The Department of Justice has approved Paramount Skydance’s proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, clearing one of the biggest regulatory obstacles to a deal that would reshape the entertainment industry.
According to reports from <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/12/paramount-acquisition-warner-bros-approved-00960300?_sp_pass_consent=true">Politico</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/12/paramount-wbd-merger-approval-doj.html">CNBC</a>, the DOJ&#8217;s Antitrust Division concluded the transaction does not pose a threat to competition and declined to challenge the merger.
The decision paves the way for Paramount to merge with the media giant behind CNN, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Pictures, TBS, TNT, and other major entertainment brands, creating one of the world&#8217;s largest media companies.
The approval is expected to be formally announced on Friday.
Federal regulators reportedly approved the deal without requiring Paramount to divest any assets or accept behavioral remedies, conditions that often accompany major media mergers.
The merger has been among the most closely watched antitrust reviews of President Donald Trump&#8217;s second term because of its size and its potential impact on the media landscape.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, son of Oracle founder and Trump ally Larry Ellison, reportedly met personally with DOJ officials multiple times during the review process. According to Politico, Ellison spent roughly two hours meeting with Antitrust Division officials and career attorneys several weeks ago to discuss the transaction and its competitive effects.
Throughout the review, Paramount argued that the merger would strengthen competition by creating a larger media company capable of competing against streaming giants and technology firms that increasingly dominate the entertainment business.
Earlier this year, Netflix briefly pursued its own acquisition proposal for Warner Bros. Discovery before dropping out of the bidding process. According to CNBC, Paramount&#8217;s offer values Warner Bros. Discovery at approximately $31 per share.
Despite the federal approval, the deal still faces additional scrutiny.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, continues to investigate the transaction and could attempt to challenge the merger in court. Attorneys general from several states, including California and New York, monitored portions of the federal review process.
&#8220;The Paramount acquisition of Warner Brothers remains an active investigation,&#8221; a spokesperson for Bonta&#8217;s office told Politico.
The merger must also receive approval from European regulators before it can be finalized. The European Union has opened its own review and set a July deadline for its initial assessment.
On Wednesday, Paramount announced that Australia&#8217;s competition regulator had <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/06/paramount-wbd-mergerl-clears-australia-1236952390/">approved the transaction</a>.
Critics of the merger have warned that it could lead to another round of consolidation-related layoffs across Hollywood. Industry unions and some entertainment advocates have argued that the combined company would likely pursue significant cost-cutting measures.
For Paramount and the Ellisons, the DOJ&#8217;s decision represents a major victory after months of regulatory scrutiny. The company has said it expects the transaction to close by September if all remaining approvals are secured.

In this photo illustration, the Paramount logo is seen

Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Clears Major Hurdle

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Two people were killed, and 10 victims were reported after a shooting in Midland, Texas, on Friday morning.
Authorities confirmed the suspect is dead after being barricaded inside a building. Officers responding to the scene encountered gunfire, <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2026/06/12/texas-midland-shooting-suspect-dead/">according</a> to The Texas Tribune.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
BREAKING: Police are responding to an &#8220;active shooter event&#8221; in Midland, Texas <a href="https://t.co/Kd7UXEOq68">pic.twitter.com/Kd7UXEOq68</a>
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://x.com/Breaking911/status/2065448691377295840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote>
Nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. Four were undergoing surgery, and five were listed in stable condition. Officials <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofMidlandTX/posts/pfbid023ya2fa79vFUNkJ6uYRqZMxLpdBjbu8XA1EJ4CWpbRq3J6hvbduKt5jgZawYpFgQcl">said</a> a perimeter has been established around the suspect, who remains contained as &#8220;armored units &#8230; and partner agencies&#8221; work to resolve the standoff.
The shootings began in southeast Midland and progressed across the southern portion of the city before law enforcement ultimately contained the suspect in southwest Midland. SWAT teams, armored units, and multiple partner agencies responded to the incident.
&#8220;The situation is now secured in that area, but we&#8217;re still asking that all Midlanders stay put,&#8221; Midland Mayor Lori Blong said during a morning news conference. &#8220;If you&#8217;re in that area, you don&#8217;t need to be out and driving around or going to try to see anything.&#8221;
Nine victims were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital. Four were undergoing surgery, and five were listed in stable condition. Officials have not released additional details regarding the conditions of the remaining victims.
Authorities said one victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police later confirmed the suspect had also died. No law enforcement officers were believed to have been injured during the response. &#8220;The scene remains active and has not been cleared,&#8221; Midland Police said in a social media update. &#8220;Road closures in the area are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The active shooter incident has been resolved, and the suspect is confirmed deceased. 
The scene remains active and has not been cleared. Road closures in the area are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future as the investigation continues.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/midlandtxpd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#midlandtxpd</a>
— City of Midland (@CityOfMidland) <a href="https://x.com/CityOfMidland/status/2065474314455953567?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2026</a></blockquote>
A Family Reunification Center has been established at Midland Memorial Hospital. Family members seeking information about loved ones can go to the hospital chapel or call a dedicated hotline established by officials.
&#8220;Our thoughts and prayers are absolutely with the victims and with their families, with our first responders, with all of the medical staff that are responding this morning,&#8221; Blong said.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or a possible motive. The investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story; please refresh to check for updates.

SWAT Members Prepare Ror Reenactment Exercise for Disaster Preparedness At Niagara Falls International Airport

At Least Two Dead, Multiple Injured In Texas Shooting

The Trump administration is escalating one of its signature healthcare reforms ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, moving from promises of price transparency to active enforcement against hospitals that continue to hide costs from patients.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) <a href="https://x.com/hhsgov/status/2064408871527927856?s=46">announced</a> this week that the grace period for hospital price transparency compliance has officially ended, warning providers that fail to disclose actual prices that they could face penalties of up to $2 million annually.
The move marks a significant step in President Donald Trump&#8217;s long-running effort to force hospitals and insurers to publish real healthcare prices, allowing patients to compare costs before receiving treatment rather than being surprised by bills weeks or months later.
&#8220;For years, hospitals kept Americans in the dark about the true cost of care,&#8221; HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a video announcement alongside CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. &#8220;Families made medical decisions without knowing the price — and too often got hit with bills that drained their savings.&#8221;
&#8220;That ends now,&#8221; Kennedy added. &#8220;Under President Trump&#8217;s leadership, HHS is enforcing hospital price transparency with real consequences.&#8221;
Kennedy and Oz delivered a direct warning to healthcare providers: &#8220;Post your actual prices. Come into compliance immediately — or face serious consequences.&#8221;
The administration&#8217;s enforcement push comes as healthcare affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns for voters heading into the midterm cycle.
According to a March <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/707732/healthcare-reclaims-top-spot-among-domestic-worries.aspx?utm_source=tagrss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=syndication">Gallup survey</a>, 61% of Americans say they worry &#8220;a great deal&#8221; about healthcare access and affordability, making it the top domestic concern in the country. Healthcare ranked above inflation, the economy, federal spending, and income inequality, underscoring the political significance of reforms to lower medical costs.
The issue has become a central pillar of Trump&#8217;s healthcare agenda. Shortly after returning to office, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing transparency rules and require hospitals and insurers to disclose actual prices rather than estimates.
The administration and supporters argue that transparent pricing injects market competition into a healthcare system where consumers often have little idea what services cost until after treatment.
&#8220;President Trump&#8217;s position on &#8216;maximum&#8217; price transparency is clear: Hospitals must post upfront, actionable prices or face significant fines,&#8221; Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of <a href="http://patientrightsadvocate.org/">PatientRightsAdvocate.org</a>, said in a statement to The Daily Wire. &#8220;Today&#8217;s action by Secretary Kennedy and Administrator Oz is a huge win for America&#8217;s patients and a strong warning to hospitals and insurers who have put profits over patients for far too long.&#8221;
Andrew Bremberg, who served as director of the Domestic Policy Council during Trump&#8217;s first administration, said the enforcement effort demonstrates the White House is moving beyond rhetoric and beginning to hold providers accountable.
&#8220;President Trump is doing what his predecessor failed to do and holding hospitals accountable,&#8221; Bremberg exclusively told The Daily Wire. &#8220;The Trump Administration has made maximum price transparency a pillar of their healthcare agenda and by beginning enforcement actions against hospitals, they are putting their policy in action and taking a giant step toward achieving a more affordable healthcare system that puts the American people ahead of hospitals and insurance companies.&#8221;
Bremberg added that transparency has become &#8220;a central focus&#8221; of the administration&#8217;s healthcare efforts and that stronger oversight is intended to ensure patients receive the pricing information they need to make informed decisions.
Advocates argue the stakes extend far beyond politics. More than 100 million Americans carry medical debt, while millions delay treatment because they do not know what care will cost beforehand.
&#8220;This is a major milestone for the MAHA movement,&#8221; said Ilaria Wheeler, director of research for PatientRightsAdvocate.org. &#8220;Price transparency isn&#8217;t a Republican or Democratic issue — it&#8217;s a patient issue.&#8221;
&#8220;By holding hospitals accountable and enforcing healthcare price transparency, President Trump and Secretary Kennedy are making healthcare honest again and giving Americans the certainty they need to seek care without fear of hidden costs or surprise bills,&#8221; Wheeler added.

President Trump Participates In Swearing-In Ceremony For Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz

Americans May Start Seeing Healthcare Costs Decline Ahead Of Midterms Thanks To Trump Move

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The parents of convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony are continuing to defend their son following his sentencing, insisting he acted in self-defense and arguing that the outcome of his trial was predetermined long before jurors began deliberating.
Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison this week after a Texas jury found him guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of high school athlete Austin Metcalf. One day after the sentence was handed down, Anthony formally filed notice of appeal.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVOJqhr5H9c">CBS Texas</a>, Anthony&#8217;s mother, Kayla Hayes, rejected the jury&#8217;s conclusion that her son intended to kill Metcalf.
“My son is no murderer. My son didn&#8217;t intend to hurt anyone,” Hayes said. “My son was defending himself, and that&#8217;s what hurts so bad.”
Hayes said she pleaded with jurors for mercy during the sentencing phase of the trial.
“To have mercy on my son. That&#8217;s what I told the jury,” she said. “I know they had their minds made up already, so really wasn&#8217;t much I could change.”
Both parents challenged the testimony presented during the trial.
“Everyone actually lied on the stand. Everyone,” Hayes said. “All of the witnesses&#8217; statements were inconsistent, all of them.”
Anthony&#8217;s father, Andrew Anthony, similarly argued that public opinion surrounding the case had already determined the outcome before the trial began.
“He was convicted when he walked out of the jail,” Anthony said. “You looked at the news and actually, he was already convicted. If you look at it, he was already — it was already done. There was no innocence of proving guilty. He was already guilty.”
Jurors ultimately rejected Anthony&#8217;s self-defense claim after hearing testimony from multiple witnesses, including some called by the defense. Prosecutors argued that Anthony provoked the confrontation and that his use of deadly force was not justified.
Anthony was convicted in the April 2025 fatal stabbing of Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas.
The elder Anthony also claimed the family continues to receive threats in the aftermath of the case.
“People want us dead,” he said. “You see, I go look at my phone. People want us dead, they want our family dead.”
Despite the conviction and sentence, Anthony&#8217;s parents said they do not believe justice was served.
“We didn&#8217;t get justice,” Andrew Anthony said. “A lot of things that we missed that should have been handled a certain way. However, we couldn&#8217;t say anything. We did what was instructed. We was told — we was told, so we just did what we was told.”
Anthony&#8217;s appeal is now moving forward, beginning what could be a years-long effort to challenge both his conviction and sentence.

Karmelo Anthony

Karmelo Anthony’s Parents Break Silence, Make New Claim About Witnesses

Fresh off his victory in Maine’s Democratic Senate primary, Graham Platner is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations involving former girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield, as new disputes emerge over his characterization of their relationship and the events detailed in a recent New York Times investigation.
Platner secured the Democratic nomination Tuesday and will face off in November against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) in one of the most closely watched Senate races of the 2026 midterms. But his victory comes amid a growing list of controversies that have dogged his campaign, including a now-covered tattoo linked to Nazi iconography, reports of extramarital sexting early in his marriage, and allegations from former partners describing troubling behavior.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2026-06-05/in-an-interview-with-maine-public-graham-platner-denies-being-physically-threatening">Maine Public</a> following the publication of the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/us/politics/platner-maine-senate-girlfriends-relationships.html">Times investigation</a>, Platner dismissed allegations from Fifield that he had engaged in physically threatening behavior during their relationship. &#8220;No, that&#8217;s just not true,&#8221; Platner said when asked about claims that he had acted aggressively toward her.
The Times reported that Fifield alleged Platner once yanked her from a cab following an argument and, on another occasion, twisted her arm behind her back, pushed her into a room, and held the door shut to prevent her from leaving. Platner&#8217;s campaign denied allegations of physical abuse but did not dispute claims that he made comments about violence, including remarks about raping potential home intruders.
Platner also appeared to downplay the nature of his relationship with Fifield, telling Maine Public that &#8220;we never dated&#8221; and describing the relationship as merely &#8220;casual.&#8221;
That characterization has drawn criticism from Fifield, who says the relationship was far more substantial than Platner now suggests. In a text message revealed to the <a href="https://www.thefp.com/p/graham-platners-ex-girlfriend-wants">Free Press</a>, Platner wrote to Fifield that he loved her “in a way I can’t even describe. I’ve been falling over myself for you for as long as you’d have me.”
Fifield was also the original source behind allegations that Platner&#8217;s controversial tattoo carried Nazi associations, claims first reported last year by <a href="https://jewishinsider.com/2025/10/graham-platner-ss-tattoo-maine-senate/">Jewish Insider</a>.
Platner again rejected those allegations during the interview, arguing that he was unaware of any extremist symbolism connected to the tattoo until recently. &#8220;The moment I found out it had these connotations, it was covered up within three days,&#8221; Platner said.
Meanwhile, Fifield has publicly criticized the New York Times&#8217; handling of its investigation, accusing the newspaper of omitting corroborating evidence and contextual information she provided during months of interviews.
In a lengthy post to <a href="https://x.com/lyndseyfifield/status/2062808679829704815">X</a>, Fifield said she cooperated extensively with Times reporters, provided screenshots and additional sources, and agreed not to speak with other media outlets while the investigation was underway. After publication, however, she questioned why details about her own political background and personal life received significant attention while, she argues, evidence supporting her allegations was minimized or excluded.
&#8220;The journalists I trusted who convinced me to share a story I never wanted to tell methodically delayed and twisted this into a gift to the Platner campaign,&#8221; Fifield wrote.
She also disputed the newspaper&#8217;s assertion that certain claims could not be corroborated, arguing that multiple friends had confirmed she spoke about Platner&#8217;s alleged behavior years before he became a political candidate.
The fallout from the Times report has highlighted a broader divide among Democratic voters. Rather than damaging Platner&#8217;s campaign, the controversy appeared to energize many supporters. According to reporting following the story&#8217;s publication, the campaign recorded one of its strongest fundraising days after the allegations became public.
Platner has repeatedly argued that the scrutiny surrounding his personal life is intended to distract voters from his campaign&#8217;s economic message. During his Maine Public interview, he accused political opponents and the media of attempting to shift attention away from issues such as healthcare, taxes, and income inequality.
&#8220;I don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s going to do anything serious,&#8221; Platner said of the allegations. &#8220;The whole point of these stories is to make sure we&#8217;re not talking about healthcare, it&#8217;s to make sure we&#8217;re not talking about raising taxes on the rich.&#8221;
Whether the controversy fades or continues to grow may ultimately depend on what additional evidence emerges and whether further reporting sheds light on the competing claims surrounding Platner&#8217;s past relationships. For now, the Democratic nominee enters the general election facing continued questions about allegations he insists are false and that former partners insist deserve greater scrutiny.

Graham Platner

Graham Platner Caught In Another Lie

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is appearing before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday for a closed-door interview regarding his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. 
Gates will be one of the highest-profile witnesses yet in Congress&#8217; ongoing investigation into Epstein&#8217;s network of wealthy and politically connected associates.
Unlike several previous witnesses, Gates&#8217; testimony will not be recorded on video. Instead, lawmakers are expected to release a transcript in the coming days, setting up what could be one of the most closely watched document releases of the committee&#8217;s months-long probe.
&#8220;I&#8217;m glad to be here voluntarily to testify,&#8221; Gates told reporters as he arrived on Capitol Hill. &#8220;I hope my testimony is helpful to the hard work of the committee to find justice for the victims.&#8221;
Gates published his <a href="https://www.gatesnotes.com/house-oversight-committee-statement">opening statement</a> to the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday morning, saying he supports &#8220;the release of all the Epstein files,&#8221; and that he hoped &#8220;the survivors of Epstein’s crimes can get the justice that they deserve.&#8221;
Still, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) described Gates as &#8220;not as candid and forthcoming as he can be&#8221; and even a &#8220;little combative&#8221; after the initial hour of questioning, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2026/06/10/gates-a-little-combative-with-congress-during-epstein-testimony-democrat-says-live-updates/?streamIndex=0">according</a> to Forbes.
The hearing follows months of scrutiny surrounding Gates&#8217; relationship with Epstein, which began in 2011 — three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.
The House Oversight Committee first requested Gates&#8217; testimony in March. Chairman James Comer (R-KY) stated the committee believed the billionaire possessed information relevant to its investigation into Epstein and his associates. The date for the hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, as <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/date-set-for-deposition-of-former-epstein-pal-bill-gates">previously reported</a> by The Daily Wire.
Gates has long maintained that he was unaware of Epstein&#8217;s criminal conduct and has denied any involvement in wrongdoing. &#8220;While he never witnessed or participated in any of Epstein&#8217;s illegal conduct, he is looking forward to answering all the committee&#8217;s questions to support their important work,&#8221; a spokesman for Gates previously said.
The billionaire&#8217;s ties to Epstein have generated controversy for years, particularly after documents released by the Justice Department revealed repeated communications involving Gates, Epstein, and several of Gates&#8217; closest advisers.
Earlier this year, Gates apologized to employees at the Gates Foundation for his association with Epstein and acknowledged that he had engaged in extramarital affairs, including relationships with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist.
Documents released as part of the Epstein files included emails in which Epstein discussed Gates&#8217; personal life and alleged sexual relationships with Russian women. One email, which appeared to be a draft resignation letter sent by Epstein to himself, referenced helping Gates obtain medication following encounters with &#8220;russian girls.&#8221; Another email alleged that Gates contracted a sexually transmitted disease and sought to secretly provide antibiotics to his then-wife, Melinda Gates.
Gates has categorically denied those allegations. &#8220;These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,&#8221; a spokesman for Gates said previously, arguing that Epstein sought to &#8220;entrap and defame&#8221; him after Gates cut off contact.
Gates has also insisted that none of the women with whom he had affairs were connected to Epstein&#8217;s sex-trafficking operation. &#8220;I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,&#8221; Gates told foundation employees earlier this year. &#8220;To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around [Epstein].&#8221;
Still, lawmakers from both parties have signaled they want answers about why Gates maintained contact with Epstein years after his conviction and what exactly transpired during their relationship.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) said ahead of the testimony that lawmakers are seeking &#8220;accountability for those in power and answers for survivors.&#8221; Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) similarly said he wanted to learn more about &#8220;what Gates knew of Epstein&#8217;s crimes, and the nature and extent of their relationship.&#8221;
Wednesday&#8217;s appearance also drew attention because Gates sought advice from Jake Greenberg — the former chief investigations counsel for the House Oversight Committee — while preparing for the interview, according to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/09/us/politics/bill-gates-jeffrey-epstein-oversight-committee-lawyer.html">New York Times</a>. Ethics experts told the Times that the arrangement could create the appearance of a revolving door between congressional investigators and high-profile witnesses, though no rules appear to have been violated.
Gates joins a growing list of prominent figures questioned by the committee as part of its Epstein investigation, including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, retail billionaire Les Wexner, and convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
With no video recording and no immediate public release of his testimony, attention is now turning to the transcript, which committee officials say will be released in the coming days and could provide the clearest account yet of Gates&#8217; long-questioned relationship with Epstein.

2019 New York Times Dealbook

‘Combative’ Bill Gates Makes Admission About Meeting With Epstein

Bill Gates Testifies Before House Oversight Committee In Closed Door Hearing

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan secured re-election Sunday in a closely watched parliamentary vote that could accelerate the country&#8217;s shift away from Russia and toward closer ties with the United States and the West.
Pashinyan&#8217;s ruling Civil Contract party won nearly 50% of the vote, according to <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/08/europe/armenia-election-pashinyan-russia-analysis-intl">CNN</a>, defeating opposition forces backed by Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan and preserving the mandate for a foreign policy realignment that has increasingly alarmed the Kremlin.
The election was widely viewed as a referendum on Armenia&#8217;s future geopolitical direction. For decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia remained one of Moscow&#8217;s most reliable partners in the former Soviet space, hosting Russian military forces and relying heavily on the Kremlin for security guarantees.
That relationship began to unravel after Russia failed to prevent Azerbaijan&#8217;s military victories over Armenian-backed forces in Nagorno-Karabakh and later failed to stop the collapse of the region&#8217;s ethnic Armenian government in 2023. The defeat displaced more than 100,000 Armenians and shattered public confidence in Russia&#8217;s ability to protect one of its closest allies.
Since then, Pashinyan has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/05/world/europe/armenia-election-russia.html">steadily distanced Armenia from Moscow</a>. His government froze participation in the Russian-led <a href="https://eurasianet.org/armenian-pm-insists-country-has-irrevocably-broken-with-the-russia-led-csto">Collective Security Treaty Organization</a>, expanded security cooperation with the United States and France, pursued closer relations with the European Union, and opened the door to a historic peace agreement with Azerbaijan.
The Armenian leader campaigned under the banner of a &#8220;Real Armenia,&#8221; urging voters to move beyond Soviet-era thinking and embrace a more independent future.
The result represents an embarrassing setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose government warned Armenia against deeper integration with Western institutions. In the weeks leading up to the election, Moscow imposed restrictions on Armenian imports while Russian officials repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining traditional ties between the two countries. 
Rather than reversing course, Armenian voters handed Pashinyan another term. 
The outcome could also represent a strategic opportunity for the United States. President Donald Trump publicly <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116648998520896910">endorsed</a> Pashinyan ahead of the election and has invested significant political capital in efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 
The administration has promoted the <a href="https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/the-united-states-and-armenia-announce-tripp-framework-agreement-and-sign-the-strategic-partnership-charter-and-critical-minerals-mou">proposed</a> Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or TRIPP, a transportation corridor that would connect regional trade routes while reducing dependence on Russian and Iranian transit networks.
If implemented, the project could expand American influence in a region historically dominated by Moscow.
Armenia occupies a critical geographic position between Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. For decades, that location made it a valuable component of Russian influence in the Caucasus and broader Middle East. A sustained Armenian pivot toward Washington would weaken Moscow&#8217;s position while potentially giving the United States a new partner in a strategically important region bordering both Russia and Iran.
Despite the victory, challenges remain for Pashinyan. His coalition retained power but may fall short of the overwhelming parliamentary majority needed to rapidly implement constitutional reforms and fully execute his foreign policy agenda. 
Armenia also remains economically dependent on Russia in several sectors, including energy infrastructure, giving Moscow significant leverage should relations continue to deteriorate.
Nevertheless, Sunday&#8217;s vote suggests many Armenian voters have little interest in returning to the old arrangement. After Russia failed to deliver on its promises of protection, many Armenians appear willing to continue betting on a future less dependent on Moscow and more closely aligned with the United States and other Western partners.

ARMENIA-VOTE-PARLIAMENT

Trump Backed Candidate Snubs Moscow, Retains Armenian Prime Ministry

A Navy sailor admitted Monday that he strangled and killed a fellow service member before hiding her body in a suitcase and dumping it in a wooded area near Naval Station Norfolk. The guilty plea is raising questions of why military officials failed to remove him from service despite multiple prior allegations of violence against women.
Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Copeland pleaded guilty during a military court-martial to the unpremeditated murder of Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz, a 21-year-old sailor assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams.
&#8220;I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 2025,&#8221; Copeland told the military judge. &#8220;I strangled her with my hands.&#8221;
Under a plea agreement accepted by the court, Copeland also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault by strangulation, indecent recording, obstruction of justice, and making a false official statement. He faces a minimum sentence of 40 years and two months in prison, a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. 
According to court proceedings, Resendiz entered Copeland&#8217;s barracks room on May 29, 2025. Copeland admitted the two were drinking alcohol when an argument began after she saw something on his phone. He told the court he strangled her on the floor of the room before hiding her body in a suitcase in his closet. 
Investigators later determined Copeland kept Resendiz&#8217;s body concealed for several days before transporting it to a wooded area roughly ten miles from the base. Her decomposing remains were discovered on June 9, 2025, nearly two weeks after she vanished. 
But even before Resendiz&#8217;s death, Copeland was already facing allegations involving other women. 
Military prosecutors had previously accused Copeland of raping a fellow sailor in November 2024 and sexually assaulting and attempting to strangle another service member months earlier. Court records also show he was facing a separate rape allegation involving a civilian woman in Norfolk just days before Resendiz disappeared.
His history reportedly stretches back even further. Before joining the Navy in 2023, a Washington state judge issued a temporary sexual assault protection order against Copeland involving an underage girl. He was also accused in a separate incident of kissing and groping another underage girl against her will. 
Resendiz&#8217;s mother, Esmeralda Castle, has repeatedly argued that Navy leadership failed to act despite numerous warning signs. 
&#8220;This situation was absolutely preventable,&#8221; Castle said before trial proceedings began.
&#8220;If they would have dealt with him when he started harming women, he would never have gotten to Angie,&#8221; she later told <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/navy-sailor-admits-killing-fellow-service-member-mother-questions-missed-warning-signs">Fox News</a>. 
Castle has been among the most vocal critics of the Navy&#8217;s response to her daughter&#8217;s disappearance. Resendiz was last seen on May 29, 2025, but a statewide missing-person alert was not issued until five days later after military officials initially classified her as absent without leave.
The delay sparked criticism from family members and comparisons to the case of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, whose <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/vanessa-guillen-fort-hood.html">murder</a> prompted sweeping reforms throughout the military regarding sexual harassment and assault investigations.
Friends and family described Resendiz as a bright and ambitious young sailor who hoped to build a career in military culinary arts. According to her mother, Resendiz aimed to one day join the Navy&#8217;s elite culinary competition team and cook for world leaders.
Following Monday&#8217;s plea hearing, Castle met privately with Copeland. 
&#8220;I thanked him for telling the truth,&#8221; she <a href="https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-06-08/sailor-pleads-guilty-death-angelina-resendiz-21906865.html?mc_cid=9ce47e81e4&amp;mc_eid=4c1d7240e1">said</a>. 
While Castle said hearing Copeland finally admit responsibility brought her &#8220;peace of mind,&#8221; she remains convinced the tragedy should never have happened. 
&#8220;We have statutes, and we have policies, and we have procedures that were implemented by Congress to protect service members from this type of violence,&#8221; Castle said. &#8220;And nothing&#8217;s changed.&#8221;
The military judge is expected to formally impose a sentence under the terms of the plea agreement following the conclusion of court-martial proceedings.

Volunteers place carnations at each grave at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in preparation of Memorial Day.

Navy Sailor Pleads Guilty To Murdering Fellow Service Member

Navy Sailor Pleads Guilty To Murder After Facing Multiple Rape Allegations

Crime

Military

U.S.

U.S. Navy

US Navy

WASHINGTON — As political battles rage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and Americans prepare to mark the country&#8217;s 250th anniversary, thousands of Catholics gathered in Washington over the weekend for a very different purpose: carrying the Eucharist through the streets of the city while praying for the renewal of America.
The event was part of the <a href="https://www.eucharisticpilgrimage.org/">2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage</a>, a 2,000-mile journey stretching from St. Augustine, Florida, to Philadelphia. The theme of the event: &#8220;One Nation Under God.&#8221;
According to organizers, more than 20,000 people have participated in pilgrimage events across the East Coast as the procession has traveled through the original 13 colonies and other historic locations tied to America&#8217;s founding.
The Washington portion of the pilgrimage coincided with the Feast of Corpus Christi and brought large crowds into the streets of the nation&#8217;s capital for public Eucharistic processions, prayer services, and celebrations centered on the Catholic belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.
Standing before pilgrims at the St. John Paul II National Shrine, National Eucharistic Congress Vice President of Events and Operations Sarah Houde described the theme as &#8220;ultimately a spiritual theme, not a political one.&#8221;
&#8220;As our country marks its 250th anniversary, we are reminded that our rights, dignity, and freedoms come from God, and that all human authority is accountable to a higher authority,&#8221; Houde said.
The pilgrimage arrives at a moment when questions of faith, national identity, and civic unity have become increasingly prominent in American public life. Organizers repeatedly emphasized that the goal was not political advocacy, but spiritual renewal. &#8220;One Nation Under God is not a slogan,&#8221; pilgrimage organizers state on their website. &#8220;It&#8217;s an invitation to realign our lives, communities, and country under the sovereignty of Christ.&#8221;
During a homily delivered before a procession through downtown Washington, Father Charles Trullols, director of the Catholic Information Center, told attendees that the phrase &#8220;Under God&#8221; only remains meaningful if Americans actively place God first in their lives.
&#8220;A nation remains under God only if its people choose to place God first,&#8221; Trullols said. The procession moved through some of the nation&#8217;s most recognizable landmarks, including areas surrounding the White House and the Washington Monument. Pilgrims described the experience as particularly powerful given the nation&#8217;s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.
Another pilgrim, Mary Carmen Zakrajsek, noted that Catholic history in America predates the country&#8217;s founding by centuries. &#8220;There was a consecration before there was a Constitution,&#8221; she said, referencing the early Catholic presence in what would later become the United States.
One of the most striking moments of the weekend came on Saturday night when clergy elevated the Eucharist near the Washington Monument and offered a blessing over the nation&#8217;s capital.
Several pilgrims reflected on the symbolism of bringing the Eucharist into the nation&#8217;s capital ahead of America&#8217;s 250th anniversary. &#8220;It&#8217;s really meant to be a unifying moment of rededicating our country back to Christ,&#8221; John Paul Flynn, a Northern Virginia native, said. &#8220;To see Christ walking through the streets, especially right next to the White House, going up to the Washington Monument, places that I&#8217;ve been many times throughout my life, it really just creates a newfound love for our country, for our church.&#8221;
The event also highlighted what many Catholic leaders view as a broader religious revival occurring across the United States. Houde pointed to growing participation in Eucharistic processions, increasing devotion to Eucharistic adoration, and rising numbers entering the Catholic Church as evidence that many Americans are searching for something deeper than politics. &#8220;I really do believe that we&#8217;re seeing the fruits,&#8221; Houde said. &#8220;People are hungry for an encounter with Jesus Christ.&#8221;
When asked about tensions between Washington and the Vatican and what side American Catholics should take, organizers declined to enter the political debate.
&#8220;Often we&#8217;re on the side of Christ, right?&#8221; Pilgrim Zachary Dotson responded. &#8220;My advice to every Catholic, to every soul who&#8217;s wondering what&#8217;s the path, what&#8217;s the north star — it&#8217;s Jesus Christ. I would say center yourself on Him, on His teachings, on the Church He established for us.&#8221;
Houde added that Catholics should focus less on political camps and more on prayer. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think we can underestimate the power of praying for our leaders, our political leaders, our nation&#8217;s leaders, our Church leaders, our bishops, the Pope,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Pray for unity, pray for wisdom, pray for guidance.&#8221; That message echoed throughout the pilgrimage. While America&#8217;s political class remains sharply divided, participants repeatedly emphasized prayer, gratitude, and renewal as the proper response to the country&#8217;s 250th anniversary.
The pilgrimage will continue north through historic sites connected to the American founding before concluding in Philadelphia on July 5.
&#8220;Our nation continues to hunger for freedom, unity, healing, and hope,&#8221; Houde said. &#8220;The answer to that hunger is not found in greater division or louder arguments. It is found in a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ.&#8221;

Adobe Express – file

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Blesses D.C. Ahead Of America 250

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Religion

A bitter public feud between Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is exposing growing fractures within the Democratic Party as left-wing activists and establishment figures increasingly find themselves at odds ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The latest clash erupted Sunday when Platner, speaking at a town hall in Maine, referred to Fetterman with a profanity while discussing lawmakers he would potentially work alongside in Washington. &#8220;The Senate really is a place of relationships,&#8221; Platner <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/platner-calls-fetterman-a-hole-town-hall-democratic-feud-heats-up">told supporters</a>. &#8220;You can&#8217;t just go down there and be John Fetterman and just sort of be an a**hole.&#8221;
When audience members reacted, Platner doubled down, adding, &#8220;He&#8217;s said mean things about me, I&#8217;m allowed to say that.&#8221;
The comments marked the latest escalation in a war of words that has increasingly become a proxy battle over the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Fetterman has emerged as one of Platner&#8217;s most vocal Democratic critics in recent weeks, repeatedly attacking the Maine progressive over a growing list of controversies that have dogged his Senate campaign. The Pennsylvania senator has <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/02/politics/graham-platner-senate-democrats-maine">referred</a> to Platner as a &#8220;creeper,&#8221; questioned his past conduct, and accused fellow Democrats of overlooking behavior they would ordinarily condemn.
&#8220;What kind of a creeper has spent a decade on a platform like Kik, and send a dozen explicit kinds of messages and who knows what else?&#8221; Fetterman said during a recent CNN interview. In another appearance, Fetterman argued that Democrats were supporting Platner primarily because of party loyalty rather than enthusiasm for the candidate himself. &#8220;If they&#8217;d just be honest, they&#8217;d say, &#8216;Well, the only thing I can say about him is, well, he&#8217;s a Democrat,'&#8221; Fetterman <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/06/politics/video/fetterman-roasts-maines-dem-senate-candidate">said</a>. &#8220;He&#8217;s not really technically a Democrat — in his own words, he said, &#8216;I&#8217;m a communist socialist.'&#8221;
Platner has fired back repeatedly, accusing Fetterman of abandoning progressive principles and aligning himself with more moderate and pro-Israel factions within the party. Over the weekend, Platner <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2063395224592761326">wrote</a> on X that Fetterman had become &#8220;a stooge for AIPAC and the Republican Party,&#8221; highlighting one of the major ideological fault lines driving the dispute.
The increasingly personal nature of the conflict comes as Fetterman himself has become a controversial figure among many leftists due to his strong support for Israel, criticism of anti-Israel activists, and willingness to break with fellow Democrats on several high-profile issues.
While Democratic leaders have largely attempted to focus attention on defeating Republicans in November, the Fetterman-Platner fight underscores deeper tensions simmering beneath the surface. Those divisions pit an ascendant hard-left contingent that embraces democratic socialism and confrontational politics against more moderate Democrats who argue the party risks alienating voters through ideological purity tests and controversial candidates.
The dispute could also offer an early preview of broader battles expected to intensify ahead of the 2028 presidential election. As Democrats search for a post-Biden identity, competing factions within the party are increasingly wrestling over questions of ideology, messaging, foreign policy, and the type of candidates they want representing the party on the national stage.
For now, those disagreements are playing out in Maine, where Platner remains the heavy favorite to secure his party&#8217;s Senate nomination. But the increasingly public feud with Fetterman suggests that even if Democrats remain united against Republicans at the ballot box, unity within the party itself may prove far more difficult to maintain.
If Platner wins the nomination and advances to a general election showdown against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Democrats may face a difficult balancing act: defending a candidate embraced by the party&#8217;s left-wing grassroots while answering questions raised by one of their own sitting senators.

Senate Votes on Reconciliation

Fetterman Vs. Platner: The Democrat Civil War Is Getting Ugly

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John Fetterman

A new federal lawsuit filed by two Virginia residents is seeking to halt a planned UFC event on the White House South Lawn, launching yet another legal fight over President Donald Trump’s 250th anniversary celebration plans and drawing accusations of “lawfare” from supporters of the administration.
The complaint, filed Saturday by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of Vietnam War veteran Paul Romano and senior citizen activist Susan Douglas, challenges the Trump administration’s plan to host a mixed martial arts event on White House grounds as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations, arguing the spectacle exceeds executive authority and improperly converts federal property into a private venue.
At the center of the dispute is a June 14 event promoted by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which the White House has framed as part of broader America 250 commemorations. The lawsuit contends the fight card is “not in any material sense” a national celebration, but rather a commercial spectacle tied to the UFC brand and benefiting both UFC leadership and Trump-aligned business interests.
The plaintiffs argue that the construction of a large-scale fighting arena on the South Lawn, along with associated staging at national landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, required congressional approval and environmental review under federal law. They further claim the event amounts to an unauthorized use of government land for private financial gain.
According to the filing, the UFC is selling high-end sponsorship and VIP packages ranging into the seven-figure tier, while additional revenue streams include media rights and promotional partnerships. The complaint also cites Trump’s investment in UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, as a potential conflict of interest.
Brendan Ballou, founder of the Public Integrity Project and lead counsel in the case, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/07/politics/ufc-fight-white-house-lawsuit?Date=20260607&amp;Profile=CNN&amp;utm_content=1780862834&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">described</a> the planned event as a “profoundly corrupt scheme” that turns national monuments into branding opportunities for private entities. The lawsuit also alleges that the temporary construction on the South Lawn constitutes a major federal action that should have triggered environmental review procedures.
Romano and Douglas, argue they frequently use and visit the National Mall and surrounding areas and are directly harmed by what they describe as the “aesthetic injury” of converting historic civic spaces into a commercial venue.
One plaintiff, Romano, said in a statement that staging a “for-profit cage fight” at sites such as the White House and Lincoln Memorial represents a misuse of sacred national symbols. The suit also challenges the use of the Lincoln Memorial for ceremonial weigh-ins and other promotional events tied to the fight card.
The Trump administration has dismissed the lawsuit as an attempt to obstruct a lawful and publicly authorized celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, arguing the UFC event falls within permitted commemorative programming. Officials have compared it to other large-scale events hosted on federal grounds and say it is being conducted in coordination with proper approvals.
A White House official, in a statement to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/48993111/lawsuit-seeks-shut-ufc-white-house">ESPN</a> defended the event, called the suit “obstructionist” and without merit, insisting the planned programming is consistent with prior national celebrations and accusing critics of attempting to derail a historic public spectacle.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta — an Obama appointed judge — who will first determine whether the plaintiffs have standing to proceed before considering an emergency injunction request aimed at stopping construction and halting the event altogether.
The lawsuit adds to a growing series of legal challenges targeting high-profile Trump-era initiatives in Washington, D.C., many of which center on claims of improper use of federal property and executive authority. However, the pattern reflects an increasingly aggressive use of litigation to delay or derail political and cultural events tied to the president’s agenda.
A ruling on the injunction request is expected in the coming days as construction continues on the South Lawn ahead of the scheduled fight.

US-POLITICS-TRUMP

Someone’s Trying To Stop The UFC’s White House Fight

America 250

Donald Trump

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked outrage this week after posting the phrase “Heil Hitler” on social media in response to a newspaper column endorsing conservative presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a law-and-order candidate who has openly aligned himself with many of United States President Donald Trump’s policies.
Petro’s post consisted solely of the words “Heil Hitler” and appeared as a reply to a social media post promoting a <a href="https://www.elespectador.com/opinion/columnistas/felipe-zuleta-lleras/abelardo-el-cirujano-que-colombia-necesita/">column</a> by Colombian commentator Felipe Zuleta Lleras. The column praised De la Espriella as the candidate best positioned to restore security, reduce the size of government, and reverse the policies of Colombia’s political left.
The article argued that Colombia needs “order, authority and economic freedom,” praising De la Espriella’s proposals for a military crackdown on organized crime, the construction of mega-prisons, tax reductions, and a dramatic reduction in the size of the state.
“Voting for him is not simply electing a president; it is opting for a surgeon determined to operate the nation’s structural problems without his pulse shaking,” the column concluded, translated from spanish.
Petro’s disturbing response came as Colombia <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1w2xvwq8g9o">heads toward a June 21 presidential runoff</a> election that has become a referendum on the legacy of the left-wing president’s administration.
Sunday’s first-round vote saw De la Espriella finish first with 43.7% of the vote, narrowly ahead of left-wing Sen. Iván Cepeda, an ally of Petro, who received roughly 41%.
De la Espriella, a businessman and attorney known as “El Tigre,” has campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, promising a major military offensive against cartels and guerrilla groups, expanded cooperation with the United States, and a dramatic reduction in Colombia’s bureaucracy. The conservative candidate has frequently praised Trump and advocated stronger security partnerships with Washington.
Petro, meanwhile, has often clashed with Trump and has criticized what he describes as excessive American influence in Latin America. Although relations between the two leaders improved after a White House meeting earlier this year, the Colombian president has repeatedly attacked U.S. foreign policy and aligned himself with left-wing movements throughout the region.
The “Heil Hitler” post is particularly notable given Petro’s long history of invoking Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in political disputes.
Immediately following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel, Petro repeatedly <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/colombian-president-says-those-who-say-he-is-anti-semitic-are-ignorant-/3022238">compared</a> Israel’s military operations in Gaza to Nazi Germany. He accused Israel of operating “concentration camps,” suggested that Hitler was being “reborn” through modern political movements, and drew comparisons between Israeli military actions and the Holocaust.
Those remarks prompted sharp criticism from both Israeli and American officials.
Israeli diplomats accused Petro of making hostile and antisemitic statements after he repeatedly refused to explicitly condemn Hamas while escalating his criticism of Israel.
Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, later testified before Congress that Petro’s <a href="https://thecitypaperbogota.com/news/united-states-condemns-petro-for-crossing-red-line-with-antisemitic-remarks/">comments</a> had crossed a “red line.”
“It is offensive and unfortunate that leaders like Petro have compared what is happening with Hitler,” Lipstadt said during a House hearing focused on rising antisemitism in Latin America. She also criticized Petro’s rhetoric for undermining peace efforts and contributing to concerns within Colombia’s Jewish community.
Petro has repeatedly denied accusations of antisemitism, arguing that his criticism is directed at the Israeli government rather than Jewish people. In October 2023, he claimed accusations that he supported Hamas or harbored anti-Jewish views were the product of “ignorance.”
Yet his latest social media post demonstrates a continued willingness to invoke Nazi imagery against political opponents.
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Colombia as voters prepare to choose between two starkly different visions for the country’s future. De la Espriella has promised an aggressive crackdown on crime, closer ties with the United States, and sweeping free-market reforms. Cepeda, backed by Petro, has pledged to continue many of the current administration’s policies, including negotiations with armed groups and expanded social programs.
As of publication, Petro had not publicly elaborated on the meaning of his “Heil Hitler” post or offered any clarification regarding the remark, nor has the post been deleted.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa Receives The President Of Colombia Gustavo Petro

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Drew Berkemeyer