First Run News

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Friday to block a federal judge's ruling that grandparents of U.S. citizens and refugees already being processed for resettlement are exempt from President Trump's travel ban. In a court filing, the Justice Department asked the court to overturn the ruling of a U.S.

Cuban President Reuters reported. Trump announced last month that he was "canceling the last administration’s completely one-sided deal with Cuba" in hopes of putting pressure on the country's repressive government. But Castro said Friday that Trump's policy shift announced last month would ultimately fail to spark regime change in Cuba. He also accused the president of ignoring popular opinion in the U.S.

President Trump plans to attend the U.S. Women's Open on Saturday, appearing for a second straight day at the golf tournament being held at one of his properties. Trump wrote on Twitter that he would attend the event in Bedminster, N.J., adding, "Big crowds expected & the women are playing great-should be very exciting!" The tournament is being held at Trump National Golf Club.

TROY, N.Y. — If you’ve spent any time at children’s birthday parties, you probably know what an inflated balloon sounds like when rubbed: harsh, squeaky, not particularly resonant. “Rubbed-balloon sound” might not seem like a sonic texture you’d place much stock in if you were creating a musical work. But how would that change if you were listening from inside the balloon? The composer Natasha Barrett decided to answer the question.

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho achieved a notable distinction last year: It became one of the hardest places in America for someone to quit a job for a better one. The state did this by making it easier for companies to enforce noncompete agreements, which prevent employees from leaving their company for a competitor. While its economy is known for agriculture — potatoes are among the state’s biggest exports — Idaho has a long history as a technology hub.

CAMP SHORAB, Afghanistan — The last time American Marines were in Helmand Province, they had a sweeping mission and the resources to carry it out. Tens of thousands of Marines floAfw into projects that would bolster local support.

RICHMOND, Ky. — Just 24 hours old, Jay’la Cy’anne Clay already was having a rough day. Convulsions rocked her tiny body as she lay under warming lights in the nursery of the Baptist Health Richmond hospital. She vomited and made strange, high-pitched cries. The infant was going through opioid withdrawal. For more than a decade, her mother, Jamie Clay, 28, had been hooked on oxycodone.

RICHMOND, Ky. — Just 24 hours old, Jay’la Cy’anne Clay already was having a rough day. Convulsions rocked her tiny body as she lay under warming lights in the nursery of the Baptist Health Richmond hospital. She vomited and made strange, high-pitched cries. The infant was going through opioid withdrawal. For more than a decade, her mother, Jamie Clay, 28, had been hooked on oxycodone.

We’re halfway through July already, and yet there’s still so much you can get out and do this summer. Where did all that time go? (You can find out, if you dare.) But you still have more than half of the summer left! There’s plenty of time to check off all the necessary and fun things you planned to do before the weather cools down. • Planning a getaway?

Good morning. (Want to get California Today by email? Here’s the sign-up.) Today’s introduction comes from Conor Dougherty, who reports on economics from the Bay Area.