Iran and Oman propose fee system for Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran ceasefire talks pause for Khamenei funeral
US-Iran indirect negotiations in Doha made progress on a ceasefire but are paused during the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Iran and Oman now formally proposing administrative fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz—a move the US flatly opposes as violating international law. The dispute over Hormuz control, along with unfreezing Iranian assets and regional ceasefires, remains a major sticking point as both sides prepare to resume talks after July 9.
Trump administration declines to extend USMCA, triggering decade-long review of $2 trillion North American trade pact
The Trump administration refused to renew the USMCA at its six-year review on July 1, 2026, citing concerns over trade deficits and market access issues with Mexico and Canada. The agreement now enters a 10-year period subject to rolling annual reviews, creating uncertainty for North American supply chains and the estimated 8-13 million U.S. jobs dependent on trade with the two neighbors.
U.S. economy adds just 57,000 jobs in June as unemployment holds at 4.2% and wage growth trails inflation
The U.S. added only 57,000 nonfarm payrolls in June, less than half the expected 115,000, marking the weakest month in four months and prompting downward revisions to prior months. The unemployment rate fell to 4.2% largely due to labor force shrinkage rather than job creation, while wage growth of 3.5% year-over-year continues to lag behind projected inflation of 3.92%, eroding worker purchasing power.
Trump signals F-35 fighter jet sale to Turkey ahead of NATO summit, drawing bipartisan congressional backlash
President Trump indicated he will offer F-35 fighter jets to Turkey at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara on July 7–8, potentially ending a seven-year ban imposed after Turkey purchased Russian S-400 missile systems in 2019. The signal has triggered swift bipartisan opposition in Congress, with lawmakers warning the sale could compromise U.S. military security and send a dangerous message to allies.
FBI surges 260 intelligence personnel into Georgia 2020 election investigation
The FBI has issued an internal memo ordering field offices to deploy over 260 intelligence personnel to investigate the 2020 election in Georgia, marking a significant expansion of the probe described as a "priority effort" for FBI Director Kash Patel's office. The surge comes as the Trump administration and Justice Department intensify election-related investigations, including efforts to obtain information from thousands of election workers and potentially declassify election-related documents from intelligence agencies.
Federal judges block Trump administration's restrictions on Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Two federal judges appointed by Biden blocked the Trump administration's new rule that would have restricted Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility by disqualifying employers with alleged "substantial illegal purpose," just one day before the rule was set to take effect. The judges found the vague regulatory language would grant the Education Department broad authority to target organizations based on political preferences rather than legal statute, protecting eligibility for hundreds of thousands of public service workers.
FDA approves Casgevy gene therapy for sickle cell disease in children as young as 2 years old
The FDA has expanded approval of Casgevy, a CRISPR-based gene therapy, to children aged 2 and older with sickle cell disease or transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, lowering the eligible age from 12 years. The approval is based on clinical trial data showing all eight evaluable children aged 5-12 with sickle cell disease achieved zero severe vaso-occlusive crises for at least 12 consecutive months following the one-time treatment.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding rehearsal dinner concludes at Madison Square Garden ahead of Friday ceremony
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce held a rehearsal dinner for approximately 100 guests Thursday evening at Madison Square Garden's Infosys Theater, with their main wedding celebration scheduled for Friday evening at the same venue. The couple donated $26 million to 20 charities this week and have implemented strict security measures including a no-phone policy and NYPD barricades around the Manhattan venue.