U.S. and Iran escalate military strikes as inflation hits a three-year high of 4% driven by soaring gas prices from the war, forcing families like Kentucky's Emily Inlow to cut essentials while wages lag behind costs. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup opens amid geopolitical tensions, with Iran's team restricted from U.S. entry and protests threatening to disrupt play. President Trump initiated a second consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, firing 49 Tomahawk missiles at military facilities along the Strait of Hormuz because Iran was taking too long to negotiate.