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Senate Approves $70 Billion for Immigration Enforcement
In a lengthy overnight session, the Senate has approved a $70 billion funding package for immigration enforcement, covering three years. This significant legislative move was achieved after an arduous 18-hour session with Republicans largely supporting the measure and only one dissenting vote within their ranks. The bill faced delays due to debates surrounding a controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund proposed by the Trump administration. Although many GOP and Democratic lawmakers expressed opposition, Republican senators ultimately chose to block amendments that might have displeased the former president. More details on the vote can be found here.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday about the SAVE America Act and other topics. Image credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Bolton Agrees to Guilty Plea
In legal developments, former national security adviser John Bolton has tentatively agreed to plead guilty to charges of mishandling classified information. This comes after he was indicted on 18 counts related to the retention and transmission of national defense information. Allegations suggest Bolton shared sensitive information with family members via electronic communication. While the plea deal awaits judicial approval, Bolton has maintained that the charges are politically motivated, pointing to his criticisms of Trump as a potential reason. The ongoing investigation, which began during the Biden administration, has been closely scrutinized for its implications on the Department of Justice’s image. NPR’s Ryan Lucas reports that the public may perceive the investigation as motivated by politics. More insights can be found here.
AI’s Growing Impact on Education
According to a recent NPR/Ipsos poll, a significant number of K-12 teachers see artificial intelligence as having a profound impact on education, surpassing previous technological advancements like the internet and computers. The survey, which included 545 educators, revealed that while many teachers are using AI to enhance their teaching materials, there is concern that it may inhibit students’ independent thinking. Notably, 60% of teachers reported using AI for work-related tasks, though the time saved was modest, with most estimating a time savings of two hours or fewer per week. The full discussion on AI’s impact on education can be explored here.
Legal Battle Over Crime Gun Data
The advocacy group Brady has filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Justice. The case, brought to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks to compel the ATF to disclose information about major crime gun sellers. At the heart of the lawsuit are the so-called Demand Letter 2s, which the ATF issues to dealers associated with crime scene firearms. The ATF’s reluctance to release this data stems from concerns over privacy and trade secrets. Brady argues that it has previously acquired such data and incorporated it into public reports. Further information on the lawsuit is available here.
Jill Biden Discusses Hunter’s Pardon
On NPR’s Newsmakers video podcast, former first lady Jill Biden shared insights into President Biden’s decision to pardon their son, Hunter. Convicted of federal gun and tax charges, Hunter’s case became a focal point during the Trump administration. Initially, President Biden had ruled out a pardon, but his stance shifted in the final weeks of his presidency. Jill Biden noted that then-candidate Trump’s rhetoric influenced the decision. This conversation is part of an expansive interview covering her White House experiences and President Biden’s political decisions. The full interview can be accessed here or read more about it here.
Weekend Recommendations
Explore NPR’s curated picks for the weekend:
Movies: Power Ballad sees a wedding singer face off against a former boy band member over song ownership.
TV: Spider-Noir features Nicolas Cage as a detective drawn back into superheroics.
Books: Discover new releases from Los Angeles to Ireland here.
Music: New tracks from Vince Staples and others featured in the New Music Friday playlist.
Theater: André De Shields discusses his Tony nomination for CATS: The Jellicle Ball here.
Quiz: Test your knowledge of the week’s events, including Trump’s political journey and more, with NPR’s quiz here.
3 Key Updates Before You Leave
- As the French Open progresses, learn why “love” means zero in tennis in NPR’s Word of the Week.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford returns for repairs after an 11-month deployment, including updates to its sewage system here.
- Marjane Satrapi, author of Persepolis, has passed away at 56. Her impact on women’s rights in Iran is remembered here.
