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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Democratic lawmakers are pushing to change the Supreme Court by setting 18-year term limits for justices instead of the current lifetime appointments. These efforts include bills in Congress and a constitutional amendment, aiming to restore public trust, but they face strong opposition from Republicans and legal challenges.
Key Facts
Supreme Court justices currently serve for life under the U.S. Constitution.
Democrats propose 18-year term limits to modernize the court and rebuild trust.
Polls show about 70-80% of Americans support term limits for justices.
Democrats have introduced several proposals, including legislation and a constitutional amendment.
Republicans largely oppose term limits, arguing it threatens judicial independence.
Constitutional amendments are difficult to pass, requiring broad support.
Some justices and legal experts defend lifetime appointments as essential for court independence.
The debate intensified following recent controversial Supreme Court decisions on key issues like abortion and gun rights.
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One Nation struggled for nearly 24 hours to clearly explain its policy on foreign ownership of housing, causing confusion among the public. The policy bans foreigners and temporary visa holders from owning homes and requires existing owners to sell within two years, with heavy penalties for non-compliance.
Key Facts
One Nation made six attempts in about a day to explain its housing policy.
The policy targets foreign buyers and temporary visa holders, not permanent residents.
Existing foreign owners would have to sell their homes within two years.
Failure to comply could lead to large fines or up to 10 years in jail.
The party’s key figures, Barnaby Joyce and Sean Bell, gave conflicting explanations initially.
The confusion happened while One Nation is leading in opinion polls in Australia.
Critics say such unclear communication shows One Nation is not yet a fully serious political force.
The delay in clear details came despite a media environment closely examining government policies.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate in the Maine Senate race, has seen his chances of winning drop sharply after new allegations from former partners were reported by The New York Times. These reports have caused prediction markets to shift from strong support for Platner to a near tie with incumbent Republican Susan Collins, making the race more uncertain.
Key Facts
Prediction markets showed Platner's chance of winning fell from 72% on May 21 to about 52% by June 5.
On June 5, markets briefly favored the Republican, Susan Collins, before the race tightened again.
The New York Times published allegations from multiple former partners accusing Platner of aggressive behavior and questioned his past conduct.
Platner denied all allegations of physical aggression and called some claims politically motivated.
Democratic donors and campaign operatives are divided on whether to continue supporting Platner.
Maine is an important state for Democrats aiming to win control of the U.S. Senate.
Susan Collins is the only Republican incumbent defending a seat in a state that voted for Democrats in the last presidential election.
Prediction markets react quickly to news, showing changing public and investor perceptions of the race.
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Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, says he will stay in the leadership race even if Andy Burnham joins. Burnham said he might run if MPs support him. David Lammy supports Starmer and says Musk should stop tweeting about a sensitive murder case.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham said he would join the Labour leadership contest if MPs back him.
Keir Starmer confirmed he will not leave the leadership race.
David Lammy supports Keir Starmer’s leadership and loyalty to the party.
Downing Street said Starmer will focus on governing, not leadership fights.
Burnham plans to fix England’s social care system if he becomes prime minister.
Lammy urged Elon Musk to stop tweeting about Henry Nowak’s murder due to its sensitivity.
Starmer accused Musk of trying to interfere in UK politics with his tweets.
Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller called for the UK prime minister to summon the US ambassador over the US government’s comments on the Nowak case.
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President Donald Trump announced the list of performers for a rally in Washington D.C. celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The event will include musical performances by Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
Key Facts
President Trump shared the performer list on Truth Social.
Lee Greenwood will perform "God Bless the U.S.A." at the rally.
Christopher Macchio will sing songs including "Nessun Dorma," "Hallelujah," "Ave Maria," and "God Bless America."
The U.S. Army Band, U.S. Marine Band, and Joint Armed Forces Chorus will also perform.
Several performers had previously dropped out of the Freedom 250 celebration events.
President Trump confirmed he will attend the rally and make a speech.
Trump called himself "the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World" and compared his audience size to Elvis Presley’s.
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Six Republican senators joined Democrats to pass a measure blocking President Donald Trump’s plan to restart a $1.8 billion fund. This fund was intended to pay supporters who believe they were unfairly targeted by the Justice Department under President Biden.
Key Facts
Six GOP senators voted with Democrats to approve an amendment by Senator Bill Cassidy.
The amendment prevents the Trump administration from restarting the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
The fund was meant to compensate MAGA allies who say they were wrongly prosecuted.
The Justice Department under President Biden handled the cases the fund targets.
Senators who voted with Democrats include Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan.
The vote happened early on a Friday morning.
The fund's goal was to respond to claims of political weaponization in prosecutions.
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Four Republican senators voted with Democrats to block the SAVE America Act, a bill supported by President Trump that would change voting rules. The bill aimed to require voters to show ID when registering and had been stalled in the Senate for months.
Key Facts
The SAVE America Act is an election reform bill backed by President Trump.
It would require voters to show identification like a passport or birth certificate when registering.
Four Republican senators—Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis—voted against it.
These senators joined Democrats to stop attaching the bill to a $70 billion funding package for immigration and border security.
The House of Representatives passed a version of the bill earlier this year, mostly along party lines.
These same four Republican senators also blocked a similar effort in April.
The bill has faced delays and opposition in the Senate over several months.
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A woman named Raya Meredith was awarded $93,000 after being illegally strip-searched by police at a music festival in New South Wales, Australia. The state is appealing the decision, disputing the damages awarded and some legal rulings about police search powers under the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (Lepra).
Key Facts
Raya Meredith was strip-searched in 2018 at the Splendour in the Grass music festival in Byron Bay while 27 years old and postpartum.
Police illegally strip-searched her by making her remove clothes, bend over, and remove a tampon; a male officer entered during the search.
No drugs or illegal items were found during the search.
Meredith was awarded a total of $93,000 in damages, including $20,000 for aggravated damages related to police conduct.
The state admitted to unlawfully strip-searching Meredith and withdrew most of its witnesses before the trial.
The state is appealing the court’s decision, arguing the damages were wrongly awarded and that police may use reasonable force to move body parts during searches.
The case centers on NSW’s Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (Lepra), which restricts when and how strip-searches are conducted.
The court recognized Meredith’s reasonable belief that police would accuse her of lying, which influenced the aggravated damages award.
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Men held at New York’s Rikers Island jail watched the New York Knicks play in the NBA finals, marking the team’s first appearance in 27 years. This event gave inmates a chance to share a moment of excitement together with many New Yorkers outside the jail.
Key Facts
About 30 men at the George R Vierno Center on Rikers Island watched the Knicks play in the NBA finals.
The Knicks had not been in the NBA finals since 1999 and have not won a championship since 1973.
The watching event took place in a housing unit reserved for inmates with good behavior records.
Inmates were allowed snacks, drinks, and stayed out past usual lockdown time as a reward.
The jail complex is one of the largest in New York City, housing many people in custody.
The Knicks’ finals run has attracted wide attention across New York City, including inside the jail.
The atmosphere was described as excited and hopeful, with inmates discussing the game and team performance.
The New York City Department of Correction allowed a journalist to visit the jail to observe this event.
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, is holding a major rally despite recent reports about his past behavior with women, including sending explicit messages while married. Although some critics have raised concerns, many Democratic leaders continue to support him as the party aims to win back control of the Senate.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democratic candidate.
Platner’s campaign faces controversy over explicit messages he sent to women while married.
Some women have accused Platner of volatile behavior; he denies some allegations.
Despite scandals, key Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support him.
Platner’s main rival dropped out, making him the likely Democratic nominee.
He is holding a campaign rally in Bar Harbor with Rep. Ro Khanna and other Democrats.
Democrats hope Platner can help them win the Senate from Republicans in November.
Platner and his wife have had marital difficulties and counseling related to these issues.
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