Americans grapple with affordability crisis: “Hard for me just to survive”

Hillary Cohen, a former assistant director in Hollywood, founded Every Day Action to address the waste of leftover food on film sets, which often gets discarded due to liability concerns. Since 2020, her nonprofit has redistributed over 270,000 meals to those in need in Los Angeles, utilizing industry contacts and a paid driver program to efficiently collect and deliver surplus food. Want More Context? 🔎

A rapidly spreading brush fire, named the Canyon Fire, has prompted evacuations for around 2,700 residents and threatened 700 structures in the mountainous area north of Los Angeles, with 400 personnel battling the blaze that has grown over 7.6 square miles. Dangerous conditions, including extreme heat and dry weather, have exacerbated the situation, while another major wildfire, the Gifford Fire, continues to burn in Central California. Want More Context? 🔎

A bull moose near the Goodman Mountain trail in New York's Adirondacks, which led to the trail's closure due to its unusual behavior and deteriorating health, was euthanized after wildlife officials determined its condition was severe and unlikely to improve. A necropsy will be conducted to investigate the causes of its decline, while the area remains under study to assess moose foraging behavior and habitat. Want More Context? 🔎

A new tax on university endowments, signed into law by President Trump, will significantly increase financial burdens on the wealthiest U.S. colleges, including Harvard and Yale, by imposing rates up to 8% based on asset size per student. This could lead to staff layoffs, hiring freezes, and reduced financial aid for lower-income students as institutions adjust to increased tax liabilities amidst declining federal funding. Want More Context? 🔎

A UCLA library user, Jeffery Ying, has been charged with stealing rare Chinese manuscripts valued at $216,000 by checking them out and replacing them with fake copies, using various aliases. Following an investigation revealing his activities, including returning dummy manuscripts and traveling to China, law enforcement discovered evidence of his scheme, and if convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Want More Context? 🔎

The Trump administration has increased the reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, accusing him of narco-trafficking and involvement with cartels in flooding the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Despite previous indictments and a significant bounty, Maduro remains in power, with Venezuelan officials dismissing the reward as political propaganda. Want More Context? 🔎