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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States
Michael Caputo, who worked with President Trump in his first administration, has asked the Justice Department for $2.7 million from a new fund. This fund is meant to help people who claim they were unfairly targeted or used improperly by the government.
Key Facts
Michael Caputo is a longtime ally of President Donald Trump.
He served as a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Caputo filed a claim to the Justice Department’s new "anti-weaponization" fund.
This is the first known claim made to this fund.
He is seeking $2.7 million in compensation.
The fund aims to help people who say the government misused its power against them.
The claim was filed on a Tuesday (specific date not given).
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Luke Gulbranson, a former reality TV star on Bravo's Summer House, is running for Congress in Minnesota's 8th District. He aims to focus on jobs, healthcare, and housing, drawing on his own experience growing up with public assistance, and challenges the current political system.
Key Facts
Luke Gulbranson was a cast member on the reality show Summer House.
He is running for Congress in Minnesota's 8th District.
Gulbranson comes from a humble background and his family received public assistance when he was young.
He previously pursued modeling and acting after a hockey injury ended his sports ambitions.
He moved back to his hometown in Northern Minnesota during the pandemic and decided to enter politics.
His campaign focuses on improving jobs, healthcare, and housing.
Gulbranson criticizes Congress for working more for political parties and special interests than the people.
Andy Cohen, a TV producer, publicly supported Gulbranson’s move into politics.
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Large groups of teenagers have been gathering in U.S. cities at public places using social media to coordinate meetups called "teen takeovers." Some of these gatherings have turned violent or caused disruptions, leading to arrests and police investigations.
Key Facts
Teen takeovers are events where many youths meet at a set time and place, coordinated through social media.
Recent incidents happened in cities including Washington, D.C., Tampa, Orlando, Edmond (Oklahoma), Buford (Georgia), and Chicago.
In Washington, D.C., teens fought inside a Chipotle restaurant, causing customers to flee; police are investigating.
Tampa police arrested 22 youths aged 12 to 21 after fights and disruption at a park.
In Edmond, Oklahoma, an 18-year-old woman died and 22 people were injured at an unsanctioned gathering; a man was charged with felony murder.
Orlando saw fights at a large gathering of over 1,000 teens, leading to arrests and injuries.
Authorities and city leaders have issued warnings to parents and the public about the dangers of these gatherings.
Police resources are strained by these events, and there are concerns about violence increasing during the summer months when schools are closed.
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The United States has charged Raúl Castro, Cuba’s former president, with conspiracy to kill US citizens and other crimes related to a 1996 incident where Cuban forces shot down planes operated by a volunteer group rescuing refugees. This indictment is part of the Trump administration’s effort to challenge Cuba’s communist government amid ongoing tensions, including a US oil embargo causing energy shortages in Cuba.
Key Facts
Raúl Castro was indicted in Miami for conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder, and destruction of aircraft.
The charges relate to the 1996 shooting down of two planes by Cuban fighter jets that killed four Americans during a humanitarian mission.
The planes belonged to Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based group helping Cuban refugees at sea.
The indictment also names five others connected to the case.
Raúl Castro led Cuba’s communist government until 2018 and remains influential in Cuban politics.
President Trump’s administration has increased pressure on Cuba, including threats of military action and a strict oil embargo.
Cuban officials deny US claims and accuse the US of aggressive actions against Cuba.
Some US lawmakers, especially from Florida, welcomed the indictment as justice for victims and a step toward Cuban freedom.
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House Democratic leaders held a private meeting and then spoke to reporters as they work to win control of the House of Representatives in the November elections. This comes at a time when both parties are involved in disputes over how voting districts are drawn, and after some Republicans lost primary races for opposing certain views.
Key Facts
House Democratic leaders met behind closed doors on Wednesday.
They briefed the media afterwards about their plans.
Democrats aim to take control of the House in the upcoming November election.
Redistricting, which means redrawing voting district boundaries, is a major issue for both parties.
Some Republicans have lost primary elections after speaking out on controversial topics related to redistricting.
The Democrats’ remarks came amid these political challenges and battles.
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A lawsuit was filed in South Carolina claiming lawmakers broke rules by not telling the public about a meeting where they talked about changing voting district boundaries. The meeting took place before they approved new congressional maps.
Key Facts
The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina and the League of Women Voters of South Carolina filed the lawsuit.
The lawsuit says state lawmakers did not notify the public about a meeting on redistricting.
The meeting involved elected officials discussing changes to voting districts.
These discussions happened before the approval of new congressional district maps.
The lawsuit aims to address violations of debate rules related to transparency and public notice.
The issue revolves around South Carolina’s process for redrawing its voting districts, known as redistricting.
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The House of Representatives voted to approve changes to a major housing bill that the Senate had passed earlier. They sent the bill back to the Senate, but it is not clear what will happen next.
Key Facts
The House voted 396 in favor and 13 against to change the housing bill.
All the "no" votes came from Republican members.
The bill had already been passed by the Senate before the House made changes.
Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, led the House’s action to move the bill.
The bill deals with housing policy, aiming to address important housing issues.
After changes by the House, the bill must return to the Senate for approval again.
The Senate’s future decision on the bill is uncertain at this time.
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Oklahoma has become the 17th U.S. state to ban marriage for anyone under 18, with no exceptions. Several other states still allow child marriage under certain conditions, but many are working to change these laws.
Key Facts
Child marriage means at least one person in the marriage is younger than 18.
In 2017, all 50 states allowed marriage under 18 in some situations.
Now, 17 states plus Washington, D.C., have banned all child marriages.
Between 2000 and 2018, nearly 300,000 children, some as young as 10, were married legally in the U.S.
Oklahoma’s new law passed the state Senate without opposition and passed the House by one vote.
Previously, Oklahoma allowed minors to marry with parent or court approval.
Many states still allow child marriage, but lawmakers in places like Wisconsin are proposing full bans.
Child marriage raises concerns about abuse and vulnerability for minors with limited legal rights.
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Dangerous swimming and boating conditions are affecting all five Great Lakes due to high waves and strong currents. The National Weather Service has issued warnings urging people to stay out of the water to prevent life-threatening accidents.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued beach hazard alerts from Wisconsin and Illinois to Michigan, Ohio, and New York.
High waves and powerful currents create dangerous conditions for swimmers and boaters on all five Great Lakes.
Lake Michigan had particularly hazardous conditions, with waves of 2 to 6 feet and strong currents reported in several counties.
Officials advised avoiding piers and breakwalls where currents can quickly pull people into deep water.
Dangerous swimming conditions were also present in Lake Superior, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron.
About 100 people drown in the Great Lakes each year due to strong currents and waves.
Small boats are at risk of capsizing in choppy waters where advisories are in effect.
Authorities emphasize that the Great Lakes can be as dangerous as the ocean, despite appearing calmer.
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Republicans say they need to focus on lowering the cost of living for Americans to keep their control in the 2026 midterm elections. They want to promote economic freedom and reduce government involvement in people's lives.
Key Facts
The GOP aims to win the 2026 midterm elections.
They believe lowering the cost of living is important to voters.
Their plan includes reducing government interference in the economy.
They want to promote economic freedom for Americans.
This strategy is seen as key to keeping their political majorities.
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Ashley Dalton, a Labour MP with terminal breast cancer, has asked members of parliament not to bring back the assisted dying bill in England and Wales. She expressed concerns about the bill's details and potential risks, despite understanding the need for proper laws on assisted dying.
Key Facts
Ashley Dalton has metastatic breast cancer and is receiving ongoing treatment.
The assisted dying bill aims to legalize assisted death for terminally ill people with less than six months to live.
The bill previously passed in the House of Commons but stalled in the House of Lords due to many amendments and opposition.
Dalton resigned as a government minister to focus on her treatment and serve her constituents.
She is personally opposed to assisted dying but wants safer, clearer legislation if the law changes.
Dalton feels the bill as it stands is complicated, divisive, and potentially dangerous.
Supporters hope to use the Parliament Act to bypass the House of Lords' objections in the future.
The Labour Party remains deeply divided on the issue of assisted dying.
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A U.S. grand jury in Florida has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others for their roles in the Cuban military's shooting down of two civilian airplanes 30 years ago, which killed four people. The charges include conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and murder, but it is unclear if Castro will ever face trial since Cuba does not send people to the United States for criminal cases.
Key Facts
Raúl Castro, former president and Communist Party leader of Cuba, was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in Florida.
He faces charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, four counts of murder, and destruction of aircraft related to a 1996 incident.
The case involves the Cuban military shooting down two civilian planes, killing four people.
Other defendants include a fighter pilot previously charged for the same incident.
Details of the indictment have not been fully released, but a judge allowed a superseding indictment to be unsealed.
Cuba does not extradite suspects to the U.S., so it is unclear if Castro will be tried in America.
The indictment is part of increased pressure against the Cuban government by the Trump administration.
Similar cases include the 2020 U.S. indictment and capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro on drug charges.
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Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, have sued President Donald Trump to stop a $1.8 billion fund he created. They say the fund is meant to support people who claim to be victims of "weaponization," and the officers want the fund blocked.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police Officer, and Daniel Hodges, a D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer.
The officers were involved in protecting the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot.
President Trump established a fund totaling nearly $1.8 billion.
The fund is described as supporting supposed victims of "weaponization."
The officers believe the fund will be used in a way that conflicts with their interests.
The officers want the court to stop the fund from being used or distributed.
The lawsuit focuses on actions taken after the January 6 events at the Capitol.
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The eastern United States experienced a second day of unusually hot weather, prompting some schools, like those in Philadelphia, to switch to remote learning due to poor air conditioning. Temperatures broke records in cities like Boston and Portland, Maine, before cooler weather and rain are expected later in the week.
Key Facts
The eastern U.S. had another day of early-season heat on Wednesday.
Philadelphia schools moved to remote learning in 57 schools because of inadequate air conditioning.
Record high temperatures were reached in Portland, Maine (92°F/33°C) and Boston (96°F/35.5°C).
Boston schools allowed students to wear lighter clothing and used fans and water bottles to cope with the heat.
A heat advisory was active in parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
New York City opened cooling centers to help people stay safe during the heat.
A cold front with rain is expected later in the week to bring cooler temperatures.
City officials emphasized the importance of community support during extreme weather.
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The U.S. Justice Department is expected to announce criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. The charges relate to his alleged involvement in the 1996 shooting down of two planes flown by a Miami-based exile group.
Key Facts
The announcement is expected from the Justice Department at 1 p.m. EDT.
Raúl Castro was Cuba's defense minister in 1996.
The case concerns the downing of two planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue.
The indictment may include charges of murder and destruction of an airplane.
The investigation and indictment are led by federal prosecutors in Miami.
The information came from sources not authorized to speak publicly before the announcement.
Raúl Castro is currently 94 years old.
The action is part of increased pressure by the Trump administration on the Cuban government.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Florida prosecutors will speak in Miami as the U.S. Justice Department prepares to charge former Cuban President Raúl Castro. The charges relate to a 1996 incident where four men died during a search mission.
Key Facts
The Justice Department plans to indict Raúl Castro, former leader of Cuba.
The announcement and remarks will take place in Miami.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Florida prosecutors will speak.
The charges stem from an event in 1996.
Four men died during a plane search operation linked to that event.
The case involves U.S. legal authorities addressing actions by a foreign leader.
Miami is a key location due to its Cuban-American community and legal jurisdiction.
The indictment is part of ongoing efforts to pursue justice for past incidents tied to Cuba and U.S. citizens.
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House Democrats are asking President Donald Trump’s administration for details about a nearly $2 billion fund set up to compensate people who say the federal government treated them unfairly. They criticize the fund, calling it a clear case of misuse of public money for personal gain.
Key Facts
The fund is worth nearly $2 billion.
It is meant to pay Americans who claim they were wronged by the federal government.
The Justice Department announced the creation of this compensation fund.
House Democrats are strongly opposing the fund.
They accuse the Trump administration of public corruption and self-dealing.
The debate centers on how the fund is managed and who benefits.
The issue is causing political conflict between Democrats and the Trump administration.
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Speaker Mike Johnson said he was not surprised that Rep. Thomas Massie lost the Kentucky GOP primary. Johnson said President Trump's endorsement is very powerful in politics. Massie lost to Ed Gallrein, a candidate supported by President Trump.
Key Facts
Rep. Thomas Massie has represented Kentucky in Congress since 2012.
Massie has publicly criticized President Trump.
Massie lost the Republican primary in Kentucky.
Ed Gallrein, who supports President Trump, won the primary.
Speaker Mike Johnson commented on the loss, saying it was not surprising.
Johnson said President Trump's endorsement is one of the strongest in politics.
The article focuses on the 2024 GOP primary race in Kentucky.
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Two police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack sued to stop payments from a new $1.776 billion fund meant to compensate people claiming to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions. The lawsuit argues the fund is illegal and could pay rioters involved in the Capitol attack.
Key Facts
The officers helped defend the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack.
They filed a federal lawsuit to block payouts from a $1.776 billion settlement fund.
The fund is called the "Anti-Weaponization Fund."
It aims to pay people who say they were unfairly prosecuted for political reasons.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche supported the fund but did not rule out rioters getting payments.
Blanche was once President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer before joining the Justice Department.
The lawsuit calls the fund an illegal "slush fund" and accuses President Trump of corruption.
The officers want the fund to be dissolved to prevent money going to rioters or violent groups.
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Montana has asked the federal government to approve rules that stop people from using SNAP benefits to buy sugary drinks and candy. This move follows 22 other states that have received permission to restrict certain junk food purchases under the SNAP program.
Key Facts
Montana submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ban soft drinks and candy in SNAP purchases.
About 38 million low-income Americans rely on SNAP, which currently allows many types of foods including fresh produce and snacks.
SNAP does not allow buying alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared meals, or non-food items.
Over 20 states have already obtained approval to restrict soda, candy, and desserts in SNAP.
Some states with these restrictions in place include Florida, Texas, Indiana, and Nebraska.
Supporters say the restrictions help avoid taxpayer money being spent on unhealthy foods and promote better diets.
Opponents argue these rules unfairly stigmatize low-income people and complicate shopping.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports limiting sugary products bought with SNAP benefits.
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