Susan Rice criticized President Donald Trump’s memo of understanding (MOU) with Iran, calling it weak and a bad result. She said the deal gave too many concessions to Iran too quickly and is worried about its effects.
Key Facts
Susan Rice is a former U.S. national security adviser.
She spoke to ABC News about the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran.
The deal is a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Rice described the MOU as “flimsy” and poorly made.
She said the agreement gave Iran many concessions upfront.
Rice called the situation a “very bad outcome.”
She also referred to the ongoing conflict connected to this deal as a “stupid war.”
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A new book about President Donald Trump’s second term claims Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made disrespectful remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before Zelensky’s visit to the White House in early 2023. The visit included a tense meeting and a cancelled minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Key Facts
The book "Regime Change" by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan uses many interviews from inside the Trump administration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allegedly called Zelensky insulting names, including “special-needs child” and “Mr. Bean on crack.”
Zelensky visited the White House on February 28, 2023, for a planned minerals deal and joint press conference.
The meeting turned into a shouting match involving President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky.
The press conference and minerals deal were cancelled after the meeting.
A minerals agreement was eventually signed in April 2023 between the two countries.
Bessent urged President Trump not to invite Zelensky before Ukraine agreed to U.S. terms on minerals.
Bessent described the White House meeting as a major diplomatic failure due to Zelensky’s behavior.
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Democratic Representative Jason Crow expressed concerns about Bill Pulte, the acting Director of National Intelligence, saying he lacks the proper experience and loyalty to President Trump might make him use his position for political purposes. Crow also opposed renewing the surveillance law known as FISA because he believes it risks Americans' privacy and civil rights.
Key Facts
Jason Crow is a Democratic congressman from Colorado serving on Armed Services and the Intelligence Committee.
Bill Pulte is currently the acting Director of National Intelligence.
Pulte is under investigation by the Government Accountability Office for allegedly using mortgage information against President Trump's political opponents.
Crow worries that Pulte lacks the necessary intelligence experience required by law for this role.
Crow opposes renewing the FISA surveillance law without proper safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties.
Crow has voted against the recent FISA reauthorization and calls for a short-term extension with stronger checks.
Public reports claim the Trump administration may have bypassed legal privacy protections using certain tools, but the administration has not responded.
Crow says he and Democratic Intelligence Committee Chair Jim Himes are aligned on concerns about privacy violations.
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President Donald Trump posted a photo of an unidentified woman on Truth Social, calling her a "Great daughter" without explaining who she is. Investigations suggest the woman might be Margo Catsimatidis, a businesswoman with ties to New York and connections to the Republican Party through her daughter.
Key Facts
President Trump shared a photo of a smiling blonde woman holding a landline phone, captioned "Great daughter. My Honor!!!"
The woman is not one of President Trump’s daughters and no details were given about her identity.
Newsweek’s analysis suggests the photo was taken inside Camp David, the presidential retreat.
The furniture and decor in the photo hint it dates back to President Bill Clinton’s time in office.
Journalists and online users speculate the woman is Margo Catsimatidis, a business and community leader.
Margo Catsimatidis founded a major advertising agency and is active in philanthropy and Greek-American causes.
Her daughter, Andrea Catsimatidis, is a known GOP supporter who has publicly met and supported President Trump.
The White House did not provide a comment about the post as of the article’s publication.
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Senator Lindsey Graham said he believes the tentative deal between the U.S. and Iran will not succeed. He warned that without a clear diplomatic agreement, the U.S. might have to consider war or other strong actions.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina and is a Republican.
He spoke about the U.S.-Iran tentative agreement during an interview on “Face the Nation.”
Graham referred to the “memorandum of understanding” (MOU) in the discussion.
He expressed doubt that the deal would work.
Graham suggested that if diplomacy fails, the U.S. could resort to war or other forms of coercion.
The interview was given to Margaret Brennan, the host of “Face the Nation.”
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A passenger became aggressive and bit another passenger on an American Airlines flight approaching Philadelphia. The pilot requested medical and police help at the airport as a precaution upon landing.
Key Facts
The American Airlines flight left Charlotte, North Carolina, and landed near 10 a.m. in Philadelphia.
The passenger was described as combative and biting a fellow flyer.
The pilot told air traffic control the passenger was "trying to fight everybody."
Emergency medical teams and law enforcement were asked to meet the plane on arrival.
It is unclear if the aggressive passenger was arrested or detained.
Recently, there have been several incidents of unruly passengers on other U.S. flights.
Other flights were forced to land early due to passengers trying to open exit doors or having mental health crises.
The FBI is investigating some of these recent airline disturbances.
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A CBS News poll shows that most Americans want the war involving Iran to end. However, many people do not think the United States gained a good outcome from the conflict.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by CBS News.
Most Americans want the war with Iran to come to an end.
Few Americans believe that the U.S. got a better deal or advantage from the war.
The poll results were discussed by CBS News Executive Director of Elections and Surveys Anthony Salvanto.
The discussion took place on the show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
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Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attended the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Barack Obama spoke about the importance of staying strong and united. The center opened to the public on Juneteenth.
Key Facts
The Obama Presidential Center is located on the South Side of Chicago.
The opening ceremony took place one day before the center opened to the public.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attended the event with their daughters.
Barack Obama encouraged people to be resilient, meaning to stay strong during tough times.
He also called for unity, which means working together and supporting each other.
The center opened on Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.
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Andy Burnham’s plan proposes reversing decades of privatisation by bringing essential utilities like water and energy under more public control through a long-term process. The plan suggests ways for the government to step in when private companies fail, aiming to make basic services more affordable and reliable for people.
Key Facts
The policy is called The Productive State and aims to reverse 40 years of privatisation.
It focuses on taking control of failing private utility companies through legal and financial tools like “bonds for shares.”
The plan targets essential services such as water, energy, and transport to reduce costs for households.
It argues that privatisation has increased everyday bills by adding a “privatisation premium.”
The plan seeks to create public competitors and increase state ownership without full nationalisation of all utilities.
The author, Mathew Lawrence, worked closely with Andy Burnham and the Labour group Mainstream.
Burnham may seek wider political leadership in Westminster soon.
The approach aims to protect the public from rising costs and risks of private company failures.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is using his political influence to support candidates in the upcoming House primaries in New York. He has endorsed several challengers, including progressive candidates running against current Democratic congressmen.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and a Democrat.
He took office less than six months ago.
Mamdani is endorsing candidates in New York’s House primaries.
Some endorsed candidates are challenging sitting Democratic congressmen.
The primaries are scheduled for Tuesday.
Mamdani aims to help change New York’s congressional delegation.
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Senator Lindsey Graham said he supports trying diplomacy with Iran, but he believes the talks will not work. He said President Donald Trump’s backup plan might be to take control of the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham spoke about talks with Iran on CBS News.
He said he supports giving diplomacy a chance.
He expressed doubt that the diplomatic talks will succeed.
Graham predicted that if talks fail, President Donald Trump might act to control the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for oil shipments.
This statement was made during the TV program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The discussion reflects ongoing concerns about U.S.-Iran relations.
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The PLAN for School Safety Act is a bipartisan bill aimed at making schools safer. It offers grants to create or improve state-based centers that provide expert advice to help schools develop safety plans suited to their local needs.
Key Facts
The bill is called the PLAN for School Safety Act.
It has support from both political parties.
The act offers special grants (money) to states.
Grants help set up or strengthen School Safety Centers.
These centers are led by experts.
The centers help schools create and improve safety plans.
Safety plans are based on evidence and fit the specific community.
The focus is on protecting children in schools.
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Representative Jason Crow expressed concerns about acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, calling him "incompetent" and a "political attack dog." Crow also said he does not support extending certain surveillance powers under the FISA law because of constitutional rights issues.
Key Facts
Jason Crow is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Bill Pulte is the acting Director of National Intelligence.
Crow described Pulte as incompetent and having a political agenda.
Crow appeared on the program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to share his views.
Crow opposes extending FISA spying powers that allow government surveillance.
He emphasized protecting Americans' constitutional rights over extending these powers.
FISA stands for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which permits certain spying activities for national security.
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz discussed the Iran situation on "Face the Nation" on June 21, 2026. He said President Trump aims to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons while working toward peace, even though some of Trump's national security team doubts Iran will follow the agreement.
Key Facts
Ambassador Mike Waltz spoke on "Face the Nation" about U.S. policy on Iran.
Some senior members of President Trump’s national security team, including Secretary Rubio, doubt Iran will keep its promises in the deal.
The CIA director showed President Trump intelligence pointing out inconsistencies in Iran's commitments.
Waltz said Americans agree with President Trump that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon.
Waltz highlighted that gas prices have fallen to below $4 per gallon, lower than under the Biden administration.
The U.S. government is holding direct talks with Iranian officials despite their controversial past actions.
Waltz emphasized that the Trump administration is focused on stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons and giving peace a chance.
The administration refers to past UN resolutions saying Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and hopes to improve the Middle East, similar to President Trump’s Abraham Accords.
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Senator Lindsey Graham expects U.S. efforts to reach a diplomatic deal with Iran to fail, but supports trying diplomacy first. He said if talks fail, President Donald Trump will take control of the Strait of Hormuz by force and charge fees for its use, warning Iran would face serious consequences if it opposes this.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham spoke about U.S.-Iran diplomacy on "Face the Nation" on June 21, 2026.
U.S. negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance, are meeting Iranian officials in Switzerland during a 60-day negotiation period after signing a memorandum of understanding.
Conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has threatened the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Iran announced it will close the Strait of Hormuz again, accusing the U.S. and Israel of breaking the agreement.
Graham predicts President Trump will seize control of the Strait of Hormuz if diplomacy fails and will charge fees for passage.
Graham hopes Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize Arab-Israeli relations by 2026.
Graham said if Iran challenges U.S. control of the strait, the U.S. will respond with strong military action.
Graham changed his view on reconstruction funds for Iran, thinking Gulf Arab states will provide money, indicating a possible change in regional relations.
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Managers at the UK’s largest children’s prison, HMYOI Wetherby, allowed pet ferrets used for therapy to hunt and kill rats because of a rat problem. This led to concerns about the safety and well-being of both children and animals after a rat was killed in a violent way that upset those who witnessed it.
Key Facts
HMYOI Wetherby is the UK’s largest children’s prison, holding boys aged 15 to 18.
Ferrets had been used for therapy to help traumatised children for over ten years.
Due to a rise in rats in prison offices and grounds, managers allowed ferrets to be used for pest control.
A visible incident involved a ferret killing a rat in a staff office, witnessed by a boy who cares for the ferrets.
After the ferret caught the rat, a staff member reportedly stomped on the rat to kill it.
Prison officers’ union called for the policy to be ended, noting health, safety, and animal welfare concerns.
The complaints highlighted risks of infection, trauma for children, and breaches of animal welfare and workplace safety laws.
The National Ferret Welfare Society said ferret hunting should be done only by experienced adults in controlled ways and condemned stamping animals to death.
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U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said that while Iranian officials are not considered trustworthy, the Trump administration is focused on practical efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear weapons. Talks between the U.S. and Iran have started in Switzerland to discuss a possible agreement on nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
The Trump administration is involved in negotiations with Iran.
These talks are happening in Switzerland.
The main goal is to reach an agreement about Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Waltz described Iranian officials as not being "good guys."
The U.S. approach is described as "pragmatic," meaning practical and realistic.
President Donald Trump is deeply focused on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons.
The discussions are considered delicate and sensitive.
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New Mexico's governor issued a rule requiring child welfare to seek custody of all newborns exposed to drugs or alcohol before birth. This rule faces criticism from Native American tribes and advocates who say it conflicts with laws protecting tribal rights and can harm families by separating children from their communities unnecessarily.
Key Facts
New Mexico’s governor Michelle Lujan Grisham directed child welfare to take custody of drug or alcohol-exposed newborns.
The rule raised concerns about what counts as drug exposure, including medications for addiction treatment and medical use like fentanyl.
The directive appears to conflict with tribal sovereignty laws requiring tribes be notified about child welfare cases involving Native children.
Nine Native tribes filed a lawsuit against the rule, arguing it ignores state and federal protections for Native families.
The state supreme court allowed the case to proceed but did not pause the rule.
A law passed earlier in New Mexico gave healthcare, not child welfare, authority to develop rules for treating drug use in pregnancy, which the new directive contradicts.
Medical experts recommend keeping families together and providing support for newborns exposed to substances rather than immediate removal.
The Indian Child Welfare Act requires efforts to keep Native children in their communities, but many states struggle to comply fully, including New Mexico.
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Reading and math scores in American schools are dropping. This decline is connected to lower IQ scores and is made worse by the use of artificial intelligence, which may reduce independent thinking.
Key Facts
Students in the U.S. are scoring lower in reading and math tests.
These falling scores relate to a broader decrease in IQ levels.
The use of AI in education is believed to weaken students' judgment.
AI may also reduce students' ability to think for themselves.
The changes in scores and abilities are seen as a serious issue for society.
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A Ukrainian family living in Cleveland faces deportation after leaving the U.S. temporarily for medical treatment in Ukraine. Although they were told they could re-enter the U.S. under a humanitarian parole program, immigration officials claim they violated the rules by leaving and returning, leading to removal orders and a pending court hearing.
Key Facts
Tamila and Mykola Vashchuk, a Ukrainian couple in Cleveland, run a pierogi business and volunteer locally.
Their 10-year-old son has a serious hormonal illness requiring refrigerated daily medication.
The family left the U.S. for affordable medical care in Kyiv and were told by immigration officials they could return without problems.
Upon returning to the U.S. through Boston in December 2022, they were given removal orders for allegedly breaking parole terms by leaving the country.
The family’s deportation hearing is scheduled for August 2023 in Cleveland immigration court.
Cleveland immigration judges have high rates of denying asylum, and the judge on their case has one of the highest denial rates nationally.
Deportation poses serious risks due to Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure and unstable medicine supplies amid ongoing conflict and bombings.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the family will receive due process but refused to comment on the health risks of deportation.
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