The Federal Reserve recently decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting, setting them between 4.25% and 4.5%. This decision follows a series of reductions last year and comes amidst significant political pressure from the President, who advocates for lower borrowing costs to stimulate economic growth. The vote revealed internal disagreements within the central bank, with two board members dissenting and supporting a rate cut, highlighting a rare division not seen in decades.

Fifty years ago, on July 30, 1975, James R. Hoffa, the powerful and controversial former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, vanished without a trace. His disappearance, occurring as he attempted to regain control of the union after a prison sentence, remains one of America's most enduring unsolved mysteries, fueling countless theories, books, and films, and cementing his place in both labor history and popular culture.

Thousands gathered in Birmingham, England, to honor the late metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, whose funeral procession passed significant landmarks including the Black Sabbath Bridge. Fans and family paid tribute to the influential musician, known for shaping heavy metal and starring in a reality TV show. The event, marked by both sorrow and celebration, underscored Osbourne's profound connection to his hometown and his enduring impact on global culture.

Actor Jason Momoa discusses his journey from a Hawaiian-born, Iowa-raised childhood to becoming a global star, challenging traditional masculine stereotypes while championing his Polynesian roots. His latest endeavor, 'Chief of War,' an Apple TV+ series, highlights a significant shift in Hollywood narratives by authentically portraying Native Hawaiian history. Momoa's commitment to this project, despite language barriers and production challenges, underscores his dedication to sharing his culture's untold stories and demonstrates his belief that vulnerability is a strength.

The automotive sector is grappling with significant costs imposed by recent tariffs on imported materials and vehicles. Despite these financial burdens, car manufacturers have largely absorbed the expenses to date, preventing a steep rise in consumer prices. This strategy, however, is unsustainable, with indications that higher costs will soon be passed on to buyers through increased prices or less favorable financing options. The industry's delicate balance between maintaining profitability and consumer affordability is reaching a critical juncture.

NPR is inviting photographers to celebrate World Photography Day by submitting their favorite self-taken photos along with the stories behind them. Celebrated annually on August 19th, this day commemorates the invention of the daguerreotype and recognizes photography's powerful role in storytelling. Selected submissions may be featured in the Up First newsletter. The deadline for entries is August 6th.

Texas Republicans have unveiled a proposed new congressional map aimed at securing up to five additional GOP seats, aligning with former President Trump's objectives. This move comes as political parties vie for control of the U.S. House, and raises concerns about partisan gerrymandering. Democrats are exploring legal and strategic options to counter this initiative, highlighting the ongoing national debate over electoral district boundaries and their impact on democratic representation.

In the wake of Sudan's civil war, a reporter recounts a visit to Khartoum, a city ravaged by conflict yet imbued with an extraordinary sense of hospitality. Despite widespread destruction and personal loss, residents, many displaced or deeply affected by the violence, unfailingly offered tea and coffee to their visitors, embodying an unyielding spirit of generosity that transcends their profound suffering. This narrative highlights the enduring human capacity for kindness even in the direst circumstances.

This report highlights major global events, including the UK's potential recognition of a Palestinian state, intensifying international pressure on Israel regarding the Gaza conflict, and the US EPA's controversial move to roll back climate change regulations, which is a setback for environmental efforts. Additionally, it touches on the Ghislaine Maxwell-Jeffrey Epstein case and the unexpected non-impact of new tariffs on American consumer prices, indicating complex global dynamics in politics, environment, and economics.

Birmingham, England, prepares for a grand procession to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman. Fans, some traveling internationally, gather to pay their respects to the 'Prince of Darkness' in his hometown. This marks the third significant gathering this month, following his final concert and news of his passing, culminating in a public tribute before a private family funeral.

The expression 'joy is resistance' has recently gained significant traction. This analysis delves into the essence of joy, examining its potential as a catalyst for societal transformation and exploring the reasons behind the widespread popularity of this particular slogan, particularly in times when experiencing joy can feel challenging.

Driven by growing public health concerns and the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, numerous state legislatures are actively pursuing measures to restrict synthetic food dyes and other chemical additives. These efforts, though varied, largely aim to broaden the scope of banned substances beyond current federal guidelines, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with perceived federal inaction. While some states have already enacted laws, the diverse regulatory landscape presents significant challenges for national food manufacturers, potentially pushing for a more uniform federal standard.