Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 President Trump Ramps Up Rhetoric Against Iran
President Trump met with his top advisers in the White House Situation Room yesterday afternoon as U.S. officials said the next 24 to 48 hours would be critical in deciding whether a diplomatic solution with Iran is possible or if military action might be needed instead. Trump increased his tough talk against Iran, claiming the U.S. knew exactly where Iran's leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was hiding. He wrote on social media that Khamenei was "an easy target" but said they wouldn't kill him "at least not for now." Trump also claimed the U.S. had "complete and total control of the skies over Iran" and warned that American patience was wearing thin. Despite the harsh words, U.S. negotiators believe Iran is in a weak position and might be forced back to the negotiating table. Iranian officials have signaled they're willing to resume talks with the U.S., though the Trump administration wants stronger commitments before backing down from possible military action. If Iran agrees to stop uranium enrichment, a high-level meeting could happen this week with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and possibly Vice President JD Vance.
2 NYC Comptroller And Mayoral Candidate Arrested By ICE
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested yesterday by masked ICE agents at a federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan. Lander, who is running for mayor, has been attending immigration hearings for several weeks to observe and help escort people out of court so they don't get arrested by ICE. The Department of Homeland Security said Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer. Video showed Lander being handcuffed while telling agents they had no right to arrest him as a U.S. citizen asking for a judicial warrant. He was released several hours later after Governor Kathy Hochul announced that charges against him had been dropped. Lander's wife, who was present during the arrest, said they were linking arms with someone who had just had their immigration case dismissed. She described how ICE agents line the hallways waiting for people after their court hearings, even when cases are dismissed. The couple had repeatedly asked to see warrants and badge numbers from the masked agents. After his release, Lander spoke about meeting someone named Edgardo who is now in ICE detention. He said while he gets to go home safely with a lawyer, Edgardo doesn't have those same rights.
3 DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Taken To Hospital Due To Allergic Reaction
A scary moment in D.C. yesterday afternoon as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was taken by ambulance to a Washington hospital after having an allergic reaction at work. A department aide says Noem, 53, was alert and talking when she arrived and is now resting under a doctor’s care. Officials call the trip a “precaution.” Noem runs border policy and the new National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, so deputies will handle daily briefs until she returns. Doctors have not said what triggered the reaction, and the department has not given a date for her release, only noting she is “recovering well.”