July 2025

Trump Officials’ Efforts to Hide Tax Bill’s Fallout: A Look at Medicaid, Medicare, and More

In response to potential electoral backlash, Trump administration officials downplayed the Medicaid cuts included in the tax bill during Sunday interviews. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed Democrats were falsely portraying the work requirements as burdensome, while National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett denied widespread loss of health coverage would occur. Despite these assertions, nonpartisan estimates suggest the bill could cause millions to lose health insurance due to new work requirements and expiring subsidies. These new requirements, which mandate proof of work or related activities, and increased verification hurdles are expected to complicate access to Medicaid and coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Read More

Musk’s Epstein List Reaction: Is This the “Final Straw” for MAGA?

Elon Musk reacted strongly to a report that the Department of Justice and FBI found no evidence of a Jeffrey Epstein client list or blackmail, calling it the “final straw.” This comes after delays in the release of the Epstein files and growing suspicions of a cover-up. Musk has also engaged in a public feud with former political ally Donald Trump, further escalating tensions, and announced plans to form a new political party. Trump responded critically, claiming Musk is “off the rails” and that a third party would cause chaos.

Read More

Mexico’s Firefighters Aid Texas Flood Victims, Sparking Political Debate

In a display of international cooperation, firefighters from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, have joined the search and rescue operations in the Texas Hill Country following devastating flash floods on July 4, 2025. The team of over 20 responders from Fundación 911 arrived on Sunday morning, immediately beginning their efforts alongside the Mountain Home Fire Department. They are utilizing drones and other advanced technology to aid in the search for the dozens of Texans still missing. This collaborative effort highlights the established training and cooperation between Mexican and U.S. fire departments for disaster response.

Read More

China’s Response to Trump’s BRICS Tariff Threat: Skepticism and Strategic Opportunity

Following threats of new tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump against countries aligning with BRICS, China responded that the economic group does not seek confrontation and does not target any specific nation. China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized BRICS’ focus on cooperation and inclusivity in response to the potential tariff hikes. Trump’s plans to reimpose higher tariffs threaten to disrupt global trade, despite a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China. The BRICS summit in Brazil condemned the tariff increases without naming Trump, while key leaders, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, were notably absent.

Read More

Rising Cancer Rates Alarming Doctors: Young Australians See Surge in Cases

A concerning rise in early-onset cancers is being observed in Australians in their 30s and 40s, with some types increasing dramatically since 2000. The rise is not limited to Australia and is raising questions about the causes, with scientists investigating factors such as environmental exposures. Research indicates that changes in the environment, including exposure to plastics and chemicals, coupled with lifestyle factors like obesity and altered gut bacteria, may be contributing to the increased incidence of cancer in younger generations. The ongoing ORIGINS project is aiming to study today’s children to understand the impact of their exposome, hoping to shed light on the causal pathways of these cancers.

Read More

Australian Woman Guilty of Murdering Lunch Guests with Poisoned Beef Wellington

In a case that captivated the world, Erin Patterson has been found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The jury reached their verdict after a lengthy trial, determining that Patterson deliberately poisoned a lunch with death cap mushrooms. Patterson was accused of preparing the meal, which included the deadly fungi, for her estranged in-laws and their guests. The trial revealed multiple alleged deceptions, including a fabricated invitation and attempts to cover up the poisoning, leading to the guilty verdict.

Read More

Calls to Ban Germany’s AfD Party Grow Amidst Rising Popularity

The far-right AfD party in Germany, now the largest opposition group, faces growing calls for a ban due to its classification as an extremist entity by the country’s domestic intelligence agency, citing racist and anti-Muslim sentiments. This classification has reignited attempts to outlaw the party, despite its significant electoral success. The legal process to ban the AfD is lengthy and unprecedented, requiring proof of actively working against the free democratic order and posing a tangible threat to democracy. However, the CDU, a major political party, has expressed caution about the ban, fearing it could backfire and further radicalize the AfD’s supporters, while the party has also enjoyed vocal support from the Trump administration.

Read More

South Korea Rolling Out Local Store Coupons, Not Cash Handouts, Starting July 21

As part of a significant effort to stimulate domestic spending amidst global economic instability, the South Korean government will begin distributing cash handouts to all citizens from July 21. This initiative, backed by a 31.8 trillion-won supplementary budget, will provide a one-time payment of 150,000 won (approximately USD 110) to all South Korean residents as of June 18, aiming to boost local economies through an eight-week distribution period ending September 12. In addition to the universal payment, targeted assistance will be given to vulnerable groups and those living outside of the Seoul metropolitan area. A second round of payments for the bottom 90 percent of income earners is scheduled from September 22 to October 31.

Read More

Trump Threatens Russia Tariffs Amid Worsening Relationship, Critics Skeptical

President Donald Trump has threatened a 10 percent tariff on countries aligning with the BRICS nations, which includes Russia, potentially impacting Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows a BRICS summit where they condemned Trump’s import tariffs and strikes on Iran. Trump’s warning, posted on Truth Social, also comes after the group criticized U.S. tariffs and NATO’s increased defense spending. This could signal a tougher stance toward Russia, with the 90-day pause on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs set to expire soon.

Read More