Good evening everyone. It has been a long and consequential day. Today, Donald Trump’s FCC is signaling that broadcast licenses could be at risk for networks that continue what the administration calls “negative” coverage of the war in Iran. At the same time, Trump is claiming he is “winning the war” against the media as pressure on independent journalism grows.
Meanwhile, the administration is urging allies to move warships toward the Strait of Hormuz, but there have been few takers so far. Switzerland has rejected a U.S. request to allow military aircraft to fly through its airspace, and inside the White House Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly being put on a tighter leash.
But the most urgent story tonight is the pressure on the press. When those in power threaten broadcasters for critical coverage, it is not just politics. It is a direct challenge to a free and independent media.
Here is my promise to you. I remain independent because I refuse to answer to powerful donors, corporate interests, or political pressure. I answer to you, the readers and subscribers who believe journalism should hold power accountable.
Here’s the news:
- Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr warned that broadcasters’ coverage of the Iran war could affect their license renewals, echoing criticism from Donald Trump, who accused outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times of misleading the public about Iranian strikes damaging U.S. aircraft. The remarks drew backlash from free-speech advocates and Gavin Newsom, who argued the threat to revoke licenses over war coverage would violate the First Amendment and amount to government censorship.
- Donald Trump posted that he is “winning” the war against the media, once again signaling his attack on the First Amendment:
- Donald Trump is calling on other countries to join him in actions around the Strait of Hormuz, but so far no nations have agreed.
- An NBC News analysis of more than 30 verified videos and satellite images shows Iran using large numbers of inexpensive drones—especially the Shahed-136—to strike military bases, oil infrastructure, airports, and diplomatic sites across several Middle Eastern countries during the war with the U.S. and its allies. The drones often reach their targets and can overwhelm air defenses, forcing the U.S. and partners to use far more expensive interceptors; experts say this asymmetric strategy could prolong the conflict and strain regional defenses while disrupting shipping and air travel across the Persian Gulf.
- About 2,200 U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are deploying to the Middle East aboard the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, including the ships USS Tripoli (LHA‑7), USS San Diego (LPD‑22), and USS New Orleans (LPD‑18), along with roughly 20 F‑35B Lightning II jets, as the U.S. boosts military forces in the region during the escalating conflict with Iran. The deployment is intended to strengthen U.S. presence and provide rapid-response amphibious and airpower capabilities in the Middle East.
- Reuters has confirmed that Donald Trump has rejected attempts by regional mediators such as Oman and Egypt to launch ceasefire talks in the Iran war, signaling the U.S. plans to continue its military campaign alongside Israel. Meanwhile, Iran says it will not consider negotiations unless U.S. and Israeli strikes stop, leaving both sides entrenched and raising the likelihood of a prolonged conflict that has already disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and caused thousands of deaths.
- A fundraising email from Donald Trump’s political action committee used a photo of a flag-draped transfer case from a dignified transfer of a fallen U.S. soldier at Dover Air Force Base while asking supporters for donations and promising contributors access to the president’s “private national security briefings.”
- Israel has told the United States it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report cited by Reuters. U.S. officials were reportedly aware of the shortage for months, though the U.S. itself is not currently facing a similar interceptor shortage.
- According to Axios, Israel is preparing a large-scale ground invasion of Lebanon aimed at seizing territory south of the Litani River and dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. The planned operation—potentially Israel’s biggest ground campaign in Lebanon since the 2006 Lebanon War—comes after Hezbollah and Iran launched major missile attacks, raising the risk of a prolonged occupation and further escalation in the broader regional conflict.
- Formula One canceled its upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to security concerns tied to the Iran war, removing the April events from the schedule rather than replacing them. The decision, announced by F1 and its governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, leaves a five-week gap between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix and also cancels related races for Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 Academy in those countries.
- According to Bloomberg, Switzerland has barred some United States military flights connected to the Iran war from crossing its airspace, rejecting requests for two U.S. reconnaissance aircraft while allowing several other non-combat transport flights. Swiss officials said the decision reflects the country’s longstanding policy of neutrality in armed conflicts.
- According to Reuters, oil-loading operations at the port of Fujairah were partially suspended after a drone attack and fire, according to industry sources. The incident followed U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island and warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that American interests in the United Arab Emirates—including ports, docks, and military sites—would be considered legitimate targets.
- The war with Iran is threatening to raise global food prices as shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz stall fertilizer exports critical for agriculture. With nearly one-third of key fertilizer ingredients and a large share of global urea and ammonia exports tied to the region, attacks on ships and halted transit are driving up fertilizer, oil, and diesel prices—raising costs for farmers and potentially leading to higher grocery prices and lower crop yields worldwide.
- A woman identified as a survivor Jeffrey Epstein told The Sunday Times that she was trafficked as a teenage model to meet Mohamed Al Fayed on his yacht in 1997, where she alleges he sexually assaulted her—marking the first reported direct link between the two men. The claim comes as police expand investigations into Al Fayed’s alleged abuse network, with hundreds of women accusing the former Harrods owner of sexual assault and authorities examining whether associates helped facilitate trafficking through private airport terminals.
- Some Republicans warn that Donald Trump’s priority election bill, the SAVE America Act, is unlikely to pass the Senate because it cannot overcome the chamber’s 60-vote filibuster threshold. While GOP leaders plan to hold a debate and force Democrats to go on record opposing the bill, several Republicans say there is effectively no path to passage and worry Trump is focusing political energy on a doomed effort instead of legislation addressing cost-of-living issues ahead of the midterm elections.
- During the ongoing partial government shutdown, Donald Trump urged Transportation Security Administration officers to keep reporting to work even after missing their first full paycheck on Friday. The shutdown is tied to a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans over funding the United States Department of Homeland Security, particularly disputes around immigration enforcement, leaving TSA workers temporarily working without pay while negotiations continue
- According to the Daily Beast, former United States Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, who left the agency last month after multiple scandals, is reportedly struggling to land a new media job despite reaching out to conservative outlets like Newsmax and Real America’s Voice but receiving no offers so far.
- The Wall Street Journal has confirmed that the White House has reportedly tightened oversight of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after internal frustrations and polling showed his vaccine-related actions were unpopular ahead of the midterm elections. While Donald Trump still supports Kennedy, aides are taking a more active role in managing the department’s messaging and policies to avoid political fallout.
- A powerful sandstorm swept across Gaza Strip, battering tents and fragile shelters where millions of displaced Palestinians are living after the Israel–Hamas War. With roughly 80% of buildings damaged or destroyed and many people crowded into displacement camps, aid groups warn severe weather is worsening already dangerous living conditions for civilians.
- According to Politico, the White House plans to build a 33,000-square-foot underground visitor security screening center beneath Sherman Park to speed up entry and reduce lines for tourists and guests. The project—developed with the United States Secret Service and National Park Service—could begin construction as early as August and aims to be operational by 2028 as part of broader renovations under Donald Trump’s overhaul of the White House grounds.
See you soon.
— Aaron
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