NPR is reporting that the Trump administration has signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, allowing American companies to operate commercial nuclear power plants and prioritizing access to reactors and fuel. While Saudi Arabia cannot reprocess American nuclear material for weapons, NPR noted the agreement lacks "gold standard" provisions to prevent uranium enrichment using fuel from other sources or greater International Atomic Energy Agency oversight. NPR's Emily Feng said the announcement sent shockwaves through the Middle East, as previous collaboration stalled due to Saudi human rights and nuclear concerns. The agreement strengthens U.S.-Saudi ties amid the war in Iran and drew criticism from former Israeli defense and foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, warning of a regional nuclear arms race.
NPR also reported that House Republicans passed several key pieces of legislation before a month-long recess. Lawmakers approved $1.1 trillion for the National Defense Authorization Act and advanced a $95 billion budget blueprint, including funds for the war in Iran, farmers, and President Trump’s SAVE America Act election overhaul. The House also advanced a bill to ban lawmakers from acquiring new individual stocks and voted to extend government funding to Dec. 4. These bills now head to the Senate, where NPR's Eric McDaniel said significant rewriting and Democratic support would be needed for passage. Democrats oppose the Pentagon budget and seek concessions on Trump’s immigration enforcement for the funding extension.
Separately, NPR said the Food and Drug Administration is holding a two-day meeting to decide whether compounding pharmacies can produce popular injectable peptides, such as TB-500, BPC-157, and MOTs-C. These compounds lack the large-scale safety and effectiveness trials required by the FDA, though marketed by the wellness industry for recovery, muscle growth, and fat loss. Critics argue current Biden-era restrictions push consumers toward unregulated overseas suppliers, increasing safety risks.
NPR is also reporting that an independent autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Wells failed to reveal a clear cause of death, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump announced. Crump said findings were inconclusive, as the body was not in suitable condition for a complete forensic examination. Wells was found dead after a Fourth of July party on the Mississippi coast. The press conference urged law enforcement to accelerate efforts amid public concerns about foul play and the role of race.
Additionally, NPR reported that international students in the U.S. will face new Department of Homeland Security visa restrictions, including strict time limits, limits on transferring schools or changing study plans, and eliminating "duration of status." Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin cited national security and reducing "forever students." The rules also cut the post-graduation grace period to find work from 60 to 30 days. Critics argue these restrictions undermine the flexibility of U.S. higher education.