Good evening everyone. Another day, and there is a lot to cover, from Epstein to Iran to the Department of Homeland Security. For the first time in a while, the news cycle has slowed just enough to take a breath. I have taken one too. That pause matters, because I have not done an update like this in a long time. It is worth stepping back to talk about where we are as a media community and where we are headed as this year continues.
Let me be clear. If you believe in independent journalism that refuses to look away, this is the moment to support it. Subscriptions are what make this work possible when attention fades, when the noise gets louder, and when accountability becomes inconvenient. They allow us to keep going when the truth becomes harder and more expensive to pursue.
People in power benefit when the public is worn down. They benefit when the volume of information is so constant that nothing sticks, when one story replaces another before answers are ever delivered. Overwhelm is not accidental. It is a strategy designed to make you disengage.
Look at the Epstein files. It has been months since the Department of Justice failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Ask yourself a simple question. Do you still hear about this every day the way you once did?
You do not. That is the point. Flood the zone. Exhaust the audience. Let the story disappear.
I will not let that happen.
Now, let’s get to the news:
- António Guterres, the United Nations Chief, said there are “reasonable grounds” to believe both sides in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran may have committed war crimes, citing attacks on energy infrastructure and civilians. He warned the conflict is rapidly escalating with severe humanitarian and global economic consequences, suggested Israel sought to draw the U.S. into war, and argued Washington holds the key to ending it. Guterres also stressed the urgency of de-escalation, warning the crisis is spiraling out of control and could have far-reaching global impacts, according to POLITICO.
- The Pentagon is weighing sending additional troops to the Middle East, a move that could significantly escalate the war with Iran and deepen U.S. involvement. Discussions include deploying Marines to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz or potentially seize key sites, even as Donald Trump publicly downplays plans for ground troops. The talks come amid intensifying strikes, rising economic disruption, and concerns the conflict is expanding beyond its initial scope.
- Darren Indyke, longtime attorney for Jeffrey Epstein, told a House committee he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, rejecting claims he facilitated abuse. Lawmakers and victims’ attorneys have questioned that claim, arguing it is not credible given his close role in Epstein’s legal and financial affairs. The testimony comes as Congress investigates the network of individuals who may have enabled Epstein’s decades-long abuse and seeks greater accountability.
- An attorney for survivors of Jeffrey Epstein criticized Darren Indyke’s congressional testimony, calling his claimed ignorance of Epstein’s abuse “deeply troubling” and indicative of a broader network of enablers. The statement emphasized that significant details remain hidden and called for full accountability from those connected to Epstein and from government authorities.
- Dave Min said Darren Indyke may have repeatedly committed perjury during his deposition, expressing shock that he did not plead the fifth. Min questioned Indyke’s claims that he had no knowledge of abuse tied to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Jes Staley’s wife, Debora Staley, has filed for divorce following fallout related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, with the case filed in New York and details kept confidential.
- Police are expanding their investigation into Andrew beyond misconduct in public office to include potential corruption and alleged sex trafficking offenses linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Investigators face a high legal bar for misconduct charges and are broadening the probe to strengthen the case, with any decisions likely to take months, according to The Times.
- Iran warned it would show “zero restraint” after Israel struck its South Pars gasfield, triggering retaliatory attacks across Gulf energy infrastructure and sharply escalating the conflict. The strikes damaged key facilities in Qatar and beyond, disrupting a significant share of global liquefied natural gas supply and sending energy prices higher. The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional crisis with major global economic consequences.
- An ABC News analysis found that Iranian drones and missiles have struck at least 10 radar sites used by the U.S. and its allies, with satellite imagery suggesting some attacks successfully damaged sensitive missile-defense systems. The strikes highlight the vulnerability of these high-value systems and could reduce early warning capabilities, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear
- A French naval officer accidentally revealed the real-time location of the aircraft carrier French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle near Cyprus via a public Strava workout, creating a potential security risk despite the mission not being classified, according to Le Monde.
- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group—led by the USS Boxer (LHD-4) and including the USS Comstock (LSD-45) and USS Portland (LPD-27) with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit—has deployed from the U.S. West Coast to the Middle East, signaling a buildup of American military presence in the region.
- An Iranian missile strike hit an oil refinery in Haifa, with footage showing smoke rising from the facility, highlighting the expansion of attacks on critical energy infrastructure in the conflict.
- The U.S. war with Iran has likely cost tens of billions of dollars, with early Pentagon estimates putting spending at over $11 billion in just the first week and roughly $1 billion per day, meaning total costs could plausibly approach or exceed $25 billion as the conflict continues, though no official cumulative figure has been confirmed.
- Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Europe’s major naval powers will not escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, stressing there will be no deployment without a ceasefire and broader multilateral agreement.
- Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that while there are signs of “cracks” in the Iranian regime, its collapse is not guaranteed and it may survive the ongoing war. He emphasized that weakening Iran’s capabilities remains the primary goal, even if regime change does not occur.
- At a House intelligence hearing, Tulsi Gabbard declined to say whether she agreed with claims by Joe Kent that Iran posed no imminent threat or that Israel pushed the US into war, but said she was concerned by his statements blaming Israel.
- Rafael Grossi, the UN Nuclear Chief, said that despite significant damage from U.S. and Israeli strikes, much of Iran’s nuclear program remains intact, including enriched uranium stockpiles, infrastructure, and technical expertise. He warned that military action alone cannot fully eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and that rebuilding remains possible, underscoring the need for diplomacy once the conflict ends.
- Kash Patel told lawmakers that recently dismissed FBI agents were fired for ethical violations, amid scrutiny over whether the terminations—linked to investigations involving Donald Trump—were politically motivated.
- Lawmakers have begun in-person negotiations to end the prolonged Department of Homeland Security shutdown, though both parties remain far apart on key demands. Republicans point to concessions from Markwayne Mullin—including requiring judicial warrants for certain immigration enforcement actions—while Democrats say proposals are insufficient without formal commitments. Despite renewed talks, officials warn a deal is not imminent and the shutdown could continue.
- A federal arts panel approved plans for a large commemorative gold coin featuring Donald Trump, with members urging it be made “as large as possible.” The proposal, which Trump personally reviewed, reflects broader efforts by allies to memorialize his image in national symbols, though it has drawn criticism from some officials and collectors
- Jeff Bezos is in early talks to raise $100 billion for an AI-focused manufacturing fund tied to Project Prometheus, seeking global investors to automate industrial companies, according to The Wall Street Journal.
- A US immigration judge denied asylum to Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, who became a flashpoint after their detention during a crackdown by the Trump administration. The family is appealing as they face possible deportation, with advocates raising concerns about due process and humanitarian impacts on children. The case highlights broader controversy over aggressive immigration enforcement and family detentions in the US.
- Mark Warner is questioning a reported $10 billion fee the Trump administration is collecting from investors as part of a deal allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. He is seeking details on how the fee was negotiated, its legality, and how the funds will be used, raising concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she was asked to leave a Little Rock restaurant after staff told her security detail that her presence made employees uncomfortable. The restaurant said it made the decision to support staff and guests, noting concerns grew as her security presence became more visible, while Sanders’ office said the group had already finished dining and complied without incident. The episode reflects ongoing tensions around political figures in public spaces and sparked debate over discrimination and free expression
- Royer Perez-Jimenez, a 19-year-old from Mexico, died in a Florida detention center, becoming the youngest person to die in custody during the current Trump administration. Officials say the death is a suspected suicide, though the cause remains under investigation. The incident adds to a growing number of deaths in ICE custody and renews concerns about detention conditions and oversight.
- A Senate committee advanced Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security, putting him on track for confirmation by the full Senate. His candidacy has drawn criticism from Democrats over concerns about transparency, support for aggressive immigration policies, and past rhetoric seen as endorsing political violence. Despite opposition, Republicans largely back his nomination, signaling likely approval.
- Two former FBI agents sued the federal government, alleging they were wrongfully fired for working on the 2020 election investigation involving Donald Trump. The lawsuit claims the terminations violated their constitutional rights and were politically motivated, as they were dismissed without due process or evidence.
- According to the New York Times, the Trump administration plans to move the federal student loan portfolio—worth about $1.7 trillion—from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury. The shift is part of a broader effort to dismantle the Education Department by redistributing its functions across agencies rather than eliminating it outright.
- James Comey has been subpoenaed as part of a Justice Department investigation into former Obama-era intelligence officials, a probe that has issued more than 130 subpoenas. The inquiry stems from allegations of a conspiracy tied to the 2016 election and has drawn criticism from some as politically motivated.
- The FBI and Internal Revenue Service are launching a joint initiative to investigate nonprofit groups for potential links to domestic terrorism, including possible tax-related offenses. The effort follows a directive from the Justice Department to prioritize cases tied to extremist movements, though critics warn the approach raises legal and civil liberties concerns, according to CBS News.
- Tennessee Republicans advanced a bill that would require healthcare providers to report detailed data on gender-affirming care—including dates, location, and medical history—to the state, with the information compiled into a public report. Critics warn the measure could effectively create a publicly accessible registry of transgender individuals and raise serious concerns about medical privacy and safety
- A coalition of states is suing the Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration for repealing the 2009 “endangerment finding,” which established that greenhouse gases threaten public health. The lawsuit argues the rollback is illegal and undermines the legal basis for major US climate regulations. Officials and experts warn the move could weaken protections against pollution and worsen climate-related health and environmental impacts.
- ABC has pulled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette after leaked footage showed its lead, Taylor Frankie Paul, assaulting her former partner. The decision follows prior legal issues and an ongoing investigation, raising concerns about airing the already-filmed season. The controversy adds to broader scrutiny over casting decisions and background vetting in reality TV.
- A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit challenging California’s egg production laws, ruling the government lacked legal standing and warning against using courts for political disputes. The decision upholds state regulations that the administration had argued were driving up egg prices.
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Good news:
- A viral video of a 78-year-old DoorDash driver in Tennessee inspired a community-led fundraiser that raised nearly $1 million to support him and his wife after financial hardship forced him out of retirement. Despite the donations—boosted by thousands of contributors and additional support from DoorDash—the man says he plans to keep working, valuing both the sense of purpose and activity the job provides.
- The famous phone number from the song “867-5309/Jenny,” popularized by Tommy Tutone, has been repurposed as a cancer support hotline, connecting callers to trained professionals for guidance, resources, and emotional support. The initiative, launched with a nonprofit organization, aims to turn a widely recognized cultural reference into an accessible lifeline for people affected by cancer.
- A college freshman in Portsmouth co-founded a nostalgic general store in the city’s historic district, aiming to revive community spaces and local business activity. Balancing school and entrepreneurship, she and her father created the shop to reflect old-fashioned charm while contributing to the area’s economic and cultural revitalization.
- Populations of the elusive nightjar in southern England have doubled over the past five years, marking a significant conservation success after decades of decline. Restoration of heathland habitats and public awareness efforts in areas like South Downs National Park have helped support breeding and protect nesting sites, contributing to the species’ recovery.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
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