This Week in the News

Hey folks, below are some interesting news stories that you might not have seen on TV, read, or heard on the Radio. The purpose of this is so that you are better informed about what is happening in the world and across the country. I keep these stories brief and to the point so you can read them within 5 minutes.

In one of the week’s most unusual stories, lifelong Bigfoot skeptic Donny Schmidt says he now believes he encountered a Sasquatch while hiking in Idaho’s Boise National Forest near Deadwood Reservoir on June 13. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization described Schmidt as a credible witness and classified the report as a “Class A” sighting.

In government news, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz announced that more than 1 million people are enrolled in Obamacare without Social Security numbers.

In Louisiana politics, Congresswoman Julia Letlow won the Republican Senate primary runoff, defeating Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming.

In NFL news, O. J. Simpson, the first Buffalo Bills player inducted into the franchise’s Wall of Fame, will not be included when the Wall of Fame moves to the new Highmark Stadium.

In government news, President Trump has nominated former Oklahoma Highway Patrol Major Lance Schroyer to serve as the next director of ICE.

In biblical news, the Texas State Board of Education approved a proposal requiring K–12 English and literature reading lists to include biblical stories and Bible verses.

In cultural news, Cinnamon Bun Oreos are returning to stores in the United States for the first time in a decade.

In positive demographic news, the United States is reportedly experiencing its first net negative migration in 50 years, with more people leaving the country than entering it.

In entertainment news, the upcoming Supergirl is now projected to lose its studio more than $200 million at the box office.

In weird news, 59-year-old Eric Michael Rodriguez was arrested by the McAllen Police Department after allegedly impersonating an off-duty police officer to receive a discount at a Chick-fil-A restaurant.

In Illinois politics, Governor J. B. Pritzker says the United States Postal Service may withhold mail-in ballots to the state if Illinois refuses to provide its voter rolls.

In European politics, Slovenia’s new Prime Minister Janez Janša announced that his government is withdrawing Slovenia’s recognition of Palestine as a state, reversing the previous administration’s decision.

In world news, Nigeria has announced the discovery of an estimated 3.3 million metric tons of lithium, along with significant deposits of rare earth elements, platinum group metals, gold, nickel, and copper.

In sad news, France has reported more than 1,000 deaths as an extreme heat wave continues across the country.

In more heat wave news, extreme temperatures forced Leipzig to suspend all tram services after the heat damaged sections of track.

In FIFA World Cup action, Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 to advance to the Round of 16.

In economic news, Americans are continuing to fall behind on a record $1.25 trillion in credit card debt.

In more World Cup news, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an investigation into the national team’s disappointing group-stage elimination, questioning whether competence was prioritized when selecting head coach Hong Myung-bo.

In world news, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering seeking the position of NATO secretary general after leaving Downing Street, when the role is expected to become available in 2028.

In additional heat wave news, at least 327 people have died across Spain over the past five days as record-breaking temperatures continue.

In government news, President Trump is seeking an additional $11 billion in assistance for American farmers, saying the funding would strengthen the agricultural sector as producers continue facing economic challenges.

In another World Cup update, the Uruguayan Football Association canceled the national team’s private charter flight home following Uruguay’s elimination from the tournament.

In cultural news, despite Australia’s social media age restrictions, reports indicate that 85% of children under 16 continue to use social media platforms.

In positive health news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk of Ebola spreading widely throughout the United States remains low.

In college sports news, the NCAA Division I Cabinet voted to eliminate the bowl transition penalty, making North Dakota State Bison football and Sacramento State Hornets football eligible to compete in bowl games beginning in 2026.

In boxing news, the planned rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has been postponed and will no longer take place in September.

In South Dakota politics, the South Dakota Republican Party voted against censuring Senator John Thune.

In food news, Kraft Heinz is introducing travel-size ranch dressing packets as ranch dressing continues to grow in popularity among international visitors attending the FIFA World Cup in the United States.

In political fundraising news, Elon Musk has contributed more than $85 million to support Republican candidates and Trump-aligned organizations ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

In Arizona politics, Senator Ruben Gallego said Democrats could face a difficult 2028 election if Marco Rubio becomes the Republican presidential nominee.

Finally, in uplifting news, Gracie the giraffe has been found safe after several days of searching throughout the Texas Hill Country.

Thank you for reading these news stories. I hope you are now better informed. I hope you will read again soon, and God Bless.