What's Happening

International

The US Launched Strikes on Iran… Now What?

What's going on: The world is on edge after US forces struck three Iranian nuclear facilities in the dead of night on Saturday. The mission, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” was a coordinated strike by American B-2 bombers, submarine-launched missiles, and even some decoy planes. It lasted just 30 minutes. President Donald Trump said the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated,” including the heavily fortified site Fordo. But Pentagon officials said it’s too soon to know if Iran’s nuclear abilities are still intact. (There are satellite images of the damage.) Iran brushed off claims of a major blow, per the BBC, and unnamed Israeli officials told The New York Times that it appears Tehran moved uranium and equipment ahead of the attack. Attention is now on Iran as it considers its next move, amid growing fears that US citizens and military personnel in the Middle East could be targeted.

What it means: The American attack marks a massive escalation in the fight between Israel and Iran. It’s the first time the US has directly struck Iranian territory — a red line past presidents have avoided since the Carter era. The White House maintains that the US hasn’t entered a war with Iran, but Trump warned that more strikes could come and declared that Tehran “must make peace now.” The president also seemed to back a regime change in the Islamic Republic. Analysts, meanwhile, say the strikes could motivate Iran to speed up its development of nuclear weapons and have diminished any hope of diplomacy. While some Republicans rally behind the president, others — along with Democrats — call Trump’s actions unconstitutional and warn they risk dragging the US into a war it doesn't want.

Related: US Strikes Sent Oil Prices Soaring. Iran’s Threat Could Push Them Higher (CBS)

Health

RFK Jr. Sets His Sights on Big Pharma

What's going on: You might not know it, but Big Pharma is shelling out big for TV ads. In 2024, drug companies collectively spent $5.15 billion to get in front of viewers’ eyeballs. Bloomberg reports that the Trump administration is weighing two policies that could shake up how drug companies reach consumers in the US — only one of two countries in the world that allow direct drug ads. One would force commercials to list every side effect — no more breezing through them at the very end (as if the announcer could talk any faster). The other would scrap the tax break that lets drugmakers write off ad costs. The policies are still in the works and come as the Trump admin tackles prescription drug prices.

What it means: Legal experts say drugmakers — who have plenty of cash — are likely to sue if the government clips their ad wings. But a change would be a major win for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who often blasts Big Pharma and blames direct-to-consumer ads for America’s dependency on prescription drugs. Supporters say stricter rules could make safety info clearer and give cheaper generics a fighting chance. Analysts note that TV spots often push pricey brand-name drugs when cheaper options exist. But it’s not just Big Pharma pushing back — major networks aren’t thrilled either. They’ve long relied on pharma ad money to keep the lights on. 

Related: RFK Jr. Fired the Vaccine Advisory Panel. People Are Forming Their Own (NBC)

US News

Tesla Rolls Out Robotaxis… With Training Wheels 

What's going on: Tesla’s robotaxis have finally hit the road in Austin — years after Elon Musk first promised fully autonomous vehicles. Sunday’s invite-only pilot launched with just 10 to 20 Model Ys, chauffeuring a handpicked group of Tesla influencers. Each ride included a Tesla employee sitting shotgun (less robot fun and more driver’s license test proctor energy). Tesla says the extra supervision is for safety, which seems wise given its autopilot crash safety record. During the demo, the robotaxis avoided bad weather and tricky intersections, making yesterday’s rollout seem more like a tightly controlled preview than a real debut. Still, Tesla claims 1,000 robotaxis will cruise Austin “within a few months” — if the timeline sticks, of course.

What it means: This launch isn’t just about tech — it’s about rebuilding trust. Tesla’s stock has plummeted this year, SpaceX’s latest rocket exploded (yes, another), and some Tesla owners have resorted to apology bumper stickers. But after a 2023 fatal crash forced GM to shut down its robotaxi, regulators are taking a harder look at the industry across the board. Texas passed a new autonomous-vehicle law just two days before Sunday’s rollout — it takes effect in September, though lawmakers still urged Tesla to delay its launch. And with Waymo, Zoox, and Volkswagen already operating in Austin, Tesla may be late to the party — but Musk’s still hoping the brand can steer itself back into good favor and open a new revenue stream.

Related: Can Electric Vehicles Make People More Carsick? (The Guardian)