Over the past decade, the wealth of the world’s billionaires has increased dramatically, prompting calls for wealth taxes to address the growing inequality. According to Oxfam, the richest 1% have accumulated a significant amount of wealth, while billionaires often pay very low effective tax rates. Several countries are advocating for a minimum tax on the super-rich, with the aim of generating revenue and combating tax evasion. These calls for increased taxation on the wealthy reflect public demand for wealth redistribution and the desire to fund public services.
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Stephen Miller, a former Trump advisor, echoed the “great replacement theory” in response to Zohran Mamdani’s primary victory in New York City. Miller suggested that unchecked migration had fundamentally altered the NYC electorate, contributing to the shift in political landscape. This mirrors Miller’s history of promoting the racist theory, which claims that immigrants are being used to replace native-born Americans. He doubled down on this sentiment, using NYC as a warning for what happens when a society fails to control migration.
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Following the initial leak of a U.S. intelligence report regarding strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Trump accused the media of demeaning the military. The report suggested limited damage from the strikes, which Trump refuted, claiming pilots described the mission as “perfect.” Despite the fact the media only reported on the intelligence assessment, not the pilots’ actions, the president insisted reporters were attacking the military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also criticized the media, echoing Trump’s sentiments and focusing on the leak itself.
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The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of the NATO summit, lasted approximately 45 minutes. Zelenskyy described the meeting as “long and substantive,” indicating a comprehensive discussion of important issues, including achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace, as well as protecting the Ukrainian people. While a planned press briefing did not occur, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the attention and willingness to help bring peace closer, promising to share further details. The meeting followed the conclusion of the main NATO leaders’ session, during which the summit’s final declaration included a commitment to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
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Tesla’s European sales experienced a fifth consecutive monthly decline in May, plummeting 28% across 30 countries despite overall electric vehicle market expansion. This poor performance contradicts CEO Elon Musk’s prediction of a “major rebound” following factory retooling, and investors are now anticipating a sales boost from a planned cheaper model later in the year. The sales slump has been particularly notable in Germany, where Musk’s public support for a far-right party has likely impacted sales, and SAIC Motor surpassed Tesla in European sales. Tesla’s recent struggles coincide with the launch of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, which is under scrutiny following videos of safety issues.
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A U.S. citizen was detained by federal agents in downtown Los Angeles while on her way to work, prompting outrage from her family who witnessed the arrest. The family reported the agents didn’t identify themselves and that the arrest seemed racially motivated. Authorities claim the arrest occurred after Velez assaulted an ICE enforcement officer and interfered with the arrest of an undocumented individual. Family members remain concerned about Velez’s whereabouts and the length of time it may take for her to be released.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national facing human smuggling charges, remains in jail as his attorneys and prosecutors debate his potential deportation. A federal judge has ruled for his release, but his attorneys worry about immediate detention by ICE, while prosecutors have expressed an inability to control ICE’s actions. Another federal judge denied a stay of the release order, stating the government’s predicament was “completely of its own making” and they should coordinate with DHS. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for July 16.
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On Tuesday, Austin police arrested social media fitness influencer Brian Johnson, known as the “Liver King,” after he posted threatening messages directed at podcaster Joe Rogan on Instagram. The police became involved after learning Johnson was traveling to Austin, where Rogan resides, and had issued multiple challenges to fight Rogan. Rogan, who confirmed he had never interacted with Johnson, considered the posts threatening. Johnson was subsequently apprehended at a hotel and charged with a class B misdemeanor of terroristic threat.
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi defended senior Justice Department official Emil Bove, calling him one of the “best human beings” she knows amidst accusations of unethical behavior. These allegations stem from a Justice Department whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, who claims Bove instructed officials to disregard court orders during deportation proceedings. Bondi’s defense came during questioning by Senator Chris Van Hollen regarding Reuveni’s claims that he was fired for refusing to make untruthful statements to a court of law. Despite the pending litigation and ethical concerns surrounding Bove, who is currently awaiting confirmation for a federal judgeship, Bondi emphasized the importance of ethical and honest advocacy.
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On Tuesday, a majority of House Democrats, along with all House Republicans, voted against an effort to launch impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump. The vote, led by Rep. Al Green, was in response to Trump’s airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which many Democrats criticized for lack of congressional oversight. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, advocating for impeachment, faced backlash from the former president, further highlighting the ideological divides within the Democratic Party. This vote underscores Ocasio-Cortez’s position as a prominent voice on the left and her continued clashes with more moderate party members.
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John Q. Hosedrinker