US-Iran Escalation: The U.S. expanded strikes near Tehran and disabled an oil tanker tied to Iran’s blockade efforts as Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S.-hosted bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Military Health Policy: The Department of “War” ordered mandatory testosterone screening for service members age 30+ during periodic health assessments, with therapy planned for deficiency. Air Quality in the Northeast: Smoke from Canadian wildfires pushed haze over New York City, triggering an Air Quality Health Advisory and “Unhealthy” AQI readings in parts of the metro area. DOJ Confirmation Fight: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced another round of Senate Judiciary grilling over DOJ independence, the Epstein files, and election-related complaints, with key Republicans still undecided. Politics & Israel Aid: More than half of House Democrats, including Massachusetts’ delegation, voted to strip $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel—signaling a major split within the party. Cybersecurity Governance: The White House and Treasury are backing “Gold Eagle,” an AI-powered clearinghouse to collect and coordinate software vulnerability patching across government and industry. Travel & Consumer: United Airlines is rolling out “Economy Plus” rows with an empty middle seat on select aircraft, while New York braces for lingering wildfire smoke.