The U.S. and Iran are engaged in an escalating conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. forces striking Iran after President Trump announced a renewed blockade and tolls on shipping through the waterway. This threatens to end the ceasefire reached last month and risks a full return to war between the two nations. The situation marks a significant escalation in a critical global chokepoint for oil shipping.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missiles at Saudi Arabia in response to strikes on Sanaa's airport, blaming Saudi Arabia for the attack on Yemen's capital. The Houthis say they targeted Abha airport in retaliation. This adds another flashpoint to the broader regional tensions involving Iran-aligned forces across the Middle East.

An investigation into a deadly Bangkok music bar fire has found locked doors and flammable decor as contributing factors, with the death toll climbing to 30. Survivors and first responders reported a lack of clear emergency exit signage, raising serious questions about fire safety enforcement. Dozens more remain hospitalized from the blaze.

A 26-year-old Colombian man was fatally shot by federal law enforcement during an ICE operation in Biddeford, Maine. Sen. Angus King confirmed the man was not the actual target of the arrest warrant being executed, raising serious questions about the operation's conduct. Federal and state authorities are now investigating the incident, which has sparked outrage given a similar fatal ICE shooting occurred in Houston just days earlier.

The United States has launched fresh strikes against Iran, marking an escalation as Tehran retaliates across the Middle East. Both nations are vying for control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Trump has also announced measures including a new blockade and charges tied to strait access.

A federal judge has voided a $1.8 billion settlement between Donald Trump and the IRS that had granted him immunity from tax audits. The judge determined the lawsuit was brought for improper purposes and referred one of Trump's attorneys for possible disciplinary action, a significant legal setback with major financial and political implications.

South Carolina Governor McMaster has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve out the remainder of his U.S. Senate term. The appointment fills a significant vacancy in the Senate following Graham's death, and comes with major implications for the state's political representation. This marks a notable transition in South Carolina's federal delegation.

U.S. Central Command used unmanned surface vessels (Corsair sea drones) to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran, marking the first time the U.S. has used such drones in actual combat. This represents a significant escalation and a notable technological milestone in the ongoing military confrontation with Iran.

The U.S. military is set to begin enforcing a maritime blockade on Iran starting Tuesday. This marks a major escalation in the current conflict, adding a naval interdiction dimension to ongoing strikes against Iranian targets.

Ukraine has reached an agreement with France to acquire 16 Rafale fighter jets, along with associated weapons and air-defense systems, according to President Macron. This deal represents a significant boost to Ukraine's air power and defense capabilities amid the ongoing war.