Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds Amid Lingering Nuclear Questions

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Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds Amid Lingering Nuclear Questions

What's going on: After the US struck three Iranian nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump declared that Tehran’s nuclear program had been “completely obliterated.” But that may not be the case. A preliminary US intelligence assessment suggests the American strikes on Iran failed to destroy its underground nuclear facilities. Officials who reviewed the classified report concluded that while the entrances to two nuclear sites were sealed off, the underground buildings themselves remained intact, according to The New York Times. The report also estimates that the strikes delayed Iran’s ability to build a nuclear weapon by less than six months. The White House dismissed the “alleged” assessment and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called it “flat-out wrong.”

What it means: The intelligence report could undercut the framing of the mission. The Wall Street Journal reports that while Iran’s regime has been weakened, it could come back more dangerous than before. While some nuclear sites suffered serious damage, Iran still holds onto a sizable stockpile of highly enriched uranium. (US officials estimate Iran has about 900 pounds of it — enough for more than 12 nuclear bombs.) The problem? No one knows exactly where it is. Some reports suggest Iran moved the stockpile before the strikes — pushing some in Washington to call for direct talks with Tehran. Meanwhile, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran appears fragile but intact (early skirmishes led Trump to drop an f-bomb on camera in frustration). If it holds, the deal could hand him a rare diplomatic win in the region.

Related: Israel Says Strike Killed 14 Scientists Behind Iran’s Nuclear Program (AP)

Health

Are Health Insurance Companies Finally Doing Something Right? 

What's going on: Trying to get an insurance company to approve your care can feel like arguing with a brick wall — even when your doctor says you need it. At a White House event this week, several major insurers promised to “streamline” prior authorizations — a process that requires providers to sign-off on certain tests or treatments before you can get them. It’s a system that can delay care, drive up costs, and leave patients scrambling for a Plan B if they get denied. In 2023, nearly 1 in 5 insured adults said they hit a roadblock with prior authorization. The insurers didn’t specify how the process will change but said they plan to “reduce the scope of claims,” and that the updates will also apply to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.

What it means: Prior authorization came under intense scrutiny last year after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The internet lit up with frustration, accusing insurers of dragging their feet on approvals and putting profits over patients. While the new changes are voluntary, regulators aren’t ruling out future oversight. The Trump administration said the government could step in if insurers don’t follow through. Don’t expect overnight results — the updates will take at least a year to kick in, with nearly 275 million Americans potentially benefiting.  Experts warn the process isn’t disappearing entirely — but for once, insurance companies may be inching in the right direction.

Related: Eric Dane Made a White House Appearance To Talk About ALS (USA Today)

Politics

Welcome to the "Womansphere"

What's going on: Online wellness influencers brought us crunchy moms, and now… a growing “womansphere”? (Think: The answer to the “manosphere” of podcasters like Joe Rogan and Theo Von.) As The New York Times put it, a “political revolution” is taking shape. At Turning Point USA’s recent Young Women’s Leadership Summit, the vibe was “less Prozac, more protein,” along with calls for “less feminism, more femininity.” Attendance jumped by about 1,000 from last year, and many newbies said they were drawn into the rightwing movement via MAHA. The wellness-to-right-wing pipeline was on full display, with influencers like Alex Clark sharing advice. Those tips include: “start dating seriously and stop eating ultra-processed foods, start taking supplements, and stop using birth control,” The NYT reported.

What it means: Young women still lean left overall, but President Donald Trump made gains with them in the last election — and that group is growing. One reason? Wellness influencers are mixing skincare tips with subtle political messages, from anti-vaccine takes to warnings about food dyes. With the midterms around the corner, Democrats may have a problem. The party, often accused of reacting instead of leading — and fresh off pledging $20 million to study young men voters after losing ground there — has said little about this quietly organizing group of conservative young women. Yet, it’s a group that could help shape the national conversation on reproductive rights, wellness, and the future of feminism.

Related: Andrew Cuomo’s Political Comeback In New York Will Have To Wait (Politico)

Highlight Reel

BY SKIMM SPORTS

The week's sports news and culture stories, ranked.

Hang it in the Louvre: At 15 years old, Arisa Trew is now the most decorated teen in X Games history — leaving Shaun White in her (skate) dust.

Mark your calendar: Faith Kipyegon may become the first woman ever to run a sub-four-minute mile. Don’t blink or you’ll miss her. 

Grab the mic: The ESPYs tapped an SNL alum to host the annual award show. 

Let the marriage games begin: This couple sealed their vows with an intense game to determine whose last name they’d both take. Love is patient. Hyphenation is not.

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Extra Credit

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Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.