US News Live: Senate leaves Russia sanctions decision to President Trump

President Donald Trump has indicated that he will 'most likely' not fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, according to a report in The Hill. In a Friday interview on Newsmax, Trump stated that despite his past criticisms of the Federal Reserve, he is unlikely to seek Powell's removal before his current term concludes in May 2026.

Republican senators are set to leave Washington without advancing a significant sanctions bill against Russia, thereby placing the power to impose penalties solely in the hands of President Donald Trump, according to a report in The Hill. This legislative inaction occurs as President Trump has given an August 8 deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the war against Ukraine. The Senate's decision means any follow-through on the president's threatened consequences will be an executive action, not a congressionally mandated one.

John Woeltz, a suspect accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian crypto trader, has been released from New York's Rikers Island jail complex after posting a $1 million bond, as per a report in Fox News. His release follows a two-month period of pre-trial detention. Woeltz is facing charges related to the alleged kidnapping and torture incident.

Two Colorado deputies have been disciplined for sending information to federal immigration agents, a move that violated a new state law, according to a report in Fox News. The state law restricts local law enforcement from using public resources to assist federal civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between state-level 'sanctuary' policies, which aim to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and the enforcement priorities of federal agencies.

Schools in a US district identified only as 'PB' have received $200,000 worth of donated supplies, CNN says in a report.

Potential requirements for new water studies could create delays for commercial construction projects in the USA, as per a report in CNN. These studies are typically a component of a broader Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) mandated by federal, state, or local laws to evaluate a project's effect on water availability and quality. The primary purpose is to identify potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures, rather than to automatically halt development. This issue is gaining prominence amid ongoing drought conditions and increased focus on water conservation, particularly in the Western US.

A young girl in the United States has been publicly honored by local authorities for her actions in an emergency, CNN says in a report. The recognition was given after she called the 911 emergency number to seek help for her father.

Nearly 200 animals have been rescued from a commercial breeding facility identified as a puppy mill, as per a report in CNN. The rescue operation followed an investigation into animal welfare conditions at the site. The animals are now under the care of local shelters and welfare organizations for veterinary assessment and treatment. This event has drawn renewed attention to ongoing debates at state and federal levels regarding legislation for commercial animal breeding operations.

Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) outlined his recent trip to Mexico where he met with the country's president to discuss ongoing trade issues and tariffs, NPR says in a report. The discussion aimed to foster cooperation and address disputes within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly those impacting the agricultural sector. This meeting is an example of congressional diplomacy, intended to supplement formal negotiations led by the Trump administration by addressing specific economic contentions relevant to the congressman's constituents.

Two American citizens, a Haitian American Navy veteran and his police officer cousin, are missing and presumed dead in Haiti, The New York Times says in a report. The men were in the country working for Studebaker, an American military contractor, as part of a team engaged in operations against local gangs.

Police in Virginia have stated that a man intended for his attack on a city councilman to be deadly, according to a report in Fox News. The councilman, Lee Vogler, was reportedly doused with gasoline and set on fire by an individual identified as Shotsie Hayes. Authorities reported that Hayes told them he intended to kill Vogler in the attack.

Federal agents have arrested a man in California on allegations that he sent a dozen payments to ISIS fighters over a five-month period, Fox News said in a report. According to the FBI's Los Angeles office, which announced the arrest on Friday, explosives were also seized from the individual.

The 100th annual Chincoteague wild pony swim has taken place in Virginia, with crowds gathering to watch the ponies cross the Assateague Channel, according to a report in BBC. The event is a significant local tradition where wild ponies, which are owned and managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, are moved from the federally managed Assateague Island. The swim is part of an effort to manage the herd's size and serves as a fundraiser for the volunteer fire department.

A lawsuit has been filed in the United States by relatives of American victims of Hamas and Hezbollah attacks against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), The New York Times says in a report. The legal action accuses the UN agency of providing material support to the armed groups, which are designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. government. The plaintiffs allege that the agency's actions and resources contributed to the attacks in which their family members were killed.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has stated that the US trade war is "going well" and asserted that his fellow Democrats were incorrect in their assessment of President Donald Trump's tariffs, according to a report in Fox News. The Pennsylvania senator's remarks express support for the administration's protectionist trade measures.

Dozens of prospective cannabis dispensary owners in New York have had their business plans disrupted after state regulators suddenly changed a rule regarding how close the shops can be to schools, according to a report in The New York Times. The change, implemented by the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) and Cannabis Control Board (CCB), has upended the plans of entrepreneurs who had already made significant financial investments in leases and store build-outs based on the previous regulations. Many of the affected businesses are reportedly part of the state's social equity program, which was designed to give licensing priority to individuals impacted by previous cannabis laws.

The U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Civil Rights Division is seeking information from states regarding their election practices and voter rolls, with a specific emphasis on identifying any noncitizens who may be registered to vote, Fox News said in a report. This inquiry is reportedly part of the Trump administration's broader push for what it terms 'election integrity'.

Iran is holding at least four US citizens, according to information from rights groups and the detainees' families, The New York Times said in a report. Two of the citizens were reportedly seized following joint US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets in June 2025. The other two individuals have been held in the country since 2024.

Emergency rooms in Ohio hospitals have begun using new cameras specifically designed for forensic purposes to improve the process of conducting exams on sexual assault survivors, as per a report in NPR. The technology aims to make the evidence collection, which is critical for preserving evidence, more conclusive while also making the difficult procedure easier for survivors.

A wildfire in the Grand Canyon that destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge a month ago is still growing and proving difficult for firefighters to control, according to a report in NPR. The fire's rapid growth now poses a significant threat to a remote and fragile forest ecosystem within the national park.

A Howard Center investigation revealed that only a few federal inspectors are responsible for overseeing 70,000 railroad bridges across the United States, according to a report in NPR. The findings draw a sharp contrast with the inspection process for most highway bridges, which are regularly inspected with results made available to the public. The report notes that railroad bridges are different, raising concerns about the level of federal oversight and transparency in a critical part of the nation's infrastructure.

Two major wildfires in the western USA are so hot they are generating 'fire clouds' that create their own erratic weather systems. In Arizona, a megafire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has grown to over 164 square miles, making it the largest active fire in the continental US and one of the top 10 largest in the state's recorded history. The blaze, which destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge, was only 9% contained as of Friday.

The ninth US circuit court of appeals in San Francisco has partially revived a lawsuit against Elon Musk's X, ruling that the platform must face a claim of negligence for failing to promptly report a video with explicit images of underage boys to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), according to a report in The Guardian. While the court upheld broad immunity for X against claims over user-generated content itself, it specified that this immunity does not protect the company from allegations that it failed to meet its legal reporting obligations regarding known child exploitation material.

A sex toy was thrown onto the court during a WNBA game for the second time this week, according to a report in The Guardian. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the Golden State Valkyries' 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky. Video showed the object under the basket after play was stopped, and an official kicked it aside before it was removed from the court. Players and fans have reportedly described the behavior as immature and dangerous.

A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s temporary order blocking the Trump administration from conducting indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests in Southern California, according to a report in AP. On Friday, a three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the order, which was initially issued on July 12 by Judge Maame E. Frimpong. The federal government had sought to overturn the order, arguing to the court that it hindered the enforcement of U.S. immigration law.

The White House has publicly rebuked Fox News host and informal presidential advisor Pete Hegseth over his suggestion to use widespread polygraph tests on government staff to stop information leaks, according to a report in MSNBC. The public nature of the rebuke is considered unusual, as such disagreements with outside figures are typically handled privately. Hegseth, who is not a government official, reportedly made the proposal as a measure to enhance internal security and identify the source of unauthorized disclosures from within the administration of President Donald Trump.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC broadcaster Rowdy Gaines is calling for 'big-time changes' within USA Swimming, according to a report in AP. Speaking from the world championships in Singapore, Gaines expressed concern over the 'shaky state' of American swimming, citing the team's struggles and failure to dominate the competition as expected. His public call for change comes as the US team's performance at the event is being described as underwhelming.

Following Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, the Democratic party is strategically distancing itself from the "Green New Deal" framework, Axios says in a report. Data from legislative tracker Quorum shows Democrats in Congress mentioned the phrase only six times in the last three months, a steep decline, while Republicans mentioned it 337 times. The resolution's sponsors, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey, have not reintroduced it this session. The party is instead focusing on the economic benefits of existing legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, a pivot influenced by the perception that ambitious climate policy did not electorally reward former President Joe Biden and by declining public support for renewable energy, particularly among Republicans, as noted in a recent Pew Research poll.

Job creation in the USA has slowed significantly, with average monthly gains falling from 168,000 last year to 35,000 over the last three months, according to a report in Axios. The largest factor is a downturn in federal government employment, which swung from adding 4,000 jobs monthly in 2024 to losing 16,000 per month this summer due to administration cutbacks. The construction sector has also decelerated sharply, dropping from 16,000 new jobs a month to just 2,000, with stricter immigration enforcement and elevated interest rates cited as likely factors. Slower growth was also seen in leisure, hospitality, health care, and state government, while hiring in the manufacturing sector has remained steady.

Nine US states are initiating back-to-school sales tax holidays this weekend, offering families a reprieve from inflation and anticipated price increases due to President Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, according to a report in Axios. The states providing tax breaks on items like clothing, school supplies, and electronics include Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, with specific item and price exemptions varying by state. The move comes as major retailers also adjust pricing to attract budget-conscious shoppers, and as four other states—Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Connecticut—are scheduled to hold similar tax holidays later in August.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has announced it will cut its financial ties with the federal government and no longer accept its funding, as per a report in HuffPost. The organization stated the decision was a response to "recent changes in federal funding laws and regulations." This specifically refers to the Title X "Protect Life Rule" from the Trump administration, which prohibits clinics receiving federal family planning funds from providing or referring for abortion services. ACOG stated the regulations conflict with its professional medical ethics and commitment to the physician-patient relationship and comprehensive patient care.

George Papadopoulos, who served as a foreign policy advisor for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, is demanding the FBI release an alleged spy video of him connected to the Russia collusion probe, The Washington Times said in a report. The request targets surveillance material, which was likely gathered by confidential human sources during the investigation, known as 'Crossfire Hurricane.' Papadopoulos was convicted in 2017 for making false statements to the FBI about his contacts during the campaign but received a full pardon from then-President Trump in December 2020.

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is reportedly considering former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman for the position of head of the New York City public school system, according to a report in Fox News. Bowman, a progressive Democrat, became available for other roles after losing his primary election for New York's 16th congressional district. The report indicates the potential appointment is under consideration and is not a finalized decision.

An anonymous website with a gun theme that targets U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming has been referred to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), according to a report in The Federalist. The referral acts as a formal complaint, which requires the FEC to review the matter for potential violations of campaign finance law. This initial step does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing but will prompt the agency to assess whether the website's activities qualify as an illegal political expenditure, potentially examining if it represents an undisclosed independent expenditure or an illegally coordinated communication.

A Tunisian singer and classical musician, Rami Othmane, was detained in Los Angeles after living in the USA for ten years, even while possessing a receipt for his pending green card application, as per a report in AP. His wife, Dr. Wafaa Alrashid, a chief medical officer at a Los Angeles area hospital, stated that she has observed a decline in patient appointments from the local Latino population, attributing it to fear stemming from immigration raids. Dr. Alrashid, who is US-born, noted the personal impact of this fear, highlighted by her husband's detention.

Tropical Storm Gil strengthened into a hurricane in the eastern Pacific on Friday but is not forecast to threaten land, AP said in a report. The Miami-based U.S. National Hurricane Center stated the storm was located approximately 1,080 miles west-southwest of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Hurricane Gil has maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and is moving in a west-northwest direction, with no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect.

A federal receiver is working to recover $140 million lost in an alleged Ponzi scheme that primarily targeted Republicans in Georgia and Alabama, according to a report in AP. The effort involves clawing back funds, which includes nearly 1,000 political donations amounting to over $1 million that benefited some Republicans. The report also notes that some of the same politicians who received these donations claim they were also victims who lost personal money in the investment scheme.

Second-seeded Taylor Fritz of the United States beat Canadian Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-2 on Friday night in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto, as per a report in AP. Following the match, Fritz noted that the crowd was nice to him despite his playing against the last remaining Canadian in the tournament. The victory advances Fritz to a fourth-round match against Jiri Lehecka in the hard-court event.

The US Senate has passed an initial package of spending bills amounting to $488 billion with overwhelming bipartisan agreement, as per a report in The New York Times. This funding represents only a portion of the 12 annual appropriations bills required to fund the federal government. Lawmakers now face a more contentious fight over the remaining, more controversial funding measures ahead of the September 30 deadline, after which a government shutdown would occur if a full budget or a temporary extension is not enacted.

A Republican-led state is advancing a measure to eliminate Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, a move primarily targeting non-abortion services, as per a report in The Daily Wire. The action seeks to prevent any state Medicaid payments from going to the organization, which provides services such as contraception, STI testing, and cancer screenings. Under the long-standing Hyde Amendment, federal law already prohibits the use of federal Medicaid funds for most abortions. This state-level effort is part of a continuing trend in conservative states since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and is anticipated to face legal challenges related to federal 'freedom of choice' provisions for Medicaid recipients.

A contractor for the Alabama Department of Human Resources was charged with a felony on Friday in connection with the death of a 3-year-old child in foster care, according to a report in The New York Times. The child died on July 22 after being left unattended inside a vehicle.

Iran's foreign minister has stated that the country retains the capability to restart its uranium enrichment program due to having 'plenty of scientists' left, despite previous strikes attributed to the USA and Israel, Fox News says in a report. Tehran is also demanding that Washington provide compensation for the damage inflicted upon its nuclear facilities during these actions.

U.S. athlete Sha'Carri Richardson was arrested this week following an incident at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, according to a report in Yahoo. The information regarding the arrest was confirmed by jail records. USA Track and Field acknowledged awareness of the situation, stating to USA TODAY Sports, "We are aware of the reports and we have no comment at this time."

Mike Donilon, a senior advisor to former President Joe Biden, was promised a $4 million bonus for his work on the 2024 presidential campaign, contingent on a victory, according to a report in The New York Times. The payment would have doubled Donilon's total compensation for his role in the campaign. This revelation highlights the practice of using significant, performance-based financial incentives for top-level staff in high-stakes political contests. The bonus was not paid, as former President Biden was not re-elected in the 2024 election.

Charlie Woods missed his chance to qualify for the US Junior Ryder Cup team after shooting a 74 in the final round of the Junior PGA Championship on Friday, as per a report in The Guardian. The 16-year-old son of Tiger Woods had entered the final day tied for second place after shooting consecutive rounds of 66. However, his final round performance at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex in West Lafayette, Indiana, caused him to drop to a tie for ninth place, taking him out of contention for a spot on the team.

Following a plane crash in Washington D.C., the air traffic controllers involved were not tested for alcohol, The New York Times said in a report. In response to the procedural lapse, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official stated the agency is now training on-call specialists to ensure the rapid administration of both alcohol and drug tests after any serious incident.

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 60,000 citizens of Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua, The Hill said in a report. The ruling from San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson bars the Department of Homeland Security from removing these individuals while the lawsuit proceeds. The judge determined the plaintiffs showed there was sufficient evidence of racial animus behind the administration's decision to terminate the protections.

A tractor-trailer carrying hotdogs caused major traffic delays on Interstate-83 in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, on Friday morning after spilling its contents across the highway, according to a report in The Guardian. State police reported that the truck experienced an unspecified mechanical problem, leading it to collide with a passenger vehicle and scrape a concrete divider, which tore open the trailer. Cleanup crews worked to clear the scene as traffic was backed up near the Maryland state line during the morning rush hour.

Michael Cardozo, who served as New York City's longest-serving chief lawyer under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has died at the age of 84, according to a report in The New York Times. During his tenure as the city's corporation counsel, Cardozo was known for legally defending key administration policies, including the controversial 'stop-and-frisk' policing strategy and a landmark ban on smoking in bars and restaurants.

Katie Lou Samuelson remains the only player on the Seattle Storm's injury report ahead of their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Sports Illustrated said in a report. The rest of the team is available to play. The report also referenced the Storm's recent game in Uncasville, Connecticut, on July 28, 2025, against the Connecticut Sun, which featured players Skylar Diggins and Zia Cooke.

Student loan borrowers are reportedly altering their repayment strategies due to uncertainty surrounding the SAVE plan following legal challenges and a change in presidential administration, according to a report in The Hill. Borrowers who had benefited from low or zero-dollar monthly payments under the Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, a policy from the former Biden administration, are now facing ambiguity about the program's future. This situation, compounded by the restart of interest accrual and ongoing legal scrutiny of the plan, is prompting some to switch to other income-driven repayment (IDR) plans in anticipation of policy changes under President Donald Trump's administration.

A U.S. appeals court has upheld executive orders originally issued during Donald Trump's first presidential term that curtail collective bargaining rights and other protections for federal employee unions, according to a report in The New York Times. The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit allows for the implementation of the orders, which aim to streamline the process for disciplining and firing federal workers and limit the amount of official time employees can use for union activities. This decision overturns a previous injunction from a lower district court that had blocked the measures from taking effect after they were challenged by federal unions.

A man detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Stewart detention center in Georgia was placed in solitary confinement for three days after objecting to unsafe conditions, according to a report in The Guardian. The detainee, Rodney Taylor, who uses battery-powered prosthetic legs, refused to enter his cell area because a faulty air conditioner had flooded the floor with about an inch of water. Taylor stated the water posed a significant risk to his electronic prosthetics, which cannot get wet. The facility, operated by private contractor CoreCivic, refers to the solitary unit as a “restrictive housing unit”.

A nationwide effort by younger Democrats to unseat older incumbents is intensifying ahead of the 2026 elections, with nearly a dozen House Democrats over age 70 already facing primary challenges, Axios says in a report. Recent bids include 26-year-old Liam Elkind's challenge to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin's run against Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), who recently had a health issue on the House floor. While challengers cite the need for generational change, some incumbents like Nadler argue these internal fights divert critical resources from general election campaigns against Republicans. Some challengers are showing formidable fundraising, with Bronin raising over $500,000 in 24 hours, double what Larson raised in the first half of 2025.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons publicly requested a trade on Friday, stating on social media that he no longer wants to play for the team, as per a report in The Guardian. The request stems from stalled contract extension talks and his claims that the team spread false narratives and excluded his agent. Parsons has been sitting out on-field activities at training camp while seeking a long-term deal that would make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL.

The US Department of Education is calling on state and local school officials to utilize available flexibilities to opt out of 'burdensome' federal programs and provisions, according to a report in The Washington Times. This directive is part of the current Trump administration's wider policy initiative aimed at decentralizing education and returning more control and decision-making power from the federal government back to the states.

Multiple studies show that rising temperatures and heatwaves in the USA are harming students' cognitive abilities and academic performance, particularly in mathematics, according to a report in Axios. An analysis of over 12,000 U.S. districts found that long-term heat exposure reduced math scores by 11%. The issue disproportionately affects lower-income students, who are more likely to attend schools with inadequate air conditioning. A 2024 report estimated a national cost of over $4.4 billion to install or upgrade HVAC systems in public schools, while another study noted that millions of American children attend schools located in "urban heat zones" that experience significantly elevated temperatures.

Senate Republicans are showing little enthusiasm for implementing President Donald Trump's idea to distribute revenue from new tariffs as rebates to the American public, according to a report in The Washington Times. The proposal, which would give Americans a share of the income from the new levies, has found little traction among Republican senators, with Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri being a notable exception in his support for the plan.

The U.S. Transportation Department under the Trump administration has canceled federal grants for the planned high-speed Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) rail line between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., The Washington Times said in a report. The department officially described the project as "doomed" when announcing the decision on Friday. The terminated funds were designated for the project's early stages, including planning, engineering, and environmental impact studies, effectively halting further development.

A law firm that has previously represented President Donald Trump and currently represents conservative figure Pete Hegseth has hired the lawyer who acted as the co-executor of Jeffrey Epstein's estate, The Atlantic said in a report. The hiring was reportedly for the attorney's "valuable" experience, which is understood to be related to their expertise in managing complex, high-profile legal cases and large estates.

Policies from the Trump administration's overhaul of the U.S. asylum and refugee systems continue to take a significant toll on individuals fleeing religious persecution, including many Christians, according to a report in NPR. The legacy of policies initiated in his first term, such as historic reductions in refugee admission ceilings, narrower asylum eligibility criteria, and the Migrant Protection Protocols, has created a persistently restrictive and challenging environment. These long-term changes have resulted in severe processing backlogs and ongoing difficulties for asylum seekers and refugees attempting to gain protection in the United States.

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day extension for reaching a trade deal with Mexico, pushing back a deadline he had previously set for August 1, according to a report in NPR. Trump, who had insisted the August 1 date was a firm deadline, stated the extension was necessary because "the complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different from other Nations."

Brown University will pay $50 million to workforce development organizations in Rhode Island as part of an agreement with the Trump administration to restore the university's lost federal research funding, NPR said in a report. Officials announced the deal on Wednesday, specifying that the payment from the university is the condition for the reinstatement of the federal funds.

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the US aimed at sanctioning China for what lawmakers describe as its role in enabling Russia's war in Ukraine, as per a report in The Washington Post. The bill targets China's economic and technological support for Moscow, which is viewed as a critical lifeline for Russia's war effort. The introduction of this legislation occurs amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow and presents a different approach to the conflict from that of President Donald Trump, who has stated his goal is to negotiate an end to the war.

The relatives of Khamis Ayyad, a 40-year-old US citizen from Chicago, are calling on the Trump administration to investigate his death in the West Bank, which they attribute to an attack by an Israeli settler, Al Jazeera said in a report. The family is urging the US government to launch its own probe into the killing of Ayyad.

A trade deal between the USA and the European Union remains unfinished as EU officials are reportedly unhappy with the terms proposed by the Trump administration, as per a report in BBC. Discrepancies have emerged between the two sides' understanding of the potential agreement, and key details are still yet to be negotiated. The ongoing talks aim to find a permanent resolution to the trade dispute that began with the US imposition of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, which were temporarily suspended in 2021.

On Friday, President Donald Trump expressed hope for an investigation into his former political opponent, Hillary Clinton, regarding election fraud, according to a report in Fox News. When asked by reporters if Clinton would be investigated for this, Trump responded, "I hope so."

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno on Friday threatened to pull federal funding from Cincinnati in response to a widely circulated video of a street brawl, as per a report in The Hill. The altercation, which took place early last Saturday morning, reportedly escalated from a fight between two men into a larger incident that resulted in serious injuries to one woman. Moreno's threat to leverage federal funds is a direct reaction to the public safety incident in the city.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a hiring spree specifically targeting former and retired federal workers to rejoin its ranks, according to a report in NPR. This recruitment effort is occurring even as the current administration is simultaneously pursuing a policy to reduce the size of the federal government through layoffs and other downsizing measures in different sectors.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has been referred to the Department of Justice for a criminal investigation over allegations he misled lawmakers during congressional testimony, according to a report in Fox News. The referral, initiated by House Republicans, centers on Wray's statements regarding two separate matters: an internal FBI memo from early 2023 about potential extremism among certain Catholic groups, and an investigation into an alleged Chinese plot involving fake driver's licenses connected to the 2020 election.

Outdoor retailer Columbia Sportswear has sued Columbia University, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract, according to a report in AP. The lawsuit claims that after decades of peaceful coexistence, the university's current merchandise, including T-shirts and sweatshirts, has become too similar to the apparel company's products. The Portland-based retailer argues this similarity is causing confusion for consumers and is seeking legal action against the New York-based university.

Police in Anaconda, Montana, have launched a manhunt for a gunman following a shooting at a local bar, The New York Times said in a report. It was not immediately clear if the incident resulted in any fatalities.

Following an order from the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Guard presence in Los Angeles is being significantly reduced, with about 1,350 California National Guard members released from their federal mission on Wednesday, according to a report in The Hill. Approximately 250 troops will remain in the city with the specific task of helping to protect federal personnel and buildings. The troops were part of an initial deployment for a federal protection mission.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has reversed a policy from the Biden administration that permitted the agency to offer abortion services to veterans, according to a report in Fox News. The VA, now under the Trump administration, asserts that the previous policy conflicts with federal law governing medical benefits. This decision rescinds the 2022 rule that had allowed for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother, reverting the department to its prior stance of not providing the service.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) agreed on Friday to a request from Ghislaine Maxwell to delay deposing her until after the Supreme Court considers her petition to overturn her conviction for sex trafficking, The Hill said in a report. While Comer granted the postponement for the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein, he declined other requests made by Maxwell's attorney.

A significant majority of parents in the USA, 85 percent, are worried about tariffs impacting the cost of back-to-school items, according to a report in The Hill. The survey, released by U.S. News, found that 62 percent of parents expect to pay more for school supplies this year than they did last year. As a result of these concerns, 60 percent of parents surveyed have already begun their back-to-school shopping in an effort to avoid anticipated higher prices.

The U.S. Senate has reached a deal to move forward with and pass its first group of government funding bills for the 2026 fiscal year, according to a report in The Hill. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the agreement on Friday. The chamber is scheduled to vote on three full-year funding plans that provide budgets for the departments of Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, before beginning its August recess.

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler is set to step down on August 8, creating an early vacancy on the central bank's powerful board of governors, as per a report in AP. Kugler, whose term was scheduled to expire in January, did not state a reason for her resignation. Her departure opens a spot on the board for an appointment by President Donald Trump, who has been a public critic of the Federal Reserve's policies under Chair Jerome Powell.

Apple expects to face $1.1 billion in tariff-related costs in the next quarter, following $800 million in similar costs from the previous three months, The Hill said in a report. The announcement was made by Tim Cook on Thursday. Despite the financial impact from President Donald Trump's tariff policies, the company reported strong quarterly earnings, posting $94 billion in revenue and $23.4 billion in net income.

The Trump administration's Department of Education has reached a resolution agreement with Wagner College to protect women's sports, Fox News said in a report. Officials announced the agreement on Friday, which is related to a viral video showing a protest involving a transgender fencer. The resolution requires the college to adhere to policies consistent with the administration's interpretation of Title IX regarding athletic competition.

The Trump administration is freezing $339 million in research grants to the University of California, Los Angeles, accusing the school of civil rights violations related to antisemitism, affirmative action, and women’s sports, as per a report in AP. According to an individual familiar with the matter, several federal agencies notified UCLA this week that they were suspending the grants. The action is noted as one of the rare instances where the federal government has targeted a public university over such allegations, which have more commonly been directed at private colleges.

American tennis players saw mixed outcomes at the WTA National Bank Open, as per a report in AP. Madison Keys, seeded sixth, defeated fellow American Caty McNally in three sets, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. However, third-seeded Jessica Pegula was upset by Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova, losing 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. In other notable matches, Naomi Osaka of Japan beat Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, and Denmark's Clara Tauson defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva of Ukraine.

A new poll from health policy group KFF indicates that 59 percent of American adults do not plan on receiving the COVID-19 booster shot this autumn, according to a report in The Hill. The findings show that of the respondents, 37 percent stated they will "definitely not" get the shot, while an additional 23 percent said they will "probably not" get the vaccine.

The Houston office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 214 noncitizens over the past six months who were charged with or convicted of a sex offense involving a minor, The Federalist said in a report. According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release, 179 of the individuals arrested had final orders of removal from an immigration judge. The report also noted that 141 of those arrested have already been removed from the U.S.

Authorities in Tennessee are actively searching for Austin Robert Drummond, who has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as per a report in The New York Times. The charges are connected to a case that is also linked to an abandoned baby. In addition to the murder charges, Drummond faces one count of aggravated kidnapping and multiple firearms charges.

U.S. national team goalkeeper Matt Turner is returning to the New England Revolution on loan from French club Lyon in a move aimed at regaining form to compete for the national team's starting position, as per a report in AP. The Revolution announced on Friday that the loan agreement runs through June 2026 and includes an option to purchase his contract. Turner will occupy a designated player spot on the Revolution's roster for the remainder of the 2025 season.

The National Football League and ESPN are expected to announce a deal next week that would transfer most of the league's significant media holdings to the sports network, according to a report in AP. People familiar with the multibillion-dollar transaction stated that the NFL would receive an equity stake in ESPN. Both the NFL and ESPN have declined to comment as the deal has not yet been finalized.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer against Jose Maldonado-Zavala, a Honduran national, Fox News says in a report. The action follows his arrest in Texas, where he faces charges for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting his neighbor. An ICE detainer is a formal request for local law enforcement to hold an individual for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released, allowing federal agents to take custody for immigration enforcement purposes.

The US Federal Reserve has initiated the process of formulating a new risk-based capital rule that would be less stringent for the country's largest banks, as per a report in Bloomberg. This new proposal is being developed as an alternative to a more demanding, Biden-era plan. According to sources familiar with the matter, the talks are currently in their initial stages.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Friday that a deal to advance 160 stalled nominees hinges on discussions between the White House and Senate Democrats, The Hill said in a report. Thune expressed uncertainty that an agreement could be reached before the weekend, noting that several officials from the White House are currently involved in the talks. His statement places the responsibility for breaking the legislative deadlock on the administration and its party members in the Senate.

A 20-year-old man from Honduras has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing incident at a public soccer game in Baldwin County, according to a report in Fox News. The suspect is accused of stabbing another individual multiple times during the event. Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer, indicating the agency's intent to take custody of the individual for immigration enforcement purposes if he is released from local custody.

Audrey Crews, a woman with paralysis, has demonstrated the ability to control a computer using a brain-computer interface developed by Elon Musk's company, Neuralink, according to a report in Fox News. In the demonstration, Crews used the implanted chip to mentally control a cursor and write her name. The technology is part of an ongoing clinical trial for which Neuralink previously received FDA approval for investigational use in humans.

Veteran federal judge T.S. Ellis III, who oversaw numerous high-profile cases including the trial of former Donald Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, has died at 85 after a long illness, AP says in a report. Ellis, noted for his legal scholarship and commanding courtroom presence during a judicial career of over 35 years, also presided over the corruption trial of former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson and the plea deal for "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has informed external medical and scientific experts that they will no longer be invited to participate in panels that develop national vaccine policy, according to a report in Bloomberg. Based on an email reviewed by the publication, the decision affects physician groups, public health professionals, and infectious disease specialists, who will be excluded from the process of reviewing vaccine data and formulating official recommendations.

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 40% tariff on products found to be 'transshipped' through a third country to circumvent existing US duties, a move primarily aimed at Chinese goods, according to a report in Bloomberg. The proposed penalty is an extension of ongoing trade policies and is intended to close loopholes that allow companies to avoid tariffs by disguising a product's true country of origin. The policy raises significant questions about enforcement, as determining what constitutes intentional transshipment versus legitimate supply chain diversification is a complex challenge for US agencies.

Four senior Senate Democrats have formally urged the Justice Department's internal watchdog to launch an investigation into the antitrust settlement approved for the merger between Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks Inc., according to a report in Bloomberg. The request directs the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General to scrutinize the terms of the agreement, reflecting congressional concern over potential anti-competitive effects from the high-profile technology deal.

The New York City Police Department arrested multiple anti-Israel protesters on Friday after they entered and occupied the lobby of the office building that houses the New York City offices of U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as per a report in Fox News. The demonstration saw protesters gather inside the building's common area before law enforcement intervened and made arrests.

Former Stanford football coach Troy Taylor has filed a defamation lawsuit against ESPN, claiming that a story written by the sports network resulted in his termination from the university, Fox News said in a report. The legal action alleges that the report was defamatory and directly caused the loss of his coaching position at Stanford.

A federal appeals court is reviewing President Donald Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship as the administration outlines details for its enforcement, according to a report in Fox News. The hearing follows a Supreme Court decision that narrowed the ability of lower courts to issue universal injunctions, potentially limiting the scope of any ruling against the policy. The case centers on the executive branch's authority to reinterpret the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause, challenging the long-standing precedent established in the 1898 Supreme Court case U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark.

Several Senate Democrats have formally requested that the Department of Justice's inspector general launch an investigation into the agency's recent settlement concerning Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s $14 billion takeover of Juniper Networks, The Hill said in a report. The letter, sent Friday by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Amy Klobuchar, expresses concerns about the DOJ's decision to resolve a lawsuit that was intended to block the merger.