McCarthy rejects Senate spending bill

Kevin McCarthy, House Speaker, attempts to avert a government shutdown as hard-right Republicans reject the package. McCarthy’s Republicans found the bill insufficient as well as finding issues with steep spending cuts and strict border security provisions. A shutdown is almost certain. Considering the Saturday deadline, the government is left with a few options to prevent the shutdown. Federal workers will be laid off, military pay will be affected, and government services will be disrupted.

The bill failed with a vote of 198-232, 21 being hard-right Republicans voting against it. The White House and Democrats are also opposed to the bill. According to AP News, former president Donald Trump has been encouraging Republicans to fight hard to “shut it down” and fight for their priorities. Rep. Matt Gaetz rejected the temporary measure, wanting the House to instead keep “pushing through the 12 individual spending bills needed to fund the government.” McCarthy’s leadership is in jeopardy and the Senate’s efforts won’t matter among the political chaos in the House. “It’s not the end yet; I’ve got other ideas,” McCarthy told the reporters.  

Gunman opens fire in an apartment and hospital in Rotterdam, killing two and injuring one

A lone gunman, wearing a bulletproof vest, opened fire in an apartment and a hospital, killing two people and seriously injuring a 14-year-old girl. The shooter, a 32-year-old student, was arrested at the hospital carrying a firearm. “He started fires at the scenes of both shootings,” Police Chief Fred Westerbeke said.

The Erasmus Medical Center, where the second shooting occurred, temporarily closed but later announced the resumption of scheduled appointments. No immediate connection to drug gang conflicts was reported, according to euronews. The motive for the shootings is under investigation. Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb called it “a black day,” and Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima expressed sympathy. “We also think of everybody who loved in fear during these terrible actions,” they added.

Britney Spears sparks concern after posting a video dancing with knives

Britney Spears addressed concerns after sharing a video of herself dancing with knives, which led to a welfare check by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Spears posted another video with fake knives and reassured fans, saying, “No one needs to worry or call the police. I’m trying to imitate one of my favorite performers, Shakira.” Spears had previously called out fans for prank calls leading to a police visit in January, stating her privacy was invaded. The Sheriff’s Department conducted the check, but Spears was found to be safe, physically and emotionally. She is currently dealing with her divorce from Sam Asghari. According to court documents obtained by Fox News, the model filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.”

New York faces unexpected flooding after record rainfall

New York is experiencing record-setting rainfall, overwhelming its drainage, and causing widespread flooding in streets, buildings, and transportation systems. The city experienced nearly 8 inches of rain at John F. Kennedy International Airport, a record-breaking amount. The extreme weather event was attributed to climate change, with a warmer atmosphere capable of holding and releasing more water vapor, overwhelming aging flood defenses. According to CNN, the flooding has disrupted transportation, including subway and train services. Flights have been forced into delays and terminal closures. A travel advisory remained in effect for the region as roughly 25 million people across the Northeast faced a moderate risk of flash flooding. “This is a very challenging weather event,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This is a life-threatening event.”