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Riley on news · June 19th
storyflo · news·18 minThis is your daily audio brief for June 19th. The news in ten — let's start at home. JD Vance came out to defend Trump’s Iran deal.
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storyflo · news·15 minRiley on news · June 18th
This is your daily audio brief for June 18th. Ten stories from overnight — sourcing first, takes second. BREAKING: Trump Caves to Iran as Reflecting Pool Crisis Grows.
storyflo · news·25 minRiley on news · June 17th
So, the Russian defense ministry told us on June 16 that their frigate Admiral Grigorovich fired a few warning shots into the water when the British‑registered yacht Bright Future drifted into a risky path in fog, and the UK ministry said it’s looking into the incident—no one was hurt. Meanwhile, a piece
storyflo · news·1 minRiley on news · June 16th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 16th. It's Riley, June 16th. Ten stories from overnight — sourcing first, takes second. Let's get into it. First, from michaelpopok. Legal AF Podcast with Michael Popok and Ben Meiselas 6/13/2026 (No-Ads). So Michael Popok and Ben Meiselas just dropped a new episode of their podcast. They're discussing the latest developments in a few high-profile cases. From what I've gathered, they're breaking down some recent court decisions and how they might impact future litigation. They're also talking about some new documents that have come to light, which could potentially change the narrative on a few of these cases. It's pretty interesting stuff, and they're doing a great job of explaining the legal implications. One of the main topics they're covering is a recent ruling that could have some significant consequences. They're going into detail about what this means and how it might affect similar cases going forward. They're also discussing some of the political implications of these developments, and how they might play out in the coming weeks and months. It's definitely worth a listen if you're interested in staying up to date on these cases. Overall, it's a really informative episode, and they're doing a great job of cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of what's really going on. Next. Second, from michaelpopok. Inside Trump's DOJ Implosion: Resignations, Purges, & Firings!. For more access to expert legal analysis, official court documents and breaking news coverage only available here at the intersection of law and politics, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Sidney Blumenthal and Sean Wilentz dive deep with New York Times reporter Devlin Barrett into his new book, “The Department of Revenge: How Trump Took Control of American Justice,” on FBI director Kash Patel’s lunatic search for a “Grand Conspiracy,” the firings at the FBI and DOJ, and the installation of incompetent stooges. Remember to add The Court of History podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Up next. Third, from michaelpopok. The Legal AF Evening Briefing. Michael Popok and Lisa Graves took over Monday Night Live, stepping in for Dina Doll, to untangle the week’s biggest legal‑political twists. They flagged Trump’s bogus Iran “deal” and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s brief flash of a green Iranian flag, plus chants of “Free the Tarp” echoing over the Kennedy Center row. They also noted a wave of fighters and viewers walking away from the White House UFC tribute held for Trump. In Chicago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is under fire: federal judges and a coalition of 111 former prosecutors say the office tried to toss a billion‑dollar medical‑fraud case rather than hand over demanded records. Meanwhile, a little‑noticed suit has surfaced against former Trump criminal lawyer and AG nominee Todd Blanche, accusing him of forging documents, overbilling clients, and botching the defense of two people convicted on sixteen counts of mail and wire fraud. And then. Fourth, from micahe. A Republican Judge Spent Years Trafficking Teenage Girls. He Asked for Probation..
storyflo · news·2 minRiley on news · June 15th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 15th. Riley, June 15th. The morning read — ten stories, balanced sourcing throughout. Let's get into it. First, from The Free Press. Trump Gives Iran a Lifeline and Calls It Peace. President Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday, framing a new memorandum of understanding with Iran as a “great deal” that would bring peace and security to the region. He highlighted the opening of the Strait and the resumption of oil flow as signs of progress, positioning the move as a birthday gift to himself. In reality, the document is a preliminary step, not a formal treaty or lasting peace agreement. It sets a 60‑day window for negotiations on broader terms, essentially extending the current ceasefire rather than delivering the sweeping stability Trump described. The distinction matters because the promised “peace” hinges on future talks that haven’t yet materialized. Until those negotiations conclude, the region remains in a fragile pause rather than a confirmed settlement. Next. Second, from The Free Press. Has the Iran War Been Worth It?. After nearly four months of war, President Donald Trump announced a “great deal” on Truth Social Sunday. “The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all,” he posted. “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” The Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the naval blockade would end Sunday night, with the formal signing ceremony set for Friday in Switzerland—though the text of the memorandum has not been publicly released. The agreement is not a full peace treaty, leaves 60 days to negotiate a fuller deal, and is the latest twist in a war that has reshaped the Middle East and roiled the global economy. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei alongside dozens of senior Iranian leaders and severely degrading Iran’s nuclear program. The war’s opening weeks were swift and overwhelming—what followed was anything but. Iranian retaliatory strikes have caused significant damage at U.S. military installations in the Middle East; 13 American service members were killed and hundreds more wounded; and the Pentagon has acknowledged the war has cost $29 billion, a figure other estimates put much higher. At home, the war has driven up prices. The new Iranian regime is even more hard-line than the one it replaced. A shaky ceasefire has been in effect for 10 weeks—and even on Sunday, an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs threatened to derail a deal entirely. The agreement paves the way for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, with sanctions relief and billions in frozen assets on the table. What happens next is far from clear, but this struck us as an opportune moment to ask a range of contributors to weigh in on an urgent question: Was this war worth it? Their answers vary widely—and reflect the heated debate over the war that serves as the backdrop to the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Elliott Abrams: What Trump Could Still Throw Away Whether the conflict with Iran has been worth it depends on the terms of the deal ending it, and Trump’s willingness to enforce them. Right now, both are very unclear. Read more Up next. Third, from ✿ shit you should care about ✿. What we know about the 'peace' deal with Iran. The deal was announced early this morning, but the signatures haven’t been put down yet and the full document isn’t public. Both sides are already saying different things about what the agreement actually covers, so there’s a lot of ambiguity to sort through. What we do know is that the talks were framed as a step toward easing nuclear tensions. The United States is saying the arrangement would limit Iran’s enrichment capacity and grant a phased rollback of sanctions, while Iranian officials are emphasizing a broader “peace” framework that includes regional security guarantees. Those two narratives don’t line up perfectly, and each side is pushing its own interpretation. Because the text isn’t out, analysts are watching the language that each government uses in statements and press releases. So far, the U.S. has hinted at a conditional pathway—sanctions lift if Iran meets specific verification milestones—whereas Tehran is hinting at a more comprehensive deal that could involve broader economic cooperation beyond the nuclear issue. The mismatch suggests the final terms could still shift dramatically before anything is signed. Keep an eye on the next round of statements; any clarification on the verification mechanisms or the timeline for sanctions relief will be the first real clues about how far this “peace” deal might actually go. And then.
storyflo · news·2 minRiley on news · June 14th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 14th. Riley, June 14th. The morning read — ten stories, balanced sourcing throughout. Let's get into it. First, from World War II Today. Mass deportations from Estonia. On June 14 1941, the Soviet NKVD started sweeping up thousands of Estonians they labeled “suspects,” a wave of arrests that historians trace to the first days of the German invasion. The operation unfolded in the early morning; families were pulled from their homes before breakfast, and the streets of Tallinn emptied as men, women, and children vanished. Eyewitness accounts describe a quiet household turning chaotic: a maid’s trembling warning about a phone call from a relative, and the sudden realization that relatives—an uncle, aunt, cousins, even a small child—had already been taken. Those taken were often accused of imagined crimes, and their families were detained alongside them, creating a ripple of fear across the nation. The June 14 arrests marked the beginning of a broader campaign of repression that would scar Estonia’s wartime memory, a day still remembered for the sudden, brutal loss of ordinary lives. Next. Second, from Dave Bondy's Keeping it Real Newsletter. Michigan Bill Would Require Employers to Let Some Workers Sit on the Job. A bill introduced in the Michigan House on June 9 by Rep. Dylan Wegela would create a “right to sit” for workers whose jobs can be done while seated. It says employers must provide appropriate chairs, stools or benches whenever standing isn’t required for the task, and it would apply to businesses across the state. If a company forces employees to stay on their feet when sitting wouldn’t affect performance, the law would allow a civil fine of $250 per employee for each two‑week period the violation continues. Supporters say the measure would ease physical strain for people in retail, customer service and similar roles. The proposal is headed to the House Committee on Government Operations, and if it passes, it would kick in 90 days after the governor signs it. Similar “right to sit” statutes already exist in a handful of other states. Up next. Third, from Philippa Perry. Do I tell others about my husband's affair?. Write to me with any problem or dilemma at [email redacted] Subject to Terms and Conditions Dear Philippa I would very much appreciate your thoughts on how much of one’s personal life you can/should share with your adult children and how much (if anything) you should leave for them to discover after your death. My situation is this: my husband and I have been married for decades. I was a widow when I married and had young children and he was divorced with three teenage children. The marriage has always been difficult though we have had some happy times and have managed to achieve a pretty successful blended family over the years. My husband is an emotionally immature man, self centred, unable to reflect on his behaviour, lacking in empathy, unwilling to accept responsibly for his actions (everything is always someone else’s fault) highly sensitive to even the mildest criticism and given to explosive outbursts and temper tantrums when challenged or when things don’t go his way. He can be controlling and domineering and sometimes very verbally abusive to me. He was jealous I think of my children but things improved when they left for university. One example of his behaviour : a few years into our marriage he had an affair with a work colleague which came to light when her husband found out and wrote to me about it. He also phoned and was very abusive and threatening. My husband and I worked in the same field, so I think many of our colleagues and friends probably knew what going on which was humiliating apart from anything else. It turned out that my husband was planning to leave us and was persuading this woman and her small child to move in with him a flat he was renting at the time. His own son’s marriage was only a few months away so I really don’t know how he thought it was all going to work out but in any case the affair collapsed once the woman’s husband knew. When I tried to talk to my husband about it all his response was that it was my fault because I hadn’t been treating him very well. He has never accepted his responsibility for any of it. Or apologised. I now see (with the benefit of hindsight and therapy) I was ‘love bombed’ into a marriage he very much wanted and which happened after only a few months after the death of my first husband and my children’s father. I was traumatised and hardly knew day from night, my sole concern being to provide stability and care and to protect my children. I think I must have seen the marriage (if I thought about it at all) as a safe haven, a retreat from all the confusion, grief and trauma I was living through.
storyflo · news·33 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 13th
The author behind “How to Read” has uploaded most of the video recordings that accompany the original reading, leaving only a cognitive‑warfare symposium and a conversation with the Cohens in the queue. Those two are on hold while the creator experiments with AI‑driven editing tools to turn raw Zoom footage into a polished, documentary‑style product with clearer audio and more engaging visuals. The goal is to move beyond the typical “COVID‑era” online‑meeting aesthetic, but the final edits may still take a few weeks as the right prompts are refined. In Washington, former President Trump responded to backlash over his appointment of Bill Pulte—an ultra‑loyalist with no national‑security background—as acting director of national intelligence by nominating Jay Clayton instead. Clayton, a former SEC chair and longtime Wall Street lawyer at Sullivan & Cromwell, also lacks intelligence experience, though his résumé includes representing major Chinese tech deals that now sit on the Department of Defense’s watch list. Critics note the historic overlap between high‑level finance and intelligence, citing the Dulles brothers as a precedent, and warn that the nomination could further blur the line between corporate interests and national security, especially as Congress debates extending a key FISA wiretapping provision. A Mother Jones essay argues that no individual should ever amass a trillion dollars, using Elon Musk’s wealth as a case study. The piece illustrates the sheer scale—stacked pennies would reach the moon twice, and $100‑bill stacks would cover roughly 40 square miles—while emphasizing the political power such wealth confers. Musk’s spending on political campaigns, including nearly $300 million in 2024, is highlighted as evidence that trillion‑dollar fortunes can sway elections and amplify
storyflo · news·2 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 10th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 10th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. Let's get into it. First, from BBC News (Top). Fifa working to resolve revoked Iran tickets. Fifa has said it is working to "maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches" after the country's World Cup group-stage ticket allocation was revoked just days before the tournament. Next. Second, from BBC Africa. I have right papers and visa - barred referee Artan. Somali referee Omar Artan says he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding the "right papers" and "right visa". Up next. Third, from Reason. Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Is an Unconstitutional Tax, a Federal Judge Rules. President Donald Trump violated the separation of powers when he announced a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications last September, a federal judge in Boston ruled on Monday. Trump's policy "imposes a tax on H-1B petitions without the requisite delegation by Congress," wrote U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin, a Barack Obama appointee. And then. Fourth, from The American Prospect. ICE Raids at World Cup Games? A Los Angeles Union Says, No Way!. On Friday, the first World Cup match featuring the U.S. team will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, one of those innumerable small cities nestled in the very heart of Los Angeles. Whether those in attendance will have access to food and drink, however, is much in doubt, as the 2,000 workers who prepare, sell, and serve said food and drink may go on strike, for reasons political, humane, and existential. Next. Fifth, from Mother Jones. US Denies Entry to Africa’s Referee of the Year Ahead of World Cup. A World Cup referee from Somalia confirmed on Tuesday that US border patrol officials denied him entry into the country. “I am very, very disappointed,” Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of 52 referees chosen in April for the upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup, told the New York Times. Up next. Sixth, from Mother Jones. MAGA Has a Playbook to Steal the Midterms. They’re Using it in California.. “No way this could have happened,” President Donald Trump wrote on TruthSocial early Monday morning. “Rigged Election!” While he could reasonably have been referring to any number of elections he’s deemed “rigged” over the last decade, in this instance, Trump had turned his bleary eyes to the Los Angeles mayoral race, where a progressive challenger, city council member Nithya Raman, has pulled ahead of reality TV heel-turned-crystal-enthusiast-turned Republican candidate Spencer Pratt. And then. Seventh, from Mother Jones. Working While Menopausal. Before 2023, Danielle was the “workhorse” at her job in the front office of a large dental practice in Puyallup, Washington. “I was only given positive reviews,” she told me. But after doctors found a mass in her uterus and recommended a preventive hysterectomy at age 35, everything changed. The procedure sent her into early menopause. Caused by a drop in hormones that typically occurs after a woman’s last menstrual cycle, the shift to menopause can cause a variety of symptoms. Danielle was engulfed by intense mood swings. Next. Eighth, from Mother Jones. Dr. Oz: You Can’t Be Racist Anymore, Because That’s Racist. Apparently “because of woke,” disparaging a whole community of people based on their nationality and using that sentiment to justify extensive fraud investigations that lead to cutting social services and occupying cities with federal agents is racist. “You’re not allowed to complain about Somalians because that’s racist,” President Donald Trump’s administrator for Medicare and Medicaid, Dr. Mehmet Oz, complained on Tuesday on Fox News. Up next. Ninth, from Mother Jones. Gwyneth Paltrow Just Goopified Drone Warfare. Despite reaping billions in the weapons industry as cofounder of the military-tech company Anduril, Trae Stephens says he does not believe that “wartime profiteering is ethical, really, in any way.” That was just one takeaway from an hourlong conversation he had with Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast last week, during which Stephens held forth on God, great power conflict, the male loneliness crisis, and what he thinks the Pope really meant when he said “Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” At first glance, they make a strange pair: Paltrow’s known f And then. Tenth, from Mother Jones. Lawmakers Demand Answers After We Revealed Forest Service Spraying Roundup All Over Public Lands.
storyflo · news·6 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 9th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 9th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. Let's get into it. First, from Meidas+. Monday Afternoon News Updates: Wars, Rigged Excuses, and Trump Ruining the Knicks – 6/8/26. Hi all, Ben here. It’s Monday, and what a day it already is. Let me run through what we’re tracking before I dig in. Top stories today: Trump breaks his silence on the Israel-Iran war with embarrassing Truth Social posts Netanyahu halts further strikes in Iran after pushback from Trump, but fighting continues in Lebanon 35 Democratic Senators demand the legal basis for Trump’s War Powers claims Trump calls the LA mayoral primary “rigged,” because reality TV villain Spencer Pratt lost Trump ruins Game 3 of the NBA Finals for New York City New World Screwworm cases confirmed in Texas — MAGA blam Next. Second, from Meidas+. Ask the Editor-in-Chief: Trump at the Garden, Hegseth's Holy War, and the DOJ's Quiet Payoffs – 6/8/26. There was a whole lot to discuss in this week’s Ask the Editor in Chief: Hunter Biden’s surprising social media renaissance, Donald Trump crashing the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, Pete Hegseth’s theological civil war, the right wing’s Butler shooting conspiracies turning on their own, and the Trump DOJ’s scheme to quietly enrich its most politically connected friends. Up next. Third, from Meidas+. Today in Politics, Bulletin 396. 6/8/26. … Trump’s desire to attend the NY Knicks game tonight in NYC at Madison Square Garden as the guest of owner James Dolan has New Yorkers and sports fans fuming as security measures put in place both inside and outside the arena are making what should be a joyous pregame celebration and party into a big mess. … WaPo: “Trump is used to cheers at his highly curated rallies and events. But on Monday night he’s widely expected to be showered with boos when he becomes the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. And then. Fourth, from Meidas+. The Truth Is Coming From New Mexico. Guest article by Dina Doll While the White House has spent months trying to bury the Epstein files, a small bipartisan commission in Santa Fe just fired 14 subpoenas at the people and institutions that allegedly let it all happen. They are going after Epstein’s own estate. They are going after the FBI and the DOJ. They are going after Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan Chase — the two banks that allegedly moved his money for years while women and girls were being abused on his ranch. Next. Fifth, from sofiakinzinger. The President Got Exposed — And So Did His Communications Team. If you watched Sunday’s Meet the Press, you saw a president walk off a set. But if you know how the White House communications machine works, you saw something far more revealing: a strategy that unraveled in real time, in the rain, on a farm in Wisconsin. Let’s start at the beginning. Kristen Welker mentioned it herself at the top of the interview— the White House had invited her to conduct the interview. That detail is easy to gloss over, but it matters enormously. When the White House “invites” a journalist, they intend to be in the driver’s seat. Up next. Sixth, from charliesykes. Lewis & Sykes: Trump's NBC Meltdown, Hegseth's D-Day Disgrace, and Bari Weiss's Awful Weekend. It’s not easy to survive as an independent journalist who tells the truth as we see it. If you enjoy these conversations, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today! On this week’s podcast conversation, Matt Lewis and I cover a lot of ground, including: Pete Hegseth’s D-Day Disaster (talk about a bad analogy!) The Pentagon vs. Mormons? (why Sen. And then. Seventh, from The Good in Us by Mary L. Trump. In Conversation with Erich McElroy. [Transcript edited for clarity, flow and length] Mary Trump: I had a great conversation with my friend Erich McElroy about the latest corruption coming out of the Trump regime, the assault on independent media, the family’s endless grifting, and why the fight for democracy is far from over. We covered everything from Donald’s latest tax scheme to the capture of major news organizations and what it all means for the future of America. Erich McElroy: Mary, it’s always wonderful to have you back. Next. Eighth, from Dean Blundell. Dead Air W @SteveSchmidt: Trump Can't Survive a Question, Scott Pelley is Putting Bari Weiss and Whats Left of CBS in a Body Bag. Today on Dead Air, and I kept circling one frame, because the news kept handing it to us: Everything Donald Trump touches turns to shit. Every lead story was the same animal in a different skin — a network owner, a President, a federal apparatus — performing strength to avoid answering a follow-up. Real power shows its work. It produces the email, names the evidence, and unseals the file. Hollow power takes off the mic, blacks out the page, and changes the subject. Up next.
storyflo · news·2 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 12th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 12th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. Let's get into it. First, from Heather Delaney Reese. Trump says "I love the inflation" as families struggle to afford groceries. Former president Donald Trump sparked controversy after a recent interview in which he expressed enthusiasm for the current inflationary environment, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism as grocery prices climb for many American families. He argued that rising prices signal a strong economy and that consumers will ultimately benefit from higher wages and increased purchasing power, a view that clashes with the lived experience of households struggling to stretch limited budgets. Economists warned that the rhetoric ignores the reality that inflation is eroding real incomes, especially for low‑ and middle‑income earners who spend a larger share of their earnings on food and essentials. Recent data show grocery prices have risen at their fastest pace in a decade, pushing food‑insecurity rates higher and prompting calls for targeted relief measures. Consumer sentiment surveys indicate growing anxiety about the ability to afford basic necessities, with many respondents citing grocery costs as a primary concern. Political opponents seized on Trump’s comments, framing them as tone‑deaf and out of touch with ordinary Americans. Critics highlighted the disconnect between his optimistic portrayal of inflation and the tightening financial squeeze on families, suggesting the remarks could backfire for the Republican Party ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Some analysts speculated that the statement might be an attempt to rally his base by portraying inflation as a sign of economic vigor, even as broader public opinion turns increasingly negative toward rising prices. The episode underscores a broader debate over how policymakers and public figures address inflation’s impact on everyday life. While some argue that temporary price spikes are a normal part of a growing economy, others contend that sustained high inflation demands concrete policy action to protect vulnerable consumers. As the cost of groceries continues to rise, the conversation is likely to remain a focal point in the political and economic discourse leading into the next election cycle. Next. Second, from Heather Delaney Reese. Trump says "I love the inflation" as families struggle to afford groceries. President Trump responded to a question about the recent 4.2 percent annual inflation rate—its highest in three years and nearly double last year’s figure—by saying he loved the numbers and the inflation itself. He later tried to claim his remarks were taken out of context, but the statement resonated as families across the country continue to face higher grocery bills, rising rents and tighter household budgets. In the same Oval Office interview, Trump labeled his predecessors as very stupid people and asserted that the crowd at his National Mall rally was larger than the one that gathered for Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic march. He also described ongoing strikes against Iran, saying the United States had hit Iranian targets the previous day and would strike again, while shortly after expressing a wish for worldwide peace on the eve of his 80th birthday. During the press event, Trump signed the Secure America Act, a measure that allocates a substantial increase in funding for ICE and Border Patrol throughout his term. Critics argue the legislation reinforces a hard‑line immigration stance and provides resources for enforcement actions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The episode highlights the stark contrast between the president’s public statements and the everyday reality of Americans coping with inflation‑driven cost pressures, as well as the simultaneous rhetoric of peace and the ordering of military actions abroad. The commentary underscores concerns about policy volatility and its impact on ordinary citizens as the nation approaches the November elections. Up next. Third, from Crooked Media. What A Day: 'Little Trump' Dumped.
storyflo · news·2 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 4th
__DEGRADED__ The storyflo daily brief for June 4th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. First, from The Huckabee Post. Todd Blanche makes news this week, likely nominee for permanent AG. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former Trump lawyer, is being positioned as the likely permanent head of the Justice Department. Since taking the acting role, he has overseen a series of fraud busts through the federal anti‑fraud task force and pushed several policy initiatives, signaling a proactive start to his tenure. One of his more high‑profile proposals, the $1.8 billion “Anti‑Weaponization Fund” intended to compensate individuals caught up in the January 6 prosecutions, stalled in Congress. A Virginia judge temporarily blocked the fund, and GOP legislators expressed opposition, leaving its future uncertain despite Trump’s ambiguous comments about its status. Blanche also used a recent House Appropriations subcommittee hearing to explain why the fund was not moving forward, while reiterating his view that former President Trump avoided prison only because of his re‑election. He characterized the 34 felony counts against Trump in New York as a “travesty,” arguing that the alleged payments to Stormy Daniels occurred after the 2016 election and that the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity forced special counsel Jack Smith to drop the cases. Beyond the fund, Blanche discussed the discovery of FBI “burn bags” that were left in an unusual location, suggesting they may have been intentionally placed to avoid destruction. He linked the episode to broader claims that the Crossfire Hurricane investigation was flawed. The article also notes a wave of departures from the Justice Department, with roughly 10,000 lawyers leaving since Trump’s second term began, a trend the author frames as a positive reduction in “lawfare.” Second, from Chop Wood, Carry Water. Chop Wood, Carry Water 6/4. The Senate is in the middle of a “vote‑a‑rama” on the reconciliation bill. Democrats are pushing a series of amendments aimed at stopping the Trump‑related weaponization fund, blocking an IRS loophole that would protect Trump’s finances, and eliminating a $1 billion allocation for a Trump‑funded ballroom. Activists are urged to flood Republican offices with calls urging senators to reject the clean bill and support those amendments. A separate effort targets a War Powers Resolution introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib to halt U.S. attacks on Lebanon. With only a few dozen co‑sponsors so far, organizers are asking constituents to call their House representatives and push for additional co‑sponsors, framing the measure as a way to pressure the administration to end the bombing campaign. The upcoming FISA re‑authorization is another focal point. After Trump appointed Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence, Democrats are threatening to block the bill unless stronger privacy safeguards are added. Pressure is being concentrated on Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Mark Warner, who are seen as key votes for a clean re‑authorization. Callers are instructed to challenge any claims that Section 702 must be renewed by June 12 to avoid a surveillance gap, pointing out that surveillance could continue until 2027 without congressional action. Additional campaigns include a coordinated push to contact CBS about the firing of veteran journalist Scott Pelley, a request to use the Razom platform to urge support for the Ukraine Support Act, and a call to join an Indivisible training session on non‑violent protest for the Delaney Hall hunger‑strike movement. The email also promotes sharing a filibuster‑abolition essay, donating to three women running competitive House races, and attending a nationwide “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert celebrating First Amendment freedoms. Third, from La Matinale Européenne. La bataille pour la souveraineté technologique de l’Europe commence à La Haye. La Commission européenne vient de dévoiler un nouveau paquet de mesures visant à renforcer la souveraineté technologique de l’Union. Le texte propose d’exclure les géants américains du cloud – Amazon, Google et Microsoft – des marchés publics dans les secteurs sensibles comme la santé, la finance et l’énergie. Il introduit des critères non tarifaires qui obligeront les fournisseurs à développer leurs logiciels et matériels au sein de l’UE et à garantir une protection renforcée des données personnelles, afin d’éviter les exigences du Cloud Act américain. Ces mesures, jugées tardives par les responsables européens, sont perçues par Washington et Pékin comme des obstacles au commerce. L’UE devra se préparer à d’éventuelles représailles de la part des deux superpuissances technologiques. La viabilité du projet dépendra de la capacité des États membres à soutenir une politique commune et à résister aux pressions extérieures.
storyflo · news·2 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 8th
The storyflo daily brief for June 8th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. First, from Marginalia with Beth Allison Barr. A Secret of the SBC Success in Banning Women as Preachers and Pastors.
storyflo · news·2 minnews · the day's top 10 · june 11th
__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 11th. Here are today's top 10 news stories. Let's get into it. First, from National Review. In Memoriam, Gordon S. Wood. Gordon Wood participates in the Responsibilities of Citizenship conversation before receiving the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Churchill Bell for citizenship along with Sandra Day O'Connor and Jim Lehrer, in Williamsburg, Va., in 2011. Next. Second, from Christian Science Monitor. Troop rescue near Iran points to rising use of sea drones in combat. The unmanned boat that helped rescue an Apache helicopter crew Monday night was the equivalent of a seaborne pickup truck. The U.S. has “urgent mission needs” for such autonomous Navy vessels, lawmakers are saying. Up next. Third, from Christian Science Monitor. In Syria, hope continues to bloom. The country has taken important initial steps toward political transformation. But forging lasting unity and stability, especially during tough economic times, requires sustained support for democracy at home – and from abroad. And then. Fourth, from Christian Science Monitor. Threatening war, predicting peace: Are Trump’s comments part of a strategy?. As the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has dragged on far longer than President Donald Trump perhaps anticipated, he has alternately predicted an imminent peace deal and threatened punishing attacks. Is this calculated, or a sign he has lost control of the conflict? Next. Fifth, from Bloomberg Top. US Strikes Iran in Escalation Over Stalled Peace Talks. The US military launched strikes against "multiple" targets in Iran for the second straight day after President Donald Trump accused the country of dragging out talks on an interim peace deal. Bloomberg's Abeer Abu Omar breaks down the latest developments. Up next. Sixth, from Bloomberg Top. Europe Is Finally, Slowly Getting Its Act Together. EU leaders say the bloc needs bigger banks, bigger tech firms, bigger defense contractors and bigger investments. Stephen Carroll explains how Europe is trying to protect itself as the global order disintegrates and China drives deeper into its traditional markets. And then. Seventh, from Bloomberg Top. Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder’s War Against Big Ice Cream. Ben & Jerry’s isn’t just known for ice cream, but also its support for social causes. With over $1 billion in sales last year, it’s an asset for its owner Magnum. So why has one of its founders quit and the other launched a campaign to make Ben & Jerry's independent? Bloomberg’s Akshat Rathi sits down with co-founder Ben Cohen to ask about the Free Ben & Jerry’s campaign, why businesses should pursue social causes, and the future of ice cream on a warming planet. Subscribe to Zero on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube to get new episodes every Thursday. Next. Eighth, from Bloomberg Top. Ten Reasons Oil Is Still Below $100 a Barrel. The Eneos Endeavor supertanker approaches the Eneos Corp. Negishi oil refinery in the Keihin industrial area in Yokohama, Japan, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The supertanker made a rare, dark transit through the Strait of Hormuz in May. Up next. Ninth, from Bloomberg Top. Wealthy, Aging Europe Isn’t Quite Finished Yet. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron (L) greet each other as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (C) looks on ahead of a meeting on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans Summit at Porto Montenegro in Tivat on June 5, 2026. And then. Tenth, from Bloomberg Top. SpaceX IPO Limits Investors' Rights: Legal Expert. Ann Lipton, the Laurence W. Demuth Business Law Chair, cautions that the IPO structure of SpaceX strongly limits the rights of everyday investors. She speaks on Bloomberg TV's Insight With Haslinda Amin. That's today's news brief. Subscribe at storyflo.com to get this delivered to your private podcast feed every morning.
