1 Iran Conflict: Negotiators Think They Have a Draft Deal, But US And Iran Leaders Haven't Signed Off Yet
American and Iranian negotiators have reached a draft agreement they believe can end the war, but it still awaits approval from both President Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The draft memorandum of understanding, confirmed by multiple sources to ABC News, would see the Strait of Hormuz gradually reopened over 60 days through synchronized steps. Iran would loosen its grip on the waterway in stages as the U.S. simultaneously scales back its naval blockade until conditions return to their pre-war status quo. High-level Iranian officials have indicated the regime can accept the terms currently on the table, but U.S. officials noted the fractured nature of the Iranian government and past instances of both sides rejecting deals in the final stages.
2 Treasury Department Considering A $250 Bill With Trump's Picture On It
The Treasury Department confirmed yesterday it has designed a $250 bill featuring President Trump, though the note cannot be printed unless Congress passes legislation changing the current law that prohibits living persons from appearing on U.S. currency. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held up a mock-up of the bill during a White House press briefing, saying the department had to "prepare in advance" for the possibility that legislation authorizing the bill clears Capitol Hill. The bill was first proposed by Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina and has 15 GOP cosponsors, but has been stuck in the House Financial Services Committee for over a year. "The Washington Post" reported yesterday that two Trump political appointees had pushed Bureau of Engraving and Printing staff to draft designs, and that the bureau's director, who resisted the push, was reassigned last month. If ever authorized, Trump would be the first living person to appear on U.S. currency since 1866, when then-Treasury official Spencer M. Clark had his own portrait printed on a five-cent fractional currency note instead of explorer William Clark. That led to the passage of the Thayer Amendment, which banned the use of any living person on US currency.
3 Confirmed Fatalities After Explosion And Massive Fire At Dallas Apartment Complex
Three people, including a child, were killed and at least five others were injured yesterday afternoon when an explosion triggered by a damaged natural gas pipeline tore through an apartment complex in Dallas's Oak Cliff neighborhood. Two adult women and a child were confirmed dead, the Dallas Fire Department said at a press conference last night, and one person remained in critical but stable condition. Natural gas distributor Atmos Energy confirmed that a construction crew, unrelated to the company, had struck its natural gas pipeline near the complex, while the city said no Dallas municipal crews were working in the area at the time. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson noted it was the first day of summer vacation for the Dallas Independent School District, saying, "We need to pray for these folks who are affected." The city said it would provide hotel accommodations for displaced residents.