Exploring the Universe and Orca Behavior

Oil markets went into a state of panic after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, stoking fears that Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz. But Iran’s control over the key oil trade route may not be the economic weapon many think it is. We’ll explain. And, several provisions in the Republicans’ reconciliation bill haven’t made it through the so-called “Byrd Bath” and risk being axed from the legislation. Plus, did you know killer whales aren’t really whales?

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• "Capitol agenda: How Johnson may block an Iran rebuke" from Politico 
• "11 days until July 4: Byrd Bath and policy fights on deck" from Punchbowl News
• "Senate parliamentarian rejects GOP attempt to authorize states to conduct immigration enforcement" from The Hill
• "G.O.P. Can’t Include Limits on Trump Lawsuits in Megabill, Senate Parliamentarian Rules" from The New York Times  
• "Iran Has an Oil Card to Play. So Does the U.S." from The Wall Street Journal  
• "The largest digital camera ever built has released its first shots of the universe" from AP News  
• "Vera C Rubin Observatory first images" from BBC Sky at Night Magazine  
• "Killer whales seen grooming each other with kelp in first for marine tool use" from The Guardian 

Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.