U.S. Representative Don Bacon from Nebraska announced he will not run for reelection next year. He cited the desire to spend more time with his family and the difficulty of navigating between political parties in a district with both Republican and Democratic voters. Bacon plans to complete his current term and has been known for his centrist approach in politics.
Key Facts
Don Bacon is a Republican U.S. Representative from Nebraska.
He announced he will not seek reelection in 2024.
Bacon has served nearly a decade in office.
He represents Nebraska’s 2nd district, which includes Omaha.
This district is known for being politically divided.
Bacon has focused on a bipartisan approach during his time in office.
He believes his district requires winning over swing voters, who can vote either way.
Bacon plans to finish his current term before stepping down.
More than 400 jobs are at risk after the UK-based Lindsey Oil Refinery went into administration, sparking government calls for an investigation. The Prax Group, which bought the refinery in 2021, faced financial losses and couldn't fully answer financial inquiries, leading to concerns over its management and future operations.
The U.S. Senate started voting on a large spending plan called the "big beautiful bill." The plan involves significant tax cuts and welfare program changes, with debates around its potential impact on national debt and healthcare services. The Senate made some changes to the bill, meaning the House of Representatives will vote on it again after the Senate decides.
Key Facts
The U.S. Senate began voting on a large spending bill nicknamed the "big beautiful bill."
The bill includes tax cuts President Trump supports, like deductions for Social Security benefits and removing taxes on overtime.
The Senate vote to start debating the bill was close, with two Republicans and all Democrats opposing it.
Senator Thom Tillis and Senator Rand Paul, both Republicans, voted against it, citing concerns about broken promises and debt increases.
The bill would add $3.3 trillion to the national debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill passed in the House of Representatives by a single vote before heading to the Senate.
Republicans can only lose three votes in the Senate to pass the bill without needing a tie-breaking vote from the Vice President.
The House will need to vote again on the Senate's version of the bill before it can become law.
President Donald Trump will visit a new immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades. The center has faced criticism due to environmental and cultural concerns. It is capable of holding 5,000 people and is located far from urban areas.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to visit an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed the visit and spoke with Trump about it.
The facility got approval from the Department of Homeland Security.
The center can hold up to 5,000 detainees and is located 50 miles west of Miami.
The area around the center is isolated and filled with wildlife, such as alligators.
Environmental and Native American groups have protested the facility due to environmental and cultural concerns.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is helping pay for the construction.
The facility has been nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" by the Trump administration.
A Member of Parliament (MP) has asked the owners of Lotus, a car company, to clearly communicate the future of their Hethel factory amid rumors of its potential closure. The company, owned by China-based Geely, stated they have no plans to close the factory but are looking at ways to improve efficiency. Meetings between politicians and Geely highlighted the need for openness regarding future operations and job security for the 1,300 workers there.
Key Facts
An MP wants clarity from Lotus owners about the factory's future.
There are rumors about the possible closure of Lotus's Hethel site.
Lotus's owner, Geely, said the factory will continue to operate.
Geely is looking at ways to make the factory more efficient.
The Hethel facility employs 1,300 workers.
Geely took control of Lotus in 2017 and focuses on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Lotus announced plans earlier to cut 270 jobs in the UK.
Politicians are emphasizing the need for clear communication from Geely.
Jurors in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking trial started deliberations. Combs faces charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, with possible life imprisonment if convicted. The jury will review evidence and testimonies from a seven-week trial, where Combs pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
Jurors began deliberating in Sean "Diddy" Combs' trial on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
If convicted, Combs could face life in prison.
The trial lasted seven weeks and included graphic testimonies and evidence.
Combs is accused of organizing drug-fueled sexual activities and coercing women into sexual encounters.
A jury of eight men and four women is reviewing evidence, including text messages and videos.
Combs has pleaded not guilty and did not testify in his own defense.
His lawyers argue that prosecutors are wrongly interfering in his personal and consensual activities.
Two of Combs' former girlfriends were key witnesses, alleging violence and coercion.
The Senate is holding a long session to vote on changes to President Trump's bill, which includes spending and tax cuts. Democrats plan to propose amendments to change some parts of the bill.
Key Facts
The Senate is working on President Trump's bill that includes spending cuts and tax cuts.
The session involves voting on amendments, which are suggested changes to the bill.
The session is expected to last all day and might continue into the night.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will give a news briefing at 1 p.m. ET.
Democrats want to propose amendments to remove tax breaks for wealthy people and cuts to the Medicaid program.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer wants an amendment to prevent increased costs for working families and small businesses.
Chuck Schumer mentioned that the actions taken by Republicans will be remembered by American people.
A key witness in the corruption case involving former Lima mayor Susana Villarán has been found dead, according to Peruvian prosecutors. José Miguel Castro, who was under house arrest and working with prosecutors on the case, was a former official during Villarán's time as mayor and was set to be a co-defendant in her trial starting on September 23.
Key Facts
Susana Villarán, former mayor of Lima, is accused of taking $10 million in bribes from Brazilian construction companies.
José Miguel Castro, a key witness and former official, was found dead at his home.
Castro was under house arrest and reportedly cooperating with investigators.
Villarán admitted in 2019 to receiving funds from Odebrecht and OAS but denied these were bribes.
The trial for Villarán is scheduled to begin on September 23.
Odebrecht admitted in 2016 to bribing officials to secure contracts in Latin America and Africa.
Several former Peruvian presidents have been investigated for corruption linked to Odebrecht.
Other politicians, including ex-presidents Ollanta Humala and Alejandro Toledo, have been sentenced to prison for corruption-related charges.
A man with a rifle started a fire and then fired at first responders in northern Idaho, killing two firefighters and injuring another. The suspect, identified as Wess Roley, was found dead after a police search. Authorities believe he acted alone and deliberately ambushed the firefighters.
Key Facts
A man started a fire and shot at firefighters in a northern Idaho mountain community.
Two firefighters died, and one was injured in the attack.
The suspect was identified as Wess Roley and was found dead with a firearm nearby.
Police believe the attack was planned and targeted at the firefighters.
The incident occurred near Canfield Mountain, north of Coeur d’Alene.
A shelter-in-place order was given but later lifted after the suspect was found.
The fire was still burning, with authorities urging residents to remain alert.
The FBI and local law enforcement responded to the scene for investigation and security.
The Trump administration concluded that Harvard University failed to protect Jewish students from harassment and threatened to cut all federal funding if the school does not take action. The investigation found that Harvard violated laws protecting against discrimination based on race or national origin, particularly regarding antisemitic incidents on campus.
Key Facts
The Trump administration investigated Harvard University for not protecting Jewish students from harassment.
The investigation concluded that Harvard violated civil rights laws meant to prevent discrimination based on race or national origin.
A federal task force communicated these findings in a letter to Harvard.
Officials stated that Harvard allowed antisemitic behavior to grow on campus.
The letter warned that Harvard could lose all federal funding if it does not make immediate changes.
The university did not provide any comments at the time of the report.
The investigation is part of ongoing tensions between the White House and Harvard, which previously lost over $2.6 billion in federal funding after rejecting federal demands for changes at the university.
Aldi changed the name of its store in Prestwich, near Manchester, to "Aldeh" as a nod to the local accent and the band Oasis. This renaming coincides with Oasis's reunion tour and their performances in Heaton Park. The band, known for splitting up 16 years ago, is getting back together for a series of concerts.
Key Facts
Aldi changed the name of its Prestwich store to "Aldeh."
The renaming reflects the Manchester accent and honors the band Oasis.
Oasis has reunited for a tour starting in Cardiff and ending in Brazil in November.
The group split 16 years ago due to a conflict between the Gallagher brothers.
Oasis is playing five shows in Heaton Park, Manchester.
The store's new name will stay up during these concerts.
Aldi's chief commercial officer mentioned the name change celebrates the local culture and the band's legacy.
The U.S. Senate is working to pass a large bill proposed by President Trump that includes tax cuts and spending changes. The debate is intense, with Republicans and Democrats sharply divided over issues like health care cuts. The bill could impact millions of Americans' health insurance and increase the national deficit.
Key Facts
The Senate is debating a bill with significant tax cuts and spending changes backed by President Trump.
A GOP senator announced retirement plans after opposing the bill due to cuts to Medicaid.
The bill could leave 11.8 million more Americans without health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill could increase the U.S. deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next ten years.
The bill needs to pass the Senate before moving to the House for a vote.
Some Republicans are pushing for even deeper cuts, especially to health care.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favor after intense discussions, aided by specific provisions for her state.
The government is set to explain changes to its welfare reform plans to gain the support of Labour MPs before an important vote. The plans faced backlash from over 120 Labour MPs, prompting concessions to make the benefits system fairer, such as limiting cuts to certain payments and raising benefits with inflation.
Key Facts
The government will announce changes to its planned welfare reforms before a crucial vote.
Over 120 Labour MPs opposed the original plans, leading to significant concessions.
The goal of the welfare changes is to save £2 billion annually, not the originally expected £5 billion.
Concessions include limiting cuts to the Personal Independence Payment for new applicants.
The government reversed plans to freeze the health-related part of universal credit; it will now rise with inflation.
A review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process will be conducted with input from disabled people.
The reforms aim to allow people receiving benefits to try work without fear of losing support.
Some Labour MPs, along with the Liberal Democrats, still oppose the changes due to concerns about their impact on vulnerable groups.
The U.S. Senate is working on a major Republican tax and spending bill that aims to increase military and border spending and raise the debt limit while making cuts to Medicaid. Additionally, the Trump administration has introduced a new system to track citizenship data, and two firefighters were killed in North Idaho by a suspected sniper.
Key Facts
The Senate is debating a Republican tax and spending bill that President Trump wants to be approved by Friday.
This bill includes a $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling to avoid a default.
It proposes more federal spending on border enforcement and the military.
The most significant cuts in the bill are proposed for Medicaid, which may lead to nearly 12 million people losing coverage.
The Trump administration launched a national citizenship data system to verify voter citizenship.
Concerns have been raised about potential other uses of the new citizenship data system.
In North Idaho, two firefighters were fatally shot in what authorities describe as a sniper attack.
The UK and US have started a new deal that lowers import taxes, allowing UK car makers to sell up to 100,000 vehicles in the US with a 10% tax, benefiting UK car and aerospace sectors. In return, the UK will remove taxes on US ethanol and beef imports, but tariffs on UK steel and aluminum are still in place, with negotiations ongoing until July 9. Other countries are also seeking trade deals with the US before the upcoming deadline.
Key Facts
The UK-US deal began after being signed at the G7 summit.
UK cars can now be sold in the US with a 10% tariff, down from the previous 27.5%.
UK aerospace exports to the US will have zero tariffs.
The UK will remove tariffs on US ethanol and increase the quota for US beef imports.
UK steel and aluminum are still subject to a 25% tariff, which could double if no agreement is reached by July 9.
The UK government believes the deal will save industries money and protect jobs.
Other countries, like Thailand, are also in talks with the US to reduce tariffs.
President Trump has stated it is unlikely he will extend the deadline for tariff negotiations.
Bayern Munich beat Flamengo 4-2 in the Club World Cup round of 16 match. Harry Kane scored two goals for Bayern, moving them into the quarterfinals where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.
Key Facts
Bayern Munich won 4-2 against Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
Harry Kane scored twice in the match for Bayern Munich.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka also scored for Bayern.
Gerson and Jorginho scored the goals for Flamengo.
Flamengo's coach, Filipe Luis, said that the best Brazilian players are in Europe.
Bayern will play Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals.
The match was held at Hard Rock Stadium with a crowd of 60,914.
Luiz Araujo and Leon Goretzka's key moments impacted the game's outcome.
Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company, aims to be the first to mine the ocean floor for minerals like nickel and cobalt with support from an executive order by President Trump. The company seeks approval to mine a mineral-rich area in the Pacific Ocean, though the environmental impact and rights over international waters remain concerns.
Key Facts
Gerard Barron is the CEO of The Metals Company, which plans to mine the ocean floor.
President Trump's executive order promotes deep-sea mining to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals.
The targeted mining area is in the Pacific Ocean, known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
This zone contains large amounts of minerals such as nickel and cobalt.
The Metals Company is seeking U.S. government approval to start mining in this area.
Mining these minerals is considered crucial for defense and energy technologies.
Environmental impact on ocean ecosystems is a significant concern among scientists.
Legal rights over these minerals in international waters are disputed by other countries.
Andrew Roth, a Holocaust survivor, and Jack Moran, a former U.S. soldier, met in Los Angeles 80 years after Moran helped liberate Roth from the Buchenwald concentration camp. They shared their experiences with the USC Shoah Foundation, which works to preserve Holocaust survivor stories. Many survivors like Roth and soldiers like Moran are nearing 100 years old, and their testimonies help ensure that history is not forgotten.
Key Facts
Andrew Roth was imprisoned in Buchenwald, a concentration camp in Germany, after surviving Auschwitz and a Jewish ghetto.
Jack Moran served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was part of the group that liberated Buchenwald.
Roth and Moran recently met at the USC Shoah Foundation, an organization that records and shares Holocaust survivor stories.
An estimated six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.
The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany states that approximately 220,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive.
The USC Shoah Foundation is gathering survivor testimonies to help fill in historical gaps and promote understanding of the Holocaust.
Survivor stories are crucial as there are fewer first-hand witnesses living to share their experiences.
The number of murders across the United States has dropped significantly, with a 14% decrease in 2024 and similar trends expected in 2025. Experts link this decline to changes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a major impact on daily life and public services.
Key Facts
Murder rates in the U.S. fell by at least 14% in 2024, according to AH Datalytics and the Council on Criminal Justice.
The FBI reports similar declines up to 2023, and experts anticipate continued decreases in 2025.
Detroit experienced its lowest homicide rate since 1965.
Police presence and strategy contribute to crime rates but are not the sole reasons for the decline.
Crime analysts identify the COVID-19 pandemic as a key factor affecting murder rates.
The pandemic led to many young people staying home with less to occupy their time.
Local government services and employment, which decreased at the pandemic's peak, have returned to pre-pandemic levels, helping restore community support systems.
Renewed municipal spending is contributing to job creation and community improvements.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson decided to support President Trump's tax and spending bill after expressing satisfaction with Trump's promise to cut federal spending. Johnson, who initially voted against it, cast the deciding vote to advance the bill, which includes significant tax cuts and changes to Medicaid. The bill has sparked debate over potential impacts on Medicaid and state budgets.
Key Facts
Senator Ron Johnson initially opposed but later supported President Trump's tax and spending bill.
The bill proposes $4 trillion in tax cuts and changes to Medicaid, the health program for low-income individuals.
The bill includes new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps people buy food.
Johnson’s support followed discussions with Trump about reducing federal spending to pre-pandemic levels.
Johnson criticized the $1.9 trillion average annual deficit during President Biden’s term.
Some lawmakers, including GOP Senator Thom Tillis, oppose the bill due to potential high costs for states if Medicaid changes are implemented.
Johnson supports an amendment to end the federal government’s cost-sharing for certain Medicaid enrollees by 2030.
The bill faces scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the impact on Medicaid coverage.
