I’ve rescheduled tomorrow’s paid subscriber live to tonight at 8:20 p.m. ET. I’ll have more time to spend with all of you this evening, and I’ll also be appearing on MS Now at 11:15 p.m. ET. Here is the link to the live.

The Epstein developments are significant and involve information that some platforms have been reluctant to cover. My exclusive reporting on the Lincoln Memorial shows the Trump administration is urgently scrambling to fix the algae problem before July 4 after spending more than $14 million on renovations. There is a lot to get into tonight.

Independent journalism is a grind, and it is only possible because of readers like you. If you value this work and want to help keep it going, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or upgrading your subscription. Your support makes it possible for me to continue reporting, even on the toughest days.

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Here’s the news:

• Exclusive: Just weeks after completing a more than $14 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Trump administration is urgently recruiting additional federal workers to help combat a worsening algae problem before July 4 celebrations. According to an internal National Park Service email, employees are being asked to volunteer for 12-hour shifts to assist with scrubbing, pumping, and other cleanup operations as officials elevate the effort to a “regional and national priority.” The administration had promoted the renovation as a permanent fix for leaks and recurring algae blooms, with Donald Trump promising the pool would be restored without future problems. Instead, crews are now vacuuming algae and adding hydrogen peroxide to the water as pressure mounts to prevent one of Trump’s signature beautification projects from being overshadowed by the very issue it was designed to solve.

Trump tried to sell Puerto Rico, calling it “poor” and “dirty”:

• According to new reporting from the New Yorker, Trump’s pursuit of Greenland grew from a personal fascination into a major geopolitical project that drew in allies, advisers, and outside activists who sought to make American control of the island a reality. What began as discussions about purchasing Greenland eventually expanded into influence campaigns, diplomatic pressure, and efforts to reshape Greenland’s relationship with Denmark. The idea reflected a broader vision of American expansion and strategic dominance in the Arctic. Former officials recalled that Trump’s thinking extended beyond Greenland itself, with Miles Taylor saying Trump asked, “Could we swap Puerto Rico for Greenland?” because, in Trump’s words, “Puerto Rico was dirty and the people were poor.”

• Supporters of the project focused on Greenland’s economic vulnerabilities and strategic importance, arguing that closer ties with the United States could make the island richer, more secure, and less dependent on Denmark. Trump allies promoted American investment, mineral development, infrastructure projects, and military cooperation as a path toward greater U.S. influence. Behind the scenes, efforts were made to identify Greenlanders who might be sympathetic to closer relations with Washington and to capitalize on tensions between Greenland and Denmark. The broader strategy was to position the United States as Greenland’s preferred partner while gradually reducing Danish influence. These efforts increasingly blurred the line between diplomacy, political advocacy, and influence operations.

• Rather than embracing the American overtures, many Greenlanders reacted with alarm, viewing the campaign as a challenge to their sovereignty and right to determine their own future. Large protests erupted, political leaders rejected annexation rhetoric, and concerns grew that the United States might eventually rely on economic pressure or even military force. Danish and Greenlandic officials responded by strengthening their cooperation and seeking support from European allies as tensions escalated. What started as an unconventional proposal ultimately evolved into a serious international dispute that strained transatlantic relations and left many Greenlanders feeling caught between major powers. The controversy transformed Greenland from a largely overlooked Arctic territory into the center of a global debate about sovereignty, influence, and the future of the international order.

Epstein news:

• A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to fast-track processing of a Freedom of Information Act request seeking records about why the Trump administration decided not to release the Jeffrey Epstein files in July, despite earlier promises of transparency. The request, brought by Democracy Forward, seeks internal communications that could reveal whether Attorney General Pam Bondi misled the public about the existence of a so-called Epstein “client list” and whether the administration reversed course after learning that Trump’s name appeared in the files.

• Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the request involves issues of significant public interest and potential questions about government integrity, warranting expedited review. Separately, the Justice Department has asked federal judges to authorize the release of grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ahead of a December deadline requiring broader disclosure of Epstein-related records. The records that will be released involve internal communications between top Justice Department and FBI officials concerning Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Here is an example of the request:

• New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has expanded a criminal investigation into alleged abuse and illegal activity at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch by ordering more than two dozen companies, including JPMorgan, Google, airlines, telecom providers, and payment processors, to preserve records related to Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and other associates. The move comes after New Mexico reopened its investigation earlier this year and reflects frustration that the federal government has not provided the state with complete, unredacted Epstein files despite repeated requests.

• Investigators are pursuing an independent path to evidence by seeking records directly from private companies while also urging survivors to come forward. Torrez said the investigation was reopened with “deep respect for survivors and a commitment to accountability,” emphasizing that testimony from victims and witnesses will be critical as some records may no longer exist because of the passage of time and corporate retention policies. The probe is examining allegations tied specifically to Epstein’s New Mexico ranch, where multiple women have alleged they were groomed or abused, and where authorities recently conducted searches after renewed scrutiny of activities that may have occurred on the property.

Iran MOU as Trump Throws JD Vance to the Wolves:

• The United States today released the Iran memorandum. The 14-point memorandum outlines a sweeping framework for ending the U.S.-Iran conflict and negotiating a broader settlement within 60 days. Under the proposal, both sides would permanently halt military operations, respect each other’s sovereignty, and begin negotiations toward a final agreement backed by the United Nations Security Council.

• Trump said he supports the idea of having Vice President JD Vance attend any signing ceremony for the proposed U.S.-Iran agreement, adding, “I like that idea, sure, this way if it works out, I’m going to take the credit. If it doesn’t work out, I’m blaming JD.” He also signaled hesitation about personally signing the memorandum, saying it “might not be the kind of a document I should be signing.” The remarks suggest Trump is trying to create some distance from an agreement that has drawn criticism for including sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and major U.S. commitments toward Iran’s reconstruction and economic development.

• In exchange for Iran maintaining the current status of its nuclear program and reaffirming that it will not develop nuclear weapons, the United States would commit to major concessions. These include lifting primary and secondary sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, issuing waivers for Iranian oil exports, ending the naval blockade, reducing U.S. military deployments near Iran, and helping organize at least $300 billion in reconstruction and economic-development funding for Iran.

• The memorandum also addresses maritime security, with Iran pledging to facilitate commercial shipping through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz while working to remove military obstacles and restore normal traffic. Both sides would establish a monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance, and negotiations on contentious issues such as sanctions relief, enriched uranium stockpiles, and future nuclear arrangements would continue during the interim period.

• If implemented as written, the agreement would represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S.-Iran relations in decades, replacing a strategy centered on sanctions, military pressure, and containment with one focused on normalization, economic engagement, and long-term diplomatic negotiations.

• Republicans are calling the deal one of the worst foreign policy blunders in American history:

• Trump today endorsed Iran having ballistic missiles: “I’m saying that if other countries have them, it’s a little unfair for them not to have some.”

Other news:

• Trump drew renewed attention to his health at the G7 summit after appearing to walk away in the wrong direction following a group photo before turning back. The incident came amid growing scrutiny of his age and physical condition after his recent 80th birthday and reports that 22 medical specialists participated in his latest presidential examination. Questions have also been raised because of several recent public appearances in which he appeared to nod off or lose focus. Despite the speculation, Trump continued his schedule in France, including an invitation to attend a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at Versailles, saying, “I’m not a big sleeper anyway.”

• Federal law enforcement officials are reportedly angry with FBI Director Kash Patel after he publicly announced a foiled plot to attack a UFC event at the White House while the investigation was still ongoing. According to NBC News, authorities were continuing to identify suspects, conduct interviews, and make arrests when Patel disclosed that multiple people had been taken into custody, raising concerns that the announcement could jeopardize the case. Investigators allege members of an online group discussed using explosive-laden drones and gunfire to target attendees at the event, which was held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 80th birthday. The United States Secret Service, which led the investigation, emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of ongoing cases, while officials ultimately charged five suspects in connection with the alleged plot.

• U.S. oil reserves are falling rapidly as the Trump administration continues drawing from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to keep gasoline prices under control while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to shipping. The SPR has dropped to its lowest level since 1983, while inventories at the major storage hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, have fallen to what analysts describe as an “operational stress” level after ten consecutive weeks of declines. Although expectations of a peace agreement with Iran have helped lower oil and gas prices in the short term, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed, and energy companies warn that reserve releases cannot continue indefinitely. Industry leaders, including executives at Chevron and Exxon Mobil, caution that if stockpiles continue to shrink through the summer, oil and gasoline prices could rise sharply. Trump today suggested that he had to stop the war due to the reserves running low:

• Georgia House Republicans announced that they will not redraw the state’s congressional or legislative maps during the special session that had been scheduled to begin today, effectively delaying any immediate redistricting effort. In a statement, GOP leaders said that “changes to Georgia’s maps should take place only when members of the General Assembly and citizens have been given ample opportunity to ... engage in meaningful discussion,” signaling concerns about moving forward without a more extensive public process. The decision represents a setback for efforts to quickly alter the state’s political boundaries ahead of the 2026 elections and leaves existing maps in place for now. The announcement also suggests that any future redistricting fight in Georgia will likely be pushed into a later legislative session with broader debate and public input.

• Jackson Lahmeyer, a Republican pastor who had advanced to a runoff in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, abruptly suspended his campaign after Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement and backed state Rep. Mark Tedford instead. The reversal came after allegations surfaced that Lahmeyer had exchanged inappropriate text messages with a former campaign staffer who was not his wife, including messages described as suggestive. Lahmeyer acknowledged that he had “crossed a boundary line through text messaging” but said the matter had been resolved privately with his wife and accused political opponents of trying to weaponize the controversy. His withdrawal effectively clears the path for Tedford to become the Republican nominee in the heavily Republican district.

• The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at the first policy meeting chaired by Kevin Warsh, citing continued economic growth but persistent inflation pressures tied in part to the ongoing Iran conflict and higher energy prices. Warsh acknowledged that inflation remains a burden on Americans and emphasized that the Fed’s priority is preventing rising costs for items like oil, food, and other essentials from spreading throughout the broader economy. Updated projections show slower economic growth, elevated inflation through next year, and expectations for modest rate increases in 2026 followed by cuts in 2027. In a notable break from the tenure of former chair Jerome Powell, Warsh shortened the Fed’s policy statement, removed guidance about future rate moves, and announced several task forces to review the central bank’s communications and monetary policy framework.

• A 1-year-old Mississippi boy, Kohen Wiley, was killed after police responding to a reported shoplifting incident at a Walmart fired into a vehicle in a parking lot. State investigators say officers opened fire after the driver allegedly drove toward them and nearly struck an officer, while the child’s family and attorneys insist his mother was not involved in any crime and was trying to tell officers that a baby was in the car. The shooting also critically injured a family friend who was inside the vehicle. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family are demanding answers and the release of body-camera and surveillance footage, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation conducts an independent investigation into what officials have called a heartbreaking tragedy.

See you soon.

— Aaron

The rest of this week is shaping up to be hectic. Tomorrow evening at 7:45 p.m. ET, we’ll hold our next live event for paid subscribers. Many of you asked for a later start time, so I made sure to accommodate that. Earlier in the day, we are also expecting major Supreme Court opinions, potentially including the closely watched birthright citizenship case.

If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting a subscription to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible, and I am grateful for it every day.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

A weakened President:

• World leaders now view Trump as weak and embattled after a war that ended with a negotiated cease-fire rather than the decisive outcome he initially promised. The conflict failed to achieve many of its central objectives, including permanently neutralizing Iran’s strategic capabilities and fully resolving concerns about its nuclear program. Although Iran suffered significant military damage and lost senior leadership figures, it retained important leverage, including influence over regional waterways and the ability to rebuild with outside financial support. As the war dragged on, Trump increasingly backed away from earlier threats and searched for a diplomatic exit, creating the perception that Iran had successfully resisted U.S. pressure. The result was a settlement that appeared driven as much by a desire to end an increasingly costly conflict as by any clear strategic victory.

• Now, Trump even is claiming that the proposed terms of the Memorandum of Understanding may not even be final:

• The war exposed deep divisions within Trump’s political coalition and left him increasingly isolated from some of the allies who had supported a more aggressive approach. Conservative foreign-policy hawks and influential right-wing commentators openly questioned the agreement, with some arguing that it resembled the type of Iran deal Trump had spent years attacking. The criticism was particularly damaging because it came from figures who had previously backed both Trump and the military campaign. At the same time, disagreements emerged between Trump and Israeli leadership over military operations and cease-fire enforcement, producing rare public friction between Washington and Jerusalem. Faced with criticism from multiple directions, Trump ultimately sided with advisers who prioritized ending the war quickly, reflecting growing concern about the economic and political consequences of a prolonged conflict.

• Beyond the immediate battlefield, the conflict may have lasting consequences for both America’s global position and Trump’s political future. The war imposed major financial costs, depleted military resources, disrupted energy markets, and contributed to broader economic uncertainty. Questions remain about whether the United States achieved enough to justify those costs, especially given Iran’s continued regional influence and the unresolved status of key security concerns. Internationally, foreign leaders who once approached Trump with caution are increasingly willing to challenge him, while rivals such as China and Russia may interpret the outcome as evidence of declining American leverage. Domestically, Trump faces weakening poll numbers, growing Republican unease, potential congressional setbacks, and the reality that attention is beginning to shift toward the next generation of political leaders. The conflict therefore marks not just the end of a war, but potentially the beginning of a new and more constrained phase of Trump’s presidency.

News from Washington:

• In a lengthy post, Donald Trump claimed Republicans struck a deal with Democrats to remove William Pulte in exchange for Democratic support for FISA, but said Democrats later reneged on the agreement. Trump argued that moving forward with confirmation of Jay Clayton could complicate efforts to install Jamie McDonald, whom he wants confirmed first. As a result, he said he would withhold approval of FISA unless it is paired with the “Save America Act,” and announced that a Senate hearing related to the DNI position would be canceled. Trump concluded that Pulte would remain acting DNI until McDonald is approved, framing the move as necessary because Republicans had “fallen into a trap.”

• CNN reported that an independent water sample of the reflecting pool showed phosphate levels far above what is recommended for controlling algae growth in a body of water estimated to hold 6.5 million gallons. After consulting a pool store that regularly tests water, the network found conditions that could promote significant algae growth. As one expert explained, “If there’s already some phosphate fertilizer in the water, that’s really opportunistic, especially for the blue green algae that can fix nitrogen. So they are having a field day out here.” The findings suggest that elevated phosphate levels may be helping fuel the algae problem.

• This is what the pool currently looks like:

• Ghislanie Maxwell’s prison is one of the nicest in the country:

• Some January 6 defendants are pursuing large financial claims against the federal government through the Federal Tort Claims Act, a little-known legal mechanism that allows people to seek damages for alleged government misconduct. Their efforts have gained attention because the Justice Department has broad discretion over whether to settle such claims, raising concerns that the process could be used to compensate individuals involved in the Capitol attack even after the Trump administration’s proposed “anti-weaponization fund” faced strong bipartisan opposition. Attorneys representing many defendants argue that their clients were subjected to unfair prosecutions, coerced plea deals, inadequate treatment while in custody, and biased court proceedings. Among those seeking compensation are individuals who were convicted of assaulting police officers and sentenced to years in prison, with some lawsuits requesting millions of dollars in damages.

• Legal experts and critics strongly dispute these claims, noting that many defendants were indicted by grand juries, convicted by juries, or pleaded guilty in court. They argue that the government has strong legal grounds to defend itself against allegations of malicious prosecution. The debate has also become a political flashpoint, with Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike objecting to the possibility that taxpayer money could go to people who participated in the Capitol riot, particularly those who assaulted law enforcement officers. In response, some members of Congress have proposed legislation that would explicitly bar individuals convicted of January 6-related offenses from receiving federal compensation, even if they were later pardoned.

• Trump described his first meeting with Egyptian President el-Sisi as an instant personal connection, saying, “We fell in love, deeply in love” and that they had “great chemistry.” He recalled meeting el-Sisi at a hotel, noting that they had not known each other beforehand but connected so well that he “stayed twice as long as I was supposed to.”

Election results:

• Rep. Mike Collins won Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff, setting up a high-stakes general election against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in one of the country’s most competitive Senate races. Collins, a close ally of Donald Trump, defeated former football coach Derek Dooley after receiving Trump’s endorsement, while Dooley had been backed by Brian Kemp. The race is expected to be fiercely contested, as Ossoff is the only Democratic senator seeking re-election in a state Trump won in 2024, making Georgia critical to both parties’ hopes of controlling the Senate.

• Billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson won Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, defeating Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones despite Jones having the endorsement of Donald Trump. Jackson, a first-time political candidate, heavily self-funded his campaign, spending more than $100 million of his own money to secure the nomination.

  • Donald Trump is trying to downplay a significant political setback after his endorsed candidate, Burt Jones, lost Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff to billionaire businessman Rick Jackson. After the loss, Trump praised Jackson on social media and described him as having run a “TRUMP campaign,” despite having repeatedly and publicly endorsed Jones during the race.

• Janeese Lewis George has opened a substantial lead in Washington, D.C.’s Democratic mayoral primary, capturing 53% of first-choice votes with about two-thirds of ballots counted, while Kenyan McDuffie trails at 37%. Although additional ballots remain to be counted and ranked-choice voting could still come into play if no candidate secures a majority, Lewis George is in a strong position to win the nomination.

• Barry Moore won Alabama’s Republican Senate runoff, defeating former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and becoming the clear favorite to succeed retiring Sen. Tommy Tuberville in November. Moore’s victory was boosted by a strong endorsement from Donald Trump, whom Moore highlighted throughout the campaign as a close ally who could help deliver results for Alabama.

• Kevin Hern won Oklahoma’s Republican Senate primary, positioning him as the overwhelming favorite to win the open Senate seat in November. The seat became available after Markwayne Mullin resigned to become Secretary of Homeland Security, and Hern secured strong backing from Donald Trump, who praised him as a loyal supporter of the “America First” agenda.

Other news:

• USDA officials believe the Trump administration’s spending reviews and staffing cuts slowed efforts to combat the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that threatens the U.S. cattle industry. According to the officials, reviews delayed key projects, including sterile-fly production facilities in Mexico and Texas and a $100 million research initiative, reducing the government’s ability to contain the pest before it moved closer to the U.S. border. The administration disputes those claims, arguing it moved “at lightning speed” and blaming the Biden administration for earlier shortcomings. Former officials contend that months of delays and the loss of experienced personnel weakened the response and allowed the screwworm to spread farther north, potentially increasing the risk of billions of dollars in economic damage to ranchers and the livestock industry.

• RFK Jr. overruled a CDC recommendation and ordered Angela Perryman, a cruise passenger exposed to a rare hantavirus strain, to remain in federal quarantine in Nebraska despite a CDC medical reviewer concluding that she could safely complete quarantine at home in Florida under daily monitoring. Perryman, who says she feels like “a hostage” in a dispute between federal and state authorities, argues that there is no clear scientific justification for her continued confinement and has accused health officials of using her as “a prop and a political stunt.” While federal officials maintain that stricter monitoring is necessary to protect public health, Perryman says the experience has destroyed her trust in public health institutions and left her feeling more like a detainee than a patient.

See you soon.

— Aaron

A couple of other things. First, many of you have commented that I look tired. You’re right. After more than 18 months of nonstop reporting, covering the news around the clock, keeping up with every major story, and making sure this community stays informed, it finally caught up with me. Some people may think I shouldn’t even mention it, but I believe it’s important to be honest with you. Because of that, this will be my last long update tonight.

Second, as I mention in the video, one of the people arrested in connection with the FBI’s alleged plot targeting the UFC event had reposted several of my videos. Predictably, people close to the White House are already trying to use that to attack me.

I won’t stop. As I take a short pause tonight, I want to remind you that independent journalism is a grind. It is only possible because of readers like you. If you value this work and want to help keep it going, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or upgrading your subscription. Your support makes it possible for me to continue reporting, even on the toughest days. Click the button below.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• Trump is reportedly furious over what White House officials believe may have been leaks of sensitive Situation Room discussions to journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan for their upcoming book, Regime Change. The concern centers on the book’s detailed accounts of internal meetings, including deliberations on Iran and the Epstein files, which some officials say appear to contain near-verbatim dialogue. Administration officials fear confidential conversations from some of the government’s most secure settings may have been disclosed, though there is no public evidence that recordings were made. The authors have conducted more than 1,000 interviews and may have reconstructed conversations from participants’ recollections rather than obtaining actual audio. The episode has sparked renewed concerns within the White House about information security and leaks from high-level meetings.

• Stephen Colbert intentionally used Vince Guaraldi’s famous Peanuts song “Linus and Lucy” without permission during the final episode of The Late Show, joking about ongoing copyright lawsuits involving the music. The rights holder, Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP), responded by reaching a licensing agreement with CBS rather than pursuing a dispute. The proceeds from that agreement will be donated to the charity World Central Kitchen, which provides food relief during humanitarian crises. LMFP said it found Colbert’s unauthorized use of the music “funny and entertaining” while emphasizing the importance of obtaining proper music licenses for commercial use. The donation adds to another recent contribution connected to the show, as Colbert had already presented World Central Kitchen with $2.5 million on behalf of The Late Show during its final week.

• JD Vance’s appearance today on The View drew attention because it reinforced a broader perception that JD Vance is undergoing a political rebranding as he positions himself for a possible future presidential run. By appearing on mainstream venues like The View, promoting a faith-focused book, and presenting a more polished public image, Vance appears to be expanding beyond his core conservative base and appealing to a wider electorate. Critics and commentators have noted changes in both his media strategy and presentation, interpreting them as efforts to appear more relatable and conventional to swing voters. While supporters see this as natural political maturation, detractors view it as a calculated attempt to soften his image without substantially changing his underlying positions. The discussion around his appearance on The View became a proxy for that larger debate about whether Vance is preparing for a national campaign.

• Rep. Jamie Raskin is demanding answers from FBI Director Kash Patel over allegations that taxpayer funds may have been used to provide large bonus payments to favored FBI agents and members of his security detail. Raskin claims more than $1 million in special payments may have been distributed, with some agents reportedly receiving nearly $8,000 every two weeks on top of already high salaries. The letter suggests the payments could violate federal law and raises concerns that they were used to reward loyalists or secure the silence of employees who witnessed alleged misconduct. Raskin also references recent reports about Patel’s alleged drinking, claims Patel denies and is contesting in court. The FBI has not publicly responded to the allegations, and Raskin is seeking documents related to the payments and their authorization.

• The Trump administration announced that it is transferring oversight of special education and education-related civil rights enforcement from the Department of Education to other federal agencies as part of its effort to reduce the department’s role. Under the plan, the Department of Justice will handle education civil rights enforcement, while the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee special education programs and compliance. Administration officials argue the changes will improve efficiency and align responsibilities with agencies better suited to manage them. Critics, including education and disability advocates, warn that the move could create confusion, weaken protections, and disrupt services for millions of students, especially those with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The decision represents one of the most significant steps yet toward Trump’s goal of dismantling much of the Education Department’s authority.

• World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency company founded by President Trump and his sons, is expected to receive a federal banking charter that would allow it to operate more like a bank and directly issue its stablecoin. Supporters argue the approval fits the administration’s broader effort to encourage innovation and expand the crypto industry, while critics warn it presents an unprecedented conflict of interest because the president and his family stand to benefit financially. The charter would give the company significant regulatory advantages and could make its digital currency more attractive for businesses to use in transactions. Trump and the company maintain that he is no longer involved in its operations and that the business would remain subject to federal oversight and compliance requirements. The expected approval has intensified debate over the intersection of presidential power, financial regulation, and personal business interests.

• Trump’s $10 million effort to alter the Reflecting Pool has run into trouble as officials are reportedly adding hydrogen peroxide to combat a major algae bloom that turned the water bright green. The project was intended to improve the appearance of the pool, but critics argue it has become an expensive embarrassment after the algae growth became highly visible. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to help control algae in bodies of water because it breaks down into water and oxygen. The situation has fueled criticism from opponents who say taxpayer money was wasted on a project that created new problems rather than solving existing ones.

Iran Update:

• Iran demonstrated during the recent conflict that it can disrupt or close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil and shipping routes. U.S. intelligence officials now believe this gives Tehran a powerful form of economic leverage that could be used in future disputes. Although a new agreement is expected to reopen the strait, concerns remain that Iran could again threaten maritime traffic or regional energy infrastructure if negotiations break down. Officials are also worried that Iran could work with the Houthis to disrupt the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global trade chokepoint. Together, these developments suggest Iran has strengthened its ability to influence the global economy through control of key shipping routes.

• The reported U.S.-Iran agreement would allow Iran to immediately resume oil and fuel sales through sanctions waivers that take effect as soon as the deal is signed. The relief would also cover key services such as banking, shipping, and insurance, making it easier for Iran to conduct international energy trade. Iran is expected to receive some sanctions relief upfront, with additional benefits tied to its compliance with the agreement. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of increased oil supply and reduced geopolitical risk, sending oil prices lower. The move could provide a significant economic boost to Iran while helping stabilize global energy markets. Senators still have not been briefed:

• Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused Israel of violating the ceasefire 84 times in southern Lebanon during the two days following President Trump’s announcement that the war had ended. The organization said the repeated incidents undermine the truce and increase regional tensions. Iranian officials warned that if Israeli operations continue, Iran’s armed forces could respond forcefully. The statement highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the risk that renewed military activity could escalate the conflict again.

• The reported memorandum of understanding outlines a temporary framework to halt hostilities and create conditions for broader U.S.-Iran negotiations. Under the proposal, Iran would maintain its current nuclear program without expansion, while both sides negotiate issues such as uranium enrichment, stockpile disposal, and Iran’s future nuclear needs. In return, the U.S. would ease pressure by lifting its naval blockade, providing temporary sanctions waivers for Iranian oil sales, refraining from new sanctions, and making frozen Iranian assets accessible. Iran would guarantee safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, while negotiations continue with Omani and Gulf participation. If a final agreement is reached, the deal envisions a full lifting of sanctions, a U.S. military withdrawal from the region, and the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. For perspective, Obama’s deal gave Iran about half as much.

Other news:

• Federal prosecutors have charged 15 people in Minnesota with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with protests against a large-scale immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Authorities allege the defendants were affiliated with local antifa-linked groups and coordinated efforts to obstruct immigration agents through blockades, monitoring activities, and encrypted communications. Defense advocates and civil rights supporters argue the charges are politically motivated and intended to suppress dissent, noting that several previous cases tied to the crackdown were dropped. The announcement comes amid ongoing controversy over the operation, including the deaths of two civilians during enforcement actions and broader concerns about the government’s response to anti-ICE protests.

• A new report alleges that Elfsight, a technology company whose code has been used in the White House mobile app, continues to maintain active operations in Russia despite presenting itself as a European company. According to leaked records cited in the article, the company’s founders continued using Russian banks that were later sanctioned by Western governments and traveled to Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. The report also claims that Elfsight’s Russian business remained operational, generating revenue and hiring employees as recently as 2026. Security concerns stem from the fact that Elfsight’s software has been integrated into the White House app and can process certain technical user data, though the White House says the company’s current role is limited and was approved through a security review. Elfsight denies receiving requests from Russian authorities for customer data and says it only collects technical information necessary to operate its services.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a two-day confirmation hearing for Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, beginning July 15. If his nomination advances, the Senate could vote on his confirmation before the August recess. Blanche is expected to face tough questioning on issues including the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act for deportations and plans for a new White House ballroom. His path remains uncertain because all Democrats are expected to oppose him, meaning even one Republican defection in committee could jeopardize his nomination. Key Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, have not yet committed to supporting him.

• The nominee for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Hal Duncan, declined to rule out the Trump administration’s future use of “pocket rescissions,” a controversial tactic that allows the White House to withhold congressionally approved funding near the end of the fiscal year. The practice is disputed because many lawmakers in both parties argue it bypasses Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending. Duncan defended the tool as one that has been used by previous administrations and said he could not commit to limiting the administration’s options. The issue gained attention after the Trump administration canceled billions of dollars in foreign aid last year without congressional approval, a move that survived an initial legal challenge. The debate reflects a broader struggle between Congress and the executive branch over control of federal spending and budget authority.

• A Florida couple who discovered that an IVF clinic implanted another couple’s embryo has reached a custody agreement allowing them to keep and raise the baby they have cared for since birth. Genetic testing revealed the child was not biologically related to either parent, prompting a lawsuit against the fertility clinic and a search for the biological parents. After the biological parents were identified, both families negotiated an agreement recognizing the Florida couple as the child’s permanent custodial parents. The case has drawn attention to the rare but serious issue of embryo mix-ups and broader concerns about oversight in the U.S. fertility industry. The families have stated they intend to maintain a respectful relationship while prioritizing the child’s well-being.

• A federal judge in Rhode Island criticized immigration authorities for publicly attacking Judge Melissa DuBose after she ordered the release of a migrant from ICE custody. The criticism followed an investigation that found a Justice Department attorney had failed to disclose important information about a homicide-related warrant, leaving the judge without key facts when making her decision. After the release, ICE accused DuBose of knowingly freeing a dangerous criminal, a claim the chief judge said was false and unfairly endangered her while undermining trust in the courts. Although the attorney’s conduct was found to be a serious ethical violation, investigators recommended against formal disciplinary action. The dispute has intensified concerns about tensions between the federal judiciary and immigration enforcement officials over the handling of immigration cases.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to play a prominent role in the World Cup trophy presentation, while Uruguay’s national team reportedly faced enhanced security screening upon arrival in the United States. Plus much more.

It’s also Election Day, so stay tuned for updates later.

Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET, we’ll be joined by Jessica Tarlov for our next episode. Our next subscriber-only live event will be Thursday evening, with the time still to be announced.

If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

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Here’s the news:

• Vice President JD Vance struggled to defend the Trump administration’s proposed Iran deal during a Fox News interview after being sent out to explain the agreement. Pressed on key issues such as uranium enrichment and international inspections, Vance acknowledged that several major provisions remain unresolved and are still being negotiated. He said Iran has agreed to eliminate its current enriched uranium stockpile, but could not confirm that Iran would permanently stop enriching uranium or accept a finalized inspection regime. The interview highlighted ongoing questions about whether the deal fully achieves the administration’s stated goals for Iran’s nuclear program.

• Senate Republicans are demanding more details about President Trump’s proposed Iran agreement and want Congress to review any final deal before it takes effect. Lawmakers from both parties say they cannot evaluate the agreement until the administration releases the text of the memorandum of understanding, which is expected later this week. Some Republicans, including Lindsey Graham, expressed concern that the deal could resemble the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement if Iran is allowed to continue enriching uranium. While many Republicans support efforts to end the war with Iran, lawmakers across the political spectrum say they need to see the details before deciding whether the agreement is acceptable.

• Vice President JD Vance said nuclear inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency would “absolutely” be allowed back into Iran under a framework agreement aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran war. He said a key provision of the deal requires Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile to be destroyed with assistance from the IAEA and the United States, and that the full memorandum of understanding will be released after a signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday. Vance argued the agreement differs from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under Barack Obama because Iran’s nuclear program has already been dismantled and the new focus is preventing its reconstruction. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the framework as a step toward ending the conflict but said a final agreement has not yet been completed.

• Even some of Trump’s supporters on television agree that the deal may not have been the best one. David Urban said on CNN: "If it was good news, it would have been leaked. We'd all know about it. Donald Trump would stay around to sign and pass out pens. The fact that he is getting out of town does not bode well.”

• Fox News anchors Bret Baier and a network correspondent challenged Trump’s claim that Iran’s military, navy, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been completely destroyed, reporting that Iran still retains significant military capabilities. The segment highlighted a gap between Trump’s characterization of the conflict and assessments being discussed by national security and military analysts.

• According to a talkSPORT report, FIFA is expected to allow President Trump an unusually prominent role in the 2026 World Cup trophy presentation if he attends the final at MetLife Stadium. The report says FIFA President Gianni Infantino has no objection to Trump handing the trophy directly to the winning captain and potentially remaining on stage during the celebration, similar to his appearance at the 2025 Club World Cup when Reece James lifted the trophy. Sources cited by the outlet say officials from Canada and Mexico will also be invited to the closing ceremony, but Trump would have broad discretion over how involved he wants to be in the presentation.

• In its opening World Cup match, Iran drew 2–2 with New Zealand but afterward complained that it was ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately and return to its training base in Tijuana rather than staying overnight for recovery. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said the team had faced repeated logistical and diplomatic obstacles, including lengthy security procedures and visa denials for key staff, calling Iran “perhaps the most oppressed team in the World Cup.” Captain Mehdi Taremi criticized the travel demands and urged FIFA to provide more support, saying the situation had been “like a disaster” for the team. Despite the challenges, Iran rallied twice to earn a draw in front of a large, largely supportive Iranian diaspora crowd at SoFi Stadium and remains level with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand on one point in Group G.

• The Uruguayan national team reportedly faced extensive security screening upon arriving in the United States for the World Cup, with sniffer dogs deployed and players’ luggage subjected to detailed roadside inspections next to the team bus. The unusual security measures drew attention online and added to broader concerns from some teams about travel and security procedures surrounding the tournament.

• A Washington Post investigation found that the cost of President Trump’s White House ballroom and East Wing reconstruction project may be far higher than publicly stated. Internal contractor estimates projected a price tag of about $600 million, compared with Trump’s public claims that the project would cost up to $400 million and be funded entirely by private donors. The documents indicate that more than half of the projected costs could come from taxpayer-funded sources, including the Secret Service and the White House Military Office. The findings have fueled criticism from lawmakers and procurement experts who say the administration’s public descriptions of the project do not match the internal budget estimates.

G7 Updates:

• President Trump held a private meeting of just under an hour with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, according to a U.S. official. The meeting was not open to the press and took place without any media coverage. Details of the discussion were not publicly disclosed. Afterward, Zelenskyy shared photos from the gathering on social media and said that “it is important to coordinate positions.”

• Trump said a potential Iran nuclear deal could still survive even if Israel conducts additional strikes in Lebanon. However, he voiced growing frustration with Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, arguing that the conflict has gone on too long and resulted in too many civilian deaths. Trump suggested that if Israel cannot defeat Hezbollah without causing extensive casualties, then Syria could take a larger role in confronting the group. While emphasizing that he still has a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump criticized a recent strike on Beirut as excessive and said Netanyahu needs to be more responsible regarding Lebanon.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that fully ending the U.S.-Iran war requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory captured during the conflict. According to Araghchi, the war cannot be considered completely over while Israeli forces remain in those areas. His comments contrast with those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently said Israeli troops would stay in Lebanese territory for “as long as necessary.” Araghchi also warned that any future Israeli military action in Lebanon or continued occupation of territory would be viewed by Iran as a violation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that helped end the fighting.

• Trump told reporters during a meeting with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that the Iran deal has been completed and is moving into a second phase that he described as “easier.” He emphasized that the United States would not provide any financial investment to Iran as part of the agreement. The Qatari emir welcomed the deal but cautioned that significant work remains to be done, adding that Qatar is prepared to assist in the process. The comments came as leaders gathered for the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, alongside representatives from the European Union and several non-G7 countries.

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented President Trump with a German national soccer team jersey bearing Trump’s name and the number 47 during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The gift appeared to be a symbolic gesture highlighting ties between the two leaders during the gathering. The presentation came as Germany began its World Cup campaign with a 7–1 victory over Curaçao and entered the tournament as one of the favored teams. Photos taken by Getty Images from the summit showed Merz handing the customized jersey to Trump during their meeting.

Election efforts:

• The Trump administration has launched a broad effort to tighten voting rules through Justice Department lawsuits, FBI investigations, and executive actions targeting mail-in voting. Critics say these measures are based on discredited claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. The administration argues the changes are necessary to protect election integrity. Voting rights advocates and former election officials contend the moves could discourage participation and interfere with state control of elections.

• The Justice Department has sued dozens of states for access to voter registration records and has hired several officials associated with challenges to the 2020 election results. At the same time, the FBI has reopened investigations into alleged voter fraud in key swing states despite previous reviews finding little evidence of widespread wrongdoing. Critics warn these actions could intimidate election workers and voters. The administration maintains it is pursuing legitimate concerns about election security.

• Trump’s executive order on mail-in voting has triggered lawsuits from states and voting rights groups that argue it exceeds federal authority. The order would give the Postal Service a larger role in determining ballot eligibility and could impose penalties related to ballot handling. Opponents say the changes risk disenfranchising eligible voters and creating confusion ahead of the midterm elections. Supporters argue the measures are needed to strengthen confidence in the voting process.

Other news:

• The FBI said it disrupted an alleged plot targeting Sunday’s UFC America 250 event at the White House, with five people reportedly in custody. Officials said the suspected plan involved explosive-laden drones, sniper attacks on the crowd, and a possible attempt to storm the White House gate. Authorities learned of the threat after a relative reported concerns about someone discussing harmful plans in Washington. President Trump said he had not yet been briefed on the alleged plot when asked about it at the G7 summit.

• Here is Trump when asked about the attack:

• President Trump’s endorsements are being tested in several key Republican primary and runoff elections taking place tonight, particularly in Georgia, Alabama, and Oklahoma. In Georgia, Trump-backed candidates Mike Collins and Burt Jones are competing in closely watched runoff races that could shape major November contests. The article also highlights Democratic battles in Washington, D.C., including races for mayor and the city’s congressional delegate seat, as well as a special House election in California to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell. The outcomes will provide an early measure of Trump’s influence and help set the stage for the 2026 midterm elections.

• A federal judge has ordered 16-year-old Timothy Hudson to remain in jail until trial on charges that he sexually assaulted and murdered his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, aboard a cruise ship in November 2025. The judge reversed an earlier release arrangement, writing that Hudson poses a danger to himself and others despite having no prior criminal record and complying with release conditions. Prosecutors allege Kepner was sexually assaulted and asphyxiated, and her body was later found concealed under a bed in the cabin she shared with Hudson. Hudson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges, and his trial is scheduled to begin in September.

• Starbucks Korea will temporarily close all of its stores nationwide on June 22 for mandatory history and social sensitivity training. The move follows a marketing campaign that unintentionally referenced the 1980 Gwangju massacre, triggering widespread public backlash and boycotts. The company pulled the promotion, apologized publicly, and dismissed its chief executive amid the controversy. Police investigations are ongoing, and the incident has significantly affected sales and the company’s reputation.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Before we get into it, I want to share something positive: our Epstein reporting is helping create real momentum in Congress toward accountability. Progress is slow, and these things take time, but I’m hearing from more and more people that action on this issue is becoming a priority.

This is what your support makes possible. It helps bring important reporting to millions of people, including many who would never see these stories otherwise. It also helps keep pressure on powerful institutions and shine a light on stories that deserve more attention. At a time when media consolidation is accelerating and independent journalism is under pressure, your support is helping build something different: a newsroom focused on facts, accountability, and the truth.

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And yes, I know I ask a lot, but it’s because I rely on you. So, thank you, truly.

Here’s what you missed:

• House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer met privately with Jeffrey Epstein survivors and family members of Virginia Giuffre, who urged him to investigate potential leads they say were uncovered in Justice Department files. They presented emails and testimony suggesting federal investigators had discussed compiling allegations involving several high-profile figures connected to Epstein, arguing that claims by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that there are no remaining leads are incorrect. After the meeting, Comer moved to seek testimony from attorney Alan Dershowitz, saying he may have information relevant to the committee’s investigation. The meeting highlights continued pressure from survivors for further accountability as congressional investigators pursue new avenues in the Epstein case.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Justice Department is investigating him and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, after federal agents reportedly questioned friends, former staff members, and people connected to her nonprofit organizations. Newsom claims the investigation is politically motivated and tied to his potential presidential ambitions, accusing President Donald Trump of using federal law enforcement to target a political rival. Sources familiar with the matter said there are multiple federal inquiries underway, including one examining aspects of Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s finances and nonprofit activities, though no evidence of wrongdoing has been publicly presented. Federal authorities have not commented on the investigation, and its exact scope remains unclear, while Newsom has vowed to continue speaking out against the administration and defended both himself and his family. Here is his statement:

• A newly released congressional interview transcript shows that Jeffrey Epstein’s former assistant, Sarah Kellen, alleged that Epstein arranged for cash and Disney tickets to be delivered to a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy while he was serving his 2008–09 jail sentence. Kellen suggested the gifts may have been connected to the unusually favorable treatment Epstein received, including extensive work-release privileges that allowed him to leave jail for up to 12 hours a day, six days a week.

• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office says these allegations were never uncovered during prior investigations, and a 2021 Florida Department of Law Enforcement review found no wrongdoing by sheriff’s personnel involved in Epstein’s work-release program. Former jail supervisor Michael Gauger said he was always concerned Epstein might try to influence deputies because of his wealth and manipulative behavior, though he said he was not aware of any successful bribery.

• Senate Republicans are moving quickly to confirm Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, with a possible Senate vote as soon as Thursday if all 100 senators agree to speed up the process. Senate leaders believe Clayton could attract bipartisan support, and Democrats have signaled they may be willing to confirm him rapidly. His confirmation is significant because it could prevent Bill Pulte from taking over as acting DNI when Tulsi Gabbard departs. Democrats have opposed extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act while Pulte is slated to serve in the role, contributing to the surveillance authority’s expiration last week. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has complicated efforts to renew the program by demanding it be linked to separate election legislation, an approach Senate Republicans say is unlikely to succeed.

• Vice President JD Vance said Iran could potentially gain access to a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund if it fully complies with the terms of a future agreement. He indicated that such funding would be conditional on Iran meeting its obligations, including requirements related to its nuclear program and inspections. Vance did not deny that a fund of that size is being discussed, but emphasized that access would depend on Iranian compliance. He also noted that the money would come from Gulf Arab countries rather than the United States.

• Vice President JD Vance was asked about reports that Iran could receive $24 billion in frozen funds if it met certain benchmarks under a proposed agreement. He responded that negotiators are “open to a lot of things that are on the table” but said that provision does not appear in the current text of the deal. Vance neither confirmed nor denied that such funding could be part of future negotiations, only that it is not included in the agreement as currently written.

• Donald Trump announced plans for a large July 4 rally on the National Mall as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, promising military bands, flyovers, airshows, and what he described as the largest fireworks display in history. The event, branded as a “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA,” is part of a broader effort by Trump and the Trump-aligned Freedom 250 initiative to shape the semiquincentennial celebrations.

• The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the related Great American State Fair, where numerous performers reportedly withdrew over concerns about its connections to Trump and its inclusion of conservative and religious advocacy groups. Critics have accused the administration of politicizing the anniversary and using private fundraising efforts to exert influence over the celebration. Supporters view the events as a patriotic showcase, while opponents argue they risk turning a national commemoration into a partisan spectacle.

• The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) fell to 340.3 million barrels after another 8.9 million barrels were released last week, its lowest level since 1983. The Trump administration has been using emergency oil reserves aggressively during the Iran conflict to help keep energy prices from spiking, with the SPR down about 18% since the war began. Analysts say the releases have helped prevent a worst-case scenario of extremely high oil prices, but some energy experts are warning that the reserve is becoming dangerously depleted. Critics note that Trump previously attacked President Biden for drawing down the SPR, while supporters argue the current releases have been necessary to stabilize markets during the crisis.

• A U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber carrying eight people crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, and officials say the crash is presumed to have killed everyone on board. The aircraft was conducting a routine test mission when it went down around 11:20 a.m., leaving a large debris field and prompting a major emergency response. Investigators have not yet determined the cause, though aviation experts say the crash’s timing suggests a possible flight-control, engine, or test-equipment malfunction. The airfield was temporarily closed, and the Air Force has launched an investigation into the incident.

• After the UFC event at the White House, fighter Josh Hokit falsely claimed that former First Lady Michelle Obama is a man. UFC CEO Dana White publicly condemned the remark, calling it "nasty and false" and saying he opposes attacks on people's families. The White House declined to criticize the comment, instead praising Hokit’s performance in the fight, despite being asked whether it would condemn the insult.

• Today, the Obamas unveil their first-ever commissioned portrait together, painted by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, in the lobby of the new Obama Presidential Library.

  

• A new financial disclosure shows that President Donald Trump's investment accounts executed more than 3,600 stock and securities trades during the first three months of 2026, with total transaction values estimated between $212 million and $695 million. This is from CBS News:

• Critics, including Elizabeth Warren, have raised ethics concerns and called for investigations, arguing that the president's active portfolio could create conflicts of interest because his policy decisions and public statements can influence markets. Some trades involved companies such as Nvidia, Palantir, and Eli Lilly around the time of government actions or comments affecting those firms, though investment experts interviewed by CBS said the trading pattern may instead reflect sophisticated tax-management strategies rather than insider trading. The Trump Organization maintains that the president has no role in selecting or directing investments, saying independent third-party managers control the accounts, while ethics experts argue that the arrangement still leaves room for concerns because Trump can know what assets he owns.

• Israeli officials pushed back against the apparent inclusion of a Lebanon ceasefire in the newly announced U.S.-Iran framework agreement, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon. The agreement, announced by Donald Trump and Iranian officials, appears to include a halt to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, a condition many Israeli leaders had opposed. Israeli politicians and commentators criticized the deal, arguing it could strengthen Hezbollah and undermine Israel’s military gains, while some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition said Israel is not bound by an agreement it did not negotiate. Despite the criticism, analysts noted that Israel remains heavily dependent on U.S. support and is unlikely to openly challenge the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts.

• A Pennsylvania medical examiner has ruled the death of 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker Daphy Michel a homicide after determining she died of hypothermia days after being released from ICE custody. Officials said Michel, who reportedly suffered from severe mental health challenges and faced a significant language barrier, was released in Pittsburgh in late February and was later found dead at a bus shelter on March 2. Her family’s attorney argues that federal authorities failed to provide adequate care and support upon her release and expects a lawsuit against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE disputes responsibility, stating that Michel had her belongings, a charged phone, and access to public transportation when she was released, while local officials and advocates have described her death as a preventable tragedy.

• A Texas Tribune report described how several Muslim Republicans and convention attendees said they faced hostility, exclusion, and anti-Muslim rhetoric at the 2026 Texas Republican Convention in Houston. One attendee, Mohamed Hussein, said he was told by conservative activist Rick Scarborough to convert to Christianity or leave the country, an encounter that left him in tears and questioning whether there was a place for Muslims in the GOP. The convention also featured repeated warnings about Sharia law, efforts to remove delegates with ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and speeches portraying Islam as incompatible with American values. Some Republicans argued the party was alienating potential supporters, while Muslim attendees said the experience reinforced concerns that calls for party unity did not extend to them.

• A 36-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in Bogotá, Colombia, after authorities received reports that he was allegedly sexually abusing a 7-year-old child on a balcony in broad daylight. Witnesses alerted police, and officials later found three children in the man’s apartment, all of whom were placed in the care of Colombia’s child protection agency. Authorities are investigating the case, including the suspect’s relationship to the children and whether he had legally adopted them. The incident has drawn national attention in Colombia and renewed discussion about efforts to combat child exploitation by foreign visitors.

• An ICE agent in Stafford Township, New Jersey, was reportedly struck by a vehicle while attempting to apprehend a suspect on Monday morning. According to local police, the agent fired at the fleeing vehicle and is believed to have hit it, but the suspect escaped and had not been located as of the report. Authorities said the agent suffered injuries of an unknown severity, and it remains unclear whether the suspect was wounded. Local police were not involved in the immigration enforcement operation itself and said there was no ongoing threat to public safety while the investigation continues.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, effectively ending his effort to revive a lawsuit against former FBI Director James Comey and other FBI officials. Page argued that errors in surveillance warrant applications used during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election violated his rights, and a Justice Department watchdog had previously found significant flaws in those applications. Lower courts ruled that Page filed his lawsuit too late, and the Supreme Court let those rulings stand. Separate claims Page brought against the federal government were recently settled by the Trump administration, leaving only his claims against individual FBI officials at issue in the appeal.

• French President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies could deploy a maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz within days if the U.S.-Iran ceasefire holds. The mission, being coordinated primarily by France and the United Kingdom, would include surveillance aircraft, a frigate, mine-clearing capabilities, and potentially the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The goal is to secure one of the world’s most important oil and gas shipping routes and ensure freedom of navigation, particularly amid concerns that Iran could seek to impose transit fees or otherwise disrupt traffic. Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, Macron said the coalition is ready to move quickly but stressed that deployment depends on confirmation and implementation of the recently announced U.S.-Iran agreement.

• The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from Pauline Newman, leaving in place her suspension from hearing cases on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit due to concerns about her fitness to serve. Newman, who is 98 and has served on the court since 1984, was suspended after court officials cited health issues, workload delays, and her refusal to undergo certain medical evaluations requested during an investigation. She argued that the suspension effectively removed her from judicial duties in violation of constitutional protections for life-tenured federal judges and alleged that colleagues were targeting her because of her frequent dissents. By declining the case, the Supreme Court left intact lower-court rulings against Newman, though her legal team says it will continue efforts to challenge the suspension and seek her reinstatement.

• Alaska election officials disqualified a Republican Senate candidate named Dan Sullivan who was challenging incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan, ruling that his campaign appeared intended to confuse voters rather than genuinely seek office. Officials pointed to his use of the same name as the senator, a similar campaign website, a recent switch to the Republican Party, and his failure to respond to concerns about his candidacy. The candidate, whose legal name is Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., has 30 days to appeal the decision. The ruling comes amid accusations that the candidacy was part of an effort to influence the race against Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, which her campaign denies.

See you soon.

— Aaron

One major thing happened last night. After the White House attacked my exclusive reporting showing that pilots were nearly blinded while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport because of the massive lights from the UFC cage, flights were temporarily halted during the light show at the event. That decision effectively confirmed my reporting.

The reporting was solid, and despite the attacks, the facts held up. This is what journalism looks like when it is not driven by access or approval from those in power. If you are able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting a subscription to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

Subscribe now

Here’s the news:

• After the White House attacked my exclusive reporting confirming that pilots were nearly blinded flying into the Ronald Reagan airport due to the massive white light emitting from the UFC cage, last night, the airport shutdown flights during the light show at the UFC octagon, confirming my reporting:

• President Trump is reportedly furious whenever the Epstein files are raised, viewing them as a political vulnerability that refuses to go away. White House officials are increasingly concerned that new disclosures, detailed accounts of internal discussions, or additional records could keep the story in the headlines for months. Democrats are already promising Epstein hearings, subpoenas, and aggressive oversight if they regain control of the House, ensuring the issue remains a major political battleground. What began as a debate over the Epstein files has evolved into a broader fight over transparency, accountability, and what the administration may be trying to keep from public view. For Trump and his allies, the fear is that the controversy could continue to overshadow other priorities and dominate the political conversation.

• As President Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a massive UFC event on the White House lawn featuring celebrity guests, military flyovers, and thousands of spectators, many Americans remain focused on a much simpler issue: lowering costs. The spectacle unfolded as families continue to grapple with high prices for housing, groceries, and other essentials, highlighting a disconnect between Washington’s political theater and the economic concerns dominating many households. Critics across the political spectrum questioned the use of White House grounds for such an event, while supporters viewed it as a patriotic celebration. The contrast between an elaborate UFC showcase and voters’ everyday financial struggles is likely to fuel ongoing debate about the administration’s priorities.

• Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike blasted the White House UFC event after fighter Josh Hokit used his post-fight interview to falsely claim that former First Lady Michelle Obama is a man. The remark came during President Trump’s heavily promoted UFC event on the White House lawn, drawing widespread criticism and threatening to overshadow the spectacle itself. Trump appeared to react with a slight smile from ringside, according to CNN, though his exact response afterward remains unclear. The incident added to broader criticism of the unprecedented decision to host a UFC fight at the White House. I am not going to show you the moment, because I don’t believe such vile and false remarks deserve the airtime they received. During the fight, images captured by Reuters showed the President’s hand disclored again:

• A remarkable new story from the New York Times has confirmed that the Trump administration came dangerously close to suspending a core constitutional protection, as senior White House officials seriously debated whether President Trump could suspend habeas corpus rights for undocumented immigrants to accelerate deportations. Secret internal memos show advisers warned that such a move would likely be unconstitutional, since habeas corpus, the right to challenge detention before a judge, has only been suspended in the most extreme moments of U.S. history, such as war and rebellion. Stephen Miller pushed the idea aggressively, while Trump reportedly showed interest and directed officials to study the option. Ultimately, the proposal was shelved after intense internal resistance, but only after becoming a serious policy discussion.

• Internal documents reveal a broader struggle inside the White House over how far presidential power could be expanded. Some senior officials feared Miller’s efforts to bypass courts and legal constraints risked triggering major constitutional crises and damaging the administration’s broader agenda. White House lawyers repeatedly warned that courts would almost certainly strike down attempts to suspend habeas corpus and that the resulting legal battles could become a political disaster. Even officials who strongly supported Trump’s immigration agenda privately described some of the proposals as “insane.”

• The same internal fight extended to discussions about invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops domestically during immigration-related protests. Vice President JD Vance and Miller pushed for using the law after unrest in Minnesota, arguing it would send a strong message to protesters and immigration activists. Other senior aides, including White House counsel and political advisers, argued the circumstances did not come close to meeting the historical threshold for such an extraordinary step and warned of severe political and legal consequences. The administration ultimately backed away, but the report suggests both the Insurrection Act and habeas corpus debates remain examples of how close officials came to testing the outer limits of presidential authority.

Iran deal:

• Markets are soaring after the Trump administration announced a tentative deal with Iran, sending oil prices sharply lower and triggering a rally on Wall Street. While investors celebrated the prospect of the Strait of Hormuz reopening, many Americans are asking a more basic question: when will they actually see lower prices at the gas pump, grocery store, and elsewhere? Analysts caution that shipping disruptions could take months to fully unwind, meaning relief may not be immediate. After years of inflation and economic uncertainty, voters remain focused on affordability above all else.

• The tentative Iran agreement is being hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough that could end months of conflict and reopen one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Yet key issues remain unresolved, including the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile and the details of its nuclear program. Israel is already signaling concerns, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeking talks with Trump about the agreement. The coming weeks will determine whether the deal produces lasting stability or simply pauses a broader regional crisis.

• Iran’s deputy foreign minister said the full text of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) will only be released after it is formally signed, indicating key details remain undisclosed. He stressed that signing the MOU does not mean Iran trusts the United States, underscoring the deep mistrust that has characterized the negotiations from the start. Iran says the MOU is merely a framework agreement and that negotiations on a final deal will take place over the next 60 days.

• Global leaders are cautiously welcoming the agreement, but many remain skeptical about how quickly conditions will normalize. Shipping groups warn that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz may take months to recover even if the political agreement holds. Britain, China, Russia, and regional mediators have all described the peace as fragile and dependent on future negotiations. Americans may welcome falling oil prices, but they are likely to judge the agreement by whether it delivers tangible economic benefits at home.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Trump that Israel will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and does not consider itself bound by the Lebanon-related provisions of the U.S.-Iran agreement. That would suggest Israel intends to maintain freedom of action against Hezbollah regardless of commitments made between Washington and Tehran. The stance could complicate efforts to make the broader agreement stick, since Iran has repeatedly linked regional de-escalation—including in Lebanon—to any lasting arrangement with the United States.

• The first ship to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.–Iran peace deal announcement was the Maltese-flagged LNG tanker Disha. The vessel traveled using Iran’s traffic separation scheme, a key shipping route through the strategically vital waterway. Its transit is being viewed as an early sign that commercial shipping may begin resuming after months of disruption. However, analysts caution that a full return to normal shipping traffic could still take weeks or months.

Other news:

• Congress is growing increasingly alarmed after a new report projected that Social Security's trust fund could become insolvent by 2032, triggering automatic benefit cuts of roughly 22% if lawmakers fail to act. Republicans are deeply divided over how to respond, with some conservatives calling for a bipartisan effort to reform the program while others warn that any talk of "reform" will be seen by voters as a push to cut benefits. Several proposals are being discussed, including raising the retirement age, increasing payroll taxes, means-testing benefits, and creating private investment accounts, but many lawmakers view the issue as politically toxic ahead of the midterms. Despite broad agreement that the program's finances need attention, both parties appear reluctant to take ownership of a solution, raising fears that Congress may wait until a crisis is imminent before acting.

• The Kennedy Center tarp remains up today. It appears as though the plan is to keep it up for as long as Trump is in office:

• President Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on French wine and champagne unless France eliminates its digital services tax on major technology companies. The tax, introduced in 2019, applies to revenue earned in France by firms such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Google parent Alphabet. Ahead of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7 summit, Trump said he had urged Macron not to charge American companies and warned that tariffs would follow if the tax remained in place. Trump argued that France could avoid the dispute entirely by repealing the levy, saying, “All he has to do is get rid of the sales tax.”

• A bizarre controversy erupted before the White House UFC event when screenshots appeared to show Eric Trump asking UFC commentator Daniel Cormier whether any fights would be “rigged.” Cormier initially shared the screenshots publicly before later deleting the post, while Eric Trump insisted the messages were “AI-generated” and completely fabricated. Cormier subsequently appeared to agree the screenshots were fake, posting, “Are people this dumb?” as the claims spread online. We still do not have the full story this morning.

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• President Trump was still posting on social media in the early hours of the morning after his White House UFC birthday event, launching an all-caps attack against efforts to renew controversial government surveillance authorities. The post underscored Trump’s growing opposition to intelligence and law enforcement powers that he and many of his supporters believe have been abused against political figures. Critics seized on the timing, noting that the president was posting angrily online just hours after the UFC spectacle ended after 1 a.m. The episode added to a turbulent birthday weekend that was already dominated by controversy surrounding the White House fight card, the Epstein fallout, and ongoing battles over the Iran deal.

• Trump further confirmed he will be holding a campaign-style rally on the 4th of July in Washington, D.C.:

• At least 11 people were killed and more than 50 wounded after Russia launched one of its largest attacks on Ukraine in recent months, firing 70 missiles and more than 600 drones overnight. The strikes damaged the historic 11th-century Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ukraine’s most important religious landmarks, prompting condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron. Russia denied targeting the cathedral and claimed a Ukrainian air-defense missile caused the damage, while Ukraine accused Moscow of attacking both civilians and cultural heritage sites. The assault comes ahead of the G7 summit, where Zelensky is urging world leaders to increase military assistance and pressure on Russia.

• LA28 announced that applications for its Games-time volunteer program will open on July 14, exactly two years before the opening ceremony of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Organizers are seeking roughly 60,000 volunteers to help during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with roles ranging from welcoming spectators and athletes to providing medical and language support. While most positions will be based in the Los Angeles area, volunteers will also be needed in Olympic host cities including New York, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José, and San Diego. LA28 officials described volunteers as the backbone of the Games, saying they will play a key role in shaping the experience for athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world.

• American singer and comedian Oliver Tree was listed among the passengers on a helicopter involved in a deadly midair collision over Rio de Janeiro, though authorities have not yet been able to identify the victims. Two helicopters collided Sunday morning, killing all six people aboard and causing one aircraft to crash into a car dealership parking lot, where a fire broke out. Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash, while reports also indicate that Argentine content creator Gaspar Prim Díaz may have been among the passengers. Officials say identification efforts are ongoing, meaning the identities of those killed have not yet been officially confirmed.

• Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand is becoming a political flashpoint, with Iranian Americans divided between supporting the national team and protesting the Iranian government outside the stadium. Many members of the diaspora, particularly in Southern California’s large Iranian community, plan demonstrations over Tehran’s crackdown on dissent, while others insist the players represent the Iranian people rather than the regime. Team captain Mehdi Taremi urged fans to see the squad as a unifying force, saying the team is there “to bring joy to all Iranians” and not engage in politics. The tensions reflect broader divisions within the Iranian diaspora as the World Cup unfolds amid the aftermath of the U.S.-Iran conflict and a newly announced peace framework.

• Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway’s crown princess, was convicted of two counts of rape and sentenced to four years in prison. The 29-year-old was found guilty of raping two women who the court determined were asleep or otherwise unable to resist, though he was acquitted on two other rape charges. He was also convicted of abusing former girlfriend Nora Haukland and causing serious bodily harm to another partner. The case has cast a shadow over Norway’s royal family, which is already dealing with Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s serious health problems, though the palace declined to comment on the verdict.

• The U.K. will ban social media for children under 16, making it one of the most aggressive efforts in the world to restrict minors’ access to major online platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was not prepared to “compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” while also announcing restrictions on livestreaming, disappearing messages, and AI companion chatbots for young users. The government is considering additional measures, including overnight curfews and limits on infinite scrolling for minors. The move is broadly popular with British parents and is expected to take effect in 2027 if approved by Parliament.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Our Epstein interview yesterday received major national coverage, and the White House has not been pleased with our exclusive reporting showing that pilots were being blinded by lights from the UFC octagon while flying into Washington.

This work is important, and you are the reason it is possible. If you’re able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

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Here’s the news:

• As I mentioned above, those around the White House are not happy with my exclusive reporting. Here is Richard Grenell attacking me on Twitter:

  

• According to Axios, the White House is reportedly alarmed by the possibility that reporters may have obtained recordings or highly detailed accounts of Situation Room meetings. Officials fear some of the administration’s most sensitive conversations could become public, including those related to be the Epstein files. The concern stems from published excerpts containing remarkably detailed dialogue about discussions on Iran and the Epstein files. President Trump is said to be furious about the disclosures and the attention they are receiving. Aides worry that future revelations could create a major political headache and further intensify scrutiny of the administration.

• President Trump turned 80 today as reports surfaced describing occasional memory lapses and signs of fatigue, with some allies telling reporters he appears more tired than in the past. Former ally Tucker Carlson said Trump is uncomfortable with aging, remarking, “He’s really uncomfortable with it,” and described the president’s push for a new White House ballroom as “an older man building a monument to himself.” Trump’s own comments about aging, including a recent joke that he was “not happy” about his birthday and that it was “a number I don’t like.” While critics point to these episodes and the fact that Trump was examined by 22 medical specialists during his latest physical, the White House insists he remains mentally sharp and energetic.

• The weather for tonight’s UFC fight is not complying right now. This is the latest as bugs, wind, rain, and lightening are set to derail the fight:

• The White House is now attacking the Weather Channel:

• Democrats are preparing an aggressive oversight agenda if they regain control of the House in the 2026 midterms, according to Rep. Robert Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee under a Democratic majority. Garcia says Democrats would immediately pursue public hearings on the Jeffrey Epstein matter, subpoena senior Trump administration officials, and investigate what they describe as potential corruption involving the Trump family and its business dealings.

• Republicans, led by current Oversight Chair James Comer, dismiss the plans as partisan attempts to target President Trump rather than address government waste or accountability. Democrats also plan to scrutinize federal workforce cuts, DOGE-related actions, and other administration policies they argue harmed government operations. The article highlights the likelihood of major legal and political battles over subpoenas, compliance, and congressional oversight should Democrats win the House.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. military capabilities, arguing that no country produces better weapons or munitions than the United States and dismissing concerns about depleted stockpiles as a media-driven narrative. Journalist Margaret Brennan challenged that claim, pointing out reports of shortages and noting that Hegseth had previously testified under oath that rebuilding certain stockpiles could take years.

• Hegseth claimed the U.S. had maintained control of the strait throughout the conflict. Brennan pushed back, noting that the administration was simultaneously negotiating with Iran to reopen it.

• Israel carried out new airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs after Hezbollah fired projectiles into northern Israel, killing three people and wounding several others, according to Lebanese authorities. The escalation threatens ongoing efforts to finalize a U.S.–Iran agreement, with Iran warning that Israel’s actions could jeopardize negotiations and vowing that the strikes will not go unanswered. President Trump publicly criticized the attack, saying it “should not have happened” and urging all sides to stand down as a peace deal appears close. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation as a response to Hezbollah’s ceasefire violation, while Hezbollah rejected ongoing ceasefire talks and continued attacks on Israeli forces.

• President Trump said a planned U.S.–Iran agreement remains on track for Sunday despite an Israeli strike in Beirut that briefly delayed the signing. He said he was “so pissed off” about the timing of the attack and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “He has no fucking judgement.” Iranian officials warned that Iran is ready to retaliate if provoked, raising fears of further escalation. Trump argued that the deal would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, require the disposal of nuclear material, and allow inspections of its nuclear facilities.

• After the strikes, Netanyahu took to Twitter to wish Trump a happy birthday:

• U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz praised the emerging U.S.–Iran agreement but stopped short of guaranteeing it would be signed Sunday, despite President Trump’s prediction. Waltz said Iranian negotiators had accepted major U.S. demands, including eliminating highly enriched uranium, but acknowledged that Iran’s leadership was not always unified and that negotiations remained difficult. He described the agreement as a memorandum of understanding, warning that many details would still need to be worked out in future talks. Waltz argued the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s support for groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, while rejecting criticism from Barack Obama that it may not be substantially different from the 2015 nuclear deal.

• Markwayne Mullin is still talking about shutting down international travel to big blue cities: “I’m gonna have to go get the resources. The most logical way for me to get the resources is to go to CBP at the airports, because they are trained to deal with large crowds.”

• The UFC announced that some fighter bonuses at Sunday’s White House event will be paid in USD1, a stablecoin issued by World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company tied to the Trump family. Critics argue the arrangement blurs the line between government events and the president’s private business interests, since the fight is being held on White House grounds and World Liberty is an official sponsor. The White House denies any conflict of interest, saying President Trump’s assets are held in a trust managed by his children. The move is likely to draw further scrutiny of the Trump family’s growing crypto business, which has become a significant source of wealth and political controversy.

• Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital on Sunday morning, according to a statement from his office. A spokesperson said only that he is receiving “excellent care” and did not provide details about the reason for his hospitalization. The announcement comes amid ongoing public attention to McConnell’s health following several medical incidents in recent years. Further information was not immediately available.

• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joked about the viral Knicks fan who shouted, “My mayor’s Muslim!” during a recent appearance. Mamdani said the moment has taken on a life of its own, with people now regularly running up to him and repeating the phrase. Laughing, he added that his response is usually, “It’s true. I am.”

• According to the Guardian, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines has killed at least 61 people and left around 40 missing. The quake dramatically altered parts of the coastline, lifting the seabed by as much as two meters and extending some shorelines by up to 200 meters. The sudden “coastal uplift” exposed coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats, causing widespread die-offs of fish, eels, clams, and other sea life. Scientists say the change was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, highlighting the earthquake’s extraordinary geological impact in addition to its human toll.

• The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that thousands of Palestinians believed to be buried beneath Gaza’s rubble may never be identified as recovery efforts continue to move slowly. Forensic experts say that as bodies remain unrecovered, decomposition, displacement of remains, and the loss of personal effects make identification increasingly difficult, even with DNA testing. Gaza officials estimate that at least 10,000 people remain buried under debris, while shortages of heavy equipment and restrictions on importing DNA-testing materials have hampered recovery and identification efforts. Families of the missing face prolonged uncertainty, with many unable to obtain death certificates or closure as hopes of identifying loved ones diminish over time.

• Swiss voters appear to have rejected a far-right proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million people, with projections showing about 55% voting against it. The measure would have imposed strict immigration limits and could have forced Switzerland to leave its free-movement agreement with the European Union if the population exceeded the cap. Supporters argued that rapid population growth was straining housing, infrastructure, and public services, while opponents warned it would damage the economy and Switzerland’s relationship with the EU. The result suggests voters were concerned about the economic and diplomatic consequences of the proposal despite broader worries about immigration and population growth.

See you soon.

— Aaron

My good news is simple: I woke up to a flood of messages from many of you after releasing my interview with Epstein survivors. It was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Because of you, we’re reaching people who may never tune into traditional news and helping bring important truths to audiences that might otherwise never hear them.

I say this often because it’s true: this is the best job in the world. We’re building something meaningful without billionaire backing, corporate ownership, or a giant media machine. It’s powered by people who believe journalism can be better. None of it works without you.

So if this community matters to you, please consider subscribing, gifting a subscription, or upgrading your membership. We’re growing quickly, but we’re still competing with institutions that have far greater resources. Your support is what makes this possible and helps us keep building something bigger together.

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Here’s the news:

• A chance conversation on a New York City subway led 27-year-old Molly Selin to form an unexpected friendship with 81-year-old Maria. During their 40-minute chat, Maria shared that she had endured significant personal loss and had always dreamed of returning to her native Puerto Rico but was too anxious to fly alone. Moved by her story, Selin promised to accompany her on the trip, later sharing the encounter online where it went viral and inspired widespread support. Their friendship grew through regular visits, and with help from sponsors and supporters, the pair arranged a weeklong trip to Puerto Rico, complete with flights, accommodations, and planned activities. The story highlights how a simple act of openness—taking out her earbuds and talking to a stranger—changed both women’s lives and turned a lifelong dream into reality.

@mollyyyyyyyyyyy4 @mollyyyyyyyyyyy4 ♬ original sound - Mollyyyyyyyyyyy

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• A wrong text message unexpectedly connected 24-year-old photographer Lauren Stevens with 72-year-old photographer Wernher Krutein after she inherited his old phone number. Curious about a message asking for “Vern dawg,” Stevens tracked down Krutein, and the two Bay Area residents quickly became close friends. After learning that Krutein was struggling financially and was living without heat or hot water to save money, Stevens launched social media accounts, redesigned his photography website, and started a fundraiser to help preserve his archive of roughly 500,000 photographs. Her efforts have raised more than $60,000 and brought renewed attention to Krutein’s life’s work. Both say the friendship has been life-changing, with Krutein describing Stevens’ support as “a ray of sunshine” and saying he no longer feels alone.

• Eighteen-year-old umpire Sawyer Sparks gained national attention after a video of his energetic umpiring style—sprinting down baselines and sliding into position—went viral online. The attention led to an invitation from the Savannah Bananas, a popular entertainment baseball team known for its showmanship. Just days after graduating high school, Sparks made his debut during a game against the Indianapolis Clowns, entering the field with a dramatic slide and receiving enthusiastic support from players and fans. He capped off the appearance by calling the final out and celebrating with a slide and chest bump. What began as a fun, unconventional approach to umpiring has turned into a unique opportunity and growing fan following.

• After a long 12-hour shift, NICU nurse Andrea Munn came home to find that her husband, Zachary, had prepared dinner and left a series of thoughtful Post-it notes guiding her through the meal. Since he was out with friends and couldn’t be there in person, he anticipated her needs by setting the table, preparing food, chilling drinks, and leaving cheerful instructions throughout the house. The gesture went viral online, with many people praising the creativity and care he showed for his wife. The couple says these notes are just one example of the everyday acts of service they do for each other and that their relationship is built on much more than grand gestures. They hope the story reminds people that healthy relationships involve both thoughtful actions and commitment through life’s ups and downs.

• A 10-year-old California girl named Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Morgan is being credited with helping save her family from a devastating house fire after she spotted flames outside their home early in the morning. Her quick reaction alerted her family and housemates, allowing all seven residents to escape safely before the fire spread through the house. Although no people were injured, the family lost their home and most of their belongings, and two dogs died in the fire. Lizzie’s mother said her daughter and brother remained calm during the emergency and played a crucial role in getting everyone out. In the aftermath, neighbors and community members rallied around the displaced family, providing clothing, essentials, and emotional support.

• A woman in London named Abi Feltham, who is living with a rare and aggressive brain cancer called oligodendroglioma, has gained attention for revealing her MRI results using “gender reveal”-style celebrations on social media. Alongside her boyfriend, she cut into a cake where blue represented a stable tumor and pink represented tumor growth requiring more chemotherapy. In the featured video, the cake revealed blue, meaning her tumor remained stable, which the couple celebrated with relief and joy. Feltham says using humor and creativity helps her cope with the stress of living with an incurable but treatable condition and the uncertainty of scans every three months. Despite the seriousness of her diagnosis, she hopes her videos bring lightness to a difficult situation and encourage others facing serious illnesses to find ways to navigate fear and uncertainty.

• Twelve-year-old Knicks fan Carmelo Rios, who went viral after an emotional reaction to receiving playoff tickets for his birthday, got an even bigger surprise when his story caught the attention of Carmelo Anthony. After the original game he was supposed to attend was canceled because the New York Knicks advanced early in the playoffs, Anthony teamed up with Fanatics to send Carmelo and his father to Game 4 of the NBA Finals. At the game, the young fan witnessed a dramatic Knicks victory and was given the chance to meet his basketball hero courtside. The experience was especially meaningful because Carmelo is named after Anthony and has long admired him. The family described the night as unforgettable, with supporters online celebrating the happy ending to the viral story.

• A massive wildfire, the largest in Nebraska’s history, destroyed over 1,000 square miles of ranch land, including all the grass on Mike and Kayla Wintz’s 11,000-acre ranch. Facing the loss of their livelihoods, the ranchers received overwhelming support from thousands of anonymous donors across the United States. The Wintz family alone received about $80,000 worth of donated hay, while relief organizations raised over $1 million to help affected cattle owners. Additional donations helped cover the high transportation costs of delivering hay from distant states. The story highlights the generosity and solidarity shown by farmers, ranchers, truck drivers, and community organizations in response to the disaster.

• A father and son from the UK, George Kohler and his 23-year-old son Josh, completed an 18,000-mile bicycle journey around the world over 14 months and set three world records. Traveling through Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe, they earned records for the fastest father-son bicycle circumnavigation, the longest bicycle journey, and the most countries visited continuously by a father and son. Along the way, they experienced the kindness of strangers, including locals and monks who shared food and hospitality despite language barriers. The pair faced physical, mental, and emotional challenges but maintained a rule never to go to sleep after an argument. They described returning home to family and friends after 400 days as one of the most emotional moments of the entire adventure.

  

• A Canadian woman, Leah Wilson, rescued an injured young crow that was trapped in a roof gutter with the help of local firefighters and then took it to a wildlife veterinarian. After the crow recovered and was released, Wilson began receiving small gifts—such as feathers and other items—from local crows, which she believes are tokens of gratitude. The birds now regularly follow and greet her during her walks, creating a unique bond between her and the flock. Wilson can even identify the crow she rescued because it wears a leg band from its rehabilitation. The story highlights both the intelligence of crows and the strong connections that can form between humans and wildlife.

• A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran, used alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab), significantly improved outcomes for patients who had melanoma tumors surgically removed. Five years after treatment, the combination reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or death by 49% and reduced the risk of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body by 59% compared with immunotherapy alone. Nearly 69% of patients receiving the vaccine combination remained cancer-free after five years, versus about 49% of those receiving only pembrolizumab. The vaccine is personalized for each patient by targeting unique proteins found on their tumor cells, helping the immune system recognize and attack any remaining cancer. Researchers view the results as strong evidence that mRNA-based cancer vaccines could become an important tool against melanoma and potentially other difficult-to-treat cancers in the future.

• French Polynesia has announced a new marine protected area covering about 200,000 square miles of ocean, roughly twice the size of Arizona. With this addition, the territory will protect around 540,500 square miles of ocean in total, helping achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030. The protected waters are home to diverse marine life, including sharks, whales, seabirds, and species found nowhere else on Earth. While large areas will be fully protected from extractive activities, designated artisanal fishing zones will allow local communities to continue traditional, sustainable fishing practices. Officials hope the project will serve as a model for balancing large-scale conservation with local livelihoods and cultural stewardship.

• After a serious car accident in British Columbia caused their vehicle to roll over, Dearah and Sharron Jordan were devastated when their Australian shepherd, Daisy, disappeared from the crash scene. Over the next four days, volunteers, search-and-rescue members, neighbors, and complete strangers joined the effort to find the missing dog, providing manpower, drones, equipment, meals, and emotional support. The breakthrough came when volunteer searchers Forrest and Tracey Kellerman returned to the crash site and discovered Daisy still inside the damaged truck involved in the collision. Daisy was safely reunited with her owners and, remarkably, was unharmed despite being missing for 96 hours. The story became a powerful example of community kindness and determination, with the Jordans expressing deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from strangers.

• A metal detector enthusiast named Stuart Jones discovered a rare 16th-century gold ring set with eight diamonds while searching a field in Gloucestershire, England. The find came at the end of a long day and is considered the most significant discovery of his detecting career. Experts from the British Museum examined the ring, which is made of about 80% pure gold and features an unusually rare cluster of diamonds in a flower-shaped design. The ring is expected to sell for up to $20,000 at auction, with the proceeds shared between Jones and the landowner. Jones described the discovery as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and said he may never find anything that surpasses it.

• A 7-Eleven franchise owner in Japan, Tatsuya Takahashi, gained widespread attention after posting signs inviting people suffering from heat or cold to enter his stores and recover without feeling obligated to buy anything. The signs encouraged anyone experiencing heatstroke symptoms to come inside and cool off, and during winter they were replaced with messages welcoming travelers to warm up and rest. Takahashi said the idea was inspired by kindness he received years earlier when restaurant owners helped him recover from heatstroke while he was traveling. His messages went viral on social media, with many people praising the generosity and community spirit they represented. The story eventually inspired a broader initiative by Japanese 7-Eleven stores, encouraging locations nationwide to offer similar support to people affected by extreme weather.

• A couple in Lockport, Illinois, successfully persuaded a home builder to delay construction after discovering a nest containing four killdeer eggs on a vacant lot scheduled for development. Concerned that construction would destroy the nest, they informed the builder that killdeer are protected under federal law through the Migratory Bird Treaty. After confirming the birds’ protected status with state conservation authorities, the construction company, D.R. Horton, agreed to postpone work, marking off the nesting area with cones and caution tape until the eggs hatch. The couple praised the company for its quick and cooperative response.

• Scientists surveying waters around California’s Channel Islands discovered the first live white abalone seen in the region in five years, offering new hope for the recovery of this critically endangered species. White abalone populations have declined by about 99% since the 1970s, making surviving individuals extremely difficult to find and leaving many too isolated to reproduce. Researchers located the abalone during a habitat survey that also used environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to search for evidence of remaining populations. The discovery was made as part of the “Wanted Alive! White Abalone” campaign, which encourages divers and citizen scientists to report sightings. Scientists plan to continue surveying the area, relocate the individual if possible, and analyze collected samples to better understand where the species may still survive and how it can be restored.

• A new HIV-prevention drug called Lenacapavir has shown remarkable results in large phase 3 clinical trials, with one study reporting no new HIV infections among more than 3,200 participants and a second study showing a 99.9% reduction in infections among about 5,000 people. Unlike existing preventive medications that must be taken daily, Lenacapavir is administered as a simple injection only twice a year, which may make it much easier for people to follow consistently. Researchers found the treatment to be at least as effective as current daily HIV prevention pills while reducing challenges related to adherence and stigma. The drug works by disrupting a critical protein structure that HIV needs to reproduce, making it effective even as the virus mutates. Its developer, Gilead Sciences, has also announced plans to make the medication more affordable in many low- and middle-income countries through generic licensing agreements.

— Aaron

I spent the day at the Trump-Epstein Reading Room in Washington, D.C., where I had the privilege of sitting down with two survivors, Marina Lacerda and Andrea Sterling. The conversation was raw, emotional and deeply honest. They spoke about their experiences, the abuse they endured and the lasting impact it has had on their lives. They also had a message for Donald Trump ahead of his birthday tomorrow: they are not going away, and they will not stop fighting for justice.

This interview is longer than what I typically publish, and it is different from our usual coverage. But I have made two promises to you. First, I will continue to amplify the voices of survivors and keep telling their stories until they receive justice. Second, I will continue expanding the kind of journalism and content we produce here.

This video is not polished. It is not heavily produced. What it is, however, is real. It is honest. And I believe it is important. You’ll find other news and reporting below as well.

Not every platform will be comfortable with this interview. Some may try to limit its reach. That is exactly why I hope you’ll watch it and share it.

And if you are able, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one to someone else. This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. Your support makes this work possible.

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Here’s the news:

• Ahead of Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, Jeffrey Epstein continues to cast a shadow over the Trump White House as new revelations, congressional inquiries and behind-the-scenes accounts keep the scandal in the spotlight. Reporting on internal administration discussions suggests officials viewed the issue as a serious political threat, particularly as demands for the release of Epstein-related information grew among Trump’s own supporters. The controversy has persisted despite efforts to redirect public attention, fueled by ongoing questions about Epstein’s relationships with powerful figures and what remains undisclosed in government files. The result is a scandal that refuses to fade and continues to haunt Trump’s presidency.

• Protesters at San Francisco's Ocean Beach gathered Saturday to create a giant human banner demanding the release of redacted government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that mention President Donald Trump. The demonstration came one day before Trump's highly publicized 80th birthday celebrations and was designed to draw attention to ongoing questions about the administration's handling of Epstein-related records. Organizers said the protest was aimed at increasing pressure for greater transparency surrounding the files. This is an image taken by Josh Edelson from the San Francisco Chronicle:

• Melinda French Gates said in a new interview that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein “could have been stopped,” arguing that the U.S. justice system failed to prevent his abuse of underage girls. Her comments came days after Bill Gates testified before Congress that Epstein had attempted to blackmail him and used relationships with powerful people to bolster his reputation. Melinda Gates said meeting Epstein left her with a strong sense that he was “evil” and said her heart goes out to his victims. She also used the interview to advocate for greater female leadership and highlighted her recent investments in women’s health initiatives.

• The United States and Iran say they are nearing a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, with President Trump claiming an agreement could be signed as soon as Sunday. Mediator Pakistan said a memorandum of understanding is close, but Iranian officials cautioned that negotiations remain fluid and a signing may take several more days.

• The proposed agreement would reopen the strait, extend the fragile ceasefire between the two countries and lay the groundwork for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. Despite the diplomatic progress, disputes remain over key terms, and tensions continue in the region, with U.S. forces reporting they recently shot down Iranian drones near commercial shipping lanes.

• Trump threatened to use a nuclear weapon against Iran if the deal is not executed:

• A federal judge’s order forcing the Kennedy Center to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the venue has been fully carried out, with workers taking down exterior signage and officials removing references online and throughout the building. The judge ruled that the Trump-backed board lacked authority to rename the congressionally chartered institution, stating only Congress can change its name. The Kennedy Center unsuccessfully argued that removing Trump’s name could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in donor funding tied to the rebranding and sought to delay or block the order. The ruling also upheld a separate decision blocking the board’s proposed two-year closure of the center for renovations. As it currently stands, however, tarps over the Kennedy Center remain concealing the place where Trump’s name once was. There is no requirement they take down the tarps:

• Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s planned multibillion-dollar luxury resort development in Albania is facing fresh controversy after villagers alleged that land included in the project was wrongfully sold by a Miami-based businessman who has been linked to organized crime investigations. About a dozen residents claim they are the rightful owners of property near the proposed resort site and are seeking a court order to halt the development, while the businessman at the center of the dispute denies any issue with his ownership claims. The project has already sparked weeks of protests over environmental concerns, with critics warning it could threaten protected coastal habitat and accusing Albanian authorities of a lack of transparency. Neither Trump nor Kushner has been accused of wrongdoing, and the Albanian government maintains that the land designated for the project is privately owned.

• During an interview with Greta Van Susteren, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked which country is America’s best friend in South America and cited El Salvador and Costa Rica as examples of close partners. The answer was geographically incorrect: neither country is in South America; both are located in Central America. Noem praised the countries for their cooperation with the Trump administration on migration and security issues, but neither directly answered the question as asked. The exchange quickly drew attention online because it confused two distinct regions of the Americas.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the Trump administration’s proposed “Shield of the Americas” security framework would be “stronger than NATO,” arguing that it would create deeper cooperation among countries in the Western Hemisphere on border security, migration, counterterrorism and transnational crime.

• Forecasters say Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House faces a slight chance of severe weather, including tornadoes and hail, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists said damaging winds are the primary concern, while rain and thunderstorms are more likely earlier in the day. Weather conditions are expected to improve somewhat by the event’s scheduled 8 p.m. start, though the threat of storms will remain. The Secret Service said it has contingency plans in place and will coordinate with government and UFC meteorologists to monitor conditions in real time.

• This is the current state of the White House ahead of Trump’s UFC fight:

• According to Politico, a growing divide is emerging within the Republican Party over artificial intelligence, as populist conservatives including Sen. Josh Hawley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis push for stronger regulation of AI and Big Tech while challenging President Trump's more hands-off approach. The faction argues that AI poses risks to jobs, families, communities and self-government, and has opposed White House efforts to prevent states from enacting their own AI regulations. The debate is increasingly becoming a major political issue ahead of future elections, with Republican candidates campaigning against Big Tech and concerns over data centers, deepfakes and worker displacement. Polling suggests the public broadly supports AI safeguards, giving momentum to conservatives advocating a more aggressive regulatory approach.

• Green algae has reappeared in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool just days after the completion of a Trump administration renovation project that cost roughly $16 million, far more than the original estimate. The Interior Department said the algae is a temporary byproduct of dormant water supply lines being restarted and defended the project as a permanent fix, citing a new filtration system and ongoing maintenance plan. The renovation, part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary, included a $1.7 million ozone nanobubbler system and a $14.2 million project to line the pool in “American Flag Blue.” Similar algae problems emerged after the pool’s last major renovation in 2012, when officials ultimately had to increase ozone treatment to address persistent blooms.

• Haitian security official James Boyard, who serves as both cabinet director of the Defense Ministry and inspector general of the national police, was kidnapped Thursday in Port-au-Prince, according to people familiar with the case. Boyard is the highest-ranking government official abducted in Haiti in recent years, highlighting the growing power of gangs that control roughly 70% of the capital. Analysts say the kidnapping appears to have been carefully planned and may have involved assistance from someone close to his security detail. The abduction comes as gangs increasingly target public officials and follows years of widespread kidnappings amid Haiti’s worsening security crisis.

• Blue Origin says it expects to resume flights before the end of 2026 despite the massive explosion that destroyed a New Glenn rocket and heavily damaged its Florida launch pad last month. The setback is significant because NASA is relying on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and Blue Moon lunar lander for key missions tied to the Artemis program’s planned return of astronauts to the Moon. NASA, the Space Force and Blue Origin are working together to investigate the failure and accelerate repairs, with officials emphasizing that the lunar lander can continue development even as launch infrastructure is rebuilt. While experts say the recovery timeline is ambitious, they note that Blue Origin has substantial resources and government support behind efforts to get the program back on track.

See you soon.

— Aaron

I will be providing coverage all weekend from Washington, D.C., where several major events are set to unfold. To everyone who has reached out with messages of support regarding the censorship challenges we have been facing, thank you.

This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. If you can, please consider subscribing, upgrading your subscription, or gifting one today. It’s going to be a very busy weekend.

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Here’s the news:

• Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in the early hours of June 13, 2026, after a federal judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to rename the landmark. The removal occurred shortly after the Justice Department missed a court-ordered deadline and sought a brief extension, citing safety concerns from thunderstorms. The lawsuit that led to the ruling was brought by Representative Joyce Beatty, while both a federal district court and an appeals court rejected the administration’s requests to pause the order. The dispute is part of a broader effort by Trump and his allies to reshape prominent Washington institutions and monuments since his return to office. The Trump Administration put up a tarp so that the public could not see the removal happen, but, Reuters has confirmed that the name is down:

• Here is another image taken by a photographer from the Associated Press showing the removal of the “P” in Trump’s last name:

• Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who led the effort to take his name down, celebrated by doing Trump’s own dance inside of the building:

• Trump is turning 80 tomorrow and celebrating with a UFC fight card on the White House lawn, complete with a massive stage, thousands of spectators, and extensive production. The event is tied to Flag Day and the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. It reflects Trump’s long-standing affinity for UFC and his friendship with UFC president Dana White. The setup is one of the most elaborate birthday-adjacent events ever held at the White House. The celebration has drawn attention because of its scale and symbolism.

• According to The Atlantic, Trump has reportedly become more aware of his mortality since surviving the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. A longtime friend said Trump “can hear the clock ticking” and understands that both age and term limits constrain the time he has left to achieve his goals. Questions about his health have begun to circulate as he approaches 80. The friend suggested Trump is increasingly conscious of how much time remains in his public life. That awareness appears to be influencing the pace of his decisions and ambitions.

• Trump is pursuing a wide range of projects and initiatives at an accelerated pace, from reshaping parts of Washington to pursuing major foreign-policy objectives. He appears focused on leaving a lasting mark and securing a place in history through large, visible accomplishments. The text describes him as less concerned with traditional political optics and more focused on achieving outcomes he views as historic. Critics argue that this focus has come while economic concerns, wars, and political risks remain unresolved. Supporters would likely view the same behavior as evidence of determination to act boldly while he still has the opportunity.

• A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore exhibits and signs about topics such as slavery, climate change, civil rights, and diverse communities that had been removed from national parks and monuments. The judge ruled that the removals likely violated laws governing the National Park Service and said excluding these materials created an incomplete and misleading portrayal of American history. The administration had made the changes under an executive order aimed at eliminating what it viewed as “revisionist” interpretations of U.S. history, but the court found that many removals lacked legal authorization. The Interior Department criticized the ruling and is considering an appeal, while the affected exhibits must be reinstated within 21 days.

• Trump’s attorneys argued that there was no improper coordination between President Trump and the Justice Department in settling his lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. The settlement, which initially included a controversial $1.8 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and protections from IRS audits, drew criticism from lawmakers and former judges, leading the administration to back away from parts of the deal. A group of former federal judges asked the court to reopen the case, claiming the lawsuit may have been a sham designed to facilitate the settlement, but Trump’s lawyers said the court no longer has authority because the case was voluntarily dismissed. They maintain that the settlement reflected a legitimate legal resolution rather than collusion and warned they would appeal if the judge attempts to revive the case.

• The Trump administration has imposed export controls on Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, requiring licenses for access by foreign governments, companies, and individuals due to national security concerns. The move reportedly followed claims that one of the models could be “jailbroken,” prompting officials to view the systems as potentially sensitive technology. To comply with the new restrictions, Anthropic temporarily shut off access to the affected models for all customers while it works with the government to resolve the issue. The decision reflects a broader U.S. effort to treat frontier AI systems as strategic assets and increase oversight of their deployment and international availability.

• The U.S. and Iran appear close to reaching an agreement that could end their recent conflict and restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have expressed optimism, but there are conflicting reports about important details, including sanctions relief, shipping fees, and Iran’s nuclear activities. Markets reacted positively to the prospect of a deal, with oil prices declining on expectations that energy supplies could stabilize. However, military tensions persist, as both countries continue to exchange accusations and security incidents have occurred near the strait.

• President Trump announced that Héctor “Niño Guerrero” Guerrero Flores, the alleged leader of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, was killed in a joint U.S.-Venezuelan military operation in Venezuela. U.S. officials described Guerrero as the head of a transnational criminal organization linked to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other crimes, and said the strike fulfilled a major objective of the administration’s anti-gang campaign. Venezuelan authorities confirmed the operation and said clashes with criminal groups led to Guerrero’s death. The strike highlights growing security cooperation between the United States and Venezuela and marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts against organizations it classifies as terrorist groups.

• U.S. and Iranian officials are signaling that a framework agreement could be finalized within the next 24 hours, with Pakistan acting as a key mediator and expressing confidence that a deal is close. The proposed agreement would reportedly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease some economic restrictions on Iran, and establish a process for addressing more difficult issues through follow-up negotiations. Despite the optimism, major disagreements remain over issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the exact terms of the agreement, with U.S. and Iranian officials often describing different versions of the deal. Military tensions have not fully subsided, as the U.S. says it continues to intercept Iranian drones near commercial shipping routes while attacks on vessels in the region persist. Even if signed, the agreement would be only an initial step, with the most contentious and technically complex issues still requiring months of negotiation and implementation.

• Green algae has reappeared in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool shortly after a major renovation project was completed. The Interior Department said the algae is a temporary, residual effect from water supply lines that sat unused during construction and is part of the startup process for the upgraded filtration system. The renovation, undertaken as part of preparations for America’s 250th anniversary, included a new nanobubbler filtration system and a blue pool lining, costing significantly more than initially projected. Officials maintain that the project will permanently solve the pool’s long-standing algae problems, despite similar issues occurring after a previous renovation in 2012. This video is from CNN:

• The FCC has accelerated the process for reviewing ABC’s broadcast licenses, opening a public comment period that allows critics and supporters to argue whether the network should keep its licenses. The move came shortly after pressure from Trump and amid an FCC investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, though ABC argues the probe is being used as a pretext to target the network. Conservative groups plan to challenge ABC on a range of issues, including its political coverage, Jimmy Kimmel’s show, and programs like The View, while members of the public can also submit objections. Any challenge could trigger a lengthy legal and administrative process involving hearings, appeals, and years of litigation, even as ABC continues operating normally. ABC has hired prominent legal counsel and is aggressively contesting the FCC’s actions, arguing they amount to political retaliation and are intended to pressure the network rather than address legitimate regulatory concerns.

• Ticketmaster has restricted sales for NBA Finals Game 5 in San Antonio to customers living within 150 miles of the Frost Bank Center, limiting access primarily to local fans. The policy appears designed to reduce large-scale purchases by out-of-market buyers and ensure more tickets remain available for the home crowd. Such geographic restrictions are occasionally used for high-demand playoff games when teams want to preserve a stronger local presence in the arena. The restriction was listed directly on Ticketmaster’s event page for the game.

• According to NBC News, Trump is considering making his first trip aboard the new presidential jet—a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar—when he travels to Mount Rushmore on July 3 for America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. The aircraft has undergone months of modifications and testing to meet presidential security and communications requirements, and officials say it is nearing operational readiness. The $400 million gift has drawn bipartisan criticism and raised ethical and security concerns, especially because the plane is expected to be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation after he leaves office. If approved, the Mount Rushmore trip would serve as a high-profile debut for the aircraft amid the administration’s broader anniversary events.

• Scientists say a long-observed “cold blob” in the North Atlantic—an area south of Greenland and Iceland that has cooled even as most oceans warm—may be evidence that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is weakening. A new study found the cooling extends deep below the ocean surface, suggesting it is driven by changes in ocean heat transport rather than just atmospheric factors such as winds or clouds. The AMOC acts like a giant conveyor belt that moves warm water northward, and many researchers believe climate change is weakening it by adding large amounts of freshwater from melting ice. If the system were to reach a tipping point and eventually collapse, the consequences could include rapid sea-level rise along the U.S. East Coast, much colder winters in Europe, and major disruptions to rainfall patterns in Africa. While outside experts say uncertainties remain and the study is not definitive proof, it adds significant evidence that the unusual cold patch may be a warning sign of a broader slowdown in one of Earth’s most important climate systems.

• The United States opened its home World Cup with a dominant 4–1 victory over Paraguay, delivering one of the strongest World Cup performances in the program’s modern history. Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice and nearly added a third, becoming the first American since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. Christian Pulisic helped drive the attack, while the U.S. built a 3–0 halftime lead and later added a fourth goal through Gio Reyna. The win exceeded expectations for an opener, energized a star-studded crowd in Los Angeles, and immediately raised hopes that the Americans can make a deep run in a tournament they are co-hosting. With group-stage matches against Australia and Turkey still ahead, the result provided early evidence that coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad may be capable of achieving more than simply advancing out of its group.

• Folarin Balogun has emerged as the breakout star of the U.S. World Cup team, and his story is notable because he became eligible for American citizenship only because he was born in Brooklyn while his London-based parents were temporarily stranded in New York. Despite being raised in England and having the option to represent England or Nigeria, he chose the United States in 2023 after feeling underappreciated by England’s national team setup. His two-goal performance against Paraguay reinforced the belief that the U.S. finally has the elite goal-scoring striker it has long lacked, with teammates praising his movement, instincts, and finishing ability. The piece highlights the irony that Balogun's rise comes as debates over immigration and birthright citizenship remain politically charged in the United States. More broadly, his success is presented as an example of how U.S. Soccer has built a talented, globally connected roster by recruiting dual-national players from around the world.

See you soon.

— Aaron

One of the biggest stories tonight that is being underreported is that the Ellisons’ takeover of Warner Bros. and CNN is moving forward. If completed, it would pave the way for Bari Weiss to take over CNN.

That should concern everyone. Beyond the media consolidation issues, it comes as we are already seeing how fragile independent information ecosystems can be. Meta went down for hours today and removed several pieces of my content. That follows recent censorship issues on TikTok. Now the same consolidation pressures are reaching major media outlets.

This Substack remains the one place where I am fully independent and accountable only to you. If you can, please subscribe, upgrade your subscription, or gift one today. It is going to be a very busy weekend.

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Here’s the news:

• Major exclusive reporting this evening: A commercial airline pilot has filed safety reports with both the FAA and NASA after powerful moving lights used during preparations for President Trump's UFC event on the White House lawn allegedly shone directly into her cockpit while they were on final approach to Reagan National Airport (DCA).

• The pilot told me the white lights were so bright they significantly impaired visibility and were "10 times worse than any laser illumination event" the pilot has experienced, despite not involving lasers. After reporting the incident, the pilot said a local FAA office advised her to contact the White House regarding the lighting concerns, and they also submitted an internal airline safety report. The incident raises questions about coordination between White House events and aviation safety given DCA's congested airspace and the critical nature of the landing phase of flight. It also comes amid heightened scrutiny of flight safety around Reagan National following this year's fatal midair collision near the airport.

  

• The House Oversight Committee has asked attorney Alan Dershowitz to testify as part of its investigation into the federal government’s handling of the Epstein files. Chairman James Comer said the committee believes Dershowitz may have relevant information because of his past role as Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer and documents reviewed during the investigation. The interview is tentatively scheduled for July 9, and the committee plans to release a video and transcript of the testimony. Dershowitz said he is looking forward to testifying and is working to adjust his schedule to appear.

• A federal judge rejected the Kennedy Center’s attempt to delay a court order requiring Donald Trump’s name to be removed from the institution’s branding and signage. Workers were seen preparing to take down Trump’s name ahead of the court-imposed deadline after the judge ruled that the center’s board lacked the authority to rename the venue, which was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The ruling also temporarily blocks plans to close the center for a major renovation project. The dispute stems from a lawsuit challenging the board’s decision to rename the venue “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

• Trump filed an emergency appeal seeking to keep his name on the Kennedy Center after a court ordered its removal, while the Kennedy Center board reportedly amended its bylaws after the ruling in a way that could require repayment of donations and create major financial consequences if the Trump name is removed.

• A federal judge has indefinitely blocked the Trump administration’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which was intended to compensate people who claimed they were unfairly targeted by the government. Judge Leonie Brinkema said the Justice Department has failed to formally confirm under oath that the fund has been abandoned, despite public statements suggesting it is no longer moving forward. The judge expressed concern that the program could reappear in another form, especially after President Trump recently praised the idea and said he would be disappointed if it were not approved. The ruling keeps the fund frozen while the court considers broader constitutional challenges, and the administration has been ordered to provide sworn declarations within a week clarifying the fund’s status.

• A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit seeking to stop the White House from hosting its planned UFC event this weekend, clearing the way for the fights to proceed on the South Lawn. Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs lacked standing, failed to show they would suffer irreparable harm, and waited too long to bring the challenge. The lawsuit argued that the event improperly uses public property for a private, for-profit venture tied to President Trump’s birthday and the America 250 celebration. With the ruling, organizers can move forward with Sunday’s UFC event, including the large arena and staging structures already erected on White House grounds. This is what the White House looks like:

• Organizers of Trump’s White House UFC event are reportedly worried that swarms of insects could become a major problem during the outdoor fights. Forecasts for Sunday call for hot, humid weather and possible thunderstorms, conditions that typically lead to increased mosquito, gnat, and other bug activity in Washington, D.C. UFC president Dana White has previously complained about the large number of insects around the White House and has reportedly arranged special measures, including industrial fans and other mitigation efforts, to keep bugs away from fighters and spectators. The concern has become significant enough that some reports describe the insects as one of the biggest logistical threats to the event.

• President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., could take two to three years to build and require extensive construction that critics warn would severely disrupt traffic between D.C. and Northern Virginia. According to federal planning documents, the project would involve continuous heavy equipment operations, deep excavation, massive cranes, and year-round work in a major traffic circle near Arlington National Cemetery. Local officials, residents, and veterans groups have raised concerns about congestion, public access, and the administration’s fast-tracked approval process, while a lawsuit challenges the project’s legality. The administration says it is studying traffic impacts and expects delays to be manageable, but the total cost of the monument has not yet been disclosed.

• Trump is further “re-gilding” various horse statues in Washington, D.C. with real gold using taxpayer dollars:

• The Justice Department has approved Paramount’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing a major federal regulatory hurdle for one of the largest media mergers in recent history. Regulators concluded the deal would not significantly harm competition and approved it without requiring asset sales or other concessions. The merger would combine Paramount with major properties including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures, and HBO Max, creating a larger competitor to streaming giants and technology companies. However, the deal still faces scrutiny from state officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, while critics warn it could lead to layoffs and further consolidation in the entertainment industry.

• SpaceX’s stock market debut became the largest IPO in history, pushing the company’s valuation above $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. Shares surged well above their IPO price on the first day of trading, dramatically increasing the value of Musk’s stake and enriching many longtime SpaceX investors and executives. The historic valuation has also sparked criticism from activists and economists who argue that such extreme concentrations of wealth pose risks to democracy and highlight growing economic inequality. At the same time, the IPO is expected to pull millions of ordinary investors into AI and space-related investments through retirement accounts and index funds, tying more Americans’ financial futures to the sector.

• The Trump administration has suspended federal funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, citing allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, misuse of funds, and inadequate oversight. Federal officials say the agency has received nearly $1 billion in taxpayer funding over the past five years and argue that funding should be halted pending an investigation. Local officials, including Los Angeles leaders who have previously criticized the agency, condemned the move as politically motivated and warned it could undermine efforts to reduce homelessness and maintain housing for vulnerable residents. The funding suspension is the latest clash between the Trump administration and California officials, following other federal funding cuts affecting projects and programs across the state.

• A shooting in Midland, Texas, left at least one person dead and 10 others injured after a gunman opened fire on police and bystanders before barricading himself inside an abandoned building. Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, who was already wanted for allegedly shooting at a police officer during a vehicle pursuit earlier in the week. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded, exchanging gunfire with the suspect before he was found dead inside the building several hours later. Several victims remain hospitalized, and officials have launched an investigation into the shooting and the officers’ response.

• The U.S. and Iran are still trying to negotiate a deal despite repeated threats of military escalation and claims that an agreement is imminent. Key sticking points include access to frozen Iranian assets, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly shifted between threatening strikes and predicting peace, creating uncertainty in both diplomacy and financial markets. Analysts believe a temporary agreement is possible, but major disagreements remain and hardliners continue pushing for a tougher approach if talks collapse.

• A Venezuelan immigrant living in Wisconsin says a honeymoon trip to Miami with his Trump-supporting wife turned into a nightmare after he was detained by ICE at a security checkpoint near Trump’s Doral resort. Bryan Rojas spent more than three months in detention after authorities questioned him about his tattoos and investigated possible gang ties, allegations he denies, before an immigration judge granted him bond. Since his release, Rojas says his family has lost their home, sold their car, depleted retirement savings, accumulated more than $80,000 in debt, and remains stuck in immigration limbo while awaiting a court hearing scheduled for 2028. Despite criticizing the administration’s immigration policies, his wife, a U.S. citizen and Trump supporter, says she still supports the president, though she believes what happened to her family was unfair.

• President Trump has appointed a number of U.S. attorneys with little or no federal prosecutorial experience, and several have already faced serious setbacks. Some have had cases dismissed, been criticized by judges for misconduct, been disqualified from cases, or faced ethics investigations. Critics argue the appointments reflect a preference for political loyalty over prosecutorial expertise, while supporters say experience outside federal prosecution can also prepare someone for the role. The article highlights multiple examples where inexperience allegedly contributed to legal and procedural problems in high-profile cases.

• An elephant made an unexpected impression at the Texas Republican convention in Houston when it reportedly urinated between the press area and the delegates shortly after Governor Greg Abbott finished speaking. The elephant, a nod to the Republican Party’s mascot, had been brought to the convention as part of the festivities. The incident quickly drew attention from attendees and reporters, creating an unusual and memorable moment at the gathering. This video is from the Texas Tribune:

• A massive fire destroyed a 1 million-square-foot medical supply warehouse operated by Medline Industries in Tracy, California, prompting evacuations of nearby facilities, including Amazon and FedEx warehouses. Officials said no injuries were reported and all employees were accounted for, but firefighters continue battling the blaze nearly a day later. High winds, extreme heat, failed sprinkler systems, and low water pressure hampered firefighting efforts, allowing the building to become fully engulfed in less than an hour. Authorities are also warning nearby residents about hazardous smoke containing respiratory irritants, toxic gases, carcinogens, and at least one neurotoxin.

• A federal judge ruled that actress Blake Lively can seek reimbursement of her legal fees from the production company of actor-director Justin Baldoni, but cannot recover additional damages through the current proceeding. The decision stems from Baldoni’s previously dismissed defamation and extortion lawsuit against Lively, which followed her allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of It Ends With Us. Judge Lewis J. Liman said Lively could pursue damages through a separate lawsuit if she chooses. The ruling comes after the two sides settled their long-running legal dispute in May, avoiding a high-profile trial.

• A Louisiana jury awarded $1.1 billion to Pamela Lockridge, who sued over years of sexual abuse she suffered from her stepfather beginning when she was four years old in the 1960s. The case was made possible by Louisiana’s “lookback law,” which temporarily lifted filing deadlines for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to pursue civil claims. Jurors awarded $500 million for pain and suffering, $600 million in punitive damages, and additional compensation for medical and psychological treatment. Lockridge said the verdict was about accountability and recognition of the lifelong harm caused by the abuse, while her attorneys called it a powerful message that child abusers can still be held responsible decades later.

See you soon.

— Aaron

This weekend could be the weekend a deal is signed between the United States and Iran, although I am not holding my breath. Trump is also seeking changes to the ACA that would encourage insurance companies to offer loans to people who cannot afford healthcare, and there is much more developing.

Trump’s name is set to come down from the Kennedy Center today unless a court intervenes. I’m heading to the Epstein Reading Room shortly to spend time with survivors. It’s shaping up to be another very busy day.

Many of you have reached out about the ongoing censorship of my content and told me you have experienced it yourselves. To everyone who has subscribed here to support my work and help me build this network, thank you. We are reaching millions of people because of your support. Subscribe today to support this work.

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Here’s the news:

• Epstein survivors released statement blasting Todd Blanche following the revelation that he worked alongside the White House to protect Trump from the Epstein files. "We deserve better. We deserve truth, transparency, and accountability. We deserve to be taken seriously when we come forward."

• The only criminal investigation into the Epstein files is heating up today. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says his investigation into Jeffrey Epstein is being hindered because the Justice Department has not provided unredacted Epstein files that could contain critical witness information and investigative leads. Torrez expressed growing frustration with what he described as an unusual lack of cooperation from federal authorities, saying access to the records is essential for pursuing the truth and advancing New Mexico’s criminal investigation. While he said he hopes the documents will be released voluntarily, he did not rule out suing the Justice Department to obtain them. The dispute adds to mounting pressure on federal officials as lawmakers, prosecutors, and victims’ advocates continue demanding greater transparency surrounding the Epstein files.

• Democrats are moving to bring Vice President JD Vance before Congress after reports revealed he played a central role in the administration’s response to the Epstein files controversy. According to the reporting, Vance warned senior officials that the issue posed a serious political threat and participated in high-level strategy meetings involving top White House, Justice Department, and FBI officials. Lawmakers are now questioning why the matter was discussed in the Situation Room and whether the administration’s response was driven by concerns about political fallout rather than transparency. The push for Vance’s testimony comes as congressional investigations into the Epstein files continue to expand and scrutiny of the administration’s handling of the issue intensifies.

• Today is the day the “Trump” name has to come down from the Kennedy Center. The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center is making a last-minute legal push to keep President Trump’s name on the performing arts venue after a federal judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the center’s name. The board voted to seek a stay of the court order requiring all references to Trump be removed by Friday, even though the Kennedy Center had already begun reverting to its original name in official communications and on its website. The dispute stems from Trump’s takeover of the institution earlier in his second term, when he replaced its leadership, installed allies in key positions, and announced the facility would be renamed the “Trump Kennedy Center.” We will see if a court obliges before the name has to be taken down.

• According to the New York Times, the Trump administration is encouraging health insurers to consider offering loans to Obamacare customers who cannot afford large medical bills, a proposal that has drawn criticism from health policy experts and consumer advocates. The idea comes as Affordable Care Act premiums and deductibles rise following the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies, leaving many families facing thousands of dollars in additional health care costs. Administration officials argue that loans could help people manage unexpected medical expenses while allowing insurers to offer lower-premium, higher-deductible plans, including expanded catastrophic coverage options. Critics counter that the proposal would burden already struggling patients with even more debt rather than addressing the underlying problem of rising health care costs and affordability.

• According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump and his allies are discussing a congressional resolution to "expunge" his two impeachments, allowing him to claim a symbolic victory even though constitutional experts say Congress has no power to erase impeachments from history. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for the effort, arguing the impeachments were partisan attacks, while some Republicans and legal scholars have dismissed the proposal as largely symbolic and historically meaningless. The push is part of a broader campaign to remove perceived stains from Trump's record, including efforts to overturn past legal judgments and reshape his legacy. The measure faces uncertain prospects in Congress and is unlikely to be considered until after the midterm elections.

• Rep. Jamie Raskin has raised the possibility of impeachment proceedings against President Trump, prompting a furious response from Trump on Truth Social. In a lengthy post, Trump attacked Raskin personally and called for him to be expelled from Congress, framing the impeachment talk as a politically motivated attack. The exchange reflects escalating tensions between the White House and congressional Democrats as investigations and oversight efforts continue. While no impeachment proceedings have formally begun, Trump’s reaction suggests he views the threat as serious enough to warrant a public and highly aggressive response.

• A Texas family is fighting to stop a massive data center from being built on 87 acres of land that was donated in 1999 for use as a public park. The land was originally deeded to a public trust for $10 with the condition that it be used as parkland, but after a series of transfers it was sold in 2025 to a data center developer for $10 million. Local resident Pamela Griffin, whose family has lived near the property for generations, argues the city violated the donor’s intent and is appealing a court ruling that dismissed her lawsuit. City officials defend the project as a major source of tax revenue, while opponents warn it will harm a working-class community and set a troubling precedent for ignoring deed restrictions.

• After spending more than $13 million to “fix” the reflecting pool, algae is back. The Interior Department said crews cleaned algae from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, attributing the issue to residual algae that accumulated in water supply lines while the pool sat dormant for roughly eight weeks during renovations. Officials stressed that the algae growth was a normal part of restarting the system rather than a sign of a larger problem with the recently completed project. The department said workers are removing the algae and that newly installed nanobubbler technology is expected to help maintain water quality and prevent future algae growth. The explanation comes after photos of green water in the renovated reflecting pool drew attention and criticism online. Here is a video of the algae taken by CNN:

Iran war:

• Tensions remain high in the Gulf after U.S. forces shot down two Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian media reported that Tehran’s military stopped a tanker from passing through the vital shipping route. The incidents underscore how fragile the security situation remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making any disruption a major concern for global markets. Both military activity and shipping restrictions continue to raise fears of a broader regional escalation.

• President Trump signaled that a deal to end the conflict could be reached within days, saying he canceled planned overnight strikes against Iran because negotiations were making progress. Trump claimed the two sides had reached a strong memorandum of understanding that could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce hostilities. However, Iranian officials quickly pushed back, saying no final agreement has been reached and that reports of a completed deal are premature. The conflicting messages have created uncertainty about the true status of negotiations.

• New reports from Iranian media describe a draft agreement that would reportedly include sanctions relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a U.S. commitment to withdraw forces from areas surrounding Iran. The proposal would also reportedly involve economic assistance and discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. The details have not been independently verified, and Washington has not publicly confirmed the existence of such an agreement. Even if negotiations are advancing, major disagreements appear to remain unresolved. Here are all of the points:

• Like clockwork, Trump disputes it:

• A key flashpoint continues to be Kharg Island, the small Persian Gulf island that handles more than 90% of Iran’s oil exports. Earlier Thursday, Trump suggested the U.S. could eventually seize Kharg Island and take control of Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure, though he later appeared to soften that position as talks progressed. Analysts warn that any attempt to capture the island could dramatically escalate the conflict because it is critical to Iran’s economy and lies close to the Iranian mainland. The threat highlights how quickly diplomacy could give way to a much wider confrontation if negotiations collapse.

• Israel says it has dramatically intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, launching more than 300 airstrikes over the past week and targeting hundreds of sites it says are linked to the Iran-backed militant group. According to the Israeli military, the strikes killed around 80 Hezbollah members as part of a broader effort to eliminate threats across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. Hezbollah has continued firing rockets and other projectiles into northern Israel, saying it is acting in defense of Lebanon amid the expanding regional conflict. The fighting has taken a severe humanitarian toll, with Lebanese officials reporting more than 3,700 deaths and over one million displaced people since the war began, while Israeli authorities say 21 people have been killed in Israel during the conflict with Iran.

Other news:

• The Supreme Court blocked Alabama from carrying out the execution of Jeffrey Lee by nitrogen gas, leaving in place a lower-court ruling that found the method likely violates the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The decision came just hours before the execution was scheduled to take place, with a 6-3 majority refusing Alabama’s request to lift the injunction, though Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented. The case has become a major test of nitrogen gas executions, which Alabama pioneered in 2024 and which critics argue can cause prolonged suffering before unconsciousness occurs. Lee’s attorneys celebrated the ruling as a victory for constitutional protections, while Alabama officials expressed disappointment and indicated they remain committed to carrying out his death sentence through legal means.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio compared America’s historic achievements, such as landing a man on the moon, to the spirit of innovation and ambition he sees in UFC, praising the organization for accomplishing things others thought were impossible.

• CBS News is reportedly facing internal turmoil after efforts to reverse controversial staffing decisions made under editor-in-chief Bari Weiss encountered resistance. According to the report, new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton attempted to bring back veteran staffer Draggan Mihailovich, who had previously been removed during a broader shake-up overseen by Weiss. The failed rehiring effort highlights ongoing tensions inside CBS News, where some employees are said to be unhappy with the direction of the network and changes made under its current leadership. The dispute has become another flashpoint in the broader debate over editorial independence, newsroom culture, and the influence of politically charged media figures.

• Empty seats at one of the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup have renewed criticism of FIFA’s ticket pricing and tournament accessibility, despite organizers claiming strong overall demand. While Mexico’s opening match drew more than 80,000 fans, visible sections of empty seats appeared during South Korea’s game against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, fueling concerns that high ticket prices, expensive travel costs, and visa barriers are discouraging attendance. Fan groups have accused FIFA of pricing out ordinary supporters and questioned whether the lowest advertised ticket prices were actually available in meaningful numbers. The controversy comes as FIFA defends its pricing strategy and says it has already sold more than six million tickets for the tournament.

• Ariana Grande publicly criticized the White House after it used her song “Bye” in a social media video showing ICE agents detaining immigrants, calling the video “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense” and demanding that her music not be associated with it. Following her objection, the music was removed from the post. Grande joins a growing list of artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, and Kenny Loggins, who have condemned the Trump administration for using their music in political or immigration-related content without their approval. Critics argue the White House deliberately uses popular songs to generate controversy and social media attention, while artists have accused the administration of exploiting their work to promote policies they oppose.

• The Trump administration has continued its controversial practice of deporting migrants to third countries, with a new flight carrying roughly two dozen people, including at least one Iranian woman, to the Central African Republic. The Central African Republic is one of several African nations that have agreed to accept deportees who are not their own citizens under agreements aimed at expanding U.S. immigration enforcement. Immigration advocates and lawyers have criticized the policy, arguing that migrants are being sent to unstable countries with which they have no connection and where they may face serious risks. The deportation flight became more contentious after two other Iranian women scheduled for removal won emergency court orders temporarily blocking their transfer while judges review the legality of the government’s actions.

• Federal prosecutors in the influential Southern District of New York are anxiously awaiting who will replace Jay Clayton after President Trump nominated him to become Director of National Intelligence. Although Clayton initially faced skepticism because of his ties to Trump and lack of prosecutorial experience, many prosecutors ultimately viewed him as a relatively stable leader compared with some of Trump’s more controversial Justice Department appointees elsewhere. His tenure included overseeing high-profile cases and the review of the Jeffrey Epstein files, but he also drew criticism over his handling of politically sensitive matters involving the Trump administration. With Clayton departing, prosecutors are reportedly worried that his successor could be more overtly political and less protective of the office’s long tradition of independence from the White House.

• A viral video of seven-year-old Palestinian boy Ayoub Junaid crying over his broken glasses has drawn international attention to the struggles faced by visually impaired children in Gaza amid the ongoing war and blockade. Although donors helped provide Ayoub with a new pair of glasses after the video spread online, his family says he still urgently needs specialized eye surgery and a stronger prescription that is unavailable in Gaza. Doctors and aid workers report that thousands of patients are waiting for eye surgeries and other treatments because medical facilities have been damaged, supplies are scarce, and access to specialized care remains limited. Ayoub’s story has become a symbol of the broader humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s children, many of whom are unable to obtain essential medical care despite serious health needs.

• Ukraine is preparing to ask its allies for an additional $20 billion in military funding, arguing that now is a critical moment to capitalize on recent battlefield gains and intensify pressure on Russia. Ukrainian officials say the money would fund air defenses, drones, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, long-range strike capabilities, and purchases from Ukraine’s growing domestic defense industry. Kyiv believes its increasingly effective drone and missile campaign is inflicting serious damage on Russian logistics, fuel supplies, industrial facilities, and military infrastructure, but warns that Russia could eventually adapt if support slows. Ukrainian leaders plan to make the request ahead of upcoming NATO meetings, arguing that a failure to provide the funding could allow Moscow to regain the initiative and prolong the war.

• According to The Guardian, China has arrested Min Zin, a U.S.-based scholar and founder of the think tank ISP Myanmar, on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities that allegedly threaten China’s national security. Min Zin disappeared after traveling to Kunming in China’s Yunnan province for a conference, and Chinese officials later confirmed he was being investigated. The arrest is notable because Beijing rarely detains American citizens on national security charges and it comes just weeks after President Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as both countries sought to stabilize relations. Min Zin, a former student activist from Myanmar and current Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, is known for research on Myanmar, Chinese foreign policy, trade, and China’s influence in the region.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Today was also a wild day for censorship. TikTok censored an Epstein video I posted, and Instagram began forcing some users to unfollow my account without their knowledge. It’s exactly why Substack remains my primary platform and why your support is so important. If you can, please consider subscribing or upgrading your subscription today to help me fight back and grow this.

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Our paid subscriber live is tonight at 7:45 p.m. ET. I’m writing this from a train, so let’s hope the Wi-Fi cooperates. You can join us here.

Also, tomorrow and Sunday I’ll be at the Epstein Reading Room in Washington, D.C., alongside survivors. If you’re in the area and would like to say hello, stop by around noon tomorrow.

Here’s the news:

• Authorities responded Thursday after someone appeared to carve or mark the numbers “8647” into the grass of the National Mall near the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The phrase “8647” has been adopted by some opponents of President Trump, with “86” commonly meaning “get rid of” and “47” referring to Trump as the 47th president, though Trump allies and the Justice Department have argued it can be interpreted as a threat. U.S. Park Police and National Guard personnel were dispatched to the scene as officials investigated how the markings were made and who was responsible. The incident comes as Washington prepares for major America 250 celebrations and amid an ongoing criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey, who was charged after posting an image containing the same numbers and has denied any violent intent. This is an image taken by Reuters:

• Four House Republicans who pushed to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files have seen their political careers damaged, with only one expected to return to Congress next year. Rep. Thomas Massie, who led the effort, lost his primary after facing intense opposition from Donald Trump, while Marjorie Taylor Greene left Congress and Nancy Mace lost her bid for governor after failing to secure Trump’s endorsement. The report suggests Trump viewed the Epstein files push as a particularly sensitive issue, and White House officials allegedly worked aggressively behind the scenes to stop the legislation, including meetings with lawmakers in the Situation Room. Despite the political fallout, the lawmakers involved say they have no regrets and believe their effort to make the Epstein files public will remain one of the defining achievements of their careers.

• President Trump’s planned UFC event on the White House South Lawn has become a massive undertaking, requiring more than seven federal agencies, hundreds of workers, and over $60 million in privately funded preparations. The weekend-long event, part of the America 250 celebration, will feature seven UFC fights, a fan festival, celebrity appearances, and a concert by the Zac Brown Band, with up to 124,000 spectators expected on and around the grounds. Currently rain seeks to derail the UFC fight:

• A federal lawsuit seeks to block the event, arguing it violates National Park Service rules against sporting events on federal parkland and amounts to a misuse of public property. Government filings reveal extensive involvement from agencies including the Secret Service, Homeland Security, and the FAA, while organizers argue that halting the event now would waste significant resources already invested. Separately, the article notes that Trump plans to nominate Jay Clayton, currently the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to serve as director of national intelligence.

• A large protest display in Times Square is targeting Elon Musk and SpaceX on the eve of SpaceX’s IPO, with organizers unveiling a four-story inflatable depicting an overweight, shirtless Musk. The activists argue that Musk’s AI company, Grok, has generated harmful and illicit content, including alleged nonconsensual and exploitative images, and claim that those liabilities were folded into SpaceX before the public offering. They contend that investors are being asked to buy into a company carrying significant legal and reputational risks. The demonstration is intended to draw attention to ongoing investigations and lawsuits involving Grok as SpaceX prepares to go public.

• Several states are backing out of Trump’s upcoming “Freedom 250” celebration in Washington, while the event also faces performer withdrawals and organizational problems.

Iran war:

• Concerns are growing inside the Trump administration and the Pentagon that the United States is running low on key missile stockpiles as the conflict with Iran intensifies. President Trump is expected to meet with major defense contractors to pressure them to rapidly increase weapons production, amid reports that recent military operations have consumed large numbers of missiles and interceptors. Defense experts and lawmakers warn that years of aid to Ukraine combined with the war against Iran have strained U.S. inventories, potentially affecting military readiness in other regions. While the White House insists the military has sufficient resources, officials and analysts say replenishing some critical weapons systems could take years even if new production contracts are approved immediately.

• Today, Trump backed down from strikes tonight (again):

• Here is Trump championing the “deal” in the Oval Office today:

• Both Iran and Israel say no agreement exists:

• On the left is what the oil market looked like before Trump’s announcement. On the right is what the market looked like after. Oil prices fell, again, after Trump said we were close to a deal for the 39th time.

• Here is Iran’s response via state media:

• Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued a stark warning to the Trump administration after President Trump threatened new military action against Iran. Ghalibaf cautioned that further escalation could destabilize global energy markets, damage critical infrastructure, and drag the United States into a prolonged conflict that could last for years. He argued that “wrong strategies and impulsive decisions” would worsen the situation rather than resolve it. His remarks signal that Iranian leaders are warning of a much stronger response if the U.S. expands its military campaign, with Ghalibaf declaring that America would “see a different Iran” if tensions continue to escalate.

• Kharg Island has emerged as a major focus in the Iran conflict because it handles more than 90% of Iran’s oil exports, making it one of the most strategically important pieces of infrastructure in the country. President Trump has repeatedly suggested that the United States could seize the island, arguing that doing so would give Washington enormous leverage over Iran and effectively allow it to control a critical source of Iranian revenue. Military analysts, however, warn that while capturing Kharg Island might be possible, holding it would be extremely difficult because of its proximity to the Iranian mainland and vulnerability to missile, drone, and artillery attacks. Experts say any attempt to occupy the island could dramatically escalate the war, threaten global energy markets, and risk drawing the U.S. into a prolonged and costly conflict.

• Iranian state-affiliated media is reporting that companies owned by Elon Musk could be considered potential military targets amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. According to the semiofficial Fars News Agency, which is closely linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, Iranian authorities are reviewing economic interests connected to Musk’s businesses across the Middle East, including in Israel and several Arab countries.

• U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called for renewed negotiations to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that respects Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said the conflict has escalated since March, with Israel expanding military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah launching deeper strikes into Israel. Guterres urged all sides to pursue a diplomatic solution and emphasized that weapons should be under the sole control of the Lebanese government. He expressed hope that further talks will lead to a comprehensive ceasefire and lasting peace and stability in the region.

• Video released by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem appears to challenge the Israeli military’s account of an incident in the West Bank in which a soldier shot at a family’s car, killing 7-month-old Sam Abu Haikal. While the IDF said troops fired after perceiving the vehicle was accelerating toward them, the footage appears to show the car slowing to a stop and posing no immediate threat. B’Tselem argues the video demonstrates that the soldier opened fire as the vehicle was stopping and was still some distance from the soldiers. The IDF has since said it regrets harm caused to uninvolved civilians and has launched a Military Police investigation into the incident.

Other news:

• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton strongly supported Elon Musk’s DOGE spending cuts, praising the program for reducing federal expenditures and defending it against critics. According to the report, some of those cuts eliminated international monitoring programs that tracked the spread of the New World screwworm, a destructive livestock parasite, while domestic USDA agencies responsible for combating outbreaks also lost significant staff. On June 3, the USDA confirmed the first Texas screwworm case since 1966, raising alarms for the state’s $15 billion cattle industry and prompting warnings of potential losses in the billions of dollars. Critics argue the cuts weakened early-warning and prevention systems that had helped keep the parasite out of the United States for decades.

• The House voted down a last-minute effort to extend Section 702, a key U.S. surveillance authority, setting it up to expire Friday. The vote collapsed largely because Democrats and some Republicans objected to President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, arguing he lacks the required national security experience. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson had pushed for a short-term extension while a permanent intelligence chief is selected, but the measure failed 198–218. The setback leaves the future of the surveillance program uncertain and marks a significant bipartisan rebuke tied to Pulte’s controversial appointment.

• Donald Trump appointed Jay Clayton to be the next Director of National Intelligence:

• The Pentagon briefly went into a shelter-in-place Thursday after officials detected a potential air quality issue and launched a hazardous materials response. Hazmat crews and emergency teams were deployed while testing was conducted in the affected area. After several hours, Pentagon officials announced that no hazard had been found and normal operations had resumed. The incident was handled as a precaution, with officials thanking first responders for their swift response.

• Rep. Troy Nehls offered effusive praise of Donald Trump, calling him the best thing to happen to America in a century and joking that even doctors at his birth would have recognized him as extraordinary.

• Colorado has enacted emergency restrictions to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite recently detected in Texas and New Mexico. The parasite, whose larvae feed on living tissue, poses a major threat to livestock and could cause severe economic damage to the cattle industry. Under the new rules, animals from affected areas must undergo inspections, treatment, and obtain special movement permits before entering Colorado, while pets are also subject to screening requirements. State officials say the measures are intended to stop the parasite from gaining a foothold in Colorado after its return to the United States for the first time in decades.

• The Justice Department has charged three people in Ohio with allegedly running a scheme to fraudulently sponsor and smuggle unaccompanied migrant children into the United States. Prosecutors say the defendants submitted false sponsorship applications to gain custody of minors and face charges including conspiracy, false statements, and identity theft. Trump administration officials used the case to argue that inadequate vetting under the Biden administration allowed children to be placed with unverified sponsors, potentially exposing them to labor or sex trafficking. Federal officials also said they have identified tens of thousands of cases involving repeated sponsor addresses, missing safety checks, and incomplete background screenings as part of a broader review of the unaccompanied minors program.

• A Senate committee has approved legislation that would formally rename the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” advancing a rebranding effort championed by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The House Armed Services Committee has already endorsed the same change, increasing the likelihood that it could become law as part of the annual defense authorization bill. Supporters argue the new name better reflects a more aggressive military posture, while critics, including Tim Kaine, say it symbolizes an overreliance on military force and diminished diplomacy. If enacted, the rebranding could cost an estimated $125 million and would make permanent a name change the Trump administration began using last year.

  

• Sen. Rick Scott has lifted his hold on Coast Guard officer promotions after negotiations progressed in a dispute involving the Coast Guard and Florida-based shipbuilder Eastern Shipbuilding Group. Scott said all parties are working toward an agreement that will allow ship construction to move forward while protecting taxpayers, though he pledged to continue pushing for greater oversight of the Coast Guard’s procurement process. He originally blocked the promotions in April after the Coast Guard canceled plans for two advanced cutters being built by Eastern Shipbuilding, which later halted work on the vessels due to financial strain. With the hold removed, the Senate can more easily advance the previously stalled promotions.

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is criticizing efforts by the Trump administration to block states from creating their own AI regulations, arguing that federal preemption without a strong national framework would amount to a giveaway to Big Tech. DeSantis says White House opposition helped kill his proposed Florida AI Bill of Rights, which would have given parents greater oversight of children’s interactions with AI chatbots and stronger safety protections. Florida has become one of the most aggressive Republican-led states in pursuing AI regulation, including lawsuits against OpenAI and investigations into AI-related harms. DeSantis warns that if Washington broadly preempts state AI laws, states could lose the ability to enact future consumer and child-safety protections.

• ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment during a House hearing investigating allegations that the Democratic fundraising platform facilitated illegal foreign donations. She refused to answer any questions, arguing that the inquiry was a politically motivated attempt to target a Democratic fundraising operation rather than a legitimate oversight effort. Wallace-Jones defended her decision in a Washington Post op-ed, saying Congress was overstepping its authority and coordinating with the Justice Department against a political opponent. The hearing comes amid ongoing legal battles involving ActBlue, including a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over the platform’s donation practices, while Democrats have called for similar scrutiny of the Republican fundraising platform WinRed.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Many in Congress are demanding testimony from JD Vance, Susie Wiles, and other top officials. If you thought this story was over, it is anything but. The investigation is growing because the facts continue to emerge, and because we are helping bring those facts to light.

At the same time, tensions with Iran are escalating. The United States reportedly struck Iranian water infrastructure, and Trump is promising additional bombing operations today. There is a lot to cover below.

Meanwhile, Trump officials are openly celebrating efforts to ban TikTok accounts investigating Epstein. One of my Epstein videos was censored on TikTok this morning as well. That should concern everyone. It also reinforces why this work matters. If you can, please subscribe today and help support independent reporting. We will not be intimidated, and we will not stop.

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Tonight at 7:45 p.m. ET, we’ll have our next paid subscriber live event. I’ll be joining from a train, so let’s hope the Wi-Fi cooperates. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you there.

Here’s the news:

• The Knives are out inside the White House. The ascent of Bill Pulte reflects a broader shift inside Trump’s orbit, where loyalty is prized above all else and grievances are increasingly driving decision-making. According to Trump allies who spoke to Politico, along with GOP Senate aides and others close to the administration, the president has become increasingly frustrated with both his own staff and congressional Republicans. As one MAGA-world operative put it, Trump is now “increasingly frustrated with everyone, from his own team to the Senate.”

• Members of Congress are increasingly comparing the controversy surrounding the Epstein files to Watergate, arguing that questions about what information has been withheld and how the administration has handled the issue deserve far greater scrutiny. New reporting suggests that Vice President JD Vance has been deeply involved in the White House’s strategy surrounding the Epstein files, including participating in high-level discussions with senior administration officials.

• According to the report, meetings on the issue have even taken place in the Situation Room, underscoring the importance the administration has attached to managing the fallout. Critics say these revelations raise new questions about transparency and accountability, with many now calling on Vance to publicly explain his role in the administration’s handling of the matter.

• As a result, members of Congress are intensifying scrutiny of the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files, with the House Oversight Committee now seeking testimony from acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Committee Chair James Comer said lawmakers want answers about the release process, including whether any Epstein-related documents remain undisclosed, after former Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly said Blanche oversaw the effort. Democrats are pushing for Blanche to testify under oath in a public setting, arguing that the public deserves full transparency about how the files were handled. The growing investigation comes as Blanche seeks Senate confirmation to permanently lead the Justice Department, placing additional political pressure on the administration over the Epstein controversy.

• Overnight, Paolo Zampolli, a Trump Administration official who is mentioned repeatedly in the Epstein files, admitted to having an account banned on TikTok of Bekah Day, an independent journalist covering Zampolli’s ties to Epstein:

• Paolo Zampolli is a former modeling agent, businessman, and longtime friend of Donald Trump who is widely known for introducing Trump to Melania Knauss (now Melania Trump) in 1998. He later became a presidential special envoy and has remained closely connected to the Trump family through business, diplomatic, and social circles. According to a 2026 New York Times investigation, Zampolli contacted senior ICE officials regarding his former partner, Amanda Ungaro, during a custody dispute over their son, though he denies seeking special treatment or favors.

• The Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room is in Washington, D.C. this week. It is a traveling exhibition in Washington, D.C., featuring millions of pages of publicly released Epstein-related documents and a timeline of Trump and Epstein’s past relationship. Organizers say the exhibit is intended to encourage deeper engagement with the facts surrounding Epstein’s crimes and their impact on victims rather than serve as a political protest. The installation includes artwork by Epstein accuser Maria Farmer and a memorial space with 1,400 candles representing victims, where visitors can leave written reflections. Many attendees described the experience as emotional and sobering, with some saying it reinforced the importance of seeking accountability and remembering the victims.

• Concerns about Donald Trump’s health are rising again after it was revealed that 22 medical specialists participated in his recent physical examination at Walter Reed, reportedly the highest number ever involved in a presidential checkup. The figure was nearly double the 14 doctors who examined him during his previous physical, leading some medical experts to question why such an extensive team was needed. Critics argue that the unusually large number of specialists, combined with recurring bruising on Trump’s hands and concerns about his age, has fueled speculation about underlying health issues. Trump and the White House, however, maintain that the examination was simply a comprehensive assessment and that he remains in excellent health and fully capable of serving as president.

Iran war:

• This morning, Donald Trump announced the intent to seize an Iranian island, and with it, the oil on the island. To do so experts say boots on the ground would likely be required.

• The conflict between the U.S. and Iran escalated sharply over the past 24 hours, with both sides exchanging military strikes across the Middle East. The U.S. launched a second day of attacks after accusing Iran of downing an American military helicopter, while Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. military assets in the region. President Trump warned that additional American strikes could follow and said Iran would “pay the price” for its actions. Iranian officials responded by saying the renewed attacks had effectively destroyed any remaining ceasefire efforts. Trump further said that if Iran did not sign an agreement today, he will “bomb the shit out of them.”

• One of the most significant developments is Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all marine traffic until further notice. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, carrying a large share of global oil and gas exports. Iranian authorities blamed the closure on what they called American aggression, while U.S. Central Command disputed Iran’s claim and maintained that the strait remains open. The closure has heightened fears of disruptions to global energy markets and international shipping.

• New evidence suggests that U.S. strikes may have damaged drinking water infrastructure on Iran’s southern coast. Images and satellite analysis reviewed by NBC News showed collapsed roofs and bomb fragments at facilities believed to be part of a local drinking water system in Hormozgan Province. While the extent of the damage remains unclear, questions are being raised about whether the facilities were intentionally targeted. If civilian water infrastructure was deliberately struck, it would be a war crime.

• The fighting is increasingly affecting civilian and commercial shipping throughout the Gulf region. Iran reported that a cargo vessel was hit by a U.S. projectile near Oman, while a separate tanker experienced a fire off Oman’s coast. India also confirmed that three of its citizens were killed aboard a tanker disabled by U.S. forces after it allegedly violated an American blockade on Iranian oil exports. These incidents underscore how the conflict is disrupting maritime trade and putting civilian crews at risk.

• The broader regional fallout continues to grow, with missile interceptions, civilian injuries, and rising fears of a wider war. Jordan said it intercepted at least 20 Iranian missiles, while Bahrain reported that debris from an intercepted Iranian drone injured an 11-year-old girl and damaged homes and vehicles. Iran also claimed to have targeted a U.S. air base in Jordan, though those claims have not been independently confirmed. As hostilities spread across multiple countries, concerns are mounting that the conflict could evolve into a larger regional confrontation.

Other news:

• Meanwhile, for his 80th birthday this Sunday, Trump said he wanted “world peace.” Trump proceeded to bomb Iran hours later:

• New court filings reveal that Trump’s planned “UFC Freedom 250” event on the White House South Lawn has grown into a massive $60 million production, far larger than originally envisioned. Organizers now expect roughly 125,000 attendees, with another 75,000 people requesting tickets, requiring nearly 500 portable toilets, hundreds of trucks, and up to 900 contractors to support the event. The centerpiece is a full UFC Octagon surrounded by extensive staging, lighting, broadcast infrastructure, and temporary seating. The event is also the subject of a lawsuit from critics who argue it is effectively a taxpayer-supported celebration of Trump’s 80th birthday rather than a legitimate America 250 celebration, though the administration has defended it as a historic patriotic event.

• The New York Knicks staged a historic comeback from 29 points down to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107–106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. After trailing by 27 at halftime, the Knicks dominated the second half and gradually erased the deficit. OG Anunoby scored the winning basket on a tip-in with seconds remaining, giving New York a 3–1 lead in the series. The victory was the largest comeback in NBA Finals history and put the Knicks one win away from a championship.

• A Guardian investigation details allegations from prisoners held in Oklahoma State Penitentiary’s underground H Unit, known as “the tombs,” where inmates describe years spent in windowless cells with no access to natural sunlight. Letters from prisoners recount unsanitary conditions, vermin infestations, prolonged isolation, inadequate mental health care, and frequent incidents of violence and sexual assault, with some describing the experience as psychological torture. Human rights experts and advocates argue that the lack of sunlight and extensive solitary confinement can cause severe mental and emotional harm, while former inmates say the conditions left lasting trauma and contributed to suicidal thoughts. Oklahoma corrections officials dispute the allegations, saying the facility complies with state and federal standards and that any maintenance or policy issues are addressed when identified.

• The House Appropriations Committee approved a nearly $100 billion funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security along party lines, highlighting ongoing divisions over immigration policy and enforcement. The legislation provides billions for ICE and Customs and Border Protection on top of roughly $70 billion already approved through a separate Trump-backed funding package, while also increasing Coast Guard funding and supporting additional border security personnel and technology. Democrats argued that the bill does not go far enough in limiting ICE and Border Patrol enforcement practices and raised concerns about the scale of funding being provided with limited oversight. Republicans defended the measure as necessary to stabilize DHS operations and strengthen border security, rejecting most Democratic amendments aimed at imposing additional restrictions on immigration enforcement activities.

• Germany is turning the collapse of its joint fighter-jet project with France and Spain into an opportunity to establish itself as Europe’s leading aerospace power, leveraging its much larger defense budget, strong industrial base, and growing political confidence. German officials argue that the country now has the resources and expertise to help lead development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, while France faces tighter financial constraints despite its greater experience in military aviation. An Airbus-led consortium has already proposed a new fighter program centered on German industry, reflecting Berlin’s ambition to become the hub of Europe’s future defense sector. The shift marks a significant change in European defense dynamics, with Germany increasingly positioning itself as a leader rather than a junior partner in major military projects.

• Five EU countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and Ireland, are urging a coordinated European response to growing pressure from the Trump administration and pharmaceutical companies to raise drug prices across Europe. The countries argue that individual negotiations could weaken Europe’s bargaining power and undermine healthcare systems that rely on lower medicine costs. The push comes as the U.S. seeks lower drug prices domestically while pressuring European governments to pay more, with some countries already facing direct negotiations and investment threats from major pharmaceutical firms. The group is calling for deeper cooperation on drug pricing and reimbursement policies to preserve affordable access to medicines and prevent a fragmented European response.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, inflation has climbed to its highest level in years, yet Trump told reporters that he “loves” the inflation. I break down all of it.

People keep asking me: What are we going to do about the Epstein story? My answer is simple. I am not going to stop. I will keep reporting, digging, and exposing the facts until the truth is fully known and those responsible are held accountable. I will not let this story disappear. I will not move on because others want us to. And I will not stop asking questions.

Today, Instagram heavily suppressed one of my videos about Epstein. Reaching people with this information is becoming harder, not easier. But with your help, we can keep pushing forward, keep growing, and keep making sure these stories reach the public. If you’re able, subscribe or gift a subscription today. Every bit of support makes a difference.

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Here’s the news:

• According to a new book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, White House aides were reportedly worried about the possible release of a document containing allegations that Donald Trump had a sexual “predilection for nipples” and had mistreated an Epstein victim. The book describes internal concern over the potential political fallout from the allegations. The excerpt focuses on how seriously staff viewed the threat posed by the document rather than on proving the underlying claims.

• Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime assistant, Lesley Groff, told Congress that she occasionally arranged phone calls between Epstein and Donald Trump before Trump entered politics. During her testimony, Groff denied knowing about or witnessing Epstein’s abuse and said she was unaware of the full extent of his crimes while working for him. Lawmakers questioned the credibility of those claims, arguing it was difficult to believe that a close aide could have been unaware of Epstein’s misconduct. The testimony is part of an ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein’s associates and activities.

• Bill Gates told the House Oversight Committee that meeting with Jeffrey Epstein was a “grave error in judgment” and insisted he never witnessed criminal conduct by Epstein or harmed anyone himself. Gates said his interactions with Epstein were limited and focused on philanthropic fundraising, but acknowledged that Epstein later learned about his extramarital affairs and attempted to use that information to pressure him into renewing their relationship. He denied being friends with Epstein, denied visiting Epstein's private island or residences, and said no charitable partnership ever resulted from their discussions. The testimony is part of Congress's broader investigation into Epstein's network and whether he used relationships with powerful figures to gain influence or leverage.

• According to Rep. Melanie Stansbury, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has agreed that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche should testify before Congress about the handling of Epstein-related records.

• Inflation rose to 4.2% in May, driven in part by higher energy prices during the ongoing conflict with Iran. When asked about the increase, Trump said he “loves the inflation,” arguing that the economy had been performing exceptionally well before the war and that confronting Iran was necessary despite the economic costs. He suggested that higher oil prices were a consequence of military actions against Iran and maintained that inflation and energy costs would fall once the conflict ends. Critics have seized on the remarks, portraying them as dismissive of the financial impact on American consumers.

• Senators pressed Trump judicial nominees today on whether or not they would say that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. They refused:

• Here is another example:

• The war in Iran is restarting tonight. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. Central Command would carry out military strikes against Iran following President Trump’s directive to “hit Iran hard.” Hegseth described the planned attacks as strong and decisive, arguing that military action would advance U.S. strategic objectives while strengthening America’s negotiating position. He suggested that Iran’s failure to reach a diplomatic agreement had led to the use of force instead. His comments emphasized the administration’s view that military pressure and diplomacy can be used together, stating that if necessary, the U.S. would “negotiate with bombs.”

• A reporter asked Hegseth whether attacks on bridges and electrical infrastructure could constitute war crimes. Rather than directly addressing the legal question, Hegseth accused the media of asking a biased and misleading question that unfairly questioned the motives of the U.S. and its allies. He argued that the reporter was implying wrongdoing without considering the broader context of the military actions. The exchange highlighted tensions between the administration and journalists over scrutiny of military operations.

• Trump said he plans to appoint businessman Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence on June 19 and has instructed him to immediately shrink the Office of the Director of National Intelligence by returning staff to their original agencies. Trump described Pulte’s role as temporary and said he is still searching for a permanent nominee with national security experience. He also asked Congress to pass a short-term extension of Section 702 of FISA, a key surveillance authority that is set to expire, to allow time for selecting and confirming a permanent intelligence chief. Critics, particularly Democrats, argue that Pulte lacks national security credentials and that his appointment could jeopardize bipartisan negotiations over renewing the surveillance program.

• Trump signed a law providing nearly $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement agencies through 2029. The measure significantly expands resources for ICE, Border Patrol, and the Department of Homeland Security to support border security and immigration enforcement operations. Republicans argued the funding is necessary for public safety and border control, while Democrats criticized it as a major expansion of deportation and detention efforts with insufficient oversight. The bill passed Congress by a very narrow margin after months of political conflict over immigration policy.

• According to Politico, a senior Justice Department official planned to seek compensation from Trump’s proposed “Anti-Weaponization Fund” because he believed he had been unfairly targeted during past government investigations. His intention to file a claim raised conflict-of-interest concerns because he was also involved in communicating with Congress about the fund. The proposal became politically controversial and faced bipartisan criticism, leading the Justice Department to abandon it. The episode exposed internal disagreements over both the fund’s purpose and who should be eligible to benefit from it.

• After the Knicks lost their first game in 46 days while Donald Trump was in attendance at Madison Square Garden, some fans blamed him for ending the team’s winning streak. A group of fans gathered outside the arena and burned sage in an effort to “cleanse” the venue before the next game. The idea of a “Trump Curse” spread online, with fans, commentators, and celebrities playfully suggesting that Trump’s presence disrupted the team’s momentum. The article focuses on the humorous fan reaction and superstition surrounding the loss rather than any serious claim that Trump caused it.

• A Somali referee, Omar Artan, who was selected to become the first Somali official to work a World Cup, was denied entry to the United States and sent home after being detained and questioned for 11 hours in Miami. U.S. officials cited unspecified “vetting concerns” and alleged associations with suspected terrorists, while Artan denied any connection to the militant group al-Shabab and said he was repeatedly questioned about it. His return to Somalia sparked a hero’s welcome and fueled criticism that U.S. immigration and security policies are undermining the World Cup’s promise of global participation. The incident is part of broader controversy surrounding visa denials, travel restrictions, and border scrutiny affecting some World Cup officials, players, and fans from countries subject to U.S. travel bans or heightened vetting.

• According to CNN, Taiwan conducted its first live-fire exercise using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems aimed toward the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating how it would respond to a potential Chinese invasion. The drills emphasized Taiwan’s “shoot-and-scoot” strategy, in which mobile rocket launchers quickly fire and relocate to avoid being targeted. The exercise reflects Taiwan’s broader effort to strengthen its defenses against growing military pressure from China, which continues to claim the island as its territory. The United States remains Taiwan’s primary arms supplier and has encouraged this more mobile, asymmetric defense approach.

• UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland claims he was barred from attending the UFC event being held at the White House and says the decision was retaliation for his criticism of Donald Trump, Israel, and Jeffrey Epstein. Strickland, once a Trump supporter, has become increasingly critical of the president, particularly over U.S. military actions involving Iran and Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. UFC CEO Dana White publicly dismissed Strickland’s claim that he was banned, joking that he is “banned from humanity” rather than from the event. The dispute has added controversy to the planned White House UFC card, which is already drawing attention because of its political symbolism and Trump’s close ties to the UFC.

• The FBI has executed a search warrant at a southern California aerospace facility after an overheated chemical tank containing thousands of gallons of highly flammable methyl methacrylate forced the evacuation of about 50,000 residents last month. Federal investigators are seeking records and evidence related to how the chemical was stored, monitored, and cooled, while local prosecutors are conducting a separate criminal investigation. The incident raised fears of a major explosion, though one was ultimately avoided when pressure in the tank was relieved. The company says it is cooperating with investigators, while residents and local officials continue to seek answers about what caused the emergency and whether similar risks remain.

• The U.S. has recorded more than 2,000 confirmed measles cases in 2026, putting the country on pace for its worst measles outbreak in decades. Health experts attribute the spread largely to declining vaccination rates, vaccine misinformation, and weakened public health systems that have struggled to contain outbreaks. Doctors and public health officials warn that unvaccinated communities and infants too young to be vaccinated are especially vulnerable, and many believe the true number of cases is significantly higher than reported. The outbreak has also intensified debate over vaccine skepticism and the role of public officials in promoting accurate health information.

• Former Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly selected former congresswoman Gwen Graham as his running mate in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race. The move comes after a major Democratic rival dropped out, giving the Jolly-Graham ticket time to unify the party before the August primary. Jolly and Graham are presenting themselves as pragmatic centrists focused on governing rather than culture-war politics, while Republicans argue the ticket represents an outdated Democratic establishment. The announcement highlights Democrats’ challenge of building a broad coalition in a state that has become increasingly Republican in recent years.

• EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Trump administration does not plan to create national environmental regulations or standards specifically for data centers. Instead, he argued that decisions about issues such as water use, air pollution, and energy consumption should be made at the state and local level because data centers and communities have different needs. Zeldin said EPA’s role will be mainly advisory, providing technical expertise and sharing best practices rather than acting as a regulator or mediator. His comments reflect the administration’s broader approach of encouraging AI and data center development while relying on voluntary agreements and local oversight rather than new federal requirements.

• Police in Toledo, Ohio, have identified 20-year-old Ka Nye Taylor as a suspect in a mass shooting at the Old West End Festival that wounded 12 people and are also seeking help identifying a second alleged shooter. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two rival groups, with only a few victims involved and most of the injured being innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire. Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, and all are expected to survive, with most already released from the hospital. Authorities are offering up to $15,000 in combined rewards for information leading to the arrests of the suspects.

• According to NBC News, an American diplomat assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, was found dead at a residence popular with diplomats and foreign visitors. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death but has released few details, citing the privacy of the employee’s family. According to unnamed diplomatic sources, Myanmar police are investigating the case as a possible homicide and have detained a Thai woman in connection with the investigation. Authorities in Myanmar, Thailand, and the United States have declined to provide further information, and no charges or official findings have been announced.

• House Democrats are escalating their fight with Republicans over campaign fundraising by threatening to investigate WinRed, the GOP's main online fundraising platform. Democratic lawmakers claim there is evidence that WinRed may have processed illegal foreign contributions and are demanding records and testimony from the company's leadership. The move comes as Republicans intensify their own investigation into the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue, whose CEO invoked the Fifth Amendment during a congressional hearing. The dispute reflects a growing partisan battle over allegations of fraud, foreign donations, and oversight of the two parties' major online fundraising systems.

• The Southern Baptist Convention voted overwhelmingly to advance a constitutional amendment that would formally ban member churches from having women serve as pastors or preach to congregations. Supporters argue the measure reflects biblical teachings and provides clarity on church leadership, while opponents say existing rules already address the issue and that the change is unnecessary. If approved again next year, the amendment would strengthen the denomination's ability to expel churches that allow women in pastoral roles. The vote highlights the SBC's continued movement toward a more conservative interpretation of gender roles in church leadership.

• NATO allies are considering speeding up drone purchases and other counter-drone measures after a series of security incidents along the alliance’s eastern flank, including a Russian drone crash in Romania that injured civilians. Member countries discussed expanding air-policing capabilities, improving drone defenses, and increasing monitoring of critical infrastructure, particularly around the Black Sea. The push reflects growing concern that Russia’s war against Ukraine is creating new aerial threats for neighboring NATO countries. Officials hope to approve concrete drone-defense initiatives at NATO’s summit in Ankara next month.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, the White House is scrambling to save its UFC event, with administration lawyers comparing it to George W. Bush allowing kids to play T-ball on the South Lawn. Trump is also escalating his rhetoric toward Iran, warning that the country will “pay the price” after taking too long to negotiate, fueling new concerns about a wider conflict.

The Epstein story is serious, and it’s exactly why I’m ramping up my work in the files today, especially with key hearings approaching. Some of you have reached out to say you’re concerned about my safety. I appreciate that. Don’t worry, I’m taking steps to protect myself. Your subscriptions and support help make that possible. They not only grow this work, they give me the resources to keep digging and to fight back when necessary. If you’re able, please consider subscribing today.

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Here’s the news:

Bombshell Epstein Developments:

• There is a bombshell New York Times investigation this morning: it reveals that senior officials across the White House, Justice Department, and FBI were consumed by a months-long effort to manage the Epstein files in ways that would protect Donald Trump from political damage. Drawing on accounts of private meetings, internal discussions, and conversations among top aides, the investigation portrays an administration that viewed the Epstein issue not merely as a transparency question but as a potentially existential political threat.

• Top officials, directly in coordination with the Attorney General of the United States, repeatedly gathered in the White House Situation Room to discuss how to contain growing pressure from Congress, conservative media, and Trump's own supporters. According to the reporting, the central challenge was balancing demands for disclosure against fears that further releases could generate headlines about Trump's past relationship with Epstein. The result was a strategy that often prioritized political protection over full transparency.

• Vice President JD Vance repeatedly pushed for far greater disclosure than many of Trump's other advisers were willing to accept. Vance argued that Congress would eventually force the release of the files and that the administration would be better off releasing everything voluntarily, including material that mentioned Trump. He reportedly warned colleagues that every delay would deepen public suspicion and make the eventual fallout worse. In one extraordinary proposal, Vance suggested that the White House arrange for Tucker Carlson to interview Ghislaine Maxwell in prison, believing that if Maxwell publicly stated Trump had not participated in wrongdoing with Epstein it could help defuse the crisis. He also encouraged exploring congressional involvement and broader public disclosure, repeatedly pressing the case that transparency was ultimately safer than continued secrecy.

• The investigation details how senior officials repeatedly searched for ways to appear transparent without exposing Trump to unnecessary political risk. During one Situation Room meeting, officials discussed seeking the release of grand jury materials even though some believed courts would almost certainly refuse. The strategy would allow the administration to publicly claim it wanted transparency while shifting blame for continued secrecy onto judges. Other discussions centered on interviewing Maxwell, publicly releasing transcripts, and finding ways to rebut allegations involving Trump without opening the door to a broader release of sensitive material. Throughout these debates, officials were openly assessing how different disclosure strategies might affect Trump politically. The article portrays the president's interests as the dominant factor shaping decision-making.

• The Times also finds that the administration was trapped by expectations it had helped create. Before taking power, figures such as Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, JD Vance, Tucker Carlson, and others had spent years suggesting that hidden Epstein information was being suppressed by the government. Attorney General Pam Bondi further fueled expectations by publicly implying that major revelations and possible client-list information were under review. When the Justice Department eventually released a memo concluding there was no Epstein client list and no evidence supporting many of the theories promoted by the MAGA base, supporters reacted with outrage. Rather than ending the controversy, the memo triggered accusations of betrayal and cover-up from many of the same voters who had expected the administration to expose hidden truths.

• Perhaps the investigation's most damaging conclusion is that officials repeatedly altered or abandoned transparency plans after confronting how much potentially embarrassing material involving Trump existed throughout the broader Epstein record. The article describes discussions about creating a searchable public database of Epstein-related documents, only for concerns to emerge about allegations, witness statements, and references to Trump that could attract renewed scrutiny regardless of their credibility.

• Officials debated how to handle documents already available in court records, worried about how the media and political opponents would use them, and sought ways to comply with congressional demands while limiting political fallout. By the end, according to the Times, the administration found itself trapped between a president who wanted the issue buried and a political movement demanding more disclosure.

• Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers are expected to question Gates about his past relationship with Epstein after millions of newly released documents included references to Gates, photographs, and records showing multiple meetings between the two men. Gates has repeatedly denied any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct and says he welcomes the opportunity to answer the committee's questions. Ahead of the closed-door session, Gates again described his association with Epstein as a "huge mistake," saying he met with him to discuss philanthropy but never witnessed or participated in any illegal activity.

White House UFC Fight in Trouble:

• The Justice Department has filed a 40-page court brief defending President Trump’s planned UFC event at the White House this weekend, blasting the plaintiffs seeking to block it as “people who believe they have superior taste and want to spoil the event for everyone else.” According to the filing, the administration has already spent more than $60 million and invested tens of thousands of labor hours preparing for the event. Here is the current state of the UFC cage:

• More than 4,000 spectators are expected on the South Lawn, including over 1,000 service members, while another 120,000 people could watch from the nearby Ellipse after winning tickets through a lottery.

• In defending the legality of the event, DOJ lawyers argue that previous presidents have hosted entertainment and sporting activities on White House grounds, citing youth tee-ball under President George W. Bush and performances by Elton John and Beyoncé during the Obama administration. The filing comes in response to a lawsuit seeking to halt the event, with the administration arguing that courts should not second-guess the president’s authority over activities hosted at the White House.

Iran War to Restart:

• This morning, after a night of bombing by the United States in “self defense,” Donald Trump announced that Iran will now pay a “heavy price” as negotiations have fallen apart:

• He proceeded to “praise” Allah in another message this morning:

Other news:

• Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) faked a phone call for roughly 90 seconds after being asked about Speaker Mike Johnson’s comments regarding potential Social Security cuts. The phone's screen remained visible, with his cheek inadvertently tapping different parts of the display.

• U.S. inflation rose to 4.2% year-over-year in May, its highest level in three years and up from 2.4% in February before the Iran war, driven primarily by higher energy and gasoline prices (about 60% of the increase), along with rising shelter and food costs; monthly inflation was 0.5%, while core inflation (excluding food and energy) climbed to 2.9%, its highest since September.

• Democrats selected Graham Platner as their Senate nominee in Maine, where he won the primary despite months of scrutiny over past controversies and will now face Republican Senator Susan Collins in a closely watched general election. In South Carolina, President Trump continued to demonstrate his influence in Republican primaries, with Senator Lindsey Graham securing renomination while Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who had called for the release of the Epstein files, was defeated. In Nevada, Democrats nominated Attorney General Aaron Ford for governor, setting up a competitive race against Republican Governor Joe Lombardo. The results across four states provided an early snapshot of the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms, highlighting both Democratic efforts to target key seats and Trump’s continuing sway within the GOP.

• South Carolina Republican voters advanced Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson to a runoff in the state’s closely watched gubernatorial primary, while Congresswoman Nancy Mace finished a distant fifth. After conceding, Mace argued that her support for releasing the Epstein files cost her political support, saying she chose to stand against what she called an Epstein cover-up even if it hurt her campaign. The result marks a setback for one of Trump’s most outspoken allies, while Trump-backed Senator Lindsey Graham easily secured renomination despite facing multiple challengers. The Republican nominee will face Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson in November, though Republicans remain favored in the deeply conservative state.

• Trump is moving forward with plans to install Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, despite bipartisan concerns over his lack of national security experience and warnings that the move could derail efforts to renew a key federal surveillance program before it expires this week. Trump said Pulte, who currently leads the federal mortgage agency, will take over from Tulsi Gabbard on June 19 while remaining in his current role. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Pulte "deeply unqualified" and warned Democrats would oppose reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act if the appointment proceeds. The controversy comes amid criticism that Pulte has used his government position to pursue allegations against political figures viewed as adversaries of Trump.

• Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is set to stand trial in federal court over his arrest during a September 2025 protest at Manhattan’s main immigration court. Lander and 10 other elected officials were arrested after attempting to inspect ICE holding areas at 26 Federal Plaza following a federal judge’s ruling that conditions there were unconstitutional and inhumane. Prosecutors say the group illegally blocked access inside the federal building, while Lander argues he was carrying out oversight responsibilities and protesting conditions facing detained immigrants. Federal officials later offered to drop the case if Lander agreed not to protest inside federal buildings for six months, but he refused the deal.

• A new survey across 15 European countries found confidence in the United States as a security partner has fallen sharply, with just 11% of respondents now viewing the U.S. as an ally that shares their interests and values. Majorities in every country surveyed said they no longer believe the U.S. would come to their defense if attacked, while support is growing for Europe to strengthen its own military capabilities and reduce dependence on American weapons and security guarantees. Researchers attributed the shift in part to concerns over President Trump’s approach to NATO, threats to withdraw U.S. troops from Europe, and broader uncertainty about America’s long-term commitment to the alliance. Despite the decline in trust, most Europeans still expect relations with Washington to improve after Trump leaves office and do not support replacing NATO with a Europe-only defense alliance.

• According to Politico, Belgium has rejected U.S. pressure to impose a travel ban on people arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak, setting up a dispute between Washington and European governments ahead of the World Cup. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said Belgium would follow scientific guidance rather than political demands, arguing that screening and quarantine measures are more appropriate than blanket entry bans. The disagreement comes after reports that the Trump administration urged European countries to adopt tougher restrictions and warned that nations refusing to do so could face U.S. entry restrictions. Belgian officials also accused Washington of undermining the global response through cuts to international aid, a claim the U.S. government denies.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s approval rating is collapsing, and there are growing signs that the White House is deeply concerned about whether it can reverse the trend before November. Trump is now claiming Iran shot down a U.S. military helicopter while simultaneously insisting it is “not a big deal.” But, in the past 10 minutes, massive strikes across Iran have begun.

Tonight, we are also learning that Bari Weiss may soon be installed in a role overseeing CNN’s editorial process if Paramount’s takeover moves forward. Yes, seriously. First CBS. Now potentially CNN. This should alarm anyone who cares about independent journalism and a free press.

At the same time, the White House is escalating its attacks on independent journalists, creators, and media outlets that refuse to fall in line. If you are able, please subscribe or upgrade your membership today. Your support has never been more important. It allows this work to continue, keeps this platform independent, and helps ensure that we can keep reporting the stories others would rather ignore.

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Here’s the news:

• Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire for confirming that Republicans, once again, plan to cut Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare funding:

• This afternoon, Donald Trump’s approval rating is in “free fall” with the White House actively concerned the current trend could lead to major victories for Democrats in the midterm elections this November:

• Trump said Iran shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz and stated that the United States would respond. The helicopter’s two crew members were rescued by an unmanned U.S. Navy drone boat off the coast of Oman and suffered only minor injuries. U.S. officials said preliminary evidence suggests the aircraft may have been brought down by an Iranian drone, while Iran did not directly acknowledge responsibility. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, even as Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching a broader agreement that could reopen the strategically important shipping route.

• Trump told the Wall Street Journal that the shooting of the helicopter was not a big deal:

• Despite this, Trump said the United States and Iran are close to reaching a deal that could end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. This is the 38th time:

  

• Meanwhile, Israel launched new airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including the city of Tyre, raising concerns that fighting could escalate again. Iran warned that any further attacks would trigger a much stronger response, while Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah-related threats in the area. The article highlights the gap between ongoing diplomatic efforts and continued military actions that risk undermining a broader peace agreement.

• Shortly after Iranian media reported explosions near the strategic port city of Sirik, U.S. Central Command announced that American forces had begun what it described as "self-defense" strikes against Iran at President Trump's direction. The strikes come after Trump accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and vowed a response. CENTCOM said the operation was launched in retaliation for the helicopter incident, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Additional details on targets, damage, and potential casualties have not yet been released.

• Vice President JD Vance said that a deal with Iran can come in the next week or in “months from now.”

Epstein testimony today:

• Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime executive secretary, Lesley Groff, told the House Oversight Committee that Epstein was a “master manipulator” and claimed she was unaware of his sexual abuse and trafficking activities during the 18 years she worked for him. She testified that she scheduled massage appointments and travel at Epstein’s direction but believed the appointments were legitimate and said she never witnessed or knew of any abuse.

• The testimony is part of a congressional investigation into Epstein and his associates. Groff acknowledged that she was listed as a potential co-conspirator in Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement but said she did not know about that designation at the time and described it as a “scarlet letter” she still carries.

• Her account conflicts with allegations from some Epstein victims, including one who told investigators it was “pretty obvious” Groff knew what was happening and another who described Groff as the key intermediary connecting young women to Epstein. Despite those allegations, federal prosecutors informed Groff in 2021 that she would not face criminal charges after a multi-year investigation.

• Bill Gates is set to testify privately tomorrow before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and has reportedly hired Jake Greenberg, the committee’s former chief investigations counsel, to help prepare him. The arrangement has drawn scrutiny from ethics experts because Greenberg recently led parts of the same committee’s investigative work, though experts say it does not necessarily violate congressional ethics rules. Lawmakers want to question Gates about his relationship with Epstein, including multiple meetings and contacts between Epstein and Gates’s advisers that continued until 2019. Gates has acknowledged that his association with Epstein was a mistake, and his foundation has launched an outside review of its past ties to the disgraced sex offender.

Other news:

• After facing significant boos in New York, Donald Trump is not expected to attend Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden because of scheduling conflicts, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. His appearance at Game 3 made him the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, but it also triggered heightened security measures, including extensive screenings and the cancellation of an outdoor watch party. Trump was loudly booed by parts of the crowd during the game, drawing significant attention. With Trump absent for Game 4, Madison Square Garden is expected to return to normal operations, including reinstating the outdoor fan watch party.

• A Moroccan supporters’ organization says that at least 40 members were denied U.S. visas for the 2026 World Cup despite extensive travel histories and previous attendance at major international tournaments. Many fans had already spent significant amounts on match tickets, hotels, and travel arrangements, leaving them with substantial financial losses.

• Another major Moroccan fan group reported similar rejection rates, with only six of nearly 50 coordinators receiving visas, potentially limiting organized fan support at the tournament. The affected supporters are calling on FIFA and Moroccan authorities to intervene, arguing that the visa denials could prevent one of world football’s most visible and celebrated fanbases from attending the World Cup. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States after independence in 1777. Nearly 250 years later, it’s unfortunate to see Moroccan World Cup fans struggling to obtain visas to attend a tournament hosted in part by the U.S., especially given the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.

• According to CNN, Social Security’s retirement trust fund is now projected to run out in late 2032, one quarter sooner than previously expected, at which point incoming revenue would cover only about 78% of promised benefits unless Congress acts. The combined Social Security retirement and disability trust funds are still projected to remain solvent until 2034, while Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund is expected to be depleted in 2033. Trustees attributed the worsening outlook partly to lower projected tax revenue, demographic trends, and policy changes, including tax provisions that reduce taxes paid on Social Security benefits. The report is expected to intensify pressure on Congress to consider reforms such as higher payroll taxes, changes to benefits, or adjustments to retirement ages to avoid future benefit cuts.

• House Republicans voted 213–211 to advance the Secure America Act, a $70 billion funding package that would provide billions of dollars for ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security through the end of President Trump’s term. The bill is intended to end a months-long funding dispute that followed a Democratic boycott after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Democrats unanimously oppose the measure, arguing it would further expand Trump’s immigration crackdown, while Republicans say it is necessary to ensure stable funding for border and immigration enforcement agencies. Final House passage was expected later in the day, after which the bill would head to President Trump’s desk for signature.

• A joint investigation by the Associated Press and KFF Health News found more than 300 legal claims alleging serious medical neglect in ICE detention facilities since January 2025, including untreated infections, missed cancer care, and poorly managed diabetes. The allegations emerged as the ICE detainee population grew by 71% to more than 75,000 people, even as agency health-care spending approached $500 million. A government watchdog report on the Camp East Montana detention center in El Paso documented problems including waste disposal issues, inadequate tuberculosis screening, unsanitary conditions, and three deaths. Overall, 50 people have died in ICE custody since President Trump’s second inauguration, making it the deadliest period outside the COVID-19 pandemic.

• NASA announced the four astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission: Randy Bresnik, Luca Parmitano, Frank Rubio, and Andre Douglas. The mission, planned for next year, will test lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin in Earth orbit as part of preparations for a future moon landing. Rather than landing on the moon itself, Artemis III will focus on practicing critical docking and rendezvous maneuvers needed for later missions. If successful, the tests will pave the way for Artemis IV, which NASA hopes will return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.

• A Texas jury found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murdering fellow high school student Austin Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Anthony’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense after being confronted and physically intimidated by Metcalf and other students, while prosecutors maintained that Anthony escalated the situation and intentionally stabbed Metcalf. The conviction carries a possible sentence ranging from five years to life in prison, with sentencing to follow. The case drew significant public attention because of the circumstances of the killing and subsequent debate over issues including self-defense claims, race, and the composition of the jury.

• Paramount Skydance has accused Netflix of trying to undermine regulatory approval of its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, claiming Netflix is lobbying stakeholders and regulators against the deal. Netflix denied the allegations, saying it exited the bidding process months ago and is focused on its own business. The merger is under review by U.S. and international regulators and has faced opposition from labor unions and entertainment industry figures who argue it could reduce competition and threaten jobs. Paramount counters that the combined company would invest more in content, strengthen competition, and create benefits for workers and the broader entertainment industry.

• A federal judge ruled that Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train in 2025, is currently incompetent to stand trial. Medical evaluators concluded that Brown does not presently understand the legal proceedings well enough to assist in his defense but could potentially regain competency through treatment. The court ordered him hospitalized for four months for psychiatric treatment, after which his competency will be reassessed. Brown will remain in custody during that time, and prosecutors say they intend to continue pursuing the case if he is restored to competency.

• Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles reached a tentative labor agreement with stadium operator Legends Hospitality, avoiding a potential strike just days before the venue hosts FIFA World Cup matches. The union representing nearly 2,000 food-service and hospitality workers said it secured gains on wages, job protections, and the right to strike if immigration enforcement activities create safety concerns during World Cup events. The agreement follows months of negotiations and a recent strike authorization vote that passed overwhelmingly among union members. The deal removes a major threat to stadium operations ahead of the tournament, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Los Angeles area.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Quick programming note: Tomorrow at noon ET, we’ll be live with Jessica Tarlov. Our next paid subscriber live will be Thursday at 7:45 p.m. ET, and I hope to see you there.

Thank you to everyone who reached out overnight after the latest wave of attacks and hate messages. I’m not going anywhere because I have all of you by my side. If you want journalism that tells the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, and reporting that isn’t shaped by political favors, please support this work. Subscribe today and share it with anyone who still believes in a free press.

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Here’s the news:

• A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter went down near Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, but both crew members were rescued within about two hours and are reported to be in stable condition. The rescue marked the first time the U.S. military used an unmanned surface vessel (a drone boat) to locate and recover personnel after such an incident. The crash occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following renewed exchanges between Iran and Israel, though no evidence has linked Iran to the helicopter’s loss. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are nearing a deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, though no agreement has yet been finalized.

• President Donald Trump said the U.S. is in the “final throes” of negotiating a deal with Iran that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, though no agreement has yet been reached. Despite his optimism, Israel launched new airstrikes on the Lebanese city of Tyre and expanded evacuation orders, including areas previously spared from fighting. The strikes followed a brief escalation between Israel and Iran that threatened to reignite wider regional conflict before both sides stepped back after U.S.-led de-escalation efforts. Iran warned that further attacks, including those in southern Lebanon, could trigger a stronger response, while uncertainty remains over whether ongoing Israeli operations could derail diplomatic progress.

• Furious New York Knicks fans blamed Donald Trump for their team’s 115-111 Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs after he attended the game at Madison Square Garden. Many were already upset by security restrictions, street closures, and the cancellation of a fan watch party linked to his visit. Trump was loudly booed during the game, and criticism grew after videos circulated that appeared to show him resting his eyes. After the loss ended the Knicks’ winning streak, fans took to social media and the streets to blame Trump and label the defeat the “Trump Curse.” Here are the boos Trump faced leaving New York:

• Donald Trump told reporters that he believed the crowd reaction at the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals game was overwhelmingly positive. "I thought it was very good. It was certainly amazing. I think mostly cheers. It was loud. And it was very enthusiastic," Trump said when asked about the reception he received at Madison Square Garden.

• His comments came despite widespread reports and videos showing audible booing from many fans when he appeared on the arena's video board.

• After the Knicks’ Game 3 loss, a reporter asked Donald Trump about comments from Stephen A. Smith saying he would blame Trump if New York lost. Trump responded by calling Smith a “nice guy” but dismissed any suggestion that he could run for president. He said that running for president requires a certain aptitude and a high IQ. Trump then added, “I don’t think Stephen has it.”

• Vice President JD Vance has referred allegations of fraud and possible misconduct involving Tim Walz and Keith Ellison to the Justice Department for a criminal investigation. The referral stems from a House Republican report alleging that Minnesota officials failed to act on warnings about fraud in state social-services programs and allowed payments to continue despite red flags. Walz and Ellison have previously denied accusations that they ignored or facilitated fraud, and neither has been charged with any crime. The move intensifies political pressure on Walz and expands a controversy that has become a major focus of the Trump administration’s anti-fraud efforts.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White are set to sign an agreement establishing a partnership between the State Department and UFC. The initiative aims to use mixed martial arts and UFC’s global reach as a tool for sports diplomacy and international engagement. The agreement comes ahead of a major UFC event being held on the White House grounds as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Officials say UFC’s worldwide popularity makes it a valuable platform for promoting U.S. cultural influence abroad. This is what the White House currently looks like:

• Lesley Groff, the longtime executive assistant to Jeffrey Epstein, is scheduled to testify before a House committee investigating Epstein and his associates. Groff worked for Epstein from 2001 until his 2019 arrest and has said her duties primarily involved managing his schedule, including arranging massage appointments that she claims she viewed as routine. Although she was identified in some FBI documents as a possible co-conspirator and was granted immunity under Epstein’s controversial 2007 plea deal, she has never been charged with a crime and denies knowing about or participating in any abuse. Lawmakers hope her testimony will shed light on Epstein’s operations, while survivors and investigators continue to debate how much his staff knew about his conduct.

• Senator Ted Cruz warned that Republicans could face major political consequences if Democrats regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterms. He argued that a Democratic House majority would lead to repeated impeachment efforts against President Donald Trump. Cruz also claimed that if Democrats win the Senate, they would block confirmations for Trump’s cabinet nominees and judicial appointments. His remarks underscore Republican efforts to frame the midterm elections as critical to preserving Trump’s governing agenda.

• Former Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino has launched an exploratory committee to consider a run for president in 2028. Bovino, who became a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, said he will move forward with a formal campaign if conditions come together. Since retiring from the Border Patrol in March, he has remained an outspoken advocate of mass deportations and has publicly criticized several Trump administration officials, including DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, border czar Tom Homan, and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. His exploratory campaign has already attracted controversy over inflammatory rhetoric on its website and renewed scrutiny of a coat he has worn that critics, including Gavin Newsom, have compared to Nazi-era attire.

• Congress and the Trump administration are facing a deadline to renew Section 702, a key U.S. surveillance authority, but Democrats refuse to support an extension while Bill Pulte remains acting director of national intelligence. Republicans, including Chuck Grassley and John Thune, have suggested the White House may need to nominate someone else permanently to break the impasse. The law is set to expire on June 12, and lawmakers are increasingly preparing for a lapse if neither side backs down. Democrats argue that Pulte lacks national security experience and should be removed, while the White House defends him and accuses Democrats of jeopardizing national security.

• According to NBC News, a Trump-aligned super PAC, MAGA Inc., is set to host a $1 million-per-person fundraiser at President Donald Trump’s Virginia golf club the day before a UFC event on the White House grounds. While organizers insist the fundraiser and the White House UFC matches are separate events, their timing allows wealthy Trump supporters to attend both. The UFC event, held as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations and backed by Trump’s longtime ally Dana White, is facing a lawsuit alleging it improperly uses public property for a private company’s benefit. Funds raised by MAGA Inc. are expected to support Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, where the group is expected to play a major financial role.

• There are several key elections tonight:

  • South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary is emerging as a key test of Donald Trump’s political influence after his endorsed candidate for Iowa governor lost last week. Trump has endorsed Pamela Evette, but polling shows a crowded field and a likely runoff.

  • In Maine’s Senate Democratic primary, frontrunner Graham Platner continues to face controversy over past conduct, social media activity, and a tattoo, raising concerns among Democrats about their chances against incumbent Susan Collins in a critical Senate race.

  • Nevada’s gubernatorial race will help shape a major battleground contest this fall, with incumbent Joe Lombardo favored on the Republican side and Democrats choosing their challenger in a race rated a toss-up.

  • Republicans are targeting Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, where retiring Democratic Rep. Jared Golden leaves behind one of the GOP’s best pickup opportunities of the cycle.

  • Maine voters are also deciding open governor primaries featuring several political dynasties, including Jonathan Bush, nephew of former presidents Bush, and Angus King III, son of Senator Angus King.

• The Trump administration is asking a federal appeals court to limit how much money it must repay after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs that President Donald Trump had imposed under a 1977 law. While the government has already approved more than $85 billion in refunds, it argues that it is not legally required to repay all importers and is contesting a court order that would require broader repayments. Businesses and trade groups are preparing further legal challenges, including a potential class-action lawsuit, arguing that companies harmed by the unlawful tariffs deserve full reimbursement. The dispute could leave tens of billions of dollars in tariff refunds unresolved and may ultimately return to higher courts for a final decision.

• The European Union has launched a new ocean research initiative called OceanEye to strengthen ocean monitoring and climate research as the Trump administration cuts U.S. science funding and dismantles parts of a major American ocean observation network. The program aims to improve data collection on ocean systems, including the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a current that plays a crucial role in Europe’s climate. However, the EU’s initial €92 million investment is far smaller than the $368 million U.S. network being scaled back, leading some researchers to argue that Europe will need significantly more funding. European officials say ocean observation requires global cooperation and are urging other countries to help fill the gap left by the United States’ retreat from ocean science.

• A new report found that the world’s 65 largest banks provided $906 billion in financing to fossil fuel companies in 2025, an 8% increase from the previous year despite global climate commitments. JPMorgan Chase was identified as the largest fossil-fuel financier, followed by Bank of America, while Citigroup and other major banks also ranked among the top lenders. Environmental groups behind the report argued that the funding is incompatible with efforts to limit global warming and noted that banks have collectively directed about $8.7 trillion to fossil fuels since the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Banks responded that they support both traditional and renewable energy projects and are trying to balance climate goals with energy security, affordability, and reliability.

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Council member Nithya Raman advanced to a November runoff after finishing as the top two candidates in the city’s all-party primary election. Raman overtook former reality TV star Spencer Pratt as later-counted ballots, which leaned more Democratic, were added to the results. Bass has faced criticism over her response to the 2025 wildfires and the city’s homelessness crisis, while Raman argues that City Hall has been too slow to enact major reforms. The runoff will pit two Democrats against each other in a race expected to center on housing, homelessness, public services, and wildfire recovery.

• Former NFL star Darren Sharper, who pleaded guilty or no contest to drugging and raping women in four states, has been transferred from federal prison to a halfway house or home-confinement program as he nears the end of his sentence. Sharper was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2016 after admitting his role in a multistate conspiracy to drug and sexually assault numerous women. The transfer is a standard step toward reentry into society and comes with a projected release date of December 27, 2028. Previous efforts by Sharper to obtain an earlier sentence reduction, including arguments related to educational achievements in prison and football-related brain injuries, were rejected by the court.

See you soon.

— Aaron

We also have new developments in the screwworm outbreak, which has now spread into New Mexico and has been detected in a dog. The Trump administration has begun clearing and blasting parts of Big Bend National Park to make way for new border barriers. A World Cup referee has been denied entry into the United States, raising fresh questions about how immigration policies could affect the tournament. Plus, much more.

To everyone who reached out, offered support, and subscribed over the past 24 hours as I deal with these attacks, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means more than I can express. If you would like to subscribe or upgrade your subscription, you can do so here:

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On a personal note, today’s keynote address went extremely well. I’ll have footage soon and look forward to sharing it with all of you.

• A NOTUS report says the Trump Justice Department has canceled election-crime training, removed key guidance materials, reduced staffing in its election-related units, and has not yet established its traditional Election Day command center ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Former and current officials cited in the article warn that these changes could leave federal prosecutors less prepared to respond to voter intimidation, election-related disinformation, and other threats to election integrity. The DOJ says its priorities remain protecting election integrity, preventing voter fraud, and addressing civil rights violations, while noting that district election officers have already been designated nationwide. The article contrasts the administration’s emphasis on “voter integrity” investigations with the department’s previous approach, which relied on centralized expertise and coordination to ensure consistent, nonpartisan election-law enforcement.

• Mike Johnson echoed President Donald Trump in raising doubts about election results in California, despite being unable to point to specific evidence supporting the claims. When asked to substantiate the allegations, Johnson argued that potential wrongdoing could be difficult to prove, saying, “Some of these efforts are so diabolical and so far upstream it is impossible to prove. But think everybody knows instinctively something is wrong here.”

• The Department of Homeland Security announced a waiver of dozens of environmental laws to accelerate construction of border barriers, roads, and related infrastructure through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas, a move the Center for Biological Diversity says is unprecedented for a U.S. national park. The waiver clears the way for extensive border projects, including fencing, roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors, backed by recent contracts totaling more than $4 billion for construction along the Rio Grande. Conservation advocates argue the projects will damage wildlife habitat, limit river access, disrupt visitors’ experiences, and alter the park’s natural landscape despite historically low migrant apprehensions in the region. The Center for Biological Diversity and other groups are challenging the administration’s actions in court, contending that the government lacks congressional authorization for such sweeping waivers and construction efforts.

• The USDA confirmed two additional cases of New World screwworm on Monday—a calf in La Salle County, Texas, and a dog in New Mexico that had traveled from Mexico—bringing the total to five recent detections, including two earlier cases in Zavala County. The parasite’s larvae feed on living tissue after flies lay eggs in wounds, making infestations potentially fatal if untreated. Officials have responded with quarantines, expanded trapping, and large-scale releases of sterile flies, deploying about 8 million weekly in core areas and up to 90 million across broader regions to suppress the pest population. While political leaders debate whether past border and funding decisions contributed to the outbreak, ranchers are concerned about quarantine-related business impacts and are calling for genetic tracing, as the USDA pledges more than $1 billion toward eradication efforts and emphasizes that the food supply remains safe.

• Omar Artan, the only referee from Somalia selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the United States after arriving in Miami for the tournament. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said he was found inadmissible following additional screening and cited unspecified “vetting concerns,” though officials did not provide further details. The case highlights tensions between the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies and efforts to welcome participants and visitors for the World Cup, particularly because Somalia is among the countries facing U.S. immigration restrictions. The incident comes as the White House seeks to balance security measures with hosting the largest World Cup in history, with officials emphasizing that all travelers, including athletes and officials, are subject to case-by-case admissibility reviews.

• Zohran Mamdani said he will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden after purchasing a standing-room-only ticket for nearly $1,000, emphasizing that he plans to stand for the entire game. Mamdani’s appearance comes as President Donald Trump is also expected to attend after being invited by Knicks owner James Dolan. Trump will be sitting in a suite.

• Ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, security measures tied to the president’s attendance were so extensive that portions of Midtown Manhattan were effectively locked down, with pedestrian access restricted in key areas.

• Trump has built a wall outside of Madison Square Garden:

• San Antonio Spurs player De’Aaron Fox said the heightened security measures at Madison Square Garden due to the president’s attendance created logistical hassles for players, comparing the screening process to airport security. “I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else. ...We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”

• Some New York Knicks fans expressed frustration over President Trump’s attendance at the NBA Finals, arguing that the heightened security disrupted public access to Midtown and prevented some residents from attending planned watch parties. One fan said, “I don’t really think Trump should even be here, to be honest with you. He doesn’t really claim himself as a New Yorker... A lot of people can’t afford to get into the game. I’m one of those people, so I was actually looking forward to going to one of these watch parties. Now, I can’t.”

• During anti-World Cup protests in Mexico City, members of the Otomí Indigenous community called for greater social justice and drew attention to political grievances ahead of the tournament. In a symbolic demonstration, a woman was photographed holding a rubber head depicting Donald Trump. The protest linked concerns about inequality, displacement, and government priorities to the international spotlight that the World Cup is expected to bring. The image was captured by Reuters photographer Quetzalli Nicte-Ha.

Iran war update:

• Iran announced it was suspending military operations against Israel after the two countries exchanged missile attacks that threatened to reignite a broader regional war. The announcement marked the first direct military exchange between the two sides since their ceasefire began in April. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the immediate crisis had been contained but warned that Israel would respond forcefully to any future Iranian attacks. Both governments signaled that further escalation would depend on whether the other side resumed hostilities.

• President Trump publicly urged Israel and Iran to stop fighting and claimed both sides were interested in reaching an immediate ceasefire. He also said negotiations were advancing toward a broader agreement that could help end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the talks as close to success but acknowledged that unresolved issues remained. U.S. officials emphasized that American forces were not directly involved in the latest exchange of strikes.

• The latest flare-up began after Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Iran, prompting Tehran to launch approximately 30 missiles toward Israel. Israeli officials said most of the missiles were intercepted, while Iran portrayed the attack as a successful response to Israeli actions. Israel subsequently carried out strikes on Iranian military and industrial targets, including facilities linked to its missile program. Despite the military exchanges, analysts noted signs that both sides were trying to avoid a return to full-scale war.

• The conflict continued to ripple across the region, with Israeli operations in Lebanon, Houthi missile launches from Yemen, and growing international diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The European Union imposed new sanctions on elements of Iran’s naval forces over restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional governments, including Qatar and Pakistan, called for restraint and supported ongoing mediation efforts. Financial markets reacted sharply, with oil prices initially surging before retreating after Iran announced its pause in military operations.

Other news:

• President Donald Trump has become increasingly focused on renovation and beautification projects in Washington, D.C., frequently highlighting them during public appearances and using visual aids to showcase progress. During each of his three public events last week, Trump displayed materials promoting the projects and spent extended periods discussing improvements to the capital. At a White House event on Wednesday, he opened by talking about renovations to the Reflecting Pool and presented a series of posters illustrating the scope of the work. He also called aide Natalie Harp to bring out a poster board comparing the Reflecting Pool’s size to major landmarks, featuring the slogan, “Our Pool is Bigger than Skyscrapers.”

• Trump has formally nominated Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general on a permanent basis after appointing him to the acting role following the dismissal of Pam Bondi in April. Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney and later as deputy attorney general under Bondi, has led the Justice Department in an acting capacity for the past several weeks. The nomination makes official Trump’s announcement from last week that Blanche was his choice to lead the department. Blanche must now undergo Senate confirmation before he can serve as attorney general permanently.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing political pressure at home as renewed fighting between Israel and Iran unfolds just months before a closely watched election. Critics and rivals argue he has been constrained by President Donald Trump, who has publicly pushed for restraint and reportedly criticized Netanyahu for continuing military operations in Lebanon. Opposition figures and members of Netanyahu’s own coalition are demanding a stronger response to Iran and Hezbollah, while polls suggest public support for the broader conflict has declined significantly in recent months. Analysts say Netanyahu’s challenge is balancing Israeli demands for military action with maintaining close ties to Trump, though his long record of political survival makes it difficult to predict the ultimate electoral impact.

• The Pentagon released a revised list of military faith classifications after criticism that an earlier proposal failed to identify the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Christian denomination. The Defense Department said the original list contained redundant and unnecessary labels and that the issue has now been corrected. Officials said the changes are part of a broader effort to streamline a religious coding system that had expanded to more than 200 categories, reducing it to 30 classifications. The Pentagon emphasized that its role is not to resolve theological disputes but to ensure that service members’ sincerely held religious beliefs are respected and accommodated.

• A federal judge blocked President Trump’s plan to impose a $100,000 fee on employers seeking H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers, ruling that the fee amounted to a tax that requires congressional approval. Judge Richard Stearns found that the administration exceeded its authority by implementing the fee through a presidential proclamation rather than legislation. The decision is a major win for states that argued the policy harmed public universities, hospitals, and other institutions that rely on international talent. The ruling adds another legal setback for Trump’s economic agenda and relies in part on recent Supreme Court decisions limiting the president’s ability to impose taxes or similar financial burdens without clear authorization from Congress.

• A government watchdog report found that the IRS was unable to consistently and accurately match taxpayer records with data provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of the Trump administration’s effort to identify undocumented immigrants for deportation. The review found that IRS systems failed to properly reject some incomplete records, struggled with inconsistencies in how names and data were formatted, and improperly shared address information in a small percentage of cases. The report also found that ICE had unresolved data-security issues when the agencies entered their information-sharing agreement, though many details remain redacted. The findings add to ongoing legal challenges over the program, which sought taxpayer information on more than 1.2 million people and ultimately produced address matches for roughly 47,000 individuals.

• House Republicans are moving to block the Transportation Security Administration’s new $45 ConfirmID fee for travelers who arrive at airports without a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable identification. Language in the House Homeland Security funding bill would prohibit TSA from charging or collecting the fee, with lawmakers arguing the agency lacks clear statutory authority and noting that identity verification was previously provided at no cost. The legislation would also require TSA to brief Congress on the program, which the agency says helps ensure travelers are properly identified while shifting verification costs from taxpayers to the individuals who need the service. More broadly, the spending bill would cut TSA’s overall discretionary funding, increase investment in screening technology and private-sector screening programs, and significantly reduce funding for the Federal Air Marshal Service.

• Sam Bankman-Fried has formally applied for a presidential pardon after being convicted in 2023 on multiple fraud charges tied to the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The former crypto executive has spent months publicly praising President Donald Trump and told Fox Business he would “absolutely” welcome a pardon, though he said he has not personally discussed the matter with the White House. Prosecutors accused Bankman-Fried of orchestrating one of the largest financial frauds in U.S. history by misusing customer funds to support affiliated businesses, political influence efforts, and a lavish lifestyle. His pardon request comes after a judge rejected his bid for a new trial, while his conviction remains under appeal and Trump has previously indicated he does not plan to grant clemency.

• A 20-year-old employee at a McDonald’s in Yuba City, California, suffered severe burns to his face, neck, arm, and back after a coworker allegedly threw hot cooking oil on him while he was preparing to leave work. Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jalani Bluett, who was arrested the following day and charged with felony battery causing serious bodily injury, mayhem, and assault with a deadly weapon. The victim, Jacob Smith, remains hospitalized in a burn unit and may require skin grafts as doctors work to limit the extent of his injuries. The restaurant owner said the suspect is no longer employed and that the company’s focus is on supporting Smith during his recovery.

• Apple announced a major overhaul of its longtime voice assistant, renaming it Siri AI and adding advanced artificial intelligence capabilities designed to compete more directly with chatbots like OpenAI ChatGPT. The new assistant will be able to draw information from both a user’s device and the web to answer questions, manage tasks, search photos and messages, and create reminders or calendar events. Apple executives said Siri AI will launch later this year on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, initially in English, while availability in the European Union and China will be delayed because of regulatory requirements. The announcement, made at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, represents the company’s most significant upgrade to Siri since it was first introduced more than a decade ago.

See you soon.

— Aaron

Meanwhile, Republicans are furious after Spencer Pratt fell out of the top two in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Trump is claiming fraud without evidence, even as new polling suggests he is losing support among key voting blocs ahead of the midterms. And there’s much more to cover.

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Here’s the news:

Iran war erupts with new fighting:

• Israel and Iran exchanged direct military strikes for the first time since their April ceasefire, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran launched three waves of attacks targeting Israel, while Israel responded with strikes on military and infrastructure targets inside Iran. Explosions were reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and at a petrochemical facility in southwestern Iran. The escalation followed Israeli strikes in Beirut that were linked to alleged Hezbollah activity.

• President Donald Trump publicly called on both countries to stop fighting and said they should “immediately stop shooting.” He stated that the United States is trying to broker a deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also said the U.S. could work with Iran to remove and destroy enriched uranium if an agreement is reached. At the same time, he warned of severe military action if diplomacy fails. Trump seemingly has lost control over Israel and Iran overnight and all he can now do is hope they “stop shooting.”

• Just last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the war “was over.”

• Both sides claimed military successes while reporting limited casualties. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted key Israeli air bases, including Nevatim and Tel Nof. Israeli officials said their forces struck Iranian missile sites and other military targets. Iranian authorities reported no casualties from several of the reported Israeli attacks, while Israeli emergency services said there were no known deaths from the Iranian missile barrages. Here is a video of one of the Iranian ballistic missile launches:

• The conflict is beginning to affect regional transportation and global markets. Iranian authorities closed airports across western Iran and suspended operations at major Tehran airports. Oil prices surged sharply as traders reacted to fears of wider instability in the Middle East. Houthi forces in Yemen also claimed missile attacks on Israel and threatened Israeli linked shipping in the Red Sea.

• Diplomatic efforts remain active, but tensions are high and mistrust is growing. Iranian officials said they are still exchanging messages with the United States despite deep skepticism about Washington’s role. U.S. officials are monitoring the situation closely, though there has been no direct American military involvement in the latest exchanges. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem instructed government personnel and their families to shelter in place as a precaution.

• Trump further claimed this morning that Israel and Iran want a ceasefire. If that’s the case, then there can not be a ceasefire in place currently:

• Oil prices jumped more than 4 percent after Israel and Iran exchanged direct military strikes for the first time since their April ceasefire, raising fears that the conflict could expand and threaten energy supplies from the Middle East. Brent crude rose above $97 per barrel while U.S. crude climbed above $94, reflecting investor concerns about regional instability and the possibility that diplomatic efforts are breaking down. President Trump was briefed on the renewed fighting, and both U.S. and Iranian officials signaled that prospects for a negotiated agreement have become more difficult. At the same time, OPEC+ approved another increase in oil production for July, but the additional supply was not enough to offset market concerns about escalating geopolitical risks and potential disruptions to global energy flows.

Trump claims fraud in California:

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilmember Nithya Raman are projected to advance to the November runoff election for mayor. With most votes counted, Bass led the field with roughly 35 percent of the vote. Raman followed with about 27 percent, narrowly ahead of Republican reality television personality Spencer Pratt. Because no candidate received more than 50 percent, the race moves to a head to head general election.

• Bass is seeking a second term after winning the mayor’s office in 2022. Her administration has faced several major challenges, including devastating wildfires, immigration related protests, and ongoing concerns about homelessness. Critics have questioned aspects of her leadership during these crises. Supporters point to improvements such as a reported decline in street homelessness across Los Angeles. Donald Trump, overnight, claimed fraud after his endorsed candidate, Pratt, lost:

• Raman emerged as Bass’s strongest challenger despite entering the race as a city councilmember rather than a citywide officeholder. Polling before the election showed a very competitive contest among Bass, Raman, and Pratt. Raman’s advancement reflects voter interest in an alternative Democratic leadership option. The runoff is expected to focus heavily on the city’s recent performance and future direction.

• Republicans, after Pratt’s loss, called for the cutting of federal funds to California:

All other news:

• President Trump’s planned attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden has sparked frustration among some New York Knicks fans, largely because of the extensive security measures expected to accompany his visit. The team has advised fans to arrive at least two hours early, prompting complaints about long delays and disruptions on what is already a historic night for the franchise’s first home NBA Finals game since 1999. Some fans objected to Trump’s presence on political grounds, while others simply argued that thousands of attendees should not have to alter their plans because a president is attending. Despite the backlash, the game remains one of the biggest sporting events in New York in decades, and Trump’s appearance is likely to draw both cheers and boos from the crowd.

• House Republicans are exploring a third major budget reconciliation bill before the August recess as a way to advance additional parts of President Trump’s agenda ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Potential priorities include defense spending, healthcare reforms, energy policy changes, housing initiatives, and efforts to reduce government waste, though lawmakers remain divided over what should be included. The effort faces significant political and procedural hurdles because Republicans hold only a narrow House majority, meaning a handful of defections could derail the legislation. Conservative members are pushing for deeper reforms and spending cuts, while party leaders argue the bill is still achievable if Republicans remain unified and move quickly.

• New polling suggests President Trump may be losing support among young women, a group that shifted toward Republicans in 2024 and helped fuel his electoral success. Growing frustration over economic conditions and perceptions that key campaign promises have not been fulfilled appear to be driving the decline. Political strategists are increasingly concerned because young female voters can be influential in competitive suburban and swing districts. If the trend continues, it could become a significant vulnerability for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.

• A federal lawsuit is seeking to block a planned UFC event on the White House South Lawn that is scheduled for June 14 and coincides with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The plaintiffs argue that the administration improperly authorized the event because National Park Service rules prohibit sporting events on federal parkland, Congress did not approve certain temporary structures, and no environmental review was conducted before construction began. The White House has dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated and says the event is comparable to other permitted public gatherings held on White House grounds and nearby federal property. Preparations are already underway, including construction of a UFC octagon and seating for thousands of spectators, while organizers have said tens of thousands of additional attendees could watch from the nearby Ellipse

• Maine voters are heading into a closely watched Senate primary that is expected to make Democrat Graham Platner the party’s nominee against longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins. Democrats view Maine as one of their best opportunities to gain a Senate seat, and Platner has built strong grassroots enthusiasm through a populist message focused on economic inequality, healthcare, and opposition to foreign military spending. However, his campaign has been overshadowed by a series of controversies, including offensive past online posts, questions about a tattoo linked to Nazi imagery, allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women, and reports of abusive conduct that he denies.

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• Senator Mike Lee voiced his displeasure with Pete Hegseth failing to classify the Church of Latter-day Saints as Christian:

• A major development in the Texas Senate race came when attorney Dan Cogdell, who helped defend Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial, endorsed Democratic candidate James Talarico. Cogdell said Paxton has lost sight of serving Texans and argued that Talarico is better positioned to unite Democrats, independents, and Republicans. The endorsement highlights continuing divisions within Texas Republicans following Paxton’s contentious Senate primary victory and could help Talarico appeal to moderate and anti-Paxton voters. Democrats see the race as a potential opportunity, while Republicans remain concerned that Paxton’s legal controversies and political baggage could make the seat more competitive than usual.

• A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines near General Santos City, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 19 people dead, more than 130 injured, and several others missing. Buildings collapsed across the region, including parts of a Jollibee restaurant, a commercial complex, and a high school, while power outages and infrastructure damage complicated rescue efforts. Authorities warned residents to stay out of damaged buildings because of ongoing aftershocks, and tsunami alerts were briefly issued for parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia before the threat largely subsided. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. activated emergency response measures, opened evacuation centers, and suspended classes in affected areas as rescue crews continued searching for survivors.

• Six people were injured in a stabbing attack inside New York City’s Penn Station on Sunday evening, and authorities quickly took a suspect into custody. One victim suffered serious injuries, two were moderately injured, and several others sustained minor wounds, with victims transported to local hospitals for treatment. Investigators have not yet released details about a motive or whether the victims were specifically targeted, and the incident remains under investigation by law enforcement. The attack occurred just one day before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, which sits directly above Penn Station and is expected to draw large crowds, including Donald Trump, though officials have not indicated any changes to planned security arrangements.

• Former senior CIA official David Rush is accused of stealing more than $40 million in gold bars and other valuables from the agency, and investigators now allege he also created a fake classified "special access program" to divert millions of dollars in government funds. According to officials, Rush allegedly used the secrecy surrounding the fabricated program to persuade colleagues to transfer money through a fraudulent government contract tied to continuity of government operations. He has also been charged with theft of public funds related to allegedly falsifying his military and educational credentials and improperly claiming about $77,000 in military leave benefits. The case has raised serious questions about oversight, internal controls, and employee vetting within the CIA, particularly because Rush reportedly worked on highly sensitive intelligence programs and held senior positions for nearly two decades.

• Global airline leaders are now openly acknowledging that the aviation industry's goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is unlikely to be achieved. The industry's plan depended heavily on the rapid development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but production remains far below targets, with SAF expected to supply less than 1 percent of aviation fuel demand this year despite a goal of 65 percent by 2050. Willie Walsh, head of the airline trade group IATA, blamed governments, fuel producers, aircraft manufacturers, and delays in air traffic system reforms for the shortfall, arguing airlines cannot meet the target on their own. The industry is now calling for a new, more realistic decarbonization timeline, while critics say the admission reinforces long standing concerns that aviation's climate pledges relied on technologies and fuel supplies that were never likely to scale quickly enough.

Good news:

• At age 72, Irma Garcia achieved a lifelong goal by earning her bachelor’s degree from George Mason University after decades of balancing work and raising three daughters as a single mother. After moving from Puerto Rico to the Washington, D.C. area in 1978, she completed an associate degree but postponed further education to support her family, eventually returning to school through a program for older adults. Garcia credits her success to perseverance, self confidence, strong family support, and a love of salsa dancing that helped keep her motivated. Her story has inspired many people as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue long held dreams and educational goals.

• A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran, when combined with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 49 percent and reduced the risk of cancer spreading by 59 percent in a five year follow up study. Nearly 69 percent of patients receiving the combination remained cancer free after five years, compared with about 49 percent of patients who received immunotherapy alone, while overall survival was 92 percent versus 71 percent. The vaccine is customized for each patient using genetic information from their removed tumor, helping the immune system identify and attack any remaining cancer cells. Researchers view the results as one of the strongest demonstrations yet that personalized mRNA cancer vaccines can improve long term outcomes, and larger phase 3 trials are already underway to confirm the findings and explore use against other cancers.

• Hospice staff in London fulfilled a dying woman’s final wish by reuniting her with her long lost brother, whom she had not seen in nearly 15 years. After months of searching, staff discovered that her brother was actually volunteering at one of the hospice charity’s own thrift shops, leading to an emotional reunion. The siblings, both of whom have learning disabilities, had lost contact after changes in his living arrangements following the death of a caregiver. The story highlights how hospice care can focus not only on medical needs but also on helping patients achieve deeply personal goals and reconnect with loved ones during the final stages of life.

• Six years after a farmer illegally dredged part of England’s River Lugg, removed riverbed gravel, and cut down dozens of trees along a key salmon habitat, the damaged ecosystem is showing signs of recovery. The farmer was convicted, jailed, fined, and ordered to restore the area after a judge described the destruction as ecological vandalism on an industrial scale. New vegetation, trees, and wildlife are returning to the riverbank, and environmental monitoring has found improving conditions along with the return of several fish and bird species. Conservationists say the recovery demonstrates nature’s resilience when given time and protection, although restoring the full biodiversity of the river ecosystem will likely take many more years.

See you soon.

— Aaron