Trump slams CNN and NYT for ‘demeaning’ strikes on Iran

Households across the UK are collectively over £8 billion behind on their council tax payments, according to new figures. The debt comes as local authorities prepare to hike tax rates, adding more pressure on struggling families. Campaigners are urging the government to rethink how council tax is structured, arguing the current system unfairly burdens low-income earners.

Editor’s Note: Council tax is a major expense for most households, and these arrears suggest many people are already stretched too thin. With bills set to rise, the situation could get worse—especially for those on tight budgets. This isn’t just about unpaid bills; it’s a sign of deeper financial strain for millions, and it’s sparking calls for reform before the problem escalates further.

NATO leaders are gathering for their annual summit, and one of the key topics on the table is a proposed increase in defense spending. Prime Minister Mark Carney is among those debating the move, which could signal a shift in how member countries allocate their military budgets.

Editor’s Note: Defense spending is always a hot-button issue, especially with global tensions running high. If NATO agrees to boost budgets, it could mean bigger investments in security—but also more strain on national budgets. This isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s a reflection of how prepared the alliance wants to be for an uncertain future.

When Aaron Campbell lost his cherished baseball memorabilia collection in a house fire, it felt like a devastating strikeout. But the baseball community quickly rallied—fellow collectors and even major league teams pitched in to help rebuild his collection, turning a heartbreaking loss into a heartwarming comeback story.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about baseball cards or jerseys—it’s a reminder of how people can come together to lift someone up after tragedy. In a world where bad news often dominates, stories like this show the power of kindness and shared passion. Plus, it’s a nice nod to how sports fandom can create unexpected bonds.

Zohran Mamdani, a rising political figure, has had quite the journey—from persistently convincing filmmaker Mira Nair to cast actor Kal Penn in a movie to now securing a major win in New York City’s mayoral primary. His story is one of persistence and unexpected pivots, blending pop culture and politics in a way that feels uniquely his own.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another political win—it’s a reminder of how unconventional paths can lead to big moments. Mamdani’s background, including his Hollywood-adjacent hustle, makes him a fresh voice in NYC politics. For voters tired of the same old narratives, his victory signals a shift toward leaders with diverse, relatable experiences.

At the NATO summit in the Netherlands, President Trump doubled down on his claim that Iran's nuclear program has been effectively neutralized for years, directly contradicting earlier Pentagon assessments that suggested the program could rebound much sooner. He framed it as a major victory, using strong language like "total obliteration" to drive the point home.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a technical disagreement—it's a high-stakes clash of narratives. If Trump's right, it could ease global tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions. But if the Pentagon's analysis holds, the administration might be underestimating a critical security threat. Either way, the gap between the president's rhetoric and military intelligence raises questions about how the U.S. is assessing—and messaging—its foreign policy wins.