Hillary Clinton Testifies on Epstein Ties; Bill Clinton to Follow

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Key Highlights

Hillary Clinton’s marathon testimony occupied more than six hours yesterday, as she faced the House Oversight Committee behind closed doors. The session, initiated by a Republican-led inquiry, sought insights into the Clintons’ connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the now-deceased sex offender. Despite initial resistance to the summons, both Hillary and Bill Clinton agreed to appear after facing potential contempt charges. Hillary Clinton reiterated her stance of having no knowledge of Epstein. Today, Bill Clinton is expected to provide his testimony, having been referenced multiple times in Epstein’s records.

• 🎧 NPR’s Saige Miller reports that Hillary Clinton’s husband will discuss the timeline of his relationship with Epstein, which ceased long before Epstein’s criminal activities were revealed. The committee, led by Chairman James Comer, anticipates a longer session with Bill Clinton, given numerous inquiries. Comer remarked on the constructive nature of Hillary Clinton’s session, noting that she answered most questions, occasionally deferring to her husband. Post-hearing, Hillary Clinton expressed her wish for a public session and criticized the redundancy of the questions.

In a strategic corporate development, Warner Bros. Discovery’s board endorsed Paramount’s enhanced offer of $111 billion, surpassing Netflix’s $83 billion bid. Netflix, rather than countering, withdrew from the competition, which involved acquiring the company’s streaming platforms, studios, and intellectual properties.

• 🎧 According to NPR’s David Folkenflik, Paramount’s acquisition could transform Warner Bros. Discovery into a “Hollywood behemoth,” subject to antitrust review. Post-merger, entities like CBS, CNN, and TBS would unite under a single umbrella, bolstering Paramount’s competitive stance against Netflix, Apple, and Amazon Prime. Paramount CEO David Ellison’s connections to President Trump, who is invested in CNN’s future, could influence media alignments.

President Trump is considering military actions targeting Iran, though specifics remain unclear with no congressional authorization or public rationale. The U.S. and Iran continue negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, with another round slated for next week.

• 🎧 NPR’s Franco Ordoñez outlines potential U.S. targets, including limited strikes on Iran’s missile or nuclear infrastructure, or broader efforts to destabilize or overthrow the regime. Despite ongoing talks, Iran’s refusal to discuss its ballistic missile program remains a contentious issue for U.S. officials.

A federal judge has allowed President Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom project to move forward, denying the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s attempt to halt construction. However, the judge left room for a revised challenge. The conservation group claims procedural shortcuts in demolishing the East Wing and soliciting private funding. Trump heralded the decision on social media, stating it is “Great news for America.”

Health Guidance

Some medical procedures or tests might require prior authorization from your insurer. This means your doctor must submit a request, detailing the necessity of the treatment, for the insurer’s approval. According to the insurer trade group AHIP, prior authorizations ensure safe, evidence-based care while maintaining affordability. Consider these tips to expedite prior authorization approvals:

• 🧑‍⚕️ Verify the duration of your prior authorization with your insurer or pharmacy benefit manager.
• 🧑‍⚕️ While awaiting authorization, keep your doctor informed about your medication supply and health status, and inquire about expedited reviews.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor, as switching medications might be simpler than gaining coverage approval.

Weekend Recommendations

NPR’s cultural picks for the weekend include:

🍿 Movies: Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake, featuring nine-year-old Lamia tasked with baking a cake for Saddam Hussein, which explores the impact of authoritarian rule on children’s innocence. Read more.

📺 TV: The reality series The Traitors offers a thrilling blend of intrigue and deception, highly recommended by the Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts. Explore the drama.

📚 Books: Allegra Goodman’s novel, This Is Not About Us, resonates with readers through its portrayal of familial dynamics. Discover the review.

🎵 Music: This week’s top tracks include Lana Del Rey’s and U2’s latest releases. Listen to NPR’s picks.

❓Quiz: Test your knowledge with this week’s quiz, aiming for a “competent” score out of 10. Take the quiz.

Three Takeaways Before You Head Out

1. During a meeting in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented President Trump with a mock newspaper headline, “Trump to City: Let’s Build,” to discuss housing issues. (via Gothamist)
2. U.S. mortgage rates have dropped below 6% for the first time since September 2022.
3. In 6th grade, Olivia Joffrey’s teacher arranged a Father’s Day softball game. Due to her father’s early onset Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, he couldn’t attend. Her mother’s coworker, Bob, stepped in, providing a memorable and inclusive experience. Read her story.

Newsletter edited by Suzanne Nuyen.