Pulse Briefing: Strait Hormuz sixth-day escalation, Gasoline price spike, Canadian wildfire GOP sanctions - Friday, July 17, 2026

US and Iran exchange strikes for a sixth consecutive night as the Strait of Hormuz crisis escalates, threatening 20% of global oil supply. Gasoline prices are projected to remain elevated even if crude falls, as refining capacity constraints lock in higher pump prices. Canadian wildfire smoke blankets Chicago and millions across the US with hazardous air quality, prompting a GOP senator to ready a sanctions bill against Canada. The Pulse Briefing is a daily preparedness-intelligence briefing on the national and geopolitical developments that matter for prepared families: energy, supply chains, security, health, and the economy.