Politics & government
The Sunshine Protection Act would end the twice-yearly clock change. It now goes to the Senate, where it faces opposition from senators who prefer permanent standard time.
By News Unc
The House voted 308 to 117 on Tuesday, July 14, to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock changes, Reuters reports. President Trump supports ending the clock change. States and territories that now stay on standard time all year, such as Hawaii and most of Arizona, would not be required to switch.
Supporters, including business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Retail Federation, say permanent daylight time would give communities more evening light, according to The Center Square. Many medical, education and safety groups favor permanent standard time instead, citing darker winter mornings; some senators, including Sen. Tom Cotton, have opposed permanent daylight time for that reason. The House on Monday rejected a request to vote on a permanent standard time proposal. The Senate passed a similar bill unanimously in 2022, but the House never took it up then.
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World
Central Command struck coastal defense, missile and drone sites ahead of the blockade, which had ended in June. Iran fired on two tankers linked to the UAE.
By News Unc
The U.S. military reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday, July 14, after attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Associated Press and France 24. The earlier blockade had ended on June 17. U.S. Central Command carried out another round of strikes aimed at capabilities used to attack commercial shipping, including coastal defense systems and missile and drone sites.
Iran fired projectiles at two tankers associated with the United Arab Emirates in the strait, killing two mariners and injuring 14, Xinhua reported. President Trump also dropped a proposal to charge a 20 percent fee on cargo ships transiting the strait, AP and the BBC reported. Talks between the two countries on ending the conflict had not produced an agreement.
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Economy & business
Prices rose 3.5 percent from a year earlier, down from 4.2 percent in May. Excluding food and energy, the rate fell to 2.6 percent.
By News Unc
Consumer prices were 3.5 percent higher in June than a year earlier, down from 4.2 percent in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said July 14. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 2.6 percent over the year, down from 2.9 percent.
Energy remained the biggest driver: the energy index was up 15.7 percent from a year earlier, as the war in the Middle East kept fuel prices elevated. Food at home rose 2.7 percent over the year, with fruits and vegetables up 5.3 percent, and restaurant meals rose 3.4 percent. Rent and owners' equivalent rent each rose modestly in the month.
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