July 8, 2026
U.S. and Iran Exchange Strikes as Ceasefire is Called into Question
“For me, I think it’s over.”
President Donald Trump on Wednesday, when asked about the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. His comments followed U.S. strikes on more than 80 Iranian military targets after Iran reportedly attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday. Iran retaliated Wednesday by launching missiles and drones at U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The renewed strikes threaten to derail talks under the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding that established the start of the ceasefire talks) and escalate tensions across the Middle East.
Learn More:
- Iran and US trade fire and Trump calls the ceasefire into question (AP)
- U.S. Strikes Iran and Blocks Its Oil Sales (NY Times)
- U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iran attacks tankers (CBS)
Manhattan High-Rise Declared Stable After Evacuations Due to Buckling Columns
“I can say right now the building is stable.”
New York City Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani on Tuesday night after buckling support columns raised fears of a partial collapse at a Manhattan high-rise undergoing construction and prompted evacuations. The former Pfizer headquarters, now being converted into luxury apartments, showed no further movement after hours of monitoring.
Tigani added, “We have been able to bring in a plan and materials to stabilize the impacted floors and [are] looking to extend that stability plan to other parts of the building.”
Learn More:
- Building deemed “stable” after Manhattan high-rise evacuation (NBC)
- Buckling Manhattan high-rise deemed stable after evacuations (AP)
Arizona Toddler Found Alive in Hospital Morgue After Being Pronounced Dead
“…people, once they’re dead, they don’t come back to life – that doesn’t happen.”
Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist, as newly released police records detail the case of an Arizona toddler who was declared dead after a pool drowning but was later found breathing in a hospital morgue. The 18-month-old survived, was later released from the hospital and will need ongoing medical care. The case remains under review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
“Generally speaking, it is extremely rare – but technically possible – for people to experience a spontaneous return of circulation after CPR has been stopped, with one review identifying 65 cases over nearly four decades.” (ABC News)
Learn More:
- Toddler declared dead after pool accident found alive in hospital morgue (CBS)
- Toddler pronounced dead found breathing hours later in hospital morgue, police say (ABC)
Mitch McConnell Remains Hospitalized as Health Details Stay Private
“As the senator continues to recover, we will be sure to keep you updated.”
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) office as the 84-year-old former Senate majority leader remains in the hospital after being admitted on June 14 for undisclosed health reasons. Sen. McConnell’s office has not released additional details about his condition, and it remains unclear whether he will return to the Senate when lawmakers reconvene on July 13.
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by Katie Larsen,
