Politics

• Arizona Primaries Test Trump’s Endorsement Power: Voters in Arizona are heading to the polls today for crucial congressional primary elections that could determine whether Republicans maintain their slim majority in the U.S. House. The races are also a significant test of President Donald Trump’s endorsement power. In the key swing District 1, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is seeking to capitalize on Trump’s backing to replace retiring GOP congressman David Schweikert. In District 5, another Trump-endorsed candidate, former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, is facing allegations of personal misconduct. Meanwhile, a progressive newcomer is challenging established Democratic incumbent Greg Stanton in the 4th Congressional District. With Republicans holding just a 218-212 majority in the House, these races carry high stakes for the November midterms. Meanwhile, in the race for Arizona’s top election official, GOP candidate Alex Kolodin has a wide 44-20 lead over Gina Swoboda, according to a recent NextGen Polling poll.
• Senate to Question Hegseth and Caine on Iran War Funding: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine are set to appear before the Senate today as lawmakers consider an $87 billion emergency spending package for the war with Iran. The hearing comes amid growing concerns over the conflict’s escalating costs and the administration’s military strategy.
• Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods: President Trump signed orders on Monday imposing new 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods, claiming “discriminatory treatment” by Ottawa against American alcohol, automobile, and dairy products. The move is expected to further strain U.S.-Canada trade relations.
• Trump Wishes New UK Prime Minister Well: President Trump spoke with new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, discussing North Sea oil, trade, and the military alliance. Trump later wished Burnham “good luck and godspeed” on his Truth Social platform, offering U.S. help.
• State Department Issues Worldwide Caution Alert: The U.S. State Department on Monday issued an alert urging American citizens worldwide to “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions in the Middle East and the potential for unforeseen escalation.

Business & Economy

• Judge Temporarily Blocks Paramount-Warner Merger: A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary restraining order halting Paramount Skydance’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The 14-day order, issued by a California district judge, comes as a dozen states challenge the blockbuster deal. The merger, valued at approximately $110 billion, is one of the largest media deals in history.
• Markets Dip as Iran Conflict and Earnings Season Weigh: U.S. stocks closed slightly lower on Monday as investors balanced escalating Middle East tensions with optimism around upcoming tech earnings. The S&P 500 fell 0.18%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.57% to 51,848.96. Oil prices held near their highest close since mid-June, weighing on stocks and bonds.
• McDonald’s and Raising Cane’s Roll Out New Offerings: McDonald’s introduced a new Honey Brown Butter biscuit and Caesar sauce as limited-time menu items available starting today. Meanwhile, Raising Cane’s is opening five new restaurants this month, including a location in Albany, Georgia, opening today.

Other Headlines

• U.S. Launches 10th Consecutive Night of Strikes on Iran: U.S. forces completed another wave of strikes against Iran on Monday, marking the 10th consecutive night of American attacks. CENTCOM said the strikes targeted Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have retaliated, targeting U.S. military assets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Mediators have reportedly presented the U.S. and Iran with a 10-day ceasefire proposal.
• U.S. Gasoline Prices Surpass $4 a Gallon: U.S. retail diesel prices have averaged more than $5 a gallon, while gasoline prices have surpassed $4, marking a return to highs seen a month ago. The price surge is largely attributed to Middle East tensions disrupting shipping.
• Lindsey Graham Memorial Services Set: Memorial services for the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have been scheduled for late July in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. The services were complicated by the number of foreign leaders wishing to attend.