5 things to know for June 17: Israel-Iran, G7, Spending bill, NIH grants, Mike Lindell
Britain's foreign intelligence service, MI6, will be led by a woman for the first time in its history. Blaise Metreweli, who is currently head of the technology and innovation teams, will become chief of the Secret Intelligence Service in the fall. For fans of the James Bond movies, that means Q just became M.
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As Israel and Iran trade strikes for a fifth day, civilians in both countries are paying the price. At least 224 people in Iran and 24 people in Israel have been killed. Schools in Tehran have been turned into bomb shelters and emergency bases, while citizens seeking to evacuate the capital ahead of Israeli strikes have been stymied by fuel shortages. People in Israel are trying to avoid Iran's missiles by gathering in bomb shelters where they sit, glued to their phones and TVs, waiting for the latest updates. Amid the escalating conflict, Israel has publicly justified its unprecedented attack as an effort to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. However, US intelligence assessments show Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and was up to three years away from being able to produce and deliver one to a target.
President Donald Trump abruptly left the Group of 7 summit in Canada due to 'what's going on in the Middle East,' and directed his national security staff in Washington to meet in the Situation Room. How Trump intends to handle the situation is unclear as he has been sending mixed signals. He posted 'Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!' on his social media platform, but did not explain why. On Monday, he initially signaled his intention not to sign a joint statement calling for de-escalation between Israel and Iran. However, when the G7 leaders released the statement later in the day, an official said it had Trump's blessing. Trump also told European leaders that discussions were underway to obtain a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Overnight, he took to Truth Social to deny ever saying that.
The GOP-led Senate Finance Committee released its proposal for President Trump's agenda bill on Monday and it includes some notable changes. While the committee wants to keep many of the provisions contained in the legislation that the House approved last month, it is also calling for:
* Deeper cuts to Medicaid* Raising the debt limit by $5 trillion* Lowering the cap on state and local tax deductions* Slowing the elimination of some clean energy tax cuts* Lowering the child tax credit from $2,500 to $2,200 but making it permanent* Limiting tax relief on tips and overtime* Making some business tax breaks permanent
Senate Republicans hope to pass their package by next week so the two chambers can work out a final deal to send to President Trump by July 4.
A federal judge ruled on Monday that it was illegal for the Trump administration to cut certain research grants at the National Institutes of Health because they focused on gender identity, diversity, equity or inclusion. US District Judge William Young called the administration's process for terminating these grants 'arbitrary and capricious.' He also said it was clear that what was behind the government's actions was 'racial discrimination and discrimination against America's LGBTQ community.' The ruling is expected to be appealed.
A federal jury in Colorado has found Mike Lindell guilty of defaming a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems. Eric Coomer, who was the security and product strategy director at the voting equipment company, sued the MyPillow founder and conspiracy theorist for calling him a traitor and accusing him of stealing the 2020 election. Lindell and other allies of President Trump continue to falsely claim that his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden was due to widespread fraud and blamed Dominion's voting machines. The jury awarded Coomer $2.3 million in damages.
Perry's doc takes plea One of the physicians accused of providing ketamine to actor Matthew Perry ('Friends') has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of distribution. Perry died in 2023 of 'acute effects' of ketamine and subsequent drowning.
Trouble At HomeThe popular home goods chain filed for bankruptcy and may close some locations.
Record-breakerTwo-time Olympic gold medalist Mondo Duplantis has broken the pole vault world record for the 12th time.
Stand up guysActor Al Pacino and film producer Andrea Iervolino ('Maserati: The Brothers') recently met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. Iervolino described the meeting as 'a moment of profound spiritual and cultural inspiration.'
Good eatsThe 2025 James Beard Awards were announced on Monday night. Outstanding restaurant honors went to eateries in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Boulder, Colorado.
$50 millionThat's how much Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has donated to launch an autism research institute.
'This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.'
— Sophie and Colin Hortman, in a statement following the murder of their parents, Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
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BustedA tourist sat on a crystal-covered chair in Verona's Palazzo Maffei and broke it. The piece by Italian artist Nicola Bolla has since been restored.
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