England will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16 starting from April next year. The ban aims to protect children’s health by limiting their access to drinks that can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and affect concentration.
Key Facts
The ban applies to drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, excluding tea and coffee.
About 100,000 children in England currently drink these energy drinks daily.
The drinks are popular among children in poorer areas and are promoted by online influencers.
Selling energy drinks to under-16s will be banned in stores, vending machines, and online.
Retailers breaking the law can be fined up to £2,500.
The government expects the ban to help improve children’s health and reduce childhood obesity.
Health experts link energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, and lower school performance.
Doctors warn that heavy energy drink use can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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A White House teleprompter operator named Gabriel Perez is being investigated for allegedly using secret information from President Donald Trump’s speeches to place bets and make nearly $100,000. The betting platform Kalshi spotted unusual activity, froze Perez’s account, and reported the case to government regulators.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez worked as a White House teleprompter operator since 2016.
He is accused of betting on the specific words President Trump would say in public speeches.
Bets were placed on Kalshi, a platform where people predict real-world events.
Kalshi noticed unusual betting on words mentioned by political leaders and reported this to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Perez’s account was frozen with over $90,000 in winnings before he could withdraw money.
The White House said Perez is now on unpaid leave and will no longer work there.
Perez is cooperating with the investigation, and no criminal case has been opened so far.
The CFTC did not confirm or deny the investigation.
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Actor Richard Gere criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a "rogue personality" who has caused destruction and harm during his second term. Gere expressed strong negative views about the impact of President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Richard Gere spoke publicly about President Donald Trump.
Gere described President Trump as a "rogue personality."
He said President Trump has destroyed many things and hurt many people.
Gere also mentioned that President Trump's actions have caused deaths.
These comments were made during President Trump’s second term in office.
Gere expressed hope that President Trump’s time in office will end.
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Andy Burnham, the new prime minister, is keeping many of Keir Starmer’s key advisers in his main team at No 10. He has also hired some people from the private sector and campaign groups. His team will soon announce policies on energy, water, and the cost of living.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new prime minister and is forming his No 10 team.
Many senior aides who worked for Keir Starmer will continue in their roles.
Jonathan Powell remains national security adviser; Varun Chandra stays as business adviser.
Graeme Cooke is promoted to head the policy unit.
New hires include James Purnell as chief of staff and Hayden Munro as political director.
Sarah Brown will lead the press team; Grace Pritchard will be the prime minister’s spokesperson.
Alison Phillips is brought in as transition director to help avoid early mistakes.
Burnham aims to announce plans soon, including possibly taking water companies into public ownership.
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US Soccer chief JT Batson spoke publicly about President Donald Trump’s involvement in the controversy over Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup. Batson praised the support from American fans and avoided expressing regret about Trump’s role, emphasizing the president’s authority.
Key Facts
President Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of Balogun’s red card from a World Cup match.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban but said Trump’s calls did not affect their decision.
Balogun was red-carded after accidentally stepping on an opponent’s ankle.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson thanked fans for their strong support during the tournament.
Batson declined to say if the Federation regretted President Trump’s involvement.
The US lost 4-1 to Belgium in the next round after Balogun’s ban was lifted.
Balogun described the situation as difficult because it caused “a lot of outside noise” and made teammates nervous.
The Federation ended the press event early when asked again about regrets over Trump’s role.
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A White House teleprompter operator named Gabriel Perez made nearly $100,000 by betting on words in President Trump’s speeches using an online platform called Kalshi. Kalshi froze his account after finding unusual trading patterns and referred the case to a federal agency, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is investigating.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez worked as a teleprompter operator in the White House.
He placed bets on Kalshi, a prediction market platform, about words said in President Trump’s speeches.
Perez earned nearly $100,000 from these bets.
Kalshi's surveillance team noticed his trades were unusual and froze his account, holding back most of his earnings.
Kalshi reported the activity to the CFTC, the government agency that regulates prediction markets.
Perez has cooperated fully with the CFTC and is in talks about a possible settlement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Perez is on unpaid leave.
President Trump called the situation “deeply unfortunate” and said Perez is cooperating with regulators.
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Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general until Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. Tillis wants to hear directly from the survivors before moving forward with the confirmation.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from the United States.
Todd Blanche has been nominated for the position of attorney general.
Senator Tillis is delaying his support for Blanche’s confirmation.
Tillis wants Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein first.
The meeting with Epstein survivors is important to Tillis before any vote happens.
This shows concern about how the justice system addresses victims’ experiences.
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The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin agree on restarting traffic stops by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Department of Homeland Security has given verbal instructions to its field offices to continue these vehicle stops.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin share the same view on resuming ICE traffic stops.
ICE traffic stops involve pulling over vehicles to check immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued verbal guidance to all field offices about continuing these stops.
This information was announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The policy affects field offices across the entire United States.
The announcement was made during a White House press briefing.
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A new poll shows U.S. voters are evenly split on whether the economy is better or worse under President Trump compared to President Biden’s time in office. While unemployment is low and the stock market is up, many Americans still face high prices for housing, food, and other goods.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 1,776 registered voters and found a 50/50 split on opinions about the current economy versus Biden’s administration.
72% of Republicans think the economy is better now, while 66% of Democrats think it was better under Biden.
57% of voters say the current economy is mostly due to Trump administration policies; 43% credit Biden’s policies.
Only 33% of voters believe the economy is heading in the right direction, with 61% of Republicans saying yes, versus 14% of Democrats.
54% of Americans describe the economy as weak, and 58% believe it is shrinking, not growing.
46% of participants say their personal financial situation is worsening; 30% say it is improving.
The U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 6.4% in January 2021 to 4.2% in June 2026.
Inflation rates have risen since Biden took office, with ongoing inflation causing concerns for voters.
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President Donald Trump knows that a White House teleprompter operator made thousands of dollars by betting on parts of his speeches using an online platform. The operator is now on unpaid leave and is working with a government investigation.
Key Facts
A White House teleprompter operator placed bets on the content of President Trump’s speeches.
The operator won thousands of dollars through an online betting platform called Kalshi.
President Trump called the situation "deeply unfortunate" and a "disgrace."
The teleprompter operator has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.
This action was approved by President Trump.
The operator is cooperating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which oversees trading activities.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared these details publicly.
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Half of ICE’s field offices in the U.S. now have body cameras for agents, with the rest expected to have them within 60 days, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move follows several fatal shootings involving ICE agents and aims to increase transparency in their actions.
Key Facts
Currently, half of ICE’s U.S. field offices have body cameras for agents.
The remaining offices will receive cameras within 60 days.
The push for body cameras increased after fatal shootings involving ICE agents in Minneapolis, Texas, and Maine.
DHS allocated an extra $20 million in April to provide more body cameras to ICE.
ICE began testing body cameras in 2021 and had deployed 1,600 cameras by 2024.
About 3,000 of 13,000 ICE agents had body cameras as of March 2024, with 6,000 more expected soon.
Some delays in camera deployment were linked to recent federal government shutdowns.
Critics say the delays are unacceptable, given the funding provided and concerns over ICE agents’ training and behavior.
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A recent vote in the U.S. House of Representatives revealed growing division within the Democratic Party over military aid to Israel. Over 100 Democrats, including senior leaders, voted to cut $3.3 billion in security assistance, signaling a shift in traditional bipartisan support for unconditional aid to Israel.
Key Facts
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Democrats to oppose an amendment removing security aid to Israel.
Despite this, 103 Democrats voted in favor of the amendment, nearly half the caucus.
The amendment, proposed by Republican Thomas Massie, aimed to cut $3.3 billion in aid but failed with a vote of 314-104.
Nancy Pelosi supported the amendment to send a political message, though she called it “ill-conceived.”
Most Republicans, except Massie, voted against the amendment to maintain military aid to Israel.
The vote exposed a split in Democratic support due to concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
Public opinion shows only 16% of U.S. adults support unrestricted aid to Israel, with even less support among younger voters.
Growing criticism of Israel’s influence in U.S. foreign policy has appeared among some Republicans.
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Wildfire smoke from Canada is causing poor air quality across parts of the United States, leading health experts to recommend wearing specific types of masks for protection. Masks like N95, KN95, or KF94 respirators that fit well can better filter tiny harmful particles in the smoke, while cloth or surgical masks offer little protection.
Key Facts
Wildfire smoke has created hazardous air quality in parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast regions of the U.S.
The smoke contains tiny particles called PM2.5 that can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
Well-fitting N95, KN95, or KF94 masks are most effective for protecting against these particles.
Cloth masks and surgical masks do not block these fine particles well.
People are advised to stay indoors and avoid heavy outdoor activities when air quality is poor.
Vulnerable groups include children, older adults, and people with heart or lung diseases.
Some people, like outdoor workers and those without access to air filtration, cannot avoid smoke exposure.
Exposure to wildfire smoke can cause coughing, eye irritation, breathing problems, and may worsen chronic health conditions.
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House Democrats voted in favor of an amendment to cut over $3 billion in aid to Israel, though it did not pass. Vice President JD Vance criticized Israel’s influence on U.S. politics and expressed frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu, signaling a possible shift in the Trump administration’s approach to Israel.
Key Facts
A majority of House Democrats voted to remove more than $3 billion in annual military and humanitarian aid to Israel.
The amendment to cut aid ultimately did not pass.
Vice President JD Vance said Israel is more effective than most countries at influencing American politics.
Vance accused Israeli-linked groups of trying to stop the Iran ceasefire deal.
Vance defended President Donald Trump against claims that Netanyahu pressured him into the Iran war.
Vance called Netanyahu "not a particularly popular person" in the U.S. right now.
A June Quinnipiac poll showed 48% of Americans feel the U.S. supports Israel too much, including 66% of Democrats.
Vance’s comments suggest the Trump administration may take a more critical public stance on Israel than before.
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Senator Jon Ossoff questioned Jay Clayton during a hearing about his ability to oversee intelligence agencies and national security. Ossoff emphasized that accepting facts, such as the winner of the 2020 election, is essential for someone in this important role.
Key Facts
Jon Ossoff is a U.S. Senator.
Jay Clayton was being questioned about overseeing 18 intelligence agencies.
The role involves managing secret information and advising the president on war and security issues.
Ossoff pointed out that recognizing established facts is necessary for this position.
One key fact mentioned was acknowledging that President Joe Biden won the 2020 election.
The article highlights the importance of truth and facts in national security roles.
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Greystar, the largest apartment owner and manager in the US, faces civil rights complaints in six states and Washington DC for allegedly breaking fair housing laws. The company is accused of refusing to accept federal housing vouchers and imposing illegal conditions on their use.
Key Facts
Complaints were filed in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Greystar allegedly refused to accept Section 8 housing vouchers where local laws require them to do so.
Civil rights groups and a law firm used undercover calls to test voucher acceptance at Greystar-managed buildings.
Greystar operates over 1 million housing units nationwide, with about 235,000 units in the complaint areas.
The company claims it is committed to fair housing and trains its staff accordingly.
Previous investigations reported Greystar charged tenants excessive fees from a large list of add-ons.
Greystar agreed to a $50 million settlement in 2025 over alleged rent collusion and a $24 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission for hidden fees.
Greystar did not admit wrongdoing and calls pending claims implausible and lacking facts.
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A man was arrested after entering the NBC Today show set without permission and using a racial slur against host Craig Melvin. The police took the man into custody quickly, and no one was hurt during the incident.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Today show studios in 30 Rockefeller Center, New York.
The man slipped past security and asked for weatherman Al Roker before targeting Craig Melvin.
Melvin has been a Today show anchor since 2018 and became co-anchor in January 2025.
Police responded within minutes and arrested the man at 9:19 a.m. with no injuries reported.
Both hosts, Melvin and Roker, continued their broadcast about 15 minutes after the arrest.
NBC had increased security earlier this year after co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother was abducted.
Savannah Guthrie announced she would take a few weeks off to film a new game show based on Wordle.
The police and Today show are still investigating the breach.
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A bill to expand veterans benefits, called the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, stalled in the House of Representatives due to disagreement over how to pay for it. Some lawmakers and veterans' groups worry that new benefits could lead to cuts in future disability payments for certain veterans.
Key Facts
The bill, H.R. 9237, aims to improve benefits and healthcare for disabled veterans, survivors, caregivers, and families.
It was sponsored by House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, a Republican from Illinois.
The Major Richard Star Act, part of the bill, would allow about 50,000 combat-injured veterans to receive both military retirement pay and disability compensation without reductions.
Some veterans oppose the bill because it could reduce future disability payments for conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and sleep apnea.
The Love Lives On Act would expand benefits to military widows and widowers who remarry.
The bill also includes support for caregivers, mental health programs, and improvements in claims processing.
Lawmakers disagree on how to fund the expanded benefits, causing the bill to be highly controversial.
The vote was delayed as lawmakers and veterans’ groups discussed concerns about the bill’s financial impact.
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The White House has suspended a teleprompter operator who was accused of betting on President Trump’s speeches. The operator is cooperating with an investigation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Key Facts
The teleprompter operator worked at the White House.
The operator was accused of placing bets related to President Trump’s speeches.
The White House press secretary confirmed the suspension.
The operator is on administrative leave, meaning temporarily removed from official duties.
The operator is cooperating with the CFTC, a government agency that regulates financial markets.
The announcement was made during a White House press briefing.
No further details on the investigation or outcome have been shared.
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Senator Jon Ossoff criticized President Donald Trump before his planned speech, saying Trump will claim that China interfered in U.S. elections. Ossoff described Trump as someone who has not accepted the results of the 2020 election.
Key Facts
Senator Jon Ossoff represents Georgia.
President Trump is scheduled to give a prime-time speech.
Reports say Trump will accuse China of meddling in U.S. elections.
Ossoff called Trump "the world’s most famous sore loser."
The criticism relates to Trump’s ongoing grievances about the 2020 election results.
The speech is expected to focus on these past election issues.
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