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. Census Bureau’s latest data reveals rapid population growth in several U.S. cities between July 2023 and July 2024. Princeton, Texas, saw the highest growth rate at 30.6%, followed by Fulshear, Texas (26.9%), and Leesburg, Florida (18.5%). Florida’s Haines City also grew by 12.1%. Southern mid-sized cities experienced the fastest growth overall. Meanwhile, Jacksonville, Florida, achieved a population milestone of over 1 million, ranking 10th in national population increase with 16,365 new residents. Other notable growth cities include New York City and Houston, reflecting nationwide urban expansion trends. Full details are available on the Census Bureau site.

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SUMMARY: President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing a probe into whether banks discriminate against conservatives, gun manufacturers, and cryptocurrency companies, addressing “debanking”—when banks close accounts or refuse services. Trump accused JPMorgan and Bank of America of debanking him and allies, which both banks deny. The order requires federal regulators to investigate and refer discrimination cases to the Justice Department within 120 days and to remove reputational risk considerations from bank evaluations. Conservatives argue reputational risk is used to justify bias. The move reflects political tensions over banking practices tied to risk, regulations, and ideological discrimination claims.

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