Infrastructure 'framework': Is a deal finally near?

Finally. It's Thursday, which means we're one day closer to the weekend. 

Also on the horizon: a sweeping deal to modernize America's crumbling transportation systems. After weeks of gridlock, a bipartisan group of senators said they've agreed with the White House on a $1.25 trillion infrastructure "framework." We'll call it progress.

It's Kristina and Julius, here with Thursday's news. 

🔵 A 12-story condo tower partially collapsed in Miami, and rescue crews are at the scene. There was no immediate information on casualties.

🔵 'I'm so angry it's insane': There's a lot to process in Britney Spears' 20-minute court statement about her "abusive" conservatorship.

🔵 The Border Patrol chief was ousted, paving the way for President Biden to install new leadership.

Look, up in the sky 

We're in for a treat Thursday evening when the full strawberry moon — 2021's final supermoon — graces the sky across the world. It will reach peak illumination at 2:40 p.m. EDT but will not be visible until later in the evening, when it drifts above the horizon. But don't expect it to look like a strawberry: Astronomers say it more likely will be orange or yellow. June's full moon is called the strawberry moon because it signaled to some Native American tribes that it's time to gather ripening strawberries.

Biden and senators will hash out the infrastructure deal

President Joe Biden will meet with a group of bipartisan senators who say they have reached an agreement in principle with the White House on a $1.25 trillion infrastructure plan. Included in the package is $579 billion in new money – less than the $1 trillion Biden first demanded, but far more than initial proposals from GOP senators. The sticking point has been how to pay for the massive transportation infrastructure package. While Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., noted there was a "long list" of ways to pay for it, most of those details have yet to be released and may still need to be worked out. Still, the agreement is expected to win approval from lawmakers in both chambers eager to address the country's infrastructure and also show that both sides can still forge bipartisan consensus in a Congress that's become increasingly partisan. 

What else people are reading:

🟣 Southwest Airlines has a new CEO, and we asked him if bags will still fly free.

🟣 John McAfee: The antivirus software entrepreneur was found dead in prison after his extradition to the U.S. was cleared.

🟣 Aunt Jemima's gone: Pancake mix and syrup branding has been replaced. 

🟣  The New York Times ran a DNA test on Subway's tuna sandwiches. They didn't find any fish.

Will Amazon workers get help unionizing?

One of the largest unions in the U.S. will introduce and vote on a resolution that would make it a key goal to help Amazon workers land a union contract. In April, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to unionize. But if the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' resolution passes, a special division dedicated to Amazon employees would be established.

Simone Biles and other gymnasts compete to qualify for the Olympics

More than 35 gymnasts are in St. Louis, Missouri, for a chance to qualify for the Olympics. At the center of the competition will be four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, but her World Champions Centre teammate Jordan Chiles should also be on spectators' must-see list as she competes for her first Olympic berth. 

Hong Kong's last pro-democracy newspaper shuts down

After more than 25 years, Hong Kong's sole pro-democracy newspaper, The Apple Daily, will publish its last edition Thursday. The newspaper was forced to shutter after five editors and executives were arrested and millions of dollars in its assets were frozen as part of China's increasing crackdown on dissent in the semi-autonomous city. Once known for celebrity gossip, The Apple Daily grew into an outspoken voice for defending Hong Kong's freedoms not found on mainland China. While pro-democracy media outlets still exist online, it was the only print newspaper left of its kind in the city. 

ICYMI: 

🟣 Derek Chauvin sentencing: The ex-police officer is facing up to 30 years in prison.

🟣 Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the US-Mexico border.

🟣 First Amendment case: Supreme Court sides with former cheerleade. criticized school in profanity-laced post.

On today's 5 Things podcast, hear from Simone Biles ahead of the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic trials. You can listen to the podcast every day on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your smart speaker.