Hot Mic: Bite-Size News Brief

A quick update on the future of Hot Mic, and details on where to find more great reporting and journalism. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A chemical plant just outside Houston is in danger of exploding. The State Department has announced that it will force Russia to close three diplomatic locations in the United States. Links: • Here’s what’s going on with that dangerously flooded chemical plant near Houston • State Department forces closure of Russian diplomatic hubs in U.S. in retaliatory move See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Defense Secretary James Mattis made it clear that transgender military members who are still serving won’t be affected by Trump’s ban...at least for now. Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren is joining Fox News as a contributor. Links: • Defense Secretary Mattis says transgender military members will continue to serve, for now • Pro-Trump commentator Tomi Lahren joins Fox News See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile early Tuesday morning local time that flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean. With Trump’s decision on DACA looming, immigrant rights groups are making a last-ditch appeal to the president: They say deporting immigrants is bad for the economy. Links: • North Korea launches missile over Japan • Study: If Trump suspends DACA, more than 1,400 people a day could lose the ability to work See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At least 35 people have left their government jobs or advisory roles since President Trump’s response to Charlottesville. The ACLU is suing Trump over his decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. Links: • Nearly 3 dozen have abandoned White House roles over Trump’s Charlottesville response • ACLU sues Trump over transgender military ban See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The first pardon of Trump’s presidency went to former sheriff Joe Arpaio. A far-right rally in San Francisco was shut down by thousands of anti-racist protesters. Links: • Trump pardons former sheriff Joe Arpaio • Thousands in San Francisco shut down yet another far-right rally See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hurricane Harvey, the first major hurricane the U.S. has seen in 12 years, is expected to hit southeast Texas tonight. Amazon announced that some of the best selling grocery items at Whole Foods Market will have their prices lowered. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump hinted at his rally in Phoenix that he’s going to pardon a former anti-immigration sheriff Joe Arpaio. A GoFundMe campaign is trying to raise enough money to ban Trump from Twitter. Links: • At Phoenix rally, Trump hints at his intentions to pardon Joe Arpaio, goes after media • Valerie Plame Wilson is attempting to buy Twitter so she can ban Trump See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump laid out his military strategy for the war in Afghanistan. Nearly 10% of Americans say it’s “acceptable” to have neo-Nazi or white supremacist views. Links: • Trump won’t withdraw troops from Afghanistan, but offers no details on time frame, additional troops • 9% of Americans say it’s acceptable to hold “neo-Nazi or white supremacist views,” according to poll See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The oldest Christopher Columbus monument in the U.S. was vandalized by protesters. Scientists invented milk and creamer capsules that you can drop right into a cup of hot coffee. Links: • Oldest Christopher Columbus monument in the US vandalized in Baltimore • Scientists invented edible coffee creamer capsules to stop plastic waste pollution around the world See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Steven Bannon, chief strategist at the White House and one of President Donald Trump’s top advisers, is out. Just a week after the violence in Charlottesville, a conservative rally in Boston was shut down by thousands of counterprotesters. Links: • After leaving White House, Steve Bannon returns to ‘Breitbart News’ as executive chairman • Thousands of protesters shut down controversial “Free Speech Rally” in Boston See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

At least 13 people are dead after a van swerved into pedestrians in Barcelona. Steve Bannon’s candid interview with a progressive magazine gave us a rare look into his agenda. Links: • Everything we know so far about the apparent terror attack in Barcelona. • 4 key takeaways from Steve Bannon’s surprising ‘American Prospect’ interview See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump announced that he would be ending two business councils following a series of resignations by a number of CEOs. A White House official confirmed that Hope Hicks will act as interim director of communications. Links: • Trump tweets that he is disbanding two CEO councils after spate of high-profile departures • Hope Hicks named White House interim director of communications See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump, once again, blamed both sides at the protests in Charlottesville for being violent. Links: • In stunning turn, President Donald Trump admonishes “alt-left” for violence at Charlottesville See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The white supremacist website Daily Stormer can’t find a new home after GoDaddy gives it 24 hours to find a new host. President Trump condemned specific white racial hate groups two days after the protests in Charlottesville. Links: • Google says it will not host domain name for neo-Nazi site ‘Daily Stormer’ • After weekend of violence, Donald Trump rebukes racism as evil; names specific hate groups See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Police identified the woman who died in Charlottesville when a car slammed into a group of anti-racism protesters. President Trump was heavily criticized for his vanilla statement condemning violence during the protests. Links: • Heather Heyer, 32, named as slain victim in Charlottesville car attack • Trump gets slammed “on many sides” as David Duke rips Charlottesville response See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump told reporters that he is declaring the opioid crisis a national emergency, but there’s no official word yet from the administration. Ivanka Trump’s label is opening a stand-alone store in Trump Tower after getting dropped by other retailers. Links: • Donald Trump on opioids: “We’re going to make it a national emergency” • Ivanka Trump is opening a stand-alone store in NYC this fall See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump warned North Korea that any threats to the United States would be met with “fire and fury,” further escalating tensions between the two nations. A Norwegian agency is trying to use mobile games to educate Syrian children displaced by the country’s civil war. Links: • When Donald Trump threatens “fire and fury,” he ratchets up the tension that could cause nuclear war • Inside the mission to bring educational mobile games to children in conflict zones around the world See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

About 90% of members in the House of Representatives don’t regularly offer paid internships. Two “real news” videos have been posted to Trump’s Facebook page as part of his re-election campaign. Links: • Mic Investigation: About 90% of US House members don’t pay their interns • “And that is the real news”: Trump TV is realized as part of re-election campaign See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Chicago will sue the Trump administration over its policies on sanctuary cities. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough is getting roasted online for a tweet about gaming obsessions in today’s youth. A European design company faced fierce backlash for its swastika emblazoned products. Links: • Chicago is suing the Trump administration over its policies on sanctuary cities • Joe Scarborough criticized young people for choosing video games over war. It didn’t go over well. • No, the swastika will never be fashion See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two bipartisan groups of senators have put forth bills that would make it harder to fire Mueller. According to a New York Times report, Vice President Mike Pence is gearing up for a presidential run in 2020. A Muslim woman made history at the Miss Universe qualifier competition by wearing a kaftan during the swimsuit round. Links: • A bipartisan group of senators is already planning how to thwart attempts to fire Mueller • VP Mike Pence shuts down suggestion he’s eyeing 2020 run following ‘New York Times’ report • Muslim beauty queen in the U.K. makes history after choosing to wear a kaftan instead of a bikini See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump’s ban on letting transgender people serve in the military is not very popular among voters. Transcripts of phone calls from early in Trump’s presidency show he knew Mexico would never pay for his border wall. World Overshoot Day fell on August 2 this year, earliest it’s ever been. Links: • Voters broadly support transgender people serving in the military, poll finds • 5 of the most damning quotes from Trump’s conversations with the leaders of Mexico, Australia • World Overshoot Day: Humans have used up a year’s worth of natural resources in just 7 months See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump announced a new bill that would cut down on the number of immigrants allowed in the U.S. President Trump signed a bill that imposes new sanctions on Russia, but he wasn’t all that happy about it. A fashion brand faced backlash for its “refugee dress.” Links: • Trump announces support for immigration system that favors high-skilled, English speaking applicants • Trump finally signs Russia sanctions bill — behind closed doors • A Brooklyn brand sold a $119 “refugee dress.” Shoppers weren’t happy about it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The senate confirmed Christopher Wray as the next director of the FBI. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is introducing a bill that would take marijuana off the controlled substance list. A new study revealed that internet searches using the word “suicide” went up after the show r13 Reasons Why released on Netflix. Links: • Senate confirms Christopher Wray as next FBI director • Sen. Cory Booker wants to take marijuana off the federal controlled substance list • Internet searches about suicide went up after ’13 Reasons Why’ premiered on Netflix See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anthony Scaramucci is no longer the communications director for the White House. A new report finds that women are still underrepresented in the biggest Hollywood films, especially if they’re over the age of 45. A new rumor suggests that you might be able to unlock the iPhone 8 with your face. Links: • Anthony Scaramucci is out as White House communications director, 10 days into his tenure • Hollywood is ignoring women over the age of 45, and these experts know why • iPhone 8 Release Features: New clues suggest Apple’s 2017 device may have infrared face detection See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus resigns. After their repeal efforts fail, Senator Susan Collins says Republicans should focus on fixing Obamacare. In response to new sanctions, Vladimir Putin says he’ll expel 755 U.S. diplomats from Russia. Links: • With a tweet, Trump replaces chief of staff Reince Priebus with Homeland Security Sec. John Kelly • Republican Sen. Susan Collins just rejected her party’s premise that the ACA can’t be reformed • In response to US sanctions, Putin expels 755 US diplomats from Russia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Military leadership has said there won’t be any changes to the military's current policy on transgender service members. The chief of the Boy Scouts of America apologized for Trump’s controversial speech. Senate Republicans have had enough of the president’s attacks on Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Links: • Despite Trump’s tweets, military leaders say there will be no changes to transgender policy, for now • Boy Scouts chief apologizes for Trump’s politically charged speech • Senate Republicans have had enough of Trump’s attacks on Sessions — and are speaking out about it See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump announced that the U.S. military would no longer allow transgender people to serve in any capacity. Republicans put forth two amendments to the health care bill and both failed. A recent study suggests that taking a break to play some video games might be one of the best ways to relieve stress at work. Links: • The White House is leaving everyone in the dark as to how its transgender military ban will work • Straight Obamacare repeal bill fails in the Senate in yet another setback • Scientists say you should play video games on your breaks at work See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Senate Republicans got the votes they needed to move their health care legislation to debate. President Trump is reportedly thinking about firing Jeff Sessions. Paul Manafort has been subpoenaed to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Links: • Senate Republicans advance Obamacare repeal effort to debate • Trump turns up his Twitter attack on his own attorney general, Jeff Sessions • Paul Manafort is meeting with Senate investigators. Here’s what we know about his Russia ties. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Charlie Gard’s parents announced that they would end their legal battle to send him to the U.S. for treatment. The driver of a tractor-trailer that was found with 30-40 people trapped inside has been charged with human trafficking. Jared Kushner denied any collusion with Russia after being questioned by the Senate Intelligence Committee. Links: • Charlie Gard’s parents end legal fight to continue treatment for terminally ill son • Driver charged with human trafficking after 30-40 people found locked in fatally hot tractor-trailer • Jared Kushner makes rare public statement to say he didn’t collude with Russia See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Democratic Party’s new slogan shows they learned nothing from the 2016 election. The White House’s new communications director says he’ll crack down on leaks. Jared Kushner will be questioned by the Senate Intelligence Committee. Links: • The Democrats’ new slogan shows they learned nothing from Bernie Sanders’ campaign • White House comms director Anthony Scaramucci says he’ll start firing people “if leaks don’t stop” • 3 key takeaways ahead of Jared Kushner’s questioning by Senate Intelligence Committee See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

OJ Simpson was granted parole in a unanimous vote. Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Video game “booth babes” aren’t the clueless distractions some people think they are. Links: • OJ Simpson granted parole after 9 years in prison • Sen. John McCain diagnosed with brain cancer • Everyone has an opinion on “booth babes” — but here’s what they actually have to say about the job See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had a second meeting at the G20 summit, and no one knows what they talked about. The Supreme Court weakened some restrictions on immigration that were put in place by Trump’s travel ban. A Congressman asked experts from NASA the question that’s on all our minds: are Martians real? Links: • Trump’s secret Putin meeting probably won’t sway Mueller’s collusion probe, experts say • Supreme Court expands definition of “close familial relationship” in latest blow to travel ban • A Republican congressman just asked a NASA expert about ancient civilizations on Mars See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The proposed healthcare bill by Senate Republicans is dead, and so is McConnell's plan to repeal Obamacare without a replacement. A former police officer who’s been tried twice for killing an unarmed black man won’t be tried again. House Republicans revealed a budget plan that drastically cuts funding for aid programs and increases spending on defense. Links: • GOP plan to repeal Obamacare without a replacement is dead • Ray Tensing Murder Trial: Prosecutor decides he will not try Ohio police officer for third time • 3 key things to know about the new Republican budget plan See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Trump administration has declared this week “Made in America” week in celebration of companies that manufacture their products in the U.S. A new poll shows Trump’s six-month approval rating is at a record low. The state of Iowa faces off against Planned Parenthood and the ACLU in a trial about a proposed abortion bill. Links: • Trump’s “Made in America” week is getting roasted for exactly the reason you would think • Trump’s six-month approval rating hits record low for any president in last 70 years, poll shows • Planned Parenthood is challenging Iowa’s abortion waiting period law — here’s why that matters See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Senate pushed back its vote on the health care bill until Senator John McCain recovers from surgery. A new Politico poll shows repealing Obamacare is not the first priority for Republican voters. The all-girls robotics team from Afghanistan was allowed into the U.S. to compete in an international robotics competition. Links: • Senate delays health care vote until John McCain recovers from surgery • Poll: Republican voters say repealing Obamacare shouldn’t be GOP’s first priority • The all-girl robotics team from Afghanistan has finally made it into the US See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Senate Republicans released a revised version of their proposed health care bill and it’s already on the verge of failure. Trump changed his story and told reporters that maybe his son’s meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer was “mentioned at some point.” A security risk left records of 6 million Verizon customers exposed. Links: • Senate health care bill already on the brink of collapse • Donald Trump changes story, says his son’s Russia meeting was “mentioned at some point” • If you use Verizon, change your pin. Right. Now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Donald Trump Jr. explained his emails on Sean Hannity’s show. Trump’s nominee for FBI director, Christopher Wray, is questioned about the Russia investigation at his confirmation hearing. Steve Scalise is released from the intensive care unit, but is still in serious condition. Links: • Donald Trump Jr. admits he has “probably” met with other Russians • 4 key takeaways from Christopher Wray’s FBI director confirmation hearing • Steve Scalise reportedly released from ICU See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Donald Trump Jr. released emails about his meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer who claimed to have dirt on Hillary Clinton. President Trump’s travel ban could be a big roadblock for LA’s bid to host the Olympic Games. Mo Brooks says he’ll read the King James Bible on the Senate floor until Trump’s wall is funded. Links: • Donald Trump Jr. releases emails setting up meeting with Kremlin-connected lawyer • Trump wants LA to host the 2024 Olympics. Here’s how his travel ban could affect that. • Mo Brooks promises to read King James Bible in Senate until Trump’s wall gets built See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Donald Trump Jr. met with a Russian lawyer in 2016 who claimed she had damaging information on Hillary Clinton. An FBI investigation into his wife could become a big hurdle for Bernie Sanders if he plans on running for president in 2020. President Donald Trump changed his mind on teaming up with Russia to create a cybersecurity unit. Links: • Report: Putin spokesperson denies knowledge of meeting between Kremlin-linked lawyer and Trump Jr. • FBI investigation into Bernie Sanders’ wife could spell trouble for the senator • Donald Trump abandons plan to create “cybersecurity unit” with Vladimir Putin after heavy backlash See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Ryan has decided he won’t hold public town halls anymore. Opposition to the Senate Republican health care bill continues to grow. Trump and Putin talked about creating a cybersecurity unit in their meeting at the G20 summit. Links: • Paul Ryan won’t hold public town halls because he doesn’t want to face protests • Pressure on GOP to reject Obamacare repeal grows, with bill’s future in doubt • Trump pledges to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin on cybersecurity unit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump urged Russia to halt its actions in Ukraine, but did not call out Russian President Vladimir Putin for election meddling. The head of the federal Office of Government Ethics announced his resignation. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has been sued by 18 states and the District of Columbia for delaying fraud protections for student loan borrowers. Links: • In Poland, teleprompter Trump and unscripted Trump looked like 2 totally different people • Walter Shaub, director of the Office of Government Ethics, steps down • 19 attorneys general sue Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to protect cheated student borrowers See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new poll from Politico shows nearly two-thirds of voters supporting President Donald Trump’s travel ban. The Iraqi fight against the Islamic State continues to advance, but roughly 300 ISIS fighters remain in Mosul. CNN was accused of blackmail after it chose not to identify the Reddit user who created the now-infamous GIF of President Donald Trump body slamming a man with the network’s logo for a head. Links: • Majority of voters back Donald Trump’s travel ban, poll finds • There are 300 ISIS fighters still in Mosul, Iraqi commander says • CNN accused of blackmailing the Reddit user who posted the viral Trump meme See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

North Korea claims to have launched an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting any part of the world, but officials are skeptical. Forty-four states have rejected the White House’s request to turn over information on voters to its commission on voter fraud. Joey Chestnut won his 10th title in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, eating a record 72 hot dogs. Links: • North Korea missile launch: Could an intercontinental ballistic missile hit the US? What to know. • 44 states rebuff Trump voter fraud commission • Joey Chestnut eats world record 72 hot dogs to win Nathan’s competition in Coney Island See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Authorities identified Henry Bello as the shooter in Friday’s attack at New York’s Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. Nevada launched its first day of recreational marijuana sales. President Donald Trump tweeted a video showing him pummeling a man with the CNN logo for a head, prompting a storm of criticism from legislators and media organizations. Links: • Henry Bello, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital shooter, may have had a history of sexual misconduct • Legal weed in Nevada makes bank on first day of sales • CNN issues response to controversial Trump tweet showing violence against the network See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Donald Trump faced backlash from Democrats and Republicans alike for his tweets attacking the hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe. The Congressional Budget Office released another analysis of the Senate health care bill as Republicans make changes to the legislation… and its findings are worse. A federal commission’s very first actions are already setting off alarm bells from public officials and watchdogs. Links: • Donald Trump faces blowback from all sides following Mika Brzezinski "face-lift" tweet • New CBO report says Senate health care bill would cut Medicaid by more than a third by 2036 • White House's Election Integrity Commission goes into action — with objections See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The children of Alton Sterling, a black man fatally shot by a Baton Rouge police officer last year, are suing the city, the police department, and the officer. A new poll found that just 17% of adults approve of the health care plan proposed by Senate Republicans. An ethics group sued Trump International Hotel for the release of records just before Wednesday night’s fundraising dinner. Links: • Alton Sterling’s children sue Baton Rouge over shooting, alleging racism and excessive force • Senate Republican health care plan has dismal 17% approval, new poll finds •

Amid opposition from within their own party, Senate Republican leadership decided to postpone a vote on the proposed health care bill until after the July 4 recess. Three Chicago police officers have been indicted on charges related to the alleged cover-up in the 2014 shooting death of Laquan McDonald. A new Pew survey found confidence in the United States fell in the first months of President Donald Trump’s term. Links: • Senate Republicans postpone health care vote amid growing opposition • Laquan McDonald Shooting: 3 Chicago officers charged with conspiracy in black teen's shooting death •

The Supreme Court announced that a limited version of President Donald Trump’s travel ban can go into effect until the court hears arguments on its legality in October. As Republicans in the Senate work to pass their proposed health care bill, activists are organizing to stop what they see as an attack on the lives of people with disabilities. Philando Castile’s family reached a $3 million settlement with Minnesota police. Links: • Supreme Court to hear travel ban case in fall, allows limited version of ban to go into effect • Americans with disabilities are fighting the Senate's potentially devastating health care bill •

Republican Senator Ron Johnson is one of five GOP senators who have publicly opposed the health care bill. President Donald Trump blamed the Obama administration for its failure to act against Russian interference in the 2016 election. More than 150 people were killed in Pakistan when an overturned oil tanker burst into flames as residents tried to gather the leaking fuel. Links: • Republican Sen. Johnson and Independent Sen. Sanders call for health bill delay on 'Meet the Press' • Donald Trump is now blaming Obama for Russian election interference • Oil truck explodes in Pakistan, killing at least 153 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The draft health care bill made public by Senate Republicans may already be in trouble. President Donald Trump admitted he has no tapes of his conversations with former FBI Director James Comey. A new report says investigators found election hackers stole thousands of voter records last year. Links: • Senate health care bill already in trouble as Republicans voice opposition • Donald Trump doesn't have tapes of James Comey • Investigators found election hackers stole voters' private data, new report says See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.