Good morning. Here are the top headlines to start your day.
U.S.-Iran clashes at sea
U.S. Central Command says three U.S. Navy ships were attacked while transiting waters near Iran. The command says U.S. forces responded by striking Iranian missile and drone sites. Iran, however, says the violence began when U.S. forces attacked one of its oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. If confirmed, the strikes would be the first U.S. air operations on Iranian soil since a ceasefire went into effect about a month ago.
Despite the escalation, senior officials and analysts say neither side appears intent on widening the war. President Trump told reporters the ceasefire remains in effect, but he also warned Iran it could face more bombing if it rejects a U.S. proposal to resolve the broader conflict. Iran says it is reviewing the proposal and will send a response to mediator Pakistan.
Tennessee redraws congressional map
Republicans in Tennessee approved a new congressional map that splits Shelby County — where the majority-Black city of Memphis is located — into three districts. The redrawing is aimed at eliminating the state’s only remaining Democratic-held U.S. House seat. Tennessee currently has eight Republican and one Democratic congressperson.
The map comes after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed some protections against racial discrimination in redistricting. The NAACP has filed to challenge the new plan, arguing the timing could confuse voters and effectively dilute the political power of Black communities. Lawmakers in other Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama and South Carolina, have also moved quickly to change maps following the court decision.
Hantavirus outbreak connected to cruise ship
Global health authorities are investigating a hantavirus outbreak that began on a cruise ship early last month. Eight cases have been reported so far, including three deaths. The ship is off the coast of Africa, and dozens of passengers have already disembarked and traveled to destinations including Turkey, New Zealand and the United States.
The World Health Organization says the risk to the general public remains very low, but epidemiologists are racing to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed so they can get care if needed. Officials are working to determine how the virus spread on board and to trace contacts among passengers and crew.
Trade court blocks replacement tariffs
The U.S. Court of International Trade struck down a second round of worldwide tariffs the president ordered to replace import levies the Supreme Court found unlawful. The decision, however, applied only to two importers and the state of Washington that brought the challenge. It is not yet clear whether other importers will still be required to pay the replacement tariffs. The trade court said the law the administration relied on covers tariffs tied to sustained balance-of-payments deficits — a condition the court determined does not now exist.
Today’s listen
NPR’s College Podcast Challenge winner this year is “Dear Papa,” a personal audio letter from contestant Colby McCaskill to his grandfather. The episode blends memories, interviews and reflections on his grandmother’s dementia. Judges praised its intimacy and emotional honesty.
Weekend picks
Movies: Hokum, a horror film about a writer at a remote Irish inn, opens this weekend.
TV: Netflix’s new adaptation of Lord of the Flies follows boys stranded on an island and examines themes of masculinity and group dynamics.
Books: The summer publishing season brings new releases from authors including Douglas Stuart and Ali Smith.
Music: New releases today include tracks from MUNA, Deb Never and Lykke Li — check curated playlists for highlights.
Theater: Daniel Radcliffe received a Tony nod for his performance in Every Brilliant Thing, a play that explores reasons to keep living.
Three things to know
1) Pollinators matter: A study reported that in parts of rural Nepal, wild pollinators such as bees and hoverflies provide more than 20% of essential vitamins for local diets and contribute roughly 40% of some households’ income. Declines in insect populations could harm nutrition and livelihoods.
2) David Attenborough turns 100: The naturalist and filmmaker who brought wildlife to global audiences celebrates his 100th birthday.
3) Legal update: Mohamed Soliman pleaded guilty to more than 100 state charges related to a firebombing of peaceful demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, last June.
This briefing was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.