What's Happening

Politics

A Former Justice Department Official Blows the Whistle

What's going on: President Donald Trump’s judicial nominee Emil Bove is at the center of growing controversy. Last month, former DOJ lawyer Erez Reuveni filed a whistleblower complaint against Bove, a top DOJ official who’s on track to become a federal appeals court judge. Reuveni claims Bove encouraged DOJ staff to ignore court orders halting the deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants. He also accuses the Trump administration of forcing DOJ lawyers to choose between ethics and loyalty to the president. Reuveni has since turned over emails and texts to Congress that analysts say support his claims — and told The New York Times he’s willing to testify.

What it means: Reuveni’s claims are unlikely to derail Bove’s nomination, which is scheduled for a committee vote next week. Still, Democrats have called him unfit for the job, and critics point to what they say is an unethical track record, including his firing of several DOJ officials who prosecuted Jan. 6 attackers. The Justice Department has pushed back. Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed Reuveni as a “disgruntled employee.” Reuveni says the DOJ pushed him out for his handling of the high-profile Kilmar Abrego Garcia deportation case. Bove, for his part, denies Reuveni’s account.

Related: Judge Blocks Trump’s Order on Birthright Citizenship, but Legal Questions Remain (NBC News)

Sports

Is Private Equity Coming for Youth Sports?

What's going on: Today’s parents aren’t just cheering from the sidelines — they’re going all in on their kids’ sports careers. Between gear, travel, and training camps, families spent an average of about $1,000 in 2024 on a child’s primary sport, according to the Aspen Institute. Many parents see sports as a golden ticket to college — or maybe even a pro paycheck. That energy has helped turn youth sports into a $40 billion industry, and private equity firms want to play ball. One example? The New York Times reports that two financial leaders are buying everything from baseball camps to flag football fields — rolling them into a new venture called Unrivaled Sports. Even international firms are trying to get in on the game.

What it means: What was once a way to get kids to be more active or socialize has now become a multi-billion-dollar industry. As businesses look for returns, families could face rising tournament fees and higher pay-to-play models — potentially pricing some out. Unrivaled Sports has said it offers “free and subsidized opportunities” at its facilities — but as one exec from the Aspen Institute put it, “money chases money.” And many parents are chasing scholarships so hard, they’re spending money they don’t have. One boarding school in Florida focuses on sports development and has elite training facilities — the tuition is $85,000 per year. Whatever happened to signing kids up to play at the YMCA?

Related: An American Upset the No. 1 Tennis Player To Reach the Wimbledon Finals (USA Today)

Culture

Culture Wars Could Be Superman's Kryptonite

What's going on: The new Superman movie premieres in US theaters today — though yes, Henry Cavill fans are still in mourning. This reboot takes a fresh angle: Superman is a refugee from a dying planet, adopted by a Kansas couple. Director James Gunn told The Times, “Superman is the story of America,” calling it a tale of “human kindness.” But not everyone is feeling the warmth. Far-right commentators have slammed the film, criticizing Gunn’s portrayal of it as an immigrant story. One Fox News host joked Superman’s cape had “MS-13” written on it. In a video titled “Superman is Going WOKE,” Ben Shapiro said the “left in Hollywood” is out of touch with Americans. Even a former Superman isn’t happy with the rebrand.

What it means: Superman is just one of the latest examples of a Hollywood blockbuster wading into the culture wars. Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Snow White caught flak for casting non-white leads. Some conservatives boycotted Captain America: Brave New World after Anthony Mackie’s comments were labeled “unpatriotic.” Even Wicked wasn’t spared. Meanwhile, comic fans say conservative critics are missing the point when it comes to Superman, and that Clark Kent has always been political and an immigrant. As for how the movie will do at the box office, that’s up to the audience.

Related: Disney Says Its Era of “Woke” Films Is Over, But Critics Don’t Buy It (Business Insider)