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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Company owned by Trump donor won $1.7 million no-bid Reflecting Pool contract

Company owned by Trump donor won $1.7 million no-bid Reflecting Pool contract

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The federal government gave a $1.7 million no-bid contract to Green Water Solutions, a company owned by a donor to President Trump, to install a new water cleaning system in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The contract was awarded quickly to meet a deadline before the United States’ 250th birthday celebration.

Key Facts

  • Green Water Solutions is owned by John J. Cafaro, a donor to President Trump and other political candidates.
  • The company will install a "Nano Bubble" filtration system designed to remove algae and harmful bacteria from the Reflecting Pool.
  • The contract was awarded without competition due to urgency for repairs before July 4, 2026.
  • Cafaro has donated $250,000 to Trump-related political groups and has a history of legal issues related to campaign finance and bribery.
  • Green Water Solutions previously worked on a water treatment project for a Trump golf club in New Jersey.
  • Another no-bid contract worth $14.7 million was awarded to a different company for sealant installation on the pool floor.
  • After water returned to the pool, algae appeared and the new sealant started peeling off within days.
  • The White House says it did not influence the contract decision, which was managed by the Department of the Interior.
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CBS News
Trump’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool work comes under scrutiny: 4 things to know

Trump’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool work comes under scrutiny: 4 things to know

June 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump is overseeing renovation work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. The project has faced criticism and questions about the decision to award a large contract without a competitive bidding process.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is leading efforts to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
  • The contract for the pool renovation is worth millions of dollars.
  • The contract was given without a public bidding process, raising concerns.
  • This work is part of several beautification projects in Washington, D.C.
  • These projects are timed ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
  • President Trump mentioned his experience with pools during this renovation effort.
  • Officials and observers are scrutinizing how the renovation contracts were awarded.
  • The Reflecting Pool is a key historic site near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
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The Hill
Does Trump have to submit the Iran memorandum of understanding to Congress?

Does Trump have to submit the Iran memorandum of understanding to Congress?

June 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump faces calls from lawmakers and pro-Israel groups to submit a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran to Congress for review under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA). This 2015 law requires any US agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to be sent to Congress for possible approval or rejection.

Key Facts

  • The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) was passed in 2015 during President Obama’s administration.
  • INARA requires the president to send any nuclear-related agreement with Iran to Congress within five days.
  • Congress then has 30 days to review the agreement and can vote to disapprove it, but a presidential veto can be overridden only by a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
  • The law prohibits the president from easing Iran-related sanctions during the congressional review period.
  • President Trump’s current memorandum of understanding includes lifting some sanctions and stopping fighting involving Iran and Israel.
  • Trump has expressed openness to submitting the agreement to Congress but has not done so yet.
  • Some lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, demand the MoU be reviewed as required by INARA.
  • Critics question whether Congress’s push to review the MoU is genuine or aims to legitimize or oppose the deal for political reasons.
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Al Jazeera
WATCH: Trump unveils new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar at Joint Base Andrews

WATCH: Trump unveils new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar at Joint Base Andrews

June 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump revealed a new Air Force One jet at Andrews Air Force Base. The plane, previously owned by Qatar, was redesigned and upgraded to serve as the official presidential aircraft.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One was originally a Qatar-owned jumbo jet.
  • It was converted into the official plane for the U.S. president.
  • The plane’s exterior has changed from light blue to navy blue with a red stripe.
  • The presidential seal is painted on the side where the president boards.
  • A large American flag is displayed on the plane’s tail.
  • President Trump described the plane as a “flying White House” with luxury features.
  • The unveiling took place at Andrews Air Force Base with Air Force personnel present.
  • “God Bless the USA” was played during the event as President Trump exited the plane.
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PBS NewsHour
DOJ snubs judge’s demand on anti-weaponization fund, cites ‘serious separation of powers concerns’

DOJ snubs judge’s demand on anti-weaponization fund, cites ‘serious separation of powers concerns’

June 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Justice Department refused a federal judge’s order to confirm the end of a nearly $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing weapon misuse. The DOJ said the judge’s request raised important issues about the balance of power between branches of government.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge, Leonie Brinkema, blocked a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund last Friday.
  • The judge required the acting Attorney General, Treasury Secretary, and Associate Attorney to confirm the fund was ended within seven days.
  • The Justice Department declined to comply with the judge’s demand.
  • The DOJ stated the judge’s order raised serious concerns about separation of powers, meaning the limits and roles of branches of government.
  • The anti-weaponization fund was set up to prevent misuse of weapons but was stopped by the court.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are involved in managing the fund.
  • The dispute highlights tension between the judiciary and executive branches.
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The Hill
Man whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem faces charges in teen's death

Man whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem faces charges in teen's death

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A South Dakota man named Mark Milk, whose life sentence for manslaughter was reduced by Governor Kristi Noem, has been charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Authorities accuse him of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity, possessing drugs linked to McKenna’s death, and trying to hide evidence.

Key Facts

  • Mark Milk’s original life sentence for manslaughter was commuted by then-Governor Kristi Noem.
  • McKenna Wendel, 14, was reported missing in mid-March 2026 and found dead near Brookings, South Dakota.
  • Milk faces federal charges for transporting a minor, drug possession linked to McKenna’s death, and conspiracy to destroy evidence.
  • Another man, Jon Rogness, is charged with helping Milk avoid prosecution.
  • The case is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.
  • McKenna died from a drug overdose around March 14, according to the indictment.
  • McKenna was a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and Milk is reported to be her uncle.
  • Multiple law enforcement agencies from Iowa and South Dakota worked on the investigation.
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ABC News
Judge won't block DOJ from releasing Biden conversations with biographer

Judge won't block DOJ from releasing Biden conversations with biographer

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A federal judge allowed the Justice Department to release redacted transcripts and recordings of President Biden's conversations with his biographer from several years ago to a conservative group, the Heritage Foundation. President Biden's lawyers asked the court to block the release while they appeal, citing privacy concerns.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge ruled the Justice Department can share redacted records of President Biden's past talks with biographer Mark Zwonitzer.
  • The Heritage Foundation requested these materials under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
  • The conversations are from around 2016-2017 and were used for Biden's 2017 memoir.
  • The Justice Department made large parts of the records private before sharing.
  • Judge Dabney Friedrich said public interest outweighs Biden’s privacy in this case.
  • President Biden’s legal team asked for an emergency pause on the release while appealing.
  • The dispute relates to a report by Robert Hur about Biden’s handling of government records, which cited the conversations.
  • A separate lawsuit is underway about sharing the audio recordings with the House Judiciary Committee.
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CBS News
George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama mints in an ode to their friendship

George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama mints in an ode to their friendship

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

At the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, former President George W. Bush gave former First Lady Michelle Obama a tin of Altoids mints. This gift recalled a friendly moment they shared in 2018 during Senator John McCain’s funeral when Bush quietly passed Obama a cough drop or mint.

Key Facts

  • George W. Bush gave Michelle Obama Altoids mints at the Obama Presidential Center opening in Chicago.
  • This referenced a moment in 2018 when Bush gave Obama a cough drop during John McCain’s funeral.
  • Michelle Obama and Bush have a friendly relationship and often sit together at official events.
  • Bush described the moment as a simple, kind gesture and called their friendship special despite political differences.
  • The event included other former presidents and first ladies, like Bill and Hillary Clinton and Joe and Jill Biden.
  • The public reaction showed interest in their friendship as it crosses political lines.
  • Bush confirmed in an interview that the item he handed Obama was an Altoid mint, not just a cough drop.
  • Michelle Obama expressed affection and appreciation for Bush’s kindness and sense of humor.
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CBS News
Judge rejects Biden's attempt to halt release of special counsel inquiry transcripts

Judge rejects Biden's attempt to halt release of special counsel inquiry transcripts

June 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A federal judge denied President Biden's request to stop the release of recordings made with a ghostwriter. The recordings, part of a special counsel's investigation, will be released to a conservative group after the judge ruled public interest is more important than Biden's privacy claims.

Key Facts

  • The recordings were made by President Biden with a ghostwriter.
  • Special counsel Robert Hur obtained them while investigating classified documents Biden kept as senator and vice president.
  • Republicans asked for the recordings after Hur decided not to charge Biden.
  • Biden’s administration refused to release the recordings, leading to a contempt charge against Attorney General Merrick Garland by Republicans.
  • President Trump’s Department of Justice allowed the release of the recordings.
  • President Biden sued to block the release, citing privacy concerns about sensitive personal topics.
  • The judge ruled that sensitive content was redacted and the recordings do not mention illness, death, or non-public family members.
  • Biden’s team plans to appeal the ruling to stop the release.
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PBS NewsHour
Trump unveils Qatari-gifted jet serving as new Air Force One

Trump unveils Qatari-gifted jet serving as new Air Force One

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump revealed a new Air Force One plane on Friday. The jet is a Boeing 747-8 and was donated by the country of Qatar.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One is a Boeing 747-8 model.
  • Qatar gifted the jet to the United States.
  • The plane is valued at $400 million.
  • President Trump officially unveiled the jet on a Friday.
  • This plane will serve as the new Air Force One, the official aircraft for the U.S. president.
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CBS News
Biden’s bid to block release of recordings made with ghostwriter fails

Biden’s bid to block release of recordings made with ghostwriter fails

June 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A federal judge rejected President Biden’s request to stop the release of recordings he made with a ghostwriter. The judge said the public’s right to know was more important than Biden’s privacy concerns. The recordings are part of an investigation into whether Biden kept classified documents improperly.

Key Facts

  • The judge, Dabney Friedrich, ruled against President Biden’s attempt to block the release.
  • The recordings were made in 2017 with a ghostwriter.
  • Special counsel Robert Hur obtained these recordings during his probe into Biden’s handling of classified documents.
  • Republicans in Congress wanted the recordings after Hur decided not to press charges against Biden.
  • Biden’s administration refused to hand over the recordings, causing Republicans to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt.
  • The Department of Justice under President Trump allowed the recordings to be released.
  • Biden argued the release would invade his privacy because the recordings included personal topics like the death of his son.
  • The judge said sensitive personal information was removed and the recordings do not talk about private family matters.
  • Biden’s team is appealing the decision to stop the release while the legal process continues.
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Guardian US
Trump unveils new plane for Air Force One, a gift from Qatar

Trump unveils new plane for Air Force One, a gift from Qatar

June 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump showed a new Air Force One airplane that was given as a gift from Qatar. The plane is a renovated Boeing jet and is said to fly farther and faster than previous presidential planes.

Key Facts

  • President Trump revealed the new Air Force One plane on Friday.
  • The plane was a gift from the country of Qatar.
  • It is a renovated Boeing aircraft.
  • The unveiling took place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
  • The plane is expected to fly further and faster than past Air Force One planes.
  • President Trump described the plane as unique and the best of its kind.
  • Air Force One is the official airplane used by the U.S. President.
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The Hill
Photos: Trump Unveils New Air Force One After $400M Overhaul of Qatar Gift

Photos: Trump Unveils New Air Force One After $400M Overhaul of Qatar Gift

June 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump revealed a new Air Force One aircraft at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The plane, a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, underwent a $400 million upgrade to add military security features and has a new design chosen by President Trump.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One is a Boeing 747 jumbo jet given to the U.S. by Qatar.
  • The aircraft is called the "VC-25B Bridge."
  • It had a $400 million military upgrade for secure communications and missile defense.
  • The plane was unveiled during a private event at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
  • President Trump selected a dark blue, red, and gold paint design, replacing the older light blue style.
  • The U.S. Air Force will conduct test flights before the plane starts official presidential missions.
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Newsweek
Trump unveils Qatari-donated 747 that will serve as Air Force One

Trump unveils Qatari-donated 747 that will serve as Air Force One

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump revealed a new Air Force One airplane, a Boeing 747, that was donated by the government of Qatar. The unveiling took place at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One is a Boeing 747 aircraft.
  • The plane was donated by Qatar.
  • President Trump spoke about the plane during an event at Joint Base Andrews.
  • Joint Base Andrews is a military facility in Maryland.
  • The plane will serve as Air Force One, the official aircraft for the U.S. President.
  • The event took place on June 19, 2026.
  • This is a developing news story, and more updates are expected.
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ABC News
Judge says DOJ can provide Biden discussions with ghostwriter to Heritage Foundation

Judge says DOJ can provide Biden discussions with ghostwriter to Heritage Foundation

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A federal judge ruled that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) can share parts of President Joe Biden’s conversations with his ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer, with the Heritage Foundation. The judge said this information is important for the public to know.

Key Facts

  • The judge allowed the DOJ to release redacted (partially hidden) conversations between President Biden and his ghostwriter.
  • The ghostwriter involved is named Mark Zwonitzer.
  • The Heritage Foundation, a conservative group, requested the information.
  • The judge stated the information has high public interest.
  • The DOJ will provide these documents according to the court’s decision.
  • The ruling was made in June 2026.
  • This case is ongoing and may have more updates in the future.
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ABC News
Trump assured Musk and Carlson he wouldn’t go to war with Iran, new book claims

Trump assured Musk and Carlson he wouldn’t go to war with Iran, new book claims

June 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump told Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk in early 2024 that he would not start a war with Iran. This happened during a meeting in the Oval Office, as reported in a new book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

Key Facts

  • President Trump met with commentator Tucker Carlson and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in the Oval Office early in 2024.
  • During the meeting, Trump assured them he would not go to war with Iran, saying, “We’re not doing that.”
  • Carlson warned Trump that a war with Iran could ruin his political position.
  • Trump said he believed he was the most powerful American president, a statement Carlson compared to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era.
  • The book "Regime Change," by Haberman and Swan, also describes Trump’s interest in injuries from an Israeli attack on Hezbollah involving exploding pagers.
  • Trump showed both horror and fascination when discussing these injuries, describing them in vivid detail.
  • The Israeli "pager attack" happened in September 2024 against Hezbollah, an Iranian-linked group.
  • Musk was reportedly captivated by a golden pager given to Trump by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the meeting.
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Guardian US
2 stores targeted in Pokémon card burglaries

2 stores targeted in Pokémon card burglaries

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Two stores in Northern California were burglarized within hours, with thieves stealing thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon trading cards. Police are investigating but do not yet know if the two thefts are related.

Key Facts

  • The burglaries happened in Stockton, Northern California, on the same night.
  • At around 1:55 a.m., a suspect broke a glass case at Dragon's Den Games and stole Pokémon cards quickly.
  • Around 3:30 a.m., a similar burglary happened at JNA Collectibles, about three and a half miles away.
  • Both suspects wore black hoods and targeted only Pokémon cards, ignoring other items.
  • Pokémon cards can be worth from a few dollars to tens of thousands of dollars for rare ones.
  • There have been many similar Pokémon card thefts across California and other states recently.
  • Dragon's Den Games plans to close at the end of the month after being burglarized four times since January.
  • The rise in Pokémon cards’ value has triggered multiple thefts nationwide in recent years.
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ABC News
Trump-Appointed Judge Deals Biden Legal Blow Over Ghostwriter Audio Tapes

Trump-Appointed Judge Deals Biden Legal Blow Over Ghostwriter Audio Tapes

June 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump refused to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts connected to the investigation of President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents. The judge ruled that the public has the right to see this evidence because it explains how prosecutors made their decision, even though it includes private talks with Biden’s ghostwriter.

Key Facts

  • A judge appointed by President Donald Trump made the ruling.
  • The case involves audio tapes and transcripts about President Biden’s handling of classified documents.
  • The Heritage Foundation requested these materials through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
  • The Department of Justice (DOJ) first refused to release the materials but later agreed to share them with parts blacked out (redactions).
  • President Biden asked the court to stop the release, citing privacy concerns.
  • The judge ruled against Biden’s request, allowing the DOJ to release the materials to The Heritage Foundation and Congress.
  • The information includes conversations between Biden and his ghostwriter, Mark Zwonitzer.
  • The ruling aims to help the public understand how prosecutors handled the investigation.
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Newsweek
Military unveils new $400 million Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar

Military unveils new $400 million Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar

June 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. Air Force revealed a new Boeing 747-8 plane that will serve as the next Air Force One, a gift from the Qatari government valued at $400 million. The plane will begin test flights soon and is equipped with advanced technology to safely transport President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • The new Air Force One is a Boeing 747-8 jet given to the U.S. by Qatar.
  • It cost $400 million and has luxury interiors like leather seats and wood paneling.
  • The plane is currently at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C.
  • It will undergo commissioning flights before officially serving the president.
  • The Air Force trained crews last year using a leased 747-8 model.
  • A full mock-up of the plane’s interior was made for training purposes.
  • President Trump traveled home on an older 747-200 model plane that has been in service for over 30 years.
  • The Qatari gift plane will be used until new Boeing planes arrive in 2028.
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CBS News
WATCH: Florida AG on lawsuit alleging TikTok targets kids, deceives parents

WATCH: Florida AG on lawsuit alleging TikTok targets kids, deceives parents

June 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is pursuing a lawsuit against TikTok. The lawsuit claims TikTok focuses on children and misleads their parents.

Key Facts

  • Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier is involved in a legal case against TikTok.
  • The lawsuit alleges TikTok targets kids specifically.
  • It also claims TikTok deceives parents about its impact on children.
  • Uthmeier said he plans to take action against anyone who harms children.
  • The case reflects concerns over social media platforms and child safety.
  • No specific details about the lawsuit's demands or TikTok’s response were included.
  • The legal focus is on protecting children from possible online harm.
  • The discussion was part of a broader conversation about future actions by the Florida AG.
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ABC News
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