The Trump administration claims the Iran ceasefire has paused the War Powers Act's 60-day clock, but lawmakers are questioning whether that legal interpretation holds water [CBS News, Al Jazeera]. Pentagon officials are characterizing the move as a "timeout," though the constitutional dispute remains unresolved [Axios]. The debate comes as Defense Secretary Hegseth's confirmation hearing reignites broader questions about who actually holds war powers in the executive branch [The Hill].

Meanwhile, Congress ended a record shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security after lawmakers reached agreement on funding [NPR Politics], clearing one crisis as another looms over military authority.

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**Trade Impact:** Trump's tariffs are upending British trade balances, shifting surpluses into deficits [Bloomberg]. China is selectively scrapping tariffs for all but one African nation, signaling strategic recalibration [BBC World].

**Domestic Politics:** Georgia will not redraw its congressional map before the midterms despite voting rights concerns, Gov. Kemp confirmed [Politico]. Former congressman David Rivera was convicted for secret Venezuela lobbying work [PBS].

**Markets & Housing:** Home prices are dropping in one-third of U.S. cities as the Iran war adds inflationary pressure on workers [CBS News].

**Defense Tech:** The Pentagon has inked AI deals but notably excluded Anthropic from contracts [DW English].

**International:** The U.S. sanctioned DR Congo's ex-President Kabila for allegedly supporting rebels [BBC World].