SUMMARY: South Korea’s military reported North Korea is removing loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after South Korea dismantled its own propaganda speakers to ease tensions. North Korea had blasted irritating sounds in response to South Korea’s broadcasts, which included propaganda and K-pop songs targeting Pyongyang. South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, halted these broadcasts as a gesture toward peace. Despite some outreach, North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong rejected Seoul’s overtures, criticizing their alliance with the U.S. Tensions could rise again with upcoming South Korea-U.S. military drills starting August 18, which North Korea views as a provocation.

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SUMMARY: President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting political appointees oversight of federal agency grants, including those from FEMA, NSF, and NIH. The order mandates appointing officials to review funding opportunities to ensure alignment with agency priorities and allows termination of grants anytime, even mid-period. Agencies must implement new protocols before announcing new funding opportunities. The administration claims the move strengthens oversight and streamlines grantmaking. Scientists and medical groups warn it politicizes grant decisions, delaying research advances and damaging U.S. scientific leadership. Thousands of grants, including those on public health and social topics, have been cut. Legal challenges are expected.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, announced it is removing age limits for new ICE hires to expand recruitment following a congressional funding boost to hire 10,000 staff. Applicants can now join from age 18 with no upper age cap, subject to medical, drug, and physical fitness tests. ICE’s recruitment campaign uses patriotic and bold messaging, including social media posts targeting younger and older recruits alike. The agency offers incentives such as up to $50,000 bonuses, student loan forgiveness, and overtime pay to attract deportation officers, investigators, and lawyers to support immigration enforcement efforts.

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