Now and then: How Trump's response to LA riots has changed from 2020 Black Lives Matter and Antifa

Massive "No Kings" protests are erupting across the U.S. ahead of a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., which critics see as a display of authoritarianism. The protests follow a week of tension over aggressive immigration raids. Meanwhile, international attention is split as Israel and Iran exchange attacks, with explosions reported in major cities and Iran issuing warnings to Western powers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another protest—it’s a direct challenge to the symbolism of Trump’s military parade, which many view as a troubling nod to authoritarianism. Add in the explosive tensions in the Middle East, and it’s a volatile mix of domestic and global instability. The stakes feel high because these events could shape public sentiment ahead of the election and further strain international relations.

A former State Department Middle East expert, Aaron David Miller, breaks down the implications of Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. He weighs in on how this escalation could destabilize the region, strain diplomatic relations, and potentially trigger broader conflict—or, conversely, force Iran to recalibrate its strategy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline about Middle East tensions—it’s about real-world consequences. Israel’s strikes could redraw the region’s power dynamics, impact global oil markets, and even pull other nations into the fray. Understanding the stakes helps explain why the world is watching closely.

Israeli forces have launched a second day of strikes against Iran, escalating tensions in the region. NPR’s Hadeel Al-Shalchi reports from Tel Aviv, where the situation remains volatile as both sides appear locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliation. Details on casualties or specific targets are still emerging, but the strikes mark a significant escalation in the long-standing shadow war between the two nations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another headline—it’s a worrying sign that tensions between Israel and Iran could spiral further. These strikes come after years of proxy conflicts and covert operations, but direct military action raises the stakes dramatically. If this back-and-forth continues, it could destabilize the region even more, drag in other countries, or disrupt global oil markets. For anyone watching geopolitics, this is a moment to pay close attention.

Today, nationwide "No Kings" protests are planned, coinciding with a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary—which also happens to fall on former President Trump's 79th birthday. The protests appear to be a direct counterpoint to the celebratory event, though the exact motivations of the demonstrators aren't detailed in the excerpt.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another protest—it's a symbolic clash of narratives. The timing suggests demonstrators are pushing back against perceived authoritarianism or unchecked power (hence "No Kings"), while the military parade and Trump's birthday add layers of political tension. Even without knowing the full scope of the protests, the overlap makes this a story about competing visions of patriotism and power.

The US Army is throwing a big parade today to mark its 250th birthday—a major milestone for the oldest branch of the military. But while the celebration highlights tradition and service, not everyone’s cheering. Some folks are side-eyeing the display of heavy military hardware, worrying it feels more like a show of force you’d see in authoritarian countries than a patriotic tribute.

Editor’s Note: Anniversaries like this are a chance to reflect on history and national identity, but they also spark debates. The Army’s parade is a nod to its legacy, yet the tanks and weaponry on display remind people of the fine line between honoring service and glorifying militarization—especially in a world where democracy feels fragile. It’s a story about pride, perception, and the symbols we choose to celebrate.