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U.S. Officials Say Iran’s New Supreme Leader Gravely Wounded Amid Escalating Conflict

Protesters hold posters of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, during a protest marking al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), after Friday prayers at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei , was seriously wounded and likely disfigured during the opening phase of U.S. and Israeli military strikes. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth described Iran’s leadership as “desperate and hiding,” asserting that Khamenei has gone underground following injuries sustained in the attacks.  Reports from multiple outlets indicate that Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the conflict began, fueling speculation about the severity of his condition. Some accounts suggest he may have suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of a limb and a possible coma, after an airstrike that also killed members of his family.  U.S....

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Winter Uncertainty: Shutdown Stalls Heating Aid for Millions

Government shutdown threatens to delay home heating aid for millions of low-income families.


As the federal government shutdown drags on, millions of low-income families across the United States face delays in receiving critical home heating assistance. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides billions annually to help households pay for heating and cooling, is now caught in the political stalemate. With temperatures dropping, the timing could not be worse.

For many, this program is a lifeline. Nearly six million households rely on LIHEAP to keep their homes warm during the winter months. Without timely funding, states are warning that they may be forced to postpone or scale back aid distribution, leaving vulnerable families at risk of choosing between heat, food, or other essentials. In Pennsylvania, for example, officials have already announced delays in opening their heating aid program due to the funding freeze.

The impact is deeply personal. Retirees, single parents, and families living paycheck to paycheck are among those most affected. One retiree described the situation as “living in scary times,” as she struggles to stretch her limited Social Security income while facing the possibility of losing heating support.

Advocates warn that the shutdown is not only a financial crisis but also a public health emergency. Exposure to cold temperatures can lead to serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Nonprofit organizations and state agencies are urging Congress to act quickly, stressing that even a short delay in funding could have devastating consequences.

The standoff in Washington has already disrupted multiple federal aid programs, but the heating crisis underscores the immediate, tangible effects of political gridlock on everyday Americans. As winter sets in, the uncertainty surrounding LIHEAP funding highlights the precarious position of millions who depend on government support to meet their most basic needs.


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