Lawyers for George Floyd’s family want a public apology after the Minnesota Republican Party held a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of killing Floyd. This moment took place at a recent Minnesota GOP convention.
Key Facts
George Floyd was killed in 2020 by Derek Chauvin, a police officer.
Derek Chauvin was convicted for Floyd’s murder.
The Minnesota Republican Party held a moment of silence for Chauvin at their state convention in Duluth.
Lawyers for Floyd’s family called for a public apology from the Minnesota GOP.
The event occurred in the presence of GOP state delegates.
The moment of silence has caused controversy and strong reactions.
The GOP is the Republican Party in Minnesota.
The issue relates to ongoing discussions about policing and justice in the United States.
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Jewish professors at Columbia University have filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. They say they faced antisemitism while supporting protests for Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict and claim the university took sides in the situation unfairly.
Key Facts
The complaint was filed by Jewish professors at Columbia University.
It relates to antisemitism they experienced during Gaza-related protests.
The protests were in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The professors accuse Columbia University of taking one side in the conflict.
They claim the university punished them because of their views.
The complaint was filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The issue involves free speech and discrimination concerns on campus.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is advancing to a November runoff election as she seeks a second term. She faces challengers from different political backgrounds and is focused on continuing her work for the city.
Key Facts
Karen Bass is the current mayor of Los Angeles.
She is running for a second term in office.
Bass’s first term included managing the city’s worst wildfire and ongoing homelessness issues.
She advanced to the runoff election held in November.
The other candidate to advance to the runoff has not yet been confirmed due to vote counting continuing after Election Day.
California law allows late mail and drop-off ballots to be counted after Election Day, which can change results.
Bass expressed gratitude to her supporters and commitment to continue serving Los Angeles.
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More than half of new green cards in recent years were given to immigrants already living in the United States. A new policy from President Donald Trump’s administration may require more green card applicants to return to their home countries for processing, which could change how many people get their green cards inside the U.S.
Key Facts
In fiscal year 2024, about 1.36 million green cards were issued in total.
Around 58% of these green cards went to immigrants already living in the U.S., often family members of U.S. citizens or work visa holders.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) more power to require applicants to get green cards through consular processing abroad.
This change could affect hundreds of thousands of people who usually adjust their status while inside the U.S.
There is confusion among lawyers and applicants because DHS has not clearly explained how the new policy will work in practice.
USCIS officers have varied in how they handle applications, causing uncertainty for immigrants and their lawyers.
Asylum seekers and refugees almost always receive green cards without leaving the U.S., while family-sponsored and diversity lottery immigrants mostly get theirs outside the U.S.
The policy shift mainly impacts people on work visas and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
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President Donald Trump compared the temporary Eiffel Tower in Paris, which was never taken down, to the UFC octagon built on the White House South Lawn for a June 14 fight event. He suggested that the UFC structure might also stay for a long time.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump posted a video on his TikTok account discussing the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower was initially built as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair in Paris.
The tower was kept longer than planned because people liked it, and it was never taken down.
A UFC octagon is set up on the South Lawn of the White House for a fight on June 14.
The fight event celebrates America's 250th anniversary.
President Trump said the UFC structure is attractive and joked it might stay permanently.
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U.S. Representative Andy Ogles posted and then deleted a statement on social media saying “homosexuality has no place in America.” Republican leaders House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator Ted Cruz disagreed with Ogles’ post and called for respect and dignity for all people. Both leaders have opposed some LGBTQ+ protections in the past but emphasized treating everyone with respect.
Key Facts
Andy Ogles tweeted that “homosexuality has no place in America” but later deleted the post.
Senator Ted Cruz said homosexuals have always been part of humanity and that consenting adults’ behavior is their own business.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said people should love their neighbors and treat everyone with dignity and respect, based on biblical and American values.
Johnson said Ogles explained the post was made by a communications staffer and removed it publicly.
The Log Cabin Republicans, a group representing LGBT conservatives, strongly criticized Ogles’ post as bigoted.
Other Republicans, including Representative Mike Lawler, spoke out against Ogles’ statement, noting that many Americans and Republicans disagree with him.
Ogles said the post was made by a staff member and called it “stupid” and “hurtful,” apologizing for the distraction it caused.
Both Johnson and Cruz have a history of opposing some LGBTQ+ protections despite their recent comments supporting respect.
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A suspect held 10 people hostage at a bank in Southern California. After a standoff lasting several hours, all hostages were rescued safely, and the suspect died.
Key Facts
The hostage situation took place at a bank in Southern California.
Ten people were held hostage by the suspect.
The standoff lasted for several hours.
Police intervened and ended the situation.
All hostages were rescued without injury.
The suspect died during the incident.
Authorities are investigating the details surrounding the event.
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Senate Republicans have dropped their plan to spend $1 billion on security for President Donald Trump’s new White House ballroom. This change came after it became clear that including the money could risk long-term funding for immigration enforcement, a key issue in the ongoing budget talks.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans originally wanted $1 billion for security improvements at President Trump’s new ballroom.
This funding was part of a larger $70 billion immigration enforcement spending bill.
The Senate parliamentarian ruled the ballroom money didn’t follow the budget rules needed to avoid a Democratic filibuster.
Democrats strongly opposed the ballroom funding and fought to remove it from the bill.
Republicans faced pressure to pass the immigration funding before the June 1 deadline set by President Trump.
The revised bill now includes $13 billion for Customs and Border Protection and $31 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Democrats plan to continue opposing Trump’s immigration policies through amendment votes.
The White House said the ballroom’s $400 million cost will be paid by private donors, but government security funding was still requested.
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The primary election for California governor was still undecided early Wednesday. Three main candidates—Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton—were preparing for the November election while sharing their plans for the state.
Key Facts
The election is for governor of California, the most populous U.S. state.
The primary results were not finalized early Wednesday.
Three leading candidates emerged: two Democrats, Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and one Republican, Steve Hilton.
Voters were choosing between experience (Becerra) and promises of big changes (Steyer and Hilton).
The governor will lead California, a state with one of the largest economies in the world.
The candidates were already talking about their goals for the general election in November.
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A conservative think tank says that about a quarter of people who signed up for health insurance through ObamaCare exchanges did so improperly. They claim over 6 million enrollments were improper in 2026, leading to nearly $25 billion in incorrect taxpayer subsidies.
Key Facts
The Paragon Health Institute, a conservative think tank, released the report.
It claims about 25% of ObamaCare exchange enrollments were not proper.
More than 6 million people were allegedly enrolled improperly in 2026.
The report estimates nearly $25 billion in taxpayer money was wrongly used to support these enrollments.
These findings support previous claims from President Trump and other Republican lawmakers about fraud in ObamaCare exchanges.
The Affordable Care Act (also called ObamaCare) provides health insurance through exchanges, with subsidies to help pay costs.
Improper enrollments could mean people got benefits they were not eligible for.
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President Donald Trump signed an order that makes it easier to fire about 8,000 high-paid federal workers who influence government policy. The order removes some job protections to allow the administration to dismiss employees seen as unwilling to follow lawful orders.
Key Facts
The executive order affects around 8,000 federal employees earning up to nearly $200,000 a year.
These employees mostly hold senior positions and are considered to influence government policy.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) says workers must carry out lawful orders and policy directives.
More than 348,000 federal employees have left government jobs since October 2024.
The order is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to change how federal workers are managed.
Trump previously tried a similar approach called "schedule F," but it was undone by President Biden’s administration.
Labor unions warn this could lead to firing workers for political reasons rather than job performance.
There is a lawsuit challenging the removal of job protections for federal workers, which was paused while the Trump administration finalized the new rules.
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Businessman Zach Lahn won the Republican primary for Iowa governor, defeating President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra. Lahn’s victory shows some division in Trump’s support in Iowa and highlights the influence of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Key Facts
Zach Lahn is a businessman who won the Republican primary for Iowa governor.
Lahn beat Rep. Randy Feenstra, who was President Trump’s choice.
The win is a rare loss for President Trump in a primary election this season.
Lahn supports regenerative farming, which focuses on improving soil and the environment.
The Make America Healthy Again movement backed Lahn and opposes large agricultural corporations.
Lahn wants to break up big agricultural companies and help Iowa farmers get better deals.
The result may encourage Democrats who want to win the governor’s office in Iowa this year.
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Senator Ruben Gallego has taken steps to challenge a recent immigration policy change by President Donald Trump’s administration that limits green card approvals for people already in the U.S. The policy would require many applicants to leave the country to finish their green card process, which raised concerns about family separation and delays.
Key Facts
Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, sent a letter to challenge the Trump administration’s new immigration policy on green cards.
The policy, introduced in May, restricts approval of green card applications filed inside the U.S. except in "extraordinary" cases.
This change could force many green card applicants to leave the U.S. and apply from abroad, potentially causing delays and family separation.
Gallego asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review if this policy counts as a formal rule, which would let Congress try to repeal it.
The Trump administration says the policy closes a loophole and restores the intended immigration process.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later said the policy was a reminder of officers’ authority and reassured immigrants not breaking laws.
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups warn the policy could harm legal immigrants and their families and disrupt established green card processes.
Adjustment of status (applying for a green card from inside the U.S.) has been the main way many people get permanent residency for many years.
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Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy helicopter pilot, won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. She will run against Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from Congress for months due to illness.
Key Facts
Rebecca Bennett won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 7th District.
The district is a competitive area including bedroom communities, farm towns, and President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster.
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has been absent since early March due to an unspecified illness.
Bennett criticized Kean for voting for Trump’s tax law and not opposing cuts to funding for a New Jersey-New York rail tunnel.
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. and residents are concerned about rising costs for groceries and gas.
Bennett highlighted her Navy experience and affordability concerns, emphasizing she drives a simple car and is a working mother.
Voters have removed two incumbents in this district in recent midterm elections, showing it can be competitive.
Democrats see this district as important for gaining control of the narrowly divided U.S. House of Representatives.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not answer when asked if President Donald Trump and his family still have protection from IRS audits. This came after the government stopped plans for a $1.776 billion fund meant to help Trump’s allies. Bessent said he could not speak on ongoing legal matters during a Senate hearing.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refused to say if Trump and his family remain immune from IRS audits.
The administration dropped plans for a $1.776 billion compensation fund benefiting Trump’s allies.
Bessent spoke at a Senate Finance Committee hearing focused on the Treasury Department budget.
Bessent cited ongoing litigation as the reason for not commenting.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested that the part of the settlement linked to IRS audit immunity might still apply to President Trump.
Democratic lawmakers were seeking clear answers about the audit immunity during the hearing.
The hearing took place after Congress pushed back on the proposed fund.
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President Donald Trump chose Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, but some Republicans question Pulte’s background in national security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a heated argument with Pulte in 2025 but denied threatening to punch him, saying instead he threatened to "kick his a**."
Key Facts
Bill Pulte was appointed acting Director of National Intelligence by President Trump.
Pulte does not have a background in national security.
He previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Pulte oversaw mortgage fraud investigations against some of Trump’s political opponents.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had a verbal conflict with Pulte in 2025 but denied threatening physical violence.
Republican senators, including Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell, have expressed doubts about Pulte’s qualifications.
Pulte will serve as acting director while still managing the FHFA.
The FHFA oversees major mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
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The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that could stop military action against Iran. Some Republicans may join Democrats in opposing the war, which has been ongoing for three months and has caused political debate.
Key Facts
The House is voting on a bill to end U.S. military involvement in Iran.
The war has lasted for three months and affected politics in the U.S. and internationally.
Some Republicans are willing to join Democrats to stop the war.
House Speaker Mike Johnson previously stopped a similar vote to avoid showing opposition to the war.
Political leaders are expressing frustration with how the war and peace talks are being handled.
President Donald Trump has been involved in peace negotiations with Iran and Israel.
The conflict has increased political tension within the U.S. government.
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The Senate voted 53-46 to begin debate on a bill that funds immigration enforcement agencies. The vote came after Republicans delayed the process because they opposed the White House’s proposed $1.8 billion fund aimed at preventing the misuse of weapons.
Key Facts
The Senate vote was 53 in favor and 46 against.
The bill provides money for immigration enforcement agencies.
Republicans opposed a $1.8 billion White House fund called the “anti-weaponization fund.”
The vote starts several hours of debate in the Senate.
Lawmakers will vote on many amendments before the bill is finalized later this week.
This bill had been delayed for weeks due to disagreements.
The “anti-weaponization fund” is designed to stop people from misusing weapons.
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Hunter Biden denied leaving a bag of cocaine at the White House in 2023 while President Joe Biden was in office. He made this denial in a video posted on the social media site X.
Key Facts
The incident involves a claim that cocaine was found at the White House in 2023.
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was accused of leaving the cocaine there.
Hunter Biden has publicly struggled with substance abuse in the past.
He used the social media platform X to make a video statement.
In the video, he said the cocaine did not belong to him.
The video was posted during a time when he was marking seven years of something related to his life or recovery.
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Several AI policy groups have asked U.S. lawmakers to include rules in the annual defense bill that limit the military’s use of lethal autonomous weapons. These groups want protections added to the National Defense Authorization Act to control how the military may deploy such weapons.
Key Facts
AI policy groups sent a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
The groups involved are Americans for Responsible Innovation, Alliance for Secure AI, and The AI Policy Network.
They want to add guardrails to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The guardrails would regulate lethal autonomous weapons used by the military.
Lethal autonomous weapons are systems that can select and attack targets without human control.
The request focuses on ensuring responsible use of AI in military defense projects.
This effort is part of the annual defense policy bill process.
The goal is to promote safety and ethical use of emerging military technologies.
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