Good morning everyone. It was a very long night, and will be an even longer day today. I wanted to take a minute and just say thank you. Thank you for your support and for allowing me to do this work. I barely slept, but it’s okay, because I love providing you with accurate, timely news.
If you believe in independent journalism that speaks truth to power, now’s the time to support it. A subscription helps keep this work going—unfiltered, relentless, and accountable.
Also, I wanted you all to see the moment I realized the United States struck Iran. I was playing basketball, hoping that I could finally have a quiet evening. Alas, that did not happen.
With that, here’s the news:
United States and Israel v. Iran News:
Hegseth: Iranian operation “not open-ended,” but U.S. forces will “respond if necessary.”
Vice President Vance: U.S. does not seek regime change in Iran; "We're not at war with Iran. We're at war with Iran's nuclear program."
Reporter asks if Iran, North Korea, China, and others might join forces to retaliate; Hegseth responds: “Unfortunately, because of the policies of the previous administration, we drove those countries together.”
Iranian Parliament supports closing Strait of Hormuz, final decision rests with security council. This would cripple the world’s oil economy.
China accuses U.S. of violating international law with strikes on Iran.
Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission to hold extraordinary session — Tasnim.
Iranian lawmakers considering withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and closing the Strait of Hormuz — Tasnim.
NYPD and Washington D.C. police deploy additional officers to religious institutions after U.S. attack on Iran.
Senator Jack Reed criticizes President Trump’s decision as a “massive gamble” with uncertain consequences.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran reserves the right to respond and accuses U.S. of violating the UN charter, international law, and the NPT.
Iran warns that the U.S. attack is “outrageous” and will have “everlasting consequences.”
South Korea’s top security officials meet to assess the regional impact; North Korea accuses U.S. of escalating tensions.
IAEA reports no increase in off-site radiation at the three targeted Iranian nuclear sites; continues monitoring.
Bahrain advises citizens to avoid main roads; Kuwait sets up emergency shelters — Reuters.
Gen. Caine describes U.S. military deception tactics: 4th and 5th generation jets used as decoys before B-2 bombers struck targets.
Russia condemns U.S. strikes, calling them a violation of international law and sovereignty.
All other news:
A 68-year-old Mexican-born man, Abelardo Avellaneda Delgado, died while being transported from a Georgia jail to a federal detention center, becoming the first ICE detainee in at least a decade to die in transit; his death highlights growing concerns as private companies with little oversight handle detainee transport amid the Trump administration’s mass deportation push.
Avellaneda Delgado, who lived in the U.S. for 40 years, was arrested for a parole violation; his family reports he was healthy prior to detention but deteriorated rapidly in custody, raising questions about his medical treatment and the conditions leading up to his death, which remains under investigation.
The Senate parliamentarian ruled that a provision restricting federal courts’ ability to issue injunctions against the executive branch violates the Byrd Rule and must be removed from the legislation.
However, the proposed AI moratorium — banning state-level AI regulations — remains intact and will proceed.
Microsoft’s chief scientist, Dr. Eric Horvitz, warns that Trump’s proposed 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations would hinder scientific progress and practical deployment of AI, rather than accelerate development.
The Trump administration argues the ban is necessary to stay competitive with China in the global AI race, supported by tech investors like Marc Andreessen, while critics fear it prioritizes investor interests over responsible innovation and safety.
Texas has enacted a new law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, making it the largest state to implement such a mandate; critics argue it violates the separation of church and state and anticipate legal challenges similar to those in Louisiana and Arkansas.
Supporters claim the measure reflects the historical importance of the Ten Commandments in U.S. legal and educational traditions, while opponents, including some Christian and Jewish leaders, warn it infringes on religious freedom in a diverse student population of nearly 6 million.
See you again soon.
— Aaron
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