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Brittney Melton
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President Trump announced yesterday that the U.S. would reimpose a blockade on Iranian shipping. The blockade will go into effect on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Trump also said the U.S. would impose a 20% toll on cargo moving through the waterway while allowing ships from other countries to pass. The move follows renewed U.S. and Iranian strikes that have pushed last month's ceasefire closer to collapse. The Strait carries about one-fifth of the world's oil shipments.
A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on Friday. AFP via Getty Images hide caption
An immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Colombian immigrant yesterday in Maine. The incident marks the second deadly shooting involving ICE in a week and at least the ninth since President Trump's immigration crackdown began. According to the Department of Homeland Security, agents were monitoring a location linked to a deportation order when someone drove away, leading to the shooting. Some Maine officials say the victim wasn't the intended target. Federal and state law enforcement officials are investigating the shooting.
A dozen states have filed a lawsuit to stop Paramount's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The block could prevent the possibility of bringing together some of the largest movie studios, television newsrooms and other entertainment properties in the U.S. California Attorney General Rob Bonta says that the merger would result in "higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television." Paramount says the lawsuit misreads the facts and antitrust law.
by Juliana Kim, general assignment reporter
We're at the final stretch of the World Cup. It feels like just yesterday, international fans were arriving in the U.S. and marveling at Buc-ee's and unlimited free soda.
The semi-finals are:⚽ Today: France vs. Spain @ 3 p.m. ET in Dallas⚽ Wednesday: England vs. Argentina @ 3 p.m. ET in Atlanta.
Here's what to know about the last four teams:🇫🇷 France Last World Cup trophy: 2018
Reaching the final will be a chance at rewriting history for France. The team made it to the last match in 2022 but lost to Argentina. This time, France has returned with a vengeance — particularly thanks to Kylian Mbappé, who's responsible for eight goals.
🇪🇸 SpainLast World Cup trophy: 2010
One of the tournament's highlights has been watching Spain's 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal take on titan after titan. Now, his team is facing its biggest contender yet.
While this will be the first time Yamal and Mbappé are battling at the World Cup, the two have played against each other before. Most recently, in 2024, when Yamal helped his team come out on top.
🏴 EnglandLast World Cup trophy: 1966
A trip to the final would perhaps be sweetest for England. The team hasn't won a World Cup in 60 years — despite reaching the quarter or semi-finals multiple times since then.
Nearly all of England's goals were made to Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. My eyes will be on the duo and my ears on the fans in case they sing "Hey Jude" like they did at the last game.
🇦🇷 ArgentinaLast World Cup trophy: 2022
All eyes are on Argentina to see if the team can be the first to win the World Cup back-to-back in decades. To do so, the defending champion will face England. The two haven't competed on the global stage in 24 years. "It'll be a special match because I've never played against England," Lionel Messi told FIFA.
By Wednesday night, we'll know who's heading to the final, which is this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET in New Jersey.
What we know for sure: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS will be there, performing at the World Cup's first-ever final half-time show.
Click through to watch the latest Soccer Edition video clips from across the NPR Network.
GBH's The Curiosity Desk: The World Cup Effect
Can a global sporting event bring the U.S. and the world closer together? And if so, can it last? In this special episode of GBH's The Curiosity Desk, host Edgar B. Herwick III and NPR World Cup correspondent Jasmine Garsd talk to reporters from around the country to find out.
➡️ Watch the show on YouTube or listen in the NPR App
What to watch for this week
🎉 The global sleepover at our house is wrapping up. So many international visitors from across the globe visiting cities coast to coast, has left many feeling like this summer has been one big party at our place. For immigrant communities in New York, it's been a welcome respite.
💻 The World Cup has been the perfect distraction for so many it has actually cut into the productivity of the global economy. While some are watching to see if it bounces back, we're curious what will bring us together and captivate our collective attention next?
Attendees take photographs and admire Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam engine locomotive, during a stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sunday, July 5, 2026. As part of the celebration for America's 250th anniversary, the steam engine train was on tour for public display in multiple cities and states across the United States. Michelle Gustafson for NPR hide caption
Union Pacific Railroad's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, traveled from Wyoming to Philadelphia for America's 250th birthday celebration. Despite the heat, fans camped out at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Many brought chairs, coolers and smartphone apps to track the train's progress. Take a look at the train and the fan turnout for the rare sighting.
Illustration for NPR by Jackie Lay Music influencers on social media have become the modern-day radio hosts, with many being paid to promote songs without disclosing it.Trump has signed two proclamations that dramatically reduce protections for Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument. (via KUER)The deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., has now been extended through Inauguration Day 2029. Sponsor Message This newsletter was edited by Majd Al-Waheidi.
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