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1. RFK Jr. Purges Entire CDC Vaccine Panel

Here's what happened: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on June 9, saying a “clean sweep” would restore public trust in vaccines. He pledged to replace the experts “within weeks.” (Will Stone, NPR)

Here's why it matters: The advisory panel shapes the national vaccine schedule; its sudden removal throws upcoming policy decisions into limbo and could undermine insurers’ coverage rules. Public-health leaders warn the move risks confusing providers and fueling renewed outbreaks of once-controlled diseases. (Erica Pandey, Axios)

Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Fox News hails the overhaul as long-overdue accountability for “bureaucrats who rubber-stamped Big Pharma,” arguing Kennedy is right to demand fresh voices who will scrutinize data before endorsing new shots. Commentators add that the dismissal highlights conflicts of interest they claim dogged the old committee. (Cameron Arcand, Fox News)

Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: The Guardian depicts the purge as a dangerous victory for anti-vaccine activism, stressing that several incoming advisers have spread misinformation. Critics quoted in the piece fear the CDC could become a “laughing-stock” if scientific rigor gives way to ideology. (Jessica Glenza, The Guardian)

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2. ICE Raids Ignite Coast-to-Coast Protests

Here's what happened: After mass workplace raids in Los Angeles, demonstrations against federal immigration sweeps spread to more than 20 U.S. cities between June 10-12. Hundreds were arrested and curfews imposed from Spokane to Las Vegas. (Ben Brasch, The Washington Post)

Here's why it matters: Immigration-rights groups say the raids and federal troop deployments mark the largest domestic use of force over immigration in decades. Economists warn prolonged unrest could disrupt local labor markets and tourism. (PBS NewsHour Staff, PBS)

Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: The Washington Examiner argues the protests threaten California’s economy, noting business groups fear billions in losses. Opinion writers argue that a firm show of force is necessary to restore order and protect workers harmed by illegal competition. (Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner)

Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: A live Guardian blog frames the crackdowns as “authoritarian overreach,” highlighting reports of tear-gas, mass detentions and National Guard checkpoints. Progressive activists say the response is chilling free speech and galvanizing nationwide “No Kings” protests planned for June 14. (The Guardian Staff, The Guardian)

3. DHS Ends Parole, Urges 500K to Self-Deport

Here's what happened: On June 12, DHS began emailing 532,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to revoke their Biden-era humanitarian parole and work permits, telling recipients to depart via a CBP phone app that offers a $1,000 travel bonus. (CBS Miami Team, CBS News)

Here's why it matters: The step fulfills a core Trump campaign pledge and could reshape the labor force in several states. Immigration attorneys say immediate revocation leaves families scrambling for legal options, while state officials brace for housing and workforce disruptions. (Associated Press Staff, AP)

Here's what right-leaning sources are saying:The New York Post applauds the move as “long-overdue sanity,” citing fraud in sponsorship documents and arguing that self-deport bonuses are cheaper than mass enforcement. Columnists call it proof Trump is prioritizing U.S. workers over “loophole-seekers.” (David Propper, New York Post)

Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: The Daily Beast labels the emails “a mass eviction notice,” quoting advocates who say compliant migrants are being punished after following legal channels. Writers argue the policy will destabilize families, depress remittances and invite humanitarian backlash abroad. (Cameron Adams, The Daily Beast)

4. Trump, Newsom Clash Over Guard in L.A.

Here's what happened: A federal judge on June 12 ordered President Trump to return control of the California National Guard to Governor Gavin Newsom; an appeals court paused the ruling hours later, allowing federal deployments amid Los Angeles protests to continue for now. (Dustin Gardiner & Blake Jones, Politico)

Here's why it matters: The standoff revives questions about presidential power to federalize state troops without consent, a practice rarely used since the civil-rights era. Legal scholars warn that broader deployments could blur military-civilian lines and set precedents for future domestic crises. (Reuters Staff, Reuters)

Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: National Review argues Trump’s action is justified to quell “escalating lawlessness,” criticizing Newsom for “political grandstanding” while businesses burn. The column contends that courts should defer to the commander-in-chief when local leaders “won’t protect their citizens.” (Editorial Board, National Review)

Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: The Daily Beast praises the district judge for “shredding” what it calls Trump’s bid for unchecked authority, portraying the deployment as theater aimed at a national TV audience. Commentators liken the strategy to past authoritarian crackdowns and predict it will energize “No Kings” protest turnout. (Matt Young, The Daily Beast)

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5. Israel Hits Iran’s Nuclear Sites in Strikes

Here's what happened: In pre-dawn raids on June 13, Israel launched more than 200 sorties against Iranian nuclear facilities and command centers, killing senior IRGC leaders and six scientists; Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israeli cities. (Alexander Cornwell et al., Reuters)

Here's why it matters: The escalation imperils planned U.S.–Iran talks and raises fears of a wider regional war. Analysts note the strikes could delay—but not end—Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and oil markets are bracing for supply shocks and shipping disruptions in the Gulf. (AP Staff, AP)

Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Fox News commentators call the operation “a necessary pre-emption,” applauding bipartisan U.S. voices urging full support for Israel and framing the attack as proof diplomacy had failed. Some hosts argue the U.S. should leverage the strikes to press Tehran into a tougher deal. (Caitlin McFall, Fox News)

Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Al Jazeera emphasizes Iranian civilian casualties and regional condemnation, warning that the assault may trigger a protracted conflict and undermine non-proliferation efforts. Analysts featured argue Israel’s use of U.S.-supplied arms could draw Washington deeper into hostilities. (Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera)

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