Pepper…and Salt

ICE has detained 130 Iranian nationals in a sweeping operation over the past week, with 670 now in custody. The Trump administration is ramping up arrests, citing worries about potential sleeper cells—a term for covert operatives embedded in the country.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another routine immigration crackdown—it’s a targeted move tied to national security fears. The scale and focus on a single nationality suggest heightened tensions, possibly reflecting broader geopolitical strains with Iran. For immigrant communities, it could fuel anxiety about profiling, while critics may question whether the arrests are justified or politically motivated. Either way, it’s a story about balancing security and civil liberties in a charged climate.

President Trump is sitting down with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo this Sunday for an exclusive chat. Expect fireworks—he'll likely dive into the recent Iran strikes and tout his so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" (details TBD). Fox remains his favorite megaphone, so this could set the week's political tone.

Editor’s Note: Love him or hate him, Trump’s interviews drive headlines. With Iran tensions simmering and election-year politics heating up, his unfiltered takes—especially on a friendly network—could shift narratives or even rattle markets. Worth tuning in just to see what unscripted moment goes viral.

President Trump doubled down on his assertion that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were severely damaged, but he sidestepped questions about whether Iran had already moved critical stockpiles of enriched uranium before the U.S. strike. Essentially, the administration’s victory lap might be missing some key details.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who’s right or wrong—it’s about whether the U.S. actually dealt a decisive blow to Iran’s nuclear program or if Tehran still has dangerous materials tucked away. If uranium stocks were moved beforehand, the long-term threat might not be as "obliterated" as claimed, leaving room for escalation. For readers, it’s a reminder that geopolitical posturing often glosses over messy realities.

Brian Johnson, the controversial fitness influencer known as "Liver King," has been arrested and charged after publicly threatening podcaster Joe Rogan. In a now-deleted video, Johnson aggressively challenged Rogan to a physical fight, saying, "Joe Rogan, I'm calling you out. My name's Liver King. Man to man, I'm picking a fight with you." Authorities took action following the online outburst, though details about the charges remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another internet beef—it’s a real-world escalation. Liver King, already infamous for his extreme diet claims and steroid scandals, now faces legal consequences for what appears to be a violent threat. Given Rogan’s massive platform, the incident highlights how online bravado can quickly spill into serious trouble. It also raises questions about accountability for influencers who blur the line between performance and real-life aggression.

The US Supreme Court just ruled that South Carolina can block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, and three liberal justices strongly disagreed with the decision. This opens the door for other conservative-led states to cut off funding to the organization, which provides reproductive healthcare to low-income patients.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about South Carolina—it’s a signal that more states might try to defund Planned Parenthood, which could limit access to birth control, cancer screenings, and other essential healthcare for millions. The sharp dissent from liberal justices shows how divisive this issue is, and it could fuel even bigger political and legal battles over abortion and healthcare access.