NPR News covers President Trump’s reinstatement of a blockade on Iran and subsequent U.S. strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, amid stalled ceasefire talks. The broadcast also reports on a surge in U.S. consumer spending driven by the World Cup and online sales, though economists warn of a potential slowdown. Additionally, the American Red Cross declares a national blood emergency due to summer donation drops, while the UK faces record heat waves linked to thousands of deaths. Finally, the episode notes the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the resulting political shift in South Carolina.