Good evening everyone, what a day.
I’ve been watching all the photos and videos you’ve been sending from No Kings events around the world, more than 3,300 according to organizers. I may not have been on the ground this time, but I’ve been following every moment and even showing my little one what people power looks like. If these protests are still happening next year, I will be out there covering them, just with a stroller this time. There is also major news tonight from Iran to Ukraine to developments at the FBI that you need to know.
It has been a long and incredibly meaningful week, and your messages today meant a lot. There is so much noise right now. So much chaos. So many deliberate attempts to overwhelm people with information. That is not accidental. It is the strategy. And I am not going to let that strategy win.
My job is to cut through it and bring you clear, direct reporting. I will be here doing that whether you are tuned in every day or need to step back for a moment.
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Here’s the news:
No Kings Day 3.0:
- Thousands of No Kings protests took place across the U.S. and globally, with more than 3,000 events organized to oppose Donald Trump and his policies. Demonstrators raised concerns about the Iran war, immigration crackdowns, voting rights, and broader fears of democratic erosion, with participation ranging from small towns to major cities. High-profile figures and elected officials joined rallies, signaling the movement’s growing scale and visibility. The protests reflect widespread and diverse grievances, with organizers aiming to channel sustained opposition rather than a single unified demand.
- Senate Republicans are increasingly concerned about their chances in the upcoming midterm elections, as rising energy costs, the Iran conflict, and internal party divisions complicate their messaging. Lawmakers worry they are losing focus on affordability issues, which voters say are a top concern, while Donald Trump pushes controversial election legislation that lacks enough support to pass. GOP senators now expect a tougher-than-anticipated battle to hold their majority, with key races becoming more competitive. The shifting political landscape reflects broader voter anxiety over the economy and war, creating uncertainty for Republicans heading into November.
- Over 100,000 people were protesting in Boston today:
- Springsteen: Well, this past winter federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis. They picked the wrong city. Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America. And this reactionary nightmare and these invasions of American cities will not stand.
- Tens of thousands of protests have taken the streets in Philadelphia today:
- Residents of The Villages in Florida turned out in large numbers for No Kings protests, with turnout reportedly double that of last year, according to local reporting.
- Thousands turned out for a No Kings protesters in Nashville, Tennessee:
- Also thousands in Fayetteville, Arkansas:
- Bill Nye was seen participating in a No Kings Day protest, joining demonstrators opposing the Trump administration.
- There was a memorial at the Boston No Kings Day to remember the children killed in an American airstrike in Iran:
- Robert De Niro was seen leading a No Kings protest march in New York City alongside Letitia James and Al Sharpton, walking down 7th Avenue while holding a banner. Video by @yyeeaahhhboiii2
All other news:
- According to NBC News, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russia shared satellite imagery of a U.S. air base in Saudi Arabia with Iran shortly before an attack that wounded American troops. He claimed Russia was “100%” providing intelligence support to Iran, though the information has not been independently verified. The development raises concerns about deeper coordination between Russia and Iran and the potential for further escalation involving U.S. forces in the region.
- A federal judge has temporarily blocked the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna after legal challenges argued the deal could reduce competition and raise costs for consumers. The ruling follows lawsuits from DirecTV and multiple state attorneys general, who warned the merger could harm local news and media markets. The pause comes despite prior approval from federal regulators and support from Donald Trump, with a court hearing set to determine the deal’s future.
- According to the Washington Post, Kash Patel is pushing to release investigative files related to Eric Swalwell despite no evidence of wrongdoing, raising concerns within the FBI about political motivations and potential misuse of law enforcement. Officials say the effort is highly unusual, especially since the original investigation did not result in charges and had previously been closed. The move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to pursue political opponents, prompting fears about transparency, legal norms, and the politicization of federal agencies.
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury is demanding that the Financial Times retract a report claiming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported increased oversight of the Federal Reserve. Officials say the story is false and misrepresents his views, accusing the outlet of fabricating a policy position. The dispute comes amid heightened sensitivity around the Federal Reserve’s independence and ongoing political pressure on its leadership.
- A federal judge ordered officials at Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility to provide attorneys with greater access to detained clients, including private phone calls and unannounced visits. The ruling follows lawsuits alleging detainees were denied legal access and held in poor conditions, raising civil rights concerns. The facility, part of Florida’s aggressive immigration enforcement efforts, has faced ongoing criticism over treatment of detainees and lack of oversight.
- Corey Lewandowski has left his role at the Department of Homeland Security following the ouster of former Secretary Kristi Noem. His departure comes amid investigations by Democratic lawmakers into allegations that he sought personal payments from contractors while working at DHS, which he denies. The situation adds to broader scrutiny surrounding leadership and contracting practices within the department.
- Transportation Security Administration workers are facing severe financial hardship after going more than a month without pay during the government shutdown, with some turning to food banks, side jobs, and even selling plasma to survive. The crisis has led to rising absenteeism, nearly 500 resignations, and record-long airport security lines across the country. Many workers report facing eviction, mounting debt, and emotional strain as political gridlock continues. The situation highlights the broader human and operational impact of the prolonged funding lapse.
- A CNN photojournalist was placed in a chokehold by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, and the entire crew was detained for about two hours. The Israel Defense Forces said the soldiers’ actions were inconsistent with expected conduct and that the incident would be thoroughly reviewed.
- According to the Guardian, Michigan middle school student reached a settlement with her school district after being disciplined for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in protest of the war in Gaza. The student alleged she faced racist remarks from a teacher, prompting a lawsuit over her First Amendment rights. As part of the agreement, the district will provide staff training on free speech and sensitivity, remove disciplinary records, and offer counseling support.
- Two Iowa residents, Matthew Uthoff and Amber Dena Snow, have been charged with allegedly giving a pregnant woman lasagna laced with oxycodone in an attempt to cause a miscarriage without her knowledge. Authorities say the plot was discussed in messages and confirmed through lab testing of the food. Both are in custody facing multiple felony charges, including administering a controlled substance and unlawfully terminating a pregnancy. The case has drawn attention for its severity and unusual method, with the victim reportedly unaware of the attempt.
- The U.S. aviation system is facing mounting strain, with long TSA lines, staffing shortages, safety concerns, and rising ticket prices undermining promises of a “golden age” of travel. Industry experts warn the system is under severe pressure due to outdated infrastructure, increased demand, and disruptions tied to the ongoing government shutdown and rising fuel costs from the Iran war. Recent incidents, including near-collisions and a deadly crash, have intensified concerns about safety and reliability. While modernization efforts are underway, officials say meaningful improvements could take years as the system struggles to keep up with growing travel demand.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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