82nd Airborne deploys; Israel-Lebanon conflict; DHS : NPR

Key Points:

• President Trump is deploying at least 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East amid ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran, although Iran denies negotiations are underway; the U.S. has previously targeted Iran's Kharg Island, a strategic energy hub.
• Israeli bombings in Lebanon have escalated cross-border tensions, with Israel's defense minister indicating plans to invade and annex parts of Lebanon, potentially displacing thousands of Lebanese residents near the border.
• Negotiations over funding the Department of Homeland Security remain stalled, impacting TSA agents working without pay and causing longer airport lines; Senate Republicans proposed funding DHS without ICE detention funding, but Democrats resist due to lack of reforms.
• Data brokers are selling bulk cell phone data to law enforcement and federal agencies without warrants, raising privacy concerns; Congress may address this issue while reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
• Stock markets have fallen about 9% since February amid war-related uncertainty, prompting financial advisers to recommend maintaining long-term investments, diversifying holdings, and drawing from the best-performing funds if immediate cash is needed.