Good afternoon, I’m sending this update earlier than usual because I want you to be among the first to know: The United States Supreme Court has just cleared the way for the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education. This is a historic and deeply consequential decision—one that will shape our education system and broader policy landscape for years to come.
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Depending on how the news develops, I may have another update for you later this evening.
Here’s the news:
In a 6-3 decision with liberal justices dissenting, the Supreme Court granted President Trump’s request to fire Education Department employees as his administration moves to dismantle the agency, prompting a legal showdown with Democratic-led states; Justice Sotomayor dissented, writing, “The President must take care that the laws are faithfully executed, not set out to dismantle them.”
xAI announces that the Department of Defense will begin using Grok under a newly awarded contract with Musk’s company, which has a $200 million ceiling.
More than 20 states have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing over $6 billion in education funding—covering after-school, summer programs, English-language learning, teacher training, adult literacy, and more—a move they say violates the Constitution, the Impoundment Control Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
The White House and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are urging Republican-led states to replicate Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” — a remote immigrant detention facility deep in the Everglades. States from Georgia to South Carolina are exploring or advancing similar plans, with Georgia preparing the largest immigrant detention center in the nation and Arkansas constructing a new 3,000-bed prison. Some GOP figures, like Rep. Nancy Mace, have openly embraced the idea, calling for their own state versions.
Jeffries on Epstein: “The American people deserve to know the truth. What, if anything, is the Trump administration and the DOJ hiding? What are you hiding? If you are not hiding anything, prove that to the American people.”
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk said he’s “done talking about Epstein for the time being,” adding, “I’m going to trust my friends in the administration… to do what needs to be done.” He voiced support for figures like Kash Patel, Dan Bongino, Pam Bondi, and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, while calling on the DOJ to unseal grand jury testimony, calling it “a big win.” His comments follow DOJ and FBI claims that Epstein had no client list and died by suicide—a conclusion that’s angered many in the MAGA movement.
Andrew Cuomo will continue his campaign for NYC mayor as an independent, despite losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani.
Trump announced a presidential ultimatum, warning that he will impose “very severe” — roughly 100% — secondary tariffs on Russian exports and on any country trading with Russia if a ceasefire or peace agreement with Ukraine isn’t reached within 50 days. The threat, delivered alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, coincides with a NATO-facilitated weapons deal for Ukraine that includes Patriot missile systems being provided by European allies
Amid a national wave of deportations, Minnesotan adoptee Astrid-Ira McCarthy discovered she lacked proof of U.S. citizenship—despite being adopted from India in 1989 and raised in Minnesota. After months of stress, confusion, and fear, including concerns about interactions with law enforcement, McCarthy finally obtained a replacement certificate of citizenship. Her case highlights the risks faced by adoptees unaware of documentation gaps, and the importance of verifying status under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
Over the weekend, hackers took control of the official X account of Elmo, using it to post racist and antisemitic threats as well as profane references to Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesperson for Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, confirmed the account was compromised and that they are working to fully restore access. The offensive posts, which shocked Elmo’s 650,000 followers, were quickly deleted, though the account still links to a Telegram channel where a user has claimed responsibility.
A new analysis finds that President Trump’s recently signed “big, beautiful bill” slashing support for renewable energy could raise household electricity bills by over $600 annually in some Republican-leaning states. The legislation is expected to drive up rates by as much as 18% by 2035, disproportionately impacting families already struggling amid rising summer temperatures and a deepening climate crisis.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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