Plus: “Razor throat” COVID is now in 15 States—listen to the latest.
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June 20, 2025  |  Read Online  |  Send Feedback

Good morning. Here's your Friday playlist:

Morning Brief

MORNING BRIEF

FBI Steps Up Scrutiny of Chinese Election Interference in 2020

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts

🎧 TOP NEWS

CDC Advisers Ousted by RFK Jr. Voted on Vaccines Despite Conflicts

Multiple members cast votes despite receiving or recently receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies affected by the votes.

 

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COVID ‘Razor Throat’ Variant Now Found in 15 US States: Here’s What We Know

Some doctors and outside health experts have said patients are reporting a sharp ‘razor blade’ throat or “razor throat.”


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US Weather Service Says Heat Dome Will Hit Much of the US Next Week

“This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling,” says the NWS.


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How Fasting May Reshape Metabolism and Activate Immune Defenses Against Cancer

Short-term fasting may boost immune defenses and make cancer treatments more effective.

 

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🎙️ PODCASTS

The nation's pressing topics deciphered by our journalists from the podcast desk.

CONSTITUTION AVENUE

Iran, Israel, and the U.S.—Context as the Conflict Heats Up

Today’s guest, Epoch Times military and national security correspondent Ryan Morgan, breaks down the extent of U.S. participation in the Israel-Iran conflict and where it could go next.


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FACTS MATTER

Supreme Court Sides With White Straight Woman in ‘Reverse Discrimination’ Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has just issued a unanimous ruling in favor of a white straight woman who was allegedly discriminated against at work.


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🎤 INTERVIEWS

Our latest conversations with experts on politics, tech, health, and culture.

AMERICAN THOUGHT LEADERS

EJ Antoni Decodes the Trump Economy and the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Controversy

Epoch Times senior editor Jan Jekielek sits down with Heritage Foundation chief economist EJ Antoni to get his insights into how the American economy is doing, where the U.S.-China trade war is headed, and how he assesses the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”


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☕ WHAT’S SHAPING THE DAY

ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT

  • Israel Hits 2 Iranian Nuclear Sites, Iran Retaliates
  • Iranian Missile Strikes Hospital in Southern Israel
  • Israel–Iran Conflict May Jeopardize China’s $400 Billion Deal With Iran
  • American Airlines, United Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Israel-Iran Conflict

POLITICS

  • Trump Signs Executive Order to Extend TikTok Deadline by Another 90 Days
  • Rural Hospitals at Center of Megabill Debate Over Medicaid
  • Judge Blocks Transportation Department From Withholding Funds From States That Defy Federal Immigration Policy
  • Federal Government Ends Specialized LGBT Option at Suicide Prevention Service
  • Federal Judge Strikes Down Biden-Era Rule Protecting Abortion Records From Investigation
  • Energy Secretary Grilled by Senate Panel Over Funding Clawbacks

US NEWS

  • FDA Halts Trials That Send Americans’ Cells to China, Other ‘Hostile Countries’
  • Chinese-Made Jammers Used by Illegal Immigrants in Crimes: DHS
  • Los Angeles Dodgers Deny Federal Agents Access to Stadium Parking Lots
  • US to Open Fly Production Facility for Combating Mexican New World Screwworms
  • SpaceX Says No One Injured in Starship Explosion in Texas

WORLD

  • New Zealand Cuts Millions in Funding to Cook Islands Over China Ties
  • US Military Scrambles for Ways to Protect Bases From Drone Warfare
  • Chinese Military Investing in AI Tools for Intelligence Work, Research Says

OPINION

  • Beating Iran Beats the CCP by Anders Corr

Thanks for tuning in!

Today's newsletter was put together by Ivan Pentchoukov, Lina Skorbach and Kenzi Li. Send them your feedback at podcasts@epochtimes.us.

 

Articles are picked by The Epoch Times newsroom and narrated by an automated voice.

 

 

📅 Podcast Schedule:

  • American Thought Leaders – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • California Insider – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • China Watch – Tuesday
  • Constitution Avenue – Friday
  • Crossroads – Monday–Thursday
  • Facts Matter – Tuesday & Thursday
  • Morning Brief – Weekdays
  • The Report – Weekdays

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