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Today’s top stories
– Hillary Clinton testified for more than six hours yesterday in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, which has subpoenaed her and former President Bill Clinton as part of its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Hillary Clinton reiterated her denial of knowing Epstein. The Clintons initially resisted the subpoena but agreed to be questioned after threats of contempt of Congress. Committee Chair James Comer said Hillary answered nearly every question, sometimes deferring to her husband. Bill Clinton, who appears more frequently in the Epstein files, is scheduled to testify today; Comer indicated that his session is expected to last longer.
Key takeaways from the deposition:
– Length and setting: More than six hours, closed-door. Hillary later said the hearing should have been public and described the questioning as repetitive.
– Core claim: Hillary repeatedly denied any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein.
– Committee strategy: Republicans used subpoenas and contempt threats to compel testimony; they plan extended questioning of Bill Clinton given his appearances in Epstein materials.
– Warner Bros. Discovery’s board announced that Paramount’s sweetened takeover bid is superior to Netflix’s $83 billion offer. Netflix had proposed buying the company’s streaming services, studios and IP but withdrew rather than top Paramount’s roughly $111 billion bid. If completed, the merger would combine CBS, CBS News, CNN, Comedy Central, TBS and other assets under one roof and create a major Hollywood conglomerate positioned to compete with Netflix, Apple and Amazon. The deal still faces antitrust review. Observers note political implications: Paramount CEO David Ellison and his family are close to former President Trump, who has shown interest in CNN; some owners of news outlets have shifted to appease Trump and his allies.
Implications to watch:
– Industry consolidation: The combined company would be a substantial media player with broad content, news and distribution assets.
– Regulatory hurdles: Antitrust scrutiny will be central to whether the deal can close.
– Political dimension: Ownership ties and editorial stewardship, especially concerning CNN, are likely to draw scrutiny from politicians and the public.
– Tensions with Iran: President Trump has not ruled out military strikes on Iran but has not specified objectives, sought congressional authorization or publicly explained the rationale. The U.S. and Iran are set to continue talks next week about Tehran’s nuclear program. U.S. officials appear focused on two main military options: limited strikes targeting ballistic missile or nuclear programs and leadership, or a larger campaign intended to destabilize or put pressure on the regime. Iran continues to refuse negotiations on its ballistic missile program, a sticking point in talks.
– Trump’s White House ballroom project: A U.S. District Court judge allowed President Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom project to proceed for now, denying the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s attempt to pause construction. The preservation group alleges procedural bypasses in tearing down the East Wing and soliciting private donations; the judge left open the possibility of a revised filing. Trump praised the ruling on social media.
Life advice: Prior authorizations
Prior authorization is often required by insurers for costly treatments or tests. When required, your doctor submits a request explaining medical necessity; the insurer decides whether it will pay. The insurer trade group AHIP says prior authorizations guard safety, evidence-based care and affordability. Practical tips:
– Contact your insurer or pharmacy benefit manager to learn how long an approval lasts.
– Tell your doctor about your medication supply and any health decline while waiting; ask for an expedited review if needed.
– Ask your doctor about alternative treatments—switching drugs may be easier than fighting for coverage.
Weekend picks
– Movies: Hasan Hadi’s debut feature The President’s Cake, about a 9-year-old tasked with baking a birthday cake for Saddam Hussein, explores childhood innocence under dictatorship.
– TV: The reality show The Traitors remains appointment viewing for Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts for its drama, alliances and betrayals.
– Books: Allegra Goodman’s new novel This Is Not About Us invites readers to see themselves and their families in its pages, per critic Maureen Corrigan.
– Music: NPR Music highlights new songs including releases from Lana Del Rey and U2.
– Quiz: Test your newsletter knowledge with this week’s quiz.
3 things to know before you go
1. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented Trump with a mock newspaper headlined “Trump to City: Let’s Build” during a housing meeting.
2. U.S. mortgage rates have fallen below 6% for the first time since September 2022.
3. A childhood story: When Olivia Joffrey’s father couldn’t attend a Father’s Day softball game due to early Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, a coworker named Bob filled in and helped her feel accepted.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.