Good evening, everyone. In relative terms, today was a slower news day for 2026, but there were still major developments. Inflation and consumer prices continue to surge while wages remain largely stagnant, putting even more pressure on working Americans. At the same time, FBI Director Kash Patel is facing fresh scrutiny over reports that he took a VIP snorkeling trip at Pearl Harbor while on official business. The Supreme Court also ruled that mifepristone can continue to be distributed through the mail, at least for now. And, as always, there is much more unfolding beneath the surface.
Tonight, I’ll be staying up late to follow the second day of the Trump-China summit and will keep you updated if any major developments emerge.
I had two experiences today that genuinely reminded me why this work matters. At my local UPS store, the person at the register told me he reads this newsletter and that it is now the main reason he feels informed about the news cycle. Later, while crossing the street, a police officer stopped to thank me for keeping him, his family, and his friends informed. Moments like that stay with me.
I truly look forward to the day when we are no longer trapped in this relentless news cycle. Not because of politics, but because I know how emotionally draining and exhausting it has become for so many of you. I read your messages. I know some of you have even unsubscribed because it all feels overwhelming. But I also know this community is making a difference, I see it every day. And, we are reaching millions in the process without any billionaire support.
Here’s the news:
Inflation in the U.S. rose to 3.8% in April, the highest rate in nearly three years, driven largely by soaring energy costs linked to the war with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Rising prices are now outpacing wage growth for the first time since 2023, increasing pressure on consumers already struggling with affordability. Energy prices, including gasoline and jet fuel, have fueled higher costs for groceries, airfare, and shipping, while economists warn supply chain disruptions could continue affecting prices into 2027. Some categories such as new vehicles and medical care saw slight price declines, but analysts say inflation may worsen before improving.
U.S. grocery prices rose 0.7% in April, marking the largest monthly increase in nearly four years, as the economic effects of the Iran war pushed up food and energy costs. Fresh vegetable prices surged more than 44% on an annualized basis over the past three months, while coffee and beef prices also climbed sharply due to supply shortages, fuel costs, and global demand pressures. Economists warned that rising food prices are hitting lower- and middle-income households hardest, especially as inflation now exceeds wage growth. Analysts also noted a growing “K-shaped” economy, where wealthier Americans continue spending while lower-income consumers cut back on discretionary purchases.
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that access to the abortion pill mifepristone through telehealth appointments and mail delivery can continue for now while legal challenges proceed in lower courts. The decision temporarily blocks a lower court ruling that would have required patients to obtain the medication through in-person visits. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, arguing the court should not protect access to the drug. The case will continue in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and could eventually return to the Supreme Court.
An Associated Press investigation revealed that Kash Patel took part in a “VIP snorkel” excursion near the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor during an official trip to Hawaii, a detail the FBI did not publicly disclose. The outing has drawn criticism because snorkeling and diving near the memorial, the resting place of more than 900 sailors and Marines killed in the 1941 attack, is typically highly restricted. Critics say the excursion reflects a broader pattern of Patel mixing official travel with leisure activities, while the FBI and military officials defended the visit as part of his national security engagements. The report also noted that Patel’s Hawaii stop included additional undisclosed travel days and followed earlier controversies involving his use of government resources.
Trump Mobile is facing backlash from supporters after confusion and delays surrounding delivery of its T-1 smartphone. The company, launched by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, reportedly collected nearly 600,000 customer deposits for the device, which buyers were initially told would arrive in August. The controversy grew after the company announced phones would instead begin shipping this week, sparking complaints and distrust among some MAGA supporters who felt misled.
Jared Kushner is reportedly facing frustration from Gulf state investors who poured hundreds of millions into his firm, Affinity Partners, hoping to gain influence with the Trump administration and strong investment returns. Officials in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are unhappy with the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war and feel their security concerns were not adequately considered despite their financial ties to Kushner. Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest because Kushner has also acted as an informal diplomatic adviser on Middle East issues. Kushner and the White House denied any improper connection between his business dealings and his diplomatic role, saying his work has been focused solely on U.S. interests.
Robert Garcia and other House Oversight Democrats are demanding the resignation of Howard Lutnick over his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats accuse Lutnick of misleading the public about when he cut off contact with Epstein after records showed he attended events with him years after claiming to have distanced himself. The controversy centers on revelations that Lutnick attended a 2011 event at Epstein’s Manhattan home and that his family had lunch with Epstein on his private island in 2012, after Epstein’s criminal conviction. In a letter, Democratic lawmakers said Lutnick’s alleged lack of candor makes him unfit to continue serving as commerce secretary and urged either his resignation or dismissal by Donald Trump.
Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping offered to help broker a deal with Iran during talks between the two leaders in Beijing. According to Trump, Xi said he wanted to help ease tensions and keep the Strait of Hormuz open, an important global oil shipping route. Trump also said Xi assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran, calling it a “big statement.” At the same time, Trump acknowledged China’s strong economic ties to Iran through its large purchases of Iranian oil.
A House resolution directing Donald Trump to end U.S. military involvement in Iran failed by a single vote after Republican leadership kept voting open long enough to force a 212-212 tie. Three Republicans, including Thomas Massie, joined Democrats in supporting the measure, while Republican Warren Davidson switched his vote to oppose it, helping block passage. Jared Golden was the only Democrat to vote against the resolution, arguing its 30-day withdrawal deadline was no longer meaningful given the length of the conflict. Golden said he would instead support a separate “clean” war powers resolution expected to come before the House next week.
According to NBC News, Chinese state-controlled companies have reportedly discussed secretly selling weapons to Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter. The alleged plan involved routing shipments through third-party countries to hide their Chinese origin, though it remains unclear whether any weapons were ultimately delivered. The report surfaced as President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the Iran conflict was expected to be a major topic of discussion. China has previously provided Iran with satellite imagery capabilities, leading the Trump administration to sanction several Chinese entities accused of supporting Iranian military operations.
Donald Trump’s administration is repealing a Biden-era rule that allowed federal public lands to be leased for conservation and ecosystem restoration, affecting roughly 245 million acres across the western U.S. The rollback shifts policy back toward prioritizing oil and gas drilling, mining, logging, and grazing on public lands. Industry groups and Republican-led states praised the decision as a boost for energy production and economic development, while environmental organizations warned it would increase habitat destruction, pollution, and climate-related risks like wildfires and droughts. The repeal comes as the Senate advances the nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the Bureau of Land Management.
Hundreds of students at Watertown High School walked out of class to protest a school board decision banning the school’s Wind Symphony from performing “A Mother of A Revolution!” at an upcoming concert. The instrumental piece has ties to the Stonewall movement and a transgender activist, and the board voted 7-1 to prohibit its performance. Students said they were angry and disappointed after months of preparation for the concert, with many arguing the decision unfairly targeted the band and LGBTQ+-related expression.
J.D. Vance criticized Janet Mills during a speech in Maine, accusing her administration of failing to address fraud and urging voters to remove her from office. During the event, an audience member shouted “Send ’em to Gitmo,” referring to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. Vance responded jokingly that he “kind of like[d] sending the fraudsters to Gitmo” and added that such people needed to be removed from the country. The remarks drew attention because Guantanamo Bay is primarily associated with terrorism detainees and national security cases.
Divers performing routine repairs at the Converse Reservoir dam in Mobile, Alabama discovered a hidden grenade-style explosive device underwater, prompting an emergency response from multiple law enforcement agencies. The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) said the device posed an “unprecedented threat” to the region’s drinking water supply and public safety. Specialized bomb squads and rescue teams successfully retrieved and detonated the device without incident, and the Department of Homeland Security was notified. MAWSS said it will work with law enforcement to strengthen security around the reservoir going forward.
Kirsten Gillibrand clashed with Scott Turner during a tense exchange in which she repeatedly pressed him to discuss his own record instead of criticizing the Biden administration. Turner attempted several times to reference the Biden administration in his response, prompting Gillibrand to interrupt and demand that he answer questions about his personal accomplishments and qualifications. The exchange ended with Gillibrand expressing visible frustration after Turner again pivoted back to Biden.
Pete Hegseth reportedly shocked Pentagon officials and European allies by abruptly canceling a planned deployment of 4,000 U.S. troops to Poland, despite troops and equipment already beginning to move. The decision raised concerns within NATO that the U.S. may be reducing its military commitment to Europe at a time of heightened tensions with Russia. Officials said the cancellation was especially surprising because Poland is viewed by the Trump administration as a strong ally with high defense spending. Critics warned the move could weaken deterrence against Russia and create uncertainty among European partners about future U.S. support.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly met with Cuban Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas and Cuban intelligence officials to discuss economic and security matters, according to journalist Barak Ravid citing a CIA official. The report said the talks focused on the possibility of greater cooperation between the United States and Cuba. However, the CIA reportedly made clear that improved relations would depend on Cuba taking stronger action to prevent countries such as Russia and China from using the island to project influence or conduct activities against U.S. interests.
A new undercover video from an activist group alleges widespread animal cruelty and unsafe practices at a Cooke Aquaculture salmon hatchery in Maine, including fish being beaten, kicked, and cut while still alive. The investigation comes as the Trump administration pushes to rapidly expand U.S. fish farming through deregulation and increased domestic seafood production. Animal welfare advocates and environmental critics warn that large-scale aquaculture can lead to pollution, disease spread, fish escapes, and inhumane treatment of animals. Maine regulators and a third-party certification body have opened investigations into the allegations against the facility.
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a measure to withhold senators’ pay during future federal government shutdowns. The resolution, introduced by John Kennedy, passed by voice vote and is set to take effect after the 2026 midterm elections. Because it concerns Senate compensation rules, the measure does not require approval from the House or the president to take effect.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said she plans to return to Congress next week after missing about a month of House votes while recovering from a medical procedure. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed that Wilson, 83, is expected back soon. Her absence drew attention alongside that of Tom Kean Jr., who has not voted since March due to what his office described as a personal health matter. Neither office has released detailed information about their conditions.
The House Ethics Committee announced it is investigating allegations that Chuck Edwards fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment. Edwards denied wrongdoing, saying he welcomes the investigation and believes it will disprove what he called “politically motivated fiction.” Previous reports alleged Edwards had an improper relationship with staff and engaged in misconduct, though the inquiry is still in an early and less formal stage. The investigation comes amid growing pressure on Congress to respond more transparently and aggressively to allegations of workplace sexual misconduct.
See you soon.
— Aaron
