The White House has announced new tariff rates for many countries. In Texas, lawmakers are listening to flood survivors and local officials. U.S. Jewish leaders are asking Israel to let more aid into Gaza.
Key Facts
The White House introduced new tariff rates affecting many countries.
Texas legislators are meeting with people affected by floods and local government representatives.
Jewish leaders in the U.S. have written a letter to Israel.
The letter requests Israel to permit more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The news was reported by A Martínez and Steve Inskeep.
This information is part of the National Morning news brief.
Texas lawmakers listened to survivors of floods that killed over 130 people in central Texas. They also asked local officials about their whereabouts during the floods.
Key Facts
Floods in central Texas resulted in over 130 deaths.
Survivors shared their experiences with state lawmakers.
Lawmakers questioned local officials about their actions during the floods.
These discussions took place in Texas.
The flood survivors and officials spoke directly to state lawmakers.
The family of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Jeffrey Epstein of abusing her, criticized former President Trump's remarks that Epstein "stole" her from her job. The family clarified that Giuffre was recruited, not stolen. They also urged Trump not to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate, who was convicted of sex trafficking.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre's family objected to Trump's claim that she was "stolen" by Jeffrey Epstein.
Guiffre accused Epstein and others of abuse when she was a minor.
Her brother, Sky Roberts, stated that she was recruited and not taken against her will.
The family does not want Ghislaine Maxwell to be pardoned for her crimes.
White House said Trump only mentioned Giuffre in response to a question.
Giuffre's family believes Epstein's crimes should be made public.
Trump previously expelled Epstein from his club for inappropriate behavior.
Officials confirmed that Trump is not considering clemency for Maxwell.
Virginia Giuffre’s family expressed shock after former President Donald Trump said Jeffrey Epstein "stole" her from his club. Giuffre accused Epstein and others of sex trafficking before she passed away this year. The statement followed Trump's remarks on his relationship with Epstein and the ongoing legal issues surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre was a well-known accuser in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case.
Former President Trump stated Epstein "stole" Giuffre from his club in an interview, which her family found shocking.
Giuffre accused Britain's Prince Andrew and others of exploiting her as a teenager.
Giuffre died by suicide earlier this year.
Epstein was a financier who faced federal sex trafficking charges before his death in jail in 2019.
Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s associate, was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021 and is serving a 20-year sentence.
Maxwell has provided testimony to the Justice Department but details are not public.
Giuffre accused Epstein and Maxwell of making her a sexual servant for Epstein and his associates.
During severe flooding in Texas over the 4th of July weekend, three key county officials were not available to respond immediately. The floods resulted in at least 135 deaths, with Kerr County being severely impacted. Officials faced scrutiny over the lack of early flood warnings and preparation.
Key Facts
Three top officials in Kerr County were unavailable during the flood: two were asleep, and one was out of town.
The flash floods in Texas killed at least 135 people.
Kerr County was the hardest hit, with at least 95 deaths, including at Camp Mystic.
Emergency management coordinator William B Thomas felt ill and remained off-duty on the day before the flood.
Sheriff Larry Leitha said he was not aware of any impending disaster and saw a weather report indicating only rain.
Judge Rob Kelly was away at a lake house and noted no flood alerts were issued prior.
Governor Greg Abbott stated a storm warning was issued but the full extent of the storm was not known.
Authorities faced criticism for possibly inadequate flood warnings and lack of early evacuation.
Severe storms have caused significant flooding on the East Coast of the United States, leading to a state of emergency in New York and New Jersey. The rain has flooded streets and subway systems, and airports in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia are experiencing flight delays and cancellations.
Key Facts
A state of emergency is in effect in New York and New Jersey because of severe storms.
Streets and subway systems in these areas are flooded.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York advises residents to stay informed and cautious.
Airports in New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia report significant delays and cancellations of flights.
The flooding and storms are part of severe weather affecting the East Coast.
President Donald Trump signed an order to impose new tariffs on imports from several countries. The tariffs range from 10 percent to 41 percent and affect goods from countries like India, Taiwan, and South Africa.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the order on Thursday.
New tariffs apply to imports coming into the US from various countries.
The tariff rates range from 10 percent to 41 percent.
India is subject to a 25 percent tariff on its exports to the US.
Taiwan faces a 20 percent tariff on its goods bound for the US.
South Africa's exports to the US will have a 30 percent tariff.
Elon Musk made a $10 million donation to congressional Republicans after he criticized President Trump. Soon after, Musk changed his stance, calling for a new political party and criticizing Trump again. These actions highlight Musk's shifting relationship with the president.
Key Facts
Elon Musk donated $10 million to Republican groups shortly after disagreeing with President Trump.
Musk publicly criticized Trump over a bill that he believed would increase the budget deficit.
Musk later suggested creating a third political party, which he called the America Party.
He had multiple conversations with Vice President Vance and White House officials in June.
Musk deleted his critical posts about Trump and expressed regret for his earlier remarks.
He threatened to continue with the America Party if Congress went ahead with the bill.
Musk previously founded America PAC to support Trump in the 2024 campaign.
America PAC spent over $45 million but failed to secure a win in a Wisconsin court race.
The government has decided that civil service internships will be limited to students from working-class families. This change aims to increase the number of working-class people in the civil service, and successful interns will have a better chance of joining the Fast Stream, a key pathway for civil service careers. The change will start in 2026, and the internships help students gain valuable government experience.
Key Facts
The government will offer civil service internships only to students from working-class backgrounds.
The decision is part of a plan to make the civil service more representative of the wider population.
Internships will be assessed based on students' family backgrounds when they were 14.
Successful interns will have a higher chance of joining the Fast Stream after graduation.
Currently, only 12% of Fast Stream applicants come from a working-class background.
The change will begin with the 2026 summer internship programme.
The initiative aims to provide more pathways into senior civil service roles outside London.
The Labour government has been critical of current civil service practices since taking office.
Some of the oldest Democratic members in the U.S. House of Representatives are facing challenges from younger candidates. These challengers believe fresh voices are needed in Congress, and they are urging older members to step aside. The 2026 election cycle may see many Democratic primary battles as new candidates emerge.
Key Facts
Challenges against older House Democrats are increasing during the August recess.
The 2026 election could have many primary fights for Democrats, possibly affecting their focus on contesting Republicans.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, 78, faces a challenge from a younger candidate, Liam Elkind, who is 26.
Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin is challenging Rep. John Larson, who is 77, emphasizing the need for generational change.
A number of House Democrats over 70 are already facing primary challenges.
Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer are among longtime incumbents who may face challenges.
Many new candidates stress the need for younger voices in Congress.
Some Democrats suggest health issues or financial struggles may lead older members to retire.
A radioactive wasp nest was found at an old nuclear weapons site in South Carolina. The nest showed radiation levels ten times higher than allowed, but investigators found no leaks from the nearby nuclear waste tanks. The radiation came from lingering contamination at the site, which no longer makes nuclear weapons but still handles nuclear materials.
Key Facts
A radioactive wasp nest was discovered at a facility near Aiken, South Carolina.
The nest had radiation levels ten times above the maximum allowed limits.
The site previously made parts for US nuclear weapons but now focuses on power plant materials.
The radioactive contamination came from the site's past operations during the Cold War.
No wasps were found, and the nest was disposed of as radioactive waste.
Investigations showed no nuclear waste leak or risk to the environment or the public.
Environmental groups have been critical of the government's response.
The Savannah River Site was originally opened in the 1950s for plutonium production for nuclear bombs.
Mike Donilon, a top political aide to former President Biden, testified to Congress that he was paid $4 million for his work on Biden's 2024 re-election campaign and could have received another $4 million if Biden had won. Donilon's high salary has caused tensions among other Biden aides and Democrats. His testimony is part of a broader investigation by the Republican House Oversight Committee into Biden's fitness for office.
Key Facts
Mike Donilon was paid $4 million for his role in Biden's 2024 re-election campaign.
He could have received an additional $4 million if Biden had won the election.
Donilon's salary had been partially reported in a book called "Original Sin."
This information was revealed during his testimony to the Republican House Oversight Committee.
The committee is investigating Biden's ability to continue serving as president.
Many Democrats have expressed frustration over Donilon's high compensation.
Donilon has been involved with Biden since the early 1980s.
The committee plans to interview more Biden aides as part of the investigation.
President Trump plans to build a new ballroom at the White House, estimated to cost $200 million. Construction is set to begin in September and finish before Trump's term ends. The ballroom will host larger events than current spaces can accommodate.
Key Facts
President Trump is planning to build a $200 million ballroom at the White House.
The ballroom project involves some of the world's top architects.
Construction will start in September and is expected to finish before the end of Trump's term.
The new ballroom will have a capacity of 650 people, much larger than the current East Room.
The ballroom aims to host large functions for world leaders and important guests.
The new structure will be located where the East Wing currently stands, which will also be modernized.
Trump and other donors will provide the necessary funds for the project.
The White House announced plans to build a new $200 million ballroom with space for 650 people. President Trump and anonymous donors will fund the project, with construction starting in September. The new ballroom aims to offer a permanent venue for large events and reduce the need for temporary tents.
Key Facts
A new $200 million ballroom will be built at the White House.
President Trump and anonymous donors are funding the project.
The ballroom will have a seating capacity of about 650 people.
Construction will start in September and finish before the end of Trump's term in 2029.
The current East Room, used for events, seats about 200 people.
The new ballroom eliminates the need for temporary tents for large events.
Offices in the East Wing, including First Lady Melania Trump's, will be relocated temporarily during construction.
The ballroom architecture will match the rest of the White House with features like chandeliers and columns.
A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. This decision delays the expiration of their protected status until November, affecting about 60,000 immigrants who were facing potential deportation.
Key Facts
A federal judge in San Francisco stopped the termination of TPS for people from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal.
The decision affects around 60,000 immigrants whose TPS was set to expire starting August 5.
Most of these immigrants have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years.
TPS allows people to stay in the U.S. if their home countries are unsafe due to events like natural disasters.
Hondurans and Nicaraguans first received TPS after Hurricane Mitch in 1999, while Nepalese received it after an earthquake in 2015.
The Trump administration has worked to end TPS for several countries, claiming conditions have improved enough for safe return.
The U.S. advises its citizens to reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to risks like wrongful detention and healthcare issues.
Judge Thompson criticized the administration's motives, stating the decisions seemed predetermined rather than based on current conditions.
A federal judge in California extended temporary protected status for 60,000 people from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This status had been set to expire soon, following the Trump administration's push to end such protections. The decision allows these individuals to stay and work in the U.S. temporarily.
Key Facts
Temporary protected status was extended for 60,000 people from Nepal, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
This status protects people from deportation and allows them to work in the U.S.
The status for Nepalese immigrants was to end on August 5, while for Hondurans and Nicaraguans, it was set to expire on September 8.
The Trump administration aimed to end these protections as part of a broader immigration policy.
Homeland Security Secretary determined that conditions in home countries were stable enough for return.
Lawyers for the National TPS Alliance argue that ending the status was more political than based on actual conditions in the home countries.
The U.S. government asserts that the decisions are within the legal authority of the administration.
Vaccination rates among kindergarteners in the U.S. have dropped for the 2024-2025 school year, with more parents choosing exemptions. This comes at a time when measles cases are at their highest since 2000.
Key Facts
Vaccination coverage for kindergarteners decreased for all reported vaccines in the 2024-2025 school year.
Exemptions from vaccines in this group rose to 3.6% from 3.3% compared to the previous year.
36 states and D.C. saw an increase in vaccine exemptions.
17 states reported exemption rates of over 5%.
Idaho (15.4%) and Utah (10.3%) had the highest exemption rates among states.
West Virginia and Montana did not provide exemption data to the CDC.
The U.S. recorded its highest annual measles cases since eliminating the disease in 2000, with 1,333 cases and 29 outbreaks reported in 2025.
Only 92.5% of U.S. kindergarteners are vaccinated against measles, below the CDC's target of 95% needed for herd immunity.
The White House announced new tariff rates for over 65 countries and the European Union, with implementation starting soon. The new tariffs reflect recent trade deals and ongoing negotiations, and they vary by country.
Key Facts
President Trump set new tariff rates for more than 65 countries and the European Union.
The tariffs include rates from previous announcements and new trade deals.
Most new tariffs will not start immediately and will take effect at least a week after August 1.
An additional 10% tariff will apply to countries not listed in the executive order by next week.
Canadian goods outside the USMCA agreement face a 35% tariff starting Friday due to drug trafficking concerns.
Negotiations with China are ongoing; current tariffs from a prior order remain in place.
Mexico's new tariff rates are on hold pending further negotiations.
U.S. importers pay tariffs directly, which can lead to higher prices for American businesses and consumers.
The U.S. Senate recently voted on a resolution to block a weapons sale to Israel. Although the measure did not pass, a notable number of Democratic senators supported it, signaling a potential shift in U.S. support for Israel. The vote reflects growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ongoing debates over U.S. military aid to Israel.
Key Facts
The Senate voted on a resolution to stop a weapons sale to Israel, but the measure failed in a 27-70 vote.
The proposal was introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders.
This vote had more support than past attempts, showing a shift, especially among Democratic senators.
All Republican Senators opposed the measure, while 27 Democratic Senators voted in favor.
A separate bill to block bomb shipments to Israel also did not pass, with a 24-73 vote.
The vote comes amid criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which some groups describe as genocidal.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, among others, cited humanitarian concerns as a reason for her support of the resolution.
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) called the vote a "historic sign of progress" for those advocating for Palestinian rights.
The U.S. Department of Defense will continue sharing important satellite data that helps track hurricanes. This decision comes after plans to stop sharing the data raised concerns among scientists about hurricane tracking accuracy. The data will now remain available until the satellite program ends in 2026.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Defense will keep sharing data from three weather satellites.
This data helps meteorologists accurately track hurricanes.
The plan to stop sharing was postponed due to cybersecurity and modernization issues.
Officials found a way to continue sharing the data without interruptions until 2026.
The data helps provide crucial information not available from regular satellites.
With the data, forecasters can better predict storms and issue timely warnings.
Other data sources would have provided only half the information without this satellite data.
The data also aids in tracking Arctic sea ice loss.
