Crooked Bough News Round-up

— Federal judge declines to order Trump officials to recover deleted Signal messages

 

at 6/20/25 5:15pm

The watchdog group American Oversight had asked a federal judge to order top national security officials to preserve any messages they may have sent on the private messaging app Signal. (Image credit: Brendan Smialowski)

— What Does the Israel-Iran War Mean for the Middle East?

 

at 6/20/25 3:14pm

As Israel and Iran continue missile attacks against one another, we look at how countries in the Middle East are viewing the conflict. Whether that war could spread and if other powers in the region are bracing for a wider conflict. And we hear from some residents of Tehran weighing the decision of fleeing the Iranian capital as President Trump commanded or staying and taking their chances.

— Welcome to summer: U.S. braces for first significant heat wave of the new season

 

at 6/20/25 3:10pm

For many Americans, high humidity will make it feel in the triple digits. The National Weather Service is urging people to prepare to protect themselves from the dangers of extreme heat.(Image credit: Alex Wroblewski)

— Trump says he's close to 'a Deal' with Harvard, as judge grants injunction

 

at 6/20/25 2:46pm

Trump's Truth Social comments came as a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that would continue blocking the president's efforts to bar international students from attending Harvard.(Image credit: Rick Friedman)

— Trump is no stranger to setting 2-week deadlines. Here's how others have played out

 

at 6/20/25 2:46pm

Since his first term, Trump has promised action on everything from tax legislation to health care within a fortnight — only for his announcements to materialize months later or not at all.(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla)

— A man is charged with attempting to kidnap Memphis Mayor Paul Young

 

at 6/20/25 2:44pm

Police say Trenton Abston, 25, came to Mayor Paul Young's home armed with a Taser. Officers allegedly found rope and duct tape in his car.(Image credit: Shelby County Sheriff Office)

— Voice of America gutted by Trump adviser Kari Lake

 

at 6/20/25 2:02pm

The Trump administration is slashing jobs at Voice of America's parent agency by 85%. Journalists who have risked their freedom to report for the broadcaster wonder what happens next.(Image credit: Samuel Corum)

— Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil released on bail

 

at 6/20/25 12:13pm

Khalil left the Louisiana detention center where he's been since March, when ICE agents arrested him over his pro-Palestinian activism. A federal judge ruled the government could no longer detain him.(Image credit: Courtesy)

— Judge orders release of Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil

 

at 6/20/25 12:13pm

Khalil will be released on bail while his case challenging his deportation orders plays out in the courts. (Image credit: Ted Shaffrey)

— A cancer center in Jordan treats kids from Gaza, but only a few dozen have arrived

 

at 6/20/25 11:55am

Children from Gaza with cancer are finally making it to Jordan for long-promised treatment. But a plan to allow as many as 2,000 patients out of the war-torn enclave has slowed.(Image credit: Salah Malkawi)

— What children in poverty could lose from the 'Big Beautiful Bill'

 

at 6/20/25 7:33am

Republicans want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide health care, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children.(Image credit: Annie Otzen)

— Court backs Trump's control of National Guard. And, the latest on the Israel-Iran war

 

at 6/20/25 5:06am

Trump can maintain control over California's National Guard troops in LA after a federal appeals court ruling. And, the president says he'll decide whether to strike Iran within two weeks.(Image credit: Benjamin Hanson)

— Why is caregiving so hard in America? The answers emerge in a new film

 

at 6/20/25 5:00am

Caregiving traces the history — and unique challenges of — caring for family members in the U.S. In the documentary, viewers meet caregivers like Malcoma Brown-Ekeogu, who now helps her husband Kenneth with even his most basic needs, like walking and bathing. "I never let him see me cry," she says.'/A new documentary on PBS shows what it's like to care for adult family members and recounts the history of caregiving policy in the U.S. revealing why those caring for family are often on their own.(Image credit: Ark Media)

— At war with Israel, Iran urges new diplomacy in Geneva and the U.N. Security Council

 

at 6/20/25 4:34am

Iran is engaging in diplomatic efforts on multiple fronts as its battle with Israel enters a second week.

— European officials hold talks with Iran in Geneva, as U.N. Security Council convenes

 

at 6/20/25 4:34am

It marks the most significant known diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western governments since Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iran one week ago.(Image credit: Hadi Mizban)

— European leaders hold talks with Iran in Geneva, seeking diplomatic solution

 

at 6/20/25 4:34am

The scheduled talks mark the first face-to-face meeting between Tehran and Western leaders since the start of Israel's offensive against Iran last week.(Image credit: Hadi Mizban)

— A former DOGE employee gives his account of working for the operation

 

at 6/20/25 3:02am

What did the Department of Government Efficiency actually accomplish under Elon Musk? And what might change now that Musk is out? One former DOGE worker is going public and sharing what he learned.

— MAGA is split over potential U.S. involvement in the Middle East

 

at 6/20/25 3:00am

Republican strategist Sarah Longwell says getting involved in the Israel-Iran conflict would be an "unforgivable sin" to many Trump supporters.(Image credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

— Lesbian trailblazer recalls the risk of joining the military in the late 1950s

 

at 6/20/25 2:59am

Air Force veteran Jeri Dilno realized she was a lesbian at a young age. For StoryCorps, she discussed the risk she took joining the military in the late 1950s.

As of 6/21/25 1:24am. Last new 6/20/25 9:17pm.