Israel and Iran trade strikes in major escalation, Trump abruptly ends NBC interview, changing habits of US consumers

Summary

Israel and Iran trade strikes in major escalation, Trump abruptly ends NBC interview, changing habits of US consumers Welcome back and thanks for joining us as we kick off the week. In the news today: Israel and Iran trade missile strikes in their first exchange of fire since the April ceasefire; Trump abruptly cuts off an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press”; and how U.S. consumers have altered their spending habits as gas prices tax their budgets. Also, a look at who won big at the Tony Awards. Israel and Iran trade strikes, threatening to drag the region back to full-scale war Israel launched strikes on central and western Iran early Monday in response to missile fire from Tehran, and Iran retaliated with waves of attacks. Read more. Why this matters: - It was their first exchange of fire since an April 8 ceasefire was reached. Iran warned that the United States would be responsible for any escalation. Two regional officials said concerted diplomatic efforts were underway Monday to salvage the ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Related coverage → Live updates on the escalation A timeline of tensions between Iran and Israel over Lebanon WATCH: Iranian missiles aimed at Israel seen over Middle Eastern sky Oil prices surge as Iran conflict flares, while global stocks skid on selling of tech shares Trump abruptly ends interview with NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ During the conversation President Donald Trump dismissed the idea that launching the war with Iran this year betrayed his campaign message of “No new wars.” At the end, Kristen Welker pressed Trump on the settlement fund and his claims about the California election. Read more. What to know: - Trump raised his voice and began calling Welker and the media “crooked,” attacking her credibility and complaining about what he called “the fake, dirty press.” As Welker tried to switch subjects, Trump continued on and there was cross talk between the two before Trump ended the interview. - The interview, taped Friday in Wisconsin, was repeatedly interrupted as waves of heavy rain fell on the metal roof of the barn where the taping took place, making it difficult at times to hear. Welker later said that she spoke to Trump after and he agreed that heavy rain had caused complications during taping and said he would do another interview in the future. Related coverage → Lawsuit seeks to stop the UFC fight on the White House South Lawn for Trump’s birthday No watch party at Madison Square Garden with Trump attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals As America 250 approaches, fewer Americans see their country as exceptional, AP-NORC poll finds Nithya Raman and Spencer Pratt locked in tight race to make runoff for Los Angeles mayor Rob Sand rallies with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as Democrats aim to flip Iowa governor seat Graham Platner gets a lift from friendly Maine crowd after week of damage control in Senate campaign Former Sen. Bob Packwood, who resigned after sexual harassment scandal, dies Consumers alter spending habits as gas prices strain their budgets U.S. consumers haven’t stopped spending money since the Iran war drove up fuel prices, but many shoppers are reassessing what they buy and where, according to company executives and retail analysts. Read more. Why this matters: - Location intelligence company Placer.ai saw reduced foot traffic at clothing, electronics and home furnishing stores, and more trips to grocery stores and dollar stores. Executives from American mainstays like Walmart, McDonald’s and Dollar General cited overall shopper resilience as well as noticeable cutbacks by lower-income customers. - The U.S. Commerce Department reported last week that higher prices, not more purchases, accounted for most of the growth in Americans’ spending in April. Related coverage → The US job market is strong but many Americans are still frustrated by prospects and rising prices Rising gas prices could mean pricier summer for US boaters IN OTHER NEWS Philippines: 7.8 magnitude earthquake kills at least 32 Penn Station stabbing: 6 hurt in New York with a suspect in custody, authorities say Rare visit: Chinese leader Xi arrives in North Korea for closely watched talks with Kim Christian Eriksen: Player ‘conscious’ after another on-field collapse in Denmark match, national team says Today in History: In 1949, George Orwell’s novel ‘1984’ was first published WATCH Madrid cultural event: Pope Leo XIV celebrates art, culture and sport Cuba: Iconic antique cars sit idle as US oil blockade deepens fuel crisis Elvis tribute: Young artists compete in the king’s hometown Broadway’s biggest night Last night celebrated Broadway’s best at the most infectiously joyous of awards shows, the Tonys. Pink scored big with the opening number, featuring some 170 performers. “Schmigadoon!” — a Broadway musical that pays homage to, well, Broadway musicals — and “Liberation” were the best musical and best play winners. If you missed the show, watch the highlights and check out the full list of winners.