Here are today’s top stories.
Headlines
Middle East Energy Crisis Worsens
Houthi forces cut off a key Saudi oil route as U.S. forces struck Iranian minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz, the latest escalation in the region’s shipping-lane crisis. The developments kept oil markets on edge over the security of one of the world’s busiest crude corridors. Find out More
A passenger died, and roughly 140 people were reported missing after an Indonesian ferry overturned in rough seas, triggering a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. The vessel had been carrying more than 200 passengers and crew when it capsized. Source
Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany was hospitalized after the plane he was aboard made an emergency landing in a lake. Details on his condition and the cause of the emergency landing are still emerging. Source
Ukrainian drone strikes killed two people in Russia overnight as Moscow’s forces hit a major port hub on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast. The exchange came as both sides continued targeting energy and shipping infrastructure. Read More
Politics
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress would need to approve the $5,000 checks President Trump has promised Americans if Republicans hold onto power in the midterms, declining to guarantee the payout on the Sunday shows. The comments underscored the gap between the president’s campaign-trail pledge and what Congress is actually prepared to pass. Source
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed defended his campaign against Republican attacks in a “Face the Nation” interview, dismissing criticism of his association with a streamer as a distraction from affordability issues. He also proposed turning AI companies into publicly accountable trusts, arguing the technology “shouldn’t be able to deny you healthcare” or “fire you.” Source
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared alongside Rep. Mike Lawler and an AI researcher on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” to discuss the midterm landscape. The panel reflected the growing overlap between campaign-trail politics and Washington’s anxiety over artificial intelligence. Read More
U.S. News
The trial of Lindsay Clancy has sparked online calls from some conservative women to repeal the 19th Amendment, reviving a fringe but attention-grabbing debate over women’s suffrage. The controversy underscores how high-profile criminal cases can spiral into broader ideological fights online. Read More
An alleged trespasser was stopped by security at former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Malibu home, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities said the incident was handled without any reported injuries or further escalation. Find out More
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been absent from the chamber for three months as lawmakers prepare to reconvene this week, raising questions among colleagues about the pace of Senate business. His extended absence comes at a critical stretch heading into the midterm season. Source
Business
A pipeline outage in Saudi Arabia threatens to knock out as much as 4% of global oil supply, adding fresh pressure to already-jittery energy markets amid the wider Middle East conflict. Analysts warn the disruption could push prices higher across the board. Source
Mortgage and refinance rates moved higher over the past week, according to the latest rate roundup, adding to affordability pressures for prospective homebuyers. Rate shoppers are being advised to compare offers closely as the market continues to shift week to week. Read More
“Woman Unknown” and actor John Malkovich were among the big winners at the Venice Film Festival, capping off the festival’s awards season. The results add to the growing conversation heading into the fall awards circuit. Source
A new Axios analysis warns that the bill is coming due on America’s borrowing binge, as rising interest rates make servicing the national debt an increasingly urgent problem. The piece shows how quickly interest payments are rising as a share of the federal budget. Find out More
World News
President Trump said he would “love” to see a unified Ireland as he kicked off a visit blending diplomacy with a round of golf. The remark gave the trip an unexpected political edge alongside its friendlier diplomatic optics. Source
Kosovo’s parliament re-elected Albin Kurti as prime minister, though the country’s political crisis persists despite the vote. The outcome leaves Kurti in office but does little to resolve the deeper gridlock that has gripped Kosovo’s government. See Details
Qantas announced it is retiring its fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbo jets, closing the book on an era of massive double-decker aircraft for the Australian carrier. The move follows a broader industry trend of airlines shifting toward smaller, more fuel-efficient long-haul planes. Source
Entertainment
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the subject of a comedic spoof on “Saturday Night Live UK,” poking fun at the couple’s return to England. The sketch drew widespread social media attention and reignited chatter about the couple’s public image overseas. Source
Céline Dion delivered an emotional opening-night performance in Paris, marking her first full concert in six years as she kicked off a new residency. Fans gave the singer a rapturous reception as she returned to the stage after a long absence tied to health struggles. Source
Off the Wall
A 15-year-old boy from Alaska survived days clinging to an overturned fishing boat after a fishing line caught in the motor and capsized the vessel, tragically killing his brother and cousin. First responders rescued him off an Alaskan island, describing his survival as nothing short of remarkable given the conditions. Source
