During a National Day of Prayer event, Dr. Phil lauded President Trump as a man of “deep faith and conviction,” a statement met with online mockery. This praise, delivered while cameras were absent, contrasted sharply with Trump’s 34 criminal convictions for falsifying business records. Social media users quickly highlighted the irony of Dr. Phil’s remarks, referencing Trump’s extensive legal history. The juxtaposition of Dr. Phil’s assertion and Trump’s past convictions fueled widespread online amusement.
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New U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance confirms zero tariffs on Canadian auto parts compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), offering relief to the North American auto industry. This exemption, however, excludes knock-down kits and parts compilations. The decision follows intense lobbying from automakers concerned about the economic impact of previously announced tariffs. President Trump’s administration also implemented a rebate program for automakers assembling vehicles in the U.S., further mitigating the effects of the tariffs.
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A new Russian history book, prefaced by Sergey Lavrov, is condemned by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys as a tool of hostile propaganda. The book, freely available online, denies the existence of the Lithuanian nation and language, attributing its creation to Slavs and Russia. This echoes Russia’s previous attempts to delegitimize neighboring countries, notably Putin’s essay on Ukraine’s non-existence. The book’s authors include a former associate of a Lithuanian politician convicted of spying for Russia, highlighting the coordinated nature of this disinformation campaign. Lithuania must counter this propaganda by effectively promoting its own historical narrative.
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Award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, known for her poignant and witty songs addressing social issues, died Thursday at age 66 in a house fire. Her career spanned over three decades, marked by hits like “Supermodel” and “I Kissed a Girl,” and encompassed twelve albums tackling complex themes such as LGBTQ+ rights and the death penalty. Sobule was celebrated for her independent spirit, notably fundraising to produce her own albums after experiencing setbacks with major labels. A memorial will be held later this summer to honor her life and impactful career.
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The expiration of the de minimis exemption, which allowed duty-free import of goods under $800, significantly impacts American consumers. This change eliminates a loophole heavily utilized by Chinese e-commerce sites, leading to substantially increased prices on imported goods due to tariffs as high as 145%. The impact disproportionately affects lower-income households, who relied more heavily on these cheaper imports. While shipping carriers claim preparedness, the long-term effect on consumer spending remains uncertain, especially as prices on sites like Shein and Temu have already begun to rise.
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Following a meeting with US Senator Marco Rubio, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the EU’s preparation of a 17th round of sanctions against Russia, directly blaming Vladimir Putin for obstructing peace in Ukraine. This action coordinates with a US sanctions initiative, and follows a newly signed US-Ukraine agreement on critical minerals, signaling a shift towards economic cooperation alongside continued military aid. Barrot emphasized the need for de-escalation of US tariffs and highlighted the importance of European strategic autonomy within NATO.
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The United States will shift its role in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, transitioning away from direct mediation of peace talks. This change, announced by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, reflects a belief that Ukraine and Russia must now take the lead in developing concrete proposals for ending the war. The U.S. remains committed to supporting peace efforts but will no longer act as an intermediary in direct negotiations between the two nations. Instead, the focus will be on facilitating a process driven by the warring parties themselves.
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A 60 Minutes investigation refutes the Trump administration’s claim that 238 Venezuelan men deported to El Salvador’s CECOT prison are terrorists or gang members. The investigation revealed that 75% of the men had no known criminal records. The administration’s justification relies on flimsy evidence, such as social media posts and tattoos, while withholding supposedly incriminating information. This lack of evidence suggests the deportations serve primarily as political propaganda to deter illegal immigration. The administration’s efforts to conceal this lack of evidence are increasingly undermined by revealed instances of wrongful deportations.
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McDonald’s reported its worst US quarterly sales since the second quarter of 2020, exceeding projected declines and highlighting the impact of a turbulent economic climate on consumer spending. This drop, primarily driven by reduced customer traffic among middle- and lower-income groups, reflects a broader trend seen across several restaurant chains. While high-income customer traffic remained stable, the company noted increased anti-American sentiment in certain international markets. Despite these challenges, McDonald’s maintained its full-year financial outlook, citing positive promotional results and value offerings.
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By 2027, nearly all new homes in England will be required to include solar panels, adding approximately £3,000-£4,000 to construction costs but saving homeowners over £1,000 annually on energy bills. This policy, announced following criticism of net-zero policies from Tony Blair, reinforces the government’s commitment to its net-zero agenda. Further plans include government-funded loans and grants for solar panel installations in existing homes. This initiative is supported by environmental groups who see it as a cost-effective measure to boost energy independence and reduce household expenses.
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John Q. Hosedrinker