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Today’s Key Updates
President Trump is having lunch with Senate Republicans today amidst growing friction with his party. Recently, four Senate Republicans joined Democrats to move forward with a war powers resolution that seeks to withdraw U.S. troops from Iran. Although not legally binding, this measure signals rising tensions. Trump has openly criticized Senate Republicans’ legislative efforts and shared his grievances online.
The U.S. Capitol and National Mall is seen on June 13, 2026. Rahmat Gul/AP
- The conflict within Trump’s party is fueled by his advocacy for the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID law. NPR’s Sam Gringlas reports that Trump insists on the necessity of this law for future GOP victories, yet insufficient Senate support hinders its passage. The president continues to revisit claims of election fraud, drawing criticism from Republicans who see this as a distraction from their legislative agenda. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who supported the war powers resolution, is among those Republicans expressing newfound freedom to speak out.
Congress has approved a significant housing bill, the largest in decades, with the 21st Century Road to Housing Act passing the House 358-32. The Senate previously gave its nod, and now it awaits President Trump’s signature. This bill aims to tackle the housing shortage, as highlighted by Realtor.com, which estimated a deficit of over 4 million housing units last year.
- One controversial aspect of the bill is the restriction on corporate investors acquiring large numbers of single-family homes, a move NPR’s Stephan Bisaha notes is supported by both Trump and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. This legislation aims to curtail big investors from purchasing more than 350 homes, helping to stabilize prices. The bill includes over 40 components, with goals such as simplifying federal housing regulations to expedite home construction. While the bill seeks to encourage local reform, challenges like mortgage rates and land costs may delay visible impacts.
New York’s primary election last night was a substantial test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s movement, and it emerged victorious. All three congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani won their races, signaling a significant win for progressive forces and a setback for establishment Democrats. Mamdani supports candidates willing to challenge Israel and push for bold economic policies. The primary results reflect his influence.
- Mamdani’s allies believe these victories will energize young voters, potentially boosting turnout. Steve Kastenbaum reports on the movement’s anti-corporation, anti-billionaire stance, which resonates with a wide audience. Meanwhile, centrist Democrats worry about losing moderate Republicans in swing districts if the party shifts too far left.
Health Insights
An illustration of a woman’s silhouette with colorful intestines and digestive tract representing gut health and the human microbiome. diane555/Getty Images
Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.
The gut microbiome’s significant impact on health has spurred a plethora of advice and products, often unsupported by evidence. The microbiome, a complex system of bacteria and microorganisms in our intestines, affects our health far beyond digestion. Here’s what some scientists in the field want you to know:
- ā”ļø Unlike cholesterol or blood pressure, there isn’t a single measure for gut health. The composition of a healthy gut microbiome varies due to geography, lifestyle, diet, and genetics.
- ā”ļø Modern lifestyles in industrialized societies have impacted gut health negatively. Factors like antibiotic use, lack of exercise, and diets low in fiber contribute to this. However, reverting to ancestral microbiomes isn’t necessarily better, as past “normal” wasn’t always healthy.
- ā”ļø Increasing fiber intake from nuts, fruits, and vegetables is recommended by experts as a beneficial practice from our ancestors to improve our gut microbiome.
Life Advice
Today, many of us have a veritable beauty counter in our bathrooms. It’s easy to feel that if you don’t use the right serums, acids, creams and masks, you’re doomed to wrinkled, splotchy and prematurely aged skin. Do we really need all this stuff to achieve healthy, attractive skin? Beck Harlan for NPR
For a healthy complexion, certain skincare products are essential, while others are optional. Topical support is important for maintaining your skin’s protective barrier, although some ingredients can enhance appearance, the effects of nonprescription products have limits. Life Kit consulted skincare experts to find out which products are truly necessary. Here’s what they had to say:
- š§“ A gentle cleanser is crucial for removing dirt, sweat, makeup, and pollutants. Opt for a mild, fragrance-free product with hydrating ingredients.
- š§“ A moisturizer tailored to your skin type can help lock in moisture and support the skin’s outer barrier. Know your skin’s needsāwhether it’s dry, oily, combination, or sensitive.
- š§“ Experts advocate using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against UV rays. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.
For more skincare guidance, sign up for Life Kit‘s one-week newsletter series Guide to Skin Care. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships, and more.
3 Things to Know Before You Go
Plaques to help identify 14 unknown soldiers who were found at the site of the Battle of Camden and are being reburied are seen on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina. DNA analysis has recently identified one of them. Jeffrey Collins/AP
- The DNA of previously unknown Continental Army soldier John Pumphrey has been linked to his living relatives. He enlisted as a teenager in 1777 and fought in significant battles before he died in action during the Revolutionary War.
- The Supreme Court ruled that a Louisiana prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved off by prison guards cannot sue them under a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of prisoners.
- The Carnegie Hero Fund has awarded Kelby Perren of Florida the Carnegie Medal for rescuing his wife from an alligator attack in the St. Lucie River last year. The medal is North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism. (via WQCS)
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
