US News Live: Preservationists work to save remnants of historic Los Angeles homes after wildfires

A new US study has identified wastewater treatment plants and sewage sludge as major sources of PFAS water pollution, finding concerning levels of the chemicals in rivers across 19 states, according to a report in The Guardian. The first-of-its-kind research tested rivers near 32 sites, which included wastewater facilities and fields where sludge is spread as fertilizer. Significant PFAS contamination was found at all but one of the locations, raising questions about the safety of current waste management practices in the United States.

Following recent wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, a preservation effort named 'Project Chimney' is working to salvage remnants of destroyed midcentury modern homes, The Guardian says in a report. Among the lost structures was a 1953 house designed by modernist architect Richard Neutra. Preservationists, masons, and construction workers were recently on-site focusing on saving the home's chimney, with the broader project aiming to honor the significant architecture and eventually use the salvaged pieces to create a memorial.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a public warning regarding the potential for 'lone wolf' attacks coinciding with the July 4th Independence Day celebrations, according to a report in The Hill. The agencies are calling on Americans to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings during holiday events. This advisory is based on a general threat assessment concerning individuals who may act alone, inspired by extremist ideologies, rather than a specific or credible plot against a particular target.

Seven western US states are reportedly close to reaching a new water-sharing agreement for the shrinking Colorado River ahead of a federal deadline, according to a report in NPR. The states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—are negotiating how to manage reduced water supplies for approximately 40 million people and significant agricultural land. The talks are driven by a long-term megadrought and historic over-allocation of the river's resources. The Department of the Interior, under the Trump administration, has threatened to impose its own mandatory water cuts if the states fail to produce a consensus deal.

In observance of the July Fourth holiday, federal government buildings, banks, and the stock market are closed across the USA, as per a report in AP. While these key services are paused, many retailers and travel-related businesses remain open to the public. The holiday, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Widespread celebrations became common after the War of 1812, and Congress later established it as a federal holiday.

A U.S. District Court in New Jersey has dismissed a lawsuit from a plaintiff who claimed a website falsely attributed anti-Muslim statements to them, according to a report in Reason. The case, decided on July 2, 2025, by Judge Evelyn Padin, involved a California-based technology professional who sued the website Interserver.Net. The court rejected the lawsuit, finding the plaintiff did not meet the legal burden required to prove that the statements were, in fact, falsely attributed to them.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signed an agreement with a Georgia college, making it the first university to join the new Enhanced Air Traffic Controller Training Program, according to a report in The Washington Times. This initiative is designed to bolster the training of new air traffic controllers and improve overall flying safety. The move comes in response to ongoing staffing shortages and a series of near-miss incidents at U.S. airports in recent years that have increased pressure on the agency to address safety and workforce challenges.

Former NBA player Ben McLemore has been convicted on rape charges in Oregon after an 11-day jury trial, as per a report in Fox News. The conviction followed a case where prosecutors argued that the victim was sexually assaulted while unconscious due to heavy drinking and was therefore unable to legally consent.

President Donald Trump announced during a speech in Iowa on Thursday that the military flight team responsible for strikes on what he termed Iran's nuclear facilities will be honored at the White House, Fox News says in a report. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 4 to recognize the military personnel involved in the operation.

With many Americans visiting beaches for the Fourth of July holiday, a report is highlighting the serious dangers of rip currents, which can be deadly for swimmers, Fox News says in a report. An expert shared crucial safety information, advising beachgoers on what actions to take if they find themselves caught in a rip current to ensure they can stay safe in the water.

Bristol, Rhode Island, is celebrating the 240th anniversary of what is recognized as the USA's oldest Independence Day parade, according to a report in Fox News. The day's events include traditional elements such as a town crier and float contests. The celebration also features a visiting U.S. Navy ship, the USS Billings, as part of the festivities.

A man in Colorado will serve a life sentence in prison following his conviction for a DUI that resulted in the death of a U.S. Air Force veteran, Fox News said in a report. The same incident also caused injuries to the veteran's children. The life sentence was handed down after the man was found guilty of causing the fatal crash while driving under the influence.

America First Legal, a conservative legal organization founded by Stephen Miller, has asked federal authorities to investigate the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as per a report in MSNBC. The complaint, likely directed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), alleges that the team's corporate initiatives may constitute illegal discrimination. This legal action is part of a broader trend of conservative groups challenging corporate DEI policies, citing the Supreme Court's June 2023 decision on affirmative action in higher education as a key precedent.

The number of measles cases in the USA is approaching a 30-year high following a new outbreak, according to a report in HuffPost. The rise marks a significant resurgence of a disease that was declared eliminated in the country in 2000, a development linked to declining vaccination rates in certain communities. Public health information confirms that measles is highly contagious and requires a community vaccination rate of 95% or higher to maintain herd immunity. The increase in cases has intensified state-level debates over vaccine exemption laws for school entry.

Sports agent Jonathan Barnett has been accused of rape in a lawsuit filed in the USA, according to a report in BBC. The lawsuit alleges that Barnett kept a woman as a "sex slave" for a period of six years. Barnett has denied the allegations made against him.

A report in Fox News details how the Trump administration, during its 2017-2021 term, frequently utilized the Supreme Court's emergency application process, known as the 'shadow docket', to advance its policy agenda. The court's conservative majority, solidified during that period, largely granted these requests, allowing controversial administration measures on issues like immigration and regulation to proceed despite being blocked by lower courts. This increased use of emergency orders, which are typically decided without full briefings or oral arguments, was a notable strategy for the administration during that time.

At least five people were transported to a hospital after a small skydiving aircraft went off the end of a runway at a New Jersey airport on Wednesday evening, according to a report in The Hill. Authorities confirmed the incident involved a skydiving plane that veered off the runway, resulting in multiple injuries.

President Donald Trump has reportedly turned his attention to Google, after financial payouts were made by Meta and X, as per a report in The Atlantic. The development follows a $25 million payment from Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and a subsequent $10 million payment from X's Elon Musk. The report suggests that Google and its CEO, Sundar Pichai, are now the focus of this pressure.

Former President Joe Biden remarked that the accomplishments achieved during his presidency are 'changing so rapidly' under President Donald Trump, according to a report in The Daily Wire. Biden made the comments on Wednesday while delivering the keynote speech at a conference for the Society for Human Resource Management in San Diego.

President Donald Trump addressed loud, unexpected pops during a rally in Iowa on Thursday, July 3, by joking with the crowd, "It's only fireworks – I hope," according to a report in The Daily Wire. The interruption occurred as Trump was speaking about the immigration policies of the former Biden administration.

Edan Alexander, a dual US-Israeli citizen, met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office after being released from a 584-day captivity by Hamas, according to a report in The Daily Wire. During the meeting, Alexander urged the president to work on freeing the remaining hostages. He explicitly credited President Trump for his freedom, stating, “I came to thank the person responsible for saving my life.”

President Donald Trump has announced an Independence Day signing ceremony for a recently approved congressional bill he referred to as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” according to a report in The Daily Wire. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump stated the event will feature a number of U.S. military warplanes, specifically mentioning the B-2, F-22, and F-35 aircraft.

Congressman Maxwell Frost (D) has faced backlash following his remarks during a House hearing, according to a report in Fox News. Frost stated that he believes the Republican party is "only pro-life so kids can grow up and 'get shot in school'." The comment, which links the GOP's stance on abortion to gun violence in schools, resulted in a tense exchange with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R) during the committee proceedings.

The U.S. military's effort to continue using the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii's Big Island is encountering significant opposition from Native Hawaiians who consider the site a sacred, spiritual center, according to a report in AP. The high-altitude plateau is the only location in the state where large-scale, live-fire munitions training for ground forces can occur, which the military states is critical for maintaining readiness. This has created a conflict between the military's strategic requirements and the cultural and spiritual significance of the land for the Native Hawaiian community.

The village board of trustees in the Chicago suburb of Dolton has voted to purchase the childhood home of a figure the article identifies as Pope Leo, which is now up for auction, NPR says in a report. The board hopes to convert the small brick house into a historic attraction. This move is intended to create a positive development for the town, which the article's description notes has been scandal-plagued.

US hospitals are facing essential staff shortages because international doctors scheduled to begin their medical training this week have been delayed by visa issues stemming from Trump administration policies, AP says in a report. Thousands of foreign medical residents are crucial for filling gaps in the nation's healthcare system. While the exact number of affected residents is not yet clear, several doctors have reported being unable to start their assignments after undergoing years of preparation.

Famed competitive eater Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will return to the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on Friday to seek his 17th victory, as per a report in AP. Chestnut was absent from last year's event following a contract dispute related to an endorsement deal with plant-based food company Impossible Foods. After resolving the issues, he will now face defending champion Patrick Bertoletti, who won the title during Chestnut's absence.

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) announced he will introduce a resolution to condemn Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) for using offensive language directed at other lawmakers, The Hill said in a report. The planned condemnation follows comments Ogles made about New York State Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, among others. Torres clarified that despite having "profound differences of opinion" with Mamdani, the issue at hand is one of decorum and respect, prompting his formal rebuke of Ogles's remarks.

An American pilot, Ethan Guo, has been detained on a small island in Antarctica after completing flights across the world's six other continents, according to a report in BBC. The incident highlights the legal complexities of the continent, which is governed by the international Antarctic Treaty System that designates it as a scientific preserve with strict environmental protocols. The detention of a U.S. citizen raises diplomatic questions regarding jurisdiction and the enforcement of international treaties in the region, with the U.S. State Department expected to engage in providing consular assistance.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a new commission titled 'Make America Beautiful Again' aimed at opening protected federal lands, according to a report in The New York Times. The panel will be led by current US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The commission's primary mandate is to review and recommend changes to land use policies, potentially allowing for increased resource extraction and commercial development on various categories of federally protected land.

A search and rescue operation is in progress in Juneau, Alaska, for a cruise ship passenger who has been reported missing, according to a report in The New York Times. The woman, identified as a doctor from Kentucky, was last spotted on security camera footage leaving a building at the top of a tramway after she went for a hike. Authorities are continuing their search efforts in the area.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to develop a strategy for increasing revenue at U.S. national parks, according to a report in The Hill. The order, signed Thursday, specifically instructs the Secretary of the Interior to explore hiking entry fees for foreign tourists as a means to boost revenue and improve recreational experiences.

Former Phoenix Mercury interim coach Nikki Blue has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Arizona against the WNBA organization, alleging unequal treatment and pay based on race and gender, AP says in a report. The suit, filed on Thursday, also claims her employment was terminated in retaliation for making complaints about the alleged unequal treatment. Blue, who is Black, was hired as an assistant coach in 2022 and served as the team's interim coach starting in June 2023 following the dismissal of Vanessa Nygaard.

Republican Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee has publicly called for President Donald Trump to be allowed to serve a third presidential term, Fox News said in a report. Ogles made the statement following the passage of a recent bill, which he characterized as containing tax cuts, immigration reforms, and an increase to the debt limit. The congressman also suggested that Trump should be added to Mount Rushmore. A third presidential term is currently prohibited by the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Ward Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian woman who came to the US at age eight, has been released from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, The Guardian said in a report. Sakeik was detained in February upon returning to the US from her honeymoon and was held for more than four months. At a press conference on Thursday, she confirmed her release.

United Parcel Service (UPS) announced it is offering voluntary buyouts to its full-time delivery drivers in the USA, according to a report in The Hill. The company stated the move is part of its 'largest network reconfiguration' in its history. In a statement, the Atlanta-based logistics giant cited navigating an 'unprecedented business landscape' as the reason for the network overhaul and subsequent buyout offers.

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that his administration will begin sending letters to other countries this week informing them of the specific tariff rates they will face to conduct business with the United States, according to a report in The Hill. This action reportedly signals a shift away from pursuing numerous individual trade deals, with the president indicating his preference is to simply notify countries of the required tariffs.

Multiple US cryptocurrency companies, including stablecoin issuer Circle and the firm Ripple, have recently applied for national bank charters with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Axios says in a report. This move is largely driven by the advancement of the GENIUS Act, a proposed stablecoin bill that would require issuers to have federal oversight. The charters being sought are for national trust banks, which would allow these firms to offer services like custody and management of stablecoin reserves, but would not permit them to accept customer deposits or make loans. Circle confirmed its application is to establish First National Digital Currency Bank, N.A., to manage its USDC stablecoin reserves and provide institutional custody services.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week to restart nuclear talks, according to a report in Axios. While not publicly confirmed, the meeting would mark the first direct discussions since President Donald Trump ordered a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities last month. The planned talks follow a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in a recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, with Omani and Qatari officials helping mediate. A key issue is Iran's 400kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium, which is reportedly inaccessible due to strike damage. The development comes as Iran announced it has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the recent attacks.

A Missouri judge has again blocked many of the state's abortion restrictions, ruling they likely violate a voter-approved state constitutional right, according to a report in AP. The Thursday order from Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang reimposes a preliminary injunction just over a month after a previous hold was lifted. Planned Parenthood said the ruling allows it to resume providing procedural abortions in Missouri.

Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia have asked a federal judge in Tennessee to delay his release from jail, citing fears he would be immediately deported, according to a report in AP. The request on Friday was made due to what the lawyers called “contradictory statements” from President Donald Trump's administration regarding deportation policies. A Nashville judge had been preparing to release Abrego Garcia to await trial on human smuggling charges but is now holding off over concerns that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would detain and attempt to deport him upon his release from jail.

Americans are observing the nation's 249th birthday with a mix of celebration, protest, and record-breaking holiday travel, according to a report in AP. While some public celebrations in California have been cancelled, other events are planned in protest, reflecting a complex national mood. Recent polls have indicated a drop in national pride, noted particularly among Democrats following the political climate of the 2017-2021 Trump administration. The holiday is also affected by economic factors, such as tariffs impacting the cost of fireworks, though travel numbers suggest strong consumer activity.

Federal tax incentives for electric vehicles have been restructured under the Inflation Reduction Act, a law passed during the former Biden administration, which ended the previous $7,500 tax credit for many models, according to a report in AP. A transition period for the previous, less restrictive credits expired on September 30. Despite the changes to the incentives, experts note that EVs can still be cheaper to own in the long term and are a cleaner alternative to gasoline-powered cars, even when charged using electricity from coal-fired plants.

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced he will spend at least $30 million of his own money on his campaign for governor of Ohio, according to a report in Fox News. The pledge from the multi-millionaire, who is backed by President Donald Trump, positions him as a significant contender with a major financial commitment in the Republican race for the 2026 election.

The Trump administration is sending approximately 200 Marines to Florida to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its deportation raids within the state, as per a report in The Hill. The U.S. military announced on Thursday that the Marines, from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 based in New River, North Carolina, will provide support for ICE's "interior immigration enforcement mission."

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has received a permit to operate 15 methane gas generators for its large data center in Memphis, Tennessee, according to a report in The Guardian. The permit was approved by the local county health department, sparking immediate opposition from community and environmental leaders. The NAACP has announced plans to file a lawsuit in response to the decision, citing concerns about pollution in the predominantly Black residential area. Local non-profit Memphis Community Against Pollution also condemned the move, stating leaders failed to protect residents' right to clean air.

A mother and her two young children from Honduras have been released from detention after they filed what is believed to be the first lawsuit involving children to challenge the Trump administration's policy on immigrant arrests at courthouses, AP says in a report. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the mother identified as “Ms. Z,” her 6-year-old son, and her 9-year-old daughter, stated they were arrested outside a courtroom. Civil rights groups and the family's attorneys announced the family's release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Thursday.

The U.S. National Park Service is facing significant staff shortages during its peak travel season, leaving many sites struggling to operate, The New York Times said in a report. The current staffing crisis is attributed to layoffs and departures that occurred following pressure from President Donald Trump's first administration (2017-2021). As a result, remaining employees are reportedly taking on the workload of two or three people to manage national park operations.

A major legislative bill passed by the U.S. Congress on Thursday extends and expands the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), a program providing financial support to Americans with cancer from radiation exposure tied to the nation's nuclear weapons program, The Hill said in a report. The measure revives the compensation program, which had previously lapsed and cut off aid to new claimants. The new legislation ensures the program's continuation and broadens its scope to cover more victims.

A new Republican-led policy bill has altered Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices, a key provision originally established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, as per a report in The New York Times. The change will result in more medicines being exempt from the price negotiation process. This legislative shift is projected to eliminate billions of dollars in expected savings for the federal government, which were a cornerstone of the original law's plan to lower healthcare spending.

The Supreme Court has permitted the Trump administration to proceed with the deportation of eight migrants to South Sudan, as per a report in The New York Times. The court's order allows for the removal of the individuals to a country where they reportedly lack any personal or familial ties. This action follows a broader ruling from the previous month that established a precedent for allowing deportations to countries with which migrants have no connections.

U.S. Representative Mark Green of Tennessee has set July 20 as his final day in office, an announcement made after he voted in favor of a border security bill linked to President Donald Trump, Fox News said in a report. Green, who serves as the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, was a central figure in past events, notably leading the House impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in early 2024. His departure from Congress will create a vacancy in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has raised concerns that lower courts are using legal 'loopholes' to issue broad rulings against President Donald Trump's policies, circumventing a key 2023 ruling that limited nationwide injunctions, according to a report in Fox News. Alito's warning stems from observations that judges are employing "alternative legal means" to achieve the effect of a universal injunction after the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Texas (2023) significantly curtailed such orders. These alternative methods reportedly include filing lawsuits across multiple jurisdictions or seeking broad class-action certifications to create a de facto nationwide halt to federal policies, continuing the legal battles over the scope of judicial power.

Former President Joe Biden described a Republican tax and spending bill that passed the House on Thursday as 'reckless' and 'cruel', according to a report in The Hill. In a statement on the social platform X, Biden asserted the bill slashes Medicaid, which would remove healthcare from millions of Americans. He added that the legislation would also lead to the closure of rural hospitals.

The US Supreme Court agreed on Thursday to take up a case regarding state restrictions on which school sports teams transgender students are permitted to join, as per a report in AP. The decision to review lower court rulings that favored transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia comes just two weeks after the court allowed a similar ban in Idaho to take effect. The justices will hear arguments in the case during the fall, placing the court at the center of a nationwide political and legal debate over the participation of transgender girls in girls' sports.

The US economy is showing signs of strength with strong job growth and record stock market performance, while House Republicans face internal divisions over President Donald Trump's proposed tax bill, according to a report in AP. The labor market added 147,000 new jobs last month, and weekly applications for jobless aid fell to 233,000, indicating low layoff rates. This economic solidity was reflected in the stock market, which set another record high. Concurrently, the House GOP is struggling to unify its members to pass a tax bill, and a separate internal party rift over technology regulation has stalled a proposed ban on state-level AI laws.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop of Washington D.C., has strongly criticized President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, calling the administration's measures "inhumane" and "morally repugnant," The Hill said in a report. In comments to CNN on Tuesday, McElroy acknowledged a nation's right to control its borders but stated that current U.S. policy is "something far beyond that." He specifically characterized the actions as a "mass, indiscriminate deportation of men."

The United States government has issued a new wave of sanctions targeting an Iraqi businessman accused of facilitating the smuggling of Iranian oil, Al Jazeera said in a report. These financial penalties were announced following a ceasefire in a past regional conflict referred to as the '12-day war'. The measures are part of Washington's broader strategy of applying economic pressure on Iran to curb its oil revenue.

Layoffs across the United States have climbed to their highest level since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic slowed global economies, according to a report in The Hill. A new report released Wednesday by the executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas indicates that U.S.-based companies have announced 744,308 job cuts.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport paid for an investigator, Jason Krasley, to travel to its Denver headquarters for an all-staff training session just days after he had been arrested for theft and harassment, as per a report in AP. The training reportedly included after-hours socials where the center provided drink vouchers. Krasley was later dismissed by the center and subsequently faced additional charges. The report notes that the expenses and arrests drew the attention of a key senator, and that changes were made at the center following Krasley's dismissal.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive 887-page bill that includes spending cuts, tax breaks, and military spending provisions, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump for his signature, according to a report in AP. The passage meets a July 4 deadline set by the president and averts a potential debt ceiling fight.

US stocks advanced on Thursday, with the S&P 500 setting a new all-time high for the fourth time in five days, as per a report in AP. The S&P 500 rose by 0.8%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 344 points (0.8%), and the Nasdaq composite increased by 1%. The gains were broad-based, driven by a report showing the US economy was stronger than anticipated, which boosted companies sensitive to consumer confidence, such as Expedia and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Senate Republicans passed a major tax and spending bill on Tuesday following weeks of negotiations, according to a report in The Guardian. The legislation, which reportedly includes tax cuts and deportation-related measures, now moves a step closer to being enacted. President Donald Trump, who was in Florida, reacted to the news by calling it 'music to my ears,' while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the bill as a 'a big, ugly betrayal'.

Shipments of British vehicles, including Minis, Aston Martins, and Range Rovers, are scheduled to depart for the USA as a new UK-US trade deal becomes effective, according to a report in The Guardian. The new arrangement addresses a 25% tariff imposed on April 3 by the administration of President Donald Trump, which resulted in auto shipments being down by more than half in May. While UK car manufacturers anticipate high demand, British farmers have expressed concern that their interests were sacrificed to secure the deal for the auto industry.

The town of Adjuntas in Puerto Rico has established the island's first community-owned solar microgrid to combat high energy costs and frequent power outages, according to a report in The Guardian. This initiative provides a local, resilient energy source in response to the long-standing unreliability of the U.S. territory's main power system. The move toward decentralized energy follows the catastrophic failure of the centralized grid during Hurricane Maria in 2017 and occurs amid the ongoing bankruptcy of the public utility PREPA and the controversial management of the grid by private operator LUMA Energy.

The U.S. job market added a better-than-expected 147,000 jobs last month, fueling a climb in U.S. stocks to new record heights, according to a report in AP. In other developments, Paramount has settled a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump regarding the editing of an interview on CBS' "60 Minutes".

The annual monsoon season has begun in the southwestern USA and Mexico, bringing daily afternoon clouds, gusty winds, and downpours, AP says in a report. This natural weather pattern is providing hope for residents in the arid region, as the moisture is needed to ease persistent drought conditions, reduce the threat of wildfires, and help replenish rivers. While the rain is welcome, the downpours are often intense and brief, which also creates a risk of flash flooding.

Mexican boxer Julio César Chávez Jr. has been arrested in Los Angeles for illegally entering the United States and is set for deportation, AP says in a report. According to US federal officials, the former middleweight champion will be sent to Mexico to face charges related to organized crime. The arrest was reportedly made by federal agents while Chávez Jr. was in front of his home in Studio City, California.

The Trump administration has recalled its charge d’affaires in Bogota, John McNamara, for "urgent consultations" in Washington, D.C., as per a report in AP. The move comes in response to recent comments made by Colombia's president, which the U.S. State Department described as "baseless and reprehensible." The statements reportedly questioned the U.S. position regarding an alleged plan to remove the Colombian leader from office, prompting the high-level diplomatic recall.

The total price to purchase gear for a pool party, such as beach towels and a beverage cooler, averaged $858 in June, the lowest amount for the month since 2020, AP said in a report. This finding is based on preliminary data from consumer data provider Numerator in a seasonal analysis prepared for The Associated Press.

The US Congress on Thursday passed a significant legislative package that curbs billions of dollars in federal spending for clean energy, according to a report in AP. The bill, which is now headed to President Donald Trump, is set to eliminate tax credits for electric vehicles and reduce incentives for homeowners looking to make energy-efficient updates. Additionally, large-scale wind and solar energy projects will face greater difficulty in qualifying for tax credits. Experts cited in the report warn that these changes could lead to higher energy prices for consumers and present challenges to the nation's efforts to address climate change.

The U.S. National Park Service is set to review its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) signage at Muir Woods National Monument in California, The Federalist says in a report. The review was initiated after the publication raised concerns that the signage might violate a past executive order issued during President Donald Trump's previous term. That order, which targeted the promotion of "divisive concepts" by federal agencies, was later rescinded by the administration of former President Joe Biden.

American former Formula 1 race steward Tim Mayer is expected to announce his run for the presidency of motorsport's governing body, the FIA, AP says in a report. A news conference for an unnamed candidate was scheduled for Friday near the Silverstone circuit, with the BBC and other specialist auto racing outlets reporting that the candidate is Mayer. He is the son of Teddy Mayer, a co-founder of the McLaren Formula 1 team.

The US labor market showed surprising strength by adding 147,000 new jobs last month, helping push US stocks to another record high and causing bond yields to leap, according to a report in AP. In other developments, President Donald Trump announced a new trade deal with Vietnam. Separately, Paramount agreed to pay $16 million in a settlement with Trump related to a '60 Minutes' interview. These events occurred as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell affirmed he would not change the central bank's course despite ongoing public criticism from the President.

A bill sent by Congress to President Donald Trump would implement new work requirements for accessing federal benefits such as Medicaid and food aid. The legislation has prompted concern among enrollees over both the work mandates and the associated paperwork. The bill would also require states to revamp their programs under new deadlines, potentially cause financial difficulties for rural hospitals, and eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Ongoing legal challenges, key Supreme Court cases, congressional division, and debates over immigration and abortion are the dominant domestic issues in the USA, according to a report in The New York Times. President Donald Trump is navigating multiple federal and state indictments that originated prior to and during his 2024 campaign. The Supreme Court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, is addressing critical cases concerning presidential immunity and access to the abortion pill mifepristone. In a divided Congress, deep partisan divisions have led to gridlock over government funding and border security, with legislative time also consumed by past actions such as the impeachment inquiry against former President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, record migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border fuel intense political debate, and the legal landscape for abortion access remains a patchwork of state-level laws following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The US House of Representatives gave final congressional approval to a significant Republican legislative package, sending it to President Donald Trump to be signed into law by a self-imposed July 4th deadline, as per a report in AP. The bill's central components include broad tax cuts, new funding for deportations and a border wall, and specific appropriations for a project referred to as the 'Golden Dome'. To offset these measures, the legislation implements spending cuts to Medicaid and other programs. It also establishes new tax-advantaged 'Trump savings accounts' and contains provisions that alter federal support for clean energy initiatives.

The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval to a major tax bill on Thursday, a key policy initiative of President Donald Trump's second term, according to a report in AP. The legislation, which includes tax breaks and cuts to the social safety net, passed on a narrow 218-214 vote. All Democrats were united in opposition and were joined by two Republicans who also voted against the measure.

House Republican leaders on Wednesday were actively working to persuade the last remaining holdouts within their party to vote for President Donald Trump's proposed tax and spending cuts package, according to a report in The Washington Times. The leadership's effort aims to build on the momentum from a recent, difficult vote in the Senate and involves challenging members to risk defying the President by voting against the legislation.

The US House of Representatives is facing intense pressure as it prepares to decide the fate of a major legislative bill strongly supported by President Donald Trump, according to a report in BBC. The president views the legislation as a defining component of his political legacy. The decision before the House is whether the current version of the bill, reportedly a product of compromise, is sufficient to pass, with pressure coming from the White House to secure a major legislative victory.

A US citizen is suing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies for $1 million after being arrested last month while filming an immigration raid at a Home Depot store, according to a report in The Guardian. Photographer Job Garcia alleges he was tackled, thrown to the ground, arrested, and detained for over 24 hours by officials. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (Maldef), an advocacy group, is representing Garcia in the lawsuit.

Four people were killed and 14 others were hospitalized following a drive-by shooting outside a private nightclub event in Chicago, according to a report in The Guardian. Police stated that three individuals in an SUV began firing on a crowd as an album launch party for local rapper Mello Buckzz was ending. At least three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday declined to take up an appeal from Montana aimed at reviving a state law that would require parental consent for minors seeking an abortion, as per a report in The Hill. The state had argued that the law should be implemented, contending that fundamental parental rights take precedence over the right to privacy that has historically protected abortion access under the state's constitution. The Court's refusal to hear the case means the lower court's decision, which blocked the law, will remain in effect.

A new survey indicates that managers across the USA are utilizing artificial intelligence to inform significant employment decisions, including pay raises, promotions, and layoffs, according to a report in The Hill. The findings show a growing trend of AI tools being implemented in American workplaces to analyze worker data and influence or automate key human resources functions that directly impact an employee's career and financial standing.

The Trump administration has accused states and schools of misusing federal education grants to fund what it terms a "radical leftwing agenda," according to a report in The Washington Times. The grants in question, some of which are now reportedly in limbo, were specifically earmarked to support the children of immigrants and students from low-income families. The administration's accusation centers on the alleged diversion of these funds from their intended purpose toward ideological programming.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a phone call on Thursday, marking their sixth publicly disclosed conversation since President Trump began his second term this year, The Washington Times says in a report.

Amid signs of a robust US economy, House Republicans are struggling to gather support for a tax bill related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, according to a report in AP. The legislative push comes as the US labor market added 147,000 new jobs last month and weekly applications for jobless aid fell to a low of 233,000. This economic strength is further highlighted by US stock markets setting another record high.

A verdict has been reached in the trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, prompting a statement from Cassie Ventura's lawyer, Doug Wigdor, according to a report in The Guardian. Speaking outside the court, Wigdor said his team is pleased that Combs has 'finally been held accountable' and faces 'substantial jail time.' He acknowledged they would have preferred a conviction on the sex crimes and RICO charges but understood that the legal standard of 'beyond a reasonable doubt' is high.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to "save" New York City from New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, The Washington Times says in a report. The report identifies Mamdani as a Democratic socialist and a candidate for mayor of New York City.

First Lady Melania Trump visited with sick patients and toured a garden at Children's National hospital in Washington on Thursday, as per a report in The Washington Times. The visit was scheduled ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, and the children at the hospital were engaged in making holiday-themed arts and crafts during her time there.

President Donald Trump's legislative initiative, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' was halted in the House on Wednesday as Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, struggled to secure enough votes, according to a report in The Washington Times. The impasse occurred because a group of Republican holdouts opposed changes to the bill that were previously passed by the Senate, preventing the legislation from advancing despite pressure from party leaders and the President.

A tax provision reportedly included in a large Republican legislative package is causing concern among professional gamblers, who claim it could eliminate their profits, The Washington Times says in a report. These gamblers warn that such a change would compel them to use unregulated offshore betting platforms, potentially impacting the domestic industry. The article notes the legal U.S. gambling market had a gross revenue of nearly $115 billion last year, a figure that represents the entire industry and not just the professional gambling segment.

A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the Trump administration's policy to prevent most unauthorized immigrants from seeking asylum at the southern border is illegal, The Washington Times said in a report. The ruling blocks the administration's attempt to make migrants ineligible for asylum if they cross into the U.S. between official ports of entry. The judge's decision found that the policy directly contradicts the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which explicitly allows individuals to apply for asylum regardless of their manner of arrival in the United States. The administration is expected to appeal the decision.

A Republican tax and spending bill aligned with President Donald Trump's agenda has cleared a key procedural hurdle in the US House of Representatives, paving the way for a full vote on the legislation, according to a report in The Guardian. The rule governing debate on the bill was approved in an early morning session. The vote followed a record-breaking protest by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who spoke on the House floor for eight hours and 44 minutes in an unsuccessful effort to prevent the bill's advance. His speech surpassed the previous record for length, which was set in 2021 by then-Republican leader Kevin McCarthy during a speech against former President Joe Biden's agenda.

In Massachusetts, whose state healthcare system served as a model for the Obama-era Affordable Care Act, advocates and health workers are expressing concern that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle the program, according to a report in The Washington Times. The fears are centered on proposed federal legislation that they believe could unravel the state's popular healthcare safety net, which provides insurance, preventive care, and lifesaving medication to hundreds of thousands of people.

House Republicans have reportedly secured enough party support to pass President Donald Trump's sweeping tax cut legislation, according to a report in The Washington Times. In response, House Democrats are employing procedural tactics in an effort to slow down the legislative process and delay the final vote on the bill. The Republican effort to gather the necessary votes indicates the bill is poised for passage despite the delays.

The US Supreme Court experienced a decrease in unanimous decisions during its most recent term, with data indicating deeper divisions among the justices, according to a report in The Washington Times. The trend is attributed to the court's 6-3 conservative majority, which has led to more ideologically divided rulings on high-profile cases. While many procedural or less contentious cases are still decided unanimously, the decline is most apparent in major rulings concerning significant legal and social issues, such as abortion and gun rights.

China has stated its firm opposition to a newly announced trade deal between the United States and Vietnam, according to a report in The Hill. Beijing said it would take "countermeasures" to protect its own economic interests against any deal that disadvantages its economy. The trade agreement, announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, reportedly sets the tariff rate on Vietnam at 20 percent.

The US House of Representatives passed a sweeping tax and spending bill on Thursday, following its narrow passage in the Senate on Tuesday where Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, The Guardian says in a report. The legislation, which now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature, includes extended tax cuts, funding for a border wall, and is projected to risk a $3 trillion increase to the deficit before the end of the current presidential term.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard publicly accused Washington Post reporter Ellen Nakashima of being a "clear political op" in a social media post on Thursday, The Hill says in a report. Gabbard alleged that instead of contacting the official press office, Nakashima has been "actively harassing ODNI staff" by directly calling high-level personnel within the agency.