US-Iran Tensions Rise
US Steps Up Iran Strikes, Hormuz Fees Amid Diverse National Developments
The United States has launched a new round of strikes on Iran, according to AP News, as President Donald Trump announced that foreign ships will be charged for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the U.S. is "reinstating" a blockade on Iran — a move that raises serious questions about global oil shipping and trade.
The announcements come amid a packed news cycle. A sitting U.S. senator has died, a major Hollywood merger is under legal attack, and a federal judge has rebuked Trump's legal team. Here is what you need to know.
Trump Charges Ships for Hormuz Passage After New Iran Strikes
The U.S. military launched fresh strikes on Iran, AP News reported. At the same time, Trump said ships wanting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must pay for safe passage. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. About 20% of the world's oil flows through it every day.
Trump framed the move as "reinstating" a blockade on Iran. It is unclear exactly how the toll system would work or which countries would be affected. The announcement has alarmed shipping companies and energy markets, which depend on the strait staying open and free to use.
South Carolina Names New Senator After Lindsey Graham Dies
Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most prominent Republican voices in Congress, died over the weekend, according to AP News. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster moved quickly to fill the seat. He named Darline Graham Nordone as the temporary replacement.
Nordone will hold the seat until a special election can be held. Graham served South Carolina in the Senate for more than 20 years. He was 69 years old and had been a close ally of President Trump, though the two had a complicated political history.
Federal Judge Slams Trump Lawsuit Against IRS as Improper
A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS was filed for an "improper purpose," AP News reported. The judge took the rare step of referring one of Trump's attorneys for possible disciplinary action. That means the lawyer could face professional consequences, including suspension or disbarment.
Separately, the federal government handed over key evidence in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti to Minnesota authorities. The handover came after months of delay. The cases had stalled while federal and state agencies disputed who had control of the files.
12 States Fight Paramount-Warner Merger as Heat Wave Looms
Twelve states are challenging Paramount's planned takeover of Warner Bros., according to AP News. The states argue the deal would hurt competition in Hollywood and across the broader U.S. media industry. A merger of that size would combine two of the biggest names in film and television under one roof.
On the weather front, the National Weather Service is warning of dangerous overnight heat. More than 90 locations across the U.S. are expected to see overnight low temperatures stay above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. That level of nighttime heat is dangerous because the body needs cooler night air to recover from daytime heat stress.
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