Presidential retreat in Maryland
House Republicans have advanced a 47-page reconciliation budget resolution that would steer roughly $60 billion toward the Iran war, add funds for intelligence, agriculture and election changes, and package parts of the SAVE America Act. Democrats have opposed the plan and more than 100 House Democrats have recorded votes to withhold military aid to Israel, exposing deep party divisions 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 by a 51-47 vote, removing acting DNI Bill Pulte. Clayton has faced tough questioning over his refusal to plainly say Joe Biden won the 2020 election and about his willingness to resist political pressure. His confirmation clears the way for renewed talks on reauthorising Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
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 is hit by a new wave of Russian strikes, killing civilians and damaging residential and commercial buildings. Ukraine reports ongoing air defence efforts, while officials urge patience as Western Patriot systems are pushed for to counter the attacks.
The Times of Israel reports that at Camp David, Donald Trump has said the US intends to win and that Iran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon. He signals a preference for renewed coercive pressure while acknowledging occasional back‑and‑forth strikes. The broader environment includes Iranian retaliations, regional attacks, and ongoing talks mediated by Pakistan, with a fragile pause giving way to renewed hostilities.
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.
The yen has strengthened in a coordinated intervention involving the U.S. and Japan, reflecting a shared aim to curb disorderly moves and protect global markets. Tokyo backs the move with Washington, while the U.S. signals continued readiness to act with Tokyo. Analysts warn of higher long-term borrowing costs amid global deficits and the AI buildout.
The Independent reports that President Trump is tying Blanche’s U.S. attorney general nomination to conditions on the IRS immunity shield and the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, signaling political maneuvering as Republicans seek tighter guardrails.
The former president has shared AI-generated images on Truth Social and X, depicting him with Washington and Lincoln and in other guises, as part of a campaign-style push around the U.S. Bicentennial anniversary. The posts have drawn both praise from supporters and mockery from critics who cite ongoing legal troubles.
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 officials. The Kremlin has said President Vladimir Putin was briefed but did not meet Ratcliffe. U.S. officials and the CIA have declined to comment. Washington told Kyiv in advance and asked Ukraine to pause strikes on parts of Russia while the delegation was in the capital.
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.
The Red Sea conflict has intensified as Yemeni government forces, backed by Saudi air power, press to retake Sanaa and secure Bab al-Mandeb. The Houthis have escalated missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, while the U.S. supports allies with intelligence and targeting data but is not yet engaging in kinetic strikes.
Trump has proposed converting a Florida golf course into a US Presidential Golf Course with a dedicated lodge and free access for current and former presidents and visiting leaders. The plan emphasizes security and proximity to an airport, drawing comparisons to Camp David. Local officials are reviewing the proposal, which would require county approval and alignment with Secret Service needs.
The latest batch of reports indicates the United States has told the Pentagon to be ready for the possible resumption of major combat operations against Iran. The move could involve large-scale strikes on energy, infrastructure and nuclear targets and may occur before the U.S. midterm elections. Trump insists he will not attack Iran before the elections while officials say preparations are advancing; Iran and its allies are on high alert as regional tensions escalate.
Iran has strengthened its nuclear and military defenses while warning of broader retaliation if the United States resumes attacks. Satellite imagery shows reinforced facilities as regional strains escalate, with Washington preparing options for renewed strikes amid carrier deployments.