Before you brew your first cup of coffee and you forget what day it is thanks to the long weekend, here are 10 things to keep you in the know that you might've missed thanks to Memorial Day cookouts.
1. U.S. Launches "Self-Defense" Strikes on Southern Iran
The United States military carried out self defense strikes against Iranian boats after setting mines across the Strait of Hormuz. These renewed strikes violate the cease-fire deal that appears close to being extended after a turbulent weekend of negotiations. President Donald Trump has claimed that the two countries are nearing a deal to end the conflict despite the defensive actions taken out in the strait.
2. Gabbard Resigns as Director of Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard stepped away from her post as director of national intelligence after her husband's bone cancer diagnosis. Gabbard's resignation would take effect June 30th, becoming the fourth Cabinet member to leave the second Trump administration. President Trump praised Gabbard while also naming Aaron Lukas as acting director in the interim.
3. Gunman Killed After Shooting Outside White House
Nasire Best, 21-year-old suspected gunman, opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House over the weekend. Officers struck the suspect in returned shots when he later died at the hospital. This isn't the first incident between Best and the White House, as the suspect had been arrested in July 2025 when he tried to enter the White House and later entered a psychiatric ward due to his mental health problems.
4. Texas Runoff Takes Center Stage
Longtime GOP Senator John Cornyn looks to defend his Republican seat against former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a highly anticipated runoff election for the GOP Senate nomination. Last week, Paxton received Trump's endorsement and praise, which has shown to be powerfully influential in other state primaries. The winner of this runoff will face Democratic's nominee and rising liberal star Rep. James Talarico.
5. North Korea Tests New Ballistic Missiles
North Korea has launched a variety of ballistic missiles in the latest show of military strength, the first launch display since April. President Trump has initiated his wishes to resume talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un regarding nuclear and missile talks that previously fell apart in 2019.
6. Rubio Lessens Concerns Over Visa Process
After Indian officials ignited concerns over United States immigration reforms, Rubio pushed back against these worries by claiming that the reforms are aimed globally rather than directly against New Delhi. Rubio expressed sympathy over immigration struggles for those who seek legal migration, he reaffirmed that American immigration policy is focused on American First ideals.
7. Pope Leo Calls Out AI Technology
Pope Leo XIV has expressed warning against artificial intelligence by saying the advanced technology makes humanity "less human." Also written within his 82-page Magnificient Humanity, a first-of-its-kind apology for encouragening the transatlantic slave trade.
8. Democratic Senate Hopeful Aligns with Sanders
Graham Platner appeared at a "Fight the Oligarchy" rally with Bernie Sanders in Portland, Maine, leaving much to be desired for the Democratic candidate for Senate. The self-proclaimed Democratic socialist has been under scrutiny recently after a series of resurfaced social media posts has raised questions over Platner's character.
9. Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case Tossed
A federal judge has tossed the indictment charges of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after his high-profile deportation from the Trump administration caught media coverage. The decision was left to the government after the judge found his criminal charges "vindictive" and later wrote "the evidence before this Court sadly reflects an abuse of prosecuting power."
10. Chemical Leak in California's Orange County Eliminated
Orange County Fire Authority responded to a chemical vapor leak Thursday from a GKN Aerospace tank in Garden Grove, that risked spilling 7,000 gallons of chemicals or a deadly explosion. Crews worked tirelessly throughout the weekend with all night missions that discovered the crack in the tank and eliminated the threat of disaster. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a State of Emergency for the county after issuing a mandatory evacuation for over 50,000 residents in neighboring communities.
