Here are the key developments in the United States and abroad today, compiled from primary and authoritative English‑language sources and presented for an American audience.
Economy: July CPI Holds at 2.7% as Core Rises; Markets Edge Higher
The Consumer Price Index (CPI‑U) rose 2.7% year‑over‑year in July and 0.2% month‑over‑month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The core CPI (excluding food and energy) rose 0.3% on the month and 3.1% from a year earlier. The BLS release also confirms CPI‑W at +2.5% y/y.
U.S. stocks ticked higher after the report as traders increased bets that the Federal Reserve could cut rates as soon as September; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq touched record highs during the session. Treasury yields eased and oil prices drifted lower while investors assessed tariff and growth risks.
Washington, D.C.: Federal Action on Crime and Homelessness Continues to Reverberate
Reporting today details the administration’s unprecedented decision to deploy National Guard troops and increase federal control over public safety in Washington, D.C., alongside efforts to clear homeless encampments. A Washington Post account says 800 Guard personnel were ordered to the city as part of a broader federal strategy; city officials have questioned the need, citing crime data showing year‑over‑year declines.
Separate coverage highlights continuing reaction to the President’s remarks that the “homeless have to move out, immediately,” with advocates voicing concerns and local leaders pointing to crime statistics that have fallen in 2025.
Foreign Affairs: Ukraine Warns of Russian Moves; Summit Optics Ahead of Alaska Meeting
Ukraine’s leadership said Russia is “making movements” suggesting preparations for a new offensive, as European leaders reiterated support for Kyiv and pressed for Ukraine’s inclusion in any talks ahead of the Trump–Putin meeting expected in Alaska later this week. Coverage today notes battlefield pressure in Donetsk and renewed diplomatic maneuvering.
Analysts in Moscow signaled expectations of symbolic steps rather than a comprehensive peace breakthrough at the summit, with skepticism that an agreement can be reached quickly.
Weather: Tropical Storm Erin Strengthening; First Hurricane of Season Likely
Tropical Storm Erin formed in the eastern tropical Atlantic and is forecast to strengthen into the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season later this week, potentially reaching major (Cat 3) intensity by Sunday. Early guidance suggests no immediate U.S. land threat, but tracks remain uncertain; the National Hurricane Center is monitoring closely.
U.S. West: California Wildfires
California continues to battle multiple wildfires. The Gifford Fire in San Luis Obispo County surpassed 100,000 acres (now the state’s largest fire of 2025) and stood at 33% containment as of this morning. Other incidents showed mixed progress, with some smaller fires nearing full containment.
Energy & Travel: Oil Slips; FAA Eyes Newark Flight Caps
Oil prices softened as markets awaited U.S. data and digested an extended U.S.–China tariff pause; traders also flagged uncertainty around the Alaska summit.
The FAA proposed extending flight limits at Newark Liberty International Airport into late 2026 to manage congestion and staffing constraints, a move with potential implications for Northeast travel planning.
