Iran-US; West Bank sanctions; Lonnie Bunch retires : NPR

Key Points:

• The U.S. Central Command destroyed five Iranian oil carriers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island, prompting Iran to retaliate by targeting U.S. troops in Jordan; these strikes have pushed Brent crude oil prices above $100 a barrel.
• The U.K. banned imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, accusing settlers of terrorism and ethnic cleansing, while Canada and France also imposed sanctions; Israel responded by closing the British consulate in East Jerusalem.
• Smithsonian Institution head Lonnie G. Bunch announced he will step down at the end of the year after nearly 40 years with the organization, amid criticism from the Trump administration over the Smithsonian's portrayal of American history.
• Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) have gained popularity as an anti-aging skincare trend, but experts warn against injectable forms due to lack of safety data and potential health risks, urging caution as many products come from unregulated sources.
• A new study links 2025 immigration crackdowns to a $1.26 billion loss for Chicago businesses, invasive yellow-legged hornets threaten beehives in the Southeast, and IRS audit reductions have led to billions in uncollected taxes, according to a Treasury report.