Good afternoon, everyone. We have a lot to cover today. Mike Johnson is facing intense backlash after confirming that Republicans are once again targeting retirement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These are not handouts. They are benefits Americans paid into over a lifetime of work and were promised they would receive in retirement. Johnson may call them “entitlements,” but Americans know them as the benefits they earned.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s approval rating is collapsing, and there are growing signs that the White House is deeply concerned about whether it can reverse the trend before November. Trump is now claiming Iran shot down a U.S. military helicopter while simultaneously insisting it is “not a big deal.” But, in the past 10 minutes, massive strikes across Iran have begun.
Tonight, we are also learning that Bari Weiss may soon be installed in a role overseeing CNN’s editorial process if Paramount’s takeover moves forward. Yes, seriously. First CBS. Now potentially CNN. This should alarm anyone who cares about independent journalism and a free press.
At the same time, the White House is escalating its attacks on independent journalists, creators, and media outlets that refuse to fall in line. If you are able, please subscribe or upgrade your membership today. Your support has never been more important. It allows this work to continue, keeps this platform independent, and helps ensure that we can keep reporting the stories others would rather ignore.
Here’s the news:
Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire for confirming that Republicans, once again, plan to cut Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare funding:
This afternoon, Donald Trump’s approval rating is in “free fall” with the White House actively concerned the current trend could lead to major victories for Democrats in the midterm elections this November:
Trump said Iran shot down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter while it was patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz and stated that the United States would respond. The helicopter’s two crew members were rescued by an unmanned U.S. Navy drone boat off the coast of Oman and suffered only minor injuries. U.S. officials said preliminary evidence suggests the aircraft may have been brought down by an Iranian drone, while Iran did not directly acknowledge responsibility. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, even as Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching a broader agreement that could reopen the strategically important shipping route.
Trump told the Wall Street Journal that the shooting of the helicopter was not a big deal:
Despite this, Trump said the United States and Iran are close to reaching a deal that could end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. This is the 38th time:
Meanwhile, Israel launched new airstrikes in southern Lebanon, including the city of Tyre, raising concerns that fighting could escalate again. Iran warned that any further attacks would trigger a much stronger response, while Israel said it was targeting Hezbollah-related threats in the area. The article highlights the gap between ongoing diplomatic efforts and continued military actions that risk undermining a broader peace agreement.
Shortly after Iranian media reported explosions near the strategic port city of Sirik, U.S. Central Command announced that American forces had begun what it described as "self-defense" strikes against Iran at President Trump's direction. The strikes come after Trump accused Iran of shooting down a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz and vowed a response. CENTCOM said the operation was launched in retaliation for the helicopter incident, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. Additional details on targets, damage, and potential casualties have not yet been released.
Vice President JD Vance said that a deal with Iran can come in the next week or in “months from now.”
Epstein testimony today:
Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime executive secretary, Lesley Groff, told the House Oversight Committee that Epstein was a “master manipulator” and claimed she was unaware of his sexual abuse and trafficking activities during the 18 years she worked for him. She testified that she scheduled massage appointments and travel at Epstein’s direction but believed the appointments were legitimate and said she never witnessed or knew of any abuse.
The testimony is part of a congressional investigation into Epstein and his associates. Groff acknowledged that she was listed as a potential co-conspirator in Epstein’s 2007 non-prosecution agreement but said she did not know about that designation at the time and described it as a “scarlet letter” she still carries.
Her account conflicts with allegations from some Epstein victims, including one who told investigators it was “pretty obvious” Groff knew what was happening and another who described Groff as the key intermediary connecting young women to Epstein. Despite those allegations, federal prosecutors informed Groff in 2021 that she would not face criminal charges after a multi-year investigation.
Bill Gates is set to testify privately tomorrow before the House Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and has reportedly hired Jake Greenberg, the committee’s former chief investigations counsel, to help prepare him. The arrangement has drawn scrutiny from ethics experts because Greenberg recently led parts of the same committee’s investigative work, though experts say it does not necessarily violate congressional ethics rules. Lawmakers want to question Gates about his relationship with Epstein, including multiple meetings and contacts between Epstein and Gates’s advisers that continued until 2019. Gates has acknowledged that his association with Epstein was a mistake, and his foundation has launched an outside review of its past ties to the disgraced sex offender.
Other news:
After facing significant boos in New York, Donald Trump is not expected to attend Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden because of scheduling conflicts, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. His appearance at Game 3 made him the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, but it also triggered heightened security measures, including extensive screenings and the cancellation of an outdoor watch party. Trump was loudly booed by parts of the crowd during the game, drawing significant attention. With Trump absent for Game 4, Madison Square Garden is expected to return to normal operations, including reinstating the outdoor fan watch party.
A Moroccan supporters’ organization says that at least 40 members were denied U.S. visas for the 2026 World Cup despite extensive travel histories and previous attendance at major international tournaments. Many fans had already spent significant amounts on match tickets, hotels, and travel arrangements, leaving them with substantial financial losses.
Another major Moroccan fan group reported similar rejection rates, with only six of nearly 50 coordinators receiving visas, potentially limiting organized fan support at the tournament. The affected supporters are calling on FIFA and Moroccan authorities to intervene, arguing that the visa denials could prevent one of world football’s most visible and celebrated fanbases from attending the World Cup. Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States after independence in 1777. Nearly 250 years later, it’s unfortunate to see Moroccan World Cup fans struggling to obtain visas to attend a tournament hosted in part by the U.S., especially given the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.
According to CNN, Social Security’s retirement trust fund is now projected to run out in late 2032, one quarter sooner than previously expected, at which point incoming revenue would cover only about 78% of promised benefits unless Congress acts. The combined Social Security retirement and disability trust funds are still projected to remain solvent until 2034, while Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund is expected to be depleted in 2033. Trustees attributed the worsening outlook partly to lower projected tax revenue, demographic trends, and policy changes, including tax provisions that reduce taxes paid on Social Security benefits. The report is expected to intensify pressure on Congress to consider reforms such as higher payroll taxes, changes to benefits, or adjustments to retirement ages to avoid future benefit cuts.
House Republicans voted 213–211 to advance the Secure America Act, a $70 billion funding package that would provide billions of dollars for ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security through the end of President Trump’s term. The bill is intended to end a months-long funding dispute that followed a Democratic boycott after federal agents killed two U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. Democrats unanimously oppose the measure, arguing it would further expand Trump’s immigration crackdown, while Republicans say it is necessary to ensure stable funding for border and immigration enforcement agencies. Final House passage was expected later in the day, after which the bill would head to President Trump’s desk for signature.
A joint investigation by the Associated Press and KFF Health News found more than 300 legal claims alleging serious medical neglect in ICE detention facilities since January 2025, including untreated infections, missed cancer care, and poorly managed diabetes. The allegations emerged as the ICE detainee population grew by 71% to more than 75,000 people, even as agency health-care spending approached $500 million. A government watchdog report on the Camp East Montana detention center in El Paso documented problems including waste disposal issues, inadequate tuberculosis screening, unsanitary conditions, and three deaths. Overall, 50 people have died in ICE custody since President Trump’s second inauguration, making it the deadliest period outside the COVID-19 pandemic.
NASA announced the four astronauts selected for the Artemis III mission: Randy Bresnik, Luca Parmitano, Frank Rubio, and Andre Douglas. The mission, planned for next year, will test lunar landers being developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin in Earth orbit as part of preparations for a future moon landing. Rather than landing on the moon itself, Artemis III will focus on practicing critical docking and rendezvous maneuvers needed for later missions. If successful, the tests will pave the way for Artemis IV, which NASA hopes will return humans to the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.
A Texas jury found 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony guilty of murdering fellow high school student Austin Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Anthony’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense after being confronted and physically intimidated by Metcalf and other students, while prosecutors maintained that Anthony escalated the situation and intentionally stabbed Metcalf. The conviction carries a possible sentence ranging from five years to life in prison, with sentencing to follow. The case drew significant public attention because of the circumstances of the killing and subsequent debate over issues including self-defense claims, race, and the composition of the jury.
Paramount Skydance has accused Netflix of trying to undermine regulatory approval of its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, claiming Netflix is lobbying stakeholders and regulators against the deal. Netflix denied the allegations, saying it exited the bidding process months ago and is focused on its own business. The merger is under review by U.S. and international regulators and has faced opposition from labor unions and entertainment industry figures who argue it could reduce competition and threaten jobs. Paramount counters that the combined company would invest more in content, strengthen competition, and create benefits for workers and the broader entertainment industry.
A federal judge ruled that Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte train in 2025, is currently incompetent to stand trial. Medical evaluators concluded that Brown does not presently understand the legal proceedings well enough to assist in his defense but could potentially regain competency through treatment. The court ordered him hospitalized for four months for psychiatric treatment, after which his competency will be reassessed. Brown will remain in custody during that time, and prosecutors say they intend to continue pursuing the case if he is restored to competency.
Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles reached a tentative labor agreement with stadium operator Legends Hospitality, avoiding a potential strike just days before the venue hosts FIFA World Cup matches. The union representing nearly 2,000 food-service and hospitality workers said it secured gains on wages, job protections, and the right to strike if immigration enforcement activities create safety concerns during World Cup events. The agreement follows months of negotiations and a recent strike authorization vote that passed overwhelmingly among union members. The deal removes a major threat to stadium operations ahead of the tournament, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Los Angeles area.
See you soon.
— Aaron
