Bulletin Brief

Florida’s abortion ban takes effect while Arizona’s is repealed (AP, NBC)

Federal Reserve rates hold steady (CBS, Reuters)

United Methodist Church repeals ban on LGBTQ clergy (CNN, CBS)

Greene to force vote on House speaker (CNN)

Art Institute students to receive $6 billion in loan forgiveness (AP)

Monster in the closet? More like bees in the wall (Guardian)

September retrial sought for Weinstein (AP)

For those who read...

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In Must Know News…

• In Florida, a new abortion ban takes effect with abortions being banned after 6 weeks, and doctors worry about limiting women’s access to critical healthcare. Meanwhile, the Arizona Senate repealed a near-total abortion ban dating back to 1864 in response to a state Supreme Court ruling. Republican senators joined Democrats in passing the repeal, with Senator Bolick sharing personal experiences to further highlight the need for abortion access. 
• The Federal Reserve maintains its benchmark rate amid stalled progress in taming US inflation rates, with Chairman Jerome Powell emphasizing the need for inflation to reduce before considering rate cuts. Powell does express confidence in reducing inflation to the target of 2%, but uncertainties remain regarding the timing of further rate adjustments to move forward. 
• The United Methodist Church reversed its 40-year ban on LGBTQ clergy in a historical vote, demonstrating a significant shift towards inclusivity within the church. The decision, passed in a landslide with a 692-51 vote, sparked emotional reactions among members, with LGBTQ advocates celebrating the removal of the longstanding restrictions.

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In Other Notable News…

• GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will force a vote to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson next week, after dissatisfaction with the handling of government funding and foreign aid. This move is expected to fail with Democratic support to keep Johnson in place.
• President Biden announced the cancellation of $6 billion in student loans for 317,000 borrowers who attended the Art Institutes from 2004 to 2017, citing fraudulent practices by the college. The administration has now canceled nearly $160 billion in student loans.
• In North Carolina, a toddler's fear of "monsters" in her closet led to the discovery of over 50,000 bees living in a massive hive within her bedroom walls. The removal of the bees, and subsequent repairs to the home due to extensive damage, cost the family about $20,000.‍
• Prosecutors have scheduled a September retrial for Harvey Weinstein in Manhattan, following the recent overturning of his 2020 rape conviction. During a recent court appearance, accuser Jessica Mann was present and prepared to testify, with the trial expected to begin after Labor Day.