EPA set to fire staffers from its science office

The Writers Guild of America is urging New York’s attorney general to look into why CBS pulled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert off the air, alleging the network’s parent company may have offered a "bribe" to the Trump administration to silence the show. The guild, which represents Colbert’s writers, is framing this as a potential abuse of corporate power to suppress critical voices.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a late-night show getting yanked—it’s a flashpoint in the bigger fight over corporate influence, free speech, and political pressure. If there’s any truth to the bribery claim, it could expose how media giants might bend to political agendas, which is a pretty big deal for democracy and the folks who rely on these platforms to call out power.

The Trump administration has bumped Germany up the priority list to receive the next batch of Patriot air-defense systems, allowing Berlin to send two of its existing Patriots to Ukraine. This decision comes after Trump suggested that allies should foot the bill for more weapons headed to Ukraine. Essentially, it’s a reshuffle to keep Ukraine’s defenses stocked without leaving Germany unprotected.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about shuffling hardware—it’s a strategic move to balance NATO allies’ security needs while supporting Ukraine. Germany gets newer systems sooner, Ukraine gets much-needed air defenses, and the U.S. signals that allies should chip in more. It’s a diplomatic nudge wrapped in a logistics decision.

The EPA is cutting jobs in its scientific research division as part of a broader restructuring effort, according to a Friday announcement. The move will shrink the agency’s Office of Research and Development, though the exact number of affected staffers isn’t yet clear.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling—it’s a direct hit to the EPA’s science team, which plays a key role in shaping environmental regulations. Fewer researchers could mean slower responses to emerging threats like pollution or climate change. Critics are likely to see this as another sign of the agency deprioritizing science under the current administration.

The second round of The Open at Royal Portrush is heating up, with top players chasing the leaders in a dramatic early showdown. Adam Scott, who famously let victory slip in 2012, is among those vying for redemption—but the pressure is on as big names jostle for position. Follow the live leaderboard for real-time twists.

Editor’s Note: Major golf tournaments like The Open are all about momentum and nerve—one bad stretch can haunt a player for years (just ask Adam Scott). For fans, this is edge-of-your-seat drama, watching legends and rising stars battle wind, course, and history. Plus, Royal Portrush’s rugged beauty adds extra spectacle.

The State Department is moving quickly to distribute over 59,000 tons of food aid after reports surfaced that around 500 tons had to be incinerated due to spoilage. Officials clarified that all soon-to-expire food has been accounted for, suggesting this was a small fraction of the overall aid effort.

Editor’s Note: While it’s frustrating to hear about wasted aid, the bigger picture here is that the vast majority of food assistance is still on track to reach those who need it. The incineration of a small portion highlights logistical challenges in aid distribution—like expiration dates and storage—but doesn’t overshadow the larger relief effort. This story matters because transparency about aid effectiveness keeps pressure on systems to improve.