Khamenei, 86, died along with top Revolutionary Guard and security officials. Iran formed an interim council to govern.

Iran retaliated with missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East.

Civilian casualties reported, including 115 killed at a girls’ school in southern Iran and dozens more across the region.

Regional tensions spiked, disrupting air traffic and threatening global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha closed, canceling more than 1,800 flights and injuring several people in drone and missile strikes.

Regional airlines suspended operations, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Delta, and United.

Flights rerouted over Saudi Arabia, adding hours, fuel costs, and pressure on air traffic controllers.

High security alerts persist, with Middle East skies designated as high-risk zones for international carriers.

FBI investigating as potential terrorism after “indicators” were found in the shooter’s vehicle and on his person.

Attack occurred at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on Sixth Street, a popular nightlife district near the University of Texas.

Shooter used SUV and rifle, firing from the car then on foot at people in the area.

Rapid police response credited with preventing further casualties.

The US and Israel intensified airstrikes across Tehran and other cities after killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, with reports of over 100 children killed in Minab and regional airports disrupted, raising fears of broader Middle East escalation. Read More

The US and Israel killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in strikes across Tehran, prompting Iran to fire missiles at Israel and Gulf states, with over 200 reported dead in Iran and three US service members killed. Read More

The Treasury Department terminated collective bargaining agreements for IRS and Bureau of the Fiscal Service workers under Trump’s 2025 executive order, affecting roughly 150,000 unionized employees and escalating federal labor tensions. Read More

Russia denounced U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran as “unprovoked aggression,” warning of humanitarian and economic fallout, and offered to help broker peace while blaming Washington and Tel Aviv for escalating the Middle East conflict. Read More

President Trump directed all U.S. agencies to stop using AI tools from Anthropic after the company refused Pentagon demands for unrestricted military access, with tools to be phased out over six months and the firm facing potential civil and criminal consequences. Read More

At least 153 people, including children, died after a reported missile strike hit a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, near an IRGC base, while Iran blamed the US and Israel and the Red Crescent reported over 200 killed nationwide since Saturday. Read More

Congressional clash: Bipartisan lawmakers are pushing for a vote to rein in Trump’s military action, citing potential illegality.

Republican support: Party leaders largely back the strikes, framing them as a preemptive response to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Constitutional stakes: The episode tests the separation of powers as the president acts without a formal declaration of war.

Limited leverage: Even if Congress passes a war powers resolution, Trump is expected to veto, leaving symbolic oversight as the main recourse.

Public health response dominates costs, including contact tracing, mobile clinics, and staffing, estimated at $947 million per year.

Medical expenses and lost productivity add roughly $551 million annually, with each case averaging $16,000 in associated costs.

Vaccination shortfalls rising, 67% of U.S. counties fall below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

Human toll severe, with recent cases in Texas and South Carolina leading to hospitalizations and child deaths.

Brent crude hit $72.87, a seven-month high on war fears.

Iran exports 1.6M barrels daily, mostly to China; any disruption could push global prices higher.

Strait of Hormuz is critical, carrying 20% of global oil, though Iran may avoid closing it to protect its own exports.

Wider conflict could spike prices past $90 per barrel, sending U.S. gas prices well above $3 per gallon.

U.S. Steel Formed, 1901 – The U.S. Steel Corporation is organized by J. P. Morgan through the merger of Carnegie Steel, Federal Steel, and National Steel, creating the world’s first billion-dollar company.

Martha Washington Hotel Opens, 1903 – The women only Martha Washington Hotel opens in New York City, offering one of the few lodging options at the time designed exclusively for female travelers.

Sydney Opera House Construction Begins, 1959 – A groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction on the Sydney Opera House at Bennelong Point, a project that would far exceed its original budget and timeline before becoming a global architectural icon.