A man who spent 15 years in prison explains how difficult it was to adjust to the modern digital world after his release in 2010. Despite working many jobs, he struggled financially because he lacked basic digital skills needed for today's economy. He now leads a group helping people with criminal records gain the tools they need before leaving prison.
Key Facts
The author went to prison at 17 in 1995 and was released in 2010 at 32.
During his time in prison, he missed major advances in technology, like smartphones and online services.
After release, he worked long hours at multiple jobs but earned only $24,600 in a year.
Low income made it hard to support himself without family help.
The main challenge was lacking digital skills like applying for jobs online and using government websites.
He believes reentry support should start inside prison, not just after release.
He now runs TimeDone, an organization helping formerly incarcerated people build digital skills and connections.
Many returning citizens face obstacles unrelated to effort but linked to missing digital tools.
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Senate Democrats prevented a vote to extend special surveillance powers that will expire soon. They did this to show their opposition to President Trump’s pick, Bill Pulte, as acting director of national intelligence.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats blocked starting the debate on extending surveillance powers early Friday morning.
These surveillance powers are set to expire in about a week.
The block was a protest against President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte.
Bill Pulte was chosen to be the acting director of national intelligence (DNI).
All Senate Democrats except Senator John Fetterman voted against the motion.
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Senate Republicans approved funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the end of President Donald Trump's second term, after an 18-hour session with many amendments. The vote was close and revealed some Republican senators breaking from the party on certain issues, especially regarding White House spending and weaponization funds.
Key Facts
The Senate voted 52-47 to fund ICE and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump's second term.
The vote happened during a long session with many amendments, called a "vote-a-rama."
Some Republican senators opposed parts of the funding, like money for White House renovations and the "anti-weaponization fund."
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was one Republican who voted against the final funding bill.
Several Republicans joined Democrats in votes against certain amendments, showing some division in the GOP.
The vote included debate over funding an "anti-weaponization fund" and spending tied to President Trump's ballroom.
Concerns about President Trump’s political decisions have caused some GOP senators to question his judgment.
There was also controversy over a nomination for acting director of national intelligence and a failed vote on renewing the FISA law (Section 702).
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Congress is considering a new law to strengthen military ties between the United States and Israel. This law would increase cooperation in weapons development and make the US and Israeli military industries work more closely together. Some lawmakers oppose this plan and want to remove it from the defense budget.
Key Facts
The proposed law is called the United States-Israel Futures Act and aims to join US and Israeli military research and production.
It includes joint projects, sharing technology, and co-producing weapons between the two countries.
Lawmakers Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna want to remove this section from the defense budget.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) supports the legislation and has lobbied for it.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a pro-Israel think tank, also promotes closer military ties with Israel.
President Donald Trump’s administration is involved in approving the overall defense budget, which includes this section.
Around 60% of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Israel, despite efforts to deepen military cooperation.
The legislation was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and senators but has not yet passed both chambers.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is using the excitement around the New York Knicks' strong performance in the NBA playoffs to boost support for progressive political ideas. He often shares his enthusiasm for the team on social media in a lighthearted way.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City.
The New York Knicks are having their best chance at an NBA championship in many years.
Mayor Mamdani is engaging with fans by showing excitement for the Knicks.
His social media posts about the Knicks are often playful and relatable.
Mamdani aims to connect the Knicks' success to advancing progressive politics.
Knicks fandom is a popular and influential topic in New York City.
Mamdani uses this moment to build political support among residents.
The article focuses on the link between sports enthusiasm and political messaging.
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The Trump administration will present its argument to a federal appeals court to explain why it can build a White House ballroom without needing more permission from Congress. Meanwhile, construction is allowed to continue until the court decides if the project can move forward.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
The issue is whether the administration has the legal authority to build a White House ballroom without Congress’s approval.
The appeals court has temporarily allowed construction to go on during the legal review.
The court’s decision will decide the future of the construction project.
This case involves the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress regarding White House renovations.
The ballroom project is part of the White House expansion plans.
The legal battle reflects ongoing disputes over government building projects and approval processes.
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A Republican congressman, Chip Roy, introduced a bill to change the H-1B visa program by stopping it from leading to a green card and ending a program called OPT that allows international students to work in the U.S. temporarily after graduation. The bill aims to protect American jobs, especially in science and technology fields, but is unlikely to pass because it lacks broad support in Congress.
Key Facts
Congressman Chip Roy, a Texas Republican, proposed the American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act on June 4.
The bill would remove the green card option for H-1B visa holders and end the OPT program for international students.
The H-1B visa lets U.S. employers hire foreign workers in jobs requiring special skills, like engineering and medicine.
Supporters say the program helps fill skill gaps; critics say it lowers wages and hurts American workers.
The bill is unlikely to pass due to narrow Republican control and no strong support from Democrats or moderate Republicans.
President Donald Trump said in 2025 that H-1B visas are necessary to bring in skills not found domestically.
The bill would require H-1B workers to prove they have a home outside the U.S. and do not plan to stay permanently.
The bill is supported by groups concerned about protecting American workers from job competition.
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The U.S. Senate blocked a plan to extend a key surveillance program used by intelligence agencies because of concerns about President Donald Trump’s choice, Bill Pulte, for director of national intelligence. The vote stopped the extension before the program’s June 12 expiration, with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposition due to Pulte’s appointment and worries over privacy.
Key Facts
The Senate voted 47-52 against a motion to set up a final vote on extending a surveillance program.
The surveillance program is part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allowing agencies to collect foreign communications without a warrant.
Some Republicans and most Democrats opposed the extension because of privacy concerns and President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte.
Bill Pulte is nominated to be director of national intelligence but faced criticism for lack of experience and past controversies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate will try again next week to extend the program.
Critics want stricter rules, including requiring warrants for accessing any incidental communication of Americans.
Senator Mark Warner, a top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, voted against the extension because of Pulte’s nomination.
The surveillance program is important to U.S. intelligence agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI for national security work.
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Several U.S. states have ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor public servants who recently died. These include a police officer in Pennsylvania and a firefighter-paramedic in Maryland. The flags show respect for their service and mark a time of mourning in these communities.
Key Facts
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered statewide flag lowering for Officer Kristen Yeager, who died on May 29 in a car accident while on duty.
Yeager was 42 years old, a mother of three, and had worked in several Berks County police departments.
Communities in Pennsylvania have held large processions and displayed blue lights and ribbons to honor Yeager.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore ordered flags lowered on June 1 for Firefighter/Paramedic Demair Lloyd from Prince George’s County.
Lloyd had nearly 20 years of service and died from a medical emergency shortly after finishing a 24-hour work shift.
The flags at half-staff represent respect and mourning for public safety workers who died serving their communities.
Such observances are usually local but are occurring simultaneously in multiple states this week.
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James Handy, an 81-year-old American actor known for his roles in movies like Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, was stabbed to death at his home in Los Angeles. The son of Handy’s girlfriend, Michael Gledhill, 44, was arrested and charged with murder.
Key Facts
James Handy was found unconscious with multiple stab wounds in the front garden of his home in Tarzana, California.
Police arrested Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy’s girlfriend, on suspicion of murder.
Gledhill reportedly told police, “I just killed the man of sin,” when calling 911.
Handy had a long acting career with roles in TV shows like NYPD Blue, The West Wing, CSI: NY, and films like Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick.
The Los Angeles Police Department said this appears to be an isolated incident, with no danger to the public.
Gledhill was taken to Van Nuys Jail and held on $2 million bail.
Handy was known as a supportive character actor over six decades.
Police say Gledhill lived at the home with his mother, who was Handy’s girlfriend.
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The U.S. Senate approved a $70 billion bill to enforce immigration laws by a close vote of 52 to 47. The bill did not include changes to the "anti-weaponization" fund and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Key Facts
The Senate voted early on June 5, 2026, to pass the immigration enforcement bill.
The bill allocates $70 billion for immigration enforcement efforts.
The vote was 52 in favor and 47 against.
Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to vote with all Democrats against the bill.
All other Senate Republicans supported the bill.
The bill does not address the "anti-weaponization" fund.
The House of Representatives is expected to consider the bill next week.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune led the amendment voting session for the bill.
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Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, is openly discussing his past addiction and legal issues while engaging with critics online. He has started conversations with some who previously mocked him and is using his experiences to contrast his family with supporters of President Trump.
Key Facts
Hunter Biden struggled with addiction and legal problems for years but has been sober for seven years.
He appeared in a long interview with Candace Owens, a conservative podcaster who used to mock him, and they shared a respectful conversation.
Hunter is now responding directly to critics and trolls on X (formerly Twitter) with honesty and humor.
He highlights differences between his family and Trump supporters, saying the MAGA movement ignored corruption claims about Trump’s family.
Hunter defends his father as someone who never used public office for personal gain.
Some critics remain skeptical and question Hunter's engagement with conspiracy theories during his outreach.
Hunter calls himself the "MAGA whisperer" and says he embraces openness and honesty as his new approach.
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President Donald Trump's approval rating among men has dropped to a new low, with 38% approving and 59% disapproving, according to recent Economist/YouGov polls. This decline shows a significant loss of support in a key voting group that helped him win the 2024 election.
Key Facts
Trump’s net approval rating among men is now -21 points, meaning 21 percentage points more men disapprove than approve.
This is the first time his net approval among men has fallen below -20 points in this polling series.
The decline has been steady, dropping 37 points since early 2025 when Trump had a +16 net approval among men.
Men were an important part of Trump’s winning coalition in the 2024 election, especially in swing states.
The poll surveyed 1,604 U.S. adults from May 29 to June 1, 2026, with a margin of error of ±3.5 points.
Support among men moved from positive ratings in early 2025 to steadily negative throughout 2026.
The drop reflects a long-term trend rather than a response to a single event.
The White House has downplayed the recent polls, emphasizing Trump’s 2024 election win as the main sign of support.
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Darío Gil, Energy Department undersecretary, is leading efforts to improve U.S. science and technology through the Genesis Mission, which encourages research and government cooperation with industry and universities. This initiative recently formed a $1 billion information-sharing partnership with Japan and aims to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in key areas like AI, fusion energy, and quantum computing.
Key Facts
Darío Gil leads the Genesis Mission to boost science and technology research in the U.S.
The mission promotes sharing information between government, industry, and academic institutions.
The U.S. Energy Department and Japan formed a $1 billion partnership to share scientific information.
The program received over 5,000 research proposals, a record for the Energy Department.
Gil seeks more funding from Congress and wants bipartisan laws to support the Genesis Mission long-term.
Some critics say current government budget cuts make it hard to meet science research goals.
Gil is excited about breakthroughs in fusion energy (creating a small star on Earth) and fault-tolerant quantum computers.
The Energy Department plans to announce the first Genesis Mission award winners this summer, involving hundreds of research teams.
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit will hear arguments about whether President Donald Trump can continue building a ballroom at the White House. The construction was stopped by a lower court because Congress did not approve it, but the Trump administration says the ballroom is important for national security.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a large ballroom at the White House as part of the East Wing Modernization Project.
A lower court judge halted the construction, ruling that the president lacks authority without Congress’s approval.
The appeals court temporarily allowed construction to continue while hearing the case.
The Trump administration argues the ballroom improves security by adding features like bomb shelters and spaces for medical care.
The administration also claims the group suing, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, does not have legal standing.
The National Trust argues only Congress controls White House grounds and supports the lower court’s decision.
The appeals court panel includes judges appointed by Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden.
Senate Republicans recently removed $1 billion in security funding related to the ballroom project from an immigration bill.
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President Trump’s administration is rolling back many gun rules put in place during President Biden’s term. These changes include allowing handguns to be sent by mail, weakening background check rules, and making it harder to revoke gun dealers’ licenses.
Key Facts
The administration wants to undo parts of a 1927 law and newer rules, including Biden-era efforts to tighten gun sales at gun shows.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) says the changes reduce burdens on gun owners without hurting law enforcement.
Gun violence prevention groups say the rollbacks help the gun industry but may hurt public safety.
One rollback would allow sending handguns through the mail like rifles and shotguns, following a legal opinion that an old ban was unconstitutional.
The National Rifle Association supports mailing handguns, while opponents worry about increased theft and illegal sales.
ATF admits some changes could increase risks of serious gun violence, including mass shootings.
The gun industry and Second Amendment advocates praise the changes as a new era for gun rights.
Experts warn the changes could benefit parts of the gun industry that profit from illegal gun sales and make it harder for inspectors to monitor dealers.
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Many teenagers find it hard to find public places to hang out during summer break because malls and other affordable spots are disappearing. Cities try to control large teen gatherings with curfews or rules, but experts say these approaches don’t solve the problem and sometimes unfairly punish all teens.
Key Facts
Teenagers have fewer places to gather without money or a car due to fewer malls and public hangouts.
Large teen gatherings in cities are sometimes called "teen takeovers" by officials.
Some cities use curfews and "no unaccompanied minors" rules to limit teen gatherings.
Research shows curfews and restrictions often don’t work and hurt all teens, not just those causing trouble.
Public spaces were often not designed for teens or meant to discourage them.
Anti-loitering laws allow police to question teens just for hanging out, sometimes leading to unfair treatment.
Teens want "third places" — spaces to spend time besides home, school, or work.
Projects that involve teens in designing spaces, like The Pass in San Antonio, show that teens can help create better hangout spots.
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The Senate approved a $69.5 billion budget to support immigration enforcement through 2029. Some Republicans opposed the bill because it did not stop President Donald Trump’s administration from starting a $1.8 billion fund meant to counter weapon use by MAGA supporters.
Key Facts
The Senate passed the budget package early on a Friday morning.
The total amount of the package is $69.5 billion.
The budget will fund immigration enforcement operations until 2029.
The vote count was 52 in favor and 47 against.
Some Republican senators wanted language to block a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
The fund aims to support MAGA allies in preventing weapon misuse.
The bill did not include the Republicans’ requested language to stop this fund.
The dispute involved disagreements about how the budget impacts political groups linked to President Trump.
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A parliamentary committee former chair expressed concern that the National Audit Office (NAO) could not determine how much income Prince Andrew earned by renting out properties. The NAO report also revealed that some non-working royals live in royal estates rent-free or pay below-market rent while the Prince and Princess of Wales pay substantial rent for their Windsor home.
Key Facts
Dame Margaret Hodge, ex-chair of the public accounts committee, said it was concerning the NAO couldn’t find out Prince Andrew’s rental income.
Prince Andrew sublet three cottages on his Windsor estate while paying very low rent to the Crown Estate.
Non-working royals like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and Prince Michael of Kent and his wife, receive housing subsidies despite not performing royal duties.
King Charles pays reduced rent from his private income for Beatrice and Eugenie’s royal palace residences.
Prince William and Princess Catherine pay £307,200 a year rent for their Forest Lodge home in Windsor, under a 20-year lease.
The Crown Estate said all leases with royals are based on independent and professional market valuations.
Buckingham Palace emphasized their commitment to transparency and said housing arrangements vary depending on circumstances.
The Commons public accounts committee will use the NAO report to investigate royal property use following public concern.
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President Donald Trump posted a manipulated image on social media that shows Hunter Biden praising him as the "greatest president." The image appears to be created with artificial intelligence and is part of several similar altered images that Trump has shared recently.
Key Facts
President Trump shared an altered picture showing Hunter Biden calling him the "greatest president."
The image shows Hunter Biden drawing a portrait of President Trump with those words above it.
The image is likely made using artificial intelligence technology.
Trump has posted other AI-generated or doctored images on social media before.
The posting came after Trump criticized Hunter Biden’s past.
Trump compared Hunter Biden to a Democratic candidate from Maine in a negative way during a White House event.
The article states this story is still developing.
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