Powered by:
Hey Dip Fam,
Here’s what’s making headlines today: the U.S. and Iran are trading fire again, the Pentagon reportedly gave undisclosed government roles to pro-Hegseth influencers, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 3 minutes and 23 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
WATCH THE AD-FREE VERSION HERE
**On this day in 1985, a deep-sea expedition finally located the wreck of which famous ship? **(answer revealed below!)
(hint: I’ll never let go)
In today’s issue:
Strikes resumein U.S.-Iran war. 🌍Pentagon allegedly hirescovert online boosters. 🏛️Flash flood hitsGrand Canyon. 🌱
Plus, take ** today’s poll** and check out the
The U.S. and Iran traded strikes for the first time in a month, shattering a fragile lull in their six-month war. American forces hit rocket launchers on Iran’s Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran then launched missiles at U.S.-hosting bases in Jordan and said it targeted U.S. assets at Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE; the UAE said it intercepted an Iranian drone but denied the base was attacked.
The renewed fighting comes as top military leaders reportedly warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that extending operations is unsustainable.
**The reaction:**Trump vowed a forceful response and shared an AI-generated video of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub being destroyed, though JD Vance framed the posts as messaging, not policy. Separately, Tucker Carlson claimed Pentagon officials have discussed using tactical nuclear weapons against Iran, and said any president who weighs striking first should be removed.
Win $500 in SeatGeek Credit – Every Week!
We teamed up with SeatGeek to keep the $500 weekly giveaway going strong, and next week’s winner could be you!
From concerts and Broadway shows to sports and comedy, SeatGeek is the #1 rated live event ticketing app, with 28 million+ downloads and access to over 70,000 events.
Head to SeatGeek and use code PHIL10 for 10% off your order — plus automatic entry into the $500 giveaway, no purchase necessary!
Enter now and make your next event unforgettable!
A Washington Post report says the Pentagon quietly hired several influencers who publicly defend Hegseth and promote his views online; the Pentagon did not disclose their specific assignments.
Some were placed in civilian positions that could shape policy, and the DoD declined to say whether any drew a taxpayer-funded salary. The hires were classified as “special government employees” or “highly qualified experts.”
**The fallout:**Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger raised possible Hatch Act concerns, while Sen. Chris Murphy criticized the Pentagon’s lack of transparency about whether the influencers were paid. The identified influencers largely declined to comment.
:📈
Today’s Poll:Payroll PostsA Washington Post report says the Pentagon brought several pro-Hegseth military influencers into government roles without publicly disclosing the hires or whether they receive taxpayer-funded salaries.
When does a government influencer hire cross a line?
A flash flood ripped through the Grand Canyon after a sudden storm, killing at least two people and leaving about 15 others missing. Rescue teams evacuated more than 60 people by helicopter.
Some evacuees sheltered in a mule corral for hours, waiting to escape rising water after the storm swept away tents, phones, and backpacks.
**The damage:**The flood battered the inner canyon’s Transcanyon Waterline, a system the park has spent $208 million upgrading since 2023 and hoped to finish next year. Officials imposed water conservation measures and halted overnight stays, though day visits continue. More storms are possible, potentially complicating search efforts.
🌮 Food: Nachos were invented in 1943 when a restaurant worker improvised with tortillas, cheese and jalapeños after the usual cook was unavailable. Dinner plans: canceled. Culinary history: made.
🧹 Appliances: The first powered vacuum cleaners were so massive they were sometimes transported by horse-drawn carriage. Imagine hearing the vacuum arrive before seeing it.
🍵 Beverages: Tea bags became popular after a New York tea merchant sent samples in small silk bags. Customers apparently brewed the whole package instead of emptying it. Sometimes user error is innovation.
🤨 WTF: The first commercially produced toilet paper in the U.S. was marketed as an aloe-infused anti-hemorrhoid product. Talk about finding a niche market.
TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWER:
The Titanic
On September 1, 1985, a joint American-French team led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel found the RMS Titanic nearly 13,000 feet down in the North Atlantic. They confirmed it after spotting one of the ship’s boilers, ending a 73-year search. Ballard was quietly testing U.S. Navy submarine-search technology at the time.
Did you take ** today’s poll**?
Looking for more specific details on each story? ** Click here** for the full show notes for yesterday’s PDS episode.
Thanks for checking us out Daily Dippers!
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, be sure to share with a friend or two** **and tune in next time for more news, entertainment, and good vibes 😎
