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Trump did what today?

8/3/2026

Blanche wins backing from 2 key GOP holdouts after rescinding anti-weaponization fund

  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion fund to advance his confirmation in the Senate.
  • Two GOP senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, expressed their support after receiving written assurances that the fund is canceled.
  • Blanche clarified that no money from the fund was ever distributed and addressed concerns raised by committee members.
  • Concerns about the fund's existence were delaying his confirmation vote, which is now expected to proceed.
  • Some experts worry the fund could be reinstated in the future despite the written agreement.

Over 4 million people are no longer receiving food aid amid sweeping changes to SNAP

  • Over 4 million people have lost access to SNAP benefits amid significant changes to the program.
  • New work requirements for adults seeking assistance could result in 2.4 million fewer participants annually.
  • Data shows that more than 1 million children have lost food benefits since last July.
  • With many states facing new costs to manage the program, some may withdraw from SNAP entirely.
  • Experts warn of a public health crisis if SNAP is scaled back, as food aid is vital for low-income families.

She protested ICE raids. Then agents showed up at her door

  • Treasure Thoreson was arrested at her home on charges of conspiring to impede federal agents after protesting ICE.
  • Federal authorities have increasingly used conspiracy charges against activists protesting immigration enforcement.
  • Legal experts worry that the government is targeting political activists under the guise of conspiracy laws.
  • Protests have drawn mixed responses, leading to legal challenges and questions about the limits of peaceful civil disobedience.
  • Many activists fear a chilling effect on political protests due to these harsh legal consequences.

Trump says he's canceling Iran strikes; deal pending

  • President Trump stated he is canceling potential strikes on Iran, citing requests from Middle Eastern countries.
  • The remarks come amid tensions relating to Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. military operations.
  • Trump indicated a deal is close that would ease tensions and reduce the nuclear threat from Iran.
  • Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince also emphasized the importance of dialogue to maintain regional stability.
  • Iran dismissed Trump’s claims, saying they were falsehoods and propaganda.

For those with criminal records, AI is breaking down barriers to employment

  • Noella Sudbury is using AI to speed up the process of clearing criminal records to help people find jobs.
  • Over 70 million adults in the U.S. have some form of a criminal record, making job searches difficult.
  • Sudbury's app allows for fast eligibility checks and helps reduce the time needed to file for expungement.
  • AI is expected to help millions by clearing their records, giving them better chances for employment.
  • Despite the promise of AI, many legal barriers and societal biases against those with criminal records still exist.

Bedbugs, bad Wi-Fi: Federal workers say forced summer relocations have been chaos

  • NASA and other federal agencies are relocating employees abruptly, leading to workplace chaos and frustration.
  • Workers report poor communication about relocation and problems with conditions in new office buildings.
  • Some agencies have faced difficulties like bedbug infestations and inadequate Wi-Fi, hindering worker productivity.
  • Legal complaints argue that these relocations violate laws requiring congressional approval for changes.
  • Many employees are dissatisfied, fearing job losses and reduced efficiency during critical project times.

For Republicans planning post-Trump future, one race in Washington is worth watching

  • Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse's retirement opens a competitive race in Washington’s most conservative district.
  • The race features various candidates representing different factions of the GOP, including Trump-endorsed options.
  • Local Republicans see an opportunity to elect a more conservative representative following Newhouse’s departure.
  • Trump’s endorsement remains significant, but candidates must also connect with local voters for success.
  • Democrats hope to capitalize on the divided Republican base to make a competitive run in the district.

How long will the Grateful Dead's songs survive?

  • The Grateful Dead's music continues to thrive as a cultural phenomenon years after the band's original run.
  • Fans believe the band's songs hold a unique quality that connects with people deeply, ensuring their longevity.
  • Events like The Terrapin Roadshow keep the music alive, uniting generations of fans and performers.
  • Surviving band members promote the songs by collaborating with younger musicians and tribute bands.
  • Community engagement and improvisation embody the spirit of the Dead, proving that the music lives on.

Oil companies report sky-high profits thanks to wartime crude prices

  • Chevron, Shell, and ExxonMobil reported record profits due to high crude oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
  • The companies combined earned around $404 million per day over the last quarter.
  • Lawmakers in the U.S. and Europe are calling for windfall taxes on these excess profits amid rising fuel prices.
  • Executives from the oil companies are cautious, suggesting high profits may not last indefinitely.
  • Instead of large investments, companies focus on paying down debt and developing long-term strategies.

Washington wildfires destroy homes, force thousands to evacuate

  • Wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed hundreds of homes and forced 60,000 people to evacuate.
  • Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes amid harsh weather conditions and shifting winds.
  • Local officials describe the situation as unprecedented and are seeking federal disaster assistance.
  • Videos show widespread destruction, with only chimneys remaining in areas once filled with homes.
  • The impact of climate change continues to exacerbate wildfire risks in the region.

South Korea ditches 'denuclearization-first' strategy. What will Pyongyang do next?

  • South Korea is shifting its approach to North Korea, focusing on freezing its nuclear program rather than immediate denuclearization.
  • The policy changes come amid North Korea's growing ties with other countries and ongoing military developments.
  • Experts doubt that North Korea will return to negotiations under current conditions.
  • Political dynamics have altered, with North Korea emboldened by support from Russia and China.
  • The U.S. has also adapted its strategy regarding North Korea, moving away from prior denial of its nuclear status.

Rare photos of ex-Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi give her family hope

  • Rare photos of Aung San Suu Kyi, taken during a meeting with the ICRC, have renewed hope for her family.
  • Suu Kyi has been largely isolated since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021.
  • The meeting represents a potential shift toward transparency regarding her well-being.
  • Despite the photos, skepticism remains about the condition of Suu Kyi and the military's intentions.
  • Activists continue to demand proof that Suu Kyi is safe and healthy amid ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

'House of the Dragon,' Season 3, Episode 7: Red in tooth and claw (and wing and tail)

  • In the latest episode of 'House of the Dragon', tensions rise as characters confront betrayal and chaos.
  • Critical events unravel at Harrenhal, leading to violent encounters and political maneuvering.
  • Aemond faces challenges regarding loyalty and deception as alliances shift unexpectedly.
  • The complexities of power dynamics within the Targaryen family are explored in depth.
  • Questions linger regarding characters' fates and the impact of their actions on the broader story.

The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. wants better healthcare, but plans to fund it are in limbo

  • The Lumbee Tribe seeks better healthcare after gaining federal recognition, but funding is uncertain.
  • Tribal citizens face high rates of health issues, requiring immediate access to better resources.
  • Federal health services are underfunded, meaning the tribe may need additional revenue sources like gaming.
  • Many tribal members voted against plans for a casino, leading to further uncertainty for healthcare funding.
  • Local healthcare professionals stress the importance of addressing health disparities for the Lumbee people.

U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will stay through 2030 World Cup

  • Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new contract to coach the U.S. men's national soccer team through the 2030 World Cup.
  • His leadership comes after a successful World Cup campaign despite an early exit.
  • Pochettino aims to strengthen the soccer program and improve opportunities for players and coaches.
  • The U.S. team will participate in major tournaments leading up to the World Cup.
  • The contract reflects long-term ambitions for U.S. Soccer's growth and success.

Israel says it has serious concerns with Hamas disarmament deal

  • Israel expresses significant security concerns about a U.S.-brokered disarmament deal with Hamas.
  • The deal includes disarmament and the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic government.
  • Israeli officials assess that Hamas still seeks to rebuild its military capabilities.
  • Recent military actions in Gaza have resulted in civilian casualties amid ongoing conflict.
  • The situation remains tense as the implications of the disarmament deal continue to unfold.

Home Page Tiny Desk Carousel

  • A highlight of featured Tiny Desk Concerts showcasing diverse artists and musical performances.
  • The series emphasizes intimate settings where artists perform live for a dedicated audience.
  • Tiny Desk has earned popularity for its unique format, allowing for memorable musical experiences.
  • The concerts often feature a wide range of genres, appealing to music lovers of all types.
  • Fans eagerly anticipate new entries to the series, celebrating creativity and talent in the music industry.

What would it take to get peptides on the shelf?

  • A recent FDA panel voted in favor of several peptide therapies, though their production is still illegal in the U.S.
  • Peptides are in high demand but require FDA approval for pharmacies to make and distribute them.
  • Experts expect the FDA may expedite pathways for these peptides due to the gray market's growth.
  • Concerns remain over the safety and efficacy of these peptides, as many lack extensive human testing.
  • The future of these substances in the market hinges on the FDA's upcoming decisions and regulatory processes.

Defunct part of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will slam into the moon

  • A section of a Falcon 9 rocket is expected to strike the moon at high speed this Wednesday.
  • The impact site will be near the Einstein Crater, possibly creating a visible crater from the collision.
  • NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will monitor the impact for changes to the moon's surface.
  • The collision presents an opportunity for scientists to study lunar impacts, though visibility may be limited.
  • The event highlights human-made objects interacting with celestial bodies in our solar system.

U.S. dollar weakens sharply against the Japanese yen after market interventions

  • The dollar has dropped sharply against the yen following coordinated interventions from U.S. and Japanese officials.
  • Prior to the intervention, the dollar was trading at significant highs, increasing inflation concerns in Japan.
  • Market analysts see the collaboration as unusual yet beneficial for both economies.
  • The intervention indicates a shared interest in stabilizing currency fluctuations between the U.S. and Japan.
  • Long-term impacts of these interventions on the dollar-yen exchange rate remain to be seen.