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Trump Unveils 'Guardian Of The Hormuz Strait' Plan

President Donald Trump announced a new U.S. policy for the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the vital shipping lane will remain open "with or without Iran." In a post on social media, Trump said the United States would reinstate what he called the "Iranian Blockade," describing it as a measure that would prevent only Iranian ships and customers from entering or leaving the waterway while allowing all other nations to continue using the strait. Trump also said the United States would assume the role of "The Guardian of the Hormuz Strait," pledging to provide security for commercial shipping through one of the world's most strategically important waterways. As part of the proposal, Trump said the U.S. would seek reimbursement equal to 20% of all cargo shipped through the strait to help cover the costs of maintaining security. He said the process of implementing the plan would begin immediately. The announcement comes as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate following days of military strikes and competing claims over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Data Center Battle In VA

Parasite Sickens Hundreds In 31 States

Houston ISD's Dramatic Education Turnaround

HHS's Fight Against Medicare & Medicaid Fraud

DOJ Cracks Down On Sanctuary Cities

Lindsey Graham Dead At 71

Young Washington Breaks The Box Office

Trump, World Leaders Respond to Lindsey Graham's Death

Judge Dismisses Remaining Proud Boys Case

A federal judge has dismissed the remaining charges in the government’s case against members of the Proud Boys who were convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The dismissal followed President Donald Trump’s use of his pardon powers to erase prosecutions tied to the Capitol riot. The case centered on allegations that members of the far-right group plotted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election and keep Trump in office after his defeat. With the pardons already eliminating the convictions, the judge’s ruling formally closed what remained of the landmark federal case.

Missouri Flooding Leaves One Dead, Prompts Hundreds Of Rescues

Severe flooding in Missouri has left one woman dead and forced hundreds of people to evacuate after days of heavy rainfall swept across parts of the state. Authorities say the woman was swept away after a house was ripped from its foundation by fast-moving floodwaters. More than 200 children and staff members were airlifted from a summer camp as rising water surrounded the property. At another campground, about 20 people were rescued after a building collapsed during the storm. Forecasters warned the threat was far from over, with the slow-moving storm system expected to bring additional heavy rain, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms to several other states.

Trump Says Iran Would Face Destruction if He Is Assassinated

President Donald Trump says he has ordered the U.S. military to destroy Iran if he were to be assassinated, describing the directive as a deterrent against threats from Tehran. Trump said the order is intended to discourage any attempt on his life by making clear that Iran would face overwhelming retaliation. While the president said the directive is in place, there is no automatic mechanism that would trigger a military strike if a president were killed. Under the U.S. Constitution, Vice President JD Vance would immediately become president and would decide whether to authorize any military response. U.S. continuity-of-government plans ensure the orderly transfer of power but do not require automatic retaliation following a president's death. The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran as the two countries continue to exchange military strikes across the Middle East.

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises To 4,490

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has climbed to 4,490, according to the country's National Assembly president. Officials say 16,740 people were injured in the twin earthquakes, while rescue crews have pulled 6,462 survivors from damaged buildings and affected areas. Nearly 18,000 people remain displaced after the disaster, with 17,907 reported homeless as recovery efforts continue. Emergency crews are continuing search, recovery and relief operations in some of the hardest-hit communities as thousands of families remain without permanent shelter.

Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Apple has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of stealing trade secrets as the artificial intelligence company works to develop its own hardware. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, alleges OpenAI engaged in a "coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level" to obtain Apple's confidential information. Apple also named two former employees who now work for OpenAI, alleging they played a role in the misappropriation of trade secrets. OpenAI denied the allegations, saying it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and intends to vigorously defend itself in court. The lawsuit marks a significant break in the relationship between the two companies, which have worked together on artificial intelligence initiatives in recent years.

Meta Appeals Landmark Social Media Addiction Verdict

Meta is appealing a landmark jury verdict that found the company liable for designing its social media platforms in ways that contributed to addiction among young users. The case centered on a 20-year-old woman who argued she became addicted to social media as a child, worsening her mental health. A Los Angeles jury agreed, finding Meta and Google-owned YouTube responsible and awarding the woman a total of $6 million in damages. By filing a notice of appeal, Meta has launched what is expected to be a lengthy legal process challenging the verdict. The case is closely watched because it could influence future lawsuits involving social media companies and their responsibility for the well-being of young users.

Plea Hearing Set For Teen Charged In Apalachee High School Shooting

A Georgia judge has scheduled a plea and sentencing hearing for Colt Gray, the teenager accused of killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School. The hearing is set for July 24 and is listed as a non-negotiated plea and sentencing hearing, meaning prosecutors and the defense have not reached an agreement on a sentence. If Gray enters a guilty plea, the judge will determine the punishment. Gray previously pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder. His trial had been scheduled to begin in October. The Sept. 4, 2024, shooting left two students and two teachers dead and several others injured. Gray's father was later convicted on multiple charges after prosecutors argued he provided the rifle used in the attack.

U.S., Iran Clash Over Strait Of Hormuz

The United States and Iran are each asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz following a weekend of renewed military strikes across the Middle East, raising fresh concerns about regional stability and global energy supplies. The strategic waterway, which once carried roughly one-fifth of the world's traded crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has again become the focal point of the conflict. Iran says it has reimposed restrictions on traffic through the strait and warned that normal shipping will not resume until U.S. military operations in the region end. The United States, meanwhile, says freedom of navigation remains intact and that its forces continue to escort commercial vessels through the waterway. The latest escalation comes as both countries approach the halfway point of a 60-day interim agreement intended to pave the way for negotiations on a permanent end to the war. Over the weekend, U.S. forces launched strikes against Iranian air defense systems, radar installations, missile sites and naval assets. Iran responded by targeting U.S. military facilities across the Gulf region, including sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. The renewed fighting has pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns about disruptions to global energy markets, while casting new doubt on whether diplomatic efforts can succeed.