Concluded

• Courts have repeatedly restrained the Trump administration's 2026 policy efforts, ruling that officials attempted to achieve goals beyond the limits of existing statutory delegations. • A key ruling established that the government cannot use procurement or national-security designations as pretextual economic punishment for contractors who disagree with administration policies. • On August 27, the case of United Farm Workers v. Department of Labor addressed a 2025 H-2A rule that shifted wage methodology toward a lower percentile formula and allowed housing-cost deductions.

• The 5th Asia International Youth Film Festival (AIYFF) concluded with its awards ceremony held at Asia Television in Hong Kong on July 30, 2026. • Chinese mainland actor Huang Xiaoming received the Best Actor award for his precise portrayal of a character's complex inner emotions. • The event serves as a critical platform for recognizing emerging cinematic talent and fostering artistic exchange among youth filmmakers across Asia.

U-turn comes after Trump said the US military was ‘raring to go’. Plus, Virginia voters pass new congressional maps in blow to presidentDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Donald Trump unilaterally announced an extension of the two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday amid frantic efforts to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.How are Trump’s negotiating tactics being received? The president’s impatience and rough-house diplomatic style, including his frequent online posting, has been a key stumbling block to restarting peace talks, writes the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour.Is Tehran united on how to deal with Washington? Analysts say it is not, with fierce disagreement among Iranian leaders over how to respond to US pressure and whether to risk a new wave of bombing.Follow the latest updates with our liveblog.How much of a boost for the Democrats is Virginia’s referendum result? It could help them win four additional House seats in November’s midterms, which could prove pivotal in an evenly divided Congress. Continue reading...