In a series of significant developments, the Biden administration's efforts to alleviate student debt face legal hurdles as the Supreme Court has put a hold on a plan aimed at cutting billions in loans. This comes after a previous rejection of a proposal that would have canceled over $400 billion in student debt. The administration's revised strategy proposes to reduce repayment caps from 10% to 5% of income, with loans of $12,000 or less eligible for cancellation after ten years.

In another legal matter, Sarah Palin has secured a new trial against the New York Times after a federal appeals court ruled that a judge improperly dismissed her defamation case during jury deliberations. The case stems from a 2017 incident where the Times incorrectly linked Palin to a mass shooting, a mistake they later corrected. This ruling could prompt the Supreme Court to revisit its landmark decision in New York Times v. Sullivan, which established a high standard for public figures to prove defamation.

In Nevada, a former politician was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of investigative journalist Jeff Gherman, who had reported critically on him. Robert Tellis, who has been in jail since his arrest in 2022, faces a potential life sentence without parole.

Meanwhile, a severe heat wave has moved from the upper Midwest to the East Coast, prompting heat advisories across the mid-Atlantic, with Philadelphia experiencing temperatures feeling as high as 105 degrees. Schools in the region closed early for safety, while Michigan dealt with power outages affecting hundreds of thousands due to recent storms.

On the economic front, the clean energy sector has seen job growth at more than double the rate of the overall economy, adding 142,000 jobs in 2023, according to the Energy Department. This growth reflects a broader trend, with the energy sector overall adding 250,000 jobs last year.

In financial markets, stocks closed lower as investors awaited earnings reports from major companies, including Nvidia. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 160 points, while the Nasdaq dropped over 200 points.

As the political landscape heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on her seventh trip to Georgia this year, aiming to solidify support in a key battleground state. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has been active on social media, continuing to promote unfounded claims about the 2020 election.

Lastly, a new book by former National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster reflects on his experiences in the Trump administration, highlighting the internal conflicts and challenges he faced while navigating national security policies under a president known for his disruptive approach.