Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Iran Conflict: US Expected To Deploy 82nd Airborne To Middle East
The Pentagon is expected to send up to 1,500 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters its fourth week. The deployment will include a command element and some ground forces, according to sources familiar with the planning. So far, the U.S. has been fighting Iran entirely from the air, conducting more than 9,000 combat flights against military targets including missile sites, naval vessels, and intelligence facilities. Iran continues to deny any direct discussions, though a senior Iranian official confirmed to "CBS News" that the U.S. sent a message through third-party mediators. Three warships carrying roughly 2,200 Marines are already en route to the region, part of the second Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed since the conflict began February 28th.
2 Meta Ordered To Pay $375-Million For Knowingly Harming Children’s Mental Health
A New Mexico jury handed down a landmark verdict yesterday, ordering Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties after finding the company knowingly harmed children's mental health and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on its platforms. After a nearly seven-week trial in Santa Fe, jurors found that Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, violated state consumer protection law by misleading the public about the safety of its apps. The case, brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez in 2023, included testimony from Meta executives, whistleblowers, and school educators, along with evidence from an undercover investigation. It is the first jury verdict of its kind against Meta over harm to young people.
3 Senate Rejects Latest Attempt At A War Powers Act
The Senate voted 47-53 yesterday to once again reject a Democratic resolution that would have required congressional authorization for President Trump to continue the military campaign against Iran. It was the third time Republicans have blocked such a move since the war began on February 28th. Every Republican except Rand Paul voted against it, while every Democrat except John Fetterman voted in favor. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, who introduced the resolution, argued the administration has been hiding key details of the conflict from the public and said the war's consequences have been enormous.