The U.S. and Iran have moved beyond military installations, now targeting critical water and energy infrastructure as their escalating conflict intensifies around the Strait of Hormuz [NBC News]. The strikes come as the region faces extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees, making damage to power and water systems particularly devastating [NBC News].

Two U.S. service members were killed Friday during an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan, with another reported missing, marking a significant toll on American forces in the region [NBC News].

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue their relentless aerial campaign inside Russia, with drone strikes killing 8-9 people and wounding over 60 across multiple regions as Kyiv targets energy infrastructure and military sites [PBS, NPR].

Domestic Updates

A federal court has struck down New Jersey's ban on assault rifles and large-capacity magazines, marking a significant Second Amendment ruling [Guardian].

The Supreme Court's decision-making continues to erode public confidence, with nearly half of Americans now questioning the justices' impartiality, according to a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll [The Hill].

In South Carolina politics, Republicans are split over endorsements in the Senate race following Senator Lindsey Graham's death on July 11, with candidate Dr. Annie Andrews signaling a "forward-focused" campaign [Newsweek].

A first death has been reported in New York City's Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side, with at least 67 confirmed infections and dozens hospitalized [PBS].

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota continues engulfing Washington, D.C. and much of the U.S. in hazardous haze, with dangerous air quality warnings expected through Saturday [PBS].