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Day: July 30, 2026

U.S. and Iran strikes intensify as war opens new fronts

Strikes and counterstrikes between the U.S. and Iran intensified on Thursday, fueling fears the conflict could spread across the entire region. For the first time in five months, suspected military action expanded to Egypt with a drone strike that now marks a new front in the war. William Brangham reports.

How shipping risks from Ukraine and Iran wars are converging

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly all Middle Eastern oil flows, has prompted Saudi Arabia to call for a maritime defense coalition to protect Red Sea shipping. For perspective on the proposal, Geoff Bennett spoke with Ian Ralby. He’s a global maritime security expert, president of Auxilium Worldwide, and a senior fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy.

Breaking down the GDP report as U.S. economy slows in 2nd quarter

In a sign that the war in Iran may be weighing on economic growth, the U.S. economy saw a slowdown in the second quarter. That’s according to a new report today from the Commerce Department. It all comes after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, despite three dissents arguing in favor of a rate increase. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Greg Ip of The Wall Street Journal.

News Wrap: Russian drone and missile attack kills 10 in Ukraine

In our news wrap Thursday, an overnight barrage of Russian drones and missiles killed at least 10 people in Ukraine, the Georgia father whose teenage son killed four people in a 2024 school shooting was sentenced to 15 years in prison and two of soccer’s regional governing bodies threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over a proposal to sell stakes to private investors.

Blanche’s AG nomination on hold over opposition to DOJ’s ‘anti-weaponization fund’

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice full-time is in limbo. Two Republican senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, say they will oppose Blanche’s nomination unless the DOJ kills a $1.8 billion fund to provide payments to people who believe they have been wrongfully prosecuted. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Devlin Barrett.

How music has helped tell America’s story from the very beginning

Music has helped tell America’s story from the very beginning, reflecting our triumphs, struggles and the many cultures and traditions that have shaped the country. On her “In Pursuit of Happiness” podcast, Judy Woodruff sat down with music historian Ted Gioia and music journalist Sidney Madden to explore how American music became a powerful expression of who we are.

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