Presidential retreat in Maryland with a storied past
House Republicans have advanced a reconciliation budget resolution that would channel roughly $60 billion to the Iran war, boost Pentagon and farm aid and include parts of President Trump’s elections package. Democrats have opposed the plan’s high spending and social riders. Separately, more than 100 House Democrats voted to withhold military aid to Israel, exposing a deep intra-party split ahead of the midterms.
The Iran conflict has escalated with threats of strikes and shifting diplomacy as both sides test red lines. U.S. officials warn of hard actions while Iran asserts control over Hormuz. A ceasefire cycle and domestic political pressures frame new steps as global oil markets react.
The Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte. Clayton has faced questions about his stance on the 2020 election and national security credentials, while Republicans push for steadier leadership in the intelligence community as major policy debates continue.
The Senate has advanced the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill, with bipartisan support and a high-profile backdrop including Zelenskyy’s Washington visit. The package targets Russia’s energy sector and its so-called “shadow fleet,” while expanding sanctions to Iran. House passage remains uncertain as August recess looms.
Federal agencies and state officials have reported coordinated cyberattacks that have targeted internet-connected controllers at water and wastewater utilities in at least a dozen states since late July. Operators have had passwords changed and been locked out, forcing many plants to revert to manual control; officials say drinking water remains broadly safe while investigations continue.
President Trump’s Cabinet meeting at Camp David has become a focal point as he faces Republican pushback on a tax-audit immunity deal and the fate of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Comments on an Anti-Weaponization Fund are circulating, while lawmakers seek written assurances from the White House. The briefing follows related talks about immunity provisions tied to the Trump family.
The crash near Miramar Air Base has prompted an ongoing investigation. The pilot has ejected and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An aerial plume of smoke and ground debris are visible as responders contain a vegetation fire at the site. Officials say the F-35B costs about $109 million and the broader program carries a multi-trillion price tag.
The Gaza disarmament roadmap has been published and is prompting debate. Hamas is tying its weapons handover to Israel’s withdrawal and an end to attacks, while the Board of Peace oversees phased measures. Israel refuses to withdraw before Hamas is disarmed, asserting security concerns. The plan outlines timelines, verification and civilian governance mechanisms as it faces opposition from both sides.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
Migrant flows into Ceuta have triggered a European response as Spain and Italy clash over border controls. Authorities say tens of thousands crossed from Morocco, with most quickly returning; Italy has suspended Schengen with Spain and calls for stronger external borders.
Kyiv faces a massive Russian assault with air raids and missile strikes. Authorities report casualties and fires across central districts as rescue teams continue the search for survivors. The blasts have triggered widespread sirens and spurred calls for enhanced air defense.
The latest reporting shows ongoing exchanges about possible resumption of hostilities between the United States and Iran. Politically charged statements and shifting negotiations signal a fragile moment in a wider Gulf crisis, with energy markets reacting to uncertainty.
The FBI is investigating cyberattacks on water systems in Minnesota and other states. Authorities say Iranian hackers are a chief suspect, with warnings from federal agencies about threats to water and wastewater infrastructure. Local authorities report that most systems continue operating safely, with some utilities temporarily adjusting usage. No public health impacts have been confirmed.
Capital One has disclosed that its decision to close more than 300 Trump-affiliated accounts followed an anti-money laundering review. The bank argues the closures were based on internal analysis and regulator guidance, not political motivations, in a case the Trump Organization is trying to dismiss in Florida federal court.
A new AP-NORC survey finds 39% of US adults approve of Donald Trump’s immigration handling, down from 49% earlier in his term. Republican backing remains high on immigration, but overall popularity has declined, with mixed views on Iran and the economy.
Top authorities have coordinated a yen intervention to stall a slide in the currency, a move that strengthens yen but leaves questions about long-term fiscal and monetary policy. The effort reflects growing geopolitical ties and a shared aim to curb disorderly moves that could threaten global markets.
Blanche secures confirmation as U.S. attorney general after Republicans accept a written order clarifying that the nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund has been terminated. The order also narrows the scope of a tax-audit immunity deal to cover only the plaintiffs named in the IRS settlement, while leaving the broader immunity in place.
Independent reports that Trump has shared AI-generated images, including one with Washington and Lincoln signing a map, and others depicting him in various guises. The posts come as he uses Truth Social to fuel talk of a possible 2028 run, drawing mixed reactions from allies and critics.
The US has ongoing shortages of long‑range missiles and interceptors amid the Iran war. Authorities are replenishing stockpiles, ramping up production, and monitoring ally readiness as munitions levels remain stressed. Multiple outlets report depleted Patriot and THAAD interceptors and widespread use of ATACMS, PrSM, Tomahawks, and other missiles.
The Gaza disarmament framework has moved into its second phase, with international pressure mounting to verify Hamas disarmament while IDF withdrawal is debated. Israel and Hamas have voiced guarded positions as Western partners push for a credible enforcement mechanism and a stabilizing force.
The Washington Post reports that during a July 8 Ankara stop, Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller plane to avoid an Iranian threat. Journalists and some aides remained on the decoy aircraft, while security officials say the move was to protect the president. Details of passenger lists and the full sequence remain undisclosed.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has flown to Moscow for undisclosed talks with Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin. Moscow says President Vladimir Putin was briefed but did not meet Ratcliffe. U.S. and Russian accounts conflict over whether Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO or discussed restarting U.S.-mediated peace talks for Ukraine. The visit is the first CIA director trip to Moscow since 2021.
Iran warns it may retaliate against any US-led attacks while the US signals readiness for broader action. Trump has said options include striking Iran or pursuing a deal as Iran and its allies prepare for the UN General Assembly, heightening regional tensions and impacting oil shipments.