YNN: News briefs from June 28, 2025

Senate Convenes Rare Weekend Session to Fast-Track Trump’s Tax Cuts and Spending Cuts Ahead of July Fourth Deadline

The Senate is expected to grind through a rare weekend session. Republicans race to pass President Donald Trump's package of tax breaks and spending cuts by July Fourth.

Chief Justice Roberts Criticizes Trump Early in Second Term as Justice Barrett Questions Administration's Commitment to Court Orders

Chief Justice John Roberts chastised President Donald Trump early on in his second term. Justice Amy Coney Barrett pointedly questioned whether his administration would adhere to court orders.

Republican Leaders Unveil New Offensive Against Critics at Faith and Freedom Coalition Summit in D.C.

Republican leaders showcased an emerging line of attack against Obama. They were speaking at the Faith and Freedom Coalition summit.

In Second Term, Trump Gains Key Republican Support Amid Controversies and Nominations

President Donald Trump has turned most Republican members of Congress against him. The House speaker declared Congress has no war powers.

Democratic Primary in Albany’s 3rd and 6th Wards Nearing Recounts as Leaders Lead by Narrow Margins

In the 3 rd Ward, Arthur Lumpkin leads James Davis, with 320 votes to Davis' In the 6 th Ward Common Council seats, the race is neck-and-neck.

California Congressman Ro Khanna Reveals Using ChatGPT as "Almost Like an Editor" for Speech Refinement

Ro Khanna of California told BI that he began using ChatGPT "almost like an editor"

Budapest Pride Defies Ban as City’s Liberal Mayor Supports March Against Orban's Restrictions

Organizers of Budapest Pride took to the streets in defiance of Hungarian Prime Minster Viktor Orban’s effort to ban the event.

Russian Drones Kill Two and Injure Dozens in Overnight Strike on Odesa

Russian drones strike southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa, killing two people and injuring at least 17, Ukrainian authorities say. Meanwhile, three attack helicopters and

Spain Faces "Very Intense" Early-Season Heatwave, Emergency Services Mobilize

BBC Weather says the heatwave is "very intense" for this time of the year. Europe normally experiences such high temperatures in July and early August.

Benjamin Netanyahu Opposes Ceasefire as Israelis and Palestinians Seek End to Devastating Conflict

Israel and Palestinians contemplated the end of the most destructive war in a common history. Benjamin Netanyahu didn't want the war to end.

Mamdani, 33, Defies Expectations by Defeating Former Gov. Cuomo in Political Upset

The 33-year-old entered the race as an upstart before defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani is a relatively junior lawmaker.

College Presidents Back Senate Republicans to Voice Concern Over Threatened Cuts to Student Aid Program

College presidents are rallying behind Senate Republicans in a bid to stave off megabill cuts. The program helps more than 6 million low- and middle-income students pay for school.

Virginia’s 11th Congressional District Sees Battle Between 10 Democrats and 7 Republicans for Fairfax County Seat After Connolly’s Death

Virginia’s 11th Congressional District features 10 Democrats and seven Republicans angling for the Fairfax County seat, which is open after Connolly's death.

President Biden’s Climate Law Funds New Program to Boost Mercedes Plant in South Carolina

The program, set up through President Joe Biden’s climate law, would benefit the Mercedes plant in South Carolina.

Former Critic Trump Now Endorses NATO as Member Countries Agree to Double Defense Spending

After years of criticizing NATO as a "rip-off," President Trump now endorses the alliance as member countries agree to double their defense spending.

Over 60 Killed in Israeli Strikes as GazaFaces Mounting Humanitarian Crisis and Hesitant Ceasefire Shift

At least 60 people were killed across Gaza by Israeli strikes, health workers say. Palestinians face a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as ceasefire prospects inch closer.

Senate Set for Key Test Vote on President Trump's "Big, Beautiful" Tax and Spending Bill Amid Uncertainty

The Senate plans to hold a key test vote on President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" later Saturday. It's unclear whether the tax and spending measure has enough support to lift it over the House.

College Presidents Rally to Block Senate Cuts to Critical Financial Aid Program Supporting Over 6 Million Students