Nearly all the members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board have resigned after the Trump administration denied a “substantial number” of Fulbright awards to people who had already been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year. According to the board, which selects students, scholars, teachers and others to participate in the prestigious cultural exchange program, the government also put 1,200 other foreign Fulbright recipients under “an unauthorized review process” that could lead to rejection from the program. The award’s “proud legacy has depended on one thing above all: the integrity of the program’s selection process based on merit, not ideology, and its insulation from political interference. That integrity is now undermined,” the former board members wrote in a statement. Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day. 1. Israel-Iran Israel has launched an unprecedented attack on Iran that targeted its nuclear program and military. Israel’s 200 fighter jets hit dozens of targets and reportedly damaged the country’s primary nuclear enrichment facility. Nuclear scientists and key military leaders — including the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s highest-ranking military officer and an aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — were killed. During the “large-scale strike,” Iranian civilians reportedly felt the ground shaking and heard repeated explosions. Multiple videos showed flames and smoke billowing from buildings across Tehran. In response, Khamenei has vowed that Israel will face “severe punishment for the attacks.” Israeli citizens have already begun to prepare by closing schools and securing medical facilities. Overnight, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory in what is expected to be the first stage of a much larger counter-attack. 2. Air India crash At least 290 people died when an Air India jet crashed soon after departure from an airport in Ahmedabad, India, yesterday. The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to London when it crashed, hitting a hostel for doctors. The death toll includes 241 passengers and crew on Flight AI171 as well as people on the ground. Only one passenger, a British national, survived. Three officials from India’s National Disaster Response Force said the flight recorder had been located. According to Boeing, this was the first major incident involving a 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered into service in 2011. However, the aerospace giant has had to deal with numerous safety incidents in the last several years, including fatal crashes and quality issues. 3. DOGE cuts The GOP-led House narrowly passed some of the federal spending cuts that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sought to make unilaterally. The vote on Thursday to cancel $9.4 billion in federal spending for foreign aid and public broadcasting looked like it was going to fail. Then, Rep. Nick LaLota of New York and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, both of whom had initially voted no, changed their votes in the final moments. If approved by the Senate, the legislation would cut $8.3 billion for US Agency for International Development (USAID) programs that provide humanitarian assistance, including health care, disaster aid and hunger relief. The bill would also slash $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS. Full Congressional approval would codify the DOGE cuts into law so that they can’t be reversed by the next administration, and would help to insulate the Trump administration from legal challenges. 4. Immigration protests Hours after a district court judge ruled that President Donald Trump had unlawfully federalized thousands of members of California’s National Guard and ordered him to return control of the troops to the state, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals put that ruling on pause. California Gov. Gavin Newsom had sued Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the president called the troops into federal service to quell the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. In his ruling, senior US District Judge Charles Breyer said Trump had not satisfied any of the requirements that must be met to call up a state’s National Guard and that the demonstrations did not constitute an insurrection. A panel of three judges from the 9th Circuit will hold a hearing on the issue next week. 5. Extreme weather Torrential rains swept through San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday, triggering flash floods that swept away 15 vehicles and claimed the lives of at least five people. The rains were so sudden and heavy that the San Antonio River rose from about 3 feet to over 25 feet in just two hours. Ten people had to be rescued from trees and bushes about one mile from where they entered the water, a San Antonio Fire Department official said. Authorities are continuing to search for two people who are still missing. BREAKFAST BROWSE Hats off to the first American pontiff Or should we say “hats on?” Pope Leo XIV showed his allegiance to one Chicago sports team this week by donning a baseball cap during an appearance at the Vatican. Hey look! It’s a new dinosaur.Scientists have identified a previously unknown species that fills an early gap in the fossil record of tyrannosaurus. The 86-million-year-old dinosaur has been named Khankhuuluu mongoliensis (the “dragon prince of Mongolia”). ‘Jaws’ celebrates semi-centennialIt’s been 50 years since the release of the original summer blockbuster — and going to the beach hasn’t been the same since. To commemorate the film’s upcoming anniversary, NBC plans to air a shark-ton of “Jaws”-related content. ‘Levitating’ with happinessSinger Dua Lipa is positively thrilled by the ring on her left hand, particularly since it was placed there by her new fiancé, actor Callum Turner. Great idea or gross mistake?Instant ramen maker Cup Noodles is releasing a limited edition flavor that’s sure to appeal to Gen Z, young millennials and anyone who follows TikTok trends. QUIZ TIME Which popular TikTok personality left the US this week after being detained by immigration agents in Las Vegas?A. MrBeastB. Addison RaeC. Charli D’AmelioD. Khaby Lame Take me to the quiz! TODAY’S NUMBER $3.48 millionThat’s how much a collection of historic gold coins fetched at auction in Paris this week. The coins, many of which date back centuries, were recovered from the wall of a house in France after the owner died in 2024. TODAY’S QUOTE “Weakening the standards now is indefensible from a public health standpoint and a betrayal of EPA’s mission. The agency’s mission is to protect public health and the environment, not to expose people to more toxic pollution.” — American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer, on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to scrap two major federal regulations that limit air pollution and planet-warming emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants. TODAY’S WEATHER Check your local forecast here>>> AND FINALLY … See this elusive squid for the first timeScientists captured the first live sighting of the Gonatus antarcticus from 7,000 feet below the ocean’s surface.
5 things to know for June 13: Israel-Iran, Air India crash, DOGE cuts, Immigration protests, Extreme weather
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Fulbright Board Resignations Follow Government Denial of Awards Amid Political Interference"
CNN
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has faced a significant upheaval as nearly all its members have resigned in protest against the Trump administration's actions regarding the prestigious cultural exchange program. The government denied a substantial number of Fulbright awards to candidates who had already been selected for the 2025-2026 academic year, undermining the program's integrity, which is traditionally based on merit rather than political influence. Furthermore, around 1,200 foreign recipients of Fulbright awards are now undergoing an unauthorized review process that raises concerns about their eligibility for the program. Former board members expressed their discontent, emphasizing that the program's proud legacy has been compromised due to political interference and the erosion of its selection process's integrity.
In other news, Israel has conducted a large-scale military operation against Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leadership, resulting in significant casualties among Iranian officials. This unprecedented attack involved around 200 Israeli fighter jets and has escalated tensions in the region, with Iran promising severe retaliation. Meanwhile, an Air India flight tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of at least 290 people, marking a major incident for the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. In the U.S., the House narrowly passed federal spending cuts that could significantly impact foreign aid programs and public broadcasting, while immigration protests in California have led to legal battles over the federalization of the National Guard. Lastly, extreme weather in San Antonio, Texas, caused flash flooding that resulted in multiple fatalities and missing persons, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather events across the country.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a series of critical global events, focusing on geopolitical tensions, significant tragedies, and societal issues. By highlighting these topics, the report seems to aim at informing the public while potentially fostering a sense of urgency and concern regarding international relations and domestic stability.
Geopolitical Tensions
The report starts with a focus on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The unprecedented military action by Israel against Iran's nuclear infrastructure signals a significant shift in Middle Eastern dynamics. The deaths of high-ranking military officials and the damage inflicted on nuclear facilities are framed to attract attention to the potential for wider conflict in the region. This coverage could serve to reinforce narratives around national security and the necessity of military readiness, particularly in Israel.
Tragedy and Safety Concerns
Alongside the military conflict, the mention of the Air India crash that resulted in nearly 300 fatalities adds an emotional weight to the narrative. This tragic event highlights the risks associated with air travel and the possible lapses in safety protocols. By including such news, the article may be seeking to evoke empathy and concern from the readers regarding travel safety and the human cost of aviation failures.
Societal Issues
The report also touches on immigration protests, which may reflect growing societal tensions in various regions. This inclusion could suggest a growing discontent among the populace regarding immigration policies and the overall state of societal cohesion. The mention of extreme weather events further adds to the theme of urgency, indicating the increasing impact of climate change on daily life and safety.
Manipulation and Public Perception
The framing of these events could be seen as a method of steering public perception. By juxtaposing military conflict, tragic accidents, and social unrest, the article may aim to create a narrative of instability and unpredictability in both national and global contexts. This could lead to a heightened sense of fear or concern among the public, potentially influencing political and social discourse.
Impact on Financial Markets
The geopolitical tensions, especially concerning Israel and Iran, could have implications for oil prices and stocks in defense and security sectors. Investors might react to the news of military actions and conflicts, causing fluctuations in the market. The Air India crash may also affect airline stock values, depending on investigations and the resulting public trust in air travel.
Global Power Dynamics
The conflict highlighted in the report reflects ongoing power struggles in the Middle East, which is pivotal in global energy markets and security arrangements. The events covered could lead to shifts in alliances and international relations, affecting how countries engage with one another.
The reporting style appears straightforward, but the selection of events and the emphasis placed on certain narratives could suggest a bias toward portraying a world in crisis. The urgency conveyed through the language and structure of the article might manipulate readers' emotions and perceptions.
In conclusion, while the report covers factual events, its presentation may steer public opinion, creating a sense of alarm and urgency about global and domestic issues. The reliability of the news can be considered reasonable but should be viewed critically in light of the potential for manipulation through selective framing.