Markwayne Mullin Confirmed as DHS Secretary

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After nearly a month of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran, President Trump announced yesterday that detailed discussions with Iran are currently taking place. His remarks came as he eased threats of retaliation against Iran's energy infrastructure if the country did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by yesterday. The president has extended his deadline for potential military action against Iran to the end of the week. However, Iran's Foreign Ministry has stated, 'There is no dialogue between Tehran and Washington.'

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were deployed to approximately a dozen airports across the United States yesterday. This move follows a wave of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents calling in sick or resigning after going more than a month without pay due to a partial government shutdown. Despite the presence of ICE agents, travelers encountered lengthy security lines on the first day of their deployment.

In a significant development, the Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the new secretary of Homeland Security with a vote of 54-45. The Oklahoma Republican will oversee immigration enforcement, a key focus for Trump during his second term. Mullin replaces Kristi Noem and becomes the second individual to lead the agency under this administration. He assumes this role amid a shutdown that has left 100,000 employees of the department working without pay.

Some major food corporations, including Nestle, are beginning to market products as 'GLP-1 Friendly,' targeting consumers using popular obesity and diabetes medications. These labels aim to appeal to individuals taking drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy, who are seeking healthier, convenient meal options to alleviate side effects from their medications. Nutritionists are now working to clarify what constitutes a GLP-1-friendly diet.

In entertainment news, South Korea's renowned K-pop group BTS held a large free concert in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace over the weekend, marking their reunion after a three-year hiatus for military service and solo projects. They released a new album titled 'Arirang,' named after a cherished Korean folk song, just a day prior to the concert. NPR's Anthony Kuhn spoke with fans in Seoul about the band's evolution and their latest music.

This newsletter was edited by Treye Green.