U.S.-Iran clashes continue into a third weekend following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. strikes degrading Iran’s naval capabilities while oil prices surge over 4%. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally and long-serving Republican leader, died at 71 from an aortic dissection, complicating Congress’s agenda amid Senate GOP uncertainty following his death and McConnell’s recent hospitalization. Separately, a prison abuse investigation reveals systemic retaliation against grievance filers, while prominent Palestinian doctor Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya faces critical condition after 18 months without charge; and artist Marka27’s exhibition “Ni De Aquí, Ni De Allá” was shuttered by University of North Texas amid concerns over Trump-era content policies.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/g-s1-133269/up-first-newsletter-us-iran-war-congress-lindsey-graham-gaza-israel-hussam-abu-safiya