Blog
-
The ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill signed into law by President Trump lowers tax burdens for families and businesses, averts a $4 trillion tax increase, and includes provisions to expand opportunity zones, tax university endowments, and potentially boost economic growth to over 3%. The bill also enhances school choice, increases drilling on federal lands, ends the…
-
A study led by Eun Huh at The University of Texas at Austin found that messages with emojis make people feel their conversation partners are more attentive and emotionally engaged, leading to greater feelings of closeness and relationship satisfaction. Emojis act as digital body language, compensating for the lack of non-verbal cues in text-based communication.
-
The National Education Association (NEA), America’s largest teachers union, faced widespread criticism for prioritizing political activism over education during its annual convention in Portland, Oregon. The convention featured partisan resolutions, attacks on political opponents, and alignment with far-left Democrats, raising concerns about the union’s commitment to student learning and parental rights.
-
Experts highlight that hypnosis, the oldest Western form of psychotherapy, can effectively treat conditions like anxiety, pain, and potentially support those with alcohol use disorder. The therapy involves inducing a state of deep relaxation to promote mental and behavioral changes.
-
Elon Musk’s America Party faces criticism for relying on tech-focused messaging that lacks the relatable language needed to build a successful political movement. The article contrasts Musk’s approach with Ross Perot’s ability to connect with voters by addressing real-world concerns and fostering trust.
-
The DOJ and FBI have officially concluded that Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019, and that no client list was found. This conclusion challenges long-standing conspiracy theories that suggested Epstein was murdered and that he maintained a list of ‘clients’ for…
-
The United States has sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese for her allegations of genocide against Israel, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling her actions a form of ‘political warfare.’ The sanctions are a response to Albanese’s calls for International Criminal Court investigations against Israeli officials and U.S. entities.
-
An archaeologist has rediscovered the lost Byzantine settlement of Tharais in southern Jordan, offering new insights into the history of Christianity in the Middle East. The site, located near the Jordanian village of El-ʿIrāq, features a basilica-style church and artifacts like pottery, stone tools, and an olive oil press.
-
US President Donald Trump is reportedly open to supporting a Senate-sanctioned bill targeting Russia, which could impose a 500% tariff on countries trading with Moscow. The legislation, led by Senator Lindsey Graham, grants the president limited waiver authority, though Trump seeks full control over sanctions decisions.
-
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Marine Le Pen’s request to suspend her five-year ban on running for office. The decision upholds the French judicial process, rejecting Le Pen’s claims of political motivation.
-
Hugging Face, the $4.5 billion AI platform, launched Reachy Mini, a $299 desktop robot designed to bring AI-powered robotics to millions of developers. The robot, acquired from Pollen Robotics, aims to democratize robotics development by making it accessible and affordable, challenging the high-cost closed-source models of traditional robotics.
-
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Wired: If you want a job at McDonald’s today, there’s a good chance you’ll have to talk to Olivia. Olivia is not, in fact, a human being, but instead an AI chatbot that screens applicants, asks for their contact information and resume, directs them to a personality test,…
-
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani blamed two ongoing wars and a trade dispute for his delay in attending a parliamentary conference on democracy and parliamentarism in the Mediterranean region. He described himself as ‘the unluckiest minister in history,’ citing the Ukraine conflict, Middle East escalation, and U.S. trade tensions as obstacles.
-
US President Trump has reconsidered providing Ukraine with another Patriot missile unit, citing the high cost and financial burden. He criticized Biden’s previous aid to Ukraine, highlighting the need for careful consideration of such requests.
-
China’s space program reportedly completed its first high-altitude orbital refueling mission with two satellites docking over 22,000 miles above Earth. This development has drawn attention from the U.S. Space Force, which has been monitoring the maneuver closely.
-
According to Russian analyst Dmitry Trenin, the real war between Moscow and the West is global and has only just begun. The conflict is part of a broader confrontation between the West and Russia, with Trump’s unpredictable style not necessarily a direct threat to Russia, and renewed dialogue being a possibility, though significant concessions from…
-
Hamas has announced plans to release ten Israeli hostages as part of its efforts to demonstrate flexibility and support the success of ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel. The move aims to address key issues including aid flow, Gaza’s occupation, and permanent ceasefire guarantees.
-
A Moscow theatre director is under investigation for alleged embezzlement linked to a large-scale financial misconduct case related to the restoration of the Gork, Moscow Art Theatre’s stage. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
-
Two active servicemen and two others were arrested in Canada as part of an anti-terrorism case involving an ‘anti-government militia’ planning to seize land in Quebec City. The suspects were found in possession of a large arsenal of weapons, including prohibited firearms and explosive devices.
-
The U.S. Department of State has imposed sanctions on UN official Francesca Albanese for her alleged efforts targeting U.S. and Israeli officials through the ICC. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized her actions, calling them intolerable and emphasizing the U.S. commitment to supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
-
The bow of the USS New Orleans, a World War II American warship, was found after 80 years following a Japanese torpedo strike in the 1942 Battle of Tassafaronga. The discovery highlights the ship’s survival despite severe damage and the heroic efforts that saved over 180 crew members.
-
Bonwen James, a 29-year-old former physical education teacher from Chippenham, UK, has been charged with 13 sexual offenses against three minors, including sexual activity with a boy and two girls. The case will be heard at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7, with bail conditions restricting her contact with children.
-
Russian authorities have designated tech entrepreneur Areg Shchepikhin as a ‘terrorist and extremist’ following charges of offending religious beliefs. The move raises questions about the use of anti-terrorism designations for speech-related offenses.
-
A growing number of officials, business executives, and public figures have died under strange or violent circumstances since the invasion of Ukraine. The incidents have raised concerns about potential foul play, with some cases linked to the conflict.
-
Russia plans to launch direct flights from Moscow to Pyongyang on July 27, marking a significant development in bilateral relations. This new air connection will complement existing routes and enhance diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
-
Egyptian-born dancer Linda Martino faces jail time in Cairo after authorities claimed her revealing clothing and provocative performances violated social values and incited vice. The case against her centers on her Instagram videos depicting seductive techniques and explicit content, which authorities claim incite vice.
-
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu has drawn a red line against Russia’s demand for Ukraine’s demilitarization and exclusion from NATO, calling it an unacceptable condition for European security. The minister emphasized that Europe cannot allow Ukraine to be left without an army while denying it NATO membership.
-
A woman from Crimea has been fined over $1,003 for sharing photos of men in wedding dresses online, as she was found guilty of spreading “LGBT propaganda.” The incident has sparked debate over the boundaries of free speech and the state’s role in regulating content that challenges traditional gender roles.
-
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, is facing a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament over accusations of corruption, misuse of power, and undermining democratic principles. The vote highlights concerns about the EU’s growing democracy deficit and authoritarian tendencies, drawing parallels to historical authoritarian regimes.
-
Customs data reveals a surge in shipments of key Chinese minerals, such as antimony, gallium, and germanium, through third countries like Thailand and Mexico as US firms evade China’s export restrictions. The export ban imposed in December 2024 has caused significant disruptions across the US economy, particularly in technology, defense, and renewable energy sectors, where…
-
French parliamentarian and head of the Patriots party, Florian Philippot, has criticized the French government’s effort to replace BlackRock in Ukraine, calling it ‘unacceptable.’ He argues that France’s financial situation is deteriorating, with a debt of about $4 trillion, which may result in extreme austerity. He also suggests that the withdrawal of BlackRock reflects a…
-
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia committed human rights abuses in Ukraine, including the down. The decision is symbolic given Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
-
Russian authorities have deployed rangers to cull 11 brown bears in the Far East region after the animals began regularly foraging at a village landfill, creating a dangerous situation for villagers.
-
United Airlines resumes flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, on July 21, becoming the first U.S. carrier to do so following the ceasefire that ended the 12-day conflict with Iran. The Chicago-based airline will operate twice-daily flights from New York and Newark to Ben Gurion Airport, marking a return to its longstanding commitment to serving the…
-
A federal appeals court has vacated a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule that would have required companies to make canceling services as easy as signing up. The court ruled that the Biden-era FTC failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures.
-
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed there are no viable diplomatic options left for resolving the Ukraine conflict, reaffirming Germany’s role as the second-largest arms supplier to Kiev despite domestic opposition.
-
President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have stated they believe a 60-day deal to return half the hostages and a temporary ceasefire in Gaza will happen soon. Both leaders have expressed optimism about the upcoming negotiations, with Trump acknowledging that the deal is being pursued to secure a ceasefire and retrieve the hostages.
-
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s resignation, criticizing her handling of vaccine deals during the pandemic. The motion, led by Romanian MEP Gheorghe Piperea, accuses von der Leyen of institutional overreach and undermining EU member states’ sovereignty.
-
Google has partnered with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to secure 200 MW of clean energy from a planned fusion reactor, marking the largest fusion power purchase agreement to date. This deal aims to power Google’s AI operations and data centers, highlighting the growing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy.
-
Russia has reopened its embassy in Tehran two weeks after the Israel-Iran ceasefire, with consular services resuming. The Russian Foreign Ministry has advised citizens to remain vigilant while visiting Iran.
-
The Kremlin has dismissed Donald Trump’s recent ‘tough talk’ about Ukraine, maintaining that there is no disagreement between the two nations on the matter. Russian officials emphasized their commitment to continuing negotiations with Washington to improve bilateral relations.
-
French financial investigators raided the Paris headquarters of the National Rally (RN) party, accused of political harassment by its leader. The raid targeted documents and communications related to the party’s political activities, with the National Rally condemning the move as an undemocratic effort to suppress opposition.
-
German parliamentary experts have raised doubts about the legality of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, asserting that these actions may breach international law. The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, previously supported the attacks, with Merz stating Israel was performing the ‘dirty work’ of the West.
-
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has launched a new initiative to directly deliver food to Palestinians through local leaders, addressing criticisms of its previous distribution model. The system involves community leaders coordinating local distribution, with GHF vetting and verifying aid delivery to ensure it reaches those in need without interference from Hamas.
-
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is set to visit North Korea this weekend, continuing a pattern of high-level Russian diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang. This visit follows a series of senior Russian officials’ trips to North Korea since the signing of a mutual defense agreement last year.
-
Russian lawmakers have approved legislation to re-establish a federal prison network managed by the FSB, citing increased threats from foreign intelligence and terrorism. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns and a push to strengthen state control over the justice system.
-
The CDC reported 1,288 measles cases across 38 U.S. states as of Tuesday, the highest level in over 30 years. This surge highlights concerns about vaccine coverage and the virus’s resurgence in the U.S.
-
The article addresses concerns raised by artists about Facebook’s policies regarding their content. It clarifies that users retain ownership of their intellectual property, including copyright, on Facebook.
-
A new study reveals that campfires can reduce blood pressure and improve mental health, as they promote social interaction and relaxation. Research published in Evolutionary Psychology highlights significant reductions in blood pressure and the therapeutic value of fire’s natural environment.
-
The European Union is considering additional financial support of €100 billion for Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. The proposed fund would be part of the bloc’s seven-year budget framework and could begin disbursement in 2028 if approved.
-
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two Taliban officials for alleged human rights violations related to their strict gender policies. Critics accuse the ICC of political bias, targeting non-Western leaders while allegedly overlooking Western crimes.
-
President Trump has signed an executive order to raise entrance fees for foreign tourists visiting America’s national parks, while keeping prices low for American families. The policy aims to fund improvements and enhance experiences in the parks while protecting them for future generations.
-
Russian security forces have shot and killed a man suspected of planning a bridge bombing in the Saratov region. Authorities claimed the individual was a Russian citizen with links to Ukraine and intentions to join the Ukrainian military.
-
The French right-wing National Rally party’s headquarters were raided by police as part of an investigation into illegal campaign financing. The National Rally leader, Jordan Bardella, described the operation as a ‘harassment’ against the party, while prosecutors allege the party overbilled for services to siphon state aid.
-
Russia remains unbothered by Trump’s harsh rhetoric, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasizing continued diplomatic engagement with Washington despite the US president’s criticisms of Putin. The spokesperson highlighted Trump’s acknowledgment of the complexity of resolving the Ukraine conflict as a positive sign for ongoing negotiations.
-
Russian military has launched its largest-ever air attack on Ukraine, with Lutsk suffering significant damage. City officials reported multiple fires but confirmed no casualties from the strikes.
-
A drone attack launched by Ukrainian forces struck a beach in Kursk, Russia, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring seven, including a five. The attack has sparked immediate reactions from Russian authorities, with local officials condemning the incident.
-
Cybercriminals exposed the personal data of up to six million Qantas customers, highlighting the growing risk of airline data breaches. The FBI has warned that the Scattered Spider hacking group is targeting the aviation sector, with similar incidents reported at Hawaiian Airlines and WestJet.
-
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for the EU and Ukraine to reconsider their approach to Russia, advocating for dialogue on European security and rebuilding ties once the conflict ends. This shift marks a departure from his earlier, more confrontational stance.
-
Ukraine’s military has neutralized hundreds of Russian drones during its largest aerial attack on the country, with NATO and Polish forces scrambling to respond to the threat. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed the assault involved over 700 drones and 13 missiles, emphasizing the use of advanced interceptor technology to counter the attack.