Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. informed President Donald Trump about planned announcements in September concerning research into the cause of autism. It is unclear what scientific studies will support these upcoming findings, and the promised research effort has not been publicly started yet.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Trump discussed upcoming announcements about autism research.
Kennedy mentioned a planned announcement in September.
Autism is a developmental disorder affecting the brain.
The research aims to find out more about the cause of autism.
There is no information yet on the scientific studies that will support Kennedy's claims.
Kennedy previously promised a global research effort to President Trump in April.
The health department has not publicly launched the promised research effort.
A Republican congressman, Mark Alford, held a town hall meeting in Bolivar, Missouri, where he discussed topics like Medicaid and tax cuts with his constituents. The gathering was mostly civil, despite occasional disagreements and concerns about Medicaid and tax policies affecting the community. Alford plans to hold more town hall meetings in the district.
Key Facts
Rep. Mark Alford held a town hall meeting in Bolivar, Missouri.
About 100 people attended the event at Southwest Baptist University.
Discussions included Medicaid, National Guard deployment, and tax cut policies.
The event was mostly civil, unlike some other town halls with more confrontational audiences.
Alford responded calmly to concerns and disagreements from the audience.
The congressman plans to hold five more town hall meetings in his district.
Mark Alford had previously faced confrontational audiences but remains open to public forums.
Alford has strong support in his district, winning 70% of the vote last year.
President Trump plans to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven accusations of mortgage fraud. This move could challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve, a central bank in the United States. Trump's actions and statements are affecting financial markets and raising concerns about political influence on the Fed.
Key Facts
President Trump announced he will fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook due to unproven mortgage fraud allegations.
Trump claims Cook misled about her primary residence for mortgages in 2021.
Lisa Cook, appointed by former President Biden, refuses to resign and plans to address any financial questions.
Trump's announcement impacted financial markets, causing a drop in the US dollar and treasuries.
The Federal Reserve typically operates independently of direct political influence.
Removal of a Fed governor by a president is rare and would test the Fed's independence.
Trump's actions are part of ongoing criticisms of the Federal Reserve, particularly regarding interest rate decisions.
A US House committee, led by James Comer, has requested documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, including a so-called "birthday book." This book, allegedly created by Ghislaine Maxwell, reportedly contains messages from Epstein's acquaintances, with an alleged note from Donald Trump, which Trump denies writing. The request is part of a broader investigation into Epstein's activities.
Key Facts
The House Oversight Committee, led by James Comer, is investigating Jeffrey Epstein and requested documents from his estate.
A book for Epstein's 50th birthday, allegedly made by Ghislaine Maxwell, is among the items requested.
The book reportedly includes messages from Epstein's acquaintances, including an allegedly false note from Donald Trump.
Trump denies writing the note and has started defamation proceedings against the Wall Street Journal’s parent company.
The committee also asked for non-disclosure agreements, Epstein's will, and potential client lists tied to sex trafficking.
The US Department of Justice and FBI have said no client list exists, and Ghislaine Maxwell also denies its existence.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by the Trump administration against all 15 federal judges in Maryland. The administration sought to challenge an order that delayed the deportation of migrants appealing their detentions. U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen ruled the lawsuit should not proceed, emphasizing the importance of the judiciary's role.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen.
The lawsuit targeted all 15 Maryland federal judges.
The case challenged an order that delayed deportations for migrants appealing their detentions.
Judge Cullen ruled the lawsuit went against legal precedent and constitutional tradition.
The order in question allows migrants to remain in the U.S. until their legal challenges are heard.
The Trump administration argued the order hindered immigration enforcement efforts.
The lawsuit was considered an unusual legal move against the judiciary.
Judge Cullen was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020.
Bristol City Council has written to the Deputy Prime Minister to seek help with the increasing number of people living in vans on Clifton Down. The council is asking for funds to support those in vehicles and for more social housing. There are about 650 vehicles being used as homes in Bristol, and the council wants new powers to manage this situation better.
Key Facts
Bristol City Council sent a letter to Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, for assistance with van dwellers.
The council seeks funding to support people living in vans and to increase social housing options.
Approximately 650 vehicles are being used as homes in Bristol.
The council wants new powers to remove vehicles from council land more easily.
Rising numbers of motorhomes have led to tensions over parking in Clifton Down.
Some people live in vehicles due to high costs of living and rent prices in the city.
Bristol's private rents increased by more than 23% from 2020 to 2023.
The council plans to open low-cost sites for temporary vehicle dwelling with access to amenities.
A judge in Utah ruled that the state legislature must redraw its congressional district map before the 2026 elections. The judge found that lawmakers had ignored a voter-established independent commission intended to prevent unfair district drawing favoring one party. The ruling requires new maps by September 24, but Republican appeals might delay the process.
Key Facts
A Utah judge ordered the state legislature to create new congressional district maps.
The current map splits Salt Lake County into four districts that elected Republicans.
The judge said the legislature ignored a commission meant to prevent biased district drawing.
New maps should be ready by September 24, ahead of the 2026 elections.
Republican officials might appeal, potentially delaying new maps until 2028.
Democrats need three more seats to control the U.S. House, affecting the political stakes.
Previous voter measures to form an independent commission were overturned by lawmakers.
President Donald Trump signed a document on Monday to honor 13 American service members who died in a suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump was joined by family members of those who were killed. He also mentioned that the Defense Department is reviewing the events of the withdrawal.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a proclamation on Monday to honor 13 service members.
These service members were killed in a suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The signing event included family members of those who died in the attack.
Trump has asked the Defense Department to review what happened during the withdrawal.
He mentioned he expects this review to be finished by the middle of next year.
The attack occurred on a chaotic day during the Afghanistan War's end.
Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the suicide bombing.
Democratic National Committee Chair, Ken Martin, expressed frustration at how the Democratic Party approaches political challenges. He stated that the party should focus on winning elections instead of just winning arguments. Martin highlighted the need for a more aggressive stance against former President Trump's policies.
Key Facts
Ken Martin is the chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and spoke at the DNC's summer meeting.
Martin criticized the party for not being aggressive enough in political battles.
He emphasized the importance of winning elections rather than just engaging in policy debates.
Martin called former President Trump a "dictator-in-chief" and criticized his policies.
The Democratic Party faces challenges in gaining more power in upcoming elections, especially in the Senate.
Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu praised efforts to resist redrawn congressional maps.
Martin has focused on supporting state and local Democratic parties during his time as DNC chair.
President Donald Trump wants to end the Senate's "blue slip" process, a long-standing tradition that lets home state senators approve or block federal judge and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump argues it's outdated, but many Republican senators, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, oppose the change. They believe the blue slip process helps them block nominees they don't support and gives them leverage when they're not the majority party.
Key Facts
The "blue slip" process is a traditional practice where home state senators approve or block federal judicial and U.S. attorney nominees.
President Trump wants to end the process, calling it unconstitutional and outdated.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and other Republicans oppose changes to this practice.
Trump claims the process results in only "weak" judges being approved in states with at least one Democratic senator.
Republicans previously used the process to block nominees during President Biden's administration.
Judicial nominees often don't get enough votes for confirmation if they lack home state senator approval.
The blue slip tradition has existed since at least 1918 and has become more partisan over time.
California, Washington, and New Mexico might lose federal funding if they do not enforce English language requirements for truck drivers, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. These rules, which require truckers to understand road signs and communicate in English, were established after a deadly crash in Florida involving a driver who failed to comply with these standards. The Transportation Department has found that these states have had numerous safety inspections but have often not enforced the English language rule.
Key Facts
California, Washington, and New Mexico face potential loss of federal funding if they don't enforce English language rules for truckers.
The rules require truck drivers to understand road signs and communicate with authorities in English.
An investigation after a Florida crash found failures in enforcing these language rules.
The Florida crash involved a foreign truck driver making an illegal U-turn, resulting in three deaths.
Since implementing the language rules, California found many safety violations but seldom enforced English proficiency.
Washington identified over 6,000 safety violations but pulled only four drivers for language issues.
New Mexico has not removed any drivers for English language violations since the rules were established.
The states risk losing millions from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program if they do not comply within 30 days.
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against all federal district court judges in Maryland. The DOJ claimed the judges had overstepped their authority by temporarily stopping deportations, but the judge said the lawsuit was not the right way to address the issue.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice (DOJ) sued all 15 federal district court judges in Maryland, claiming they exceeded their authority.
A federal judge, Thomas Cullen, dismissed the lawsuit, saying it was not appropriate to sue all judges in this manner.
The DOJ was unhappy with a ruling that temporarily halted deportations for 48 hours.
DOJ usually defends judges in lawsuits, but this time, they were the ones filing the suit.
Prominent lawyer Paul Clement represented the judges in this case.
Many legal organizations and past judges supported the Maryland judges.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident where a man was deported despite a court order against it.
President Trump attempted to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, sparking a legal controversy. It is not clear if the president has the authority to remove a Fed governor, leading to questions about the Federal Reserve's independence from political influence.
Key Facts
President Trump tried to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her job.
There is uncertainty about whether the president has the legal power to fire a Fed governor.
Trump cited the U.S. Constitution and the Federal Reserve Act as reasons for removing Cook.
Bill Pulte accused Cook of mortgage fraud related to past bank documents.
The Federal Reserve Act says a president can fire a governor for a valid reason, but what qualifies is unclear.
This situation brings a theoretical idea into reality, testing the boundaries of presidential power over the Federal Reserve.
There is no precedent for a president firing a Fed governor, making the outcome uncertain.
The event raises concerns about the Federal Reserve's political independence.
Former President Donald Trump wants to remove Lisa Cook from her role as a governor of the Federal Reserve Board, citing alleged mortgage fraud. Lisa Cook was appointed in 2022 by President Biden and is the first African American woman in the role. She denies the allegations and plans to challenge the dismissal.
Key Facts
Lisa Cook was appointed as a Federal Reserve governor in 2022 by President Biden.
She is accused of falsifying mortgage documents, but she has not been charged with a crime.
There are questions about whether Trump can legally remove Cook, as the Federal Reserve Act allows firing only "for cause."
The Fed, or Federal Reserve, sets U.S. interest rates, which affect borrowing costs.
Cook has voted to keep interest rates steady in recent months.
Trump has previously pressured the Fed to lower rates to make borrowing cheaper.
Legal experts are skeptical about the validity of Trump's dismissal action against Cook.
Vice President JD Vance will visit La Crosse, Wisconsin, to talk about a new large bill that is intended to help manufacturing. He will highlight the economic achievements under President Trump. Vance has been visiting several states to discuss this bill and its potential impact on the economy.
Key Facts
JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.
He will speak at a steel fabricating facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
The main topic is the benefits of the new large bill for manufacturing.
Vance aims to showcase the economic successes achieved during President Trump's time in office.
Concerns exist about tariffs, which are taxes on imports, affecting businesses and workers.
Vance has previously visited Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio to discuss the bill.
The bill is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
There are claims that the bill provides tax fairness and supports domestic job creation.
Former President Donald Trump announced he is firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook due to allegations of mortgage fraud. Cook, who was appointed by President Biden, refuses to resign, stating Trump lacks the legal power to remove her. This situation could lead to a legal battle and affect the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
Donald Trump announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing mortgage fraud allegations.
Lisa Cook refuses to step down and claims Trump lacks legal authority for her removal.
Bill Pulte, appointed by Trump, accused Cook of mortgage fraud involving properties in Michigan and Georgia.
The firing could lead to a legal case, potentially going to the Supreme Court.
Trump's action might affect the Federal Reserve's independence, important for controlling inflation.
Cook is the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve's board, appointed by President Biden in 2022.
U.S. markets showed a slight decline following Trump's announcement.
Legal experts say a "for cause" dismissal requires a proper legal procedure, which has not occurred.
President Trump is taking on a new role where he influences how private companies operate in the United States. He is pushing for government investments in companies and other interventions that relate to national security and American competitiveness. Despite these moves, there is no strong congressional or legal challenge to his actions.
Key Facts
President Trump is influencing how private companies run and is pushing for government stakes in them.
Trump's strategy is said to focus on national security and American competitiveness.
The government has invested in Intel, with plans for more similar actions.
Trump has made demands on various companies, such as asking Apple for investment commitments and controlling parts of U.S. Steel.
Trump has interfered in sports and entertainment industries, like threatening to disrupt stadium deals or broadcasting licenses.
Business leaders have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity and predictability in these actions.
There's no significant negative impact on the economy reported, with stocks and company earnings performing well.
Congress has not yet approved a proposed sovereign wealth fund for more government investments.
United States President Donald Trump announced new security measures in Washington, DC. He ordered more National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to focus on crime in the city. These actions include creating a special unit in the National Guard and hiring more police and prosecutors.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced new security measures in Washington, DC.
More than 2,200 National Guard troops are currently deployed in the capital.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was instructed to create a special National Guard unit for public safety.
Trump ordered hiring more US Park Police and prosecutors to address crime.
Trump criticized the cashless bail system and ordered federal custody for certain arrests.
National Guard troops in DC are carrying weapons but can only use them if necessary.
Federal law enforcement, including ICE, has increased its presence in the city.
These actions have caused some protests from residents in Washington, DC.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously deported to El Salvador, has been detained by U.S. immigration authorities again but cannot be deported without a legal challenge in court. President Trump is attempting to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, questioning her integrity and seeking greater control over the central bank.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is in U.S. federal custody and faces deportation, but a judge ruled he must be allowed to challenge it in court.
Garcia was deported to El Salvador in March and returned to the U.S.; he now faces possible deportation to Uganda.
He arrived in the U.S. in 2011, fleeing gang threats, and has not been convicted of any crimes.
The Trump administration accuses Garcia of gang membership, which he denies.
President Trump is trying to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing concerns over her mortgage applications.
The Federal Reserve operates independently, and Cook argues Trump cannot fire her.
Trump aims to influence the central bank and replace Cook with someone more aligned with his interests.
Trump also expressed intentions to expand military intervention and criticized the abolition of cash bail in places like Washington, D.C.
Former President Trump issued an executive order to create a "specialized unit" within the D.C. National Guard. Christopher Purdy, a veteran and advocate, discussed this order with NPR.
Key Facts
Former President Trump gave an executive order related to the National Guard.
The order calls for forming a "specialized unit" in the D.C. National Guard.
Christopher Purdy, an Army National Guard veteran, shared his insights on this order.
Purdy is also a veterans' and democracy advocate.
The discussion about the order was aired on NPR's Morning Edition.
