Hormuz Power Struggle, Sam Neil, & Costco Cashier Millionaire

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Adam Rogers
July 14, 2026

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President Donald Trump said yesterday the US will reinstate a naval blockade on Iran and seek operational control of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the temporary US-Iran agreement reached last month had effectively collapsed.
The US would keep the waterway open for other countries while blocking Iranian shipping and charging a fee equal to 20% of cargo value to help cover security costs. It was not immediately clear whether US allies support the proposal or how it would be implemented.
The announcement followed a new exchange of US and Iranian strikes after Tehran again declared the strait closed. Trump said negotiators had been close to a broader peace agreement before talks broke down over new Iranian demands.

Actor Sam Neill, best known for playing paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park films, died yesterday in Sydney. He was 78. Neill revealed in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer but said earlier this year he was cancer-free.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Neill appeared in more than 150 film and television productions, including The Hunt for Red October, The Piano, Event Horizon, Peaky Blinders, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He earned two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill became one of the country's most celebrated actors, receiving a knighthood in 2022.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union will propose age-based restrictions on social media this fall, following an expert panel's recommendation to limit unsupervised access for children under 13.
The panel called for children under 13 to use social media only with parental supervision and recommended a gradual increase in online independence as they grow older. It also raised concerns about features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and algorithm-driven content that encourage excessive use.
Several EU countries have already proposed or adopted their own age limits, including France, Spain, and Greece. However, any EU-wide restrictions would require approval from member states and the European Parliament before taking effect.

A federal judge ruled President Trump's lawsuit over his leaked tax returns was improperly filed, saying it misused the court system. (More)

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill his Senate seat until January. (More)

An ICE agent fatally shot a man during a deportation operation in Maine after authorities said he used his vehicle to threaten officers. (More)

At least 27 people were killed and 63 injured after a fire tore through a popular Bangkok pub. Investigators are examining whether blocked emergency exits contributed to the deadly blaze. (More)

Israeli intelligence reportedly tried to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to lead a post-theocratic government, despite his long history of anti-Israel rhetoric. (More)

Ukraine and nine European countries launched a coalition to develop a shared ballistic missile defense system, drawing on Kyiv's experience defending against Russian missile attacks. (More)

US stock markets closed lower on Monday (S&P -0.79%, Nasdaq -1.55%, Dow -0.26%), after President Trump announced he was reinstating the blockage on Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. (More)

A coalition of 12 state attorneys general sued to block Paramount's $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing the deal would reduce competition in film distribution and cable television. (More)

TSMC reported a 68% jump in June revenue, topping quarterly guidance as booming AI chip demand continued to fuel strong sales ahead of its earnings report. (More)

Jordan Walker became the first Cardinals player to win the MLB Home Run Derby, hitting six straight home runs at the end of the final to defeat Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber. (More)

Eleven Division I athletes filed a federal class-action lawsuit challenging the NCAA's new eligibility rules, arguing they were unfairly denied an extra season of competition and NIL opportunities. (More)

Former grocery delivery driver Joe Dean won a last-chance qualifier to earn the final spot in this week's Open Championship field. (More)

A study found adults who slept about 80 minutes less each night gained weight and became more sedentary, adding evidence that chronic sleep loss may increase obesity and heart disease risk. (More)

New research strengthens evidence that massive volcanic eruptions triggered Earth's largest mass extinction 252 million years ago by releasing greenhouse gases that dramatically altered the climate and oceans. (More)

A 10-year study found common arthroscopic surgery for age-related knee cartilage tears provided little benefit and was linked to faster arthritis progression and more knee replacements than a placebo ("sham") surgery. (More)

Pitbull sets Guinness World Record for biggest gathering of people wearing bald caps.

Anthony Hopkins drops first musical single at 88.

Quiz: Can you idenity asian countries from their capitals?

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