Before I get in the news, I want to start off my sharing one of the biggest personal milestones to date.
This afternoon brought unexpected and exciting news: The Atlantic—one of my favorite publications—featured my work and our newsletter in a deeply thoughtful piece on the future of news on TikTok. Even more meaningful? The piece included interviews with two young people, one a college student and the other a recent graduate, who both validated the importance and impact of the work we’re doing.
I’m honored to be at the center of that conversation. This is why I do this work, to reach people who either will never watch the news or are tired of the way the news is presented. You all make this happen. Through your subscriptions all let me do the greatest job in the world, and I am so grateful. Please subscribe today to support this work, and let’s keep redefining media every single day.
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Here’s how The Atlantic described it:
"Parnas wasn’t adding elaborate detail or original reporting. What he had to offer was speed—plus a deep understanding of how to reach people on TikTok… His rapid-reaction formula for news has made him a one-man media giant: He currently has 4.2 million followers on TikTok. He told me that his videos on the platform have reached more than 100 million American users in the past six months. His Substack newsletter also has the most subscriptions of any in the 'news' category..."
The piece goes beyond numbers. It shares perspectives from the people we serve—people who don’t necessarily trust traditional outlets, but who crave accessible, real-time information. Ashley Acosta, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, appreciated that we operate independently, outside of corporate media. Nick Parigi, a recent UT Austin graduate, said, “You’re getting less propagandized… It’s not pushing an agenda.”
That means the world.
Yes, I monitor dozens of legal cases. Yes, I keep C-SPAN on in the background like most people keep on Netflix. Yes, I follow every major elected official on Truth Social and X so you don’t have to. But at the heart of it all is a desire to serve. To inform. To reach people who have historically been left out of the conversation because traditional media wasn’t built for them.
We’re still just getting started.
If you’re reading this, thank you. You’re part of something important. With that, here’s the news you missed today:
Leaked DHS memo reveals Trump administration plans to escalate domestic military use in immigration enforcement, pushing for deeper Pentagon involvement beyond the border—including urban deployments like in L.A.—and equating cartel threats with Al Qaeda, alarming experts who warn of a dangerous shift toward routine militarization of U.S. law enforcement.
Federal agency opens Hatch Act investigation into ex–special counsel Jack Smith, following GOP claims his Trump probes—into January 6 and classified documents—were politically motivated; though Smith resigned in January 2025, critics allege his efforts influenced the 2024 election, and any disciplinary outcome could be referred to the DOJ.
Over 50 forged signatures found on NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ independent campaign petition, including names of deceased individuals, raising concerns about ballot access abuses—even as Adams’ campaign submitted nearly 50,000 total signatures, well over the 7,500 required; the irregularities stem from contractors and are under internal review.
Manhunt underway for Montana bar shooting suspect Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old Army veteran accused of killing four at The Owl Bar in Anaconda; authorities warn he is armed and dangerous as search focuses on nearby mountains—marking the U.S.’s ninth mass murder of 2025 amid rising concerns over mental health and gun access in the state.
Pope Leo XIV receives rock star welcome from over 800,000 young pilgrims at Rome’s Jubilee of Youth, arriving by helicopter and leading a massive open-air vigil; the event—likened to a Catholic “Woodstock”—featured music, prayer, and confessions, as the first U.S. pope called for unity and hope amid global crises, with many pilgrims camping overnight for Sunday mass.
Israel has closed or left unresolved 88% of military investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, according to watchdog AOAV, including high-casualty incidents like the killings at food distribution sites and a deadly Rafah airstrike—raising concerns of “a pattern of impunity” amid growing scrutiny over the IDF’s internal accountability systems.
Columbia Sportswear sues Columbia University for trademark infringement, alleging the Ivy League school violated a 2023 agreement by selling apparel labeled only “Columbia” in a similar shade of blue, causing brand confusion; the company seeks to halt sales, recall items, and receive triple damages amid broader scrutiny of the university’s practices.
Intoxicated man hijacks airport cart at Buffalo Niagara Airport, causing major damage to moving walkways, authorities say; 29-year-old Kevin Sinning faces multiple charges after videos of the destructive joyride went viral on TikTok, racking up over 9 million views.
Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports, citing Bolsonaro’s prosecution and Brazil’s restrictions on U.S. social media platforms, marking the steepest tariff rate on any country; critics say the move is politically motivated and legally dubious, with major impacts on U.S. coffee and beef markets and growing diplomatic tension between Washington and Brasília.
Tennessee man arrested after authorities discover 14 improvised explosive devices in his home, with officials saying Kevin Wade O’Neal, 54, planned to detonate the bombs during his arrest for allegedly threatening public officials; he now faces 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder and multiple weapons charges.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
