The FBI Says It Was A Plot To Kidnap Michigan’s Governor. The Accused Say It Was A Setup.
 THE BIG STORY
The FBI says it thwarted the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The suspects say the FBI incited it.
It's the biggest domestic terrorism case in decades: 13 men stand accused of a plot to kidnap Michigan's governor. The arrests came after a monthslong operation to infiltrate extremist groups.
But would the plot have gotten as far as it did without prodding from FBI informants who were actively involved with planning, training, transportation, and surveillance? A growing number of defendants in the case say no. They plan to argue in court they were targeted for their ideology and then entrapped. Since making global headlines last fall, the case has emerged as a critical test for the Biden administration's response to the rising threat of anti-government groups. More than that, though, the case epitomizes the ideological divisions that have riven the country over the past several years.
This story, based on court filings, audio recordings, and interviews with more than two dozen people with direct knowledge of the investigation, is the most detailed account yet into the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — and how far FBI informants went to make the case.  Wolverine Watchmen Joe Morrison (left) and Paul Bellar (center), inside the Michigan Capitol building, were charged under MIchigan's anti-terrorism laws in connection with the alleged plot to kidnap the state's governor. Jeff Kowalsky / AFP via Getty Images STAYING ON TOP OF THIS
Turns out there are consequences to doing a siege
One of the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters who made it onto the Senate floor was sentenced to eight months in prison. Paul Hodgkins had pleaded guilty to a felony charge, and is now the first rioter to face jail time. US District Judge Randolph Moss said that he got a lower sentence than what the government wanted, thanks to his lack of criminal history, acceptance of wrongdoing, and "sincere" statement to the courts.
It might be a relatively light sentence compared to the maximum of 20 years, but mamas, don't let your babies rush the Senate floor with a flag bearing the name of a president who lost. More than anything, it's just embarrassing. SNAPSHOTS
On Instagram, Britney Spears put her sister, Jamie Lynn, on blast. A duel conducted entirely in — I assume — dancing videos, exactly as it should be.
Five members of rapper Tekashi 69's security team have been charged with robbery and criminal impersonation. They allegedly chased a man with sirens and flashing lights, and then stole his phone.
Idris Elba is calling on social media sites to require ID verification to prevent racist abuse online. I think this is a good idea but I also want to be clear: speaking to me online, in any context, about anything, is illegal.
Prince Harry is writing a tell-all memoir. Hmmm, I wonder if anyone will read it.
"A FEELING OF DISGUST"
Twin cheerleading stars Hannah and Jessica Gerlacher recently filed a lawsuit alleging their former coach sexually abused them for years
The sisters, now 22, allege that Jason McCartney of Cheer Athletics started abusing them when they were just 15 years old. They say the abuse happened under the pretense of "spotting," which is when athletes are assisted while they perform difficult moves. "We wanted to feel nothing but love for our sport," they said in a joint statement, "but now it's combined with a feeling of disgust, not only at how Coach McCartney used us, but also how all the other adults let it happen, in a place where we were supposed to feel safe." OKAY, OKAY, I'LL CARE ABOUT HOCKEY, FINE
Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop came out as gay, the first NHL player under contract to do so.
19-year-old Prokop made the news public on Instagram. "From a young age I have dreamed of being an NHL player, and I believe that living my authentic life will allow me to bring my whole self to the rink and improve my chances of fulfilling my dreams," he wrote. So far, Prokop has gotten a lot of support from the hockey world.
After yesterday's newsletter, we received an email from a displeased reader about how I was using this newsletter as my "blog." Anyway, did you know Prokop is Canadian? So am I! He played for the junior league Calgary Hitmen. I did not but I am from Calgary, which is the same thing, probably!
All roads lead back to me. You'll learn to enjoy it. (Editor's note: You don't have to. Scaachi is just around for this week before we retool the newsletter with a new person running the show!) This is likely to be the coolest summer you'll have for the rest of your life, 📝 This letter was edited and brought to you by Scaachi Koul and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.
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