News roundup
(1) It’s official; the 60-day clock has resumed on the Iran War:
President Donald Trump formally notified lawmakers this weekend that the nation is once again at war with Iran, giving his administration another 60-day clock to use the military in the region without congressional approval.
In a letter to Congress dated July 10, obtained by POLITICO, Trump stated that the strikes that began on July 7 represent “military action consistent with my responsibility to protect Americans and United States’ interests both at home and abroad.”
The ceasefire is over – but we already knew that.
(2) Iranian oil shipments are being blockaded again by the US. And this time, Trump wants reimbursement from ships that pass through – or at least, that’s what he’s saying at the moment:
“The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’” he claimed. “But as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.”
Trump announced the concept on Monday — after months of rejecting Iran’s plan for post-war tolls — in what could amount to a negotiating tactic. …
The US government has announced no concrete steps toward imposing the levy.
Trump’s abrupt announcement is a break from his longstanding position that the strait should be toll-free after the conflict ends with Tehran — so much so that administration insiders believe he’s establishing space to negotiate with the Islamic Republic, which wants to impose its own fees.
(3) A prominent British politician named Ann Widdecomb has been murdered, and there is a suspect who has been arrested:
The killing of former British politician Ann Widdecombe is now being considered an act of terror, police said Monday.
A 28-year-old man in custody on suspicion of murder was rearrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing South East said.
Devon and Cornwall Police originally said the killing was not believed to be a terror-related crime and there was nothing to suggest it was politically motivated.
“We now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation,” said the head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor.
Widdecomb was a conservative and had recently supported Reform. The man arrested has not been named, nor do we know what flavor of terrorism they’re talking about.
(4) Some rich people are fleeing New York, leading to a tax decline:
The analysis shows New York’s share of millionaires fell from 12.7% in 2010 to just 8.7% in 2022 — the steepest decline of any state in the country.
As a direct result, personal income tax collections in 2022 alone were roughly $10.7 billion lower than they otherwise would have been if they had maintained their share of the wealthy folks. The study makes clear that the people leaving pay a disproportionately large share of state taxes,
(5) 82-year-old woman falls into tub, is injured, and survives nine days there before rescue. An impressive will to live.

Phew! I bet she could use a bath after that!
Number (5) was a positive uplifting story. Thanks neo.
https://nypost.com/2026/07/14/us-news/trump-backs-off-20-toll-on-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz/
School of War podcast w/Aaron Maclean interviews Mike Doran (49:29): “The Iran Problem Isn’t Going Away”
https://youtu.be/rMaq1x6uETI
Christopher Rufo:
https://x.com/i/status/2077067452467585117
Short 3min video clip at link