US and Iran Exchange Strikes Near Strait of Hormuz; Trump Says Ceasefire Is Over
The US military launched strikes near the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked three commercial vessels, prompting Iran to target US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. President Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Turkey, said he believes the ceasefire is over.The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has broken down following a new cycle of military strikes. The US military launched strikes near the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked three oil tankers transiting the waterway. Iran's armed forces responded by targeting US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, President Trump said, quote, 'I think it's over,' referring to the preliminary truce, while leaving open the possibility of continued negotiations. The US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had permitted Iran to export oil, a move Iran characterized as a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was recently killed, and his state funeral drew enormous crowds in Tehran, adding further uncertainty to the Iranian government's direction. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global energy transport, handling a significant share of internationally traded oil. Disruption there affects fuel prices and supply chains globally. Oil prices jumped more than five percent following Trump's remarks, and US stock markets declined. The exchange of strikes represents the most serious breakdown of the ceasefire since hostilities between the two countries began. Whether formal negotiations will resume remains unclear.
Trump Criticizes NATO Allies at Ankara Summit, Repeats Greenland Demand and Threatens Trade with Spain
At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump criticized European allies for not joining the US military campaign against Iran, called Spain a 'wasted cause,' threatened to end trade with it, and again expressed a desire to control Greenland.President Trump arrived at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey with a confrontational posture toward European allies, making several demands and criticisms that drew attention ahead of what leaders had hoped would be a forward-looking meeting for the alliance. Trump criticized European NATO members for not participating in US military operations against Iran. He singled out Spain, calling it a 'wasted cause' and demanding an end to trade after Spain declined to meet the five-percent-of-GDP defense spending target pushed by the US. Trump also repeated his longstanding desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic. The alliance's final communique reaffirmed the collective defense commitment under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, stating that an attack on one member is an attack on all. The summit brought together 36 heads of state, along with representatives from Gulf countries. Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Trump on the sidelines. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte was present alongside Trump during remarks at the summit. The US-Iran situation — with strikes exchanged near the Strait of Hormuz on the same day — cast a significant shadow over the summit's proceedings.
French Court Upholds Le Pen Embezzlement Conviction; She Announces 2027 Presidential Bid
A French appeals court confirmed Marine Le Pen's embezzlement conviction and ordered her to wear an electronic ankle monitor, but shortened the political ban enough to allow her to run for president in 2027. Le Pen announced her candidacy within hours of the ruling.A French court of appeal confirmed a guilty verdict against far-right leader Marine Le Pen on embezzlement charges, ordering her to wear an electronic ankle monitor. However, the court shortened the term of her ban from political office, clearing a legal path for her to contest the 2027 French presidential election. Le Pen announced her presidential campaign within hours of the ruling. The electronic monitoring will restrict her movements, with a specialized judge still to determine details including the residence where she must serve the sentence and the hours she may leave. If her conviction is eventually upheld through further appeals, those details will be finalized at that stage. Le Pen's National Rally party has been a significant force in French politics, and her eligibility to run in 2027 is likely to reshape that election's dynamics. The ruling attracted significant attention at the NATO summit in Ankara, where European leaders were gathered.
US Launches New Strikes on Iran Following Attacks on Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The US military struck Iranian military boats after Iran attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated against US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. President Trump said at the NATO summit that he believes the ceasefire is over but has not ruled out further talks.The United States launched new military strikes targeting Iranian military vessels following Iranian attacks on three commercial tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by striking US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. The exchange represents the most serious breakdown yet of the ceasefire agreement that had paused the US-Iran conflict. President Trump, speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, said he believes the ceasefire is over, though he indicated US negotiators could continue talking with Iran if they choose. The US also revoked a temporary sanctions waiver that had permitted Iranian oil exports. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy transit routes. Disruptions there affect global fuel markets and shipping, with direct implications for American consumers and the broader economy. Oil prices rose sharply on the news. The developments unfolded as NATO leaders gathered in Turkey, where Trump was also pressing allies on defense spending and the situation in Iran.
Nigel Farage Resigns from UK Parliament to Force By-Election Amid Funding Scrutiny
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has resigned from Parliament, triggering a snap by-election in his Clacton constituency, following an investigation into an undisclosed five-million-euro gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire.Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and member of Parliament for Clacton, has resigned his seat, forcing a by-election in that constituency. The move comes amid a parliamentary investigation into a five-million-euro gift Farage received from a cryptocurrency billionaire that he had not publicly disclosed. Farage described the gift as necessary funding for his personal security. The main British political parties have indicated they will not field candidates in the Clacton by-election, making the contest primarily between Farage — who would seek re-election — and other challengers. The situation has raised broader questions about financial disclosures and party funding within Reform UK. Guardian reporting has separately revealed that multiple financial transactions involving senior Reform UK figures were reported to the UK's National Crime Agency by banks concerned about potential money laundering. Reform UK has contested aspects of that reporting.
IOC Provisionally Lifts Russia's Olympic Suspension Ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Games
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee and advised sports bodies to end the three-year vetting program for Russian athletes, moving Russia closer to full participation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, a significant step toward Russia's return to full Olympic participation. The IOC also advised Olympic sports governing bodies to end the three-year program that had been individually vetting Russian athletes for eligibility to compete. The move brings Russia closer to fielding a full team under its national flag and anthem at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Russia's Olympic participation has been restricted since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, with athletes who were permitted to compete doing so under a neutral designation. The provisional nature of the IOC's decision means further conditions or reviews could still affect the outcome before 2028.
NATO Allies Announce £37 Billion Commitment for New Missile Defense Project
NATO allies announced a £37 billion commitment to a new missile defense program at the Ankara summit, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convening around a dozen leaders to discuss the initiative.On the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, a group of member nations announced a £37 billion commitment toward a new joint missile defense program. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened roughly a dozen allied leaders to discuss the project. The announcement comes at a summit where allied defense spending and collective security commitments have been major topics, with the US continuing to press European members to increase their contributions. The missile project represents one of the more concrete collective defense outputs from the Ankara gathering.
Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Faces Calls to Withdraw After Sexual Assault Allegation
Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner faces growing calls to exit the Maine Senate race after a woman he once dated accused him of sexual assault, which he denies. Prominent Democrats including Bernie Sanders have called for him to withdraw, and a succession process is underway.Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, faces an expanding chorus of calls to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation by a woman he once dated. Platner denies the allegation and has said he is taking time to reflect on the best path forward. Senator Bernie Sanders and other prominent Democratic figures have publicly called for Platner to step aside. Separately, Platner has been accused by Maine Democratic Party officials of attempting to influence the process for selecting a potential replacement nominee, which his campaign denies. Party leaders have stated that Platner has no formal role in picking a new candidate. At least one potential replacement, Troy Jackson, has filed paperwork to explore a Senate run. The Maine race is considered significant as Democrats seek to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The situation represents a serious challenge for Democratic prospects in the state.
Federal Government Conditions Antiterrorism Funds on States Adopting Specific Voting Rule Changes
Federal officials have told states they must pursue paper ballot systems, citizenship verification, and costly audits, or risk losing access to some antiterrorism grant funding.The Trump administration has told states that certain antiterrorism funding will be withheld unless they adopt a set of specific changes to their election procedures. The conditions include pursuing paper ballot systems, verifying voter citizenship, and conducting audits described by states as costly. The policy links federal homeland security grant funding to compliance with election administration requirements, a connection that states and election officials have contested as outside the normal scope of such funding. The move is part of a broader administration push on election integrity measures. Critics have raised concerns about the use of antiterrorism funding as leverage over voting rule decisions, while the administration argues the requirements strengthen election security.
Supreme Court Allows Texas App Age-Verification Law to Take Effect; Justices Kagan and Barrett Set to Testify Before Congress
The Supreme Court has allowed Texas to enforce a law requiring age verification and parental consent for minors using apps. Separately, Justices Kagan and Barrett are scheduled to testify before Congress.The Supreme Court has issued an emergency docket ruling allowing Texas to enforce a law that requires age verification and parental consent before minors can access certain apps. The decision permits the law to take effect while legal challenges continue in lower courts. Texas's law is among several state-level efforts to restrict minors' access to online platforms, an area that has seen increasing legislative activity across the country. Separately, Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are scheduled to testify before Congress, a notable event given how rarely sitting Supreme Court justices appear before the legislative branch. The court's recent term has also generated commentary around Chief Justice Roberts's positioning on key cases, Justice Jackson's approach to statutory interpretation, and the court's handling of federal spending questions. Trump has separately asked the court to reconsider an appeal related to a five-million-dollar jury award.
Trump Administration Reduces Federal Gun Violence Prevention Funding and Removes Related Government Reports
The Trump administration has cut funding to hospitals and community groups working on gun violence prevention and removed related reports from government websites, as it simultaneously pursues expanded gun rights through the Justice Department.The Trump administration has withdrawn federal funding from hospitals and community organizations that had been working on gun violence prevention programs. Reports on preventing firearm injuries have also been removed from government websites. At the same time, the Justice Department has filed more than a dozen lawsuits challenging firearm restrictions across the country, targeting measures including assault weapons bans and handgun purchase rosters. The parallel actions — reducing public health approaches to gun violence while using the courts to dismantle firearm restrictions — reflect a coherent policy direction within the administration. Gun violence prevention advocates have raised concerns about the elimination of community-based programs that had received federal support. The CDC's tobacco control office closure and removal of anti-smoking campaigns has been cited in related reporting as part of a broader pattern of public health program reductions.
Trump Administration Cancels Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants
The Trump administration has abruptly ended federal grants for teen pregnancy prevention programs, affecting health departments, universities, and nonprofit organizations that had been adapting their programs to align with earlier executive orders.The Trump administration has cancelled federal grant funding for teen pregnancy prevention programs, affecting health departments, universities, and nonprofit organizations across the country. Grantees had already spent months adjusting their programs to comply with earlier Trump administration executive orders, and recipients described the cancellation as completely unexpected. The programs had received funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration has not detailed what, if any, alternative programming would be supported in place of the cancelled grants.
Markets have trended modestly higher over the past week.
Oil Prices Rise More Than 5% and Stocks Fall After Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Over
Oil prices jumped more than five percent and US stocks fell after President Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over, following US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and the revocation of an Iranian oil export waiver.Financial markets reacted sharply to the renewed US-Iran hostilities. Oil prices rose more than five percent after President Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara that he believed the ceasefire with Iran was over. The US military had launched strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, and the US administration simultaneously revoked a sanctions waiver that had allowed Iran to export oil. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor through which a large share of the world's seaborne oil passes. Disruption there directly affects global energy supply and prices. US stock markets declined alongside the oil price surge. Analysts noted that further escalation in the region could have extended effects on fuel costs for American consumers and businesses, as well as on global shipping more broadly.
Friday Deadline to Claim IRS Refunds for COVID-Era Penalty Charges
Taxpayers who were penalized by the IRS during the COVID-19 pandemic have until Friday, July 10, to file for refunds. The IRS recently added an online filing option to make the process more accessible.Taxpayers who received IRS penalties during the COVID-19 pandemic have until Friday, July 10, to file claims for refunds. The IRS has added a new online filing option to complement existing methods, making it easier for eligible taxpayers to submit claims before the deadline. Taxpayers who believe they were penalized during the pandemic period should act before the deadline passes, as claims submitted after Friday will not be eligible.
Survey Finds 11% of Americans Currently Taking GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
Eleven percent of Americans are currently taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug such as Wegovy, up from six percent who reported ever taking the drugs in 2024, according to survey data.A new survey finds that eleven percent of Americans are currently taking a GLP-1 weight loss medication, such as Wegovy or similar drugs in that class. Fifteen percent of Americans report having ever taken such a drug, up significantly from six percent who said the same in 2024. The data reflects the rapid expansion of this drug category into mainstream use over a relatively short period. GLP-1 medications were originally developed for type-2 diabetes management and have since gained wide use for weight loss following regulatory approvals.
Lake Powell Heads Toward Unprecedented Low Levels Amid Western Water Shortage
Lake Powell, the United States' second-largest reservoir, is at risk of falling to historically low levels after a poor snowpack season failed to replenish it, deepening concerns about water availability across the American West.Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir and a critical water supply for states across the American West, is heading toward unprecedentedly low water levels after a historically poor snowpack season failed to raise its water level meaningfully. Scientists and water management experts describe the reservoir as careening toward a breaking point as the region's climate continues to warm and dry. Lake Powell and the connected Lake Mead system supply water and hydroelectric power to a large portion of the southwestern United States, including Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California. Extended low levels can trigger mandatory water cuts for states under existing shortage agreements and threaten hydroelectric power generation at Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam. The situation adds urgency to ongoing negotiations among western states and federal agencies over long-term water management in the Colorado River basin.