In a Wednesday night address at a conference in California, former President Joe Biden stated that some of his key policy achievements are rapidly changing under the current administration. Biden spoke about the risks of U.S. isolationism and the importance of maintaining the NATO alliance, sharing that European leaders have reached out to him for advice. During his speech, Biden highlighted that he is giving advice regarding the current administration. Additionally, The White House responded, criticizing Biden’s foreign policy, while Biden himself is focusing on his health and family.
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The budget reconciliation bill, signed into law despite widespread disapproval, embodies the dysfunction of American politics. Though the bill is predicted to dramatically increase the deficit and negatively impact millions, Republicans largely failed to mount any effective opposition. Several Republicans voted in favor of the bill, in exchange for specific benefits for their state, despite the detrimental impact of the bill. The bill’s passage will result in devastating cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, alongside slashed funding for education and green energy initiatives, while also granting tax cuts to the wealthy and increasing funding for ICE. Despite the widespread harm it will cause, Republicans have supported the bill, seemingly prioritizing loyalty to Trump over their constituents’ well-being.
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In Louisiana, a woman breastfeeding her child while waiting for immigration paperwork was arrested, and her baby was torn from her arms, highlighting the severity of the Trump administration’s mass deportation program. This program targets veterans, their families, and even those who served alongside them, reversing prior U.S. policies that offered protections. Examples include a Purple Heart recipient who was deported and an Afghan interpreter who supported U.S. troops being fast-tracked for deportation, despite his asylum case being unresolved. The article argues that these actions represent a deliberate attack on service members and their families, undermining the values the country claims to stand for.
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Senator Lisa Murkowski, despite expressing concerns about the devastating impact of President Trump’s tax bill, ultimately voted in favor of it. She secured several provisions specifically benefiting Alaska, such as delaying cuts to food assistance and securing funds for rural hospitals. However, the bill is expected to negatively impact many Alaskans by potentially leading to a loss of health insurance and food assistance. Murkowski’s actions sparked debate, with critics questioning her decision to prioritize Alaska’s interests even as the bill harms vulnerable populations.
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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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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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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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John Q. Hosedrinker