The latest updates on the White House ballroom battle, military deployments, and federal convictions.

1. 1
   Supreme Court

   Trump Administration Appeals to Supreme Court Over White House Ballroom

   The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene to allow construction of a controversial $400 million White House ballroom to proceed. An appeals court previously halted the project due to a lack of Congressional approval. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued the project is a vital national security facility.

2. 2
   Defense Policy

   Trump Downplays Concerns Over Navy Deployment as Relief Carrier Sent

   President Trump is dismissing concerns about the mental health and living conditions of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for a record-setting 250 days. Lawmakers have demanded answers regarding reports of food shortages and contaminated water on the aircraft carrier. The Pentagon confirmed the USS George Washington is en route to replace the vessel.

3. 3
   Immigration Policy

   Democrats Demand Reversal of Fast-Track Deportation Rule

   Dozens of congressional Democrats are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw a new rule that allows asylum officers to reject cases without an interview. The lawmakers argue that the policy fast-tracks deportations and denies fair consideration to those fleeing persecution. They also pointed to an increase in domestic ICE arrests at airports as a concerning consequence.

4. 4
   Foreign Relations

   U.S. Revokes Visa of Former Mexican President's Son

   The U.S. government has revoked the visa of Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, the son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Beltrán appealed directly to President Trump, claiming there is no evidence of wrongdoing against him. Current Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the decision, labeling it as politically motivated.

5. 5
   International Trade

   Brazil Triggers Retaliatory Mechanism Against U.S. Tariffs

   Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has initiated an economic reciprocity mechanism in response to tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. government. In July, President Trump placed duties of up to 37.5 percent on Brazilian exports, citing unfair trade practices. Lula denied the accusations, framing the U.S. tariffs as politically motivated ahead of Brazil's October elections.

6. 6
   Public Corruption

   Former New Mexico Democratic House Leader Convicted in Fraud Scheme

   Sheryl Williams Stapleton, the former Democratic majority leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives, has been convicted on dozens of federal fraud charges. The jury found her guilty of diverting funds meant for public schools to a friend's company in exchange for kickbacks. She now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.