A woman named Michele Desrosiers took a DNA test at age 42 and discovered she was donor-conceived, meaning her biological father was a sperm donor. This revelation led her to find several donor siblings and meet her donor father, who participated in a fertility program during medical school.
Key Facts
Michele Desrosiers took a DNA test in 2015 and found a close DNA match with a woman she didn’t know.
The match revealed both were donor-conceived children.
More than 1 million donor-conceived people live in the U.S. today.
Desrosiers’ parents used a sperm donor because they had trouble conceiving naturally.
She thought her legal father was her biological father until she was 42.
Desrosiers found four donor-sibling sisters and learned that her donor father also has a son.
Her donor father donated sperm as part of a fertility program while he was in medical school.
She meets with her donor siblings and donor father regularly, and he stays involved in their lives.
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A new poll from AP-NORC shows that U.S. Jews have strong differences in how they view Israel and the conflict in Gaza. Religious Jews tend to support Israel’s actions more, while secular or culturally Jewish people are more critical and feel less connected to Israel.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed U.S. Jewish adults about their views on Israel, antisemitism, and personal relations.
About 70% of Jewish adults identify as religious Jews, while 30% identify as atheists, agnostics, or have no religion but still identify culturally or ethnically as Jewish.
Religious Jews mostly support Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with about half saying they are justified.
Around 25% of religious Jews believe Israel committed genocide in Gaza, a claim denied by Israel and the U.S. government.
Among secular or non-religious Jews, about 40% say Israel committed genocide, and fewer than 20% support Israel’s current operations.
Most secular Jews (74%) say they are not emotionally attached to Israel.
The conflict began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people.
Since then, Gaza has suffered heavy casualties, with over 73,000 Palestinians dead according to Hamas-run health authorities.
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Republicans are increasing their campaign spending in key Senate races in states like Ohio and Iowa to keep control of the Senate. Conservative groups aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune plan to spend millions on TV ads and other efforts to support Republican candidates in these states before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Republicans are boosting spending in red states where they want to protect Senate seats.
One Nation, a conservative group linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, is reserving $28 million for TV ads in Ohio and $11 million in Iowa.
These ads will start running in early summer ahead of the November midterm elections.
Ohio and Iowa were thought safe for Republicans but now have competitive races, with Democrats raising much more money.
Republicans plan to spend over $400 million mainly through the Senate Leadership Fund super PAC.
Democrats need to gain four seats to take Senate control and face tough races in states like Maine and New Hampshire.
Republican candidates in Iowa face criticism due to President Trump’s tariff policies and struggling farming economies.
Democrats called the spending increase by Republicans a sign that the GOP Senate majority is vulnerable.
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A historic fountain in Washington, D.C., fixed under President Donald Trump’s direction, has turned brown shortly after reopening. The fountain had been dry for several years while repairs were made, but its water quality has deteriorated soon after restoration.
Key Facts
The Cascading Fountain at Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C., had its water off since 2019 for repairs.
In May, the U.S. Department of the Interior released video showing the fountain running again for the first time in seven years.
Within two months, photos and videos on social media showed the fountain’s water had turned brown.
This restoration was part of several high-profile beautification projects made under President Trump’s administration in the capital.
Another project involved a $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which also had problems such as algae and peeling.
The National Park Service is responsible for the fountain and pool maintenance.
Newsweek reached out to the Interior Department for comments but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
Social media users have shared critical posts about the fountain’s condition, with thousands of views.
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Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau reportedly gave mixed messages to foreign officials about U.S. support for Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader in Venezuela who wanted to return to help after an earthquake. This caused confusion within the Trump administration and strained relations with Machado's supporters.
Key Facts
The official U.S. policy under President Trump was to not help Machado return to Venezuela.
Chris Landau allegedly communicated conflicting messages to at least two countries about supporting Machado's travel.
Machado planned to travel via Curacao, a Dutch island, despite lacking a valid Venezuelan passport.
The Dutch government initially approved Machado’s travel but reversed permission mid-flight after U.S. officials expressed opposition.
Machado’s supporters were unhappy with the U.S. policy and relations with Maduro’s vice president, whom the U.S. had elevated.
Landau is a former ambassador and is suspected of opposing official U.S. policy toward Venezuela and being too close to Machado.
Landau denied misrepresenting U.S. policy, though internal officials believed he acted independently.
The confusion caused arguments within the State Department and disrupted coordination after the deadly June 24 earthquake in Venezuela.
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The cost of Obamacare health insurance plans is expected to rise by about 14% next year. This increase is due to higher health care costs and the end of special government subsidies, leading to more expensive premiums for many people and causing some healthier individuals to drop their coverage.
Key Facts
Obamacare premiums will go up by a median of 14% in 2027.
Two years in a row have seen double-digit premium increases.
Higher health care costs and expired subsidies are the main reasons for the increase.
People making more than about $64,000 a year will not get extra help with costs.
Rising premiums make healthier people more likely to drop coverage, which raises costs for everyone remaining.
Enrollment in Obamacare plans dropped by about 3 million people from last year, now at 19.2 million.
Democrats say Republicans are responsible for subsidy expiration and higher costs, while the Trump administration blames fraud and improper enrollments.
Medical care and prescription drug costs are rising faster than before, contributing to higher premiums.
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Millions of people in western U.S. states face extreme heat due to a strong weather pattern called a heat dome. Temperatures are expected to be dangerously high through at least Thursday, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke.
Key Facts
Extreme Heat Warnings cover parts of Arizona and California.
Temperatures in some areas could reach up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Phoenix area and south-central Arizona expect highs between 109 and 116 degrees.
Overnight temperatures will remain warm, mostly in the 80s, reducing cooling at night.
The heat dome forms when high pressure traps and heats air near the ground.
Prolonged heat and warm nights create health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and people without AC.
Heat can strain power grids due to higher air-conditioning use.
Officials advise drinking water and staying in air-conditioned places to stay safe.
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In the fiscal year 2025, over 1.3 million people received U.S. green cards, with Mexico being the top country of origin. Most green cards were given through family-based immigration, followed by employment and refugee statuses, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security covering October 2024 to September 2025.
Key Facts
A total of 1,320,080 green cards were issued in fiscal year 2025.
Mexico had the largest number of recipients, with 195,760 green cards issued.
Family-based immigration accounted for the majority, with 684,530 green cards given to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
Employment-based green cards were the third largest category, with 159,070 issued.
Refugees and asylum seekers received 116,470 and 60,390 green cards respectively.
The Diversity Visa lottery granted 52,470 green cards.
The data covers the end of the Biden administration and the start of President Trump’s second term.
Since January 2025, President Trump’s administration has introduced new immigration rules increasing scrutiny on green card applications and limiting some pathways to residency.
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Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, received a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire that bankers reported to the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) over concerns of possible money laundering. Farage resigned his MP seat in Clacton to trigger a byelection but plans to stand again; he denies wrongdoing and says he was unaware of the NCA report.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency billionaire based in Thailand.
Bankers reported this large gift to the National Crime Agency due to concerns it might be linked to money laundering.
The National Crime Agency’s report is not proof of a crime but prompts further investigation.
Farage resigned his MP seat for Clacton to force a byelection, which other major parties are boycotting.
Farage has given different reasons for the gift and claims he was not required to disclose it because he was not a sitting politician when he received it.
Reform UK’s deputy leader accused the NCA of leaking private financial information to the media.
Farage denies any wrongdoing and says he trusts the source of the money.
The gift was partly received after Farage said he would not stand for parliament and partly before he reversed that decision.
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A family in Iowa is using their garden hose to make art by creating water shapes called "water silhouettes." They use this fun activity to cool down during hot weather.
Key Facts
The family is located in Iowa.
They use a garden hose to spray water in creative ways.
The water shapes they make are called "water silhouettes."
This activity helps them stay cool in hot weather.
ABC News reporter Danny News conducted the interview.
The story was shared by ABC News on July 8, 2026.
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President Donald Trump is pushing for a law called the "Save America Act" that would change voting rules, including requiring proof of citizenship and limiting mail-in voting. While the law faces challenges in Congress, Trump may use his presidential powers to challenge election results and influence the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump withdrew his nominee for director of national intelligence and opposed a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress on the "Save America Act."
The "Save America Act" demands proof of citizenship and restricts mail-in voting unless voters can justify in-person voting.
The Senate likely does not have enough votes to pass this act.
Trump may use his executive authority to question election results without needing new laws from Congress.
He has ordered federal agencies to create citizenship lists by state to determine voter eligibility.
New Postal Service rules restrict absentee ballot delivery in states not sharing voter data with the federal government.
The FBI has reopened investigations into the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, despite no irregularities being found previously.
Analysts warn Trump might claim election fraud or foreign interference to delay or block certification of election results and push Congress to ignore certain outcomes.
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Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized Barnaby Joyce and Angus Taylor for suggesting without proof that China caused a major Telstra outage in Australia. The outage disrupted mobile and emergency services, and officials confirmed it was due to a technical issue, not a cyberattack.
Key Facts
A major Telstra outage affected millions of Australians, disrupting mobile calls and data.
The outage also impacted emergency triple-zero calls, which triggered welfare checks.
Telstra said the problem was caused by a time-keeping server error and is now fully resolved.
Communications Minister Anika Wells rejected claims linking the outage to China.
Barnaby Joyce and Angus Taylor questioned if the outage was linked to a recent Chinese missile test without evidence.
Emergency services minister Kristy McBain criticized a senator for making unnecessary calls to the emergency number during the outage.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will review the incident.
Opposition senator Sarah Henderson called for a quick government report and stronger rules for telcos.
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A man in Melbourne is on trial for allegedly raping his former personal assistant at his home in March 2023. The woman reportedly punched the man and called him a rapist after the assault, while the defense questions her credibility and denies the accusations.
Key Facts
The accused man is a well-known figure in Melbourne but his name is not disclosed in court.
The alleged crimes include two counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
The incident allegedly occurred after a night of drinking and drug use at a friend’s home.
The woman said she rejected his advances and was raped twice in his home.
She punched the man and called him a rapist after the assault.
She contacted her mother, who called the police despite her initial reluctance.
The police recorded a 35-minute conversation with the woman shortly after the incident.
The defense argues the woman’s past false claims against police affect her credibility and disputes key parts of her story.
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The Girly Gig Army is a women-only music group that started in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and now has more than 700 members across nearby towns. The group helps women enjoy music events together, make friends, and build confidence, especially if they might otherwise go alone.
Key Facts
The Girly Gig Army began as a WhatsApp group started by Lucy Havard.
It was created so women would not have to attend music events by themselves.
The group has grown from Eastbourne to include Brighton and Hastings.
Members meet at live music events and also during the day to get to know each other.
Wearing t-shirts and badges helps members recognize and approach one another.
Helen Foster, a member, said the group helped her after losing her husband.
More than 700 women have joined since it started.
The group aims to build a welcoming community and reduce feelings of awkwardness when going out alone.
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California has not yet released the contract it made with Baby2Baby, a nonprofit chosen to provide free diapers to new parents through a state program. Despite state laws that require public access to such contracts, the release has been delayed, while lawmakers consider a bill that could allow state agencies more time to respond to public records requests.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom announced a multimillion-dollar diaper contract with Baby2Baby more than two months ago.
Baby2Baby is a nonprofit that already has ties to the Newsom administration and the First Partner.
California has not released the contract or the competitive bidding records despite repeated requests and legal requirements.
The Newsom administration took 24 days to decide if the records would be released and said it may take an additional 42 days to provide them.
Assembly Bill 1821 is being considered in California to extend the time state agencies have to answer public records requests.
The original version of AB 1821 also included proposals to allow agencies to sue over "malicious" requests and charge fees for records, but these were removed due to public opposition.
Lawmakers argue that public agencies are facing an increase in broad records requests, which burdens their resources.
Critics and transparency advocates oppose delaying public access to government information.
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Local councils in England have started to share data with Airbnb to identify illegal subletting of social homes on short-term rental sites. Nearly 6,000 social homes are suspected to be rented out illegally, and authorities have found about 470 cases so far, with penalties including eviction and fines.
Key Facts
Councils and Airbnb are working together to find illegal short-term rentals of social housing.
The Cabinet Office’s fraud team coordinates the data-sharing scheme.
About 6,000 social homes in England might be illegally sublet on platforms like Airbnb.
So far, 470 cases of social housing fraud have been identified.
Penalties for illegal subletting include eviction, fines, and up to two years in prison.
Illegal rentals cause costs averaging £78,300 per case to taxpayers, including temporary housing and legal fees.
Campaign groups say fighting illegal subletting may not significantly help the housing crisis.
Residents report frequent strangers, damage to common areas, and suspicious lockboxes in buildings with illegal sublets.
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A government review led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms found that the current system for disability benefits in England and Wales is not working well. The points-based assessment does not fit many conditions, especially mental health issues that change over time, and the process is difficult for disabled people. The review recommends a major overhaul of the welfare system to better support disabled individuals.
Key Facts
The review was led by Stephen Timms and involved disabled people and charities.
It found that the points-based system is outdated and cannot handle fluctuating conditions like mental health problems.
The current system scores disabilities based on how they affect daily activities and mobility.
Many people gave negative feedback about the assessment process, which they found dehumanizing.
The review will be released in two parts: an interim report soon and full recommendations this fall.
About 4 million adults receive the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which helps cover disability costs.
PIP is not means-tested, and roughly one in six recipients are working.
The government aims to replace the work capability assessment with a single system for disability and universal credit claims.
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A former NHS surgeon, Salil Korambayil, was convicted of rape and is serving a 14-year prison sentence. His ex-partner, Angharad, shares her experience of being misled and emotionally abused during their relationship while she was pregnant and a new mother.
Key Facts
Salil Korambayil was a trainee surgeon who worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital and was convicted of rape.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his crimes.
Angharad, his ex-partner and mother of his child, met him in 2016 and described him as charming at first.
Korambayil lived a double life, acting caring at home while abusing others.
In August 2020, a rape accusation against Korambayil was made but not initially investigated due to lack of support.
Angharad was pregnant when these events unfolded and gave birth in November 2020.
Korambayil was suspended and arrested in April 2021, leading Angharad to leave their home for safety.
Angharad now recognizes she was emotionally abused and manipulated during the relationship.
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The preliminary hearing continues for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson’s lawyers are questioning the DNA evidence that connects him to the murder weapon, while prosecutors say the DNA testing is reliable enough to move forward to trial.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September.
A rifle wrapped in a towel was found at the scene and linked to Robinson through DNA evidence.
Robinson’s defense team questioned the FBI DNA analyst’s methods and conclusions during the hearing.
The defense lawyer argued that the analyst could not definitively match Robinson’s DNA to the rifle.
Prosecutors say the reliability of DNA evidence is for the trial to decide, not the preliminary hearing.
Robinson has not entered a plea and has not commented on guilt or innocence.
Defense lawyers have tried but failed to remove the death penalty option in this case.
The hearing includes testimonies from FBI analysts and Utah County prosecutors.
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Former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan will be sentenced for felony obstruction after being convicted of helping a Mexican immigrant avoid federal agents. The case is linked to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and drew national attention as it involved conflicts over immigration law enforcement.
Key Facts
Hannah Dugan, 67, was a Milwaukee County circuit judge for nine years before resigning after her conviction.
She was convicted on December 19, 2024, of felony obstruction for aiding an immigrant to evade federal officers.
The Trump administration prosecuted her as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Republican lawmakers pushed for her impeachment and called for a harsh sentence after the conviction.
Dugan did not testify at her trial but plans to make remarks during her sentencing hearing.
Prosecutors say she violated her judge’s oath and endangered law enforcement and public safety.
Federal sentencing guidelines suggest 15 to 21 months in prison, but the judge can decide the actual sentence.
Dugan’s lawyers argue she has been punished enough through resignation and threats and plan to appeal any sentence.
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