Monday, June 16
A report reveals the Trump administration spent over $21 million on military flights to transport migrants to Guantanamo Bay as part of 'Operation Southern Guard.' Senator Warren criticized the operation as an abuse of power and a waste of military resources.
New York attorney general Letitia James is facing criticism over her proposed FAIR Business Practices Act, which aims to combat consumer scams. Business groups warn the bill could lead to frivolous lawsuits and legal shakedowns of small businesses, while James defends it as crucial for protecting New Yorkers from fraud amid reduced federal enforcement.
Thai authorities concluded search operations at a collapsed Bangkok construction site, a month after a Myanmar earthquake caused its downfall, killing 96 in Bangkok and thousands in Myanmar. Eighty-nine bodies were recovered, with seven still missing. Investigations into construction safety and corruption are ongoing, focusing on the Chinese contractor, China Railway No.
Infighting has erupted within Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health policy team after Calley Means accused Peter Gillooly of leaking information to Laura Loomer, who alleged tax fraud by Truemed. This dispute led to formal complaints and legal threats, exposing deep divisions within Kennedy's movement. Despite the uproar and accusations against Casey Means, Kennedy and Trump have defended her.
The UN rights chief voiced alarm on Tuesday at the large numbers of non-nationals being deported from the United States, in particular the hundreds sent to a mega-prison in El Salvador. His office pointed in a statement to US data showing that between January 20 and 142,000 individuals had been deported from the US. It voiced particular concern at the situation after US President Donald Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act in March to send alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to a massive prison, CECOT, in El Salvador.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked controversy by posting photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek, a Washington, D.C. waterway under a federal swimming ban due to high bacterial contamination.
Rasel Vought will replace Elon Musk as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Vought, previously at the Office of Management and Budget, aims to further cost-cutting measures. He plans to reclassify federal employees and advance deregulation. A controversial figure, Vought authored Project 2025, a plan to overhaul federal agencies.
Hamas has announced the imminent release of Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage in Gaza, as a goodwill gesture following positive communication with the US. Alexander, a dual citizen captured on October 7, 2023, is expected to be freed soon, with US officials and his parents en route to Israel.
