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 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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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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According to a Guardian investigation, the Trump administration’s actions are dismantling the National Science Foundation (NSF), potentially jeopardizing US economic growth and innovation. Political interference, including the involvement of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), is undermining the NSF’s peer-review process and causing significant disruptions. Program officers report that applications are being rejected or delayed without explanation, especially those involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or climate change, which may lead to a loss of scientific talent and a decline in the quality of research. Furthermore, significant budget cuts and staff reductions across the NSF and related agencies, such as the USGS, threaten scientific progress and the US’s ability to compete globally.
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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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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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John Q. Hosedrinker
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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