At a Glance: June 12, 2026

Today in history: Pulse nightclub shooting

On June 12, 2016 Omar Mateen opened fire at the Pulse nightclub, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead and 53 wounded in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. He pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group during a three-hour standoff before being killed in a shootout with police.

Judge extends block on Trump’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund

On Friday, a federal judge agreed to indefinitely extend a court-ordered block on a $1.8 billion settlement fund the Trump administration intended to create and operate. The settlement fund was to be for individuals who claim to be victims of weaponized government. 

Earlier this month after bipartisan backlash Attorney General Todd Blanche told congress the government would not move forward with the settlement fund plan, but plaintiffs were not satisfied with the promise. Trump has not publicly endorsed the cancellation of the fund. 

Art icon David Hockney dead at 88

On Friday, British contemporary artist David Hockney died at 88. Hockney was best known for his paintings of landscapes and pools, as well as digital art later in life. Over a seven decade career he worked with paint, collage, photography, and digital art. 

Hockney, born in the North of England, spent much of his life living in southern California. Later in life he returned to Europe to his native county of Yorkshire, where he drew inspiration from the wooded hills.