US News Live: Vance jokingly rejects 'intellectual' label at conservative think tank event

US Vice President J.D. Vance jokingly rejected the label 'intellectual' during a live interview on Tuesday at an event hosted by American Compass, a conservative think tank, The Hill said in a report. The group’s founder, Oren Cass, introduced Vance, expressing he was 'thrilled' to speak with him and 'in awe' of his work before Vance made the comment.

An American prisoner, Keith LaMar, who has been on death row for 30 years in Ohio for a crime he insists he did not commit, and a Catalan jazz artist released their second album, "Live from Death Row", last Friday, France 24 said in a report. The performance for the album was conducted over the phone from the high-security prison, and LaMar stated that music “saved his life” during his solitary confinement.

Charlottesville, Virginia, traffic safety activist Kevin Cox was charged with vandalism after he drew a pedestrian crosswalk with chalk at an intersection where a woman had been fatally hit by a car, according to a report in The Guardian. Cox reportedly took action after his pleas to city officials for a crosswalk were ignored. Authorities subsequently covered Cox's chalk drawing with black paint. The incident highlights tensions that can arise between local government in the US and citizen activists.

Rev William Barber was among eight people arrested during a "Moral Monday" prayer-protest in the US Capitol rotunda against a Republican-led budget bill, as per a report in The Guardian. During the vigil, Barber criticized Congress for, in his view, harming the poor through policies like the proposed budget, which protestors claim will significantly reduce essential healthcare services for lower-income individuals, before Capitol police intervened, leading to the arrests.

Rev. William Barber and seven others were arrested in the US Capitol rotunda on Monday during a "Moral Monday" prayer-protest against a Republican-led budget bill, which demonstrators claim will significantly reduce essential healthcare services for people with lower incomes, The Guardian said in a report. During the prayer vigil, Rev. Barber was criticizing Congress for its daily prayers while, in his view, harming the poor, when Capitol Police Captain John Hersch intervened.

The BBC has rejected claims made by the White House concerning its coverage of the Gaza conflict, specifically denying that a story related to the topic was removed from its website, BBC says in a report. The corporation stated that the White House's assertion on this matter is "completely wrong."

President Donald Trump has characterized China's President Xi Jinping as 'hard to make a deal with,' a statement reflecting growing strains in US-China relations, particularly concerning the implementation of agreements to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions, Al Jazeera said in a report. These ongoing difficulties are linked to issues such as the implementation of the historical January 2020 'Phase 1' trade agreement, under which China reportedly did not fully meet its purchase commitments. Furthermore, substantial tariffs imposed by both the USA and China during their trade dispute largely remain in place, contributing to the challenging environment for resolving trade issues.

Rev William Barber and seven others were arrested during a "Moral Monday" prayer-protest in the US Capitol rotunda, as they demonstrated against a Republican-led budget proposal, The Guardian said in a report. The protestors assert that the bill will significantly reduce vital healthcare services for people with lower incomes. During the vigil on Monday, Barber criticized Congress for starting its sessions with prayers while, in his view, enacting policies detrimental to the poor, moments before Capitol police captain John Hersch intervened.

House Republican leaders are advancing a package of spending cancellations designed to recover previously approved government funds, Fox News said in a report. This initiative to rescind spending authority occurs as entrepreneur Elon Musk and other conservative voices are calling for more substantial budget cuts.

The nature of the U.S.-China trade conflict has evolved, shifting from disputes primarily centered on tariffs to a new phase characterized by efforts to control global supply chains, The New York Times said in a report. This development involves Washington and Beijing increasingly using measures such as export controls on critical technologies and materials to assert influence. For instance, actions by the former Biden administration included restrictions on China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, while China has responded with its own export controls on essential minerals. This strategic pivot to supply chain control is viewed as a potentially more disruptive form of economic competition than previous tariff-based measures.

US and EU trade negotiators have convened in Paris in response to an intensifying tariff storm between the two economic blocs, Financial Times said in a report. This meeting is set against a backdrop of ongoing trade tensions and disputes, prompting discussions aimed at navigating these escalating economic challenges.

Writers for a conservative student newspaper at Brown University were summoned to disciplinary hearings after posing 'DOGE-style' questions about the work of university staff, according to a report in The New York Times. The disciplinary action followed inquiries made in a style described as reminiscent of Elon Musk and 'DOGE'.

Senior officials from nearly 50 nations convened Wednesday at NATO headquarters for a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, to gather more weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, AP said in a report. The US Defense Secretary was notably absent from this session, marking the first such absence since the group's formation three years ago, an occurrence the article describes as the latest in a series of steps by Washington. The US Defense Secretary is expected to arrive in Brussels later to participate in a NATO defense ministers' meeting on Thursday.

A New York pension scheme is reportedly conducting a review of its asset allocation and considering an increase in its overseas investments, the Financial Times said in a report. The fund's investment chief indicated that this "gut check" review was prompted by what were described as "erratic policies" associated with current U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to a re-evaluation of the scheme's investment strategy.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has dismissed a recent US nuclear proposal, asserting that uranium enrichment remains crucial for Iran's pursuit of energy independence and vowing its continuation, Al Jazeera says in a report. This development occurs amid ongoing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, which has seen increased enrichment activities following the US withdrawal from the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal during a previous term of then-President Donald Trump, and subsequently stalled talks under former US President Joe Biden aimed at reviving the accord. The current US administration under President Donald Trump maintains significant economic sanctions on Iran.

More than 15 former Indiana men’s basketball players now allege improper sexual conduct by a former team physician and claim that university officials, including the late coach Bobby Knight, were aware of the doctor’s behavior for years, The Guardian said in a report. The number of former players who have sued the university over the matter increased from two last fall to five, with an additional 10 reportedly expecting to pursue litigation, according to information from ESPN on Tuesday. An earlier Indiana University probe concluded that the physician did not seek sexual gratification.

A 4-year-old Mexican girl, who has been receiving lifesaving medical treatment at a Southern California hospital since arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in 2023, was granted humanitarian parole for one year, her family's attorneys announced Tuesday, AP says in a report. The girl's mother was also granted parole, and this decision allows the child to remain in the USA to continue her necessary medical care, reversing an earlier situation where federal authorities had indicated she could face deportation.

Multiple cars, collectively valued at nearly $200,000, have been stolen from a dealership, CNN said in a report. The theft, representing a significant loss for the business, occurs within the broader context of ongoing national discussions in the USA concerning crime rates and approaches to criminal justice.

A donation of supplies valued at $200,000 has been made to PB schools, CNN said in a report. This contribution is intended to provide essential materials for students in the school district.

Shareholders of Warner Bros Discovery have rejected CEO David Zaslav’s $52 million compensation package in a non-binding, advisory vote, the Financial Times said in a report. This shareholder action occurred as the entertainment conglomerate's stock has experienced a sharp fall since the company's formation through a merger in 2022.

A recent attack in Boulder has renewed safety concerns among Jewish communities across the USA, according to a report in BBC. This event is set against a backdrop of rising antisemitic incidents, as documented by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and the FBI, leading to calls for heightened security for Jewish people and institutions. Consequently, there is increased focus on federal law enforcement's role in investigating hate crimes and addressing domestic extremism targeting religious minorities.

A significant cache of weaponry, including a machine gun and grenade launchers, alongside armor and Nazi paraphernalia, was discovered by law enforcement during a raid on a home in Lacey, Washington state, near Olympia, AP said in a report. According to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, his office provided assistance on Monday at the request of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, while an FBI special weapons and tactics team executed the search warrant.

Conflicting reports surfaced on Tuesday concerning a potential cryptocurrency wallet for President Donald Trump, as his associates reportedly indicated such a development while his sons denied it, The New York Times said in a report. This public disagreement has exposed rifts within the Trump family’s various digital currency ventures.

Jewish members of Congress in the USA are voicing significant fear of being targeted amidst a rise in antisemitic incidents, with some stating they might be next, Axios says in a report. These concerns have intensified following recent events, including the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside an American Jewish Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. last month by a suspect shouting "free, free Palestine," and a Molotov cocktail attack this week at a Boulder, Colorado, rally advocating for hostage release, which hospitalized eight people. Lawmakers like Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), and Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) have spoken out about the unsettling threats. In response, there is a renewed push to increase funding for the Nonprofit Safety Grant Program (NSGP) to protect houses of worship, with calls for the Trump administration to expedite grant distribution and for Congress to invest more in law enforcement.

House Republicans are quietly urging the Senate to pass the House's version of a GOP reconciliation bill, described in the article title as a 'Trump tax-and-spend bill' and associated with President Donald Trump's agenda, without making any changes, Fox News said in a report. This pressure from House GOP members comes as the Senate reportedly seeks or considers modifications to the legislation, with the House aiming to keep its version of the bill intact.

Vermont Rep. Becca Balint faces backlash for controversial immigration remarks, criticized for crude language and perceived disrespect toward immigrants.

An advertising war has erupted in Arizona's Republican gubernatorial primary, marked by substantial early financial commitments, Fox News reports. Turning Point PAC is dedicating significant resources to back a conservative gubernatorial candidate. Karrin Taylor Robson is also escalating her advertising efforts, signaling a fiercely contested primary ahead in the state.

Detectives in Nashville are searching for Tony Lopez-Infante, who is described as an illegal immigrant and is wanted for a serious hit-and-run incident that resulted in injury to a man from Florida, Fox News says in a report. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal partners are assisting in the manhunt.

Mohamed Sabry Soliman allegedly injured 12 people in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday after law enforcement officials stated he targeted a pro-Israel group with a firebomb attack, according to a report in Fox News. The incident involved an alleged firebombing directed at a group identified as pro-Israel, leading to multiple injuries. Law enforcement has identified Soliman as the suspect in the attack.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) on Tuesday criticized a 'megabill' which reportedly features President Donald Trump’s tax cut and spending priorities, and also backed tech billionaire Elon Musk’s recent comments concerning the legislation, The Hill said in a report. Johnson made his remarks during an interview on NewsNation’s “The Hill,” where host Blake Burman referenced an earlier post by Musk on the social platform X regarding the bill.

The United States women's national soccer team secured a 4-0 victory over Jamaica on Tuesday night, AP said in a report. Ally Sentnor, the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year, found the net twice, first in the 19th minute and again ten minutes later, bringing her international goal tally to four. Lynn Biyendolo also contributed two goals to the USA's win. Prior to the match, the team honored longtime defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

Federal immigration agents conducted a raid on a nightclub in South Carolina, reportedly run by a cartel, leading to the arrest of 72 migrants, Fox News said in a report. Among those apprehended was a Honduran national who is a fugitive wanted for homicide. The operation was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Children across the USA are experiencing prolonged hospital stays beyond medical necessity because of significant shortages in suitable downstream care options, CNN said in a report. This situation arises from a combination of factors, including heightened demand for child and adolescent mental health services, a scarcity of specialized healthcare providers, challenges within the foster care system, and insufficient resources for child welfare and community-based treatment programs. Consequently, hospitals are often left to serve as default holding locations, highlighting systemic gaps in the broader social safety net intended to support children with complex needs.

Some students at Harvard University are seeking "viewpoint diversity" by engaging with perspectives outside the university's immediate sphere, the New York Times said in a report. This development occurs amidst a wider national debate in the USA concerning free speech, open inquiry, and intellectual diversity within American higher education, and follows recent congressional hearings that have intensified scrutiny on how universities, including Harvard, manage speech on controversial topics.

During a Senate Judiciary joint subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sparred with a legal professor over the use of nationwide injunctions issued by district court judges against Donald Trump's first presidential administration (2017-2021), The Hill said in a report. Hawley presented a graph to support his assertion that the volume of such injunctions during Trump's 2017-2021 term was substantially greater than those issued against other recent U.S. presidents, leading to a discussion on this judicial practice.

{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story  What to know about the FTC-Meta trial The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta have wrapped up a six-week trial over the Facebook and Instagram parent’s alleged social networking monopoly, leaving the final decision in the hands of the judge.  © Thibault Camus, Associated Press The trial, which came to...

Attorneys for Luigi Mangione, accused in the killing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, filed a motion Tuesday requesting he appear at his next state court hearing without a bulletproof vest and shackles, The Hill said in a report. The defense lawyers stated that extensive media coverage since Mangione's arrest in December, and his appearance in restrictive gear, could prejudice the case.

The company that produces Oreo biscuits has initiated legal action against the discount supermarket chain Aldi in a United States court, BBC said in a report. The lawsuit alleges that Aldi's product packaging imitates that of the well-known American biscuit brand, constituting 'copycat' packaging.

The Pittsburgh Steelers organization has reached out to fans who were upset after former player Rocky Bleier presented President Donald Trump with a Steelers jersey during a rally in western Pennsylvania last week, AP said in a report. Several fans contacted the team to express their disapproval of the gesture, which the team clarified was not directly authorized by them. In response to the emails, the club stated that the viewpoints of current and former players do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Vermont Representative Becca Balint has drawn significant criticism for comments she made regarding the necessity of increased immigration in the USA, Fox News said in a report. The backlash reportedly stems from her use of crude language, including a specific controversial phrase about needing individuals for personal care tasks, which was perceived by some as disrespectful towards immigrants.

MIAMI (AP) — Misdemeanor charges have filed against the man who was operating the boat that off a South Florida beach last year, as well as the man who was operating the boat she had been wakeboarding behind, authorities announced Tuesday. Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 79, was charged April 28 with violating two U.S. Coast Guard navigational rules, and Edmund Richard Hartley, 31, was charged April 29 with violating four Coast Guard rules, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in

The New York Knicks have fired coach Tom Thibodeau days after their loss to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, The Guardian said in a report. Team president Leon Rose stated the organization is "singularly focused on winning a championship," leading to the "difficult decision" to move in a new direction from Thibodeau. The Knicks' last NBA championship was in 1973.

Investigators in California have publicly identified the killer in a cold case dating back nearly 50 years, where a young teacher was found stabbed to death inside a high school on the first day of summer break, The Hill said in a report. The identification of the killer, who was reportedly a 16-year-old boy at the time of the offense, was announced by cold case investigators on Monday, June 2, 2025, bringing a resolution to the long-unsolved crime.

The United States State Department has imposed visa restrictions on "several" unnamed Central American government officials whom the U.S. government says are linked to Cuba's medical mission programs, The Hill said in a report. The U.S. government stated these officials are responsible for programs that it asserts include elements of forced labor and exploitation of Cuban workers. This action targets individuals the U.S. holds accountable for facilitating these Cuban medical missions in Central America.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill preventing Chinese land purchases near Arizona's military bases, saying it would be ineffective at counterespionage.

The Arizona governor race sees early ad spending as Turning Point PAC backs Andy Biggs, while Karrin Taylor Robson also ramps up her campaign efforts.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially condemned an attack in Boulder, Colorado, USA, that targeted an event supporting Israeli hostages, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The attack in the USA, where an event advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas was targeted, happened against the backdrop of a reported increase in antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in the country since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent conflict. The UAE, which has normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords, issued the condemnation of the Boulder incident.

The Trump administration's Department of Education is investigating a school system in Cromwell, Connecticut, over its policy on transgender girls’ participation in youth sports, AP says in a report. James Demetriades, the mayor of Cromwell, stated the town's school system could lose nearly $1 million in federal funding if the department determines its policy violates Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Closing arguments began Tuesday in Manhattan criminal court in the third US sexual misconduct trial of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, who faces charges of assaulting three women between 2006 and 2013, The Guardian said in a report. The trial, which Weinstein attended in a wheelchair, is notable in the USA due to its connection to the #MeToo movement, which was significantly amplified by earlier revelations about Weinstein, and his past role as a prominent political donor, prompting ongoing discussions about campaign finance and influence. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala urged the jury to acquit if doubt existed, referring to the women who testified against Weinstein as, in his words, 'all women with broken dreams.'

House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Elon Musk is 'terribly wrong' for his criticism of President Donald Trump's 2017 tax bill, which Johnson referred to as 'the one big, beautiful bill,' while Musk reportedly called the legislation a 'disgusting abomination,' according to a report in The Guardian. Separately, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social his threat to impose 'large scale fines' on California following the participation of a transgender athlete in a girls' state high school competition, an event he stated he had warned against.

Longtime academic Santa Ono, most recently president of the University of Michigan, was rejected for the University of Florida presidency on Tuesday by the Florida Board of Governors, AP said in a report. The board, which oversees the state's universities, voted 10-6 against Ono amid sharp criticism from political conservatives regarding his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and other initiatives they characterized as unacceptable liberal ideology.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has launched an internal probe and put a partner on leave in connection with its consulting services for a contentious US-backed scheme designed to overhaul the aid delivery system in Gaza, the Financial Times reports. This US-supported initiative was focused on creating alternatives to the established UN-led aid distribution network, primarily managed by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The impetus for exploring such alternatives arose after the United States, under the former Biden administration, paused its funding to UNRWA following allegations by Israel that some agency staff were involved in the October 7 attacks.

Citigroup, a major US financial institution, has lifted its self-imposed restrictions on business dealings with gun merchants, according to a report in Financial Times. These rules were originally established by the Wall Street bank in 2018 following the Parkland school shooting in Florida, USA. The reversal signifies a shift in Citigroup's policy towards the firearm industry, moving away from conditions it had previously placed on such clients.

Billionaire investors Bill Ackman and John Paulson have reportedly undertaken a substantial 'mortgage gamble,' taking large positions in financial instruments tied to the US mortgage market, Financial Times says in a report. This activity has spurred discussions regarding potential impacts on housing affordability and stability in the USA, and has drawn comparisons to financial activities preceding the 2008 crisis, during which John Paulson, in a past event, notably profited by betting against subprime mortgages. The development is occurring amid ongoing debates in Washington D.C. concerning financial regulation and oversight by bodies such as the SEC and the Federal Reserve, and is reportedly attracting attention from the Trump Administration and members of Congress.

Longtime academic Santa Ono was rejected for the University of Florida presidency on Tuesday by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's university system, AP said in a report. The board voted 10-6 against Ono, who most recently served as president of the University of Michigan, following sharp criticism from political conservatives concerning his past support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and other initiatives they characterized as unacceptable liberal ideology.

The potential US listing of the world's largest meat processor, a Brazilian company, is drawing heightened attention and examination in the USA, Financial Times said in a report. This development involves increased US regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the SEC and USDA concerning corporate governance, transparency, and food safety. There are also significant political implications for US cattle ranchers and meat processors regarding market competition, for US consumers related to meat prices and safety, and for the US government in balancing foreign investment with domestic interests and supply chain resilience, especially following past global disruptions. Environmental and labor practices associated with global meat production, including concerns about deforestation linked to Brazilian beef, are also contributing to the cautious assessment by US stakeholders and advocacy groups.

Marianne Lake, regarded as a potential successor to CEO Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase, has seen her role significantly expanded to include oversight of the bank's international consumer business, Financial Times said in a report. This internal corporate development at the largest US bank positions Lake more prominently for future leadership and is relevant to ongoing discussions in the USA concerning banking regulation, the political influence of major financial institutions, and the push for greater diversity in top corporate positions.

For the third consecutive year, Louisiana lawmakers rejected a proposed bill that would have created an exception to the state's stringent abortion ban for young victims of rape, AP said in a report. The bill, which aimed to allow abortions for individuals under the age of 17 who were impregnated as a result of a sexual offense, failed in a legislative committee meeting described in the article as emotional and influenced by religious arguments. This decision means Louisiana continues to have one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, with very few exceptions permitted.

A U.S. District Judge, Mark Walker, has barred Florida state officials from enforcing portions of a state law designed to ban social media accounts for young children and require parental permission for older teens, AP said in a report. The order, issued Tuesday, enacts a preliminary injunction against the law, which was signed in 2024 and would have prohibited social media accounts for children under 14 and mandated parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. This legal block will remain in place while a lawsuit contesting the law's constitutionality continues.

A proposed ban on widely available products infused with THC derived from hemp, such as gummies, drinks, and vapes, has been passed by the Texas Legislature, creating significant concern among retailers and posing a major battle for the industry in a state with otherwise restrictive marijuana laws, AP said in a report. This legislative action in Texas addresses the regulatory headaches lawmakers across the U.S. face due to the proliferation of these products, often found in easily accessible locations like gas stations.

Current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler is set to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday afternoon concerning the agency's budget and oversight, The Hill reports. The hearing occurs as the SEC continues to face scrutiny from lawmakers, often referencing the agency's historical performance, including its role in the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis, and as discussions continue about its current regulatory agenda and plans.

A United States judge dismissed California’s challenge to Donald Trump's tariffs, with the ruling stating the case should have been filed in a specialized U.S. trade court in New York rather than a San Francisco district court, The Guardian reports. The decision, issued late Monday by U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Corley, did not address the merits of California's lawsuit concerning these tariffs, which affected various U.S. trading partners. California is now permitted to file an appeal, potentially leading to multiple U.S. appeals courts considering the legality of the tariffs.

Former celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi was sentenced by a federal judge in Los Angeles to seven years and three months in prison on Tuesday for embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, including several with severe physical injuries and families of people killed in accidents, AP said in a report. U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton also ordered Girardi, 86, to pay a $35,000 fine and $2.3 million in restitution to former clients. This sentencing followed an August jury conviction finding him guilty of four counts of wire fraud.

Congressional Republicans have launched an investigation into Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's handling of federal immigration arrests that took place after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained almost 200 individuals in the greater Nashville area over several days in May, AP says in a report. A Republican representative for part of the city is reportedly leading the probe into the progressive mayor, who had criticized immigration officials following the arrests. The ICE operations in May are said to have caused significant concern within Nashville's immigrant communities.

Former celebrity lawyer Tom Girardi received a sentence of seven years and three months in federal prison on Tuesday for embezzling tens of millions of dollars from his clients, including those with severe injuries and families of accident victims, AP said in a report. U.S. District Judge Josephine L. Staton, in Los Angeles, also mandated Girardi, 86, to pay a $35,000 fine and $2.3 million in restitution to his former clients. This sentencing follows a jury's guilty verdict in August on four counts of wire fraud, for which Girardi could have faced a maximum sentence of up to 80 years.

Yellowstone National Park's Black Diamond Pool in Wyoming experienced an eruption of mud and hot water, an event captured by a newly-installed web camera, BBC said in a report. The footage showed the pool belching a dark liquid sludge. Yellowstone is a federal national park in the USA, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), and such geothermal activity is a natural, ongoing process within the park.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday described Elon Musk's sharp criticism of a Republican "Trump agenda bill," characterized as a massive tax cuts and spending package, as "terribly wrong," according to a report in The Hill. Johnson's comments to reporters at the Capitol came shortly after Musk had used the social media platform X to call the proposed legislation "a disgusting abomination," with Speaker Johnson expressing his disappointment over Musk's remarks.

China stated on Tuesday that the United States must "stop spreading disinformation" and rectify "wrongful actions" as bilateral trade tensions persist, The Hill said in a report. Lin Jian, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, asserted that the U.S. "falsely accuses and smears" China and that Washington has implemented "extreme suppression" measures, specifically mentioning "chip export controls" and "blocking EDA" (Electronic Design Automation software).

In response to a federal lawsuit, the Agriculture Department said it would refrain, for now, from demanding that states turn over the personal information of people receiving assistance.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has seen its number of career staffers decrease by at least 733 individuals since the beginning of the year, The Hill said in a report. An EPA spokesperson confirmed that the agency's staff count fell from 17,080 on January 1 to 16,347 by May 30, representing these departures.

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday its decision to revoke guidance previously issued to U.S. hospitals concerning emergency abortions, AP says in a report. This guidance, established by the former Biden administration in 2022, had instructed hospitals to provide abortions when deemed medically necessary to stabilize a woman experiencing an emergency medical condition. The original 2022 directive was implemented weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned national abortion rights, aiming to preserve abortion access in critical medical situations.

Jasper Greene, a 23-year-old New Haven man, received a 33-year prison sentence in Connecticut on Tuesday for his involvement in the April 9, 2022, death of Mabel Martinez Antongiorgi, the mother of a Puerto Rican Olympic athlete, AP said in a report. Martinez Antongiorgi, 56, was fatally struck by a stray bullet that penetrated a wall of her Waterbury home while she was sewing. Greene was reportedly one of three men charged in connection with her death.

US stocks were drifting higher on Tuesday, bringing them nearer to their record highs, as investors continue to await more updates on economic factors and their impact, AP says in a report. The S&P 500 increased by 0.6% in late trading and is now within 2.8% of its all-time high, which was set earlier this year, following a decline approximately two months prior. With an hour of trading remaining, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 236 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite was up by 0.9%.

Asheville Academy, a residential treatment school for girls located in the North Carolina mountains, has closed its Weaverville campus after a state investigation and the tragic deaths of two students who took their own lives, AP said in a report. The academy announced on a recent Tuesday that all students were released the preceding weekend, describing the voluntary closure as a difficult decision; this action followed an order from North Carolina mental health officials for the school to cease new admissions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy to change the name of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Harvey Milk, which honors the late gay rights activist and Navy veteran Harvey Milk, The Hill said in a report. This directive was reportedly issued at the start of Pride Month, with Military.com first reporting the impending name change based on a memorandum from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.

Yunqing Jian and Zunyong Liu, two Chinese nationals, have been accused in the USA of smuggling a dangerous biological pathogen into the country, according to a report in BBC. The pathogen is reportedly a fungus that poses a threat by damaging a variety of crops and is also considered toxic to both humans and animals. The allegations specify that these individuals brought the harmful fungus into US territory.

The United States has charged two Chinese students with smuggling fungus, with the F.B.I. conducting the arrests, as per a report in The New York Times. These charges have been filed in the context of the current Trump administration's stated policy to intensify scrutiny and implement stricter measures targeting Chinese academics within the U.S.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has formally launched her bid to lead the House Oversight Committee, pitching herself as a fresh face to take on the GOP majority, The Hill said in a report. Her entry makes her the fourth Democrat to seek the position since the death of Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) last month.

Two Senate Judiciary subcommittees, one on the Constitution and the other on Federal Courts, are conducting a joint hearing on Tuesday afternoon to examine the judicial branch's role in providing checks and balances on executive power, The Hill said in a report. This hearing occurs as conflicts have intensified between President Donald Trump and the federal courts concerning challenges to his administration's executive actions, including those related to a significant overhaul initiative.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary has committed to reviewing the abortion drug mifepristone, a pledge made in a letter sent to Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), The Hill said in a report. In the letter, Makary stated that, "As with all drugs, FDA continues to closely monitor the postmarketing safety data on mifepristone for the medical termination of early pregnancy."

The National Park Service (NPS) has reversed its plans to close Dupont Circle park in Washington D.C. during the WorldPride parade scheduled for this coming weekend, The Hill said in a report. This decision, communicated by two local councilmembers, overturns an NPS announcement from Monday evening, which stated the park would be closed; the councilmembers reportedly indicated they spoke with Metropolitan Police regarding the matter.

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, appointed in 1990 by Republican President George H.W. Bush and known for subsequently becoming a liberal voice on the bench before his 2009 retirement, died in May, AP said in a report. Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, whose tenure was notably affected by a corruption scandal, also passed away in May.

The Kennedy Center denied a Tuesday report from The Washington Post which alleged the center experienced a 36 percent decline in sales subscriptions after President Donald Trump asserted control over the cultural institution in January, The Hill said in a report. Kim Cooper, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Kennedy Center, stated that the center has consolidated subscription packages and will begin promoting new performance packages.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is calling for the removal of an artificial intelligence provision from President Donald Trump's proposed "big, beautiful bill," threatening to oppose the entire legislative package if the section that would ban states from regulating AI is not eliminated, The Hill says in a report. Greene argues that this specific provision, reportedly found within the conceptual "OBBB" (Our Big, Beautiful Bill), infringes upon states' rights.

U.S. stocks gained ground on Tuesday, and financial markets worldwide were relatively steady as investors continued to await more updates on the economy and its performance, AP said in a report. The S&P 500 rose by 0.5% in afternoon trading, building on recent gains and moving to within 3% of its all-time high set earlier in the year; this recovery follows a period two months ago when it had fallen approximately 20% below that peak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also increased, climbing 207 points, or 0.5%, as of mid-afternoon Eastern time.

Job openings and hiring in the USA saw a slight uptick in April, as the Federal Reserve closely watches employment conditions ahead of the Labor Department's forthcoming key employment report, The Hill said in a report. This report is a significant data point that will inform the Federal Reserve's decisions regarding the path for interest rates, which underpin economic activity. The employment situation is being evaluated alongside other economic factors like capital expenditures and consumer spending levels, particularly in light of the current tariff truce with China.

China voiced criticism against Fox News host Pete Hegseth for his remarks in which he labeled the Asian country a threat in the Indo-Pacific, Fox News said in a report. Beijing accused Hegseth of espousing a 'Cold War mentality' and of having 'vilified' China with his comments. The initial description of the news item incorrectly identified Pete Hegseth as the U.S. Defense Secretary; he is a media commentator.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a report containing 130 accusations on Tuesday regarding tech billionaire Elon Musk's service as a 'Special Government Employee,' The Hill said in a report. The report argues that Musk profited from his work while leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the White House during an administration led by President Donald Trump, and alleges he maintained extensive financial interests during that period of service.

Smoke originating from widespread Canadian wildfires continued to affect air quality in the USA on Tuesday, with parts of the Midwest, specifically areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, experiencing "very unhealthy" conditions, AP said in a report. The smell of smoke was present in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area despite rainfall, and the same smoke has reportedly reached Europe, while over 27,000 Canadians have been evacuated due to the fires.

The White House dispatched a letter via the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to trading partners to encourage them to present offers by the following day, taking advantage of a current pause in reciprocal tariffs, The Hill said in a report. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this development on Tuesday, stating the letter served as a "friendly reminder" to the trading partners.

Former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee characterized attempts to erase Jewish historical connections to the Holy Land as "absurd" and called on those he termed historical revisionists to "follow the science" of archaeology, Fox News said in a report. His statements, made from a United States perspective, address ongoing debates and interpretations of historical narratives relevant to the region.

A debate in the USA is growing over 'nationwide injunctions,' which allow any of the 875 federal judges to halt federal policies across the country, Le Monde said in a report. Republicans are particularly vocal in challenging this judicial power, which is not explicitly grounded in the U.S. Constitution. This focus comes as there are broader calls for reform of the practice from various political factions, partly fueled by the significant use of such injunctions against federal policies during Donald Trump's 2017-2021 presidential term.

US Vice President J.D. Vance urged lawmakers to pass the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (Genius) Act during a speech at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas last week, South China Morning Post said in a report. The proposed legislation, which aims to regulate dollar-pegged stablecoins, is currently the subject of heated debate on Capitol Hill. Vice President Vance asserted that such stablecoins, particularly once the Genius Act is enacted, would benefit the American economy and strengthen the US dollar.

Global net favorability towards the USA had fallen to -1.5 by the end of May 2022, contrasting sharply with its rating of over 20 in January 2021, based on survey data from US intelligence company Morning Consult that was reported by Axios on Monday, the South China Morning Post says in a report. The data, which Axios exclusively acquired, indicated that China's net favorability rating rose from negative territory in January 2021 to 8.8 by May 2022. This shift, occurring between January 2021 and late April/May 2022, marked a period where China's favorability surpassed that of the USA according to the survey.

Beijing on Tuesday urged Washington to “respect facts, stop spreading disinformation, and correct its wrong practices” to create conditions for meaningful trade dialogue, stating that “pressure and coercion are not the right way to engage with China,” South China Morning Post said in a report. This statement from Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian came a day after the White House indicated it was “likely” that US President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid an ongoing dispute between the USA and China over a recent trade deal.

The United States has sanctioned Philippine tech company Funnull Technology Inc for allegedly enabling online romance scams known as 'pig butchering,' which US authorities claim resulted in over US$200 million in losses reported by victims linked to the company’s infrastructure, South China Morning Post said in a report. Funnull Technology Inc, a content delivery network provider based in Metro Manila, was sanctioned last week by the US Treasury Department along with Chinese national Liu Lizhi.

Retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid has identified more than 300 locations for closure following its second bankruptcy filing in May, The Hill said in a report. This development in the USA occurs amid ongoing debates regarding the regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), whose practices are cited by critics as contributing to financial pressures on pharmacies. The closures also raise concerns about healthcare access in underserved areas and are expected to lead to job losses, connecting to broader discussions on the U.S. economy and labor market conditions.

An undisclosed settlement has been reached between the former operator of Adventureland park in Altoona, Iowa, and the family of Michael Jaramillo, an 11-year-old boy who drowned on the Raging River ride in July 2021, AP said in a report. The agreement, involving the company that previously owned the park, its former CEO, and three managers, was finalized on Sunday, June 1, 2025, just before jury selection was scheduled to begin on Monday, June 2, 2025, for the family's lawsuit.

Executions for a specific group of prisoners on Georgia's death row remain halted due to an unmet condition in an agreement made between the state attorney general's office and defense lawyers, AP says in a report. This agreement, established after executions were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, stipulated terms for their resumption, one of which concerned the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for newborn babies; this condition has not been fulfilled.

US factory orders experienced a 3.7 percent decline in April, following a rise in March when businesses had increased their purchasing activity due to the anticipation of tariffs, Al Jazeera said in a report. This slump indicates that the previous surge in orders, driven by companies aiming to acquire goods before potential new tariffs were implemented, has now subsided as that period of heightened business anticipation passed.