Capital city and federal district of the United States
California and 11 other state attorneys general have filed a federal lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance’s $110–111bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, saying the merger will raise prices, cut content and reduce competition across theatrical distribution and basic cable. The coalition has asked the companies to delay closing and warned it will seek a temporary restraining order.
The SAVE income-driven repayment plan has ended and servicers have begun notifying roughly 7–7.5 million borrowers that they have 90 days from their notice to choose a replacement. New Department of Education rules that took effect on July 1 have created a Repayment Assistance Plan and a Tiered Standard plan, tightened graduate and Parent PLUS borrowing caps, and added a temporary autopay interest discount.
The Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Trump’s bid to end it. The ruling maintains that citizenship is granted at birth to anyone born in the United States, including children of undocumented migrants. Trump has pledged to seek a rehearing and press Congress on immigration.
A new weight‑loss pill version of semaglutide has launched in the UK for private prescriptions, offering an alternative to injections. The tablet requires strict dosing and a fasting routine and is not yet NHS‑funded. Several outlets warn about counterfeit pills as access broadens.
Summary of multiple reports: Sir Olly Robbins has been dismissed as permanent under-secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office amid the Mandelson vetting row. Robbins is pursuing a judicial review, arguing there was no fair procedure and that the prime minister lacked authority to dismiss the head of the diplomatic service. The FDA union says the action follows a flawed vetting process and a media-driven decision.
The Reflecting Pool renovation has been plagued by an algae bloom and peeling coating after initial completion, with officials citing vandals, while investigations highlight contracting questions and security measures as the 250th anniversary approaches.
California has signed a near $352 billion budget with targeted tax measures, including a healthcare provider tax, a software sales tax, and limits on corporate tax breaks, to shield vulnerable communities and bolster state reserves amid federal funding pressure. The plan delays major healthcare cuts and leaves questions for future funding.
The Strait of Hormuz could see a formal system to charge ships for passage as countries near the waterway explore governance changes after a war that disrupted oil flows. Oman is signaling flexibility on fees while stressing any scheme will align with international law, and Washington remains opposed to tolls.
A heat dome has driven record electricity demand across the eastern United States. Officials warn temperatures will stay high this week and the grid faces stress as cooling needs rise. Cooling centers expand and energy-use guidance is issued to prevent outages.
The Supreme Court issues a 6-3 set of decisions affecting race, immigration protections and birthright citizenship. It allows ending temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians, reaffirms birthright citizenship, and signals ongoing debates about diversity policies and anti-discrimination enforcement.
Federal regulators have issued a directive to autonomous vehicle developers demanding solutions after documenting multiple driverless cars entering or blocking emergency scenes. Separately, Waymo has alerted San Mateo police after a robotaxi reported two 15‑year‑olds drinking and firing Orbeez; officers have removed the teens and requested cabin video. California agencies are also pausing approval for Waymos new Ojai paid service while they review safety and underage‑riding controls.
A tech-backed analysis has found that bars and breweries saw an 8% revenue uptick during the World Cup group stage, driven by late-night demand. Host cities outperformed the national average, with notable spikes in Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and the New York metro. Non-alcoholic drinks and food orders also rose as chains rolled out promotions.
Cuba has sustained nationwide blackouts amid a fuel shortage intensified by the US oil blockade. Authorities report ongoing restoration efforts while public services remain strained, and discussions surrounding sanctions continue to shape daily life on the island.
Brazil's deforestation rate has fallen by half in Lula's first year back in office, with 1,295 sq km cleared from January to June, the lowest since 2016. Lula defers to his government on zero-deforestation targets while facing criticisms over oil exploration near the Amazon mouth and shifting U.S. tariffs amid a tight election race.
Hamas has announced it is dissolving the Gaza ministries body, but will keep staff and ministries operating. A U.N.-supervised technocratic committee is set to take over civilian affairs, while security remains under Hamas in areas it controls. The Board of Peace says it will judge progress by actions, not promises, as ceasefire negotiations continue.
Fed minutes show policymakers are divided on whether to raise rates this year; markets are betting on a cautious path with speculation about AI inflation and Middle East tensions affecting decisions. Warsh has not provided a clear stand as minutes reflect a range of scenarios.
Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C. is undergoing review by the National Capital Planning Commission. Staff argue the project can meet height limits with revisions redistributing height among the arch, rooftop deck, and topper statues, but the overall height will still reach about 250 feet. Opponents warn the monument would overwhelm views and skyline, including the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery sightline.
Three-time Olympic canoeist David Hearn has been indicted on a felony destruction-of-property charge for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool’s sealant during renovations in Washington. Prosecutors say witnesses observed deliberate damage; defense argues the case is a political misuse of power. Court appearances continue as the pool undergoes repairs.
Five task forces announced by Fed Chair Warsh include figures from tech, retail, academia and finance to study communications, data sources, productivity, AI, and the balance sheet, with reports due by year-end.
Goldman Sachs has updated its personal trading policy to bar employees from trading on event-based contracts tied to the bank, elections, financial markets and geopolitics. The move aims to curb the risk of insider trading and conflicts of interest as platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi expand activity. Other banks are reviewing policies as regulators watch closely.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national accused in the November ambush near the Farragut West Metro Station, has collapsed health-wise and is being treated at George Washington University Hospital after reportedly refusing food and water. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty on a 17-count indictment; a judge has granted access to limited medical records for court considerations.
A group of eight men, aged 19 to 32, has been charged in Ohio with conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and to murder a federal official during a planned attack around a UFC event on the White House lawn. Investigations show they planned explosive drones and sniper fire, with targets including high‑profile figures. The case spans several states, with arrests in California, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and West Virginia.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have renewed clashes over the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have exchanged strikes as Iran seeks to maintain control of the strait, while the United States pushes for a return to free passage. Diplomats from Qatar and other Gulf states are attempting to de‑escalate, even as threats to regional stability persist.
Senator Lindsey Graham has died after a "brief and sudden illness," his office has said. The 71-year-old Republican had returned from a trip to Ukraine and was due to appear on Meet the Press. The DC medical examiner has preliminarily attributed the death to an aortic dissection linked to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease; officials will release final findings after tests.
Iraq has deepened its economic partnership with the United States, signing oil and energy agreements and seeking to boost oil production and export capacity. The country aims to reduce exposure to Hormuz disruptions while pursuing IMF funding and weapons state control as part of broader strategic ties.
A sprawling heat dome has kept tens of millions under extreme heat alerts across the Midwest to the East Coast. Nights remain dangerously hot as temperatures fail to cool, with health risks rising and power outages reported.
The federal investigation into Union leader Shawn Fain has escalated as a grand jury probes allegations including retaliation and misuse of authority, with the monitor deferring disciplinary action pending review. The inquiry is unfolding as UAW elections approach.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint as U.S. officials and allies discuss guarding the strait and potential tolls. Trump has claimed the U.S. will guard the strait and be reimbursed; CNBC reports he says the U.S. will be paid for guarding it.
Preliminary medical examiner findings indicate an aortic dissection linked to artery hardening has caused the death of a sitting senator. Reports describe sudden chest or back pain and rapid onset of life-threatening symptoms; speedy treatment is critical.
The United States has launched a broad campaign aimed at isolating the International Criminal Court, with sanctions, travel bans, and pressure on allies to withdraw from the court. Rubio says the ICC threatens American sovereignty and will be challenged with new measures as part of a coordinated effort.
The government has posted the first month-to-month drop in consumer prices since 2020, prompting markets to reassess the path for Federal Reserve policy. Bond yields move with the revised outlook as traders price in a lower probability of near-term rate hikes.
Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s sister, has been appointed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to complete the late senator’s term, making history as the state’s first woman in the Senate. A special primary will determine the nominee for the November election.
The Consumer Price Index has fallen 0.4% in June, with energy prices dragging the annual rate down to 3.5%. Core inflation remains at 2.6% as oil markets react to renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially reversing the near-term relief.
Iraq’s prime minister-designate has arrived in Washington amid U.S. pressure to disarm Iran-backed militias; Trump has publicly welcomed the move. The visit focuses on economic ties, energy projects, and reducing militia influence, as Iraq faces a delicate path between Tehran and Washington.
The Supreme Court has requested a budget increase of about $228 million for the next fiscal year, with roughly $14.6 million earmarked for expanding personal protection for the justices. Justices Kagan and Barrett have testified before Congress about mounting threats, including AI-fueled cyber-attacks and swatting, as the court seeks stronger security and resilience.
Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh has told Congress the Fed’s top objective is restoring price stability and reducing inflation, while noting AI-driven investment is reshaping the economy. Inflation remains a central concern, with mixed signals on rate paths as markets react to new data.
The revised Russia sanctions bill has gained White House support and is being advanced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal with Lindsey Graham’s legacy in mind. The measure would apply tariffs to the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, aiming to choke Moscow’s revenue while allowing waivers in the national interest.
A group of 26 current and former Meta employees have filed a federal lawsuit in California alleging that Meta’s AI‑driven layoff system failed to account for medical, parental and disability leaves, violating multiple federal and state laws. The suit seeks an injunction and an independent audit of the process as layoffs begin.
The Senate has blocked the National Defense Authorization Act on party lines, with Democrats opposing the bill amid concerns over Iran policy and Israel ties. Republicans push for a larger defense budget within reconciliation, while some call for bipartisan options and more information on plans. The White House continues lobbying as lawmakers weigh the bill against ongoing war developments in Iran.