Trump announces a deal to disarm Hamas
Trump said on July 30 that the Board of Peace reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. He said Israeli forces would withdraw as disarmament is completed, with an international stabilization force working alongside a new Palestinian police force. Hamas said Friday it accepted the road map, and Netanyahu has not commented. The Jerusalem Post reported that the document did not adequately address Israel's demands for full demilitarization.
Some asylum cases now reach a judge with no interview
An interim final rule that took effect the day it published on July 28 lets asylum officers refer certain affirmative applications to an immigration judge without an interview. Citizenship and Immigration Services still offers an interview before it grants or denies asylum. The rule stays in force while comments run to September 28.
A four year quota lands on imported quartz countertops
Trump signed a proclamation on July 31 setting a four year tariff rate quota on imported quartz countertops. The International Trade Commission had found that imports were a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry. The duty rates, volumes and start date sit in an annex, and trade agreement partners including Canada and Mexico are excluded.
Justice Department moves to drop the Reflecting Pool charge
Prosecutors moved this week to dismiss the felony destruction of property charge against Olympic canoeist David Hearn. The Justice Department found the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool liner failed from a rushed and botched installation. Hearn had pleaded not guilty and said he left the pool as he found it.
A Senate candidate claims a $26,171 Republican tax break
Abdul El-Sayed, running for Senate in Michigan, claimed a $26,171 deduction on his 2025 return, a break created by the 2017 Republican tax law. In March 2025 he called it deplorable and disgusting to gut the government for a tax cut for folks who don't really need more money. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
- At least 17 law firms quit a legal fellowship under investigation over a complaint it excluded white applicants. Washington Free Beacon →