In our news wrap Wednesday, President Trump overturned the temporary pause on ICE traffic stops that was issued after two deadly shootings within a week, the U.S. launched multiple waves of new strikes against Iran, and heavy smoke from several wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota is causing unhealthy air for millions of people across the Midwest and Northeastern U.S.
Geoff Bennett:
In the day’s other headlines: A White House official tells the “News Hour” that President Trump has overturned the temporary pause on ICE traffic stops.
On social media, Mr. Trump praised the practice, calling it — quote — “one of ICE’s most important and effective crime-fighting tools.” The agency said yesterday that it would suspend most stops after two fatal shootings within a week. In both instances, ICE agents were also not wearing body cameras.
Today, the DHS said that, moving forward, all ICE arrest teams will have at least one agent with a body camera.
The U.S. military launched multiple waves of new strikes against Iran today, the third wave in 24 hours. U.S. Central Command said overnight and daytime attacks targeted dozens of Iranian missile and defense sites. Iran launched its own wave of strikes on Gulf nations overnight and has threatened to disrupt all energy exports from the Middle East.
President Trump has signaled that he would broaden attacks next week to include civilian targets like bridges and power plants. On a visit to Pennsylvania today, Mr. Trump said he isn’t giving Iran a deadline to return to the talks.
Donald Trump, President of the United States: I don’t like giving deadlines, but they pretty much know. They know the story. They better behave.
Geoff Bennett:
For its part, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said today it has no plans to negotiate. Meantime, the U.S. naval blockade entered its first full day back in effect. The U.S. military said today that its forces fired on and disabled an oil tanker trying to break the blockade.
Here at home, the intestinal parasite that has spread to at least 34 states was a topic on Capitol Hill today. Dr. Erica Schwartz, the Trump administration’s nominee to lead the CDC, told the Senate Health Committee she’d use — quote — “radical transparency” to rebuild public trust in the agency.
When asked about the CDC reducing its mandatory reporting of cyclosporiasis last year, Dr. Schwartz said she had not been aware, but vowed to address the outbreak.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA):
You commit to reinstating the required reporting for cyclospora?
Dr. Erica Schwartz:
You have my commitment to work with your staff and work with the CDC scientists to understand what can be done, why did it stop, and what can we do moving forward.
Sen. Patty Murray:
We shouldn’t need thousands of people to get severely ill before we reinstate programs and systems that were haphazardly canceled.
Geoff Bennett:
The CDC has confirmed more than 1,600 cases and is looking further into more than 5,000 other suspected cases.
Heavy smoke from several wildfires burning in Canada and Minnesota is causing unhealthy air for millions of people across the Midwest and Northeastern U.S. In places like Upstate New York, hazy skies have reduced visibility and affected traffic. The National Weather Service is advising people in affected areas to stay indoors.
Intense heat and drought conditions have fueled large fires across at least 15 states. In Minnesota, fire officials say that shifting conditions on the ground mean they’re having to prioritize which fires to put out first.
Nick Petrack:
I highly feel like this is going on for a while, so I do ask for patience. As the weather does what it wants to, we have to be able to react with the situation with the public and firefighter safety as our number one priority.
Geoff Bennett:
Meantime, satellite footage shows storms moving across Southern Texas today, where torrential rain has caused potentially life-threatening floods. Forecasters say as much as 20 inches could fall before the storms ease by Friday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will start testing U.S. soldiers 30 and older for testosterone deficiency. In a video announcement with text that reads “The High T Department of War,” Hegseth said the screenings would be part of a mandatory annual health assessment. He added that any recommended treatment, including hormone replacement therapy, would be optional.
Pete Hegseth:
This initiative, it’s not about artificial enhancement. It’s about restoring and optimizing your natural capabilities.
Geoff Bennett:
Current medical guidelines generally advise against blanket testosterone screenings.
The U.S. Treasury announced today that it will begin rolling out a new $1 coin featuring President Trump’s likeness. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the coin is part of commemorations marking 250 years of American independence. Despite its gold-like finish, Treasury says the coin contains no actual gold.
Federal law prohibits the U.S. Mint from putting the likeness of a living person on currency, but Bessent says the new coins are permitted because they are commemorative. The coin is expected to enter circulation this fall.
Well, Argentina is through to the World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 win over England. The defending champion scored both goals late in the game in a span of about seven minutes; 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi made the assist on both, adding to his legendary career. Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, where they will try to be the first men’s back-to-back World Cup champions in more than 60 years.
On Wall Street today, stocks ended higher after a series of strong corporate results. The Dow Jones industrial average added 150 points on the day. The Nasdaq rose about 150 points. The S&P 500 also posted a modest gain.
Still to come on the “News Hour”: the latest legislative push to make daylight saving time permanent; why fewer Americans are reading for pleasure; and the national youth poet laureate explains how he uses his art to bridge worlds.
