Youth clubs in England and Wales are struggling to stay open as funding and youth worker numbers have dropped sharply over the last decade. Some places, like Romalandia in Bradford, try new approaches to attract young people, but financial challenges threaten their survival.
Key Facts
Spending on youth services by local authorities in England has dropped by 73% since 2010; in Wales, it fell by 27%.
More than 1,000 council-run youth centres in England have closed since 2010.
The number of full-time youth workers in England fell by 34% from 2012-13 to 2023-24; in Wales, the drop was 46%.
YMCA reports a real-term cut of over £1.2 billion in youth services funding between 2010 and 2024.
Many youth clubs rely on private donations, local businesses, charities, and short-term grants instead of government funding.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has allocated £50 million in 2024 for youth services across the capital.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is opening youth hubs to support teens with jobs, well-being, and reducing crime.
Romalandia’s founder says funding pressures may force temporary closure, and managing money involves dealing with complex bureaucracy.
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Constitutional law expert Kim Wehle warns that increasing threats against judges are weakening the rule of law in the United States. She says that when judges make decisions based on loyalty to people or political views instead of the law, it endangers democracy.
Key Facts
Kim Wehle is a constitutional law professor and former assistant US attorney.
She says judges are facing more threats recently.
These threats are harming the rule of law, which means laws should be fair and followed by everyone.
When judges decide based on loyalty to people or political ideas, it hurts justice.
Wehle believes this trend puts democracy at risk.
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A federal appeals court upheld Illinois' law banning semiautomatic weapons, reversing a lower court's ruling that said the ban was unconstitutional. The court said the law does not break the Second Amendment, which protects the right to bear arms, and is supported by the tradition of gun regulation in the U.S.
Key Facts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled 2-1 to uphold Illinois' ban on semiautomatic weapons.
The ban was passed after a deadly 2022 shooting at a parade in Highland Park, Illinois.
The court stated the law is consistent with national traditions of regulating firearms.
The ban includes AR-15 rifles, similar guns, large-capacity magazines, and certain attachments.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker supports the decision, calling it a win against gun violence.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, representing gun makers, opposes the ban and plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.
A lower court had initially overturned the ban citing recent Supreme Court rulings favoring gun rights, but the appellate ruling stayed that injunction.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider cases about bans on semiautomatic rifles soon.
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President Donald Trump fired the last members of the Election Assistance Commission just months before the midterm elections. The commission helps guide election officials and oversees voting systems and registration.
Key Facts
President Trump ended the terms of the final three members of the four-person bipartisan Election Assistance Commission.
One Republican member resigned, and two Democratic members were told by email that they were terminated immediately.
The commission provides election information, certifies voting systems, and manages the national mail-voter registration form.
The commission was created by a 2002 law called the Help America Vote Act.
The White House did not comment on the firings.
Arizona’s secretary of state said the firings could harm election integrity and cause problems for election officials.
It is not clear how President Trump will refill the commission seats.
This action comes after President Trump’s efforts to change mail-in voting rules and investigate the 2020 election results.
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Kenny Ross, whose daughter was killed in the 1996 Dunblane school shooting, criticized Restore Britain's Rupert Lowe for referring to the massacre as "one murder" during an interview about UK gun laws. Meanwhile, coverage also includes King Charles III and Queen Camilla's visit to London Zoo, political updates on Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham, and other UK political and social news.
Key Facts
Kenny Ross condemned Rupert Lowe for downplaying the Dunblane massacre as a single murder.
Rupert Lowe spoke about the Dunblane shooting while discussing gun laws on a US podcast.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited London Zoo to check on penguins' health during a heatwave.
Kemi Badenoch has reportedly rejected former Conservative MPs as candidates for her party.
Andy Burnham discussed creating a new Downing Street office in Manchester run by a future deputy prime minister.
Police are investigating £500,000 in donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, mother of George Cottrell.
Labour leadership nominations heavily supported Andy Burnham, drawing criticism about lack of clear policies.
England defender Jarell Quansah received a two-match ban at the World Cup after being sent off.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to enforce a law that requires app stores to check users’ ages. This decision is temporary while lower courts continue to review the law.
Key Facts
The law requires app stores, like Apple and Google, to verify the age of users before they can download certain apps.
The Supreme Court’s decision is temporary and does not fully decide if the law is constitutional.
The case will continue in lower courts for more detailed examination.
The law is intended to protect children from accessing inappropriate apps.
The Supreme Court’s permission means Texas can start enforcing the law now.
Legal experts are discussing how this law relates to free speech and business regulations.
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A woman was found sitting on a beam of the Brooklyn Bridge with her feet hanging over the edge. An elite team from the New York Police Department (NYPD) spent nearly an hour persuading her to come down safely.
Key Facts
The woman was perched on a beam of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Her feet were dangling over the bridge’s edge.
NYPD officers spent about one hour talking to her.
The NYPD team that rescued her is known for handling dangerous situations.
This same team previously arrested people who climbed the Empire State Building.
The rescue took place on July 9, 2026.
No injuries were reported following the rescue.
The incident received public and media attention in New York City.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot arch in Washington, D.C., marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, received early approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The project faces opposition from the public concerned about construction noise and its impact on Arlington National Cemetery’s surroundings.
Key Facts
The NCPC gave preliminary approval to President Trump’s proposed 250-foot Independence Arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery.
The arch is planned to be more than twice as tall as the Lincoln Memorial and taller than France’s Arc de Triomphe.
The commission is led by Trump appointees, with Will Scharf, Trump’s White House staff secretary, serving as chairman.
Public hearings included testimony from over 24 people, most expressing opposition to the arch.
Concerns raised include construction noise disturbing the cemetery and blocking important views of the area.
Construction is expected to run 20 hours per day for 2 to 3 years, according to government documents.
The project must address the Height of Buildings Act, a law limiting building heights in Washington, D.C., to protect the city skyline.
The NCPC plans to vote on final approval of the arch project in September 2026.
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Graham Platner has stopped his campaign to run for the U.S. Senate in Maine. This leaves the Democratic Party looking quickly for a new candidate to compete against Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
Graham Platner was running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
He has suspended (paused and stopped) his campaign.
Senator Susan Collins is the current Senator from Maine.
The Democratic Party now needs to find another candidate to run for the Senate seat.
This event is happening ahead of the upcoming election in Maine.
The news was reported on July 9, 2026.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot tall arch near the Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., received initial approval from a federal commission, though questions remain about whether a law limiting building heights applies. The project faces public opposition and further review before a final decision.
Key Facts
The National Capital Planning Commission gave preliminary approval to the arch project on federal land near the Virginia end of Memorial Bridge.
The arch would be 250 feet (76 meters) tall, more than twice as tall as the Lincoln Memorial.
The commission delayed a decision on whether the Height of Buildings Act, which limits building heights in D.C., applies to this arch.
The Interior Department, which manages the land, argues the height law may not apply to federal projects.
Eight of 12 commissioners voted for preliminary approval; one opposed and three were neutral.
Many people spoke against the arch due to its size, location near Arlington National Cemetery, and potential impact on traffic and pedestrian safety.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the arch’s design in May.
The arch and a $400 million White House ballroom project both involve some public funding, though Trump had suggested the ballroom would be funded privately.
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A man in California fought off a bear that charged at him near his vacation home by quickly using bear spray. The incident happened near Lake Tahoe and was captured on video.
Key Facts
A bear charged at a man near Lake Tahoe, California.
The man was outside his vacation home when the bear approached.
He used bear spray to defend himself.
The man acted quickly to avoid injury.
The event was recorded on video.
Authorities have not reported any injuries.
Bear spray is a tool used to deter aggressive bears safely.
The incident took place on July 9, 2026.
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Democratic candidate Graham Platner is set to drop out of Maine’s Senate race after facing misconduct allegations. Several Democrats are competing to replace him and challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November election.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is withdrawing from the Maine Senate race amid misconduct claims.
Maine Democrats must choose a new candidate by July 27 after Platner’s withdrawal by July 13.
The race is important for Democrats trying to win control of the U.S. Senate in the midterm elections.
Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Jordan Wood, Shenna Bellows, and Dan Kleban are among those seeking to replace Platner.
Candidates aim to balance Platner’s popular policies with the need to beat Senator Susan Collins.
Shenna Bellows previously ran against Collins in 2014 and recently launched a new Senate campaign.
Governor Janet Mills, who paused her campaign after Platner’s rise, has not confirmed reentering the race.
Democrats face a tough fight nationally to keep the Senate majority and limit President Donald Trump’s influence.
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An ICE officer in Houston fatally shot Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was not wearing a body camera because the Houston office had not yet received them. The Department of Homeland Security said funding issues delayed body camera distribution, and the Harris County District Attorney is investigating the shooting.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national living in the U.S. for decades, was shot by an ICE officer in Houston.
The ICE officer was not wearing a body camera because the Houston office had not been issued them yet.
Funding problems caused by government shutdowns delayed the delivery of body cameras to some ICE offices.
DHS said the shooting happened after Salgado Araujo ignored verbal commands and tried to ram an officer’s vehicle.
Salgado Araujo had no criminal record and was close to getting a work permit.
Harris County District Attorney’s office is investigating the case and coordinating with prosecutors in Minneapolis.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is seeking witnesses and has offered a reward for information.
Three men, including Salgado’s brother, were detained during the traffic stop.
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President Donald Trump’s plan to build a 250-foot triumphal arch in Virginia near Washington, D.C., passed an early federal review. The National Capital Planning Commission approved the initial site and building plans, allowing the project to move forward despite some opposition.
Key Facts
The arch would be 250 feet tall.
It will be built in Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The National Capital Planning Commission gave preliminary approval on Thursday.
The commission voted 8-1 in favor of the project.
Three members of the commission were appointed by President Trump.
Some historic and architectural preservation groups oppose the arch.
The approval is an early step, meaning more reviews are still needed before construction.
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Maine Democrat Graham Platner ended his campaign for the U.S. Senate, causing his party to look for a new candidate. Political strategists discussed this change and also talked about a fortune cookie ad by Republican candidate Blackburn.
Key Facts
Graham Platner stopped running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Maine Democrats are now searching for a new Senate candidate.
Political strategists Chuck Rocha and Mark Bednar shared their views on this situation.
The strategists also talked about a fortune cookie advertisement by Republican candidate Blackburn.
The discussion was featured on CBS News and also available on the CBS News app.
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Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine for the U.S. Senate, announced he will step down. This unexpected move creates challenges for Maine Democrats as they try to find a new candidate to keep their chances alive in the Senate race.
Key Facts
Maine is an important state for the Democratic Party’s goal to win back the U.S. Senate.
Graham Platner was the chosen Democratic candidate for the Senate from Maine.
Platner has said he will step down from the race.
Democrats in Maine are now working quickly to find a replacement nominee.
Platner’s decision to leave does not happen quietly, implying some disagreement or complications.
The situation is described as "uncharted waters," meaning it is new and difficult for the party.
The outcome in Maine could affect the overall balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
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The New World screwworm fly has been found in dogs and cattle in Texas and New Mexico, marking the parasite's return to the U.S. after more than 50 years. Veterinarians and animal groups warn pet owners to watch for this parasite because its larvae eat live flesh and can affect many mammals, including pets and wildlife.
Key Facts
More than 30 cases of New World screwworm infestations have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico.
Two infestations were found in dogs.
The parasite returned to U.S. cattle in June after being mostly gone for over 50 years.
The screwworm is actually the larvae (maggots) of a fly that feeds on live flesh.
Female flies lay eggs in wounds or mucus on animals.
Larvae feed for about a week before becoming adult flies.
The fly is moving north from Panama into Mexico and now the U.S.
The parasite threatens the U.S. cattle industry, worth $113 billion, but can infect any mammal, including pets and humans.
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A parasite infection called cyclosporiasis is spreading across many US states, causing frequent and watery diarrhoea. Michigan has seen nearly 1,000 cases in two weeks, but no deaths have been reported so far.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a tiny parasite that infects people who eat or drink contaminated food or water.
The main symptom is frequent, watery, and sometimes explosive diarrhoea.
The outbreak affects at least 17 states, including Michigan, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Ohio.
Michigan reported nearly 1,000 cases in a two-week period in early July.
About 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have occurred.
The parasite does not spread from person to person but through contaminated food or water.
The exact source of this outbreak is unknown, but past cases have been linked to raw produce like salad mixes and herbs.
Health officials recommend washing produce well, cooking some raw foods, and seeking medical advice if diarrhoea occurs.
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Pianist Jayson Gillham lost a legal case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra after his concert was canceled. He claimed the cancellation was discrimination because of his comments about Israeli forces killing Palestinian journalists, but the court ruled in favor of the orchestra.
Key Facts
Jayson Gillham sued the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) almost two years ago.
The MSO canceled his concert scheduled for 15 August 2024.
Gillham had performed a piece called Witness, dedicated to Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli forces.
He said targeting journalists in war is a war crime under international law.
The MSO said Gillham made personal political remarks without their approval.
The orchestra stated they do not allow performers to use their stage to express personal views.
The court ruled that the MSO was within its rights to cancel the concert.
Gillham’s lawyer argued his contract did not stop him from making such statements.
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An interview was shown during the pretrial hearing of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The interview was with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
A pretrial hearing took place for Tyler Robinson.
Prosecutors played an interview with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner during the hearing.
Charlie Kirk is described as a conservative activist.
The interview was reported by CBS News.
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