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Gas and diesel prices in the US have risen again, with diesel now over $5 a gallon and gas close to $4. This increase is linked to rising tensions between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Key Facts
The average price of diesel fuel in the US is over $5 per gallon.
The average price of gasoline is nearly $4 per gallon.
Prices are back near levels seen before the June agreement between the US and Iran.
A year ago, diesel cost about $3.72 per gallon, much lower than today’s price.
Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, while the US claimed it guarantees safe passage.
The US imposed a blockade on ships going to or from Iranian ports.
President Trump briefly announced charging a 20% fee on cargo through the Strait but later dropped the plan.
Oil prices are around $81 a barrel, influenced by political uncertainty and market rumors.
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The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels are reviewing a low flyover that disturbed people on Pensacola Beach, Florida. The jet flew lower than usual, causing beach chairs and umbrellas to move, and officials are checking to make sure safety rules were followed.
Key Facts
The incident involved a Blue Angels jet flying low over beachgoers on Pensacola Beach.
This happened during a "Breakfast with the Blues" event on the morning of July 15, 2026.
The low flight disturbed beach chairs and umbrellas.
The Blue Angels called it a "low-altitude pass" and said it was lower than their standard flying profiles.
Officials stated safety is their top priority and are conducting a thorough review of the event.
The review is to ensure compliance with Navy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards.
Witnesses reported it was an unusual and surprising flyover.
The Blue Angels leadership is involved in the safety investigation.
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Authorities in Ivory Coast have started demolishing homes in Attecoube, targeting buildings considered illegal on public land that is vulnerable to floods and landslides. Many residents will lose their homes due to this removal effort.
Key Facts
Demolitions began recently in the Attecoube area of Ivory Coast.
Authorities say the buildings are illegal.
The targeted homes are on public land.
The land is at risk of floods and landslides.
Thousands of people will lose their homes because of the demolitions.
The action is part of a large-scale government effort.
Residents were forced to watch as their homes were destroyed.
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A court in England has ordered a new investigation into the death of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, whose mother challenged the original inquest. The fresh inquest will examine how social media, especially TikTok, may have played a role in his death.
Key Facts
Jools Sweeney died in 2022 at age 14.
The first inquest into his death lasted 23 minutes and did not include live evidence.
The High Court overturned the original inquest's conclusion after Jools' mother, Ellen Roome, launched a legal challenge.
This is the first case in England and Wales where a new inquest will look closely at a deceased child's social media and device data.
The Online Safety Act 2023 allows regulators to request information from social media companies about what children see or post online.
Ellen Roome plans to use the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to get more social media evidence.
Neither the coroner nor TikTok opposed reopening the inquest.
Other parents of children affected by social media-related issues are watching the case closely and see it as a possible model for future cases.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer supports an investigation by Fifa into Argentina players who showed a banner about the Falkland Islands after their World Cup win against England. The UK government said politics should stay out of football and reaffirmed its commitment to the Falkland Islands, where residents choose their future.
Key Facts
After Argentina beat England in the World Cup semi-final, some players displayed a banner saying “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which refers to Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands.
Prime Minister Starmer agreed with Business Secretary Peter Kyle that Fifa should investigate if this broke football rules against political statements.
The UK government said the Falkland Islands belong to their residents, and their position on the islands has not changed.
Starmer wished both Argentina and Spain well for the World Cup final.
The Falklands conflict in 1982 led to over 900 deaths after Argentina invaded the islands.
Argentina also complained about a British Royal Navy ship, HMS Medway, sailing near the Falklands without permission, but the UK said it notified Argentina in advance and followed international law.
The Royal Navy said the ship was on a routine trip to support scientific research in Antarctica.
England’s coach Thomas Tuchel’s position was not directly addressed; the government said his role is his own decision.
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The UK government responded to Argentina players showing a banner claiming the Falkland Islands during the World Cup semi-final, saying the islands belong to Britain. The Falkland Islands are a British territory, but Argentina also claims them, which led to a war in 1982. The UK supports the islanders’ choice to remain British.
Key Facts
Argentina players displayed a banner saying "The Falklands are Argentine" after beating England.
The UK government reaffirmed that the Falkland Islands belong to Britain and support the islanders' right to choose their status.
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Britain and Argentina fought a war over the islands in 1982, with over 900 deaths combined.
In a 2013 vote, nearly all island residents chose to stay a British territory.
FIFA may investigate Argentina players for showing the banner during the match.
UK political leaders called for action and defended British sovereignty over the Falklands.
England lost 2-1 to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final due to two late Argentine goals.
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Yosemite National Park is experiencing overcrowding on a popular hiking trail. Visitors are seen tightly packed along a steep cliffside, creating safety concerns.
Key Facts
Yosemite National Park is crowded with many hikers on a popular trail.
People are squeezing past each other on a narrow, steep path.
The situation raises worries about visitor safety.
The overcrowding happens at a well-known and busy area of the park.
No specific incidents or injuries were reported in the article.
The park is one of the most famous national parks in the country.
This issue highlights challenges in managing large numbers of visitors in natural parks.
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The US military struck an Iranian-linked oil tanker in the Gulf after it ignored warnings and moved toward Iran's main oil terminal. President Trump recently restarted a naval blockade of Iranian ports following a series of attacks on commercial ships in the region.
Key Facts
The US attacked the oil tanker Belma using Hellfire missiles to disable it near Kharg Island.
Belma ignored multiple warnings before the strike.
President Trump reintroduced a blockade on Iranian ports on Tuesday amid rising tensions.
A previous US naval blockade ran from April 13 to June 18 and redirected over 140 ships.
A ceasefire in mid-June had temporarily lifted the blockade and some oil sanctions on Iran.
During the ceasefire, Iran exported about 74 million barrels of oil worth roughly $6 billion.
Another sanctioned Iranian tanker, Fuyao, reportedly changed course back toward Iran after the blockade resumed.
Ship crossings through the Strait of Hormuz have sharply decreased since the blockade was reinstated.
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More than 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, causing thick smoke to spread into parts of the United States. Many areas in northern US states like Michigan and Minnesota have poor air quality, and officials advise people to stay indoors.
Key Facts
There are 857 active wildfires in Canada, including 23 new ones recently.
Smoke from fires in western Ontario is spreading over cities like Thunder Bay, Toronto, and drifting into the US Great Lakes region and Northeast.
Air quality in some US cities, such as Detroit and Minneapolis, is considered hazardous.
Thunderstorms are expected in Ontario but may not bring enough rain to stop the fires soon.
Winds will carry smoke into northern US states this week and weekend, possibly reaching New Jersey for the World Cup final on Sunday.
A change in wind direction is expected by Monday, which may improve US air quality but move smoke across Quebec.
Video showed wildfire surrounding a freight train in Ontario; all trapped workers were rescued safely.
Canadian National Rail has paused operations temporarily in the affected Ontario region.
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President Donald Trump fired Roger Rogoff, the newly appointed US attorney in Seattle, less than an hour after federal judges named him to the job. The firing highlights ongoing conflicts between the courts and the Trump administration about how top federal prosecutors are appointed and removed.
Key Facts
Roger Rogoff was unanimously appointed US attorney for western Washington by federal judges early Wednesday.
President Trump fired Rogoff shortly after he was sworn in.
Normally, the president appoints US attorneys with Senate approval, but judges can temporarily appoint them when nominations stall.
Trump’s administration has used tactics to keep unconfirmed prosecutors in power without Senate approval.
Trump previously appointed Charles Neil Floyd as interim US attorney but never sent his nomination to the Senate.
Federal judges in Seattle took applications and appointed Rogoff after questioning the legality of Trump’s tactics.
Senator Patty Murray criticized the firing and supported Rogoff’s appointment.
Similar conflicts occurred in New Jersey and Virginia where judges found appointments unlawful and prosecutors were fired by Trump’s administration.
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French President Emmanuel Macron promised to replant the Fontainebleau forest after wildfires burned at least 10% of its 20,000 hectares. The fires forced about 1,000 people to leave their homes, and while the fire is now under control, it will take several weeks to fully extinguish.
Key Facts
The Fontainebleau forest covers 20,000 hectares and is located just south of Paris.
Wildfires damaged at least 10% of the forest area.
Around 1,000 residents had to evacuate due to the fires.
President Macron described the forest as a valuable natural and cultural treasure.
A fundraising campaign to replant the forest is being launched by the local municipality, the National Forest Office, and the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Fontainebleau forest is historically a former royal hunting ground and a popular site for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing.
Macron previously led a fundraising effort to rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral after its fire in 2019.
Experts say the forest could take decades to fully recover from the wildfire damage.
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George Santos, a former congressman from New York, will compete on the fifth season of Fox's reality show "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test," which features tough military-style challenges. Santos served less than a year in Congress after being exposed for fabricating his life story and was later sentenced for crimes but had his sentence reduced by President Trump.
Key Facts
George Santos will appear on a reality TV show with difficult physical and mental challenges set in a Malaysian jungle.
The show tests contestants’ physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional endurance.
Santos was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 as a Republican but was expelled after less than a year.
He was found to have lied about his personal background and faced criminal charges including theft and fraud.
Santos pleaded guilty and served about 84 days in prison before President Trump commuted his sentence.
He attempted another political run but stopped after failing to raise funds.
Santos was involved in controversy for allegedly betting against his own attendance at President Trump’s State of the Union address, which he denied.
Other contestants on the show include former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose.
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Iran has warned it will damage important regional infrastructure if the United States keeps attacking Iran. Iran also said it will stop the U.S. from getting involved in the Strait of Hormuz, a key water passage.
Key Facts
Iran threatened to "crush" regional infrastructure in response to U.S. attacks.
The U.S. has been carrying out large-scale attacks on Iran.
Iran does not want the U.S. to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global shipping and oil transport.
Iran claims to have carried out strikes on U.S. military bases.
Iran warned it might expand attacks in the region if the conflict continues.
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Harold Hamm, a successful US oil businessman and longtime friend of President Donald Trump, has influenced US energy and foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and Iran. Hamm’s group, the Council for a Secure America (CSA), has worked to strengthen US-Israel ties, warn about Iran, and promote US energy production as a matter of national security.
Key Facts
Harold Hamm is a wealthy oilman who helped pioneer fracking and reversed US oil production decline in 2008.
President Trump calls Hamm his “original oil guy” and he has donated over $2 million to Trump’s campaigns.
Hamm influenced the lifting of the US crude oil export ban in 2015, benefiting his company.
Hamm warns Iran is a threat to Israel and the US and supports strong US oil production to reduce foreign energy dependence.
Hamm co-founded the Council for a Secure America (CSA), a nonprofit promoting US energy dominance and security cooperation with Israel.
Between October 2023 and early 2024, CSA held 300 briefings with US lawmakers and many meetings with US and Israeli security officials.
CSA includes former Israeli officials, oil executives, and ex-White House staff; it focuses on educating about energy’s role in national security without direct lobbying.
CSA members met multiple times with current or former US government officials, including Trump’s interior secretary and a former energy secretary.
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The Trump administration is investigating Yale University for alleged discrimination against white and Asian students. This situation highlights concerns that some American institutions, including universities, operate in a controlling or authoritarian way, which can affect democracy.
Key Facts
Yale's leadership began negotiating with President Trump's administration over a discrimination investigation.
Faculty, students, and alumni at Yale strongly opposed any settlement or concessions.
Harvard has also been subject to leaks about possible concessions to the Trump administration.
The investigation accuses these universities of discriminating against white and Asian students.
American civil society, once seen as a defense against government overreach, may itself have authoritarian elements.
Universities in the US often have governance structures with ultimate power held by boards or trustees, not shared with students.
Scholars note that civil society groups are not always pro-democratic and can sometimes support anti-democratic causes.
The structure of organizations may limit resistance to authoritarian government actions because leaders prefer stability over conflict.
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Some Democratic members of Congress are very left-wing, and their actions may draw more attention than the Trump administration. This could affect how voters see the Democratic Party in future elections, including those through 2028.
Key Facts
The article discusses Democrats in Congress who hold very left-wing political views.
These members might overshadow President Trump's administration in public attention.
The situation could influence voter opinions about the Democratic Party.
This dynamic may play a role in upcoming elections up to the year 2028.
The focus is on internal party politics and how it could affect electoral outcomes.
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President Donald Trump will give a primetime speech focused on election security and voting system vulnerabilities, especially related to the 2020 election. He plans to share new intelligence about election interference and voting machine flaws, aiming to push for stronger election safeguards.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday about elections and voting security.
The speech is expected to cover intelligence linked to the 2020 election and voting machines.
Trump has repeatedly claimed the 2020 election was "rigged" and questioned its security.
Officials have reviewed election intelligence and voting systems for over a year.
Voting machine security and potential foreign hacking risks will be a main focus.
Previous court cases and audits found no proof of widespread 2020 election fraud.
Trump may present new claims about China accessing American voter data.
Earlier intelligence said China did not interfere in vote counting or election infrastructure.
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The European Union’s top court ruled that a Spanish law granting amnesty to those involved in Catalonia’s separatist efforts follows EU law. The court said Spain has the right to adopt such laws to reduce political tensions and promote reconciliation.
Key Facts
The Spanish amnesty law cancels criminal records for officials and activists linked to Catalonia’s independence push.
The EU Court of Justice stated that EU law does not prevent member states from adopting amnesty laws.
The ruling supports Spain’s government and its Catalan political allies.
The law aims to reduce political tensions from Catalonia’s 2017 independence referendum, which Spain’s Constitutional Court declared illegal.
The Spanish lower house approved the amnesty law in 2024.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed the law to gain support from Catalan parties after the 2023 elections.
The court allowed a two-month deadline for decisions on amnesty but said other court rulings must be considered first.
This ruling may allow Catalonia’s exiled leader, Carles Puigdemont, to return to Spain.
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The Biden administration is reviewing a proposed rule that might limit some immigrants’ access to federal tax credits. The rule would apply a 1996 law to reduce refundable tax benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit for certain immigrants.
Key Facts
The Treasury Department sent the proposal to a regulatory office on July 14 for review before public comment.
The proposal aims to apply the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to some refundable tax credits.
Affected tax credits may include the Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, American Opportunity Tax Credit, and Saver’s Match Credit.
The rule could exclude immigrants who are not “qualified aliens” under federal law from receiving these tax credits.
Lawful permanent residents and some immigrants with legal status may still be eligible if they meet IRS rules.
Immigrants without Social Security numbers valid for work generally cannot claim certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Undocumented immigrants pay billions in federal, state, and local taxes annually but may lose access to some tax benefits if the rule advances.
The final impact depends on the exact wording and which immigrant groups are included in the rule.
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The Trump administration has decided to add a 25 percent tax on some products coming into the U.S. from Brazil. This happened after a one-year review found that Brazil used unfair trade actions.
Key Facts
The tariffs will be 25 percent on certain Brazilian imports.
The decision follows a yearlong investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.
The probe found issues with Brazil’s digital trade rules.
It also noted weak enforcement of anti-corruption measures in Brazil.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the decision.
The tariff aims to address Brazil’s unfair trade practices.
This action is part of the Trump administration’s trade policy efforts.
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