Pope condemns Gaza war’s ‘barbarity’ as 93 reported killed by Israeli fire while waiting for food | First Thing

Harvard University is heading back to court to challenge the Trump administration's freeze on $2 billion in funding, which has stalled critical research projects. Meanwhile, in a separate but equally troubling story, an elderly Pennsylvania man was reportedly deported to Guatemala after visiting an immigration office to replace his lost green card—his family was initially told he had died and still hasn’t heard from him.

Senate Republicans are stuck between a rock and a hard place—either cancel part of their August break to push through Trump’s nominees or hit the campaign trail to sell their tax and spending wins to voters ahead of the midterms. It’s a tug-of-war between loyalty to the president and self-preservation for the GOP.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about scheduling—it’s a snapshot of the GOP’s tightrope walk. Do they prioritize Trump’s agenda or focus on saving their own seats? Either way, the decision could ripple through the midterms, shaping how much gets done (or not) before November.

Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been sentenced for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights, though the details of his punishment weren't specified here. The case had drawn sharp criticism after the Department of Justice initially asked for just one day in prison—a request that many saw as shockingly lenient given the gravity of the incident.

Editor’s Note: This sentencing closes a painful chapter in a case that became a flashpoint for police accountability, but it also highlights lingering frustrations over how the justice system handles officer misconduct. Breonna Taylor's death sparked nationwide protests, and the handling of Hankison's case—especially the DOJ's original sentencing request—raises tough questions about whether real consequences match public demands for change.

A Florida man received 21 life sentences after admitting to the horrific sexual abuse and murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. He pleaded no contest to murder and guilty to other charges, ensuring he’ll never walk free.

Editor’s Note: This case is a grim reminder of the worst kinds of crimes—those against children—and the justice system’s role in ensuring accountability. While nothing can undo the tragedy, the sentencing brings a measure of closure and reaffirms society’s stance on such heinous acts. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, highlighting both the darkness in the world and the need for vigilance.

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from slashing funding to Planned Parenthood, siding with the organization’s argument that the cuts—tied to a recent GOP tax and health law—would cause irreparable harm. The ruling means the money stays for now while the legal battle plays out.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about dollars—it’s a high-stakes fight over access to healthcare. Planned Parenthood serves millions, often low-income patients, for everything from cancer screenings to contraception. The judge’s pause keeps clinics running as courts weigh whether the funding cut was politically motivated or legally sound. For supporters, it’s a win for patient care; for critics, it’s a roadblock to defunding abortion providers. Either way, the battle’s far from over.