The U.S. Senate voted against a plan by Senator Thom Tillis to change the use of a $1.8 billion fund. The fund was originally meant to stop the misuse of government resources for weaponization, but Tillis wanted to use it to fight fraud against taxpayers instead.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is from North Carolina and is a Republican.
He proposed an amendment to redirect $1.8 billion from an anti-weaponization fund.
The money was planned for the Justice Department to prevent weaponization.
Tillis wanted to use the funds to improve efforts to stop fraud targeting U.S. taxpayers.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to reject this amendment.
The rejected plan would have prohibited federal funds from being used for certain claims.
The vote keeps the original purpose of the fund intact.
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A federal inspection at the Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana found unsafe conditions and improper use of force against ICE detainees, including a chokehold and an officer stabbing a detainee with a pen. The report highlighted poor facility maintenance, unsanitary conditions, and failures in medical care and recordkeeping.
Key Facts
An officer used a prohibited chokehold on a detainee.
Another officer stabbed a detainee's thumb with a pen after a dispute.
One detainee was restrained by five officers using mechanical restraints and a suicide smock, but the incident was not properly documented.
The facility lacked records showing who received use-of-force training or punishments for policy violations.
The Winn Correctional Center holds about 1,500 ICE detainees, making it one of the largest ICE detention centers in the U.S.
Inspectors found sanitation issues, including three kitchen leaks and damaged ceilings in the intake building.
Perishable food was not always stored at safe temperatures.
Medical staff failed to keep accurate and updated records of detainees’ health problems and treatments.
About half of the problems found still have not been fixed, increasing risks to detainees’ health and safety.
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The Arizona Supreme Court refused to overturn a decision sending the fake elector case against Mark Meadows and others back to a grand jury. The state attorney general will continue the prosecution by presenting the full case to a new grand jury.
Key Facts
The case involves fake electors tied to the 2020 presidential election in Arizona.
Mark Meadows, former chief of staff to President Trump, and Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor, are among those charged.
The Arizona Supreme Court denied an appeal by the state’s attorney general to stop sending the case back to a grand jury.
Similar cases in Michigan and Georgia were dismissed, and a federal case on the conspiracy charge against President Trump ended in late 2024.
A lower court found the first grand jury was not properly instructed on the Electoral Count Act, a law covering how election results are certified.
Defense lawyers argue the law allowed states to submit multiple sets of electors if election results were disputed; however, a 2022 amendment says only one set is valid and must be signed by the governor.
The attorney general’s office plans to present the entire case again to a grand jury.
Joe Biden won Arizona in the 2020 election by 10,457 votes.
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The House Armed Services Committee added a rule to the yearly defense bill requiring the Pentagon to explain to Congress within five days when a senior military officer is fired or removed. This rule was proposed by Representative Pat Ryan and passed without any opposition.
Key Facts
The rule is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual defense spending and policy bill.
It requires the Pentagon to notify Congress within five days about the firing or removal of senior military officers.
The measure was introduced by Rep. Pat Ryan from New York.
The committee passed the provision by a voice vote with no objections.
This new rule aims to increase transparency about personnel changes in the military leadership.
The provision puts pressure on both the Pentagon and individuals like Mike Hegseth, who may be involved in such decisions.
The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for overseeing defense policy and military affairs.
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In July, new federal student loan rules will take effect that change repayment plans, borrowing limits, and eligibility. These changes will impact both current and future borrowers, so people should review their loan plans and borrowing needs to avoid surprises and understand potential costs.
Key Facts
Federal student loan changes start on July 1.
Repayment options, including income-driven repayment plans, will be restructured.
Some repayment plans may no longer be available to new borrowers.
Monthly payments could increase for some borrowers under the new rules.
Borrowing limits and eligibility may change for graduate students and parents.
Future federal loan availability may be limited for advanced degrees or educational expenses.
Borrowers should compare current repayment plans, monthly payments, and forgiveness opportunities.
It is important to consider long-term costs, as lower monthly payments might increase total interest paid.
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Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya said the US response to the Ebola outbreak is based on stronger scientific evidence than the actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. He wrote in The Wall Street Journal that measures like lockdowns, school closures, and mask rules used for COVID-19 were less justified than the current steps against Ebola.
Key Facts
Jay Bhattacharya is the Acting Director of the CDC.
He spoke about the US response to the Ebola outbreak.
Bhattacharya wrote an article in The Wall Street Journal.
He said the Ebola measures are more scientifically justified than COVID-19 measures.
COVID-19 measures included lockdowns, school closures, and mask mandates.
Bhattacharya compared the public health responses of the two outbreaks.
These comments relate to public health policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Reform UK has received millions of pounds in donations from two cryptocurrency billionaires, Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, raising concern among Labour MPs about the influence of large private donors in UK politics. The government has introduced a cap on overseas donations, but it may not limit these contributions, and some politicians want to broaden the cap to cover all donors.
Key Facts
Reform UK received £7 million in donations from two crypto billionaires in one quarter.
Christopher Harborne has given £15 million to Reform UK and £5 million to Nigel Farage personally.
Ben Delo co-founded the crypto trading platform BitMEX and became the UK’s youngest self-made billionaire.
Delo was pardoned last year by President Donald Trump after a US conviction related to money laundering controls.
Both donors live abroad but might avoid new donation limits by returning to the UK or challenging the rules.
Labour raised £6 million from all private donors in the first quarter of 2024, less than Reform UK received from just two donors.
The government’s current cap focuses on overseas donors but allows large donations if transparency is maintained.
Some Labour MPs want to extend donation limits to all donors due to concerns about political influence.
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Transport for London (TfL) reported that on the second day of a tube strike, public transport use in London was at 86% of normal levels. The strike involves London Underground drivers protesting proposals for a voluntary shorter workweek, and staffing levels were slightly better than during the previous strike day.
Key Facts
The strike took place from midnight to 11:59 pm BST on Thursday.
Overall public transport journeys reached 86% of normal usage during the strike.
London Underground travel was down by 43% compared to last year.
Use of other rail services increased: London Overground by 12%, Elizabeth line by 18%, and Docklands Light Railway by 9%.
Around 60% of Tube drivers worked on Thursday, up from Tuesday, with some lines like the Jubilee line staffed by 91% of drivers.
The strike was called by RMT union members over a proposal for a voluntary 35-hour, four-day workweek for drivers.
TfL said the proposal was voluntary and aimed at giving drivers more time off while improving Tube service efficiency.
Despite the strike, TfL operated services on most lines and apologized for the disruption.
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Three Republican senators facing difficult reelection campaigns voted with Democrats to stop the Justice Department from creating a fund to prevent "weaponization," a plan proposed by President Donald Trump. The amendment they supported failed narrowly by one vote.
Key Facts
Three Republicans—Susan Collins, Dan Sullivan, and Jon Husted—voted with Democrats on an amendment.
The amendment aimed to block the Justice Department from making an "anti-weaponization" fund.
This fund was originally proposed by President Donald Trump.
The amendment was narrowly defeated, with a 49-50 vote.
The three Republican senators are in tough races this fall.
The vote took place in the U.S. Senate.
The exact purpose of the "anti-weaponization" fund relates to preventing misuse of government resources.
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Senators Bill Cassidy and Cory Booker asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration’s plan to use nearly $1.8 billion in an “anti-weaponization” fund. They joined a legal challenge against the payouts, even as the administration is stepping back from the plan.
Key Facts
The fund is called the “anti-weaponization” fund.
It involves nearly $1.8 billion.
Senators Bill Cassidy (Republican from Louisiana) and Cory Booker (Democrat from New Jersey) oppose the fund.
They asked a federal judge to block the fund’s use.
The Trump administration is reducing its support for the fund.
The senators say the fund threatens the constitutional order and authority.
This legal challenge focuses on the payment of the funds.
The issue is part of a current debate in U.S. government policy.
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The Kennedy Center has been ordered by a federal judge to remove President Donald Trump's name from the building and official materials by June 12. This follows a lawsuit that challenged the name change and the center’s planned two-year closure for renovations.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled that President Trump’s name must be removed from the Kennedy Center’s title and signage.
The ruling came after Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty sued over changing the center’s name and planned closure.
Staff were told to immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and documents to use the original name.
Exterior and interior signs must be changed back by June 12.
The Kennedy Center board previously added President Trump's name without congressional approval.
The center is considering whether to stay open during a $257 million renovation scheduled to start July 5.
The judge acknowledged the need for renovations but said the board must follow legal rules before making closure decisions.
Some artists canceled performances after the name change was announced, and the National Symphony Orchestra’s director left the center.
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The U.S. Interior Department announced it will spend $5.1 million to regild four gold-plated statues near the Lincoln Memorial. These statues, called Arts of War and Arts of Peace, were gifts from Italy about 75 years ago and will have their gold layer restored.
Key Facts
The project involves regilding four equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial.
The statues are named Arts of War and Arts of Peace.
Italy gifted the statues to the U.S. roughly 75 years ago.
The restoration will include applying new gold leaf to the statues.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.1 million.
The work is managed by the Interior Department.
The statues are located close to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The restoration aims to preserve the statues' appearance and protect them from damage.
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President Donald Trump announced over $700 million in federal funding to upgrade and build coal power plants in the United States, including support for exports. Experts say there is no such thing as “clean coal” because burning coal produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and causes pollution harmful to health and the environment.
Key Facts
The Trump administration plans to spend $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal plants and $75 million on a coal export terminal in California.
An additional $185 million will fund two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart one in Maryland.
The Defense Production Act of 1950 is being used to allocate these funds.
Experts and government data show coal is a major source of carbon dioxide, a gas that causes global warming.
Coal burning also produces pollution that harms lungs, causes acid rain, and damages the environment.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology tries to reduce emissions but is expensive and not commonly used on coal plants in the U.S.
In 2022, coal caused more than half of carbon dioxide emissions from U.S. power plants.
Many coal plants are old and costly to run compared to cheaper renewable energy sources.
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The article discusses how President Donald Trump’s image and name have become very visible in government buildings and projects, similar to what is often seen in authoritarian regimes. It also notes public disapproval of naming government places after him while he is still in office.
Key Facts
Authoritarian leaders often have their images and statues widely displayed to show power.
Unlike past U.S. leaders, President Trump is pushing for his face to be on a $250 bill and his signature on new $100 bills.
Large banners of President Trump have appeared on government buildings such as the departments of justice, labor, and agriculture.
He reportedly suggested renaming major transportation hubs like Dulles airport and Penn station after himself.
A judge recently ordered his name removed from the Kennedy Center, citing lack of congressional approval.
Public opinion polls show most Americans oppose naming government sites after President Trump while he is president.
Some researchers say constant display of leaders’ images might not increase support and can backfire by reducing trust.
President Trump’s focus on self-promotion comes as many voters feel he is not addressing their problems adequately.
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President Trump spoke at the White House about new efforts to support coal power. The administration is investing $700 million and plans to give $185 million in grants to build two coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
Key Facts
President Trump gave remarks from the White House about coal power.
The government is investing $700 million to support the coal industry.
The Energy Department will provide $185 million in grant funding.
The grants will help build two coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
The plan includes restarting some coal power projects.
The announcements are part of the administration’s energy policy.
The focus is on increasing coal production and supporting coal jobs.
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The Trump administration stopped $3 million in federal funding to Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit because the unit did not secure any indictments or convictions in four years. The Department of Health and Human Services said it would not approve the state’s fraud unit for continued funding.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration cut $3 million in funding to Hawaii’s Medicaid fraud unit.
The cut happened because the unit failed to get any indictments or convictions in four years.
The Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to Hawaii’s Attorney General Anne Lopez.
The department said it would not recertify Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Medicaid Fraud Control Units investigate and prosecute fraud and abuse in Medicaid programs.
This decision affects Hawaii’s ability to investigate Medicaid-related crimes with federal support.
The letter came from the agency’s Inspector General, March Bell.
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Senate Republicans voted against a proposal to stop the Department of Justice from creating a $1.8 billion fund aimed at addressing threats linked to supporters of President Donald Trump. The acting Attorney General said the administration planned to cancel the fund, but Republicans still blocked the amendment.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, proposed an amendment to ban a $1.8 billion DOJ fund targeting threats related to MAGA supporters.
The amendment aimed to prevent the DOJ from setting up this "anti-weaponization" fund.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the administration planned to drop the fund proposal.
Senate Republicans voted to defeat the amendment, blocking the ban on the fund.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) was notably involved in the vote against the amendment.
The fund was part of efforts to address certain security concerns related to political supporters of President Trump.
The vote reflects ongoing political debate over government actions concerning the former president’s allies.
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President Donald Trump announced that he will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals next week. He accepted the invitation from James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks. The game will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will attend the NBA Finals Game 3.
The game is scheduled for next week.
The event will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Trump was invited by James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks.
This event marks a presidential appearance at a major basketball game.
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Four people, including two Ohio state workers, were charged with a $30 million fraud scheme involving Medicaid payments for children's behavioral health services that were never provided. Authorities seized 14 luxury cars linked to the case as part of their investigation.
Key Facts
Two Ohio state employees and two others were indicted for Medicaid billing fraud.
The fraud involved $30 million related to children's behavioral health services.
The services billed were not actually provided to children.
Federal law enforcement is leading the investigation.
Investigators seized 14 luxury vehicles, including brands like Maserati, Mercedes, Bentley, and McLaren.
The case highlights issues in Medicaid, a US government program that helps pay for health care for low-income individuals.
The news was reported by CBS News with information from the Justice Department.
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President Donald Trump supports the Protect College Sports Act, a new law proposed in the U.S. Senate. The law aims to regulate the college sports industry, which Trump described as disorganized.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the Protect College Sports Act.
The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate this week.
The law seeks to regulate how college sports operate as a business.
Trump said the college sports system is currently a “total mess.”
He stated that many people agree the system needs to be fixed.
Trump shared his support for the bill on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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