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John Alite, a New Jersey councilman and former mob enforcer, was arrested for extortion and other charges. Authorities say he lent money illegally and used threats to force debtors to give up money and property.
Key Facts
John Alite is a 63-year-old council member in Englishtown, New Jersey.
He was charged with multiple counts of extortion and corporate misconduct.
Alite allegedly made loans with interest rates higher than allowed by law.
He threatened people with violence if they did not pay or return property.
Alite used his business, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to support the illegal activities.
He was a top enforcer for the Gotti crime family and a longtime member of the Gambino family.
Alite admitted to committing multiple murders and violent acts during his time with the mob.
After serving over 14 years in prison, he left the mob and later joined the town council in 2025.
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Iran said it closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and delays by the U.S. in fulfilling its commitments under a recent interim agreement. Despite this, Iran’s negotiating team is traveling to Switzerland for technical talks with U.S. representatives, though Iranian officials warned progress depends on the U.S. meeting its obligations. Meanwhile, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues in Lebanon, with recent strikes killing civilians and increasing tensions.
Key Facts
Iran announced it closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, citing Israeli attacks and U.S. failure to end the war.
Iran’s negotiating team, including senior officials, is heading to Switzerland for talks starting Sunday.
Iranian officials said negotiations will only progress if the U.S. fulfills its commitments under the interim deal.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed U.S. negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Switzerland for technical discussions.
Pakistani and Qatari mediators are involved in coordinating the Iran-U.S. talks.
The U.S. military reported commercial ships were still passing through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s closure announcement.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 people in southern Lebanon amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
The death toll in the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict has surpassed 4,000, escalating regional tensions.
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Congressman Jim Jordan is linked to a political group that received $250,000 from Geo Group, a company running detention centers for ICE. The payment came shortly after a big increase in the government budget for immigration enforcement, raising questions about legal and ethical issues.
Key Facts
Jim Jordan is a powerful and conservative U.S. congressman and supporter of President Trump.
The American Liberty Foundation, connected to Jordan, got $250,000 from Geo Group last year.
Geo Group runs 52 detention centers for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across 16 states.
The payment was made 11 days after a federal bill raised ICE’s budget to $170 billion.
Federal rules forbid government contractors like Geo Group from giving money directly to Super PACs.
A complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission claiming Geo Group broke campaign finance laws.
Immigrant detainees in some Geo-run centers report poor conditions, including hunger strikes and denied medical care.
Geo Group’s revenue heavily depends on ICE contracts, which increased significantly under President Trump.
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The article calls for Congress to review the situation of American veterans who served in Honduras. It urges lawmakers to take action so these veterans receive the recognition they have not yet been given.
Key Facts
American veterans served in Honduras.
These veterans have not received proper recognition.
The article encourages Congress to investigate this issue.
Steps should be taken to honor these veterans.
Recognition is described as something the veterans have been denied for a long time.
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Some famous buildings in the U.S. cause strong mixed feelings. While the public may dislike their unusual looks, many architects admire their design, engineering, and how they change visitor experiences. There is also a growing trend of reusing older buildings to reduce environmental impact.
Key Facts
Nearly half of the 125 million buildings in the U.S. are over 50 years old.
Adaptive reuse, or converting old buildings for new uses, increased by 50% in 2024 with about 25,000 new apartments created this way.
Reusing buildings can cut 50 to 75% of carbon emissions compared to new construction.
The Guggenheim Museum in New York is famous but controversial for its curved walls and contrast with nearby buildings.
The Marin County Civic Center in California is notable for its unique design but has mixed public opinion.
Boston City Hall in Massachusetts is a well-known example of brutalist architecture that many people dislike but architects value highly.
Architects emphasize the importance of refreshing and maintaining older buildings to keep them relevant and sustainable.
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SHAB, an Iranian-American pop singer and entrepreneur, grew up as a refugee during the Iran-Iraq War and used music to cope with difficult times. She has built a career blending pop music with Persian influences while also running a fashion brand that promotes confidence and female empowerment.
Key Facts
SHAB was born Shabnam Kamoii in Tehran, Iran during the Iran-Iraq War.
As a child, she found comfort in music from artists like the Jackson 5, ABBA, Whitney Houston, and Middle Eastern melodies.
Her family used music and dance to create a safe and joyful space despite war conditions.
SHAB moved first to Germany, then to the United States, where she pursued music seriously as an adult.
She worked with Grammy-winning producer Damon Sharpe and choreographer Richy Jackson.
SHAB’s music combines pop hooks, dance beats, and Persian sounds without fitting into one genre.
She also runs a fashion label, DropTrou, making practical jumpsuits designed to boost women’s confidence.
Her upcoming single, “Perfume,” promotes female empowerment and individuality.
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Two passenger trains crashed near Bedford, UK, killing one driver and injuring over 80 people. Nine people remain in critical condition as police and railway investigators work to find out what caused the accident.
Key Facts
The crash happened near Bedford, about 90 km north of London.
More than 80 people received hospital treatment after the collision.
Nine people are still in critical condition; 28 remain hospitalized.
The driver of one train died at the scene.
Two London-bound trains on the same track were involved in the crash.
British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are investigating.
Transport Secretary said it is too early to know the cause and promised a thorough investigation.
Emergency response included over 20 ambulances, rescue teams, and six air ambulances.
King Charles expressed sadness and sent sympathy to the driver’s family and the injured.
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A legal dispute is ongoing over why large tarps continue to cover the front of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., days after a court ordered the removal of President Donald Trump’s name. The tarps block public view, and some question if they are related to building repairs or to hiding if the court’s order was fully followed.
Key Facts
A federal court found that adding President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center broke federal law, requiring removal of all related signs within 14 days.
The Kennedy Center is officially named for President John F. Kennedy and only Congress can change its name.
Officials said all Trump signage was removed by mid-June, but the removal happened behind tarps and scaffolding.
The tarps remain weeks later, preventing public view of the building’s front.
The Kennedy Center says the tarps stay in place to allow repairs on the marble and soffit panels, which have suffered years of deferred maintenance.
Internal documents describe serious structural problems with the building’s exterior.
Representative Joyce Beatty’s legal team questioned the maintenance explanation and suggested the tarps might be covering up incomplete compliance with the court order.
The dispute highlights tensions between federal law, the Center’s governance, and public transparency.
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Andy Burnham’s supporters believe he has strong backing to become the next leader of the Labour Party after winning a recent byelection. Burnham aims to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer without a long contest, but some MPs want a proper leadership election to discuss ideas openly.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield byelection with a large majority.
His team hopes to get about 300 nominations from Labour MPs, more than the half needed to force a leadership change.
To trigger a leadership contest, challengers need support from at least 81 MPs and backing from party branches and trade unions.
Starmer, the current Labour leader and Prime Minister, will automatically be on the ballot unless he resigns.
Some MPs prefer Burnham to face a leadership contest to test his policies and ideas.
Wes Streeting, another potential leader, also has some support but is waiting before challenging Starmer.
Some cabinet ministers warned Starmer he risks losing power if he does not plan his exit.
Burnham’s team claims their recent election win shows Labour needs new leadership to win future elections.
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At least 12 people were shot by two individuals in an SUV in a crowd on Chicago’s South Side. The injured ranged in age from 17 to 47 and were treated at multiple hospitals, with two men in critical condition.
Key Facts
The shooting happened late on Friday on Chicago’s South Side.
Two men inside an SUV opened fire on a crowd and then drove away.
Twelve people were shot, including eight men and four women aged 17 to 47.
Two men are in critical condition; one was shot in the thigh.
Police found a woman with two gunshot wounds to her back and a man with four graze wounds.
Police report at least 21 shooting victims and four deaths in Chicago since Friday evening.
The shooting occurred on Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
Local advocates called the shooting a tragedy on a day meant for celebration.
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A 6-month-old girl died from Ebola at an orphanage in eastern Congo, marking the third child death there. The Ebola outbreak in the region is growing quickly, with most cases in Ituri province, as health officials face challenges containing the disease.
Key Facts
A 6-month-old girl named Vanisa Anifa died from Ebola at an orphanage in eastern Congo.
This is the third child fatality at the same orphanage.
Ebola cases in eastern Congo have increased by 38% in one week, spreading through 32 health zones.
Over 90% of infections are in Ituri province.
The Ebola virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, making orphanages a high-risk place for infection.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Symptoms of Ebola include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
As of June 2026, there are 915 confirmed cases and 234 deaths between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
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Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, due to what it says are violations of a ceasefire by the US and Israel. This action is a response to continued fighting in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement.
Key Facts
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026.
The closure is linked to alleged ceasefire violations by the US and Israel.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for global oil shipments.
Iran called this closure the first step in responding to ongoing conflicts in Lebanon.
Iran warned it would take more actions if "aggression" continues.
Fighting in Lebanon involves Israeli strikes and groups like Hezbollah.
A ceasefire had been announced but was not fully respected.
US-Iran talks were ongoing but had been delayed amid the violence.
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A new study compared three types of GLP-1 medications, which are drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity. The medications tested were tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide, each sold under different brand names.
Key Facts
The study focused on comparing tirzepatide, semaglutide, and liraglutide.
Tirzepatide is available under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Semaglutide is sold as Wegovy and Ozempic.
Liraglutide is known as Saxenda and Victoza.
All three drugs belong to the GLP-1 medication class, which helps control blood sugar and weight.
This comparison helps doctors decide which medication might be more effective for patients.
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President Donald Trump said Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo together at the G7 summit. Meloni denied this claim and criticized Trump’s behavior toward allies, while tensions between the U.S. and Italy have grown due to disagreements over military operations involving Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed Meloni asked "over and over" for a photo at the G7 summit.
Meloni called Trump’s photo claim false and said neither she nor Italy "ever beg."
Trump accused Meloni of not supporting U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Italy reportedly denied the U.S. use of an air base in Sicily for military actions against Iran.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a planned visit to the U.S.
The leaders have had a political relationship, with Meloni attending Trump’s 2025 inauguration as the only European leader.
Meloni said Trump’s critical comments about Pope Leo XIV were unacceptable.
Despite political ties, recent exchanges have increased tensions between Italy and the U.S.
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Russian bombs hit an apartment building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, killing one person and injuring nine others, including a child. Ukrainian forces shot down many Russian drones overnight, while Russia also said it stopped a drone attack on an oil refinery in Siberia.
Key Facts
Russian guided bombs struck an apartment block in Kharkiv early Saturday.
One person died, and nine others, including a 6-year-old child, were injured.
A body was recovered from the rubble hours after the attack.
A Russian drone hit a civilian car in Kharkiv on Friday evening, killing a man and injuring a woman.
Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 92 of 99 Russian drones launched overnight.
Russian air defenses repelled a drone attack on an oil refinery in Tyumen, Western Siberia.
Ukraine has targeted Russian oil facilities to reduce Russia’s war income and cause fuel shortages.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 177 Ukrainian drones during the night.
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The wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Begona Gomez, has been banned from leaving the country while facing trial on corruption charges. She must surrender her passport and report to court twice a month as the investigation continues.
Key Facts
Begona Gomez faces charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business, and misusing funds.
An investigating judge ordered Gomez to hand over her passport and appear in court regularly until the trial ends.
The case involves her role in managing a university chair and alleged misuse of public resources and connections for private gain.
Gomez denies any wrongdoing, and the case originated from a complaint by an anti-corruption group with far-right links.
Prime Minister Sanchez and his Socialist Party claim the charges are politically motivated attacks by right-wing opponents.
Other close allies of Sanchez are also under investigation for corruption related to public contracts and pandemic supplies.
Spain’s High Court is investigating a former prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, for alleged lobbying abuses; he denies the accusations.
Sanchez has not been implicated in any cases and refuses to resign or call early elections despite opposition pressure.
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President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying she repeatedly asked for a photo with him at the recent G7 summit. The dispute between the two leaders is linked to disagreements over Iran and NATO, causing tension between the United States and Italy.
Key Facts
President Trump said Meloni asked "over and over" for a photo with him during the G7 summit in France.
Meloni denied this claim and called it false.
Trump blamed the disagreement on Italy’s lack of support for U.S. military actions against Iran.
Trump accused Meloni of trying to improve relations with the U.S. for her own political benefit in Italy.
Trump criticized Italy for not allowing the U.S. to use Italian military bases during the Iran conflict.
Trump repeated his complaint that the U.S. pays billions of dollars to defend NATO allies like Italy.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani canceled a visit to the U.S. in protest of Trump's remarks.
Meloni expressed surprise and disappointment at President Trump’s comments, saying he treats enemies better than allies.
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Chef Cliff Rome, a well-known Chicago chef, has a contract to provide food at the Obama Presidential Center. The center opened to the public on Juneteenth.
Key Facts
Chef Cliff Rome is recognized as an important figure in Chicago’s food scene.
He has an agreement to offer local Chicago-style food at the Obama Presidential Center.
The Obama Presidential Center started welcoming visitors on Juneteenth.
The news was shared during an interview on "CBS Saturday Morning."
The center is located in Chicago and celebrates President Barack Obama’s legacy.
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President Trump defended the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran amid criticism from lawmakers and former President Obama. He criticized those opposed to the deal, calling them "fools" and praised the progress made in the U.S. approach toward Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke out in favor of the MOU with Iran.
Several lawmakers and former President Obama criticized the terms of the deal.
Trump called his critics “Radical Left fools” and “Dumocrats.”
He claimed the U.S. had done well in its efforts related to Iran.
The MOU refers to an agreement or understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
The debate centers on U.S. policy towards Iran and national security concerns.
The article focuses on U.S. political reactions to foreign policy decisions.
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The third season of HBO’s TV show "House of the Dragon" will start on Sunday. Actress Olivia Cooke talked with CBS News about the new season of this "Game of Thrones" prequel.
Key Facts
"House of the Dragon" is a prequel to the popular series "Game of Thrones."
The third season will premiere on Sunday.
Olivia Cooke is an actress in the show.
CBS News interviewed Olivia Cooke about the new season.
The interview was featured on "CBS Saturday Morning."
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