Education Dept. will release some frozen grants supporting after-school and summer programs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Education Department plans to release previously withheld grant money for after-school programs. This decision comes days after 10 Republican senators urged the Office of Management and Budget to release the funds. The Trump administration had withheld over $6 billion in grants on July 1, including $1.3 billion for after-school programs, as part of a spending review. On Wednesday, the senators emphasized that these programs have bipartisan support and are vital to local communities. They also said the funds did not support “radical left-wing programs.” The Trump administration is continuing to review some education grants for left-wing bias.

Trump’s birthright citizenship order remains blocked as lawsuits march on

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge’s order blocking former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship has taken effect. U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire issued the ruling last week, and with no appeal filed, it is now enforceable nationwide. The order protects children of undocumented immigrants from losing citizenship. Meanwhile, a Boston judge heard arguments from states opposing Trump’s policy, calling it unconstitutional. The judge has not ruled yet but appears likely to side with the states. The issue could return to the Supreme Court, which has not ruled on the policy’s constitutionality. The Justice Department has not commented.

Planned Parenthood seeks to keep Medicaid funds flowing during legal fight

BOSTON (AP) — Attorneys for Planned Parenthood argue that cutting Medicaid payments to their abortion providers will harm vulnerable populations with limited health care options. The arguments are part of a lawsuit challenging a provision in Donald Trump’s tax bill. The law, effective since July 4, blocks Medicaid funds to organizations focused on family planning services receiving over $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023. Planned Parenthood leaders claim the law targets their centers, although it impacts other providers as well. A temporary restraining order has blocked the cuts, but a judge will decide on a preliminary injunction by July 21.

An explosion at a Los Angeles sheriff’s facility has left three people dead

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An explosion early Friday at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles that left three people dead was being investigated as a possible training accident. Officials said the explosion was reported around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Nicole Nishida said three members of the department died. It was not immediately known what caused the explosion or what the department members were doing at the time. An early line of the investigation was looking at a possible training accident, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the matter who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.