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

Trump says he will 'most likely' not fire Fed Chair Powell

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.

Senate leaves Russia sanctions decision to President Trump

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.

Suspect in kidnapping case released on $1 million bond in New York

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.

Colorado deputies disciplined for sharing information with federal immigration agents

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 'PB' receive $200,000 in donated supplies

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

Water studies may delay commercial construction projects in the USA

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.

Girl who called 911 for her father is honored

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 rescued from US puppy mill

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.

Nebraska congressman discusses meeting with Mexican president on trade and tariffs

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 contractors missing and presumed dead in Haiti

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.

Man intended to kill Virginia city councilman in fire attack, police say

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.

FBI arrests man in California for allegedly attempting to provide financial support to ISIS; explosives seized

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.

Annual wild pony swim marks 100th anniversary in Virginia

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.

U.S. victims of Hamas and Hezbollah attacks file lawsuit against UNRWA

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 says US trade war is 'going well', states Democrats were wrong on Trump's tariffs

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.

New York state alters rule on dispensary proximity to schools, affecting dozens of businesses

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.

DOJ seeks state voter roll data to identify noncitizens

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, rights groups and families say

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.

New forensic cameras in Ohio aim to improve sexual assault exams

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.

Wildfire in Grand Canyon continues to grow, threatening fragile ecosystem

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.

Investigation finds few federal inspectors oversee 70,000 U.S. railroad bridges

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.

Wildfires in western USA generate 'fire clouds' amid low containment

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.

Federal court rules X must face negligence claim over child abuse images

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.

Sex toy thrown onto court during WNBA game for second time in a week

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.

Appeals court upholds order blocking Trump administration from indiscriminate immigration sweeps

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.

White House publicly rebukes Fox News host Pete Hegseth over polygraph suggestion

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.

Rowdy Gaines calls for changes at USA Swimming amid struggles at world championships

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.

Democrats retreat from Green New Deal branding, shift climate strategy

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.

US job growth slows significantly, led by federal and construction sectors

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 begin back-to-school sales tax holidays amid inflation and tariff concerns

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.

Largest US organization of OB-GYNs to reject federal funding over regulations

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.

Former Trump campaign aide seeks release of alleged FBI video from Russia probe

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.

Mamdani reportedly considers former Rep. Bowman for NYC schools chief

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.

Anonymous website targeting Rep. Hageman referred to Federal Election Commission

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.

Tunisian musician detained in Los Angeles despite pending green card application

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.

Hurricane Gil forms in eastern Pacific, not forecast to threaten land

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.

Federal receiver seeks to recover $140 million from alleged Ponzi scheme in Georgia and Alabama

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.

Taylor Fritz of the USA beats Gabriel Diallo in third round of National Bank Open

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.

Senate passes initial $488 billion spending package as shutdown deadline looms

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.

Republican-led state moves to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood

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.

Alabama contractor charged in hot car death of 3-year-old foster child

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 claims it can restart uranium enrichment, demands compensation from USA for facility strikes

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.

Sha'Carri Richardson arrested following airport incident, jail records show

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."

Biden advisor was promised $4 million bonus for a 2024 election win

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 fails to qualify for US Junior Ryder Cup team

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.

Air traffic controllers were not tested for alcohol after Washington D.C. plane crash

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.

Judge blocks plan to end deportation protections for 60,000 immigrants

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.

Hotdog spill on Pennsylvania interstate causes major traffic delays

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, former New York City chief lawyer, dies at 84

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 is the only injured player for Seattle Storm ahead of Sparks game

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.