The US Senate passed a strong set of sanctions against Russia under President Trump. These sanctions could include tariffs that affect major buyers of Russian goods, such as India and China.
Key Facts
The US Senate approved new sanctions targeting Russia.
These are the strongest sanctions passed against Russia during President Trump’s term.
The sanctions could impose tariffs, which are taxes on imports and exports.
India and China, as major buyers of Russian goods, could be affected by these tariffs.
The move reflects increased US pressure on Russia amid ongoing tensions.
The sanctions have potential economic impacts beyond Russia, reaching other countries involved in trade.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, President Donald Trump, and Senate conservative members agreed to delay a vote on the budget and postpone parts of the SAVE America Act until after the Senate breaks in August. This deal ended a disagreement among Senate Republicans that had lasted for weeks.
Key Facts
The agreement involved Senate Majority Leader John Thune and President Donald Trump.
Senate conservative Republicans had been divided over a budget resolution and the SAVE America Act.
The vote on the budget resolution will be set aside for now.
Action on much of the SAVE America Act will be delayed until after the August recess.
The deal ended a weeks-long dispute within the Senate Republican group.
Conservative Senators such as Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) were involved in the discussions.
The pause allows the Senate to avoid conflict and continue work later in the year.
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Reality TV star Spencer Pratt said he is working with President Donald Trump on a plan for a 25 percent federal film tax credit. This effort aims to support the film industry and help bring jobs back to Hollywood.
Key Facts
Spencer Pratt is a reality TV star and former candidate for Los Angeles mayor.
Pratt announced on the social media platform X that he is collaborating with President Trump.
The plan involves a 25 percent federal tax credit for film productions.
The goal is to bring more film projects and jobs back to Hollywood.
The tax credit would reduce the amount of taxes filmmakers pay, encouraging them to work in the U.S.
Pratt expressed his commitment to revitalizing the Hollywood film industry.
The announcement was made in a post on a Friday.
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Two federal judges allowed the Trump administration to end temporary protections that have prevented people from South Sudan and Myanmar from being deported. These protections, called Temporary Protected Status (TPS), had let about 232 South Sudanese and 4,000 Myanmar nationals live and work safely in the U.S. despite problems in their home countries.
Key Facts
TPS protects people from deportation when their home countries face war, natural disasters, or other serious problems.
The Supreme Court ruled earlier that the Trump administration could end TPS for some countries.
Judges in Boston and Chicago rejected lawyers’ attempts to keep TPS for South Sudan and Myanmar.
South Sudan has had TPS since 2011 because of ongoing conflict.
Myanmar’s TPS was granted due to political instability after a 2021 military coup.
Ending TPS could lead to deportation of these people back to unsafe conditions.
DHS still faces court blocks on ending TPS for people from Ethiopia and Somalia.
DHS General Counsel said delays in ending TPS go against what voters wanted.
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President Donald Trump has asked the Justice Department to rethink its decision to drop criminal charges against people accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He continues to say the pool was vandalized and specifically called on U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to review the decision.
Key Facts
President Trump claims the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalized.
Criminal charges against those accused of damaging the pool were dropped by the Justice Department.
Trump wants the Justice Department to reverse this decision.
He directly addressed U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to reconsider the case.
The pool is located at a major U.S. national monument in Washington, D.C.
The issue centers on whether the Reflecting Pool was damaged during certain events.
Trump continues to push for accountability related to the pool's condition.
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Republican senators are using the summer break to avoid taking tough votes. They face pressure on issues that clash with President Donald Trump’s positions, such as the war in Iran and calls to release the Epstein files.
Key Facts
Republican senators are on summer recess.
They are avoiding difficult votes during this time.
The tough issues include the war in Iran.
Another issue is the demand to release the Epstein files.
These issues put senators at odds with President Donald Trump.
Senators want to avoid political pressure from these conflicts.
The summer recess is being used to delay decisions on these topics.
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The Pentagon has taken away former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s permission to access classified information and banned him from sensitive jobs. This happened after allegations that he shared secret details about the new Air Force One aircraft’s features with the media.
Key Facts
Frank Kendall served as Air Force Secretary under President Joe Biden.
The Pentagon claims Kendall disclosed sensitive information about the new Air Force One plane’s capabilities.
The new Air Force One was a $400 million upgrade and was gifted by Qatar.
President Donald Trump flew on this new plane to Turkey but used an older model to leave the NATO summit due to security concerns.
The Justice Department tried to force reporters to reveal their sources about the Air Force One story but later dropped the case.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stressed the importance of protecting classified information.
The Pentagon did not say if Kendall will face criminal charges.
The Trump administration has previously revoked security clearances of other national security officials.
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The Pentagon has taken away former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's permission to access classified information and barred him from sensitive jobs. This action followed reports that Kendall shared secret details about the new Air Force One plane with the media.
Key Facts
The Pentagon revoked Frank Kendall’s eligibility to access classified information.
Kendall is banned from holding any sensitive positions in the government.
The decision was made after reports that he disclosed details about the new Air Force One’s capabilities.
The new Air Force One was gifted by Qatar and cost $400 million to upgrade.
President Donald Trump flew on this new plane recently but used an older model to leave a NATO summit due to security concerns.
The Justice Department tried to force reporters to reveal their sources about the Air Force One story but later withdrew the subpoenas.
The Pentagon spokesperson said protecting classified information is very important and those who breach trust lose access rights.
It is unclear if Kendall will face criminal charges related to these allegations.
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Severe wildfires in Spokane, Washington forced about 65,000 people to evacuate and destroyed around 900 buildings. Despite the large damage, no deaths or major injuries have been reported, and authorities are fighting the fires while starting recovery efforts.
Key Facts
Nearly 25% of Spokane’s population, about 65,000 people, had to leave their homes due to the fires.
Around 900 buildings have been destroyed by the wildfires.
The fires crossed the river that usually protects the city, which is highly unusual.
Three large fires around Spokane remain less than 40% contained.
No deaths or serious injuries have been reported so far.
Residents expressed shock and sadness over losing homes and the fire’s rapid spread.
Police charged Aaron Farinacci, a local man, who allegedly confessed to starting one of the fires.
The suspect has a criminal history, including a prior conviction for killing his father.
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Authorities found 56 decomposing bodies stored improperly at a Chicago funeral home. The funeral home is run by a couple previously involved in another similar case, and the state suspended one director’s license due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Key Facts
56 bodies were found decomposing at South Chicago Chapel funeral home in Chicago.
Bodies were kept in unrefrigerated, dirty conditions with rodent and maggot infestations.
Illinois suspended the funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license due to public safety concerns.
Johanna Morgan and her husband Clark Morgan, the funeral home president, had previous license issues.
The Morgans formerly ran a crematory that was shut down for mishandling remains.
Local residents had reported a bad smell coming from the funeral home for months.
The Cook County medical examiner is identifying the bodies and will notify families.
Police are investigating; no arrests have been made yet.
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The Pentagon took away former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s permission to see secret information. This action happened because the Pentagon said Kendall shared private details about Air Force One with the news without permission.
Key Facts
Frank Kendall is the former Secretary of the Air Force.
The Pentagon revoked his access to classified information.
The reason was an unauthorized leak of details about Air Force One’s capabilities.
The Pentagon also said Kendall cannot hold any sensitive job in the Defense Department anymore.
The announcement was made by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on Friday evening.
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A family in New York found that a duck named Louie helped their golden retriever, Barley, regain happiness after Barley experienced seizures and side effects from medication. The duck and dog formed a close friendship that improved Barley’s mood and personality.
Key Facts
The Cannarelli family lives in New York with two children, a dog, and a duck.
They got the duck, Louie, from a school classroom where it had hatched.
Barley, their golden retriever, had seizures and was put on medication that stopped the seizures but caused her to lose energy and personality.
Louie and Barley developed a close bond after Louie joined the family.
Barley began smiling, wagging her tail, and showing more personality again after spending time with Louie.
The duck and dog spend a lot of time together, playing and relaxing.
The family sees Louie’s presence as a positive influence on Barley’s health and happiness.
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Three mothers in Texas filed a lawsuit to stop a state law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments. They argue that the law violates Texas laws protecting religious freedom and parental rights, and imposes one religion's beliefs in public schools.
Key Facts
Texas passed Senate Bill 10 last year, requiring public school classrooms to show the Ten Commandments.
The law was upheld by the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, but further appeals are possible.
The mothers' lawsuit claims SB-10 breaks the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protects free exercise of religion from government burden.
The lawsuit also argues the law violates a Texas constitutional amendment giving parents control over their children's upbringing.
Supporters, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, say the Ten Commandments are part of American heritage and history.
Texas is one of four states that currently require displays of the Ten Commandments in schools.
Some Texas school districts, like Arlington ISD, are waiting for court decisions before displaying the Ten Commandments.
Other states are considering similar laws that would require or allow the Ten Commandments to be shown in public schools.
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The US Senate passed a bill to impose heavy sanctions on Russia’s energy exports to pressure Russia amid its war in Ukraine. The bill sets full tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas and aims to stop secret shipping methods used to avoid sanctions. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.
Key Facts
The bill is named the “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.”
It imposes 100% tariffs on major countries importing Russian oil and gas.
The law targets secret maritime networks that help Russia bypass embargoes.
The Senate passed the bill with an 86–11 vote.
A House vote will happen after Congress returns from summer recess, likely in early September.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported the bill and thanked all Americans for their support.
Several House members raised concerns about the broad tariff powers the bill gives to President Trump.
The Russian Embassy criticized the bill, warning it could worsen energy issues and gas prices in the US.
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Lindsay Clancy, a former nurse from Massachusetts, is on trial for the murder of her three children. The trial is focused on whether she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis or was aware of her actions when the tragedy happened.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is charged with three counts of first-degree murder related to the deaths of her children aged 8 months to 5 years.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty, claiming severe postpartum psychosis caused a psychiatric crisis.
Prosecutors argue that Clancy knew what she was doing before and after the killings.
A psychiatrist from McLean Hospital said Clancy was diagnosed with severe major depressive disorder without psychotic features shortly before the killings.
The defense claims doctors did not have her full psychiatric history and may have underestimated her condition.
During testimony, a courtroom dispute occurred when a defense attorney said a prosecutor whispered "shut her up," which the judge stopped and warned against further comments.
Lindsay Clancy spoke publicly for the first time during the trial, agreeing to certain forensic evidence rules to streamline proceedings.
The trial includes testimony from psychiatrists, family, and other witnesses about her mental state and treatment history.
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Senior managers at St Basil’s aged care home in Melbourne testified at a court inquest about the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, where 50 residents died. The managers discussed issues with the facility’s Covid-19 policy, communication, and record keeping during the outbreak.
Key Facts
In July and August 2020, 50 out of 188 residents at St Basil’s aged care died from Covid-19 or neglect.
Konstantin Kontis and Vicky Kos were the most senior managers of the facility during the outbreak and were required to give evidence after initially trying to avoid it.
Kontis said the facility’s board never officially approved the Covid-19 management policy, and he believed he could approve it himself but later admitted there was no clear authority to do so.
The Covid-19 policy did not give strong guidance on how to handle close contacts or symptoms and was not updated with new government directions; instead, updates were put in a yellow folder for staff to read.
No clear plan was found for separating Covid-positive residents from others, and some important documents went missing from the yellow folder.
Kontis said he moved communication directly to the archbishop but did not hold new board meetings as the outbreak worsened.
There was supposed to be a board meeting in April 2020 to discuss Covid plans, but no minutes from that meeting have been found.
The inquest is ongoing, and Kontis’ testimony was set to resume in November 2023.
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The U.S. Army removed Lieutenant General Charles Costanza from his leadership role in Europe about two months before his scheduled departure. This change in command was reported by two U.S. officials who shared the information anonymously.
Key Facts
Lieutenant General Charles Costanza was in charge of U.S. Army forces in Europe.
He was removed from his position earlier than planned.
His removal happened recently, shortly before his term was due to end.
The information comes from two unnamed U.S. officials.
This change affects the top leadership of the U.S. Army in Europe.
Details about the reasons for his removal were not given in the report.
The news was reported by The Hill, a U.S. news outlet.
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Three mothers in Texas have filed a lawsuit to stop schools from requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. They want to prevent what they see as a religious message being shown at public schools.
Key Facts
Three Texas mothers are suing school officials.
The lawsuit challenges a rule that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms.
The Ten Commandments are a set of religious rules from the Bible.
The case involves public schools in Texas.
The parents argue that the display mixes religion with public education.
The lawsuit was filed before the new school year started.
The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Jason Allen.
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Two London police officers are being investigated for their handling of Simon Levy, a serial sex offender who was on bail and later committed rape and murder. The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining whether police actions could have prevented these crimes.
Key Facts
Simon Levy, 40, was found guilty of two murders, rape, and other assault-related charges.
Levy had a history of attacking women, with convictions dating back to 2018.
He was on bail and monitored by police when he committed additional violent crimes in 2025.
Two Metropolitan Police officers face investigations for possible misconduct in handling Levy.
Levy had been released on licence from prison in 2023 and briefly returned to prison in 2024 without being charged.
The IOPC investigation covers police management of Levy from 2021 until his 2025 arrest.
Police and prosecutors have admitted to significant shortcomings in managing Levy’s case.
Authorities are urging any other possible victims of Levy to come forward.
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