President Donald Trump is trying to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board based on unproven allegations of mortgage fraud. The Supreme Court ruled that Cook must be given notice and a chance to respond before any removal, but Trump has started the formal process to fire her.
Key Facts
Lisa Cook is a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
President Trump wants to remove her due to allegations of mortgage fraud, which have not been proven in court.
The Supreme Court decided in June that the president must notify Cook and allow her to reply before removing her "for cause."
The Court did not decide if the fraud allegations are true or false.
After the ruling, Trump said he would act quickly to remove Cook.
The White House sent Cook a letter asking her to respond to the allegations within three weeks.
Cook denies any wrongdoing and says the claims are baseless.
Cook was confirmed to the Federal Reserve Board after a tied Senate vote broken by Vice President Kamala Harris.
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A federal appeals court has stopped the building of a ballroom at President Donald Trump’s White House. The court said that the project needs approval from Congress before it can move forward.
Key Facts
The court is a federal appeals court, meaning it reviews legal decisions from lower courts.
The case involves a ballroom planned for the White House during President Trump’s time.
The court ruled that Congress must approve the construction project.
Without this approval, the building work cannot continue.
The decision came after a legal challenge to the construction.
CBS News reported this information through a journalist named Jake Rosen.
This legal decision directly affects renovations or additions to the White House during President Trump’s administration.
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President Donald Trump spoke positively about his record of endorsements after one of his chosen candidates, Representative Andy Ogles, lost a primary election in Tennessee. He said that most of his picks won, and he stayed supportive of Ogles even though Ogles had little chance to win.
Key Facts
President Trump endorsed several candidates in recent Tennessee primaries.
Representative Andy Ogles, one of Trump’s endorsed candidates, lost his primary race.
Trump said his overall endorsement record was 8 wins and 1 loss.
Trump stated he remained loyal to Ogles despite the low chance of winning.
The primary election in Tennessee took place on Thursday.
Trump publicly commented about the election results on the following Friday.
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The transportation bill includes programs aimed at protecting communities, wildlife, and taxpayers. Its success will depend on whether lawmakers keep and improve these important but less-known programs.
Key Facts
The transportation bill contains several programs that benefit communities and wildlife.
These programs also help protect taxpayer money by providing good returns on investment.
Some of the programs are less well-known but highly effective.
The bill’s positive impact depends on lawmakers maintaining these programs.
Strengthening these programs can increase the bill's overall benefits.
Lawmakers have a role in deciding the bill’s final content and effectiveness.
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The US labor market lost 23,000 jobs in July, with decreases in sectors like education, government, and retail. The unemployment rate fell slightly, but fewer people are working or looking for work, as labor force participation dropped to its lowest level in five years.
Key Facts
The US lost 23,000 jobs in July across several sectors.
The unemployment rate fell from 4.2% to 4.1%.
Labor force participation dropped to 61.4%, the lowest in five years and one of the lowest in 50 years outside the pandemic.
About 264,000 people left the workforce, meaning they stopped working or looking for work.
The retail sector lost 19,000 jobs, especially in warehouse clubs and big-box stores.
The leisure and hospitality sector lost 40,000 jobs, with food services accounting for 26,000.
Government jobs dropped by 53,000, mostly in local education (49,000 jobs lost).
Healthcare added 22,000 jobs, mostly in ambulatory services.
Job openings declined slightly from 7.5 million to 7.4 million, while hiring stayed the same at 5.3 million.
Experts expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady in September due to weak job growth.
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MaineHealth has decided to close the labor and delivery unit at Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta on December 18, 2026, due to low birth rates and staffing difficulties. Maternity services will be moved to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, while Lincoln Hospital will continue some pregnancy-related care but not deliveries.
Key Facts
The labor and delivery unit at Lincoln Hospital will close on December 18, 2026.
Maternity services will transfer to MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick.
This closure will leave three counties without hospitals offering childbirth services.
Since 2015, 12 maternity units have closed in Maine.
MaineHealth cited low birth rates and trouble hiring staff as reasons for the closure.
Lincoln Hospital will still provide prenatal and postpartum care, ultrasounds, fertility services, and postpartum counseling.
The decision faced protests and opposition from local groups, politicians, and the public.
MaineHealth promised not to close more labor and delivery units in the next two years and called for a collaborative solution to support rural maternity care.
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Millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits will soon get important information about the possible increase in their payments for 2027. This update depends on inflation data released by the government next week, which helps decide how much benefits will rise to keep up with the cost of living.
Key Facts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the July 2026 inflation report next week, which is the first of three reports used to calculate the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security.
Over 70 million Americans receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
The COLA is meant to help benefits keep up with inflation, covering rising costs like energy and housing.
Analysts predict the COLA for 2027 could be around 3.8 percent, higher than the 2.8 percent increase in 2026.
A 3.8 percent increase could add about $74 per month to the average retirement benefit.
The final COLA will be officially announced in October after inflation data for August and September is available.
Higher COLA usually means inflation is higher, which might also increase living costs.
Medicare Part B premiums may reduce the overall benefit increase from COLA.
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President Donald Trump often talks about grass and lawns, mentioning it frequently since returning to the White House. He has discussed his opinions and plans about grass in many public events, interviews, and on social media.
Key Facts
President Trump has spoken about grass in at least 45 public events or interviews in the last 18 months.
He mentioned grass as often as once every 12 days during this period.
Trump once shared plans to pave over much of the grass visible from the Oval Office window.
He compares grass to humans, saying it has a life.
The topic of grass has sometimes received more attention from Trump than issues like war, the economy, or elections.
Trump has also posted many times about grass on social media.
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Independent journalist Don Lemon is asking a federal judge to dismiss criminal charges related to his reporting on a protest against immigration enforcement at a Minnesota church. Lemon and his lawyers say the charges are unfair and that the Trump administration is targeting him.
Key Facts
Don Lemon is an independent journalist.
He faces charges connected to his coverage of a protest in Minnesota.
The protest was against immigration enforcement actions.
The protest took place at a church earlier this year.
Lemon’s lawyers filed a request to dismiss the charges.
They describe the charges as “vindictive” and claim Lemon is being unfairly targeted.
The charges include a felony indictment.
The legal action is happening in a federal court.
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A judge in Minnesota found enough reason to investigate Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder and candidate for governor, for possibly breaking campaign finance laws by giving away free pillows at a public event. The law says you cannot give something valuable to persuade someone to vote a certain way, and Lindell denies breaking any rules.
Key Facts
Mike Lindell gave away free pillows at a public event during his run for Minnesota governor.
An administrative law judge said there is probable cause to believe this may have violated campaign finance law.
The judge will move the case to a hearing with a three-judge panel.
Minnesota law forbids giving items of value to influence voters, except food and drinks under $5.
Lindell claims the pillows cost $4.90 each and that he got approval from the campaign finance board beforehand.
The complaint was made by a Democrat running for state senate.
Lindell stepped down as MyPillow CEO to focus on his campaign.
Lindell compares the pillow giveaway to handing out common campaign items and his book at events.
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A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows more frequent marijuana users are visiting emergency rooms with a condition that causes strong nausea and vomiting. This condition is called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and is linked to regular use of marijuana.
Key Facts
The condition is called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
CHS causes severe nausea and vomiting.
It is linked to frequent marijuana use.
Emergency room visits for CHS are increasing.
The CDC published the report about this issue.
CHS is a health problem related to marijuana use.
More patients experiencing CHS are seeking medical help.
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A federal appeals court has ordered President Donald Trump's administration to stop building a $400 million ballroom at the White House until Congress approves the project. The court said the President cannot make major changes to the White House on his own without lawmakers’ permission.
Key Facts
The Trump administration started building a large ballroom where the White House's East Wing used to be.
The ballroom project costs about $400 million and is planned to hold up to 999 people.
A federal appeals court ruled 2-1 that President Trump cannot continue construction without Congress’s approval.
The court’s ruling supports historic preservationists who sued to stop the project.
Construction below ground for security purposes can continue, but above-ground work is paused.
The court said Congress must decide on the project, not the President alone.
The case may be appealed to the US Supreme Court within two weeks.
Government lawyers say the project includes important security upgrades for the President and White House.
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Vice President Kamala Harris announced her support for Abdul El-Sayed, the Democrat running for the U.S. Senate from Michigan. She said El-Sayed understands the challenges people face and stressed that this election is very important.
Key Facts
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
El-Sayed is the Democratic candidate in the Michigan Senate race.
Harris said El-Sayed knows the power belongs to the people.
She mentioned that voters in Michigan are facing high costs for housing, gas, groceries, and healthcare.
Harris highlighted the high stakes of this election for Michiganders.
The endorsement was announced on a Friday.
Harris expressed pride in standing with El-Sayed.
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The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, ending months of job growth. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, but this was mainly because fewer people were looking for work, not because more people found jobs.
Key Facts
The U.S. job market weakened in July with a loss of 23,000 jobs.
Job growth from previous months was revised down by over 100,000 jobs.
Local government education jobs dropped by 50,000, likely due to seasonal changes, not layoffs.
Leisure and hospitality lost 40,000 jobs in July, adding to a two-month drop of 83,000 jobs.
Financial jobs decreased by 14,000, now down 121,000 since last year’s peak.
Healthcare added 22,000 jobs in July, less than its usual average of 36,000.
The labor force shrank by 264,000 in July after a 720,000 drop in June, meaning fewer people are working or seeking work.
The decline in job numbers reduces pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates soon.
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A U.S. state court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million and limit some features on Facebook and Instagram for children. The court said Meta’s actions created a public nuisance that put young users at risk.
Key Facts
Meta was fined $567 million by a U.S. state court.
The court required Meta to restrict certain Facebook and Instagram features for children.
The ruling is described as the largest child safety case against Meta.
The court found Meta created a “public nuisance” that endangered young users.
Many other U.S. states are also suing Meta over harm to children’s mental health.
The case is part of wider legal action focused on child safety and social media.
The focus is on protecting children who use Meta’s platforms.
The ruling comes amid growing concerns about social media and youth well-being.
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Defense attorneys for Andrew and Tristan Tate asked a Miami federal court to release the brothers while they fight extradition to the United Kingdom. The Tates face charges of rape and sex trafficking in the UK but deny wrongdoing. A judge will decide if they stay in jail during what could be a long extradition process.
Key Facts
Andrew and Tristan Tate are fighting extradition to the UK over rape and sex trafficking charges.
Their lawyers argue they should be released because their public profiles make them unlikely to flee.
The brothers regularly post social media updates about their locations.
Prosecutors must respond to the release motion by Monday.
The Tates have been held since their arrest on July 18 in a special unit in Miami for their safety.
Their attorneys say they have followed all legal rules in Romania, where some accusations originated.
Conditions of their detention include limited family contact, no TV or radio, and sleeping on short bunks.
No date has been set yet for their extradition hearing.
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A House Democrat introduced a bill to stop the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using airport passenger data collected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for immigration enforcement. The bill aims to protect travelers from arrests and deportations based on TSA information, especially those with legal immigration status or protected free speech activities.
Key Facts
Representative Rashida Tlaib introduced the No TSA Data for ICE Act on August 4, 2026.
The bill would ban DHS from accessing or using TSA passenger data for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.
It would also protect participation in trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry from being revoked due to free speech or protected activities.
Reports show a recent increase in immigration arrests at U.S. airports using TSA data.
A 2025 information-sharing agreement between TSA and ICE became public through Freedom of Information Act requests.
ICE agents have been arresting people at airport check-in counters and departure gates using passenger information.
The bill has 25 Democratic co-sponsors and no Republican support.
It currently faces low chances of passing because Republicans control Congress but could have a different outcome if control changes after the midterm elections.
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Police in Chicago found 57 bodies in different stages of decay at a funeral home after neighbors reported a bad smell. The funeral home director's license was revoked, and authorities are investigating the situation and working to identify the bodies.
Key Facts
Police found 57 decomposing bodies in a Chicago funeral home after residents reported a strong, unpleasant odor.
The funeral home, South Chicago Chapel, had been operating on East 95th Street and has been in the area for about 86 years.
Officers arrived during a service to check on a license investigation and discovered the bodies.
The funeral director, Clark Morgan, refused further entry without a warrant and had his license revoked before the discovery.
State and Chicago authorities are investigating, with medical examiners assessing the remains and searching for identification and death certificates.
The bodies were reportedly not stored at the legally required temperature of 40 degrees or below.
Neighbors had noticed the foul smell since winter and reported issues to authorities months ago.
Clark Morgan previously owned a crematory that was shut down after more than 100 bodies were improperly stored.
The funeral home director's wife, Johanna Morgan, also had her license suspended.
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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, defended a former neo-Nazi activist, Joshua Bonehill-Paine, after he was selected as a local Tory candidate. Despite backlash, Badenoch stood by him, even offering him an advisory role on radicalization, at the same time as she led a party purge targeting centrists and those supporting certain policies.
Key Facts
Joshua Bonehill-Paine, a convicted neo-Nazi activist, was picked as a Conservative local election candidate in Somerset.
Bonehill-Paine had been convicted for sexist and antisemitic harassment of a Labour MP.
After public pressure, Bonehill-Paine withdrew as candidate but was asked by Badenoch to advise on radicalization among young men.
Badenoch defended her decision and criticized attempts to "cancel" people who have changed.
Badenoch recently removed several centrist Conservative MPs from the party and barred candidates supporting policies like net zero emissions and European human rights protections.
This party purge has led to criticism and resignations among moderate Tories.
Critics accuse Badenoch of copying policies from the Reform UK party and question her leadership direction.
The controversy highlights tensions within the Conservative Party between hardline and moderate members.
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New Mexico sued the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for not cooperating with its investigation into crimes at Jeffrey Epstein’s former Zorro Ranch. The state wants the DOJ to provide full records that might help find victims and witnesses, but the DOJ says some documents cannot be shared due to court orders protecting victims.
Key Facts
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez says the DOJ is blocking the state’s investigation into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch.
The lawsuit demands the DOJ turn over unredacted records related to Epstein and the ranch.
The DOJ claims court orders prevent releasing some victim information.
New Mexico police conducted the first search of Zorro Ranch in March 2024.
The state delayed its investigation in 2019 to let federal investigators work first.
The FBI visited the ranch in 2007 and interviewed the property manager about Epstein’s activities.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s crimes.
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