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Oil Prices Keep Climbing & ‘Moana’ Flops at the Box Office

July 14, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The episode opens with a flurry of major developments: the U.S. has announced a 20% fee on all cargo shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that sent oil prices above $80 a barrel for the first time in months and dragged the S&P 500 down 0.8%. The Trump administration framed the fee as compensation for U.S. costs, with the president declaring the U.S. the new "guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and giving Iran a 4 p.m. Tuesday deadline. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shot back on X, insisting Iran "has always been the guardian of the strait and will remain so forever." The dueling statements mark the latest escalation in a conflict timeline that has seesawed wildly: an interim peace deal in mid-June, an Iranian strike on three ships on July 7, a U.S. retaliation with dozens of strikes and reinstated oil sanctions, and Trump declaring the ceasefire over on July 8—while leaving the door open for negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz standoff: tolls, dark crossings, and legal chaos

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:54) **Chipotle to Open in Mexico** - The chain announces its first restaurant in Mexico, a bold move to sell American-Mexican food back to the country of origin, with a discussion on whether it can succeed where Taco Bell failed.
  • 2 (02:53) **Oil Prices Spike Over Hormuz Strait Standoff** - President Trump declares the US the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz and proposes a 20% fee on all cargo shipments, causing crude oil prices to jump above $80 a barrel for the first time.
  • 3 (06:53) **Ships Go Dark in the Strait** - To avoid both Iranian attacks and potential US penalties, cargo ships are increasingly turning off their tracking transponders to travel through the strait in secret, a practice known as "dark crossings."
  • 4 (08:02) **12 States Sue to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger** - A coalition led by California sues to block the acquisition, arguing it would lead to higher prices and less content by giving the combined company control over nearly one-third of theatrical films and major cable networks.
  • 5 (10:17) **Hollywood Divided on Media Consolidation** - While over 4,000 Hollywood figures oppose the merger, advocates argue it allows for cost-cutting and financial stability, with the deal potentially leaving just four companies controlling 86% of the market for widely released films.
  • 6 (12:24) **'Moana' Live-Action Flops at Box Office** - Disney's live-action remake opens to a disappointing $43 million, well below expectations, tying with 'Snow White' for the lowest opening of any live-action remake despite a high 90% audience score.
  • 7 (15:54) **Box Office Overall is Strong** - Despite Disney's stumble, the overall domestic box office is the highest since 2019, with hits like 'Toy Story 5' (franchise record opening) and other event films performing well, suggesting the problem is specific to Disney's strategy.

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Show Notes

#888: Welcome Ray and Kaila! Today, Ray and Kaila have the latest on the Iran War and the impact it’s having on oil prices. Next up, why 12 states have filed lawsuits over the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger. Then Moana sinks at the box office and everyone loves Pawn shops. Finally a look at the headlines you need to know. 

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