A drone strike has killed three US service members in Jordan.

Growing Turmoil

The Story

A drone strike has killed three US service members in Jordan.

What do we know?

Yesterday, President Biden said Iranian-backed militants used a drone to strike a US base along the Jordanian-Syrian border, killing three troops and injuring dozens more. It marks the first time US forces have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Biden is vowing to retaliate. An umbrella group for the Iranian-backed groups, called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed responsibility. Iran reportedly said it “had no connection” to the attack. That’s not all.

What do you mean?

Over the weekend, at least nine countries, including the US, paused funding UNRWA — the UN agency for Palestinians in Gaza. It comes after allegations by Israel that 12 of the agency’s employees were involved in the Oct 7 attack. The UN is investigating and said “any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable.” The pause in funding comes as 87% of Palestinians reportedly rely on the agency for humanitarian aid. The agency could start to reel in services by the end of the week, if funding isn’t restored.

theSkimm

The US has had to walk a fine line in efforts to avoid an escalating conflict in the Middle East. Now, many are looking to Biden to take on a more forceful approach at a time when the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza have no end in sight.

Whose job is under a microscope...

Alejandro Mayorkas’. Yesterday, House Republicans announced two articles of impeachment against the Homeland Security secretary for his handling of the migrant crisis. One for allegedly refusing to comply with immigration law (specifically by letting migrants stay in the US as their status is reviewed by the government). The other relates to allegedly making false statements to Congress when he said the DHS had “operational control.” Last month alone, there were more than 225,000 illegal crossings along the southern border — the highest on record. The House Homeland Security Committee will consider the articles tomorrow before it could go to the House floor. A Democrat Homeland Security official called the articles a “sham.”

...Oh and speaking of immigration, President Biden said he'd “shut down the border when it becomes overwhelmed,” if Congress passes a bipartisan immigration bill.

What remote workers could be talking about...

New data on layoffs. A report from the Wall Street Journal found that workers clocking in from home were 35% more likely to be laid off in 2023 than their colleagues at the office. The reason? Experts say managers factor in personal connections, which can be harder to create over Zoom. The report comes as industries like tech and media have given tens of thousands of employees the pink slip. Feeling worried? Here's what you can do to prepare.

Who’s got the rap world dialed in…

Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion. The two are apparently bringing back diss track culture. It all started when Megan released “Hiss,” which many say references Minaj’s husband, a registered sex offender. Last night, Minaj responded with a new song titled “Big Foot,” in an apparent jab to the Tory Lanez shooting.

What’s one more reason this year feels like a re-do of 2020...

The Kansas City Chiefs v. the San Francisco 49ers.

What could make the “Mona Lisa” frown…

Being covered in soup.