President Trump has sent Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook formal notice that he is considering removing her over mortgage fraud allegations. The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that blocked his earlier attempt because Cook had not received required procedural protections.
News Mash
Tennessee’s first primaries under a newly redrawn congressional map set up a closely watched 9th District race between Republican Brent Taylor and Democrat Justin Pearson. The results also brought a primary defeat for Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Ogles.
The Senate voted 86-11 to pass a Russia and Iran sanctions bill renamed for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. The measure targets Russian energy buyers and now heads to the House, where tariff provisions face scrutiny.
Italy says it will maintain border controls on Spain despite Madrid’s threat of countermeasures after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco. The dispute has widened divisions inside the EU as Spain manages the humanitarian fallout, including more than 1,300 children still in the enclave.
A federal appeals court upheld an order blocking above-ground work on President Trump’s planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom, saying the project requires congressional approval. The court allowed below-ground work to continue and stayed its ruling for 14 days to permit an appeal.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, pledging that an armed attack on one will be treated as an attack on all three. Officials described the pact as defensive and said it aims to strengthen deterrence and broader defense cooperation.
The U.S. economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, missing forecasts for solid gains and prompting sharp downward revisions to earlier months. The unemployment rate was 4.1%, but reports said the figure was influenced by people leaving the labor force rather than stronger hiring.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she will oppose Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, leaving President Trump’s pick with almost no margin for error. The fight centers in part on concerns over a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund and whether it could be revived after confirmation.