The Middle East conflict has entered a dangerous new phase. U.S. military operations targeting Iranian leadership and strategic assets have resulted in confirmed American casualties, marking a sobering moment for Washington’s campaign. At the same time, Israel faces intense missile fire, with civilian areas struck and search operations underway. President Trump has escalated rhetoric following coordinated strikes on senior Iranian figures, calling for internal change within Iran. The fallout has triggered retaliatory missile launches aimed at U.S. positions in the Gulf, including bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Navy has pushed back against Iranian claims regarding damage to the USS Abraham Lincoln. WATCH

Kathy Ruemmler, the influential Chief Legal Officer of Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel under Barack Obama, has stepped down after newly disclosed Justice Department files revealed years of private email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The documents show communication between 2014 and 2019, including messages in which Epstein was referred to in strikingly personal terms, “Uncle Jeffrey” and even an “older brother.” Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon accepted her resignation, praising her contributions but acknowledging the growing controversy. Ruemmler stated that the escalating media attention had become a distraction and that stepping aside was in the firm’s best interest. WATCH