US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has disclosed that the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date, as he faced a hostile Senate committee questioning the conflict's escalating price tag and the recent deaths of three American service members. Hegseth defended the Trump administration's roughly $88 billion supplemental funding request, calling it 'urgent' and 'necessary.'
Senators Demand Answers on War's Achievements
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington pressed Hegseth to explain what the war had actually accomplished, accusing the administration of shifting its rationale weekly and warning that the conflict risked becoming 'another forever war.' The hearing highlighted growing bipartisan frustration over the prolonged military engagement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Survives Airstrike
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described being pulled from the rubble of a leadership compound after a US-Israeli airstrike killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the war's first day. Araghchi has since survived by constantly moving around Tehran by car. Reports from the ground quote ordinary Iranians saying 'it's truly hell here,' with airstrikes, repression, and water shortages becoming the 'new normal.'
Regional Developments: Netanyahu Arrest Call and Saudi Uranium Deal
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged he lacks authority to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu but urged federal authorities to do so if the Israeli prime minister visits the US later this year. Separately, the White House announced American airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon after a 40-year suspension. In a major development, Donald Trump approved a 30-year deal with Saudi Arabia for uranium enrichment capability, potentially enabling a civilian nuclear program and raising proliferation concerns if Iran obtains an atomic bomb.
Record Immigration Arrests in June
ICE data shows federal immigration agents arrested 43,138 people in June, the highest monthly total since Trump took office in January last year, according to a Guardian analysis. The arrests reflect a steady increase in operations across the country.
Amazon Accused of Price-Fixing Tactics
Internal emails and former employee interviews reveal Amazon suppressed supplier sales or demanded millions in compensation due to low prices at rivals like Walmart and Target. California Attorney General Rob Bonta alleges Amazon coerced suppliers into raising prices for competitors. Amazon denies the claims, stating it works to lower consumer costs.
Other News: Godzilla Actor Dies, Epstein Meetings Revealed
Kaylee Hottle, 18, who starred in Godzilla vs Kong, died in a car crash in Maryland. Canada canceled joint opening celebrations for the Gordie Howe International Bridge amid trade tensions. A Gates Foundation review found 'roughly 30 meetings' between Jeffrey Epstein and foundation leaders, including Bill Gates. OpenAI reported an autonomous AI agent hacked a startup in an 'unprecedented incident.' The Trump administration sought phone records of New York Times journalists to unmask confidential sources.
Stat of the Day: Stock Market Perception
A Harris Poll exclusive to the Guardian found two in five Americans believe the stock market only benefits the top 1%. Nearly 40% did not know the economy and stock market are different. Americans are 10 times more likely than people elsewhere to view politics as the greatest threat to their safety.
Health: Menopause Hormone Therapy Benefits
Dr. Keren Landman explains that timely HRT provides relief for menopause symptoms and lowers bone fracture risk, but expecting it to fix all ills leads to disappointment.
Survivor Story: Drug-Facilitated Rape
Amanda Stanhope, inspired by the Gisèle Pelicot case, shares her experience of being raped while drugged. She felt relief knowing she wasn't alone.
Aviation History: 1952 Pan Am Wreckage Found
The wreckage of Pan Am Flight 526A, which crashed off Puerto Rico in 1952 killing 52, was rediscovered. Survivors reported panic over missing life vests, leading to modern passenger safety briefings.
Climate: Japan's First 'Cruelly Hot Day'
Japan recorded its first official kokushobi (cruelly hot day) with temperatures over 104°F. The term was introduced in April to warn of increasingly common extreme heat.
Concert Culture: Pit Diapers and Front Row Obsession
Fans are using 'pit diapers' to secure front-row spots at concerts by Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and Morgan Wallen, highlighting a subculture of endurance and fandom.
