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Today’s Rundown:
- TRUMP SAYS HE MAY USE MILITARY OPTIONS IN IRAN AS PROTESTS GET DEADLIER: President Donald Trump says the U.S. is considering “very strong” military options in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on mass protests that began over economic grievances and have now turned into widespread anti-government demonstrations. He told reporters the situation could justify military action and said Tehran has reached out to negotiate, though action might come even before talks. Rights groups say at least hundreds of protesters have been killed and more than 10,600 people detained amid the crackdown, while Iran has imposed widespread internet blackouts and threatened retaliation against the U.S. and its allies if attacked. Trump and his advisers are reportedly meeting to review a range of responses, including cyberattacks, sanctions and military measures. International leaders have urged restraint as unrest continues and the situation remains volatile.
- JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OPENS CRIMINAL PROBE INTO FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR JEROME POWELL: The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, according to reporting from ABC News. The inquiry reportedly examines Powell’s conduct related to financial decisions or communications, though specific allegations and potential charges have not been made public. Powell, who has overseen monetary policy during periods of high inflation and economic uncertainty, has been a controversial figure in some political circles. The Justice Department declined to comment on details, noting that the probe is ongoing. It is unclear how long the investigation may take or whether it will lead to formal charges.
- TRUMP MOTORCADE REROUTED IN FLORIDA AFTER REPORT OF SUSPICIOUS OBJECT: A White House motorcade in Florida was rerouted Wednesday after reports of a suspicious object near an airport where President Trump was expected to travel. The Secret Service and local law enforcement assessed the situation and cleared the area before resuming normal operations, officials said. No threat was publicly confirmed and authorities offered few details, citing ongoing security protocols. Trump continued with his schedule once the immediate situation was handled. Such reroutes are part of standard procedures when potential security concerns arise.
- TICKET PRICES SURGE AHEAD OF CFP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BETWEEN INDIANA AND MIAMI: Ticket prices for the College Football Playoff National Championship between the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes have surged as fans rush to secure seats. Secondary market prices are reportedly far above face value, with many listings showing dramatic increases due to high demand. The matchup—featuring two programs not traditionally in national title games—has drawn intense interest and created a competitive resale environment. The surge reflects both the rarity of the pairing and a nationwide trend of rising sports ticket costs. Fans and analysts say finding affordable options is becoming harder for marquee events.
- PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE’S $108B WARNER BID COLLAPSES; NETFLIX SECURES KEY ASSETS: Paramount and Skydance’s hostile $108 billion bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery has collapsed after Netflix secured significant assets from the media company, analysts say. Paramount had aimed to outbid Netflix and gain control of Warner’s studios and intellectual property, but the deal fell apart amid financing and regulatory challenges. Netflix’s acquisition now positions it as the dominant streaming contender with enhanced content library and production capabilities. Warner’s board approved the Netflix arrangement, which industry experts expect to reshape the competitive landscape in Hollywood. Both deals faced intense regulatory scrutiny due to concerns over media consolidation.
- HISTORIC NYC NURSING STRIKE NEARS AS CONTRACT TALKS STALL: Negotiations between major New York City hospitals and unionized nurses have stalled, raising the possibility of the largest nursing strike in city history. Nearly 15,000–16,000 nurses from institutions like NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Montefiore could walk off the job as early as Monday if no agreement is reached. The New York State Nurses Association says the primary issues include safe staffing levels, workplace security measures and protections against excessive workloads, especially amid a severe flu season. Hospitals have prepared contingency plans, but officials warn a strike could disrupt care even as governors and union leaders urge last-minute talks. Some tentative agreements at other local hospitals have eased parts of the broader labor pressure, but the core dispute remains unresolved
- LUIGI MANGIONE SEEKS TO BLOCK DEATH PENALTY AND SUPPRESS EVIDENCE IN UHC CEO KILLING: Luigi Mangione, accused in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in court this week seeking to block the death penalty and suppress key evidence. His attorneys argue that certain statements and items seized by police were improperly obtained and should not be used at trial. Prosecutors maintain they have strong evidence tying Mangione to the crime, including a 3D-printed gun found near the scene. Federal authorities are considering seeking the death penalty, and Mangione remains in custody pending further proceedings. Legal battles over evidence and sentencing could delay trial progress.
- MEAGAN GOOD AND JONATHAN MAJORS RECEIVE GUINEAN CITIZENSHIP: Actors Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors have been granted citizenship by Guinea, according to reports on social media and entertainment outlets. The honorary citizenship was conferred to recognize their contributions to arts and African cultural engagement. Both actors shared gratitude for the recognition and spoke about its personal significance. This adds to a growing trend of U.S. actors receiving citizenship from countries in Africa as part of cultural diplomacy and heritage recognition efforts.
- MALAYSIA, INDONESIA MOVE TO BLOCK ELON MUSK’S GROK OVER EXPLICIT AI CONTENT: Malaysia and Indonesia are moving to restrict access to Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, citing concerns that it generates explicit and harmful content. Officials say the technology’s current safeguards are inadequate to protect young users and prevent misuse. The decisions reflect a broader trend in Southeast Asia to regulate AI platforms more strictly as concerns rise about unsafe outputs and lack of effective moderation. Grok has faced criticism in multiple markets for producing inappropriate or offensive material. Musk’s companies have yet to publicly respond to these specific actions.
- DOLLY PARTON SAYS SHE’LL MISS 80TH BIRTHDAY AT GRAND OLE OPRY DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS: Country music legend Dolly Parton says she will not attend her planned 80th birthday celebration at the Grand Ole Opry due to ongoing health concerns. Parton shared that while she appreciates fans and had been looking forward to the milestone event, her doctors advised her to rest instead of performing. She sent a heartfelt message thanking fans for their support and promising future celebrations. The news drew widespread well-wishes from the music community, reflecting her iconic status and longevity in country music.
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