IJR News

Oil Prices Fall as Iran Pauses Attacks, Talks Push

Oil prices fell more than 4% on Friday as China pushed to restart US-Iran peace talks, though Brent and WTI were still on track for substantial weekly gains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, supply risks, and reduced Strait of Hormuz traffic. Traders noted optimism about possible diplomatic progress alongside warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump and actions by Iran and Yemen’s Houthis, including a naval blockade and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.

Donald Trump

Jul 27, 2026

West Bank clashes escalate after settler attack and crackdown

Israeli forces and settlers carried out deadly raids in the West Bank, including Beit Furik near Nablus, killing several Palestinians, injuring others, seizing bodies, and blocking exits, as tensions and settler violence accompanied clashes over fires. Meanwhile, Gaza saw Israeli strikes and Palestinian casualties, with exchanges of stabbing incidents contributing to a mounting death toll on both sides.

Benjamin Netanyahu West Bank

Jul 27, 2026

Broad Injunctions Across U.S. Employment Rights

In Michigan, a federal court granted a preliminary injunction to Right to Life of Michigan and a Pregnancy Resource Center, blocking enforcement concerns under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act on expressive-association grounds. In New York, Plug Power won a preliminary injunction against a former senior director over a noncompete, citing irreparable harm from loss of confidential information and customer relationships; in Arizona, a court denied summary judgment on FLSA overtime claims as disputes over whether a lieutenant’s duties were exempt managerial or non-exempt first-responder remain for a jury; in Pakistan, internships at top law firms are scrutinized as widespread unpaid training with weak regulatory protections; in Washington, a wage-and-hour suit against Cornerstone Building Brands survives to proceed, with allegations of unpaid overtime and other violations.

Jul 27, 2026

World Series

Tigers weigh trading Tarik Skubal at Aug. 3 deadline

The Detroit Tigers face a pivotal trade deadline with star pitcher Tarik Skubal potentially moving on, as the team weighs competing for a playoff push against the risk of losing him as a soon-to-be free agent. Skubal has reiterated his desire to finish the season in Detroit and chase a World Series, while manager A.J. Hinch insists the focus must stay on winning and blocking out the distraction of trade talk, even as other teams like the Dodgers circle as potential buyers.

Tarik Skubal A. J. Hinch

Jul 27, 2026

Airlines

Seafair Torchlight Parade Keeps Waterfront Route

Seattle’s Seafair Torchlight Parade is returning to the waterfront for a second year with expanded, all-day festivities at Pier 58 and Pier 62, alongside pre-parade events, music, and family activities as crowds flock downtown. City officials warn of busy streets and reroutes while organizers anticipate large turnout and community safety groups, including Chinatown Block Watch, participating in the weekend's events amid new logistical details like parking restrictions for visiting floats.

Jul 26, 2026

Lawsuits

States Sue to Block Election-Linked Disaster Funding

More than two dozen states are suing the Trump administration, alleging FEMA and DHS conditioned billions in disaster relief on election changes and immigration enforcement, with past court rulings already blocking similar tactics. The lawsuits, led by Democratic attorneys general, accuse the administration of overstepping constitutional and statutory bounds to coerce states over funding meant for public safety and disaster readiness.

Jul 26, 2026

Energy Sector

Oil Routes Reroute as Strikes Escalate

Two Saudi crude tankers bound for China and India turned back toward the Suez Canal after Yemen's Houthi rebels declared a naval blockade against Saudi ports, signaling higher risks and potentially longer shipping routes that could hike costs for global oil supplies. The incidents underscore how the Bab el-Mandeb and Red Sea tensions are intersecting with broader U.S.-Iran-Israel dynamics and threatening lucrative energy corridors.

Jul 26, 2026

First Circuit Denies Stay on $100K H-1B Fee

Federal appeals courts have blocked or declined to pause a $100,000 H-1B visa fee proposed by President Trump’s administration, ruling the levy unlawful and beyond presidential authority as it oversteps Congress’s tax powers. The ongoing legal challenges keep the policy in limbo, with White House comments limited and employers awaiting potential future revisions to H-1B rules.

Donald Trump

Jul 26, 2026

Energy Sector

Houthi Blockade, U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise

The Iran-backed Houthi movement declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, saying the blockade targets Red Sea routes and the Bab al-Mandeb in retaliation for strikes on Sana'a and an end to the ceasefire. This escalation raises the risk of disrupting a significant portion of global energy trade, with oil markets reacting to potential supply disruptions as tensions mount in the region.

Donald Trump

Jul 25, 2026

Markets

IMAX Q2 profit rise with Odyssey; possible sale eyed

IMAX reported solid Q2 results with rising revenues and profitability, while Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey sparked record-breaking demand, accounting for about 20% of the global box office on opening and generating substantial presales for future showings. The Odyssey’s performance is fueling optimism for a strong second half and a blockbuster slate ahead.

Christopher Nolan

Jul 25, 2026

Lawsuits

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Heir Sues Trust

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow Tenisha Warner is suing his mother, Pamela Warner, the trustee of the Warner Family Trust, claiming the May 2022 prenuptial agreement left her more than $1.2 million in promised benefits unpaid, including life insurance, a monthly salary, and retirement provisions. The suit seeks to recover the owed amounts and to block trust distributions while the dispute proceeds, noting the estate may be insufficient to satisfy the claims on the anniversary of Warner’s death in Costa Rica.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Jul 25, 2026

Markets

Teck Reports Higher Q2 Earnings Driven by Copper

Teck Resources reported a blockbuster Q2 2026 with adjusted EBITDA of about $2.2 billion (up 204% year-over-year) and net income of roughly C$854 million, driven by strong copper sales and a robust cash flow position that lifted liquidity to about C$10.3 billion. The company reaffirmed 2026–2028 guidance, highlighted progress on its Anglo American merger, and emphasized copper’s central role in its strategy as it advances its Quebrada Blanca 2 project and related copper production targets.

Jul 24, 2026

HardStop launches system-level content blocking; 2,600 members

HardStop is a system-level content-blocking platform that enforces 18+ content restrictions across iPhone, Android, iPad, Mac, and Windows, surpassing browser-based blockers with resistance to VPNs, incognito modes, and DNS changes. It also features a 72-hour uninstall delay and endorsements from professionals, offering a sustained barrier against impulsive attempts to access explicit material.

iPhone Android

Jul 24, 2026

Lawsuits

States sue over disaster funding tied to elections

More than two dozen states, led by Rhode Island and including Illinois, are suing the Trump administration to block conditions that tie federal disaster funding to changes in election rules and cooperation with immigration enforcement, arguing the measures violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s spending clause. The filings note proposed DHS demands like hand-marked ballots and voter-roll disclosures, and come after prior court defeats for similar funding-punishment strategies.

Donald Trump California