Sen. McConnell breaks weeks of silence about health, US and Iran vie for Strait of Hormuz control

Key Points:

• Sen. Mitch McConnell revealed that a fall caused his recent hospitalization, during which he was briefly unconscious and treated for mild pneumonia; he is currently in rehabilitation and not ready to return to the Senate, temporarily reducing the GOP majority alongside the recent death of Sen. Lindsey Graham.
• The U.S. and Iran both claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz following a weekend of attacks, raising concerns about the potential resumption of full-scale conflict despite an ongoing interim deal aimed at ending the war.
• A deadly fire at a beer hall in Bangkok resulted in at least 27 deaths and numerous injuries; investigations are focusing on ceiling materials and possible blocked emergency exits that may have hindered evacuation efforts.
• Additional news includes severe storm damage in Philadelphia, a man seeking a reduced sentence for a double murder at Dartmouth, and the death of actor Sam Neill at 78.
• Anticipation builds for the upcoming release of “The Odyssey,” with coverage including a primer on key characters, public reaction from Greece, and interviews with director Christopher Nolan and stars such as Matt Damon and Zendaya.