U.S. military buildup near Iran reaches critical level; Trump's plans for Gaza

The U.S. Military Buildup Near Iran Reaches Critical Level

While tensions escalate in the Middle East, the U.S. military buildup near Iran has reached a critical level, with a second aircraft carrier moving into the Mediterranean and additional fighter jets arriving.

President Trump remains non-committal about using force, while Iran expert Alex Vatanka predicts a potential larger military conflict than last summer's war with Israel. The U.S. appears capable of sustaining a fight for weeks, but Trump has not spelled out his goals, aiming to pressure Iran into giving up its nuclear program and making other concessions.

Meanwhile, Trump's Board of Peace plans for Gaza include high-end condos and skyscrapers. Member states have pledged $7 billion for the area's reconstruction, while the U.S. would commit $10 billion through this new initiative. Some world leaders are raising concerns that the Board of Peace could upend world order, potentially rivaling or sidelining the United Nations.

King Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation after spending a day in police custody. Officials are looking into whether he sent sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. Police are searching the homes of British royals as part of this investigation, marking the first time in nearly four centuries that a royal has been taken into custody.

A leaked email obtained by NPR reveals a striking divide over the future of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. While Trump publicly outlined grand revamping plans, the leaked documents showcase more modest refurbishment efforts. The center is set to close to the public this summer following a wave of high-profile cancellations by artists who oppose the politicization of the arts.

A new study suggests that engaging in particular brain training may reduce dementia risk for decades. The federally funded ACTIVE study found participants who completed eight to 10 cognitive speed training sessions lowered their dementia diagnosis risk by about 25% over two decades. An online program called BrainHQ provides similar exercises, challenging users to identify vehicles and remember road signs as the difficulty increases.

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