President Trump’s recently passed budget bill, which includes tax cuts for the wealthy, increased taxes for the poor, and significant cuts to healthcare, signifies a continuation of the Republican Party’s traditional economic agenda. This bill, resembling previous Republican administrations’ policies, enriches the affluent while negatively impacting the working class and middle class, contrary to populist claims. The bill’s passage, despite promises of protection, resulted in Medicaid cuts and a shrinking economy with lowered wages. Despite a shift in the Republican Party’s voter base towards the lower and middle classes, the enacted policies reflect the regressive budgets previously advocated for by figures like Paul Ryan, not the working-class agenda some have hoped for.
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In Kyiv, a massive Russian drone attack, described as one of the worst of the three-year conflict, struck multiple buildings and residential areas. The attack, which lasted 13 hours, resulted in at least one death and over twenty injuries, with Ukrainian forces intercepting a significant number of drones and missiles. This record-setting assault came shortly after a phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where no progress towards a ceasefire was made. Amid the destruction, residents expressed frustration, with some drawing a connection between the call and the attacks, raising concerns about the future of US support for Ukraine as some weapons shipments are paused.
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Following a devastating war with Israel, Hezbollah is undergoing a strategic review, considering scaling back its role as an armed movement while avoiding complete disarmament. The group faces internal pressures, including financial strain, US demands for disarmament, and diminished political influence, compounded by shifts in regional power dynamics. Internal discussions suggest Hezbollah views its current arsenal as a liability and may be open to relinquishing certain weapons, particularly missiles and drones, in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal and halt to attacks. However, Hezbollah intends to retain some weaponry for self-defense and to maintain a level of deterrence.
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Following the House’s approval of President Trump’s budget, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns about the implications of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” She warned the bill’s allocation of $170 billion, including significant increases for ICE, could create a system larger than the FBI and other agencies. Additionally, she noted that the bill is setting the stage for increased detentions and disappearances, foreshadowing a worsening situation. Trump, however, celebrated the bill as the “biggest tax cuts in our country’s history.”
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A federal judge recently released the written details of a ruling that rebuked the Trump administration’s cancellation of National Institutes of Health grants, deeming the action illegal. Despite limitations imposed by subsequent Supreme Court decisions, the court maintains that the government’s actions were arbitrary and capricious. The ruling highlights that the government failed to establish a clear justification for the grant cancellations, leading to officials canceling grants without evaluating their scientific merit. This lack of clear policy and subsequent attempts to retroactively justify the actions prompted several officials to resign.
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Okay, let’s break down this situation: Trump tells Zelensky he wants to help Ukraine with air defense, and it’s a statement that’s being met with a healthy dose of skepticism, to say the least. The core issue here isn’t just about words; it’s about the glaring discrepancy between what’s being said and what’s happening on the ground.
The crux of the matter is this: while Trump expresses a desire to assist Ukraine with air defense, there are strong indications that actions – or rather, inactions – are directly contradicting that sentiment. Specifically, there are claims about critical air defense systems, already earmarked for Ukraine, being held up or blocked.… Continue reading
The Fourth of July prompts reflection on the gap between America’s ideals and its realities, especially with current challenges to democracy and civil rights. Despite a history of marginalized communities experiencing exclusion, a dangerous backslide is occurring with an anti-democratic campaign eroding rights and stoking division. However, despair is not an option, as grassroots action and community engagement are crucial for building a more inclusive democracy. To this end, individuals should connect with others, envision a better future, and act today by engaging those directly affected by injustice and reimagining institutions.
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The Independent’s reporting team is on the ground, covering critical issues like reproductive rights and Big Tech, ensuring the facts are separated from messaging. The outlet’s recent coverage includes a report on the fallout from Zohran Mamdani’s primary win for New York City mayor, which has caused concern among top Democratic donors who are unsure about the party’s future. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, faces incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the general election. The Independent is committed to providing accessible journalism and is funded by those who can afford to support it, unlike many other quality news sources that use paywalls.
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It is with deep sorrow that the entertainment world reports the passing of Australian actor Julian McMahon at the age of 56. McMahon’s wife, Kelly McMahon, announced his peaceful passing this week after a courageous battle with cancer. The actor, son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William “Billy” McMahon, had a prolific career that spanned television and film, with credits including “Home and Away,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Charmed,” and the recent Netflix miniseries “The Residence.” His filmography included “Fantastic Four” and “The Surfer,” which was released earlier this year.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Democratic Donors Slam Mamdani Win, Question Party’s Future
The Independent’s reporting team is on the ground, covering critical issues like reproductive rights and Big Tech, ensuring the facts are separated from messaging. The outlet’s recent coverage includes a report on the fallout from Zohran Mamdani’s primary win for New York City mayor, which has caused concern among top Democratic donors who are unsure about the party’s future. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, faces incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the general election. The Independent is committed to providing accessible journalism and is funded by those who can afford to support it, unlike many other quality news sources that use paywalls.
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