Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said the Court does not just approve whatever President Donald Trump wants. She noted that while the Court has ruled in favor of Trump in many cases, it has also rejected some of his major policies.
Key Facts
Justice Elena Kagan spoke at a panel in Bellevue, Washington, about the Supreme Court’s independence.
The Court has been mostly supportive of President Trump’s policies but has ruled against some key issues like tariffs and birthright citizenship changes.
Kagan acknowledged the Court is very conservative and sometimes sided with conservative legal ideas.
She said the Court is not a "puppet" controlled by President Trump.
Public trust in the Supreme Court has been low in recent years.
President Trump has criticized justices when they ruled against him.
Chief Justice John Roberts has said the Court is not political, calling that idea a misunderstanding.
Kagan supports a committee to enforce the Court’s ethics code, which was adopted in 2023 after criticism about justices’ undisclosed trips and gifts.
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California’s state flag shows a grizzly bear, but these bears disappeared from the state about 100 years ago. A new law proposal asks the state to look into whether it is possible to bring grizzly bears back to California and where they could live safely.
Key Facts
Grizzly bears once lived all across California but were wiped out by the 1920s.
The California flag’s bear represents this extinct grizzly population.
Senator Laura Richardson introduced a bill to study the possibility of reintroducing grizzlies.
The bill asks the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a plan, but it does not provide money for the study.
Some rural groups oppose the idea because they worry about bears living near people and livestock.
At least 40 Native American tribes and environmental groups support the bill.
A 2025 study found parts of California’s north coast, mountains, and national parks might be good homes for grizzlies.
The study suggests starting with about 25 grizzly bears if reintroduction happens.
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The U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has asked Congress to approve funding to redesign New York’s Penn Station, the busiest train station in the western hemisphere. There is discussion about renaming the station to “Trump Station,” but no final decision has been made. President Donald Trump has been involved in talks around the project but denies suggesting the name change himself.
Key Facts
Penn Station in New York is undergoing a redesign with a projected cost of $8 billion.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy supports the idea of naming the station after President Donald Trump.
Duffy mentioned the name “Trump Station” as an appealing option during the planning process.
President Trump said the name change idea was suggested by New York Senator Chuck Schumer, not by him.
Trump also noted it is odd to name a New York station after Pennsylvania because the states compete economically.
The original Penn Station, opened in 1910, was named after the Pennsylvania Railroad company.
The station is well known but has a reputation for being a dull underground hub.
President Trump has recently focused on public works projects that could enhance his legacy.
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The CBS News program "Sunday Morning" covers several topics, including support for older adults living in rural areas, an artist known for celebrating Black life, the story of a Polish hero in the American Revolutionary War, and singer Corinne Bailey Rae discussing her musical career and personal experiences. The show also features segments on food safety, plant science, and remembers notable people who recently passed away.
Key Facts
The number of U.S. counties with 20% or more residents over age 65 has nearly tripled since 2010, especially in rural areas.
A program in North Dakota helps elderly people by encouraging neighbor connections to reduce loneliness and health risks.
Artist Derrick Adams is known for colorful works portraying joyful scenes of Black life, with a major exhibit in Boston through September 7.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish engineer and soldier, was important in helping George Washington win the Revolutionary War.
Musician Corinne Bailey Rae is celebrating 20 years since her debut album and talks about loss and renewal.
The show includes reports on food safety and scientific insights into how plants respond to touch.
An "In Memoriam" segment honors recently deceased notable individuals.
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Senator Ted Cruz predicted that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) will run for president in 2028, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will replace Senator Chuck Schumer. Cruz expressed concern about the direction of the Democratic Party but no candidate has officially announced a 2028 presidential run.
Key Facts
Ted Cruz shared his predictions about the 2028 election on social media.
He said AOC will launch a presidential campaign.
Cruz also said Zohran Mamdani will replace Senator Chuck Schumer in New York.
Cruz called these changes "bad for America" and called for two parties that love the country.
AOC has a strong presence among progressive voters and a large social media following.
Mamdani is gaining attention as a progressive leader in New York politics.
Recent polls show AOC with 22 percent support among likely 2028 Democratic primary voters.
No Democrat or Republican has officially declared their presidential candidacy for 2028 yet.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci will testify before a Senate committee next Wednesday after being ordered to appear by Chairman Rand Paul. Paul has accused Fauci of hiding details about risky virus research linked to China.
Key Facts
Dr. Anthony Fauci is scheduled to testify in the Senate next Wednesday.
The hearing is before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Rand Paul, a senator from Kentucky and committee chairman, issued the subpoena for Fauci.
Paul accuses Fauci of covering up U.S. involvement in dangerous virus research in China.
Fauci was the nation’s top expert on infectious diseases.
The hearing aims to investigate claims about the origins and safety of certain viral research.
The hearing will be publicly held and could involve questions about government research transparency.
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Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, wrote a book called "This Is the Plan" that explains what Democrats can do to improve. He shared his ideas about the party’s future and lessons from Wisconsin in a conversation with Geoff Bennett on the PBS News podcast "Settle In."
Key Facts
Ben Wikler is the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
He wrote a book titled "This Is the Plan."
The book discusses lessons from Wisconsin, one of the most evenly divided states.
Wikler’s work focuses on what Democrats plan to do to address issues in the party.
Geoff Bennett interviewed Wikler on the PBS News podcast called "Settle In."
The conversation covers ideas that could help Democrats across the United States.
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President Donald Trump’s administration will impose new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the European Union. The tariffs target companies accused of using forced labor and will start on Friday, replacing a previous global tariff set to expire the same day.
Key Facts
The tariffs will affect 60 trade partners, including the European Union.
The tax rates will be between 10% and 12.5%.
The tariffs aim to stop products made with forced labor from entering the U.S. market.
These tariffs replace a 10% global tariff that is expiring.
The previous tariff was removed after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.
The new tariffs take effect on the same day the old global tariff ends.
The announcement came from the U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office.
This move is part of President Trump’s ongoing trade policies.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill that eases rules on abortions performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The bill will now be considered by the state Senate and, if passed, would allow doctors to approve late-term abortions.
Key Facts
The bill is called H.5595.
The Massachusetts House voted 119 in favor and 33 against the bill.
It would loosen restrictions on abortions performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Doctors would need to approve any abortion done after 24 weeks.
State House Speaker Ronald Mariano announced the bill’s passage in the House.
The bill now goes to the Massachusetts state Senate for consideration.
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President Trump will add new tariffs, which are extra taxes on goods, to imports from 60 countries. These tariffs target violations related to forced labor and will affect almost all U.S. imports, including products from major trade partners.
Key Facts
President Trump announced new tariffs on imports from 60 countries.
The tariffs will be in the "double-digit" range, meaning over 10%.
These tariffs focus on preventing goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S.
The tariffs will cover 99.4% of all U.S. imports.
Washington’s biggest trading partners are included in this action.
The tariffs are imposed under U.S. trade law called Section 301.
The U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer made the announcement.
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A government study shows that many delivery app drivers and Amazon workers have increasingly used federal help like food stamps and Medicaid since the pandemic began. The number of Amazon employees getting these benefits has tripled from early 2020 to late 2025.
Key Facts
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study on Wednesday.
The study focuses on gig economy workers, such as delivery app drivers.
Use of food stamps and Medicaid by these workers has risen sharply since the pandemic started.
Amazon workers receiving federal assistance tripled between February 2020 and September 2025.
The report also mentions increases among Walmart workers, though details are incomplete.
The research highlights growing financial struggles for some workers in large companies.
Federal assistance programs provide food stamps and healthcare coverage for low-income individuals.
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A new poll shows that more Republicans are blaming President Donald Trump’s policies for hurting the economy, though most still support him. Many Americans remain unhappy with the economy nearly 1 1/2 years into Trump’s second term, and economic concerns are a key issue ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Pew Research Center poll found 28% of Republicans blame Trump’s policies for making the economy worse, up from 18% earlier.
Overall, 60% of respondents said Trump’s policies made the economy worse.
Only 24% of all voters described the economy as “excellent” or “good.”
Gas prices recently rose due to conflicts in the Middle East affecting oil supply routes.
Despite economic worries, 69% of Republicans still approve of Trump’s job performance.
Economic issues like inflation and jobs are top concerns for many voters before the November midterms.
The poll surveyed 1,602 adults from July 17-20 with a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.
White House said Trump remains focused on lowering costs and boosting American energy production.
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A group of 25 states and the District of Columbia are suing FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. They say the Trump administration is withholding disaster and security grants unless states follow new election and immigration rules.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves 25 states plus the District of Columbia.
States accuse FEMA and DHS of holding back about $148 million in grants.
The withheld funds are for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and homeland security.
New funding rules require states to verify voter citizenship, use specific types of ballots, and assist federal immigration enforcement.
States argue these conditions are unrelated to emergency management and are improper.
The lawsuit claims the administration's actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution’s Spending Clause.
Rhode Island’s Attorney General says the administration is unlawfully risking public safety.
FEMA says the rules are needed to protect election security and integrity.
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President Donald Trump paused the Saudi Arabia nuclear deal soon after it was signed. He said the deal depends on Saudi Arabia agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.
Key Facts
The Saudi nuclear deal was signed recently but is now being questioned by President Trump.
President Trump made the deal conditional on Saudi Arabia having normal relations with Israel.
This announcement came less than 24 hours after the deal was signed.
Sources had earlier described the deal differently, making this change surprising.
The new demand links the nuclear deal to the Abraham Accords, which promote peace between Israel and Arab countries.
It is unclear if this represents a complete reversal or a change in approach.
The situation shows ongoing shifts in Middle East diplomacy.
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Abderrahim Fakir, a man born in Morocco, died after being restrained by police in Bologna, Italy. His death has led to protests and calls for more police accountability in the country.
Key Facts
Abderrahim Fakir was born in Morocco.
He died following police restraint in Bologna, Italy.
The incident has caused public protests.
People are demanding better police accountability.
The case has sparked discussions about police behavior in Italy.
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Satellite images have detected large wildfires in north Wales, burning around 951 hectares of the Rhinogydd mountains. A firefighting helicopter is being sent to help tackle the fires, while ground crews continue working to control multiple blazes across Wales.
Key Facts
The wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains, Gwynedd, began earlier in July and has burned about 951 hectares (2,350 acres).
NASA’s FIRMS satellite detected heat from several fires in Wales, including Blaenavon, Presteigne, and Pentre Halkyn.
Natural Resources Wales is deploying a specialist firefighting helicopter to support the response in the Rhinogydd area.
The Welsh government activated crisis management due to the wildfire situation.
Police have warned people not to enter restricted wildfire areas, as it is dangerous and may lead to legal action.
Smoke from the Blaenavon fire has reached as far as Cardiff and caused air quality issues in some areas.
Fires at Rhinogydd and Blaenavon are currently the most serious and remain active, requiring ongoing firefighting efforts.
Emergency services also responded to a fire on Kilvey Hill in Swansea and advised residents nearby to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
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The United States has spent nearly $110 billion on its conflict with Iran. Despite saying the conflict is settled, President Trump's administration is asking for an additional $67 billion.
Key Facts
The US has spent almost $110 billion related to the war on Iran.
President Donald Trump's administration is requesting an extra $67 billion in funding.
The administration states that the war is already won or concluded.
The new requested funds would increase the total spending significantly.
This information was reported by Al Jazeera and Emma Withrow.
The cost includes military and related expenses in the conflict with Iran.
The article highlights the growing financial impact of this conflict on the US government.
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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she sleeps between zero and three hours a night. Her statement has started a discussion about the work culture and long hours often seen in Japan.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) about her very short sleep.
She said she gets between zero and three hours of sleep each night.
This claim has attracted public and media attention.
The mention of minimal sleep sparked talks about Japan’s demanding work culture.
Japan is known for long working hours and challenges with work-life balance.
The BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori reported on the reactions.
The topic relates to broader concerns about health and productivity in Japan.
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The Trump administration withdrew subpoenas that would have forced three New York Times reporters to reveal their sources about a story on President Trump’s Air Force One jet from Qatar. A federal judge criticized the government’s legal mistakes, leading to the withdrawal of the subpoenas.
Key Facts
The government had subpoenas for three New York Times reporters to testify about their sources.
The reporters covered a story on President Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.
A federal judge named Arun Subramanian criticized the government’s legal work as sloppy.
The government reluctantly withdrew the subpoenas after the judge’s reprimand.
This is part of a pattern where the Trump administration is targeting journalists to reveal sources.
The Justice Department also recently withdrew subpoenas for reporters from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.
The subpoenas were related to national security stories.
The government wants to stop leaks inside the Trump administration.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded to White House criticism about delays in passing the SAVE Act, a election-related bill supported by President Trump. Thune said the Senate needs to find votes and suggested Democrats are blocking the bill. The White House urged quick action before lawmakers leave for recess in August.
Key Facts
The SAVE Act aims to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections.
President Trump is pressing Senate Republicans to pass the bill before the August recess.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump's patience is running out over Senate delays.
Senator John Thune said Democrats, not Republicans, are blocking the bill in the Senate.
The bill faces a difficult vote threshold of 60 votes to overcome a Senate filibuster.
President Trump gave a speech criticizing the Senate for stalling the legislation.
The House of Representatives has already approved the SAVE Act.
Thune has generally avoided public conflict with the White House despite pressure from Trump’s allies.
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