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Google has introduced new versions of its Gemini AI models, including Gemini 3.6 Flash and a cybersecurity-focused Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber. These models improve coding ability, efficiency, and speed, with some designed for specific uses such as cybersecurity, though certain versions are only available to trusted partners.
Key Facts
Google released Gemini 3.6 Flash, an updated AI model that is slightly better at coding and more efficient than Gemini 3.5 Flash.
Gemini 3.6 Flash uses about 17% fewer tokens, which helps save costs for developers and Google.
The cost of using Gemini 3.6 Flash’s API is lower for output tokens compared to 3.5 Flash.
Google also launched Gemini 3.5 Flash Lite, a very fast and cost-effective AI model for scaling applications.
Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber is Google's first AI model tuned specifically for cybersecurity but won’t be publicly available due to safety concerns.
The cybersecurity model will be accessible in limited form via Google DeepMind’s CodeMender tool for trusted governments and partners.
The delayed Gemini 3.5 Pro model, expected in June, has not yet been released.
Gemini 3.6 Flash and Flash Lite models are available now in the API and Gemini app, and the Lite version is used to improve Google search AI responses.
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A man named Carl Isom-McDaniel was attacked by a bison at Yellowstone National Park and thrown 8 feet into the air. He broke his leg and is recovering in a Montana hospital, while people nearby helped scare the bison away.
Key Facts
The attack happened at Yellowstone National Park earlier this month.
Carl Isom-McDaniel, 65, was walking with his grandson when a bison charged at him without warning.
The bison threw Isom-McDaniel in the air and caused serious injuries, including a femur broken in multiple pieces.
Witnesses, including Mike MacLeod who filmed the attack, helped chase the bison away.
This is the second recorded bison attack at Yellowstone this year; a 12-year-old was also hurt in June.
Park rules advise staying at least 100 feet away from bison or watching from inside a vehicle.
Bison can be unpredictable and may defend their space if they feel threatened.
Officials remind visitors that wild animals like bison carry risks in national parks.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will soon bomb Pickaxe Mountain in Iran, a suspected nuclear site. He indicated no interest in a ceasefire right now and is considering escalating military actions against Iran.
Key Facts
Pickaxe Mountain is a deep underground site in Iran suspected of possible nuclear activity.
The U.S. and Israel suspect Iran may have stored centrifuges there, but there is no confirmed record.
Centrifuges are machines that can enrich nuclear material.
Israel gave intelligence to the U.S. suggesting thousands of centrifuges have been moved to Pickaxe Mountain.
It is uncertain if the U.S. has bombs strong enough to fully destroy the underground site.
President Trump is deciding between a 10-day ceasefire and a large military campaign with Israel.
Trump dismisses the idea of negotiations with Iran at this time.
The U.S. has not completed its military operations and plans to continue pressure on Iran.
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Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was arrested during protests against the government's handling of a student-led movement demanding education reform. The protests, called the "Cockroach" movement, continued despite police using force and detaining multiple activists.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were detained during a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
The protests began as a student movement but have grown to include professionals and families.
Police responded with tear gas, canes, and batons, injuring nearly 180 people including protesters and security personnel.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam system failures.
The "Cockroach" movement started as a response to a Supreme Court judge calling India’s youth "cockroaches."
Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike became a symbol of the protests before police took him to a hospital.
Protesters remain determined to continue until their demands are met despite the crackdown.
Gandhi publicly called for the resignation of Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Education Minister.
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A Human Rights Watch report says civilians in Ecuador suffered abuse during joint military operations by the US and Ecuador aimed at fighting organized crime. The report highlights cases of torture, unlawful detention, and attacks on fishermen, and calls on the US Congress to increase oversight of President Donald Trump’s security cooperation with Ecuador.
Key Facts
The US and Ecuador carried out joint military operations near the Colombia border between March 1 and 6, 2026.
Four dairy farm workers were detained and allegedly tortured by Ecuadorian soldiers; no charges were made against them.
Evidence showed the targeted properties were not camps for armed groups but included an active dairy farm and abandoned locations.
Human Rights Watch reviewed photos, videos, satellite images, medical records, and other documents to investigate the incidents.
The US has provided equipment, training, intelligence, and direct military support to Ecuador in crime-fighting efforts under President Trump.
Ecuadorian fishermen near the Galapagos Islands were attacked between January and March 2026; one boat disappeared with 8 crew members.
Crews of attacked fishing vessels said armed personnel in US military-style uniforms detained them and handed them over to the Salvadoran Coast Guard.
Human Rights Watch calls for US Congress to demand more transparency and safeguards in the US-Ecuador security partnership.
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The U.S. Justice Department said that the University of California San Diego School of Medicine showed bias in how it accepted new students. The DOJ says the school favored Black and Hispanic applicants unfairly in its admissions process.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice made the claim on Monday.
The accusation is about racial discrimination in medical school admissions.
The medical school allegedly favored Black and Hispanic applicants.
The DOJ says the school used “race-neutral” methods to increase admissions for these groups.
The investigation was done by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
The school is part of the University of California system.
The DOJ’s action focuses on fairness in admissions and civil rights laws.
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ESPN has started laying off employees following its acquisition of NFL Network and related digital assets. The layoffs affect mostly production and behind-the-scenes staff, though some on-air personalities were also impacted.
Key Facts
ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and RedZone distribution rights last year.
The deal gave the NFL a 10% ownership stake in ESPN.
Regulators approved the acquisition in January 2026.
NFL Network employees officially became part of ESPN on April 1, 2026.
Layoffs began soon after to integrate the NFL assets and streamline operations.
Some well-known ESPN figures, including analyst Ryan Clark and broadcaster Karl Ravech, were laid off.
The layoffs are part of larger cost-cutting measures at the Walt Disney Company, ESPN’s parent company.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized empathy and support for affected employees during the transition.
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Republican political groups, including MAGA Inc., have raised significantly more money than Democratic groups ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. MAGA Inc. alone raised over $400 million by mid-2026, contributing to a large financial lead for Republican fundraising compared to Democrats.
Key Facts
MAGA Inc., a pro-President Donald Trump political group, raised over $400 million by the end of June 2026.
Major donors to MAGA Inc. include the Winklevoss twins ($10 million in Bitcoin), Diane Hendricks ($25 million), and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman ($10 million).
Total pro-Republican PACs had about $677 million in cash by the end of June, while Democrats had around $136 million.
Other Republican groups like the RNC, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and National Republican Congressional Committee also hold large sums.
Democrats’ national committee had significantly less money, with the Democratic National Committee holding about $14.8 million and owing $18.3 million at the end of its reporting period.
MAGA Inc. has spent around $21 million in 2026, mainly supporting Republican election campaigns.
Republicans hold slim majorities in the House and Senate and hope to keep these in the midterms.
Election forecasts give Democrats a 71% chance to win the House and a narrow lead in the Senate.
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A technical mistake in New Jersey allowed some non-citizens to register to vote between June 2023 and June 2024. About 400 of these people voted in state elections before the error was fixed, according to Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Key Facts
The error happened in the Motor Vehicle Commission system.
It allowed people who said they were non-citizens to register to vote, which is not allowed.
The mistake lasted about one year and was corrected in June 2024.
Fewer than 400 newly registered non-citizens voted in various elections.
These voters were spread throughout New Jersey and included Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters.
Governor Sherrill learned about the problem only last week and has promised to remove those illegally registered.
Sherrill criticized the previous administration for not being open about the issue.
The announcement comes amid national discussions led by President Donald Trump about election security and voter eligibility.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting and focused on lowering living costs. He announced a VAT cut on household energy bills starting in October, funded by canceling a planned digital ID project, though some debate exists over the plan’s financial details.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham chaired his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister, prioritizing cost of living issues.
He announced a VAT cut from 5% to zero on household electricity bills in England, Wales, and Scotland starting in October.
The VAT cut is expected to save the average household about £45 per year.
The VAT cut will not apply in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit rules.
Burnham plans to pay for the VAT cut by canceling the digital ID scheme, estimated to cost £850 million this year.
Some critics say the digital ID scheme funding was not fully secured, raising concerns about budget management.
Burnham aims for his government to clearly show how policies will be paid for and may ask ministers to reprioritize spending.
The cabinet reshuffle removed some Starmer loyalists and promoted new ministers, including John Healey as chancellor.
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Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, said that the Democratic Party should focus more on action and less on talking due to voter frustration. He also mentioned the rise of democratic socialists gaining influence in national politics during a CNBC interview.
Key Facts
Senator Mark Warner represents Virginia and is a Democrat.
Warner suggested that Democrats need to deliver results instead of just talking.
Voters are feeling frustrated with the current political situation.
Democratic socialists have recently won some elections and gained attention nationally.
The comments were made during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Warner’s remarks indicate concerns about the party’s future and strategy.
The discussion reflects tensions within the Democratic Party between its moderate and more progressive members.
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An outside law firm reviewed the Gates Foundation’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein and found no proof the foundation was involved in any crimes or made payments linked to him. The foundation met Epstein twice between 2011 and 2014 but stopped working with him after problems arose. It is now improving its rules to better check donors and partners.
Key Facts
The Gates Foundation hired law firm WilmerHale to investigate its links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The foundation met Epstein twice: once about a donor fund in 2011-2014 and once related to the International Peace Institute in 2012-2013.
Epstein failed to deliver promised commitments from other donors, causing the foundation to drop the donor fund plan.
Bill Gates knew about Epstein’s connection to the International Peace Institute’s president when the foundation gave a grant.
New policies are being introduced to improve how the foundation vets donors and handles conflicts of interest.
Training on managing sensitive information will be enhanced.
Warren Buffett said he will stop donating to the Gates Foundation.
Bill Gates acknowledged he made "a grave error in judgement" by meeting Epstein.
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Two firefighters died while fighting a large fire near Bordeaux Airport in southwest France. The fire started from a brush fire, spread to a building, and forced flight delays. Wildfires are increasing in France due to heatwaves and climate change.
Key Facts
Two firefighters died near Bordeaux Airport while trying to put out a fire.
The fire began as a brush fire near an airport parking lot and spread to a building.
About 100 firefighters and special aircraft are working to control the blaze.
The French Interior Minister was informed about the deaths and plans to visit the area.
The Gironde region has faced severe wildfires recently due to unusual heatwaves.
Over 11,000 fires have been reported in France since the start of the year.
Satellite data shows more than 42,000 hectares have burned in France this year, breaking records.
Climate change is causing hotter temperatures in Europe, leading to more wildfires and heatwaves.
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The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced two bipartisan bills that would allow cameras in federal courtrooms, including the Supreme Court, under certain conditions. These efforts aim to increase public access to judicial proceedings while maintaining fairness and protecting due process.
Key Facts
The bills passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee would let cameras record in federal courts and the Supreme Court in specific situations.
Supporters believe wider access to court proceedings can help more Americans follow important legal cases from home.
Texans for Judicial Accountability is a nonprofit group working to improve transparency and trust in courtrooms at the state level.
Cellphones are usually collected before court starts, so official transcripts are the main record of what happens, but they don’t show nonverbal actions.
The nonprofit wants better transparency to create an objective record and build confidence in the justice system for everyone involved.
Some recent state laws ended private reprimands for judges and increased public reporting of disciplinary outcomes.
Filing complaints about judges can still be slow and requires mailing papers, which can limit participation.
Texas has added more investigators and improved processes to strengthen judicial oversight.
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A former chief of the London Metropolitan Police has admitted that the police force failed for decades to control an undercover unit that wrongly spied on political activists. The unit, active from 1968 to 2008, used false identities and committed serious misconduct, including deceiving women and spying on grieving families.
Key Facts
The undercover unit is called the Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) and operated for about 40 years.
SDS officers used fake identities to infiltrate mainly left-wing political groups.
Officers were instructed daily to "lie, cheat and deceive" as part of their work.
The unit engaged in misconduct like deceiving women into relationships and spying on families seeking justice.
SDS officers also stole identities of dead children and lied in court.
The former Metropolitan Police commissioner, Paul Condon, apologized for the wrongdoing and admitted the force failed to supervise the unit properly.
Condon was in charge of the Metropolitan Police from 1993 to 2000 and said he was unaware of these abuses at the time.
The inquiry into the unit is led by retired judge Sir John Mitting and continues to examine the misconduct.
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Rep. Kweisi Mfume spoke during a House Oversight hearing about concerns that efforts are being made to reduce or eliminate Black history exhibits at the Smithsonian museums. He warned that if Black history is erased, it will be replaced, emphasizing the importance of remembering past lessons.
Key Facts
Rep. Kweisi Mfume represents Maryland and spoke at a House Oversight subcommittee hearing.
Mfume expressed outrage over attempts to remove or downplay the African American museum and Smithsonian exhibits.
He said, “If you erase it, we will replace it,” stressing the need to preserve Black history.
Mfume quoted former President Abraham Lincoln to underline the importance of learning from history.
The hearing looked at how the Smithsonian presents U.S. history amid criticisms related to President Trump.
Mfume’s comments highlight ongoing debates about representation of African American history in national museums.
The Smithsonian museums are a group of national museums and research centers in the United States.
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Amazon used pressure tactics on product suppliers to raise prices on competing retail websites. Internal emails and court claims show Amazon threatened to reduce sales or demand payments from suppliers if their products were cheaper on rival sites.
Key Facts
Prices for some products like lamps, air fryers, and ice-cream makers increased significantly after Amazon intervened.
Amazon flagged low prices on competitor sites as threats and told suppliers their sales on Amazon might be cut.
Amazon lowered prices on some items to match rivals and then asked suppliers to compensate for lost revenue.
Suppliers often raised prices on Amazon’s competitors or pulled products from those sites to comply with Amazon’s demands.
California’s attorney general sued Amazon, accusing the company of widespread price fixing to control product prices.
The lawsuit includes many internal Amazon emails and documents revealing these tactics.
Examples include a supplier pulling products from Best Buy and raising prices on Amazon, and another paying Amazon $100,000 as compensation.
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Nick Hegseth, a political figure, is preparing to face tough questions in the Senate about funding for the conflict involving Iran. The situation is urgent because money for the war efforts may soon run out, and there is also a recent meeting between Lebanon’s president and President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Nick Hegseth is set to appear before the Senate for questioning.
He will address the need for more funding related to the conflict with Iran.
There are concerns that current funds for the Iran war may not last much longer.
The Lebanon president recently met with President Donald Trump.
The Boston Red Sox have a 14-game winning streak, mentioned as a side note.
The article highlights urgent political and military funding issues involving the U.S. and Iran.
This news was included in The Hill’s midday newsletter.
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Many college students face challenges like anxiety and money problems while studying. Experts say students need skills called executive functions—such as planning and managing emotions—to succeed in college and beyond.
Key Facts
A 2026 survey found 69% of college students had mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or ADHD in the past year.
Students from lower-income families often lack enough financial support despite rising college costs.
Executive function includes skills like memory, flexibility in thinking, and controlling impulses and emotions.
These skills help students plan, solve problems, and handle daily tasks needed for college success.
Executive function also affects long-term outcomes like job stability, career success, and health.
Students often struggle when they must manage their time and responsibilities more independently in college.
More universities are supporting neurodivergent students (those with brain differences) with special accommodations.
Academic knowledge alone may not be enough for students to do well without strong executive functioning skills.
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Iranian forces have launched missile and drone attacks on a U.S. air base in Jordan, killing two American soldiers and injuring many others. These attacks show advanced Iranian missile technology able to evade U.S. and Jordanian defenses, raising concerns about the protection of U.S. troops in the region.
Key Facts
Iranian missiles hit Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan multiple times within 48 hours, causing U.S. casualties.
Two U.S. soldiers died and dozens were wounded in the recent attacks.
Iranian missiles and drones have bypassed U.S. and Jordanian air defense systems.
President Trump acknowledged that "other operators" at the base might have allowed some missiles through.
About 100 U.S. service members have been injured in Iranian strikes across the Middle East this month.
Iranian forces use simple missiles to distract radar and then fire more advanced missiles that change course near the target.
Jordan had mostly avoided attacks before but is now targeted alongside other U.S. allies in the region.
U.S. Central Command is still reviewing the attacks and has not disclosed full details publicly.
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