WorldIran is tightening restrictions on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with the United States intensify. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is limiting vessel movement and pushing ships towards alternative routes. Washington says it is enforcing maritime measures in response, redirecting commercial traffic and increasing pressure on Tehran. The strategic waterway has become a central flashpoint, disrupting a vital global energy route.
WorldAir raid sirens sent residents of Kyiv underground as ballistic missiles targeted the Ukrainian capital. People sought protection in metro stations while the strikes unfolded. For those living in Kyiv, taking refuge beneath the city has become a familiar routine after years of war. The shelters reflect how repeated attacks have shaped daily life in the capital.
The Associated Press
PoliticsA committee of the US Senate voted to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. The former top infectious-disease official had declined to answer questions about how he handled the COVID-19 pandemic. The vote follows his refusal to respond to the committee’s inquiries about that handling.
Reuters
PoliticsSocial, environmental, labor and Indigenous organizations in Argentina, along with opposition political parties, called a march in Buenos Aires to Congress. The Senate is due to resume debate on the Law on the Inviolability of Private Property. The measure is promoted by President Javier Milei’s government and would change rules governing land use and private property. Protesters are opposing the proposed reforms as lawmakers prepare to continue consideration of the bill.
Reuters
EconomyMarkets are preparing for the US jobs report due on August 7. A strong reading could drive bond yields higher, according to the outlook described here. Investment strategist Jeff Schulze says wage growth is already consistent with the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target. That leaves energy prices as the key factor in the renewed inflation debate.
Reuters
World2:32Israeli forces have carried out air strikes on southern Lebanon for a second straight day, including against the town of Mansouri. The attacks followed an explosion near Majdel Zoun that killed two Israeli soldiers. Residents reported extensive destruction, damaged homes and renewed displacement as the violence intensified. US-backed ceasefire negotiations in Rome have continued while the escalation unfolds. Israel says its operations respond to violations of the ceasefire agreement, while Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the explosion.
WorldIsraeli military raids and settler attacks are escalating across the occupied West Bank. Palestinians report increasing destruction, displacement and violence. In Qalandiya, Palestinian homes and businesses were damaged during Israeli operations. Residents of Masafer Yatta describe more settler attacks, including arson and assaults that have injured civilians, among them children. Palestinians say the escalation has created growing insecurity across the area.
WorldA rights group says Israel’s policies are pushing the healthcare system in the occupied West Bank toward collapse. For three years, Israel has withheld billions of dollars in tax and customs revenues collected for the Palestinian Authority, making it difficult to pay health workers, purchase medicines and sustain public hospitals, pharmacies and clinics. The group says 75% of those facilities have reduced operations and now function only once or twice weekly. Israeli military raids and a growing number of checkpoints are adding to the strain on medical access.
The Associated Press
WorldIran’s deputy foreign minister says Tehran and Oman are nearing completion of a proposed framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He cautions, however, that finalizing the framework would not by itself reopen the waterway. Iran also rejects claims that it is negotiating with the United States, insisting its discussions with Oman are strictly bilateral. The report examines what would be needed to turn the proposal into an effective reopening arrangement.
CNN
World16:15Iran says it is close to finalising an agreement with Oman on how the Strait of Hormuz will be managed in the future. The proposed deal would create new shipping routes through the strategic waterway, although uncertainty remains over joint control of the strait. Tehran says it is not conducting direct negotiations with the United States. Diplomatic communication is continuing through intermediaries, while traffic through the waterway remains central to the issue.
PoliticsDaily Wire host Michael Knowles argues that the Republican Party needs to address what people are feeling to counter the rise of Democratic Socialists of America candidates across the country. He presents his approach during an appearance on Fox News @ Night. The discussion focuses on how Republicans might respond politically to the growing presence of DSA candidates nationwide.
Fox News
SocietySingapore is preparing for National Day fireworks and festivities around the National Stadium this Sunday. Police measures are aimed at preventing overcrowding during the celebrations. Mobile surveillance cameras, infrared beam cameras and live video cameras will use artificial intelligence and computer-vision methods to count people in the area. Portable anti-ramming vehicle barriers will also be installed to shield crowds from hostile vehicle attacks. The measures form part of the security arrangements classified by police.
SportsSingapore will meet Indonesia tomorrow in its final ASEAN Hyundai Cup group match. The Lions have remained unbeaten with two wins and a draw, and a stalemate would be enough to send them into the semi-finals. Singapore will nevertheless be without midfielder Kyoga Nakamura, who is suspended after collecting two yellow cards in earlier matches. Indonesia enters the fixture after a 3-0 loss to group leaders Vietnam and will be looking to recover from that setback.
WorldRoads are blocked and checkpoints shut whenever violence erupts, as Israel seals off the West Bank. The latest restrictions followed events in Nablus on July 24, when two Israeli settlers and four Palestinians died. France 24 correspondent Claire Duhamel travelled with a paramedic who regularly takes pregnant women to hospital. Their journey highlights the severe difficulties women can face while trying to reach medical care through the checkpoints.
SocietySingapore’s National Parks Board is introducing a sterilisation programme for long-tailed macaques in Maju Forest. The initiative aims to manage the animals’ population and reduce encounters with people. Residents living nearby had reported repeated cases of macaques entering their homes. NParks also plans to limit human food sources and send out patrols to guard against monkeys. Singapore is home to about 1,900 native long-tailed macaques. In the wild, the animals can live for 15 to 30 years.
SocietySocial service agencies say lower-income households dependent on gig work or irregular employment are among those most affected by rising costs. Unpredictable hours and earnings leave little room for financial emergencies, forcing some families to reduce spending on essentials. Temporary increases in ComCare support are expected to provide relief. Interim Assistance will rise to at least S$250 per month for up to three months, while the usual S$800 per-capita income criterion will be applied with greater flexibility.
EconomySmashburger CEO Jim Sullivan explains why the restaurant chain is placing greater emphasis on franchising. During an appearance on Bloomberg’s “Open Interest,” Sullivan also addresses the company’s pricing strategy. He comments as well on a recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The discussion combines the chain’s expansion approach with a food-health issue and its response to pricing considerations.
Bloomberg Television
PoliticsThe Senate voted along party lines to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer questions about COVID. The vote came one week after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right during a hearing. The action centers on his decision not to respond to questions at that session. It marks a formal congressional response to his refusal.
The Associated Press
WorldIran says it is in the final stages of reaching a deal with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. The details have yet to be released, but the arrangement could cover how ships enter and leave the strategic waterway and whether payments would be required for access. The possible agreement raises questions about whether Tehran would gain leverage in negotiations with Washington and whether the United States would back it. Security analyst Elisabeth Braw considers those issues.
PoliticsPresident Trump delivered remarks in Las Vegas. The White House said people pay no taxes on tip income, whether they are in Las Vegas or elsewhere. It credited the policy to President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts. The message highlighted the measure as a benefit for workers receiving tips.
CultureDiarra Kilpatrick, star of “Diarra from Detroit,” appeared on “CBS Mornings” to talk about the show’s new season. The season premiered on Paramount+ last week. The conversation focused on the series and Kilpatrick’s involvement in it. “CBS Mornings” airs on weekday mornings on CBS and streams through the CBS News app.
EconomyRetail sales in Singapore continued to grow in June despite higher living costs. The trend raises a question about whether people are spending more overall or redirecting their purchases. The report examines the forces changing how consumers spend. It focuses on shifts in spending patterns rather than simply on the growth in sales.
ScienceGeneticist and Kindred Companion Sciences CEO Matt Walker appeared on “CBS Mornings” with Bailey, his gene-altered beagle. He discussed efforts to create future options for people with severe pet allergies. The program’s hosts, Gayle King and Nate Burleson, present weekday news, conversation and feature reporting. The segment focuses on how altered beagles could offer hope to dog lovers affected by allergies.
EconomyJonathan Ferro, Lisa Abramowicz and Annmarie Hordern speak with leaders and decision makers from Wall Street, Washington and beyond. The program is presented as a guide for investors and executives heading into the trading day. This edition examines technology-market volatility, pressure in bonds and talks concerning Hormuz. Bob Elliott discusses signs that leverage may indicate an overbought market. Victoria Coates considers whether Iran has overplayed its hand, while another segment says the AI investment cycle remains far from over.
Bloomberg Television