Extra, Extra

Deficit Com: White House says the ‘big beautiful bill’ will lower the US deficit. Analysts say that’s off by trillions. (But it’s still not off by as much as the notion that this budget plan has anything to do with saving money.) WaPo: Why Moody’s picked now to downgrade the United States. “Moody’s didn’t just pick a random Friday in May to make this move. Moody’s wanted to send a message to Republicans in Congress: Rethink the tax bill. Or, better yet, don’t do it.”

+ Partners in Crime: “The head lawyer of a human rights group representing the families of Venezuelan immigrants imprisoned in El Salvador after being deported from the United States has been arrested.” (This is who we are now…) Meanwhile, Bukele’s crackdown pushes top Salvadoran journalists to flee.

+ Hey BS: During a Senate hearing, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked about Habeas Corpus. She said: “Habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country.”

+ Tax Hacks: “If confirmed, Mr. Long would become the first official head of the I.R.S. under the Trump administration but the sixth person to lead the agency since the beginning of the year.” Trump’s Pick to Lead I.R.S. Promoted a Nonexistent Tax Credit. He also has zero qualifications for the role. Anyone willing to bet against him being confirmed?

+ Gaza Aid: “On Monday, for the first time in two and a half months, Netanyahu permitted a handful of trucks carrying aid to enter Gaza. He said he had been pressured into easing the total blockade by allies who could not tolerate ‘images of mass famine.'” (Bibi is losing allies almost as fast as Trump.)

+ Like 8.23 Billion Peas in a Pod: “Imagine walking down the street and feeling an overwhelming love and warmth for every single person that you met.” Nope, sorry, I read news for a living. I can’t even imagine that. But it’s a real thing. BBC: Williams Syndrome: The people who are too friendly.