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Today’s top stories
President Trump has set a new deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a profane social media post, he threatened to bomb Iran’s power plants and bridges if the country does not reopen the key waterway by 8 p.m. ET tomorrow. Last week, Trump said countries reliant on oil through the Strait would have to secure it themselves. Civilian infrastructure is protected by international law. Trump also said U.S. forces rescued a U.S. Air Force officer whose plane was shot down in Iran.
On the ground:
– NPR’s Carrie Kahn, reporting from Tel Aviv, says the morning has been “very intense.” Airspace is less secure than U.S. and Israeli officials have suggested; a strike in Haifa has killed Israelis, and Kuwait and the UAE say they intercepted multiple missiles from Iran. Gulf states worry their air defenses may not keep up if Iran escalates. Iranian officials called Trump’s remarks desperate and obscene. Iran’s presidential spokesman said the Strait will only be opened once Iran is compensated for war costs.
– NPR’s Mara Liasson says the rescue helped the president politically and avoided a hostage crisis. She notes the incident occurred after Iran shot down a U.S. fighter jet, contrary to Trump’s claim that Iran’s military had been totally destroyed. Liasson adds that Trump’s shifting goals for the Strait of Hormuz suggest no clear political strategy, a difficult position during a midterm year when his approval is low and he pledged not to start foreign wars.
– Lebanon’s government says Israel has killed at least 54 medics since the war with Iran began; some human rights groups allege first responders are being targeted, which Israel denies.
NASA’s Artemis II crew is due to make its closest approach to the moon this afternoon after launching from Kennedy Space Center last week. The Orion capsule will take astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have been.
Artemis II notes:
– A team of lunar scientists on Earth identified 35 surface targets for the crew to observe and photograph. Human observation can complement robotic imagery and help refine future landing sites.
– The crew has already shared striking photos of Earth and behind-the-scenes shots from inside the cabin.
Accessibility update for students with disabilities
An update to Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, effective at the end of the month, could make it easier for blind students to navigate college. The rule sets technical standards for digital accessibility — treating inaccessible web content and apps like stairs that exclude people with mobility impairments. NPR spoke with blind students who said a lack of digital access has blocked their education and left them feeling forgotten.
Savannah Guthrie returns to Today
Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie returns after more than two months following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, last seen Jan. 31. The family has publicly addressed ransom notes and offered to pay for her return but has received no response. Guthrie said her mother inspired her to return to work: “I won’t let sadness win. For her.”
Life advice: talk about money early
Entrepreneur and author Vivian Tu urges couples to be open about finances early. She says vulnerability about money strengthened her relationship and offers questions couples should ask if they want to be “financially naked”:
– Start light if needed — a fun hypothetical (like planning a $100,000 vacation) reveals values.
– Before exclusivity, discuss career goals, homeownership plans, and where you want to live. Observe spending habits.
– If moving in together, share income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses.
– Keep conversations going about long-term goals, including whether you want children and how many.
Picture show: rare Death Valley sage
Botanist Naomi Fraga has spent 15+ years trying to collect seeds from the rare Death Valley sage for a native seed vault. The plant is elusive; some years it doesn’t flower and yields no seeds. A big bloom this year gave Fraga another chance to gather seeds. See photos of her search and findings in Death Valley.
3 things to know before you go
1. The Wireless Festival in North London lost several major sponsors and drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer after announcing that Ye (Kanye West) would headline for all three nights in July.
2. The Writers Guild of America reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios. The 2023 WGA strike had paused many productions and delayed schedules.
3. Political instability and natural disasters hurt attendance at American museums in 2025, The Art Newspaper reports in its annual survey of the world’s 100 most visited art museums.
This newsletter was edited by Treye Green.