President Donald Trump has ordered a renewed U.S. blockade of Iran, sending oil prices sharply higher as the countries continue to exchange strikes.
In Maine, authorities are investigating a fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent. In South Carolina, a new senator emerges and health officials nationwide are tracking a growing illness outbreak linked to contaminated food. In lighter news, a NASA astronaut is set to launch aboard a Russian spacecraft today, and the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup are set to begin with a European showdown in Texas.
Here are six stories worth following:
Quote Driving the News:
“He said they were looking for someone, essentially, and the person they shot was not the person they were looking for,” Matthew Felling, a spokesman for Sen. Angus King of Maine, said of Monday’s ICE shooting.
Trump Reimposes Iran Blockade, Fighting Resumes
What we’re watching: President Trump announced Monday that the U.S. would resume its blockade of Iran and require ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to reimburse the United States for military protection starting today. The move comes as the two sides exchanged strikes in the region, and follows Iran’s announcement over the weekend that it had closed the strait.
Why it matters: The recent strikes and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz indicate the ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. has frayed, if not fallen apart. The price of crude oil skyrocketed following the attacks, one of the largest spikes since the start of the war.
Cyclosporiasis Cases Rise as Health Officials Hunt for Source
What we’re watching: Health officials are investigating a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness that causes severe diarrhea that can last for weeks, after hundreds of confirmed cases were reported across at least 31 states. The source of the outbreak hasn’t yet been identified, though past outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce.
Why it matters: The parasite can cause weeks of debilitating gastrointestinal illness and is especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Public health officials are urging consumers to thoroughly wash – or, when possible, cook – fresh produce as investigators work to identify the contaminated food source.
Officials Investigate Deadly ICE Shooting in Maine
What we’re watching: Officials in Maine say a person was fatally shot during an encounter with federal immigration agents in Biddeford, Maine, on Monday, though details of the shooting remain unclear. The incident comes less than a week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston.
Why it matters: The latest shooting is intensifying scrutiny of the Trump administration’s expanded immigration enforcement operations and renewing calls for greater oversight of ICE agents’ use of force. Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups are demanding transparency in both cases.
Make Your Inbox Smarter
Sign up for these free email newsletters from U.S. News:
Pick Newsletters
Lindsey Graham’s Sister Tapped for Senate Seat
What we’re watching: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has appointed Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to temporarily fill her brother’s U.S. Senate seat after the longtime senator’s sudden death over the weekend. Nordone – who will be the state’s first-ever female senator – will serve through January while a special election will be held to choose a GOP nominee for Graham’s seat in the November general election.
Why it matters: The appointment preserves the GOP’s Senate majority in the short term, but the race to permanently replace Graham is already taking shape, with several prominent South Carolina Republicans weighing bids. The special Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11.
NASA Astronaut Launching to International Space Station
What we’re watching: A Russian spacecraft is scheduled to launch today in Kazakhstan, with NASA astronaut Anil Menon on board. Menon will join Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina for an approximately eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station.
Why it matters: Menon’s first spaceflight comes at a time of continued U.S.-Russian cooperation aboard the ISS despite broader geopolitical tensions on Earth. The mission will support research in human health, space technology and long-duration space exploration.
World Cup Semifinals Begin With Historic Final Four
What we’re watching: The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals begin today with France facing Spain in Arlington, Texas. Today’s winner will play either England or Argentina – who face off tomorrow in Atlanta.
Why it matters: This year marks the first time since FIFA introduced its world rankings in 1992 that the tournament’s four highest-ranked teams have all reached the semifinals. The final week of the tournament is expected to draw some of the largest global television audiences of the year and cement the legacy of the first 48-team World Cup hosted across North America.