About 24 states led by Democrats sued President Donald Trump over his new global tariffs. They argue these tariffs are illegal, similar to others the Supreme Court has stopped before.
Key Facts
Around two dozen states controlled by Democrats joined the lawsuit.
The suit targets President Donald Trump’s recently announced tariffs on global imports.
The tariffs add an extra charge of about 10 percent or more on certain goods.
The states say the tariffs are unlawful based on past Supreme Court decisions.
Small businesses have also started legal challenges against the tariffs in recent days.
The tariffs were announced last month as part of President Trump’s trade policy.
The lawsuit is part of a growing opposition to the President’s use of tariffs.
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President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping charges against a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump said Pirro gave up under pressure from a judge and expressed disappointment with how the pool repair project was handled.
Key Facts
President Trump said Jeanine Pirro “folded like an umbrella” after she moved to drop vandalism charges against David Hearn.
Hearn, a former Olympian, was accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool but said he only touched the pool briefly and followed a park worker’s orders.
Trump was frustrated that Pirro blamed poor construction for the damage instead of vandalism.
The Reflecting Pool repair project was done by Atlantic Industrial Coatings, a company Trump said rushed the work to finish before July 4.
Trump said he did not personally know the contractor and was not fully happy with their work.
The pool was drained recently for more repairs, with no new bidding for the rebuilding work.
The White House has not announced the completion date or the cost of the new repairs.
Trump predicted the Reflecting Pool would reopen in about one to two weeks.
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The U.S. Supreme Court refused to stop a $656 million judgment against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority. The money is meant for Americans hurt or killed in attacks in Israel, and the decision allows the victims’ families to receive compensation.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor denied a request to pause the $656 million payment.
The judgment is related to attacks in Jerusalem in the early 2000s that killed 33 Americans and injured hundreds.
The lawsuit was filed using the Anti-Terrorism Act, which lets victims of international terrorism sue in U.S. courts.
The PLO and Palestinian Authority warned the payment could harm West Bank government services.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the victims last year, reviving two related cases in 2025.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the verdict in March 2026.
The victims’ families expressed relief that the decision would bring justice after a long legal battle.
Earlier, a federal court in New York had overturned the original verdict before Congress changed the law.
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Twenty-five U.S. states sued President Donald Trump’s administration over new tariffs on imports. The states say these tariffs are a way to replace earlier tariffs the Supreme Court stopped, and they claim the new taxes are illegal.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves 25 states, including New York, California, and Michigan.
The new tariffs target goods from 59 countries and the European Union.
These tariffs are meant to punish countries that don’t stop products made with forced labor.
The Supreme Court blocked earlier tariffs under a 1977 law called IEEPA.
After that ruling, the administration used temporary tariffs that recently expired.
Now, new tariffs are applied under a different law, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Section 301 allows tariffs against unfair trade practices and was used before on China’s imports.
The states argue the new tariffs still illegally raise taxes on U.S. families and businesses.
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Twenty-five U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration about new tariffs. They say these tariffs are an attempt to bring back import taxes that the Supreme Court ruled against earlier this year.
Key Facts
The lawsuit involves 25 U.S. states suing the federal government.
The dispute concerns new tariffs set by President Trump’s administration.
These tariffs apply to goods from 59 countries and the European Union.
The tariffs target imports believed to be made with forced labor.
Last month’s tariffs replaced temporary tariffs that ended after a Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court had struck down earlier tariffs in February.
The new tariffs began just as the temporary tariffs expired.
The states argue the new tariffs are a way to reinstate taxes the Court rejected.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made an agreement with two Republican senators to end a $1.8 billion fund linked to former President Trump. Some Democrats and experts say the deal is weak and could allow Trump to restart the fund.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche withdrew an order that created a $1.8 billion "weaponization fund."
The fund was linked to a lawsuit involving Trump’s tax returns.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, both Republicans, agreed to support Blanche’s confirmation after the deal.
The agreement limits tax audit immunity to Trump, his sons, and their businesses only for past actions.
Legal experts and Democrats say the deal is not strong and leaves room for Trump to revive the fund.
Trump praised the fund and threatened to bring it back.
There is a separate government process under the Federal Tort Claims Act that could allow payouts to people involved in the January 6 events.
Some Democrats say the deal is not enough to stop future payouts or the return of similar funds.
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President Donald Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping criminal charges related to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He said Pirro blamed poor work by a contractor instead of vandalism and expressed his frustration with her decision.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke about the case on Monday.
The charges concerned damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Pirro's office blamed a contractor's poor workmanship, not vandalism.
The criminal charges were dropped against a former Olympian accused of damaging the pool.
Trump used phrases like "folded like a cheap umbrella" and "choked" to describe Pirro’s actions.
Jeanine Pirro is a former Fox News host and the U.S. Attorney involved in the case.
The case reversal disappointed President Trump.
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Police arrested two men in Sydney after one allegedly showed a fake gun and wore a bulletproof vest with a US flag at a busy entertainment area. The men were charged with firearm and drug offenses, with one denied bail and the other granted conditional bail.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, Sydney.
One man was wearing a bulletproof vest with a US flag and had a replica firearm, plastic handcuffs, and a toy police badge.
Police arrived quickly, surrounding the men and causing confusion among nearby shoppers.
The younger man (35) was charged with having an unregistered, unauthorized pistol in public and for offensive behavior.
The older man (39) was charged with possession of prohibited drugs found during a search.
The younger man was refused bail and appeared in court the same day.
The older man was granted conditional bail and has a court date set for August 20.
Police acted with uniformed and specialist officers, including tactical gear.
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Missouri will change its law so judges cannot delay divorces just because a spouse is pregnant. This new rule, effective August 28, aims to prevent pregnant women, especially those facing abuse, from being forced to stay in unwanted marriages.
Key Facts
Missouri courts used to delay divorce finalization until after a child was born to settle custody and paternity issues.
The new law stops judges from postponing divorce solely due to pregnancy.
The law was signed by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe in April and starts on August 28.
The change was supported by both parties in the Missouri Legislature with no opposition.
The push for the law was partly inspired by Representative Cecelie Williams, who faced delays while pregnant in an abusive marriage.
Legal experts say the old practice helped ensure medical bills stayed covered by the husband’s insurance during pregnancy.
There is still some uncertainty about how Missouri courts will handle custody and support decisions before the baby is born under the new law.
Other states like Texas do not have laws preventing divorce during pregnancy, but practical and procedural reasons can cause delays.
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Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker spoke in an interview to reject the idea that progressive candidates hurt Democrats in general elections. The discussion took place on CNN’s show "The Whole Story With Anderson Cooper," where Piker responded to concerns raised by Democratic strategist James Carville.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker is a left-wing internet streamer and political commentator.
Piker appeared on CNN’s program called "The Whole Story With Anderson Cooper."
The interview aired on a Sunday.
Democratic strategist James Carville expressed worries about progressive candidates.
Piker disagreed with the view that progressives could damage Democratic chances in elections.
The conversation focused on the impact of progressive politics on the Democratic Party’s performance.
The interview was conducted by CNN correspondent Donie O’Sullivan.
The article does not detail specific examples or data behind the claims.
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Vance Boelter appeared in Minnesota state court on Monday for charges related to killing a top Democratic lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark. He has already pleaded guilty in federal court and received two life sentences plus 40 years for the crime and related attacks.
Key Facts
Vance Boelter killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
He also critically wounded state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Boelter pleaded guilty to federal charges in June 2026 to avoid the death penalty.
He was sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years in federal court.
Minnesota does not use the death penalty and abolished it in 1911.
In state court, Boelter faces charges including two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, impersonating a police officer, and animal cruelty.
The Hortman family’s dog was injured during the shootings and had to be euthanized.
Boelter’s next state court hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2026.
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Michigan health officials have confirmed two deaths linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhoea. The outbreak has spread across 45 states, with nearly 7,000 confirmed cases in the US, and is linked to contaminated lettuce from a supplier in Mexico.
Key Facts
Two deaths in Michigan are connected to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak.
The deceased had other serious health conditions that may have been affected by the infection.
The outbreak has affected 45 states with about 7,000 lab-confirmed cases nationwide.
Michigan has more than 11,000 reported cases and 193 hospitalizations, some not lab-confirmed.
Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and spreads through food or water contaminated with feces.
Washing produce helps reduce risk, but cooking food to at least 70°C (158°F) can kill the parasite.
The current outbreak is linked to lettuce imported from Taylor Farms in Mexico.
Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from this supplier, and Taylor Farms recalled lettuce from central Mexico.
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Brown University President Christina Paxson announced she will step down at the end of the academic year after serving for 15 years. During her time as president, she led the university through talks with the Trump administration for the last year and a half.
Key Facts
Christina Paxson has been Brown University's president since 2012.
She plans to step down at the end of the current academic year.
Paxson managed negotiations with the Trump administration over the past 18 months.
She stated that stepping down is the right choice for her and her family.
Paxson believes this decision is also the best way forward for the university.
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President Donald Trump criticized Jeanine Pirro, his chosen U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, for dropping vandalism charges in a case involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The charges against David Hearn were dismissed after evidence showed the damage was caused by a contractor's error, not vandalism.
Key Facts
President Trump said Jeanine Pirro "choked" and "made a mistake" by dropping the case.
The Justice Department filed to dismiss vandalism charges against David Hearn due to evidence of contractor error.
David Hearn was accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool but denied wrongdoing.
Pirro had initially strongly supported the vandalism charges when first announced.
President Trump refused to confirm whether he will remove Pirro from her position.
The government acknowledged the case "should never have been brought" and owed Hearn an apology.
Hearn was arrested after touching the water during a bike ride near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
President Trump had expressed his disagreement with dropping the case on his social media platform before speaking in the Oval Office.
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President Donald Trump criticized Jeanine Pirro for dropping a legal case related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. The case was dismissed after court documents said contractors rushed the paint job, but Trump said vandals caused the main damage.
Key Facts
Jeanine Pirro, US Attorney for Washington DC, dropped the Reflecting Pool vandalism case.
Court documents blamed contractors for rushing the paint installation.
A former Olympian accused of vandalism was cleared of charges.
President Trump disagreed with the case dismissal and said vandals caused major damage.
Prosecutors officially dismissed all charges in the case.
The dispute centers on whether damage was caused by vandals or contractor errors.
The Reflecting Pool is a well-known landmark in Washington DC.
Jeanine Pirro made the decision to drop the case based on the evidence presented.
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Several clergy members and activists were arrested on Capitol Hill during a protest about the Iran war and voting rights. They were trying to meet Senate Majority Leader John Thune as part of a campaign called the 100 Days of Action before the November elections.
Key Facts
Clergy members and activists held a protest on Capitol Hill.
The protest focused on issues related to the Iran war and voting rights.
They wanted to meet with Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
The protest was part of a larger campaign called the 100 Days of Action.
The events took place ahead of the upcoming November elections.
Some protesters were arrested during the demonstration.
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More than 20 states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration to stop it from accessing personal information of millions of low-income families who receive aid through a federal program. The lawsuit challenges a new rule that would allow the government to share data like immigration status and Social Security numbers with other agencies or private groups.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington by a group of over 20 states and D.C.
The legal action targets a rule about the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
TANF provides over $16 billion annually to states and tribal governments to support low-income families.
The new rule would allow sharing sensitive recipient information, including immigration status and Social Security numbers.
States and D.C. want to stop the Trump administration from implementing this rule.
New York Attorney General Letitia James criticized the administration for using poverty programs against the people they serve.
Earlier, a judge blocked the federal government from withholding federal aid from some states over concerns about benefits given to undocumented immigrants.
States involved include California, Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, and others; Kentucky and Pennsylvania governors also joined the suit.
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The House Ethics Committee found that Representative Chuck Edwards behaved inappropriately toward two young female aides by giving gifts, making personal comments, and inviting them to private events. The committee recommended that the House officially censure him, which means formally expressing strong disapproval, but Edwards denied any sexual intent and has not admitted harm caused.
Key Facts
Rep. Chuck Edwards is a Republican from North Carolina.
The Ethics Committee found his behavior toward two female aides was unprofessional and made them uncomfortable.
Edwards gave the aides expensive gifts repeatedly and made comments about their looks and clothes.
He invited them to dinners and vacations and sent notes showing affection.
There was no proof he made direct sexual proposals or had sexual contact with the aides.
The aides felt unable to fully reject his behavior because he was their boss and a Congressman.
Edwards admitted some actions might seem inappropriate but denies any harmful intent.
The full House must vote before Edwards can be officially censured, and that vote will happen in a few weeks.
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President Donald Trump said new talks between the U.S. and Iran will be the last chance to reach a deal. He expects talks to start soon to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and work toward Iran ending its nuclear program.
Key Facts
President Trump called the upcoming talks with Iran a "last chance" to make a deal.
The talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The U.S. wants Iran to address concerns about its nuclear program.
President Trump said the process will happen in phases: first reopening the strait, then denuclearization.
He expects negotiations to start within the next day or two.
President Trump spoke about this during remarks in the Oval Office.
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President Donald Trump said Iran has a final opportunity to make a nuclear deal, and new discussions might start soon. However, Iran denied that any talks with the United States are happening.
Key Facts
President Trump called this a "last chance" for Iran to agree on nuclear terms.
He mentioned that new negotiations could begin within days.
Iran officially said no talks with the United States are currently happening.
The topic is about a nuclear agreement between the US and Iran.
This statement was made on a Monday.
There is a clear disagreement between the US and Iran about whether talks are planned.
The situation relates to ongoing efforts to control Iran’s nuclear activities.
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