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The U.S. military has carried out airstrikes against Iran for six days in a row. These attacks aim to reduce Iran’s military power, starting each day in the afternoon Eastern Time.
Key Facts
The strikes began on a Thursday at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
This marks the sixth day in a row that the U.S. has launched attacks against Iran.
The U.S. Central Command oversees these military actions.
The attacks target Iran’s military capabilities.
The strikes started shortly after the White House made a statement about Iranian officials.
The goal is to weaken Iran’s military strength through these airstrikes.
No specific details on the locations or damages were mentioned in the article.
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Senator John Fetterman said he would leave the Democratic Party if it became “anti-Israel.” He spoke as many House Democrats tried to stop military aid to Israel amid conflict in Gaza and Lebanon.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman is a strong supporter of Israel within the Democratic Party.
He said he would leave the party if it became against Israel.
Over 100 House Democrats voted to try to stop $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel.
Some Democrats are concerned about Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Fetterman disagrees with many Republican policies, so he has no plans to switch parties.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the vote to halt aid to send a political message.
Earlier, majority Democratic senators voted against efforts to block military sales to Israel, which Fetterman also opposed.
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Scientists used powerful radio telescopes to search for artificial signals from K2-18b, a planet outside our solar system thought to be a good candidate for alien life. They found no clear signals but developed new methods to improve future searches for signs of extraterrestrial technology.
Key Facts
The study was published in The Astronomical Journal.
Researchers used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array and MeerKAT radio telescopes.
They searched for technosignatures, which are signs of alien technology.
Advanced software filtered out radio noise from Earth to avoid false detections.
No confirmed artificial radio signals were detected from K2-18b.
The study showed how radio searches can complement investigations of planetary atmospheres.
Current telescopes can only detect very strong or intentional signals from alien civilizations.
The research helps improve future searches by refining techniques and understanding limitations.
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England will ban the sale of energy drinks with high caffeine levels to anyone under 16 starting in April. The government wants to protect children’s health by reducing problems related to too much caffeine, like sleep issues and trouble concentrating.
Key Facts
Energy drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre cannot be sold to under-16s in shops, cafes, vending machines, or online.
Popular brands affected include Red Bull, Monster, Relentless, and Prime.
Lower-caffeine drinks like Diet Coke, tea, and coffee are not included in the ban.
The ban aims to reduce child obesity and problems like anxiety, poor sleep, and difficulty focusing at school.
Local authorities will enforce the ban, with fines up to £2,500 for businesses that break the rules.
About 100,000 children in England drink energy drinks daily, which may affect their health and school performance.
Experts warn children are more sensitive to caffeine because their bodies and brains are still growing.
The ban was backed by public consultation and will use powers from the Food Safety Act 1990 once approved.
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The FDA has approved a new daily pill called Lipfendra from Merck that significantly lowers bad cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults. The pill works by blocking a protein called PCSK9, which helps reduce cholesterol levels effectively.
Key Facts
Lipfendra is the first daily pill that directly lowers LDL cholesterol by targeting PCSK9 proteins.
The FDA has officially approved Lipfendra for use in adults.
The medication comes from the pharmaceutical company Merck.
It offers similar benefits to other strong cholesterol-lowering treatments already available.
Lowering LDL cholesterol helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Lipfendra is taken once every day.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump will give a primetime speech about concerns over election security. She indicated that the speech will suggest changes might be needed to ensure election integrity.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to deliver a speech on Thursday night.
The speech will focus on election security issues.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed the speech but gave few details.
Leavitt emphasized that Americans from all political parties should agree the country is great.
The speech may propose “adjustments” related to how elections are conducted.
There is an implication that current elections might not be fully secure.
The White House is preparing the public for possible changes in election processes.
The timing suggests the speech aims to influence public opinion ahead of upcoming elections.
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House Republican leaders stopped a vote on a large military benefits bill because it caused disagreements among veterans’ organizations. The bill aimed to increase payments to some veterans by reducing future disability claims but faced obstacles in Congress.
Key Facts
The bill offered more compensation to veterans.
To pay for this, it proposed cutting some future disability claims.
Veterans’ groups were divided about the bill.
House Republican leaders canceled the vote on the bill.
A Democratic-led procedural vote blocked sending the bill back to committee.
The controversy delayed the bill’s progress in the House of Representatives.
The bill’s goal was to change military benefits for veterans.
The disagreement shows challenges in passing veterans’ legislation.
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England will ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to anyone under 16 starting from April next year. The ban aims to protect children’s health by limiting their access to drinks that can cause anxiety, sleep problems, and affect concentration.
Key Facts
The ban applies to drinks with more than 150mg of caffeine per litre, excluding tea and coffee.
About 100,000 children in England currently drink these energy drinks daily.
The drinks are popular among children in poorer areas and are promoted by online influencers.
Selling energy drinks to under-16s will be banned in stores, vending machines, and online.
Retailers breaking the law can be fined up to £2,500.
The government expects the ban to help improve children’s health and reduce childhood obesity.
Health experts link energy drinks to anxiety, poor sleep, and lower school performance.
Doctors warn that heavy energy drink use can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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A White House teleprompter operator named Gabriel Perez is being investigated for allegedly using secret information from President Donald Trump’s speeches to place bets and make nearly $100,000. The betting platform Kalshi spotted unusual activity, froze Perez’s account, and reported the case to government regulators.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez worked as a White House teleprompter operator since 2016.
He is accused of betting on the specific words President Trump would say in public speeches.
Bets were placed on Kalshi, a platform where people predict real-world events.
Kalshi noticed unusual betting on words mentioned by political leaders and reported this to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Perez’s account was frozen with over $90,000 in winnings before he could withdraw money.
The White House said Perez is now on unpaid leave and will no longer work there.
Perez is cooperating with the investigation, and no criminal case has been opened so far.
The CFTC did not confirm or deny the investigation.
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A trial has ended in Italy over the collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa in August 2018. Thirty-two people were found guilty, including the former CEO of the motorway company, Giovanni Castellucci, who received a 12-year prison sentence.
Key Facts
The Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed in August 2018 during a rainstorm.
The collapse happened at the busy holiday season and caused 43 deaths.
Giovanni Castellucci, former CEO of the motorway operator, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Castellucci was already serving six years for another road disaster from 2013.
Michele Donferri Mitelli, another top official, got an 11-year jail sentence.
A total of 32 people were found guilty in connection with the bridge disaster.
The bridge disaster led to a long criminal trial in Italy.
The collapse caused cars and trucks to fall to the ground when the bridge gave way.
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Actor Richard Gere criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a "rogue personality" who has caused destruction and harm during his second term. Gere expressed strong negative views about the impact of President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Richard Gere spoke publicly about President Donald Trump.
Gere described President Trump as a "rogue personality."
He said President Trump has destroyed many things and hurt many people.
Gere also mentioned that President Trump's actions have caused deaths.
These comments were made during President Trump’s second term in office.
Gere expressed hope that President Trump’s time in office will end.
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Andy Burnham, the new prime minister, is keeping many of Keir Starmer’s key advisers in his main team at No 10. He has also hired some people from the private sector and campaign groups. His team will soon announce policies on energy, water, and the cost of living.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the new prime minister and is forming his No 10 team.
Many senior aides who worked for Keir Starmer will continue in their roles.
Jonathan Powell remains national security adviser; Varun Chandra stays as business adviser.
Graeme Cooke is promoted to head the policy unit.
New hires include James Purnell as chief of staff and Hayden Munro as political director.
Sarah Brown will lead the press team; Grace Pritchard will be the prime minister’s spokesperson.
Alison Phillips is brought in as transition director to help avoid early mistakes.
Burnham aims to announce plans soon, including possibly taking water companies into public ownership.
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US Soccer chief JT Batson spoke publicly about President Donald Trump’s involvement in the controversy over Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup. Batson praised the support from American fans and avoided expressing regret about Trump’s role, emphasizing the president’s authority.
Key Facts
President Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of Balogun’s red card from a World Cup match.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban but said Trump’s calls did not affect their decision.
Balogun was red-carded after accidentally stepping on an opponent’s ankle.
US Soccer CEO JT Batson thanked fans for their strong support during the tournament.
Batson declined to say if the Federation regretted President Trump’s involvement.
The US lost 4-1 to Belgium in the next round after Balogun’s ban was lifted.
Balogun described the situation as difficult because it caused “a lot of outside noise” and made teammates nervous.
The Federation ended the press event early when asked again about regrets over Trump’s role.
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President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of sending US troops into Iran amid renewed fighting and US military strikes. Experts discuss what a ground invasion might involve and the challenges it could present for the US military.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has not dismissed the option of a US ground invasion of Iran.
Fighting in Iran has resumed along with ongoing US air strikes.
A ground invasion would involve deploying troops into Iranian territory.
Analysts say such an operation could be complex and difficult for the US army.
The discussion focuses on potential military strategies and challenges in Iran.
Iran remains a significant focus in US foreign and military policy.
There is no official decision yet to carry out a ground invasion.
The situation is evolving as tensions between the US and Iran continue.
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A White House teleprompter operator named Gabriel Perez made nearly $100,000 by betting on words in President Trump’s speeches using an online platform called Kalshi. Kalshi froze his account after finding unusual trading patterns and referred the case to a federal agency, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is investigating.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez worked as a teleprompter operator in the White House.
He placed bets on Kalshi, a prediction market platform, about words said in President Trump’s speeches.
Perez earned nearly $100,000 from these bets.
Kalshi's surveillance team noticed his trades were unusual and froze his account, holding back most of his earnings.
Kalshi reported the activity to the CFTC, the government agency that regulates prediction markets.
Perez has cooperated fully with the CFTC and is in talks about a possible settlement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Perez is on unpaid leave.
President Trump called the situation “deeply unfortunate” and said Perez is cooperating with regulators.
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New York state has temporarily stopped building new data centers to study how they affect the environment and local communities. Experts are looking at the wider effects of these centers, which use a lot of energy to run artificial intelligence systems.
Key Facts
New York is the first state to pause new data center construction.
The pause is temporary while lawmakers review environmental and social impacts.
Data centers are facilities that house computers for processing data.
AI data centers require significant energy to operate.
Experts are concerned about the environmental footprint of data centers.
The goal is to balance technology growth with environmental protection.
State officials plan to create rules based on the study results.
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Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general until Blanche meets with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. Tillis wants to hear directly from the survivors before moving forward with the confirmation.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from the United States.
Todd Blanche has been nominated for the position of attorney general.
Senator Tillis is delaying his support for Blanche’s confirmation.
Tillis wants Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein first.
The meeting with Epstein survivors is important to Tillis before any vote happens.
This shows concern about how the justice system addresses victims’ experiences.
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Chinese car company XPENG wants to sell its electric vehicles in the United States but faces strong barriers like high taxes on imports and security rules. The company is planning for a long-term strategy to enter the U.S. market once these issues are resolved.
Key Facts
XPENG is a Chinese company that makes electric cars and other tech products using artificial intelligence.
The company currently sells vehicles in 60 countries, including in Europe and Asia.
XPENG delivered twice as many cars outside China in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
In 2024, the U.S. increased tariffs on certain Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, to 100%.
The U.S. government banned connected vehicle technology from China due to national security concerns.
Connected vehicle software sends data using cameras and sensors, raising privacy worries in the U.S.
Although the Chinese government does not directly own XPENG, it provides financial support.
Some other Chinese-owned companies, like Polestar, face restrictions to selling vehicles in the U.S., while others like Volvo can continue.
Experts say entering the U.S. market is difficult due to regulations and the need for long-term commitment.
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Iran accused the United States of carrying out an attack near a children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz, forcing the evacuation of 211 patients. Iran called the strike a war crime and compared it to Israel’s attacks on medical facilities in Gaza. The US has not commented on this specific hospital strike but launched other attacks on Iran.
Key Facts
The US attacked near Shahid Baghaei Specialized Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, which treats children with cancer.
211 patients undergoing chemotherapy were evacuated, including those on oxygen and ventilators.
Iranian officials called the strike a “barbaric” and “cowardly war crime.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called US attacks violations of international law.
Iran says it targeted US military sites in Jordan and Kuwait in retaliation.
President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants and bridges if talks do not resume.
Iran warned it would respond by targeting civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries.
The conflict raises fears of wider regional escalation and harm to civilians.
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The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin agree on restarting traffic stops by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Department of Homeland Security has given verbal instructions to its field offices to continue these vehicle stops.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin share the same view on resuming ICE traffic stops.
ICE traffic stops involve pulling over vehicles to check immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security has issued verbal guidance to all field offices about continuing these stops.
This information was announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The policy affects field offices across the entire United States.
The announcement was made during a White House press briefing.
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