WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY: Today marks the start of the 2026 World Cup, with the Mexico Opening Ceremony kicking off the five-week tournament. Team USA will face Paraguay in its first match tomorrow night.
In other news, President Donald Trump has canceled plans to strike Iran following approved talks with Iranian leadership, leading to a decrease in oil prices.
Republican Senator Todd Young of Indiana discussed permitting reform at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce critical minerals summit, suggesting it could enhance domestic production with support from the White House.
TRUMP FLIP-FLOPS ON IRAN STRIKES: President Donald Trump has reversed his plan to strike Iran after discussions with Iranian leadership were approved, hinting at a potential ceasefire deal. He announced the cancellation of scheduled strikes via Truth Social. The naval blockade will remain until the transaction is finalized.
Following Trump's earlier threats to bomb Iran and take control of oil infrastructure, oil prices fell below $90 per barrel. As of 2 p.m. EDT, Brent Crude was priced at $89.52 a barrel, down 3.85%, and West Texas Intermediate was at $86.77 a barrel, down 3.82%. Analysts suggest that if the transaction leads to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices may remain elevated for weeks or months.
TODD YOUNG TALKS PERMITTING: Senator Todd Young stated that permitting reform could boost domestic production and called for action from the White House. He emphasized that permitting reform is a logical legislative effort and expressed concern that delays could incur significant costs.
OPEC CUTS OIL DEMAND GROWTH, AGAIN: OPEC has reduced its forecast for global oil demand growth for the second consecutive month, now projecting an increase of 970,000 barrels per day. The organization noted slower momentum in private household consumption in Europe and significant contractions in oil demand in India and the Middle East.
ABBOTT CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON DATA CENTERS IN TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has requested new regulations for data centers to manage energy and water use. Proposed measures include requiring new facilities to add power generation to the grid and limiting incentives for development.
HOW MUCH WATER DID AMAZON’S DATA CENTERS ACTUALLY USE? Amazon reported using approximately 2.5 billion gallons of water for its global data center operations in 2025, a 2% decrease from the previous year. The company attributed this reduction to increased use of reclaimed water and improved cooling methods.
ICYMI – NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PHONE SYSTEM MAY POSE SAFETY RISK: The EPA's new phone system has faced criticism for failing during emergencies, raising safety concerns among employees. The agency maintains that there is no widespread issue with the software.
RUNDOWN: The Associated Press reports on El Nino's potential impacts, while Politico covers efforts to discredit a key climate science report. Grist discusses the implications of federal cuts to science funding for the Great Lakes.