US appeals court halts White House ballroom construction
Summary
A federal appeals court halted the White House ballroom project while it conducts further review. The decision places President Donald Trump’s administration and the project under ongoing legal scrutiny.
Trump moves to restrict birthright citizenship after SCOTUS loss as AP News checks his economy claims.
Summary
Trump signed two executive actions to limit birthright citizenship, while AP reviewed his recent claims about the U.S. economy. The Supreme Court rejected his birthright citizenship efforts in June, making the renewed push significant.
Trump renews effort to fire Fed’s Lisa Cook despite Supreme Court ruling.
Summary
Trump renewed his effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing alleged mortgage fraud and negligent conduct in a White House letter. The Supreme Court blocked her firing in June, preserving Fed independence, while Cook says no valid cause exists and plans a challenge.
New Amazon data center is set to have the most polluting power plant in the U.S.
Summary
Amazon plans a large Texas data center powered by a natural-gas plant described as the nation’s most polluting. The project highlights tensions between Amazon’s growing data needs, energy emissions, and climate commitments.
US Army Wants to Let Companies Test Weapons Faster
Summary
The US Army plans to open five military ranges to companies for faster battlefield testing of new weapons. The initiative aims to move drones, missiles, counter-drone systems, and low-cost air defense interceptors from development to deployment more quickly.
Global food prices reach three-year high as heatwaves and wars increase crop costs.
Summary
FAO’s food price index reached 131.1 in July, its highest since January 2023, as cereal and wheat costs rose. Heatwaves, El Niño fears, EU weather, Black Sea trade disruptions, and infrastructure damage are raising crop costs and threatening food access.
Exploring queer themes and Chicano life, he became a bard of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Summary
Benjamin Alire Sáenz, a prominent border writer exploring queer themes and Chicano life, died at 71. He was the first Latino PEN/Faulkner winner, while Aristotle and Dante brought him international recognition.
Data centers are a political issue crossing party lines and driving voters to candidates.
Summary
Data centers powering AI face nationwide scrutiny, with candidates in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan responding to voter concerns. Gallup found 70% oppose local AI data centers, making their costs and expansion a cross-party political issue.
What can be seen during the partial solar eclipse.
Summary
A partial solar eclipse runs from 18:20 to 20:10 BST, with over 90% of the sun covered in the UK. Birds may quiet and plants may briefly close; the UK’s next full solar eclipse is in 2090.
Taiwan president oversees coastal strike drill during annual war games - Reuters
Summary
Taiwan's president oversaw a coastal strike drill during annual war games involving multiple military branches. The exercise highlighted Taiwan's military readiness amid regional tensions.