Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers might use a third budget reconciliation bill to provide money for the military because of the conflict with Iran. Some senior Republican senators are unsure about using this method again for military funding.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a Republican from South Dakota.
He mentioned a possible third budget reconciliation bill to fund the military.
The military funding is related to the conflict with Iran.
Some senior Republicans in the Senate Appropriations Committee doubt using reconciliation a third time.
Budget reconciliation is a process that allows certain budget laws to pass with fewer votes, avoiding a filibuster in the Senate.
The first two reconciliation bills addressed other budget or policy issues before this.
The discussion reflects ongoing negotiations about how to support the military in current conflicts.
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President Trump is asking Congress to approve a short-term extension of a spy law called FISA 702, which is about to expire this Friday. He wants more time to appoint and confirm a permanent head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) after choosing Bill Pulte as acting director, a move that has faced criticism and blocking from Democrats and some Republicans.
Key Facts
FISA 702 is a spy authority law that helps military and national security efforts.
The law is set to expire this Friday without an extension.
President Trump chose Bill Pulte, currently director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence.
Some Democrats and Republicans oppose Pulte’s appointment due to his lack of national security experience and his past actions against Trump’s political opponents.
Democrats have vowed not to support the FISA 702 extension while Pulte is in charge.
President Trump met twice with House Speaker Mike Johnson to discuss the issue.
Senate GOP leaders want Trump to appoint a permanent intelligence director to help pass the FISA extension.
Trump wants Pulte to start reducing staff at the ODNI before a permanent director is named.
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Bill Gates is scheduled to testify privately before a House committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s activities. He said he came voluntarily and hopes his testimony helps the committee find justice for Epstein’s victims.
Key Facts
Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday.
The committee is investigating files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates is the latest high-profile person connected to Epstein to be interviewed.
The interview is held behind closed doors.
Transcripts of such hearings are often made public later.
Gates said he hopes his testimony supports the committee’s work.
He came voluntarily to the congressional hearing.
The investigation focuses on achieving justice for survivors of Epstein’s crimes.
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Microsoft founder Bill Gates voluntarily testified before a U.S. congressional committee investigating how the Justice Department handled the Jeffrey Epstein case. Gates said he wanted his testimony to help bring justice to the victims.
Key Facts
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, appeared before Congress to testify.
The testimony was part of a congressional investigation.
The investigation focuses on the Justice Department’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Gates volunteered to testify, meaning he appeared by choice.
Gates expressed hope that his testimony would assist in achieving justice for Epstein’s victims.
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President Donald Trump requested Congress to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for a short time. This extension aims to allow more time to appoint and approve a permanent director of national intelligence, as some Democrats oppose renewing the law if Bill Pulte stays as acting director.
Key Facts
President Trump is pushing for a short-term extension of Section 702 of FISA.
Section 702 allows the government to collect foreign intelligence information.
Democrats have threatened not to renew Section 702 if Bill Pulte remains the acting director of national intelligence.
Bill Pulte is currently the acting director of the agency overseeing national intelligence.
The extension would give time to nominate and confirm a permanent national intelligence director.
President Trump made the request public on the social media platform TruthSocial.
The Senate GOP is involved in discussions related to the extension and the leadership of the agency.
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UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland says he was not allowed to attend a fight event at the White House because of his critical comments about President Trump, Israel, and Jeffrey Epstein. UFC officials and the White House have not confirmed his claim, and UFC chief Dana White denied that Strickland was banned from the event.
Key Facts
Sean Strickland, current UFC middleweight champion, said he was blocked from attending a White House fight event.
Strickland criticized President Trump, Israel, and Jeffrey Epstein on social media.
He claims the White House did not clear him to attend the event on June 14, which is also Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day.
UFC CEO Dana White denied that Strickland was banned but criticized him strongly.
The event will take place on the White House south lawn with about 4,300 military personnel expected to attend.
There is a lawsuit claiming the event violated federal laws and is a commercial event disguised as a patriotic celebration.
President Trump reportedly bought up to $50,000 in stock of the UFC’s parent company earlier this year.
Weather forecasts show possible rain and thunderstorms during the event time in Washington, DC.
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Bill Gates appeared before the House Oversight Committee to answer questions related to an investigation involving Jeffrey Epstein. The hearing focused on Gates's connections and any relevant information linked to the probe.
Key Facts
Bill Gates testified on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
The hearing was conducted by the House Oversight Committee.
The topic of the hearing was part of an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Gates was asked about his relationship and any knowledge connected to Epstein.
The investigation is ongoing and involves public officials and notable figures.
The event was covered by CBS News and other media outlets.
The House Oversight Committee is responsible for examining government and public matters.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) is looking for several men who reportedly attacked a San Antonio Spurs fan. The attack happened after the New York Knicks lost a basketball game on Monday.
Key Facts
The incident involved an attack on a Spurs fan.
It took place after the New York Knicks lost a game.
The attack occurred on a Monday.
Multiple men are suspected in the attack.
The NYPD is asking the public to help find the suspects.
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Senator Adam Schiff and other Senate Democrats are investigating how entrance fees paid by visitors to U.S. national parks are being used. They want to know if the money is funding projects linked to President Donald Trump that may serve his personal interests.
Key Facts
Senator Adam Schiff (D-California) announced an inquiry into national park entrance fees.
The focus is on how money from visitor fees is spent by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).
Schiff and other senators sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
They questioned if the fees are supporting projects they call “vanity projects” of President Trump.
Entrance fees are a source of budget for the National Park Service.
The inquiry aims to ensure public funds are used properly and transparently.
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Rep. James Comer, the Republican leader of the House Oversight Committee, is working to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testify about the Justice Department’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The committee has been investigating how the Justice Department handled Epstein’s case and has interviewed several people connected to the issue.
Key Facts
Rep. James Comer wants Todd Blanche to appear before the House Oversight Committee in July.
The committee is asking if any important documents about Epstein’s case are missing.
Todd Blanche is currently Acting Attorney General and has been nominated for the permanent position by President Donald Trump.
The committee has interviewed over a dozen people, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Bill Clinton, Howard Lutnick, and Bill Gates.
Epstein’s assistant, Lesley Groff, recently testified before the committee.
Comer plans to question Alan Dershowitz based on new information from Groff and Epstein survivors.
Pam Bondi led the Justice Department during the release of Epstein-related documents but has faced criticism and left her position in April.
Bondi said she delegated document review oversight to Blanche, who met with Ghislaine Maxwell before Maxwell’s prison transfer.
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A Michigan court reversed the conviction of Joseph Morrison, a man accused of supporting a plan to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Michigan’s Attorney General and the governor’s office strongly criticized the decision and said they would appeal it.
Key Facts
Joseph Morrison was convicted for supporting a plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan Court of Appeals overturned Morrison’s conviction, saying kidnapping was not a violent felony in this case.
Attorney General Dana Nessel called the ruling “nonsensical” and said her office plans to appeal.
Morrison was part of a militia group called the Wolverine Watchmen, involved in armed protests against COVID-19 rules.
Members of the Wolverine Watchmen plotted to kidnap the governor and were arrested in October 2020.
The governor’s chief of staff said the decision endangers public safety and democracy.
The case involved charges including providing material support for a terrorist act and firearms offenses.
Prosecutors and law enforcement worked together to stop the kidnapping plot.
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The article discusses whether President Donald Trump could gain political benefits from the 2026 World Cup, which is set to begin on June 11, 2026. France 24 journalists talked about the event and its possible political impacts on the U.S. president during a live session.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will start on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
The U.S. is one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup.
Journalists from France 24 discussed how President Trump might use the World Cup to gain political support.
The conversation took place during a live broadcast before the World Cup kicked off.
The article mentions the 2026 World Cup as the most expensive ever organized.
Other unrelated news topics are included but not connected to the World Cup or President Trump.
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Australia’s Labor government has decided not to make the spy agency Asio’s post-9/11 questioning powers permanent. Instead, the laws will stay temporary but with an expanded list of offences covered, including promoting communal violence and attacking Australia’s defence system, and there will be reviews every three years.
Key Facts
The questioning powers allow intelligence agents to compel people as young as 14 to provide information or items for serious investigations.
These powers were introduced after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Labor initially wanted to remove the “sunset” or expiry clause, making the powers permanent, but backed down as the Senate vote approached.
The government will expand the offences covered by these powers to include sabotage, promotion of communal violence, and threats to Australia’s borders.
A review of the powers will be mandatory every three years instead of allowing permanent use.
Human rights groups and the Greens raised concerns the expanded powers could target activists and community organizers without clear suspicion of crimes.
Data shows these questioning powers have rarely been used since 2020, with only four warrants issued in counter-terror and espionage cases.
The Australian Human Rights Commissioner warned these powers may infringe on human rights without sufficient justification.
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The House passed a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement, which now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill supports agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the next three years.
Key Facts
The bill allocates nearly $70 billion for immigration enforcement.
It passed the House by a narrow vote of 214 to 212.
Republicans used their majority to pass the bill despite Democratic objections.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Wednesday.
The bill funds Homeland Security agencies, including $38 billion for ICE and $26 billion for Border Patrol.
It also includes $5 billion to cover unexpected expenses related to immigration enforcement.
The funding is frontloaded to keep money flowing continuously for the next three years.
The administration aims to deport about 1 million people per year using this funding.
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The article discusses ongoing battles over redrawing voting district maps in several states ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. It highlights a live discussion featuring reporters who will explain the current situation and answer questions.
Key Facts
The article focuses on mid-decade redistricting, which means changing voting district boundaries between regular census cycles.
These map changes affect how votes are counted in the upcoming midterm elections.
States are finalizing their district maps now, leading to legal and political disputes.
Courts are involved in reviewing and sometimes changing the proposed maps.
A live discussion will be held with reporters Zach Schonfeld and Jared Gans.
The reporters will provide updates on state and court actions regarding redistricting.
The discussion will also include a chance for the audience to ask questions.
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A North Carolina judge dismissed a 2001 driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge against Michele Hundley Smith after she was found alive in February, 25 years after she disappeared. Smith vanished after her arrest and did not appear in court, but she reconnected with her family following the dismissal.
Key Facts
Michele Hundley Smith disappeared in December 2001 after being charged with DWI in November 2001.
She was missing for about 25 years until February 2024 when authorities found her alive in North Carolina.
The original police file was missing, and the arresting officer retired, leading to the dismissal of her DWI charge.
Smith left her home for unknown personal reasons and did not contact her family during the years she was missing.
She had a blood alcohol level of .28 during her arrest and was found swerving on a road.
Smith’s location remains private at her request, but her family has been informed and reunited with her.
No charges relate to her disappearance, and she said she left due to "domestic issues."
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If you do not pay your federal student loans, the government can take part of your monthly Social Security benefits. This can be up to 15% of the payment through a program called the Treasury Offset Program. Private student loans usually do not have this rule.
Key Facts
The government can withhold up to 15% of Social Security benefits if you default on federal student loans.
This withholding is a percentage of your benefit, so people with larger payments lose more money.
Private student loan lenders cannot take money from Social Security benefits like the government can.
Many older Americans have federal student loans even during retirement.
Losing part of Social Security benefits can be serious, especially with rising living costs.
Borrowers should check their repayment options to avoid default and collection efforts.
Programs and rules about collections can change, so staying informed is important.
Taking action early may help prevent losing Social Security benefits to student loan debt.
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Several states held primary elections, including Maine where incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democrat Graham Platner faced no serious competition. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, is trying to improve his reputation after controversies, while President Donald Trump’s influence was tested in South Carolina and Nevada through his endorsed candidates.
Key Facts
Primary elections took place in Nevada, South Carolina, North Dakota, and Maine.
In Maine, Senator Susan Collins (Republican) and challenger Graham Platner (Democrat) easily secured their party nominations.
Graham Platner is a veteran and oyster farmer with a campaign affected by controversy.
The Maine Senate contest is considered important and high-stakes.
President Donald Trump endorsed candidates in South Carolina and Nevada, testing his influence within the Republican Party.
Democrats aimed to build momentum in Nevada to regain key governor’s seats.
The article highlights mixed results regarding support for President Trump’s endorsed candidates.
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Graham Platner won the Democratic primary for the US Senate race in Maine despite facing several scandals during his campaign. He will run against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a former combat marine and oyster farmer.
His campaign was affected by several investigations into his past by national media.
Platner decided to stay in the race despite the scandals.
He won the Democratic primary in Maine on June 9.
Platner said he believes people and politics can change.
He will compete against Susan Collins, a longtime Republican senator from Maine.
The election is part of the US midterm elections held in November.
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Democrat Graham Platner won the primary and will challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate election in Maine. This race is expected to be closely watched.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for the Maine Senate seat in 2026.
Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent senator running for re-election.
The primary election took place recently, and CBS News projected the results.
The Senate race in Maine is considered important and competitive.
This election will take place during the 2026 midterm elections.
Senator Collins has held her seat before and is seeking another term.
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