Tesla’s second-quarter deliveries significantly dropped, marking a potential second straight annual sales decline due to waning demand and brand damage from CEO Elon Musk’s political actions. The company delivered 384,122 vehicles, falling short of analyst expectations, even after a refresh of its Model Y crossover. Despite the launch of a limited robotaxi service, and plans for a cheaper vehicle, analysts predict a tough challenge for Tesla to meet Musk’s goal of a sales turnaround, especially considering a record number of deliveries needed in the second half of the year.
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Despite the president’s imposed July 4 deadline, Republicans face internal discord regarding the passage of the tax cut bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the need for compromise, as the House Freedom Caucus criticized the Senate’s version, advocating for further cuts. Moderates are concerned about the bill’s impact on safety-net programs, while swing-district Republicans fear backlash. With the ability to lose only three votes, opposition from any group could prevent passage, causing significant delays.
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Speaking at AMU’s astrophysics lab, President Eric Berton drew parallels between the current situation and the flight of European academics during the Nazi era, advocating for a “scientific refugee” status. Several academics, including a climate scientist named James and his wife, applied for positions, citing concerns about targeted research areas and potential funding cuts under the Trump administration. These researchers, who requested anonymity, expressed deep worry about the future of academic research. Despite not considering themselves “refugees”, the applicants were motivated by the shifting political climate in the United States.
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A senior Iranian cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa declaring anyone who threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an “enemy of God.” The fatwa, which was a response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli leaders, extends to senior Shiite clerics, and calls on Muslims worldwide to hold those responsible for the threats accountable. This ruling, which directly named Trump, may influence judicial decisions, particularly in countries with Sharia-based legal systems. The fatwa follows a period of heightened tensions, including a 12-day conflict, and could potentially lead to crackdowns on opposition forces.
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Israel will be providing additional aid to Ukraine, as announced by FM Sa’ar. This aid, sourced from the Foreign Ministry’s budget, will include a series of water supply systems. Each system is designed to provide water to tens of thousands of individuals impacted by Russian bombings.
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Following a rally in Iowa, President Trump stated he was unaware that some view the term “Shylock” as antisemitic. Trump used the word during the rally to criticize amoral money lenders, referencing the character from Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.” The Anti-Defamation League condemned Trump’s use of the term, citing its association with antisemitic tropes about Jews and greed. Several figures, including Rep. Daniel Goldman and Amy Spitalnick, have condemned Trump’s use of the word, describing it as blatant antisemitism.
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Despite widespread negative polling data and criticisms, Donald Trump maintained that his spending bill, which adds trillions to the national debt, is highly popular due to its tax cuts. He dismissed the negative poll numbers as partisan, even though numerous reputable polls showed poor approval ratings. The bill has faced significant criticism, including from former ally Elon Musk, who called it an “abomination.” In response to Musk’s criticisms, Trump threatened actions against Musk’s companies, potentially involving the Department of Government Efficiency, and hinted at the possibility of his deportation.
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The recently passed budget bill significantly increases spending on immigration and border enforcement through 2029, allocating approximately $150 billion for these purposes. Notably, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency will receive a staggering $45 billion, surpassing the budgets of all other federal law enforcement agencies combined, making it the largest in the nation’s history. Furthermore, this substantial investment in immigration enforcement will rival the military spending of many countries, ranking it among the top global military budgets.
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During a speech in Iowa, President Trump used the term “shylocks” while discussing tax cuts in his “Big Beautiful Bill,” which Congress passed earlier that day. The term, originating from Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” is considered a derogatory slur against Jewish people due to its association with unethical money lending and negative stereotypes. Trump’s remarks were made at a “Salute to America” celebration, with the White House yet to comment on the controversial statement.
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NOTUS reported that President Trump appeared unaware that his budget bill, which he touted as “big and beautiful,” included cuts to Medicaid. During a meeting with House Republicans, he was informed that the bill, which he had been presenting as a plan that protected Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, actually slashed Medicaid funding. This revelation raises concerns about Trump’s understanding of the legislation and suggests that he may be acting as a figurehead for the Heritage Foundation. The bill’s changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act are projected to result in millions of Americans losing their health insurance.
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John Q. Hosedrinker