Good morning! The weekend edition is 730 words, a 3-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Scripps Spelling Bee has a new champion

• Hard-working high schooler gets tuition gift

• Jackie Chan is still going strong at 71

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Today’s Big Story

Musk Bids Farewell

Elon Musk is departing Washington after falling short of his government cost-cutting goals.

• Musk reached the 130-day annual limit for special government employees and announced his departure from the Department of Government Efficiency after achieving only $175 billion in spending cuts (so far) against his $2 trillion goal. The Partnership for Public Service, which tracked his efforts, argued his actions actually cost taxpayers $135 billion.

• His exit follows disagreements with Trump on major policies, including Trump's spending bill that Musk said "increases the budget deficit," sweeping tariffs, and restrictions on foreign worker visas.

• Despite their policy differences, Trump praised Musk during the news conference, calling him "an incredible patriot" who "had to go through the slings and the arrows." Both men said DOGE would continue operating without Musk as its public face.

• Musk's government tenure damaged his public approval and Tesla's stock performance while raising concerns about conflicts of interest with his SpaceX and Starlink companies. He formally departed on Wednesday, but appeared at Friday's news conference, saying he would continue providing advice to Trump when asked.

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Saturday’s Quick Hits

• Faizan Zaki returned to claim the Scripps National Spelling Bee championship. The 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, entered as the favorite after finishing second last year when he never misspelled a word during regular spelling rounds but lost in a speed-based tiebreaker. He became just the fifth runner-up in the bee's 100-year history to return and win the title. (More)

• President Trump announced doubling steel tariffs from 25% to 50% starting June 4 during remarks at U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania. He said higher tariffs will secure the industry against foreign competition. The announcement followed his approval of Nippon Steel's merger. Under the merger, US Steel will become a “wholly owned subsidiary” of the Japanese company. (More)

• Taylor Swift bought the rights to her first six albums Friday, ending a years-long battle for control over her early work. After music executive Scooter Braun purchased and sold her masters, Swift created 'Taylor's Versions' re-recordings. She now owns everything, achieving the 'full autonomy' she always wanted. (More)

• The Supreme Court allowed Trump's administration to revoke temporary legal status for over 500,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela that was granted under Biden's program. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem filed the emergency application to end the protection. Liberal Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented, with Jackson warning of "devastating consequences" for affected immigrants while their legal claims remain pending. (More)

• Six gray whales died in San Francisco Bay between May 21-28, bringing this year's total to 15 whale deaths. Authorities are struggling to determine the causes due to challenging necropsy conditions from decomposition and inaccessible locations. At least three gray whale deaths are suspected vessel strikes. There have also been a high number of gray whale sightings in 2025 (33) compared to only 6 in 2024. (More)

• The FBI is investigating cybersecurity threats targeting governors and Congress members through fake calls and texts using White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' voice. The impostor sometimes requests money from recipients. Officials take the threat seriously as Wiles has extensive official contacts from managing Trump's 2024 campaign. (More)

Weekly Dose of Positive

• A teen worked his Burger King shift immediately after graduation, still wearing his cap and gown. An impressed customer started a GoFundMe that raised $85,000 for his college tuition. (More)

• A Slovak teenager won America's top science fair prize for inventing a cheaper, faster method to make antiviral drugs from corn husks. His innovation could dramatically reduce production costs and increase drug supply. (More)

• Mexican scientists created a probiotic tortilla that stays fresh for weeks without refrigeration. The innovation was designed to help vulnerable communities that lack access to refrigerators. (More)

• A group of teenagers in the United Kingdom rescued a family of three from their crashed car that had flipped onto its side. (More)

Extra Credit

The 33 greatest muscle cars of all time, according to Robb Report. 

The odd origins of the tooth fairy.

Jackie Chan is still doing all of his stunts at 71. 

Scientists discover a new blue frog with copper legs in the Amazon.