Trump Threatens Iran’s Civilian Infrastructure
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that if Tehran does not agree to a deal, the US may target Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. Trump previously made similar statements in March. Targeting civilian infrastructure such as power and water facilities would violate international humanitarian law and likely constitute a war crime.
Meanwhile, Trump has reversed his earlier decision to impose a toll on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, citing "highly productive conversations with Middle East leadership" and highlighting "massive" investments. Despite scrapping the toll, he stated that the US would continue to blockade Iranian ports.
Democratic Response to Renewed Hostilities
Senate Democrats have expressed opposition to advancing a must-pass defense bill amid ongoing conflict. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that his party could not support moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) while fighting continues.
In the House, top Democrats face internal challenges as some voters rebel against the party’s support for a Middle Eastern ally.
ICE Pauses Vehicle Stops After Fatal Shootings
Federal immigration officials have halted vehicle stops indefinitely following two recent fatal shootings in Texas and Maine, where officials shot and killed immigrants inside vehicles. Since January 2025, ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers have fatally shot 11 people, five of whom were in vehicles at the time.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that in most cases, individuals "weaponized" their vehicles against law enforcement, prompting officers to shoot. However, video footage from separate incidents has cast doubt on these claims.
Meta Faces Lawsuit Over AI Use in Layoffs
Dozens of Meta employees have filed a lawsuit alleging that the company used artificial intelligence tools to identify workers for mass layoffs based on their requests for protected leave, maternity leave, or disability accommodations. The lawsuit, filed Monday in federal court in northern California, references Meta’s workforce reduction of approximately 8,000 employees earlier this year.
The 71-page complaint states that Meta did not rely on managerial judgment but instead used AI systems "to score, rank and select employees for inclusion on the list." A Meta spokesperson denied the allegations, stating in an email to :
"These claims lack merit."
Additional News
Mahmoud Khalil has been detained over an alleged "conspiracy" targeting him and others due to their support for Palestinian rights.
The sudden death of US Senator Lindsey Graham and concerns regarding Senator Mitch McConnell’s health have sparked conspiracy theories linking the events to Russia, Covid vaccines, and the Clintons.
Federal health officials report ongoing Cyclospora outbreaks causing diarrhea in the US as investigations continue into the food supply chain.
Thousands have gathered to view the blooming of the world’s largest and most odorous flowering plants in California.
Maryland police arrested a suspected bank robber who was reportedly accompanied by a stolen cat and attempted to use the animal as an accessory to the crime.
Stat of the Day: Florida Executes One of Its Oldest Prisoners
Dennis Sochor, one of Florida’s oldest death row inmates, was executed at 6:16 pm following a three-drug lethal injection at a state prison near Starke. Sochor was convicted of killing Patricia Gifford on 1 January 1982, hours after meeting the 18-year-old at a New Year’s Eve party. Her body has never been recovered.
A family statement said:
"He had 45 years to return Patty’s remains to us, but he cruelly chose not to."
Well Actually: What to Do if Your Sunscreen Stings
Discomfort from sunscreen should not deter sun protection. Guidance is provided on how to respond if sunscreen causes stinging and how to ensure effective sun protection. Tips are included for those who experience sensitivity, including proactive temperature management.
Rising Child Marriages Among Afghan Girls
Afghanistan is experiencing an increase in underage brides and mothers as families sell daughters to survive amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. This trend is driven by Taliban policies legalizing child marriage and restricting girls’ education. and Zan Times report that families are selling children to settle debts.
3D Digital Recreation of Shackleton and Scott Shipwrecks
After a deep-sea expedition, the shipwrecks of Shackleton and Scott have been recreated in 3D digital form. The head of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) said:
"To see a very large ship in the abyss, and to realise you are among the first humans to see it, and to realise that it is largely intact, is a powerful experience. We’re scanning these wrecks and collecting thousands of high-resolution 3D images. We’re seeing these ships magically appear through this process in front of us on the screen. It’s just mind-boggling."
California Faces Highest Shark Numbers in Years
California is expected to see the highest numbers of sharks in years, with many juvenile great white sharks migrating north from the warm waters of Mexico to cooler areas along the western United States. This movement is attributed to the effects of El Niño.
Japan Officials Hunt Bear Behind Multiple Break-Ins
Officials in Japan are searching for a bear that broke into the home of an elderly couple and raided their refrigerator. The bear is suspected to be responsible for 14 break-ins in a town in Iwate prefecture over the past two weeks. Shiho Chida, a bear specialist with the nature division in Iwate, stated:
"It’s unusual for a bear to break into the same place multiple times. It’s possible this is the same animal, so we want to capture it as soon as possible."
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