• The Trump administration publishes a rule that will penalize immigrants using or seeking to use public benefits like food stamps or Medicaid.

• Beginning in October, the U.S. will apply a wealth test to immigrants entering the country and turn away those they determine cannot support themselves.

• Quick Read

• New Trump administration rules will weaken the Endangered Species Act.

• The new rules will do two major things to change how the act is enforced – 1) make it easier for animals to be removed from the endangered species list, 2) allow the EPA, for the first time, to weigh the economic impact of protecting certain species.

• Quick Read

• After the Senate and House passed the 9/11 Compensation Bill, President Trump signs the legislation into law.

• The bill, which permanently funds healthcare for first responders to the 9/11 attacks, became a major news story following John Stewart’s emotional testimony.

• Trump, however, in a speech after signing the bill, exaggerated his involvement in the 9/11 response, leading to criticism of his repeated use of 9/11 for self-promotion and political attack.  

• The Supreme Court rules that the Pentagon can reallocate $2.5 billion for Trump’s wall from military funds.

• Trump says this decision is a huge victory for his wall.

• Later, Trump scores again when Guatemala agrees to require migrants to apply for asylum there before continuing on to the U.S.

• Attorney General Barr announces the Justice Department will resume executions after a near two decade break.

• There have been three executions since 1988, with the most recent being in 2003. An unofficial pause began after Obama directed a review of capital punishment practices following a botched execution.

• Five death-row inmates are to be scheduled executed in the next year. 

President Trump signs an executive order that aims to modernize the U.S.’s kidney transplant/treatment system. The initiative seeks to speed up the matching process for kidney transplants, streamline access to more effective treatments, enhance preventive care, and raise awareness about kidney disease. Kidney issues currently affect over 37 million people, according to Axios

Trump releases an immigration plan that would prioritize higher-skilled immigrants over asylum seekers and those with family in the U.S. In a speech announcing the plan, Trump strikes a more conciliatory tone, suggesting the long shot proposal may be part of a 2020 ploy to widen his base

In response to Trump raising tariffs on Chinese goods, China raises their tariffs on U.S. goods, further increasing tensions in the ongoing trade war. Neither countries’ tariffs on each other will go into effect immediately, so there remains time for the two countries to make a deal. But with Trump’s advisers such as Richard Lighthizer focused on China’s practices of “economic aggression,” many in both China and the U.S. fear this trade war could continue for years

In a series of tweets, Trump says that in an effort to avoid a bad deal, he will be raising tariffs on Chinese goods, stirring the pot for trade talks scheduled to begin on Thursday between the two countries. Chinese and U.S. businesses are surprised by the renewed turmoil

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court rules in favor of permitting Trump's transgender military ban to go into effect