What to watch next after the weak second-quarter GDP reading
The economy grew 1.5% in the second quarter, but trade and inventories clouded the picture. Jobs, productivity and inflation data will test its strength.
United States
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Twenty-five states sue to block Trump’s latest tariffs
Twenty-five states are challenging new forced-labor tariffs, arguing they improperly recreate duties the Supreme Court rejected under IEEPA.
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Flag Football’s First Olympic Qualification Event Begins Aug. 13
The Düsseldorf world championships will award the first non-host Olympic berths in flag football, while Team USA already has guaranteed places for LA28.
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China, U.S. Consult on Proposed Tariff Cuts Covering $30 Billion Each
China and the United States are consulting stakeholders on proposed tariff reductions covering about $30 billion in products per side, but no tariff schedule is final.
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MLB Labor Talks Put Free Agency, Salary Cap and Pay on Collision Course
MLB proposes earlier free agency and higher minimum pay in exchange for a salary cap and payroll floor the union says would restrict the market.
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NASA’s CAPSTONE 02 Will Test Moon-Orbit Navigation
NASA plans to launch two spacecraft in 2027 to test navigation, rendezvous and communications near the Moon for future Artemis and deep-space missions.
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FBI Warns of IC3 Impersonators Targeting Cybercrime Victims
The FBI says scammers are posing as IC3 personnel, using fake websites and AI-generated media to target people who already reported online crime.
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DOJ sues Milwaukee over rules requiring federal officers to identify themselves
The Justice Department is challenging Milwaukee’s mask and identification rules, setting up a federal court fight over accountability and federal authority.
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Apollo’s Aug. 4 Earnings Will Test Private-Credit Growth
Apollo’s Aug. 4 report will give investors a fuller view of earnings, private-credit flows and liquidity pressure after a preliminary filing.
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Small businesses challenge Trump’s newest tariff regime in trade court
Small importers are challenging new Section 301 tariffs in trade court, arguing USTR did not justify country-specific duties tied to forced labor.
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ATF straw-purchase proposal faces August 4 comment deadline
ATF’s proposed firearms rule would clarify straw purchases, gifts and family transactions, but it is not final. Comments are due by midnight Eastern on August 4.
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Federal Highway Funds Enter August Redistribution
FHWA is reviewing unused FY 2026 highway obligation authority as states prepare for releases by August 12 and redistribution targeted for August 28.
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EEOC Dealership Settlement Puts Harassment Controls in Focus
Three Austin dealerships agreed to pay $925,000 and follow a three-year consent decree after the EEOC alleged harassment and retaliation.
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NSF Awards 12 Regional Innovation Engines Across 20 States
The NSF awarded 12 regional teams $15 million each to connect research, startups and workforce training, with longer-term funding tied to performance.
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Retailers Push Value Deals as U.S. Shoppers Stay Selective
June retail sales rose in dollar terms, but unit demand fell in Circana’s measure as Walmart and competitors compete for cautious back-to-school shoppers.
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FDA Classifies Abiomed Impella Kit Recall as Class I
The FDA classified a recall of select Abiomed introducer kits as Class I after thrombus reports. Hospitals should stop use, quarantine units and arrange returns.
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FHFA Cybersecurity Audit Finds Program Not Effective
A July 30 FHFA inspector-general audit rated the agency’s information-security program Level 2 and cited overdue assessments and inactive privileged accounts.
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CPSC Seeks Recall of Lakkzoom Immersion Heaters
Federal officials seek a court-ordered recall of Lakkzoom immersion heaters after alleging they can overheat and ignite within minutes.
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EPA Coal-Ash Permit Review Enters Agency’s Next Phase
EPA’s reopened coal-ash permitting comment period closed July 29. No nationwide permit change took effect, and the agency is reviewing next steps.
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Utilities sought $9.2 billion in rate increases as regulators weigh who pays for grid growth
Utilities requested $9.2 billion in second-quarter rate increases as electricity prices rose, putting household costs and large-load infrastructure under review.
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U.S. construction spending slipped in June as first-half activity fell
U.S. construction spending edged down in June, while activity in the first half of 2026 was 3.5% below the same period in 2025.
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Proposed DOJ-Willow Bridge Deal Targets Algorithmic Rent Pricing
A proposed DOJ judgment would limit Willow Bridge’s use of competitors’ rental data and pricing software. The deal is not final and will face public comment.