Joe Rogan said on his podcast that some Americans are uncomfortable with Israel’s influence in the U.S., especially after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. His comments led to criticism from groups concerned about rising antisemitism. The article also discusses changes in American public opinion on Israel and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan spoke on his podcast about how Israel’s influence “creeps” some Americans out.
The comments came during a discussion with comedian Tim Dillon.
Rogan mentioned Nick Fuentes, a right-wing figure known for white nationalist views, as someone who talks about Israel’s influence.
Some groups, like The Nexus Project, say Rogan’s remarks contribute to normalizing antisemitism.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 251.
Israel responded with a military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
Public opinion in the U.S. has shifted, with fewer Americans viewing Israel positively since 2023.
Polls show political and generational divides: Democrats and younger people tend to view Israel less favorably than Republicans and older Americans.
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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. President Donald Trump have had a public disagreement following the G-7 summit, highlighting differences between Rome and Washington on issues like trade, Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Italy is strengthening its ties with France as leaders prepare for a bilateral summit, signaling a possible shift in European relations ahead of upcoming elections in 2027.
Key Facts
There was a public disagreement involving Meloni and President Trump after the G-7 summit.
The disagreement includes issues such as trade, Ukraine, Greenland, Israel, Lebanon, and the Iran war.
Meloni’s refusal to actively participate in the campaign against Iran was questioned.
Italy is improving its relationship with France, including a scheduled summit with President Emmanuel Macron.
The change in relationships may reflect a decline in European far-right admiration for Trump’s style.
Upcoming elections in France and Italy in 2027 could influence these political shifts.
NATO Secretary-General mentioned Italy’s support in a U.S. military operation called Operation Epic Fury.
The article references various global topics but focuses on Europe-U.S. ties and internal European relations.
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The New York rape charge against movie producer Harvey Weinstein was dropped after the accuser said she could not endure another trial. Weinstein remains convicted of other sexual crimes in New York and California and is in jail awaiting sentencing.
Key Facts
Prosecutors dropped a New York rape charge against Harvey Weinstein after the accuser said she could not testify again.
The accuser, Jessica Mann, testified in three trials about the alleged 2013 rape.
Weinstein denies the charge, saying the relationship was consensual.
Mann wrote in court that the case has caused her ongoing harm and trauma.
Weinstein remains convicted of other sexual crimes in New York and California.
He is in jail and awaiting a September sentencing in New York, where prosecutors want a 20-year prison term.
After finishing his New York sentence, he is to serve 16 years in California for another rape conviction.
Weinstein's lawyers said he is relieved by the dropped charge and maintains his innocence.
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Kenyan police arrested 355 people during protests marking the two-year anniversary of deadly demonstrations against tax increases. The government used barriers and tear gas to stop protests, aiming to prevent violence like the deadly events in 2024 when at least 60 people died.
Key Facts
Police detained 355 people across Kenya during anniversary protests.
The protests remembered demonstrators killed two years ago in anti-tax rallies.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen called those arrested “criminals” but apologized for heavy security measures.
Police fired tear gas to disperse peaceful gatherings near Nairobi’s police station.
Shops and restaurants in Nairobi’s central business district stayed closed due to tight security.
Opposition leaders and families of victims tried to lay flowers at parliament but were blocked by police.
President William Ruto admitted some police officers acted excessively and allocated $15.5 million for victims but activists say this is insufficient.
Protesters want a fair investigation into past police abuse and guarantees against future excessive force.
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Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he changed his mind about supporting a plan to limit President Trump's ability to take military action against Iran. He made this decision after getting a briefing at the White House.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy is a Republican from Louisiana.
He originally supported a plan led by Democrats to limit President Trump’s war powers regarding Iran.
After a briefing at the White House, Cassidy decided not to support the plan anymore.
The briefing influenced Cassidy’s change of vote.
The issue involves limits on the president’s authority to act militarily in Iran.
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The United Nations has stopped plans to evacuate over 11,000 sailors stuck in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran opposed the plan and a cargo ship was reportedly hit near Oman. The pause comes as concerns grow about safety in this busy shipping route, even after a recent truce between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) planned to evacuate more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran objected to the evacuation plan, calling it dangerous and uncoordinated.
A vessel near Oman was reportedly attacked by an unknown projectile, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
The IMO paused the evacuation plan to ensure safety and coordination after the attack.
Some ships had already been evacuated under the IMO’s plan before the suspension.
At least two tankers turned back from leaving the Persian Gulf due to safety concerns.
Around 600 ships remain stuck in the area, and 14 sailors have died since conflict began in the region in February.
The situation illustrates how fragile shipping and transit in the Strait of Hormuz remain after recent tensions.
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Hundreds of Bedouin Palestinians protested in the Negev desert against the demolition of homes in villages that Israel does not officially recognize. Community leaders asked the government to recognize their villages and criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for supporting the demolitions.
Key Facts
The protests took place in the Negev desert.
The Bedouin communities live in villages Israel calls "unrecognized."
Israel is demolishing homes in these villages.
Bedouin leaders want official recognition of their communities.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir supports the demolition policy.
Hundreds of people took part in the protests.
The issue relates to land and housing rights for Bedouins in Israel.
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More than 50 women in France who say they were sexually assaulted or raped are asking the government to remove the time limits for reporting these crimes. Currently, French law allows victims to report sexual assault within 20 years for adults and 30 years for minors, but these limits have stopped many from pursuing legal action.
Key Facts
The women have formed a group called Survivors' Voices to push for ending the statute of limitations on sexual violence cases in France.
The current law gives adults 20 years and minors 30 years to report sexual assault or rape to police.
Some accused in these cases include Jeffrey Epstein, Jean-Luc Brunel (a model agent), and businessman Mohammed Al Fayed.
Jean-Luc Brunel died by suicide in prison while awaiting trial for rape and trafficking minors.
Lisa Brinkworth, a former BBC producer, says she was sexually assaulted during an undercover investigation and her case was dismissed because of the 20-year limit.
Brinkworth is appealing to the European Court of Human Rights and says the BBC has not fully supported her by withholding evidence.
The BBC says it provided materials to French authorities and denies trying to silence Brinkworth.
Legal efforts to reopen some cases have been blocked due to the statute of limitations.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the closure of a temporary immigration jail called Alligator Alcatraz, claiming it helped deport 21,000 people and improve safety. The jail, criticized for poor conditions and human rights concerns, held mostly undocumented immigrants, some with criminal records, but many without charges. Critics argued the jail was costly and inhumane, leading to protests that pressured its shutdown.
Key Facts
Alligator Alcatraz was a temporary immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades, built quickly in 2023.
Governor DeSantis said it helped deport 21,000 people and improve safety in Florida and the U.S.
The facility was closed recently after about a year of operation.
Critics reported inhumane conditions including overcrowding and poor treatment of detainees.
The jail cost Florida about $1.2 million per day to operate.
Some detainees had criminal records, but many were held only for immigration violations, which are civil offenses.
Protests and advocacy groups played a role in calling attention to the jail’s treatment of people.
Tom Homan, a former Trump immigration official, defended the jail and said most detainees were criminals or had pending charges.
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A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) “anti-weaponization fund” to continue because officials have not provided a written promise that the fund has ended. The fund aims to compensate people who say they were unfairly targeted by government investigations but has caused concern because it might compensate some convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Key Facts
The “anti-weaponization fund” was created by the DOJ to pay people claiming unfair government targeting.
Critics worry the fund may compensate those convicted of crimes after the January 6 Capitol riot.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ is not moving forward with the fund but did not provide a written cancellation.
Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled the lawsuit is not over because the fund’s future is unclear and no official written statement confirmed its end.
The judge noted President Donald Trump continues to support the fund and Blanche called it important.
DOJ lawyers argued previous statements about stopping the fund should end the lawsuit, but the judge disagreed.
The fund has caused bipartisan criticism and raised concerns among Senate Republicans about Blanche’s confirmation.
DOJ spokesperson pointed to Blanche’s public statements confirming the fund is dead but did not explain why no written confirmation was given to the court.
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Google has launched its first Google Finance app for Android devices, with an iOS version planned for later in 2026. The app includes AI features to help users understand market changes, track stocks, and receive financial news, similar to the recently updated Google Finance website.
Key Facts
Google Finance has existed for 20 years but never had a mobile app until now.
The new app is available worldwide on Android via the Google Play Store.
An iOS version is expected to arrive later in 2026.
The app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to highlight important market events and explain stock movements.
Users can create watchlists, track real-time market data, and follow financial news in one place.
The app features a chat function powered by AI to answer questions about stocks and finance.
Some advanced features on the Google Finance website, like portfolio uploads via CSV or PDF, are not yet in the app but will be added over time.
The website and app send AI-generated research updates and notifications based on user interests, including cryptocurrencies.
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The IRS managed to send out most tax refunds on time in 2026 despite big staff cuts and many tax law changes under President Trump’s new tax bill. However, experts warn that the agency faces problems ahead, especially with fewer workers available to help taxpayers who need assistance.
Key Facts
The IRS workforce dropped by about 27-28%, losing around 28,000 employees since last year.
The agency processed 138.6 million tax returns and issued 90.4 million refunds in 2026, both higher than in 2025.
Nearly all tax returns (98%) were filed electronically, allowing more automation to handle returns smoothly.
The new tax law, called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, caused over 100 changes to the tax code and led to unusually large refunds.
Staffing cuts led to longer wait times for help, with the average phone hold time rising to 14 minutes from 8 minutes in 2025.
The IRS did not do its usual seasonal hiring to support the busy tax season in 2026.
Experts warn that challenges will get worse in 2027 if the IRS does not prepare for more tax law changes and fewer workers.
The agency faced delays in answering taxpayer questions and resolving complex issues because of fewer experienced employees.
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Two strong earthquakes, each with a magnitude over 7, hit Venezuela on Thursday night. At least 164 people died, and rescue teams are working to reach areas badly damaged by the quakes.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes, both stronger than magnitude 7, struck Venezuela.
The earthquakes happened back-to-back on Thursday night.
At least 164 people have died so far.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach more areas.
The earthquakes caused severe damage in affected regions.
CBS News reported on the event with updates and expert analysis.
A geophysics expert from Stanford University provided insights on the earthquakes.
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The Box museum in Plymouth won the 2026 Art Fund museum of the year award, receiving £120,000. The museum is praised for its strong community connections, large collection, and positive impact on the city’s economy and wellbeing.
Key Facts
The Box is a museum, gallery, and archive in Plymouth with over 2 million artworks and objects.
It opened in 2020 and has hosted more than 1.3 million visitors since then.
The museum has helped boost Plymouth’s economy by £244 million and created over £100 million in health and wellbeing benefits.
It works with local schools, engaging with 89% of them.
The Art Fund prize includes £120,000 for the winner and £20,000 for each of the four finalists.
The Box focuses on including overlooked histories and creating welcoming spaces for learning and creativity.
The museum started with a £48 million investment and aims to be both nationally recognized and loved locally.
Its 2025 and 2026 programs include exhibitions about colonial history, archives, and accessibility.
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Florida’s immigration detention center called “Alligator Alcatraz” is closing less than a year after it opened. Governor Ron DeSantis said the facility was a temporary solution and that the federal government can now handle immigration detention without Florida’s help.
Key Facts
The Alligator Alcatraz detention center opened in July last year and is located in the Everglades, Florida.
Governor DeSantis announced the facility is permanently closing because it fulfilled its temporary purpose.
The center supported federal immigration efforts and was praised by President Donald Trump.
The facility was criticized for environmental risks and poor conditions for detainees.
Florida spent $406 million from its emergency fund on immigration efforts linked to the center between August and February.
The emergency fund is running low, dropping from $47 million to $25.6 million recently.
The center is being repurposed to become a training airport for pilots.
Florida officials want to restore the Everglades area to a protected state after closing the facility.
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Four French NGOs have taken the energy company TotalEnergies to court, saying it must follow French climate laws. They argue that big polluters have legal duties to reduce greenhouse gases and cannot leave climate action only to governments.
Key Facts
The NGOs, including "Notre Affaire à Tous," brought a climate lawsuit against TotalEnergies.
They believe companies causing large emissions have legal responsibilities under French law.
The case views climate litigation as a way to enforce rules on corporations, not just as a protest.
The NGOs want the remaining amount of carbon emissions allowed globally to be shared based on social needs.
They say businesses must be held accountable independently of government actions.
French courts are starting to recognize these corporate legal duties regarding climate change.
The discussion shifts focus from technology limits to political and ethical decisions about climate priorities.
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The National Park Service (NPS) reported damage to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, saying the pool’s bottom liner was cut with a sharp object. This follows President Donald Trump’s claims that vandals caused harm to the recently renovated reflecting pool in Washington, DC.
Key Facts
The damage was reported on June 9, after the reflecting pool renovation was almost finished.
The liner along the pool bottom was cut with a sharp knife or razor, according to the NPS.
About 70 fence post tops were also thrown into the pool water.
The reflecting pool will be drained after Independence Day to assess and repair the damage.
President Trump claimed multiple people were arrested for vandalism, but only one person, David Hearn, has been arrested so far and denies the claims.
The blue coating applied during the renovation started peeling, and an algae bloom turned the water green shortly after completion.
Government documents show the cuts found were in foam sections under the pool and not clearly linked to the peeling coating or algae.
US Park Police are asking the public for help identifying a person involved in destruction of government property at the pool on June 19.
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Analyst Andreas Krieg told Al Jazeera that Iran has strong geographic and military control over the Strait of Hormuz. He believes that the future of this important waterway will be decided through diplomacy and regional talks, not by military action.
Key Facts
Iran controls a key location called the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global trade.
Iran has strong military and geographic advantages there.
No foreign power can force a solution on Iran in this area.
Diplomacy and negotiations among regional countries will decide the future of the waterway.
Military force is unlikely to change control of the strait.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing many buildings to collapse and leaving at least 188 people dead. Rescue workers are searching for survivors while several countries have offered help to the Venezuelan government.
Key Facts
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale.
The shaking caused buildings to break apart, especially in areas near Caracas and the state of La Guaira.
At least 188 people have died, but experts warn the death toll might be much higher.
Many people are sleeping outside or in their cars due to fear of more damage.
Rescue teams are searching through rubble to find survivors.
Some services like phone lines and electricity are still down in many places.
International aid has been offered by countries including the US, Mexico, Ecuador, and others.
Social media platforms like X have been partially unblocked to help people share information about missing loved ones.
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Tucker Carlson, a conservative commentator, admitted that his past anti-Muslim statements were wrong and said he was "hysterical" in believing them. He also expressed a changed view of Israel and has recently distanced himself from President Trump and the Republican Party.
Key Facts
Carlson previously made strong anti-Muslim remarks, blaming Islam and Muslims for violence, which he now says were untrue.
He criticized his earlier views during a Sky News interview, saying he believed false ideas in the past.
Carlson’s opinion of Israel has shifted; he feels sorry for modern Israel and no longer supports his old views.
He has publicly withdrawn support for President Trump and left the Republican Party in 2026.
Carlson hosted Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a critic of Islam, and promoted negative ideas about Muslim voters and policies.
Advocacy groups like CAIR have called for Fox News to fire him due to his history of anti-Muslim and racist rhetoric.
His criticism of Israel has led to accusations of antisemitism, which he denies.
Public opinion on Islam and Israel in the U.S. has changed recently, with more partisan differences in views on Muslims.
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