Three U.S. service members were killed over the weekend as fighting between the United States and Iran intensifies. The renewed conflict has sent oil prices soaring and pushed the national average price of gasoline back above $4 a gallon.
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Meanwhile, Andy Burnham took office as Britain’s seventh prime minister in a little more than a decade. In central Africa, health officials say the Ebola outbreak has now claimed more than 930 lives. And in Arizona, voters head to the polls today in closely watched primary elections.
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Quote Driving the News:
“A full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will be essential to avoid a further deterioration in global energy security,” said Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency.
Ebola Death Toll in Congo Surpasses 930
What we’re watching: Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo say at least 930 people have died in the country’s rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak, with more than 2,300 confirmed cases reported since May. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has accelerated in recent weeks, with dozens of deaths reported in a single day and transmission chains becoming increasingly difficult to trace.
Why it matters: The outbreak is now one of the deadliest in the country’s history. Officials say it’s especially difficult to contain because there is no approved vaccine or treatment for the rare Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization warns that ongoing conflict and attacks on health workers are hampering containment efforts.
U.S., Iran Trade New Strikes
What we’re watching: The United States launched another round of strikes on Iranian military targets overnight after the deaths of three U.S. service members over the weekend. It marked the 10th consecutive night of U.S. strikes on Iran, which Iran has met with attacks on U.S. allies across the region. At the same time, regional mediators reportedly proposed terms to revive the collapsed ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
Why it matters: The U.S. deaths mark one of the deadliest periods for American forces since the conflict began. The ceasefire proposal represents the first significant diplomatic opening since fighting resumed, but its prospects are uncertain.
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Andy Burnham Is Great Britain’s New Prime Minister
What we’re watching: Andy Burnham officially became the United Kingdom’s newest prime minister Monday, the country’s seventh in a little more than a decade. In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, the former Greater Manchester mayor pledged to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, decentralize power from Westminster and restore political stability after years of rapid leadership turnover.
Why it matters: Burnham’s arrival marks a major political reset for Britain’s Labour government just two years after its landslide election victory. Burnham will have to navigate reviving the country’s sluggish economy and smoothing relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly soured on Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer.
Gas Prices Climb Back Above $4
What we’re watching: The national average price of gasoline has climbed back above $4 a gallon for the first time in months after crude oil prices surged more than 15% over the past week. The spike follows renewed military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has caused supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
Why it matters: Rising fuel costs are expected to ripple through the broader economy, increasing transportation and shipping expenses and adding pressure to inflation after months of easing prices. Analysts warn that if the fighting continues, Americans could see gasoline prices climb even higher in the weeks ahead.
Arizona Voters Head to Polls
What we’re watching: Arizona voters cast ballots today in primary contests for governor and several U.S. House seats. Republicans will choose a nominee to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs this fall, with conservative firebrand Rep. Andy Biggs, who President Trump endorsed, running against Rep. David Schweikert, who has argued the GOP must appeal to independents to win back the battleground state.
Why it matters: Today’s results will offer an early test of whether Republican voters favor Trump’s confrontational MAGA brand or a more traditional conservative approach heading into the general election. The winners will help shape the fight for control of the governor’s office, Congress and Arizona’s political direction ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
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