The Senate has approved the “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping legislative package that will likely impact healthcare, taxes, and social services. The bill, which passed in a tie-breaking vote by Vice President J.D. Vance, faced opposition from several Republican senators who cited concerns over the bill’s impact on the national debt and its betrayal of the promises Donald Trump made. President Trump celebrated the bill’s passage on Truth Social, calling on the House of Representatives to pass it before the Fourth of July. The bill is now being sent back to the House of Representatives where it will be voted on with amendments, and then sent to President Trump for signing.
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In June 2025, Ukraine significantly increased its electricity exports by 150%, reaching over 237,000 megawatt-hours, returning to levels seen before Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure. This surge marks the first time since October 2023 that Ukraine has exported more electricity than it imported, with Hungary being the primary recipient. Despite this progress, Russian attacks continue to target Ukrainian energy facilities, as exemplified by the recent strike in Kherson Oblast, highlighting ongoing challenges in the face of conflict.
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Boston Police Sergeant Paul Downey, 58, is on leave while facing charges of child rape and electronic enticement of a child, following allegations of meeting a 14-year-old boy on a dating app and paying for sex. Court documents detail Downey’s alleged actions, including paying for sex and committing rape in a parking lot. Downey, who pleaded not guilty, was ordered to be held overnight and is expected back in court on Tuesday. Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated that Downey has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.
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The opening of a controversial immigrant detention center in Florida, informally dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” drew the attention of President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who joined state officials for the event. The facility, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has faced significant opposition from Democrats and environmental groups due to humanitarian and environmental concerns. The facility is designed to deter undocumented immigrants through harsh conditions and is located in an area prone to hurricanes. The project, expedited through emergency powers, aims to house up to 3,000 individuals and has generated national media attention, while environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the facility’s impact on the Everglades ecosystem.
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The Senate successfully passed President Trump’s megabill after extensive negotiations and a lengthy amendment process, culminating in a tie-breaking vote from Vice President J.D. Vance. Despite Republican defections from Senators Tillis, Paul, and Collins, the bill narrowly passed the upper chamber. However, the legislation faces an uncertain future in the House, where it must overcome significant GOP opposition and address substantial Senate amendments. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will significantly increase the federal deficit over the next decade.
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Following the Senate’s passage of President Trump’s bill, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the bill, specifically citing Senator JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote as a betrayal of working families, while also highlighting concerns of Medicaid cuts. The bill, which adds to the national debt according to the Congressional Budget Office, faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, with Lisa Murkowski ultimately supporting the bill after negotiations. Despite these concerns, House Majority Leader Mike Johnson aims to pass the bill in the House before Trump’s July 4 deadline.
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The Senate narrowly approved President Trump’s comprehensive tax and spending bill, securing a significant victory for the administration after a lengthy series of amendment votes. The measure passed with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, while several Republicans and all Democrats opposed it. This legislation, dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” by the GOP, includes increased spending for border security, defense, and energy production, alongside extended tax cuts. Despite concerns regarding the impact on the federal deficit and potential cuts to healthcare programs, the bill now goes to the House for final approval, with a July 4 deadline for the President’s signature.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi’s statements regarding the FBI’s review of “tens of thousands of videos” featuring Jeffrey Epstein and children have generated considerable controversy. Despite these claims, lawyers and law enforcement officials involved in Epstein’s cases have stated they have neither seen nor know of such a trove of recordings. While a 2023 court filing suggested the Epstein estate had found videos that may contain child sex abuse material, details remain undisclosed. The Justice Department has declined to clarify Bondi’s statements, fueling speculation and raising questions about the existence and nature of this potential evidence.
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Recently, Jewish settlers in the West Bank have turned violent, targeting Israeli soldiers and vandalizing military sites. These actions are a response to the Israeli Defence Forces’ efforts to curb attacks on Palestinians. On Sunday, a protest turned violent with settlers attacking security forces, damaging vehicles, and setting fire to equipment, while on Friday, soldiers enforcing a closed military zone were attacked with stones. The escalating violence, marked by the spray-painting of “revenge” on a military site, highlights the breakdown of law and order and the increasing frequency of settlers clashing with Israeli security forces.
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Denmark has implemented a new law requiring women to participate in a lottery system for conscription, joining men in potentially undertaking 11 months of military service. This shift, effective Tuesday, aims to increase the number of individuals in military service, with expectations for an increase to 6,500 annually by 2033. The change, mirroring policies in Sweden and Norway, coincides with Denmark’s increased defense spending to meet NATO targets and address heightened security concerns in Europe. The current security situation is the driving force behind the decision, seeking to boost combat power.
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John Q. Hosedrinker