Newsweek is reporting that the United States and Iran are engaged in renewed attacks and threats. President Donald Trump has threatened further action if Tehran attacks again, and the publication noted he "floated the 'Trump Strait'" after renaming Lake Ontario. Iranian military officials have promised additional strikes. Newsweek said both nations face internal pressures, with Iran's economy struggling under U.S. sanctions and Trump facing midterm elections. The conflict has contributed to higher oil prices, which could impact Trump's approval rating as the cost of living is a defining issue for the upcoming midterms.
Newsweek is also reporting that President Trump plans to campaign in approximately 35 races to help Republicans maintain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Billionaire Elon Musk's super PAC, America PAC, has begun spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in key House and Senate contests. Trump's efforts are expected to focus on competitive races.
Separately, Newsweek is reporting that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remains difficult to remove despite growing criticism and military tensions. The publication said Hegseth's previous personnel decisions have thinned the Pentagon's internal leadership structure, making it harder to find a successor. Dan Driscoll's resignation as Army secretary, leaving the service without a Senate-confirmed civilian leader or chief of staff, further complicates the situation. Hegseth has ordered extended deployments for about 50,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East into next year, which Newsweek noted has led to a maintenance backlog.
In other news, Newsweek is reporting on a shooting in a downtown Minneapolis apartment building where the alleged suspect was reportedly being evicted for threatening residents with a gun. The incident resulted in three deaths, including the suspect, and five injuries, including three Minneapolis police officers. Local news outlets identified the suspect as Carlton Johnson II.
Newsweek is reporting that the Lindsay Clancy trial appears to be heading toward a mistrial after the jury twice informed the judge it was deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Legal experts told Newsweek that while a unanimous verdict is still possible, a mistrial would likely lead prosecutors to retry the case.
The publication also noted that Russia's "increasingly brazen hybrid warfare" against NATO allies, including an alleged explosive drone case in Leipzig, is prompting a serious debate about the scope of Article 5.
In brief international news, Newsweek reported that the Netherlands has joined other countries in pulling gold reserves from the United States, citing "increasing geopolitical unrest." The feminist icon Gloria Steinem died peacefully at age 92 in New York City. Three hurricanes — Lowell, Karina and Marie — are churning across the Pacific, with Lowell and Karina at Category 4 strength, though none currently threaten the U.S. mainland. President Trump also commented that he was glad Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had left the United States and returned to the United Kingdom, stating they had disrespected the late Queen Elizabeth II.