Latest Episode
July 17 2000 UTC Brief
In the Middle East
The U.S. and Iran are now trading strikes across the Persian Gulf, with American attacks widening to hit bridges, energy sites and a port tower, while Iran expands its own attacks. U.S. fighters have moved deeper into the region, and the fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has pushed oil prices up more than 10% this week. A collapsed reopening deal for the waterway leaves the risk of a much larger conflict hanging over the global economy.
In U.S. news
In Memphis, Kendra Scott, 36, has been charged with murder and using a firearm in a dangerous felony after police say she shot a man she found hiding under her daughter’s bed. Investigators say 20-year-old Rodderius Morton was later found wounded near the front porch, a neighbor heard Scott say, “I shot him,” and a girl in the home told police Morton had been invited inside before Scott returned home angry and armed. Scott is being held without bond and is due in court Monday.
Federal immigration agents are facing new scrutiny after a States Newsroom review found 22 shootings during President Donald Trump’s second term, with 19 tied to vehicle stops. The latest case was in Maine, where ICE agents killed Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national with legal work authorization. The White House says traffic-stop enforcement will continue, which is a very bold way to describe adding fuel to a fire.
Millions of people are also being told to stay indoors as smoke keeps air quality in the unhealthy and hazardous range. Officials say conditions should eventually improve, but for now the advice is simple, limit exposure and avoid unnecessary time outside.
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez has dropped out of the governor’s race after her campaign disclosed major errors in its financial reporting. She had been one of the leading Democrats in the primary to replace retiring Gov. Tony Evers.
Alan Dershowitz will not appear for his scheduled transcribed interview with the House Oversight Committee on Jeffrey Epstein. Dershowitz helped craft Epstein’s 2008 plea deal, which remains one of the more durable examples of money buying its own weather.
In Britain
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader and is set to become prime minister on Monday, according to the summary provided. He says he wants to run a Labour government without infighting or factional politics.
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting two women at London’s Groucho Club. Jurors deliberated for more than seven hours before clearing him of two counts, and the Metropolitan Police said its initial handling of the case fell below the standard it would expect.
In business
A court on Friday weighed whether to issue a temporary restraining order that would briefly freeze the Warner Bros. deal, as Paramount races to close by the end of the quarter.
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