Early Thursday, people in Southeastern U.S. states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee reported seeing a bright fireball in the sky. Experts identified it as a bolide, a large fireball that can cause a loud noise called a sonic boom.
Key Facts
A large fireball was seen early Thursday in the Southeastern U.S.
States where it was visible include Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The American Meteor Society received reports about the fireball.
Video footage from drivers showed a bright light moving quickly downward.
Experts called it a bolide, a rare type of large fireball.
A bolide is known for creating a sonic boom, a loud noise caused by something moving faster than the speed of sound.
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has objected to parts of a large tax bill proposed by former President Donald Trump, stating some sections break Senate rules. Her decision puts billions of dollars in tax cuts at risk and is causing disagreement within Congress as they try to pass the bill by 4 July.
Key Facts
Elizabeth MacDonough is the Senate parliamentarian who reviews if a bill follows Senate rules.
She found some parts of Trump's tax bill violate Senate rules, which could impact large financial cuts.
The tax bill, called the "big beautiful bill" by Trump, involves reducing spending and tax cuts.
The bill includes cuts to Medicaid and changes to food assistance and job-related taxes.
Republicans are trying to pass the bill by 4 July, but internal disagreements are causing delays.
The Byrd Rule prevents unrelated items in reconciliation bills that affect budget decisions.
Reconciliation bills only need a simple majority to pass in the Senate.
Some Republicans want to ignore or dismiss MacDonough's rulings to proceed with the bill.
The Trump administration announced an investigation into the University of California's hiring practices over concerns of race and sex-based criteria. The Department of Justice suspects these practices might violate federal anti-discrimination laws. The University of California denies any wrongdoing and states it follows fair and legal hiring procedures.
Key Facts
The Trump administration opened an investigation into the University of California's hiring practices.
The investigation focuses on whether the university uses race and sex in hiring decisions.
The Department of Justice expressed concerns about potential violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.
The University of California system includes 10 campuses with over 299,000 students.
The UC system argues it complies with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
The Trump administration has previously clashed with universities over diversity initiatives.
Other universities like Harvard have faced similar scrutiny and disputes over diversity and foreign student policies.
Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York City's mayoral primary is receiving significant attention. This win is being discussed as important for the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral primary.
The event is gaining a lot of media attention.
Some see this win as significant for the Democratic Party in the United States.
Adrian Finighan presented the news about Mamdani's victory.
Linda Sarsour, Joi Chaney, and Omar Rahman discussed the political impact of this win.
The Justice Department plans to try Kilmar Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges in Tennessee before deporting him. Although a judge ruled he could be released while awaiting trial, concerns exist that he might be deported quickly by immigration officials. Abrego Garcia was previously deported to El Salvador in 2019, which was found to be a mistake due to a judge's order that protected him from expulsion.
Key Facts
The Justice Department will try Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges in Tennessee.
A judge ruled he could be released from jail before his trial but delayed his release over deportation fears.
Abrego Garcia was previously deported in March following an administrative error by the Trump administration.
His attorneys filed an emergency request to prevent his deportation before trial.
He lived in Maryland with his family for over a decade before being deported.
A hearing is scheduled for July 7 in Maryland to address the emergency request and other issues.
The deportation occurred despite a judge's order in 2019 protecting him from removal due to gang threats.
The Trump administration defended its airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program, saying they destroyed key facilities. A leaked report claimed the program was only delayed for a few months, and the FBI is looking into the leak.
Key Facts
The Trump administration said it destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities in airstrikes.
A leaked report said the nuclear program was only delayed by a few months.
Defense Secretary Hegseth criticized the leaked report.
The FBI is investigating how the report was leaked.
Amna Nawaz and David Albright discussed the situation further.
Republican Senator Michael Rounds from South Dakota, who is part of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, attended a briefing about airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program. The briefing included information from top U.S. officials like the CIA Director and Defense Secretary.
Key Facts
Senator Michael Rounds is from South Dakota.
He is a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.
On Thursday, he participated in a briefing about airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program.
The briefing was conducted by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Gen. Dan Caine also provided information.
Journalist Amna Nawaz interviewed Rounds after the briefing.
Hong Kong's top U.S. diplomat, Gregory May, said that actions by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have reduced freedoms. He mentioned the national security law's impact on activists like Jimmy Lai and concerns about its enforcement reaching into the U.S. The Hong Kong government criticized May's comments, highlighting their own national security needs.
Key Facts
U.S. Consul General Gregory May raised concerns about reduced freedoms in Hong Kong.
May pointed out the case of activist Jimmy Lai, who is facing charges under a national security law.
Jimmy Lai and other activists could face life imprisonment under this law.
The Hong Kong national security law was put in place after the 2019 protests.
May expressed worry about the law being applied in the U.S. against Hong Kong activists abroad.
The Hong Kong government criticized May's comments, defending their legal system.
U.S. voiced displeasure over restrictions on July 4th events organized in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's education authorities advised schools to be cautious about national security issues.
In Gaza, an airstrike reportedly killed at least 18 people as they waited for supplies. The severe summer heat in the eastern U.S. is starting to cool down. In France, storms caused deaths and injuries. Former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy has passed away.
Key Facts
An airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 18 people who were waiting for flour, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
The intense summer heat in the eastern United States is beginning to ease.
Violent storms in France resulted in at least two deaths and injured 17 people.
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. Congresswoman, has died.
The Supreme Court decided that Planned Parenthood and a patient could not legally challenge South Carolina's decision to stop giving Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood. This ruling allows other states to also potentially stop giving funds to abortion-care providers.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Carolina in a case involving Planned Parenthood and Medicaid funds.
The decision was made with a 6-3 vote among the justices.
The ruling prevents Planned Parenthood and its patients from suing South Carolina over Medicaid funding issues.
The decision could influence other states considering cutting funds to organizations that provide abortion care.
This case highlights ongoing debates over funding for healthcare services related to reproductive rights.
President Trump's budget bill is about to be voted on in the Senate, possibly starting Friday. A decision was made that some of the proposed Medicaid changes do not meet the requirements for the budget process the Republicans want to use.
Key Facts
The Senate is getting ready to vote on President Trump’s budget bill.
Voting could start as early as Friday.
The Senate parliamentarian made a ruling about the bill.
The ruling said some Medicaid changes in the bill don’t fit the current budget process.
The Republicans are using a specific budget process to try to pass the bill.
Medicaid is a program that helps with healthcare costs for people with limited income.
The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, held a briefing to argue that the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were successful, despite an earlier report suggesting otherwise. His goal was to change public opinion and counter negative media coverage.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a briefing at the Pentagon.
He aimed to show that the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities was a success.
Hegseth disputed a preliminary report that found the strikes less effective.
He criticized the American media for negative coverage, calling it unpatriotic.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's letter claimed key Iranian sites were destroyed.
General Dan Caine described the use of "bunker buster bombs" in the attack.
Hegseth urged Americans to think critically about the strike's effectiveness.
The briefing addressed the quick pace of American politics and public opinion.
A bill proposed by congressional Republicans to cut state taxes on health care providers as part of a larger tax and spending package faced a setback. The Senate parliamentarian found that many parts of the bill do not follow budget rules, so it can't pass with just a simple majority vote. There is ongoing debate about the impact of cutting these taxes, with concerns about potential effects on Medicaid services.
Key Facts
Republican lawmakers want to freeze or cut state taxes on health care providers.
The Senate parliamentarian said the bill doesn’t meet budget rules, meaning it can’t pass with a basic majority vote.
Some Republicans, like Sen. Josh Hawley, voiced concerns over cutting Medicaid.
Provider taxes are taxes on health care entities like hospitals and nursing homes.
These taxes help states spend more on Medicaid, triggering greater federal funding.
Eliminating provider taxes might affect health care access for millions of people.
Experts point out that provider tax revenue is crucial for supporting Medicaid in many states.
President Trump stated that anti-corruption laws are making it hard for U.S. businesses to operate. His administration has reduced the number of investigators, closed some cases, and altered the regulations related to bribery.
Key Facts
President Trump believes anti-bribery laws negatively impact U.S. businesses.
Since Trump became president, the administration cut the number of investigators working on corruption.
Some ongoing bribery cases have been stopped or closed.
The administration has changed the rules about how bribery is investigated and handled.
These actions are part of a broader change in how U.S. corruption cases are approached.
A wildfire has spread through sections of the coastline near Athens, Greece, leading to evacuations and significant firefighting efforts. Over 100 firefighters and numerous aircraft are combating the blaze, which is fueled by high winds and a heatwave. Authorities are investigating the fire's cause and have set up emergency responses including potential sea evacuations.
Key Facts
A wildfire is affecting areas 40 kilometers south of Athens, Greece.
More than 100 firefighters and 24 firefighting aircraft are battling the fire.
High winds and nearly 40°C temperatures are worsening the fire.
Police evacuated 40 people, with evacuation orders for five areas.
Roads in the affected areas were closed as a safety measure.
Boats are ready in case evacuations by sea are necessary.
An investigation is underway to determine if arson is involved.
Greece is on high alert for wildfires due to heatwave conditions.
The country has increased its firefighting force to 18,000 this year.
Jeff Bezos is set to marry Lauren Sanchez, a well-known TV presenter and helicopter pilot. Their wedding in Venice is attracting attention, partly due to protests from activists. Sanchez has had a successful career in journalism and aviation, and she runs her own aerial film production company.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have been together since 2019 and are now engaged.
Activists have protested their upcoming wedding in Venice.
Lauren Sanchez was born in New Mexico and raised in California.
She had a successful career in journalism, winning an Emmy Award in 1999.
Sanchez pivoted to aviation, becoming a licensed helicopter pilot and starting her own aerial film company.
She participated in an all-female crew for a Blue Origin rocket flight in 2023.
Sanchez has three children from previous relationships.
She met Jeff Bezos while working on a project for his space company, Blue Origin.
Anna Wintour is stepping back from her role as the editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue to focus more on her global responsibilities at Vogue and the parent company, Condé Nast. Vogue is now looking for a new editor for its U.S. magazine.
Key Facts
Anna Wintour is known as a major influence in global fashion.
She told her staff that someone new will lead the U.S. editorial content at Vogue.
Wintour has been editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988.
She also oversees all Condé Nast brands worldwide, except for The New Yorker.
Wintour launched Teen Vogue in 2003 and Men's Vogue in 2005.
She inspired the character Miranda Priestly in the book and movie "The Devil Wears Prada."
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed South Carolina to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds. This decision may help Republican-led states limit public money for providers that offer abortions, as many states have strict abortion laws.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Carolina removing Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood.
The decision was a 6-3 split along ideological lines, with three liberal justices dissenting.
Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income people get healthcare.
Planned Parenthood provides various health services, including cancer screenings and contraception, and also performs abortions.
South Carolina's leaders object to funding Planned Parenthood due to its abortion services.
In 2017, South Carolina's governor aimed to remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.
A federal judge and the 4th Circuit Court previously ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood.
The Supreme Court's decision aligns with efforts in other states to restrict abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year extension with Al Nassr, a football club in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo, originally moved to the club in 2023, is expected to stay until 2027. This extension is considered one of the most financially rewarding contracts in football.
Key Facts
Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr until 2027.
His continuation with Al Nassr was confirmed via a social media post by the club.
Ronaldo first joined the Saudi club in 2023.
The contract is reported to be one of the most lucrative in world football.
He was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 25 goals last season.
Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season without winning any trophies.
Saudi Arabia uses its wealth to attract football stars to boost its league and image.
The country is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Around the country, signs have been placed in national parks asking visitors to report negative historical content. These signs appeared after an executive order by President Trump aimed at ensuring a positive portrayal of American history. Many park visitors have shared feedback, but few comments suggest changes to the historical content.
Key Facts
Signs in national parks ask visitors to report negative historical content.
The initiative follows President Trump's executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."
The order seeks to remove negative portrayals of Americans in historic sites.
Visitors can submit feedback using a QR code, phone number, email, or web address.
NPR reviewed comments on the initiative, revealing no major requests for content change.
Some comments praise park staff for telling the full American story, while others call for more inclusive history.
The Department of the Interior claims the effort aims to ensure an accurate portrayal of history on public lands.
A national park employee leaked a PDF with park visitors' responses to advocacy groups.
