes.
Grants from the Department of Justice are at risk of being canceled, which could affect programs that support crime survivors across the U.S. This funding change is being considered by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice provides grants to programs that help crime survivors.
These programs are in danger due to possible cancellations of grants.
The Trump administration is considering these funding cuts.
The decision could impact services provided to people who have experienced crimes.
The report was shared on the program "All Things Considered."
Heavy rain led to flash flooding in Texas, causing deaths and leaving some people missing. Rescue teams used boats to help people in flooded areas, while officials struggled with warnings due to a lack of advance notice.
Key Facts
Heavy rain in Kerr County, Texas, caused the Guadalupe River to flood, resulting in multiple deaths.
Search teams used boats to rescue people from fast-moving floodwaters in riverfront areas.
Officials reported that they conducted numerous water rescues and some people were still missing.
A flood warning affected at least 30,000 people in the area.
The river gauge in Hunt recorded a rapid rise in water levels before failing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state sent resources to help affected communities.
In New Jersey, severe weather caused at least three deaths, including two men who died when a tree fell on their car.
Power outages and damage were reported in southern New England due to storms.
Former President Donald Trump announced plans to hold a UFC fight on the White House grounds to celebrate America's 250th birthday in 2026. The fight is part of a series of events planned to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Key Facts
Donald Trump announced a UFC fight will take place on the White House grounds in 2026.
The UFC fight is part of the celebrations for America's 250th birthday.
Trump made the announcement during a speech in Des Moines, Iowa.
Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the event.
UFC president Dana White is involved in organizing the event.
Trump has a history of supporting UFC events and is friends with Dana White.
The White House press secretary confirmed that Trump is serious about this plan.
The celebrations will include events in national parks and historic sites across the U.S.
The New York Times reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump considered expanding a travel ban to include up to 36 more countries, mainly in Africa. The ban already restricted entry from 12 nations and limited travel visas from others. This move aligns with Trump's push to reduce immigration during his presidency.
Key Facts
President Trump considered adding up to 36 countries to the U.S. travel ban list.
Many of these additional countries are in Africa, including Zimbabwe.
Previously, Trump banned entry from 12 countries, 7 of which are African.
The existing bans prevent people from these countries from permanently moving to the U.S. or obtaining tourist or student visas.
This aligns with Trump's campaign promises to limit immigration.
Nearly half of surveyed Africans have considered emigrating, mainly for better jobs.
From 2000 to 2019, the number of African immigrants in the U.S. increased by 246%.
African-born people now make up 42% of the U.S.'s foreign-born Black population.
Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate passed a tax and spending bill backed by President Donald Trump. The bill includes tax cuts, defense spending, and funding for immigration enforcement. It also involves reductions in government aid programs like Medicaid and food assistance to help balance costs.
Key Facts
The tax and spending bill is around 900 pages and includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.
The bill makes existing tax rates from Trump's first term permanent and introduces new tax deductions.
There is an increase in child tax credit, but not all families will receive the full amount.
Funding is allocated for defense and immigration, including the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
To help pay for the changes, the bill cuts Medicaid and food assistance programs.
New work requirements will be required for some who receive Medicaid and food aid.
The bill outlines funding for military projects and aims to increase security measures.
Passage involved a close vote, with the Senate requiring a tiebreaker cast by Vice President JD Vance.
World stock markets mostly fell on Friday, with European stocks dropping and mixed results in Asia. Despite this, U.S. stocks continued to rise, reaching record levels as President Trump's tariff decisions loomed.
Key Facts
European stock markets saw declines, including Germany's DAX dropping by 0.8% and France's CAC 40 falling by 1.1%.
Britain’s FTSE 100 index decreased by 0.4%.
U.S. stock futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones were both down by 0.5%.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 index managed a slight 0.1% increase, while South Korea’s KOSPI index fell by 2%.
China's Shanghai Composite index gained 0.3%, but Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost 0.6%.
The U.S. job market showed strong results, pushing the S&P 500 to a new high for the fourth time in five days.
President Trump's proposed import taxes are on pause but may start soon unless new deals are made.
The price of U.S. crude oil fell to $66.55 per barrel, and Brent crude dropped to $68.27.
The U.S. government plans to send out letters to various countries detailing higher tariff rates starting on August 1, according to President Donald Trump. These tariffs will range from 10% to 70%, and the President has set a negotiation deadline of July 9 for countries to reach agreements on the new import tax rates.
Key Facts
The U.S. will send tariff rate letters to several countries, starting soon.
Tariff rates will vary from 10% to as high as 70%.
President Trump has given a deadline of July 9 for tariff negotiations.
It is not clear which countries or products will be affected.
Tariffs add costs to imported goods, which importers usually pay.
Higher tariffs can make imported goods more expensive, potentially increasing demand for U.S.-made products.
The European Union and Japan might be among the countries impacted by these tariffs.
The UK and US have partially agreed to a trade deal on certain products like cars, beef, and bioethanol, but not on steel.
There are reports that immigration agents in Los Angeles are arresting people based on their race during raids. A lawsuit claims these actions unfairly target people who look Hispanic, leading to concerns about racial profiling.
Key Facts
Emma de Paz was arrested while selling breakfast at a Home Depot parking lot in Los Angeles without being asked for her identification papers.
Her brother, Carlos Barrera, stated she was arrested because she appeared Hispanic.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) alleges that many raids in Southern California are based on racial profiling.
The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit claiming these raids violate the Constitution.
Immigration agents are accused of arresting people before asking about their legal status.
The Department of Homeland Security claims their operations do not involve racial profiling and are carefully planned.
The ACLU is challenging the raids carried out under the Trump administration.
On July 3, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a major tax cut and spending plan backed by President Donald Trump, which includes tax cuts and increased spending for defense and border security, while reducing social welfare programs. The bill will make earlier tax cuts permanent and add new ones, but it will reduce funding for Medicaid and food assistance programs. Trump is expected to officially sign this bill into law on July 4.
Key Facts
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a tax and spending bill connected to President Trump.
The bill makes permanent certain tax cuts from Trump's first term and includes new tax reductions.
It raises the cap on State and Local Taxes deductions from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years.
Taxpayers can now deduct income from tips, overtime, and interest on U.S.-made car loans.
The estate tax exemption will increase to $15 million for individuals, $30 million for couples.
About $4.5 trillion in tax cuts are part of the bill.
The bill plans to cut spending on Medicaid and food assistance by over $1 trillion.
Around 17 million people could lose Medicaid coverage, and 4.7 million may lose food stamps.
The bill allocates roughly $350 billion for border and national security.
A new U.S. bill could limit federal student loans for medical degrees to $200,000. This amount is less than the average cost of attending a public medical school, which might lead to fewer Black students becoming doctors.
Key Facts
Less than 6% of doctors in the U.S. are Black.
The new bill proposes a cap of $200,000 on federal student loans for professional degrees.
Average medical school costs at public universities are around $286,465 for four years.
The loan cap might lead to fewer Black students attending medical school.
Financial barriers are one of the challenges Black students face in pursuing medical careers.
PBS News spoke with Black medical students about how educational costs impact them.
A new tax and spending bill supported by President Trump passed in Congress. The bill includes tax breaks and significant funding cuts to programs like Medicaid and food stamps, affecting millions of people. Democrats are planning various activities to oppose the bill and make it a key issue in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump and Republicans passed a new tax and spending bill.
The bill contains $4.5 trillion in tax breaks and $1.2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and food stamps.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says the bill will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over 10 years.
The bill includes new tax breaks for deducting tips and overtime pay.
Some provisions of the bill will not take effect until after the 2026 election.
Democrats aim to use the bill as a central issue in future elections.
The Democratic Party is organizing events to highlight the bill's impacts.
There is concern among Democrats about effectively communicating their message to voters.
Plans for Akon's $6 billion city in Senegal have been canceled. Instead, he will collaborate with the Senegalese government on a more practical project at the same site in Mbodiène. The previous city's design, featuring futuristic buildings and a new cryptocurrency called Akoin, faced many challenges and remains unbuilt.
Key Facts
Akon initially planned to build a futuristic city in Senegal, costing $6 billion.
The city was to run on a cryptocurrency created by Akon named Akoin.
The site, located about 100 km south of Dakar, remains mostly undeveloped.
Only one incomplete building currently exists at the planned city site.
Local residents were previously promised jobs and development, which did not materialize.
Akon's cryptocurrency, Akoin, had difficulties and failed to repay investors.
The Senegalese government decided to end the original project due to funding and construction issues.
There is a new plan for a more realistic development at the same location, supported by the government.
Tens of thousands of passengers have experienced flight cancellations and delays due to a strike by French air traffic control staff, impacting flights across Europe, including the UK. If flights are cancelled, passengers are entitled to certain rights, such as refunds or alternative flights, and assistance like meals and accommodation if necessary.
Key Facts
A strike by French air traffic control staff caused flight cancellations in France, affecting flights in Europe including the UK.
Airlines must provide meals and accommodation if your flight is delayed or cancelled.
Passengers can choose between a refund or another flight if their flight is cancelled.
Airlines should book you on an alternative flight at no extra cost.
Extra compensation is not given for cancellations due to events like strikes or bad weather.
Compensation depends on flight distance and how much advance notice was given.
If delayed over two hours, or stuck overnight, airlines must provide food, drink, and accommodation.
Always keep receipts if you need to claim expenses from the airline later.
U.S. immigration officials arrested boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. after discovering he overstayed his visa and lied on a green card application. He will be deported to Mexico where he faces charges related to organized crime. Chávez was detained after a recent boxing match against Jake Paul.
Key Facts
Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested for staying in the U.S. past his visa expiration and for submitting false information on a green card application.
Chávez is a well-known Mexican boxer and former middleweight champion.
U.S. officials plan to deport Chávez to Mexico, where he has charges related to organized crime.
Chávez Jr. is the son of famous boxer Julio César Chávez.
He was picked up by federal agents in Los Angeles in front of his home.
The Department of Homeland Security decided to detain him the day before his fight with Jake Paul but waited to act until afterward.
Chávez's tourist visa expired in February 2024, but he remained in the U.S.
Mexican authorities had issued an arrest warrant for Chávez in 2023 for organized crime and arms trafficking.
The White House will host a UFC fight next year as part of the celebrations for 250 years of American independence. US President Donald Trump announced the event, which will take place on the White House grounds and feature a crowd between 20,000 and 25,000 people.
Key Facts
The UFC fight at the White House is part of events marking 250 years of American independence.
President Trump announced the event in Iowa, mentioning it would draw up to 25,000 attendees.
Trump is friends with UFC president Dana White, who has publicly supported Trump's political career.
Trump attended UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey last month, where he watched a fight with Dana White.
The event is planned to take place on the White House grounds.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the event on social media.
Trump's ties with UFC date back to 2001, when he hosted a fight at his Atlantic City casino.
The UFC event is part of a larger plan, with national parks and historic sites hosting special events for America250.
A wildfire known as the Madre Fire in central California grew large due to dry, hot weather. It started in San Luis Obispo County and expanded quickly, becoming the largest fire in California this year, leading to evacuations and road closures.
Key Facts
The Madre Fire started in southeastern San Luis Obispo County.
It grew to over 82 square miles in size.
As of Thursday evening, it was only 10% contained.
Evacuation orders affected small communities near State Route 166.
Part of Route 166 East was closed with no scheduled reopening time.
The fire is moving toward the Carrizo Plain National Monument, known for its grasslands and spring wildflowers.
Winds with gusts up to 40 mph posed challenges for firefighters.
Another fire, the Wolf Fire in Riverside County, reached 55% containment.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 15 Palestinians, and 20 more were reportedly shot while waiting for aid. The U.N. Human Rights Office noted that 613 people have been killed near aid sites in Gaza since May, though they have not attributed responsibility for the deaths. Efforts to end the war are ongoing, with talks of a ceasefire involving Hamas.
Key Facts
Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza on Friday, including women and a child.
An additional 20 people were reportedly shot near aid sites in Gaza.
The U.N. has recorded 613 killings near aid distribution sites in Gaza since May, but hasn't specified who is responsible.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operates aid sites, but it denies any serious injuries or deaths at these locations.
The reported deaths include 509 that were related to activities near these aid distribution points.
Efforts are being made to end the 21-month conflict, including talks led by Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
The Gaza Health Ministry claims over 57,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict started.
Israel claims its military fires warning shots to manage crowds at aid sites.
Protests in Serbia have been ongoing for nine months, originally sparked by a tragic railway station collapse. The protesters, initially led by students, are now using roadblocks instead of rallies to demand new elections. Recent clashes with police and the arrest of students have drawn criticism from several groups, including journalists, the Bar Association, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the EU.
Key Facts
Protests began after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, killing 16 people.
The protesters are demanding accountability and transparency regarding this incident.
Initially led by university students, the protest movement has shifted to include broader groups and new tactics.
Students and citizens have set up roadblocks in major cities using objects like dustbins and chairs.
Police have arrested dozens of people, leading to allegations of excessive force.
Criticism of the police actions has come from journalists, the opposition, legal associations, and the EU.
The protests intensified after the government did not call for new elections by the protesters' deadline.
Despite months of protests, there has been little change in government leadership, with resignees replaced by similar appointees.
