Tulsi Gabbard, who recently resigned as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, had a long relationship with Chris Butler, a religious leader of a Hare Krishna group called Science of Identity Foundation (SIF). Internal documents suggest Butler influenced her political decisions while she was in Congress, but Gabbard’s team denies the claims and calls them anti-Hindu bias.
Key Facts
Tulsi Gabbard served four terms in Congress and was director of national intelligence under President Donald Trump.
Chris Butler leads the Science of Identity Foundation, a breakaway Hare Krishna group teaching meditation and strict lifestyle rules.
Internal documents from 2011 to 2017 suggest Butler advised Gabbard on political policies and messaging.
These documents were provided by a former SIF member, Rebecca Saltzburg, who said Gabbard misled voters about Butler’s influence.
Gabbard’s chief of staff said the reports are false and accused media coverage of anti-Hindu bias.
The Science of Identity Foundation has been described as both a spiritual community and by some ex-members as insular or cult-like.
Butler rarely appears in public and shares his teachings mainly through recordings.
Gabbard’s parents were involved in the SIF, and she grew up attending its schools.
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The Trump administration is starting a new program called "Trump Accounts" on July 4, which will set up investment accounts for children under 18. Eligible children born between 2025 and 2028 will get a one-time $1,000 deposit from the government to invest in U.S. stock market funds.
Key Facts
The program is called "Trump Accounts" and starts on July 4.
It is created under the Working Families Tax Cuts law and managed by the Treasury Department and IRS.
Any child under 18 who is a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number can have an account.
Children born from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, qualify for a $1,000 federal deposit.
Parents or guardians must set up the account using IRS Form 4547.
The account invests money in stock index funds focused on American companies, like those tracking the S&P 500.
Parents can add up to $5,000 per year to these accounts.
The program aims to encourage long-term investing, potentially growing the $1,000 into a much larger sum over many years.
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Healthcare workers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, received an email promising a paid day off as thanks for their hard work. The email was actually a cybersecurity test to see who would click a suspicious link, which upset many staff who felt tired and undervalued.
Key Facts
Healthcare workers in Newfoundland and Labrador were sent an email titled “June Holiday” promising a paid day off.
The email thanked staff for working overtime during the introduction of a new system called CorCare.
The email came from an outside domain and asked workers to click a link to register for the day off.
The next day, staff were told the email was a cybersecurity test to catch those clicking on phishing links.
Many workers felt angry and betrayed, with some calling the test a "cruel hoax."
At least one healthcare worker quit, saying the email was the last straw in a stressful time.
Healthcare unions criticized the test as insensitive given staff burnout and denied vacation requests.
Officials apologized and promised to review how such tests are done to avoid hurting staff in the future.
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A federal judge in Minnesota rejected several subpoenas from the Department of Justice that targeted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other state officials. The judge said the subpoenas appeared to be used to harass political opponents of President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Minnesota dismissed DOJ subpoenas.
The subpoenas were directed at Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey.
Other Minnesota state officials were also targeted.
The judge expressed concern the subpoenas were meant to harass political opponents.
The subpoenas came from the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The ruling protects the officials from having to respond to these subpoenas.
The decision was made by U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz.
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A federal judge blocked six subpoenas from the Department of Justice that sought communications from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state and local officials. The judge ruled that the subpoenas were meant to punish Minnesota officials for opposing federal immigration efforts, not to support a real criminal investigation.
Key Facts
The subpoenas targeted Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials from Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
The DOJ wanted one year’s worth of emails, texts, and policy documents about immigration enforcement.
The subpoenas came after Minnesota officials sued to stop a federal immigration operation called Operation Metro Surge.
U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz, appointed by President George W. Bush, blocked the subpoenas.
The judge said the subpoenas were used for political reasons, to pressure and punish Minnesota officials.
The ruling limits the federal government’s use of grand jury demands against state and local governments resisting federal policies.
The judge described the DOJ’s tactics as "blatantly unlawful" and an abuse of power.
The DOJ said the information was needed for a federal investigation, but the court disagreed, finding the subpoenas were retaliatory.
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Democrats face challenges in Maine’s 2nd congressional district after progressive Matt Dunlap won the primary over the centrist candidate supported by Democratic leaders. Dunlap now faces Republican former Governor Paul LePage in a district that President Trump won by nine points in 2024, making it a competitive race for both parties.
Key Facts
Progressive Matt Dunlap defeated centrist Joe Baldacci in the Democratic primary for Maine’s 2nd congressional district.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) supported Baldacci and spent money on ads for him but did not clearly commit to supporting Dunlap yet.
Dunlap will compete against Republican Paul LePage, who previously won the 2nd district as governor.
The 2nd district voted for President Trump by nine points in the 2024 election.
The seat is considered a top pickup chance for Republicans after Democrat Jared Golden retired.
House GOP super PAC has reserved $5.2 million for ads in this district.
Some Democrats worry about scandals involving Senate nominee Graham Platner, which could affect the party’s chances statewide.
There is debate within the Democratic Party about whether to fund and support progressive candidates like Dunlap in competitive races.
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A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from subpoenaing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state officials in an immigration investigation. The judge said the subpoenas were meant to pressure and punish them, not to find evidence of a crime.
Key Facts
The subpoenas were issued in January as part of an immigration enforcement probe in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
The subpoenas targeted Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties.
U.S. District Judge Patrick Schlitz ruled the subpoenas were intended to harass and retaliate against Minnesota officials.
The judge found little or no evidence that the subpoenas related to any criminal violations.
Minnesota officials have the legal right not to take part in enforcing federal immigration laws.
The Justice Department was said to be using the grand jury process for purposes other than a criminal investigation.
Governor Walz called the decision a victory for the rule of law and democracy.
This ruling continues a pattern of federal courts pushing back against aggressive Justice Department investigation tactics under President Trump’s administration.
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Starting July 1, Medicare will launch the GLP-1 Bridge program to help millions of seniors afford weight-loss drugs at a reduced cost of about $50 per month. This program runs until the end of 2027 and aims to make important medications more accessible by lowering their high prices for eligible Medicare recipients.
Key Facts
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program begins July 1 and lasts until December 31, 2027.
It caps out-of-pocket costs for certain weight-loss drugs at about $50 per month.
These medications include Wegovy, Foundayo, and Zepbound, originally for diabetes but used for weight loss.
Medicare did not previously cover weight-loss drugs, partly due to federal rules.
The program is for Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage members with a doctor’s prescription and prior approval.
Payments under this program do not count toward Medicare deductibles or out-of-pocket limits.
Access after 2027 depends on future changes to Medicare policies.
Patients enroll through their healthcare providers who submit medical information to Medicare.
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A federal judge rejected subpoenas issued by the Justice Department to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state officials. The subpoenas were part of a federal investigation into how Minnesota cooperates with immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
The judge dismissed subpoenas for Governor Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials.
The subpoenas were issued by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The investigation focuses on Minnesota's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The news is related to immigration issues in the state.
The ruling came from a federal judge on Monday.
The story is ongoing and may see further updates.
Governor Walz recently spoke at a climate conference in Austria.
The decision limits the Justice Department’s ability to compel information from Minnesota officials.
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A dead duckling was found in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, raising questions about the water quality. This happened shortly after the Trump administration finished more than $13 million in repairs at the site.
Key Facts
A dead duckling was discovered in the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial.
The incident took place on a Sunday.
Photos showing the duckling and green algae in the pool were shared online.
The Reflecting Pool had recent renovations costing over $13 million.
The repairs were completed under President Donald Trump’s administration.
People are concerned about the cleanliness and safety of the pool’s water.
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President Donald Trump will meet with leaders of major U.S. defense companies to discuss increasing weapons production. This meeting happens as the administration continues peace talks with Iran and seeks to prioritize American manufacturing over shareholder profits.
Key Facts
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday with top executives from leading U.S. defense contractors.
It follows a previous White House meeting on March 6 with companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon (RTX), Boeing, and others.
President Trump wants defense companies to focus on fulfilling contracts and speeding up production to support the military.
In January, Trump issued an order to limit dividend payments and stock buybacks by defense contractors.
Congress is considering making similar rules into law.
Some companies, like Northrop Grumman and RTX, increased dividends or continued some buybacks despite the order.
Trump invoked the Defense Production Act earlier in June to boost weapons production because of supply chain problems and production bottlenecks.
The goal is to ensure the U.S. can produce enough munitions, missiles, and defense equipment.
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A Tesla Model 3 using its Autopilot driver-assistance system crashed into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old woman inside. Police are investigating the crash, which happened at high speed and caused major damage to the house.
Key Facts
The crash occurred in Harris County, Texas, involving Michael Butler driving a Tesla Model 3 with Autopilot engaged.
The car left its lane, left the road, and struck the brick home at high speed.
Martha Avila, 76, died inside the house; no one else was injured.
Police confirmed Butler was not intoxicated and is cooperating with the investigation.
Doorbell camera footage shows the Tesla crashing through the front of the home.
Tesla markets Autopilot as a safety feature but advises drivers to keep hands on the wheel and stay alert.
Critics say Tesla’s ads sometimes suggest drivers can rely too much on Autopilot.
Tesla is seeking regulatory changes to reduce driver controls on automated vehicles.
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A federal judge canceled six grand jury subpoenas that the Justice Department sent to Minnesota state and local officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The judge ruled the subpoenas were used to pressure these officials into cooperating with a federal immigration enforcement operation, which was challenged in court by Minnesota officials.
Key Facts
Six grand jury subpoenas were issued to Minnesota state and local government offices.
The subpoenas targeted Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the Minnesota attorney general, and local county boards.
The subpoenas came after Minnesota officials sued to stop a federal immigration enforcement operation called Operation Metro Surge.
U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz said the subpoenas were used unlawfully to pressure political opponents.
The judge found no valid investigative reason for the subpoenas.
The Justice Department served the subpoenas under the Trump administration.
The ruling prevents using grand jury powers to force officials to take actions the federal government cannot require.
The Department of Justice did not immediately comment on the ruling.
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Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, said that Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is not asking the White House for advice about interest rates or monetary policy. Although Hassett and Warsh are close friends and talk regularly, Warsh makes decisions independently from the President’s office.
Key Facts
Kevin Hassett is the director of the National Economic Council.
Kevin Warsh is the Chair of the Federal Reserve.
Hassett and Warsh have been close friends for about 30 years.
Warsh does not seek advice from the White House about interest rates.
They do talk often, but Warsh works independently on monetary policy.
Hassett made these remarks during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
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The Department of Labor has created a new rule that makes unions share more financial details with their members. The AFL-CIO, a large union group, is trying to stop this rule by going to court.
Key Facts
The Department of Labor finalized a new rule about union finances.
The rule requires unions to give members better access to financial information.
The AFL-CIO is challenging the rule in court to try to block it.
The goal of the rule is to improve transparency and accountability in unions.
This issue shows a disagreement between union leaders and union members.
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The US Supreme Court has reinstated the murder conviction of Pedro Hernandez in the case of Etan Patz, a boy who disappeared in New York City in 1979. Hernandez was originally convicted in 2017, but his conviction was overturned by a lower appeals court before the Supreme Court reversed that decision.
Key Facts
Etan Patz disappeared at age six in 1979 while walking to a school bus stop in Manhattan.
Pedro Hernandez worked at a nearby convenience store and was identified as a suspect in 2012.
Hernandez confessed to kidnapping and murdering Patz and was convicted in 2017, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life.
The conviction was overturned by the US Court of Appeals because of a judge's explanation to the jury about Hernandez’s confessions.
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to reinstate Hernandez’s conviction, stating the appeals court overstepped its authority.
Hernandez’s lawyers argued their client’s confession was false and that he has mental illness.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg supports the Supreme Court’s decision and the pursuit of justice for Etan Patz and his family.
Hernandez’s first trial in 2015 ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury.
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President Donald Trump will visit the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, on July 1, just before it opens to the public on July 4. The library honors the 26th president and is part of U.S. celebrations for 250 years since the Declaration of Independence.
Key Facts
President Trump is scheduled to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 1, 2024.
The library officially opens to the public on July 4, 2024.
The library is located in Medora, North Dakota, where Roosevelt spent time recovering after family losses.
The library cost about $450 million, mostly funded by private donations and some state financial support.
Designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the building blends into the prairie and Badlands environment and is carbon-neutral.
The library includes outdoor exhibits and interactive technology, like an AI archive and a digital Roosevelt.
Theodore Roosevelt did not have a presidential library during his lifetime; the system was started by his distant relative Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The visit is part of the Freedom 250 initiative, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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A federal judge decided that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro can continue working on the case involving Cole Allen, the person accused of shooting near the White House Correspondents’ dinner. The judge rejected Cole Allen’s request to remove these officials from the case.
Key Facts
Cole Allen is accused of shooting near the White House Correspondents’ dinner.
He asked the court to stop Todd Blanche and Jeanine Pirro from working on his case.
Todd Blanche is the acting Attorney General.
Jeanine Pirro is the U.S. Attorney involved in the case.
A federal judge denied this request on Monday.
The judge said past similar situations supported keeping the officials involved.
The officials had attended the correspondents’ dinner and made public statements after the event.
The court found these facts did not create a conflict requiring their removal.
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President Donald Trump’s approach of acting quickly and dealing with consequences later has led to problems. Examples include issues with the Reflecting Pool renovation and the Iran deal, causing concerns about his judgment and responsibility among Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump uses a "get things done and worry about the fallout later" style.
This approach has caused several failures.
Two examples mentioned are the Reflecting Pool renovation and the Iran deal.
These issues have made some Americans question his competence.
Concerns have also been raised about his accountability.
Questions exist about his judgment in handling important matters.
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