- Economic Updates:
- U.S. inflation increased to 2.7% annually in June, up from previous months, with a 0.3% monthly rise due to various factors, including tariffs. Real hourly earnings decreased by 0.1%.
- Expectations are for the Federal Reserve to maintain current interest rates in July, with a possible 0.25% rate cut in September.
- NVIDIA’s decision to resume H20 chip sales to China lifted NASDAQ 100 and S&P 500 futures to record highs in after-hours trading.
- The Dow dropped 300 points amid concerns over earnings and inflation, while the Nasdaq was supported by NVIDIA’s performance.
- Immigration and Legal Developments:
- The Supreme Court upheld a decision to dismantle the Education Department, prompting debate over its impact.
- 24 states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over $7 billion in withheld education funds.
- The administration implemented policies denying bond hearings for certain immigrants and increasing transfers to third countries.
- An appeals court extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 12,000 Afghans, delaying its expiration.
- 15 immigration judges were terminated, despite increased immigration enforcement and DOJ funding for additional hires.
- Political and Policy Changes:
- President Trump announced plans to provide Patriot missile systems to Ukraine and threatened sanctions on nations purchasing Russian oil, aiming to pressure Russia to end the ongoing conflict.
- Trump signed the “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 4, reducing funding for programs like Medicaid and food assistance.
- New tariffs and policies are projected to increase household costs by an average of $2,400 for goods in 2025.
- Trump addressed issues related to Jeffrey Epstein’s death and made public statements regarding Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship status.
- Natural Disasters and Weather:
- Flash flooding impacted the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, with warnings issued for New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. Flooded roads were reported in Westchester, NY, and Fairfax County, VA.
- Flooding in Texas Hill Country, ongoing since July 4, has resulted in at least 134 deaths, with search efforts continuing for missing individuals.
- Pennsylvania reported 16 water rescues after heavy rainfall exceeding 7 inches in some areas; Virginia also conducted rescues due to flooding.
- Health and Government Actions:
- Several federal employees in health agencies, including HHS, received termination notices effective July 14, 2025.
- UnitedHealth initiated a campaign addressing critics following the assassination of its CEO, Brian Thompson, involving outreach to journalists and others.
- Local and Other News:
- The burglary trial of Minnesota State Senator Nicolle Mitchell began with opening statements in Becker County.
- A federal judge permitted Rick Singer, involved in the college admissions scandal, to start a new college counseling service, provided he discloses his criminal history.
- The Perseids meteor shower started, anticipated as a major astronomical event for 2025.
- The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Chicago Sky, with Napheesa Collier scoring 29 points.
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