U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. revoked a waiver allowing Iranian oil sales and launched fresh strikes after attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher; Iran’s IRGC retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, while both sides trade accusations over ceasefire violations. Federal Courts & Jan. 6: A judge ruled that a Jan. 6 pipe-bomb suspect, Brian Cole Jr., is not covered by Trump’s blanket pardon, rejecting arguments that his alleged conduct is tied to Capitol events. Immigration Enforcement: ICE led to the arrest of an Australian national accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to vote in Louisiana federal elections in 2022 and 2024. Crime & Sentencing: A Michigan man was sentenced in federal court for firearms trafficking conspiracy, and a Tyler-area meth dealer received a 15+ year federal prison term. Energy & Permitting: South32 won a major U.S. federal approval for its Hermosa critical minerals project in Arizona, clearing the way for domestic zinc, manganese, silver and copper supply. Local Impact: North Carolina’s foster care system is again described as “in crisis” in a federal appeals filing, while Western North Carolina received $173M+ in Hurricane Helene recovery and transportation funding. Politics & Israel: Rahm Emanuel is set to warn that Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” pursuit threatens the U.S.-Israel alliance. World Cup Money: U.S. men’s team earned $16M in FIFA prize money for reaching the round of 16, with payouts split under U.S. Soccer agreements.