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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Bondi distances herself from botched release of Epstein files | First Thing

Bondi distances herself from botched release of Epstein files | First Thing

Summary

Pam Bondi, former attorney general, told the House oversight committee that Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to replace her, was responsible for the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein’s case records. Bondi said she was not fully aware of what President Trump knew about Epstein’s crimes before they became public. The release of the files faced criticism for errors and revealing sensitive information.

Key Facts

  • Pam Bondi appeared before Congress to discuss the Justice Department’s release of Jeffrey Epstein case files.
  • Bondi said Todd Blanche was "in charge" of managing the file release, not her.
  • Blanche is President Trump’s choice to become permanent attorney general and needs Senate approval.
  • Lawmakers and abuse survivors criticized the Justice Department for mistakes and redactions in the file release.
  • Bondi acknowledged redaction errors but said the department aimed for accountability and transparency.
  • Bondi was uncertain about how much President Trump knew regarding Epstein and Maxwell before public reports.
  • The Justice Department’s handling of the files is under congressional scrutiny.
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What To Expect From Today's Jobs Report

What To Expect From Today's Jobs Report

Summary

The U.S. government will release its latest jobs report on Friday morning, showing how many jobs were added or lost in May and giving details about unemployment rates and wages. Experts expect fewer new jobs than in recent months, and the report will help show how strong the job market is amid challenges like higher fuel prices.

Key Facts

  • The jobs report will be released at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.
  • It covers nonfarm payroll changes, unemployment rates, and earnings in May.
  • April added 115,000 jobs, which was more than analysts expected.
  • The national unemployment rate stayed at 4.3%, higher than the 4% rate when President Trump took office but lower than the recent 4.5% peak.
  • Experts predict May added about 85,000 jobs, less than the recent average of 150,000 per month.
  • Job openings rose to 7.6 million in April, the highest since May 2024.
  • Layoffs increased by 16% in May but remain lower than last year when adjusted for federal cuts.
  • The report’s results could affect Federal Reserve policies on interest rates due to inflation concerns.
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White House Posts Trump 'Mogging' Picture: What it Means

White House Posts Trump 'Mogging' Picture: What it Means

Summary

The White House social media account posted a picture of President Donald Trump with the caption "Mogged," a slang term meaning to surpass or outshine someone. This term originally came from online groups focused on social dominance and physical appearance but has since spread to wider audiences in more casual or humorous ways.

Key Facts

  • The White House posted a photo of President Trump with a chart about pool depth and a single-word caption: "Mogged."
  • "Mogged" comes from "AMOG," meaning "alpha male of the group," used in online forums about dominance and looks.
  • The term originally described someone clearly outperforming others in appearance, like height or facial structure.
  • It gained popularity in the "looksmaxxing" online community, which focuses on improving physical appearance.
  • Influencers like Clavicular use this language to rank male attractiveness and facial features.
  • Critics say this slang and community encourage unrealistic beauty standards and negative self-comparison.
  • On social media platforms like TikTok and X, "mogged" now means outperforming someone in many areas, not just looks.
  • The White House using this slang shows how government accounts are trying to connect with younger, internet-savvy audiences.
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‘We call it the P-word’: Chicago professor suspended after assignment mentions Palestinians

‘We call it the P-word’: Chicago professor suspended after assignment mentions Palestinians

Summary

A professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago was suspended after assigning a case study mentioning violence against Palestinians. The suspension followed a student complaint and ongoing investigations about alleged antisemitism in the department.

Key Facts

  • Savneet Talwar, an art therapy professor, assigned a case study about a queer, Muslim woman personally affected by violence against Palestinians.
  • The assignment did not mention Israel and focused on the client’s background and ethical therapy planning.
  • The department had multiple complaints about antisemitism and required faculty anti-bias training.
  • The school had been sued by an Israeli student alleging antisemitism linked to course material.
  • After the complaint, Talwar was suspended with pay and prohibited from discussing the issue with others.
  • The case study was removed from the school’s online learning platform.
  • School officials said the assignment might be discrimination, harassment, or retaliation due to ongoing related investigations.
  • Talwar claims her suspension may be discriminatory and has filed a formal grievance.
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‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees say guards deny them food and clean water until they sign English documents

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees say guards deny them food and clean water until they sign English documents

Summary

Detainees at a Florida immigration detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz” say guards denied them food and clean water unless they signed documents written in English that they did not understand. The detainees also complained about the poor quality of the water they received, which contained mosquito larvae and tasted rotten.

Key Facts

  • Detainees were pressured to sign English documents they could not understand.
  • Guards withheld food and fresh water to force detainees to sign.
  • The water provided sometimes had mosquito larvae and was described as rotten.
  • Some detainees need medication for conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • The detention center, run by the state for ICE, is located in the Florida Everglades.
  • The facility has been operating for about a year and is known for harsh treatment of detainees.
  • Reports say the center will close in June.
  • Advocacy groups say these practices violate basic human rights.
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Morley Safer of 60 Minutes was my father. He would be disgusted by what Bari Weiss is doing to CBS Is doing to CBS | Sarah Safer

Morley Safer of 60 Minutes was my father. He would be disgusted by what Bari Weiss is doing to CBS Is doing to CBS | Sarah Safer

Summary

Sarah Safer, daughter of Morley Safer, a longtime CBS 60 Minutes correspondent, expresses concern about recent changes at CBS and the firing of Scott Pelley, a current 60 Minutes anchor. She reflects on her father's commitment to journalism and worries that CBS and the current U.S. administration are undermining free press and honest reporting.

Key Facts

  • Morley Safer worked at 60 Minutes for 46 years and was a respected war correspondent.
  • Scott Pelley, a recent 60 Minutes anchor, was fired, prompting public concern.
  • Sarah Safer grew up with 60 Minutes as her father’s longtime work influenced her family life.
  • Morley Safer was known for critical reporting, including a famous Vietnam War story that drew political backlash.
  • Safer’s letters show he challenged CBS leadership about newsroom changes and budget cuts.
  • Sarah Safer suggests current CBS management and the government threaten free speech and honest journalism.
  • The article highlights the sacrifices journalists and their families make for the sake of truthful news.
  • Safer imagines her father would disapprove of the direction CBS News is heading today.
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Mamdani’s consumer watchdog takes on ‘epidemic of corporate lawbreaking’

Mamdani’s consumer watchdog takes on ‘epidemic of corporate lawbreaking’

Summary

New York City’s consumer commissioner, Samuel AA Levine, is pushing for more complaints from residents to fight unfair business practices. His office has targeted hidden fees, deceptive subscriptions, and unfair treatment of workers, including lawsuits against companies like Uber Eats and Amazon.

Key Facts

  • New York City gets about 30,000 consumer complaints a year; Levine wants that number to increase.
  • Levine previously worked at the Federal Trade Commission under President Biden.
  • His office has banned hidden hotel fees and challenged delivery companies using tactics that lower worker wages.
  • Since January, his team sued self-storage companies and secured millions from Uber Eats and Amazon.
  • A new rule coming in June may require a clear "click to cancel" option for subscription services.
  • Levine describes a long history of companies breaking laws with few consequences.
  • He highlights digital tools and subscription models as key ways companies now influence customers.
  • Levine aims to help businesses thrive while cracking down on unfair practices.
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Teen rapists spared jail partly because of intellectual limitations, sentencing remarks reveal

Teen rapists spared jail partly because of intellectual limitations, sentencing remarks reveal

Summary

Three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in separate attacks in Hampshire were not sent to jail because of their intellectual disabilities and the potential for rehabilitation. A judge sentenced them to youth rehabilitation orders, which involve strict supervision but allow them to remain in the community.

Key Facts

  • Three boys were found guilty of 10 counts of rape in incidents that happened in 2024 and 2025.
  • Two boys, aged 14 at the time, raped a 15-year-old girl and later a 14-year-old girl; a third boy, aged 13, was involved in the second attack.
  • The boys have significant intellectual and neurological impairments, including ADHD and low IQ levels.
  • An expert from the Youth Justice Service said that custody would harm one boy due to his complex intellectual disabilities.
  • The judge emphasized rehabilitation over imprisonment, as guidelines recommend custody only as a last resort for children.
  • The two older boys received three-year youth rehabilitation orders with 180 days of intensive supervision; the youngest received an 18-month order.
  • The judge tailored his sentencing language to be understandable to the boys and described their crimes as serious.
  • The case and sentencing decisions are being reviewed by the Court of Appeal.
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Paddleboard firm owner who caused four deaths has bid to cut sentence refused

Paddleboard firm owner who caused four deaths has bid to cut sentence refused

Summary

A woman who owned a paddleboard company was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for causing the deaths of four people in dangerous river conditions in Wales. Her request to reduce the sentence was denied by the Appeal Court.

Key Facts

  • Four people died paddleboarding on the Western Cleddau river in Wales in October 2021.
  • The victims were Paul O'Dwyer, Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley.
  • Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, a former police officer, pleaded guilty to gross negligence manslaughter.
  • Lloyd was jailed in April 2025 for 10 years and six months.
  • Lloyd and co-instructor O'Dwyer were not qualified to lead the paddleboarding tour.
  • The river was in flood with strong currents due to heavy rain before the incident.
  • The court described the safety precautions as "abysmal".
  • The Appeal Court judges ruled the sentence was fair given the number of victims.
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Senate Republicans pass bill authorizing $70bn for immigration enforcement in vote-a-rama – US politics live

Senate Republicans pass bill authorizing $70bn for immigration enforcement in vote-a-rama – US politics live

Summary

Senate Republicans approved a bill to give nearly $70 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for immigration enforcement. The vote came after a long session called a “vote-a-rama,” which included debates over funds connected to President Trump and immigration policies.

Key Facts

  • Senate Republicans passed a bill to fund immigration enforcement with about $70 billion.
  • The vote happened after an 18-hour “vote-a-rama” where many changes to bills were proposed.
  • Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, tried to block a $1.8 billion fund linked to President Trump but lost by one vote.
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote against the immigration funding bill.
  • Senator Lindsey Graham praised the bill and thanked President Trump for his support of the funding.
  • Democrats criticized the bill for prioritizing funds that benefit President Trump over helping working families.
  • New abuse allegations surfaced against Greg Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine.
  • President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, mentioning he would investigate “rigged elections.”
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I Served 15 Years In Prison. This Is What Shocked Me the Most When I Got Out

I Served 15 Years In Prison. This Is What Shocked Me the Most When I Got Out

Summary

A man who spent 15 years in prison explains how difficult it was to adjust to the modern digital world after his release in 2010. Despite working many jobs, he struggled financially because he lacked basic digital skills needed for today's economy. He now leads a group helping people with criminal records gain the tools they need before leaving prison.

Key Facts

  • The author went to prison at 17 in 1995 and was released in 2010 at 32.
  • During his time in prison, he missed major advances in technology, like smartphones and online services.
  • After release, he worked long hours at multiple jobs but earned only $24,600 in a year.
  • Low income made it hard to support himself without family help.
  • The main challenge was lacking digital skills like applying for jobs online and using government websites.
  • He believes reentry support should start inside prison, not just after release.
  • He now runs TimeDone, an organization helping formerly incarcerated people build digital skills and connections.
  • Many returning citizens face obstacles unrelated to effort but linked to missing digital tools.
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Senate Democrats block extension of spy powers to protest Trump’s choice of Pulte for DNI

Senate Democrats block extension of spy powers to protest Trump’s choice of Pulte for DNI

Summary

Senate Democrats prevented a vote to extend special surveillance powers that will expire soon. They did this to show their opposition to President Trump’s pick, Bill Pulte, as acting director of national intelligence.

Key Facts

  • Senate Democrats blocked starting the debate on extending surveillance powers early Friday morning.
  • These surveillance powers are set to expire in about a week.
  • The block was a protest against President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte.
  • Bill Pulte was chosen to be the acting director of national intelligence (DNI).
  • All Senate Democrats except Senator John Fetterman voted against the motion.
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Senate advances ICE funding through Trump's second term

Senate advances ICE funding through Trump's second term

Summary

Senate Republicans approved funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the end of President Donald Trump's second term, after an 18-hour session with many amendments. The vote was close and revealed some Republican senators breaking from the party on certain issues, especially regarding White House spending and weaponization funds.

Key Facts

  • The Senate voted 52-47 to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump's second term.
  • The vote happened during a long session with many amendments, called a "vote-a-rama."
  • Some Republican senators opposed parts of the funding, like money for White House renovations and the "anti-weaponization fund."
  • Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was one Republican who voted against the final funding bill.
  • Several Republicans joined Democrats in votes against certain amendments, showing some division in the GOP.
  • The vote included debate over funding an "anti-weaponization fund" and spending tied to President Trump's ballroom.
  • Concerns about President Trump’s political decisions have caused some GOP senators to question his judgment.
  • There was also controversy over a nomination for acting director of national intelligence and a failed vote on renewing the FISA law (Section 702).
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Congress wants to tie the United States to Israel with new piece of legislation. It’s a trap | Eli Clifton and Ian Lustick

Congress wants to tie the United States to Israel with new piece of legislation. It’s a trap | Eli Clifton and Ian Lustick

Summary

Congress is considering a new law to strengthen military ties between the United States and Israel. This law would increase cooperation in weapons development and make the US and Israeli military industries work more closely together. Some lawmakers oppose this plan and want to remove it from the defense budget.

Key Facts

  • The proposed law is called the United States-Israel Futures Act and aims to join US and Israeli military research and production.
  • It includes joint projects, sharing technology, and co-producing weapons between the two countries.
  • Lawmakers Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna want to remove this section from the defense budget.
  • The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) supports the legislation and has lobbied for it.
  • The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a pro-Israel think tank, also promotes closer military ties with Israel.
  • President Donald Trump’s administration is involved in approving the overall defense budget, which includes this section.
  • Around 60% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Israel, despite efforts to deepen military cooperation.
  • The legislation was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and senators but has not yet passed both chambers.
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Mamdani harnesses New York Knicks run, seeking to power progressive politics

Mamdani harnesses New York Knicks run, seeking to power progressive politics

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is using the excitement around the New York Knicks' strong performance in the NBA playoffs to boost support for progressive political ideas. He often shares his enthusiasm for the team on social media in a lighthearted way.

Key Facts

  • Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City.
  • The New York Knicks are having their best chance at an NBA championship in many years.
  • Mayor Mamdani is engaging with fans by showing excitement for the Knicks.
  • His social media posts about the Knicks are often playful and relatable.
  • Mamdani aims to connect the Knicks' success to advancing progressive politics.
  • Knicks fandom is a popular and influential topic in New York City.
  • Mamdani uses this moment to build political support among residents.
  • The article focuses on the link between sports enthusiasm and political messaging.
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Trump’s White House ballroom heads to appeals court battle

Trump’s White House ballroom heads to appeals court battle

Summary

The Trump administration will present its argument to a federal appeals court to explain why it can build a White House ballroom without needing more permission from Congress. Meanwhile, construction is allowed to continue until the court decides if the project can move forward.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration is arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
  • The issue is whether the administration has the legal authority to build a White House ballroom without Congress’s approval.
  • The appeals court has temporarily allowed construction to go on during the legal review.
  • The court’s decision will decide the future of the construction project.
  • This case involves the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress regarding White House renovations.
  • The ballroom project is part of the White House expansion plans.
  • The legal battle reflects ongoing disputes over government building projects and approval processes.
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Republican Launches Long-shot Bid to End H-1B Visa Green Card Pathway

Republican Launches Long-shot Bid to End H-1B Visa Green Card Pathway

Summary

A Republican congressman, Chip Roy, introduced a bill to change the H-1B visa program by stopping it from leading to a green card and ending a program called OPT that allows international students to work in the U.S. temporarily after graduation. The bill aims to protect American jobs, especially in science and technology fields, but is unlikely to pass because it lacks broad support in Congress.

Key Facts

  • Congressman Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, proposed the American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act on June 4.
  • The bill would remove the green card option for H-1B visa holders and end the OPT program for international students.
  • The H-1B visa lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers in jobs requiring special skills, like engineering and medicine.
  • Supporters say the program helps fill skill gaps; critics say it lowers wages and hurts American workers.
  • The bill is unlikely to pass due to narrow Republican control and no strong support from Democrats or moderate Republicans.
  • President Donald Trump said in 2025 that H-1B visas are necessary to bring in skills not found domestically.
  • The bill would require H-1B workers to prove they have a home outside the U.S. and do not plan to stay permanently.
  • The bill is supported by groups concerned about protecting American workers from job competition.
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Senate blocks extending key surveillance program following backlash over Trump pick to lead intel

Senate blocks extending key surveillance program following backlash over Trump pick to lead intel

Summary

The U.S. Senate blocked a plan to extend a key surveillance program used by intelligence agencies because of concerns about President Donald Trump’s choice, Bill Pulte, for director of national intelligence. The vote stopped the extension before the program’s June 12 expiration, with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposition due to Pulte’s appointment and worries over privacy.

Key Facts

  • The Senate voted 47-52 against a motion to set up a final vote on extending a surveillance program.
  • The surveillance program is part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allowing agencies to collect foreign communications without a warrant.
  • Some Republicans and most Democrats opposed the extension because of privacy concerns and President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte.
  • Bill Pulte is nominated to be director of national intelligence but faced criticism for lack of experience and past controversies.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate will try again next week to extend the program.
  • Critics want stricter rules, including requiring warrants for accessing any incidental communication of Americans.
  • Senator Mark Warner, a top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, voted against the extension because of Pulte’s nomination.
  • The surveillance program is important to U.S. intelligence agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI for national security work.
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Flags Ordered to Fly Half-Staff in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania

Flags Ordered to Fly Half-Staff in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania

Summary

Several U.S. states have ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor public servants who recently died. These include a police officer in Pennsylvania and a firefighter-paramedic in Maryland. The flags show respect for their service and mark a time of mourning in these communities.

Key Facts

  • Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered statewide flag lowering for Officer Kristen Yeager, who died on May 29 in a car accident while on duty.
  • Yeager was 42 years old, a mother of three, and had worked in several Berks County police departments.
  • Communities in Pennsylvania have held large processions and displayed blue lights and ribbons to honor Yeager.
  • Maryland Governor Wes Moore ordered flags lowered on June 1 for Firefighter/Paramedic Demair Lloyd from Prince George’s County.
  • Lloyd had nearly 20 years of service and died from a medical emergency shortly after finishing a 24-hour work shift.
  • The flags at half-staff represent respect and mourning for public safety workers who died serving their communities.
  • Such observances are usually local but are occurring simultaneously in multiple states this week.
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US actor James Handy stabbed to death, with girlfriend's son arrested

US actor James Handy stabbed to death, with girlfriend's son arrested

Summary

James Handy, an 81-year-old American actor known for his roles in movies like Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, was stabbed to death at his home in Los Angeles. The son of Handy’s girlfriend, Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested and charged with murder.

Key Facts

  • James Handy was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds in the front garden of his home in Tarzana, California.
  • Police arrested Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, on suspicion of murder.
  • Gledhill reportedly told police, “I just killed the man of sin,” when calling 911.
  • Handy had a long acting career with roles in TV shows like NYPD Blue, The West Wing, CSI: NY, and films like Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick.
  • The Los Angeles Police Department said this appears to be an isolated incident, with no danger to the public.
  • Gledhill was taken to Van Nuys Jail and held on $2 million bail.
  • Handy was known as a supportive character actor over six decades.
  • Police say Gledhill lived at the home with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.
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