Gas prices in the U.S. have risen back to an average of $4 per gallon. This increase comes as tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, leading to new attacks and higher oil prices.
Key Facts
The national average price for regular gasoline is now $4 per gallon.
A year ago, the average gas price was $3.14 per gallon.
Gas prices vary by state due to supply differences and state taxes.
Gas prices first passed $4 per gallon at the end of March but dropped below that in mid-June.
Prices went down when the U.S. and Iran reached a temporary deal.
Oil prices have recently increased as the U.S. and Iran move closer to renewed conflict.
Brent crude oil reached about $90.95 per barrel, and U.S. crude oil hit around $84.04 per barrel.
President Donald Trump expressed frustration about gas prices not falling as quickly as oil prices.
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Senator John Fetterman said President Trump should focus on positive actions instead of repeatedly talking about the 2020 election, which ended six years ago. Fetterman emphasized that the 2020 election results are secure and urged attention on current issues, like the war involving Iran.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman criticized President Trump for focusing on the 2020 election loss.
Fetterman suggested Trump could help by addressing important topics such as the US war in Iran.
Trump recently gave a televised speech claiming China interfered in the 2020 election, a claim not supported by US intelligence.
US intelligence reports found no evidence that China tried to influence the 2020 election results.
Fetterman confirmed Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results were fair and accurate, with Biden winning the state's electoral votes.
Fetterman considered switching parties only if the Democratic party became "anti-Israel," but he disagrees with most Republican policies.
Trump admitted losing the 2020 election on a podcast but later said his admission was sarcastic.
More than 100 US House lawmakers recently voted to halt Israeli military aid amid conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
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Many House Democrats recently voted to block U.S. aid to Israel, reflecting growing progressive anger and changing views within the party. Some Democrats supported the measure to send a message to Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu, while party leaders like Hakeem Jeffries opposed it, showing a split in opinion.
Key Facts
103 House Democrats voted for an amendment to stop U.S. funding to Israel, including military aid.
The amendment was introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and had no exceptions for diplomatic funds.
Progressive Democrats are gaining influence and pressuring the party to take a harsher stance on Israel.
Some Democrats supported the amendment due to concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment and influenced about 30-40 Democrats to vote against it.
At least one Democrat said that public opinion has shifted because people see the destruction in Gaza.
Some party members worry that leadership is not fully recognizing the changing views of Democratic voters on Israel.
There is a political risk for Democrats on both sides of the issue, with no clear winning strategy at the moment.
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New polling data shows that 18 months into President Donald Trump's second term, his overall approval rating is 37 percent nationally, with 58 percent disapproval. His approval is higher in Republican strongholds but below 50% in all major battleground states, where it has declined since he took office.
Key Facts
President Trump’s net approval nationwide is -21 (37% approve, 58% disapprove).
He has positive net approval mainly in Republican-leaning states like Wyoming (+24), North Dakota (+18), and Idaho (+14).
Many states that started his term with positive approval are now underwater, including Florida and Ohio.
In every major battleground state (such as Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), Trump’s approval is below 50%, with net approval ratings ranging from -11 to -21.
The biggest drops in approval happened in key swing states vital for future elections.
Democratic-leaning states like Hawaii, Vermont, and Maryland show very low approval ratings for Trump, some under -50.
Younger voters (ages 18-34), independents, and college graduates are among Trump’s weakest support groups.
The shift in approval in swing states could affect control of Congress in 2026.
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Smoke from over 940 wildfires in Canada is causing poor air quality in several northern U.S. states. President Donald Trump said Canada should do more to control the fires and suggested they might have to pay damages or face tariffs.
Key Facts
More than 940 wildfires are burning across Canada.
Smoke from these fires is affecting air quality in multiple U.S. states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Air quality alerts are in place in these states as of Monday morning.
The National Weather Service reported on the spread of smoke and air quality concerns.
President Donald Trump spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the need to stop the fires.
Trump suggested Canada might have to pay damages or face tariffs because of the cross-border air pollution.
Newsweek sought comment from Canada’s Prime Minister office outside regular hours.
The situation is ongoing and developing.
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Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security monthly payments this week, with some getting as much as $5,181. Payment amounts vary based on a person’s earnings history and the age they start claiming benefits.
Key Facts
Social Security payments for July 2026 will be distributed on July 22 for people born between the 21st and 31st of a month.
Over 75 million Americans rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Payment schedules depend on recipients’ birth dates, except for some groups who get paid at the start of the month.
The highest monthly retirement benefit in 2026 is $5,181 for those who wait until age 70 to claim and have earned at the taxable wage cap for 35+ years.
The average monthly Social Security payment was about $1,937 in June 2026.
Only 1 to 2 percent of beneficiaries receive the maximum possible benefit.
People are advised to wait three mail days after the payment date before reporting a missing check.
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A mass shooting in downtown Tucson, Arizona, injured nine people early Sunday morning. Police shot and wounded the suspect, who is in the hospital with serious injuries, and are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The shooting happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday in the 100 block of East Congress Street, a busy area with bars and restaurants.
Nine people were injured and treated by officers before going to the hospital.
Most victims were shot in their arms or legs, and all were adults.
Police officers heard the gunfire while on patrol and rushed toward the suspect.
Officers gave commands before shooting the suspect, who has life-threatening injuries.
No police officers were hurt during the incident.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation.
Police ask anyone with information to call the 88-CRIME tip line.
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Edward Stourton, a broadcaster and journalist with over 40 years of experience including a decade on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, has died at age 68. He had prostate cancer since 2014 and continued working until recently before passing away surrounded by his family.
Key Facts
Edward Stourton died at the age of 68 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
His career included time at ITN, BBC Paris correspondent, diplomatic editor, and a presenter on Radio 4's Today programme.
He was known for his calm reporting and coverage of major events such as the 9/11 attacks.
Stourton wrote several books including a biography of Pope John Paul II and a book on American history linked to President Donald Trump.
Colleagues and friends praised his intelligence, kindness, and courage throughout his illness.
He remained active in journalism until shortly before his death.
Stourton's Catholic faith influenced much of his work.
He was born in Nigeria, educated at Ampleforth College and Cambridge, where he led the student union.
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President Donald Trump praised the grocery chain Giant Eagle for lowering prices on over 300 products this summer to help American families. Giant Eagle's price cuts began on July 9 and will last until September 9, covering items like meal essentials and snacks.
Key Facts
President Trump commended Giant Eagle on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Giant Eagle is reducing prices on more than 300 products from July 9 to September 9.
The price cuts aim to assist hardworking American families dealing with rising costs.
Walmart and its subsidiary Sam’s Club also announced nationwide price reductions for the summer.
These actions are part of a broader effort to lower costs for consumers ahead of the midterm elections.
The discounts cover a wide range of grocery items, including meal essentials and snacks.
Giant Eagle is described as an American grocery company responding to President Trump’s call to reduce prices.
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Razwan Amin, a former student of Erdington Academy in Birmingham, has started offering free haircuts to students from low-income families to help with the cost of living. He works with the school's parent-teacher group to identify students in need and hopes to inspire them by showing that success is possible.
Key Facts
Razwan Amin is 27 years old and graduated from Erdington Academy in 2015.
He opened Razortrim Studio, his own barber shop.
Amin offers free haircuts to students from low-income families, especially those who get free school meals.
The school is in an area where many families have financial difficulties.
The parent-teacher association (PTFA) helps refer students to Amin for free haircuts.
Amin once attended the same school and came from a low-income family.
He believes a fresh haircut boosts students' confidence and helps their mental health.
Amin hopes to motivate local young people to start their own businesses.
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Hundreds of people protested in Houston after an ICE agent shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican man. The protests call for justice and changes to ICE practices amid several recent deaths linked to immigration enforcement across the U.S.
Key Facts
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, was shot dead by an ICE agent on July 7 in Houston while driving his construction crew.
Protesters marched and briefly closed a bridge, demanding justice and calling to abolish ICE.
ICE said Salgado Araujo tried to hit an agent with his vehicle, but witnesses and official statements did not confirm this claim.
Since President Trump’s second term began, at least 10 people have died in encounters with ICE and immigration agents.
Similar protests happened nationwide after other ICE-related deaths, including a man shot during a traffic stop in Maine.
Democratic lawmakers have called for investigations into ICE hiring, citing concerns about officers’ backgrounds.
ICE announced a pause on traffic stops and will require body cameras on vehicle stops, but President Trump urged continuing traffic stops as a key tool.
Protest organizers plan larger protests aiming to shut down Houston in the coming days.
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Many young midwives in England are leaving the NHS before age 35, mainly due to burnout caused by stressful and understaffed maternity units. This increasing early quitting raises concerns about the quality and safety of care for mothers and babies.
Key Facts
In 2025-26, 1,669 midwives aged 34 or younger left the NHS in England, making up 57% of all midwife resignations.
The number of midwives under 35 quitting has grown by 59% since 2014-15.
About 24% of midwifery students drop out before finishing their degree.
Midwives often work long hours with too few colleagues and miss breaks, causing burnout.
Three-quarters of midwives have thought about leaving the profession because of concerns over staffing and patient safety.
Reviews of maternity care in England identified staff shortages as a major safety risk.
The NHS Department of Health highlights record numbers of midwives and efforts to improve working conditions.
The Royal College of Midwives calls the current situation a “staffing emergency” in maternity care.
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Andy Burnham has said he would move faster than Keir Starmer in leading the Labour Party and government. The article discusses how emergencies or crises often push governments to act quickly, while Starmer’s approach has been cautious and procedural.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer has expressed frustration with slow government processes and the many rules that prevent quick action.
Voters have shown a long-standing desire for change, reflected in recent elections and political shifts in the UK.
Historically, crises like the Great Depression, war, and the 2008 financial crash forced rapid government action in the UK and US.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to quick law-making and government decisions that removed usual bureaucratic limits.
Starmer is seen as careful and risk-averse, often delaying decisions by referring to lengthy processes or independent reviews.
Andy Burnham is expected by some Labour members to lead with more speed and decisiveness than Starmer.
Lisa Nandy, a Labour politician, supports the idea that Burnham would be “faster and bolder.”
Critics say Starmer’s style focuses too much on procedure rather than clear and effective leadership.
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Mark Dreyfus, a federal Labor MP and former attorney general, has asked governments to think about banning protests near synagogues and Jewish schools to protect Jewish Australians. He referred to a 2019 High Court decision that allowed safe zones near abortion clinics and suggested similar laws could improve security for Jewish communities.
Key Facts
Mark Dreyfus called for considering bans on protests outside synagogues and Jewish schools.
He compared these proposed laws to existing safe access zones near abortion clinics upheld by Australia’s High Court in 2019.
The royal commission on antisemitism is examining Jewish community security and the involvement of Jewish Community Security Groups.
Security concerns for Jewish Australians have increased since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Dreyfus shared his personal experience of antisemitic abuse in Australian politics after October 2023.
New South Wales reintroduced laws to limit disruptive protests near places of worship after earlier laws were struck down.
Dreyfus suggested the federal government create criminal offenses for vilification and stronger laws against online abuse, involving more than just the eSafety commissioner.
Jewish Community Security Groups are volunteer organizations helping protect Jewish schools, synagogues, and events.
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The FDA said a positive test for cyclospora on Taylor Farms lettuce was a mistake. Taylor Farms is still removing lettuce linked to a large outbreak of the illness, which has sickened thousands across multiple states.
Key Facts
The FDA reviewed and found the positive test for cyclospora in Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive.
No confirmed cyclospora-positive lettuce samples have been found by the FDA so far.
Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico after it was linked to a large outbreak.
The outbreak has affected more than 1,600 people in 34 states, but some states report higher numbers, like Michigan with over 5,000 cases.
The CDC linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states.
Taco Bell and Walmart have removed the suspected lettuce products from their stores and restaurants.
Cyclosporiasis causes diarrhea and is spread by a parasite found in contaminated food and water.
No deaths have been reported in this outbreak.
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President Donald Trump said the recent US strikes on Iran, which have continued for nine nights, were done to honor American military members killed in Jordan and Iraq. Since the start of the conflict, 17 US service members have died and over 420 have been wounded.
Key Facts
The US has conducted strikes on Iran for nine nights in a row.
President Donald Trump stated these strikes honor US military personnel who were killed.
The soldiers were killed in Jordan and Iraq.
Since the war began, 17 US service members have died.
More than 420 US service members have been wounded so far.
The strikes are part of ongoing US military actions related to the conflict.
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The Australian government is spending over $9 million each year for every asylum seeker held on Nauru, a small Pacific island where refugees face high costs for food and water. Despite receiving a government allowance of $260 every two weeks, most asylum seekers say it is not enough to cover basic needs, and many report skipping meals or struggling to buy food.
Key Facts
Around 100 asylum seekers are held indefinitely on Nauru while their claims are processed.
The Australian government spent about $971.6 million on offshore management for unauthorized arrivals in 2025-26.
This spending equals roughly $9.6 million per person each year.
Asylum seekers receive $260 every two weeks to cover food, water, phone, and internet.
Food prices on Nauru are very high; some vegetables cost up to three times more than in Australia.
Many asylum seekers report not having enough money for basic food and say they have to skip meals.
The cost for mobile data alone can use up about 20% of the allowance.
Refugees on Nauru are not allowed to work and must wait for other countries to agree to resettle them.
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President Donald Trump announced that the grocery store chain Giant Eagle will reduce prices on over 300 products this summer. This move aims to address concerns about the cost of groceries and help make food more affordable.
Key Facts
Giant Eagle is a regional grocery store company in the United States.
President Trump said Giant Eagle will lower prices on more than 300 products.
The price reductions will take place this summer.
The announcement was made by President Trump on a Sunday.
The goal is to help Americans with affordability, especially for groceries.
This effort is part of a broader focus on easing cost-of-living concerns.
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Nirav Shah, Maine’s former CDC Director, has left the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate. He dropped out a day after speaking to party delegates in Augusta, Maine, and had entered the race to challenge Senator Susan Collins.
Key Facts
Nirav Shah was the Director of Maine’s CDC.
He was running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
Shah withdrew from the race on Sunday.
He spoke to delegates in Augusta one day before dropping out.
He entered the race to oppose Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term.
Susan Collins is the current U.S. Senator from Maine.
This is the second Democratic candidate to leave the primary race.
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A US service member died in northern Iraq while safely destroying an explosive device from an Iranian drone that had been shot down. This happened one day after two US soldiers were killed and one went missing following an Iranian attack in Jordan.
Key Facts
A US service member was killed in northern Iraq.
The death occurred during a controlled explosion of a device from a downed Iranian drone.
The drone was Iranian-made.
The incident happened after an Iranian attack in Jordan.
In Jordan, two US soldiers died and one is missing.
The events highlight ongoing tensions involving Iran and US forces in the region.
The US continues to face threats linked to Iranian military activities.
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