July 2025

China Condemns Modi’s Dalai Lama Birthday Wishes, Warns India on Tibet

China has lodged a formal protest against India due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama and the presence of Indian ministers at his 90th birthday celebrations. Beijing views these actions as a violation of past commitments and interference in its internal affairs, specifically regarding Tibet. Chinese officials have accused the Dalai Lama of being an anti-China separatist, demanding India recognize this. China insists that any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to its laws and historical conventions, directly challenging the Dalai Lama’s assertion that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the process.

Read More

Paris Seine Swim Spots Close After Reopening Due to Rain, Sewage

On July 5, 2025, the Seine River in Paris opened its three swimming pools for the ‘Paris Plages’ event. This marked the beginning of the Pont Marie safe bathing site, welcoming swimmers to enjoy the water. People were observed swimming and diving, taking advantage of the recreational opportunity. This event offered a public space for Parisians and visitors alike to cool off and enjoy the river.

Read More

Greece Imposes Work Breaks as Heat Wave Intensifies, Sparking Global Climate Change Concerns

In response to a forecast heat wave, Greek authorities mandated work breaks for outdoor manual labor and food delivery services in specific regions, with temperatures expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius. The labor ministry’s order dictates a work stoppage from midday to 5:00 p.m. The measures, primarily affecting central Greece and certain islands, aimed to protect workers from the extreme heat, while employers were encouraged to offer remote work. Despite the hot spell, no emergency actions were taken in Athens, and authorities continue to implement long-term climate change mitigation strategies, including increased firefighter deployments.

Read More

ICE’s Masked Agents: A Threat to Democracy

The article discusses the concerning practice of masked ICE agents making arrests, comparing it to past experiences with plainclothes policing. The author argues that masked agents erode public trust and create dangerous situations, as they can be perceived as menacing or even mistaken for criminals. While acknowledging the agents’ concerns about doxxing, the author suggests that existing laws against harassment and threats are sufficient to protect them. The piece concludes by stating that the public has the right to know who is policing them, advocating for transparency and against anonymous policing.

Read More

Trump’s Executive Order on Voting Systems: Implementation Underway

President Trump’s executive order on elections faces court challenges, but parts concerning voting system guidelines are proceeding, impacting state and local election officials. The order directs the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to address concerns about machine-readable codes on ballots, potentially requiring revisions to certification standards. This move has prompted concerns from officials like Ohio’s Jeff Rezabek, who faces costly equipment replacement and public doubt about voting integrity. Some counties are already replacing equipment, and the process is expected to be lengthy.

Read More

Trump Announces New Tariffs on Japan, South Korea: Another Distraction?

President Trump announced on Monday that reciprocal tariffs on imports from at least seven countries will be reimposed starting August 1, after initially pausing them in April. Letters were sent to various leaders, including Japan and South Korea, outlining the new tariff rates, which include a 24% tariff for Japan and a 25% for South Korea. These tariffs are aimed at correcting trade deficits and come with warnings against retaliatory duties. The letters also state that these tariffs may be modified. U.S. financial markets reacted negatively to the news.

Read More

US Measles Cases Surge After “Elimination”: A Public Health Crisis

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with over 1,277 confirmed cases reported by early July. This figure surpasses the peak year of 2019, leading to increased hospitalizations and putting a strain on health care systems. The majority of cases are concentrated in West Texas, originating from an undervaccinated community, and are occurring amid declining childhood vaccination rates nationwide. Public health officials are implementing intensified vaccination campaigns and contact tracing to combat the spread, while monitoring international travel patterns to prevent further outbreaks.

Read More

Trump Grilled on NWS Cuts After Texas Floods, Blames Biden

Following deadly flash floods in Texas that claimed at least 80 lives, President Trump dismissed concerns about potential staffing shortages at the National Weather Service (NWS), labeling the event as an unforeseen “once-in-a-100-years” occurrence. The NWS had issued flash flood warnings, though some officials, including Texas Emergency Management Chief W. Nim Kidd, noted discrepancies between initial forecasts and the actual rainfall. Despite these issues, the NWS has stated its commitment to their mission. As rescue operations continue, concerns are growing regarding the potential impact of government staffing cuts and the accuracy of weather predictions in disaster preparedness.

Read More