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Week In Review

By Elissa D. Hecker posted 07-14-2025 12:33 PM

  

By Seth Nguyen

Edited by Elissa D. Hecker

Below, for your browsing convenience, the categories are divided into: Entertainment, Arts, Sports, Technology/Media, and General News.

Entertainment

Video Game Actors End Contract Dispute Over A.I.

      After an 11-month strike, video game actors approved a new contract with major studios, including those behind Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat, that requires written consent and fair pay for use of AI-created visual or vocal replicas. The deal also includes annual raises and new safety measures. The strike focused mainly on concerns about AI misuse of performers’ work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/arts/video-game-actors-contract-ai.html

HITS Act to Become Law Following Mega-Bill Passage — Recording Academy and A2IM Applaud the ‘Historic Victory for Independent Music Creators’

     The HITS Act, allowing independent music creators to deduct up to $150,000 in recording expenses upfront, is set to become law after years of advocacy. Passed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, it marks a major win for artists, enabling them to expense costs, similar to peers in film and TV. Music industry leaders praised the move as critical support for independent musicians.

https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/07/03/hits-act-passage/

‘Diddy Parties’ Became a Meme. The Combs Case Was About Something Else.

     Sean Combs’s criminal trial focused on private, consensual encounters, and not the wild celebrity sex parties alleged in many civil lawsuits. He was acquitted of major sex-trafficking charges but convicted on lesser counts. The case didn’t reveal the broader music industry abuses some expected. Meanwhile, numerous civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse continue.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/arts/music/sean-combs-diddy-trial-hotels-white-parties.html

Spotify Ex-Employee Says ‘No Protections’ Exist Against AI Bands Like Velvet Sundown Going Viral

     AI-generated band The Velvet Sundown went viral on Spotify, revealing the platform’s lack of safeguards against AI music. Created with the Suno platform, the project was a deliberate “art hoax” that sparked debate about authenticity, algorithms, and AI’s growing role in music.

https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/07/02/spotify-ex-employee-viral-ai-bands/

Arts

As Southern France Swelters, the Avignon Festival Tries to Adapt

     Rising heat threatens the Avignon Festival, prompting schedule changes and sustainability efforts like reducing travel and waste. Despite challenges, organizers refuse to downsize or move, valuing the festival’s unique spirit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/theater/avignon-festival-heat-climate-change.html

Sports

College Sports Commission's New Guidance On NIL Collectives Served Up A Recipe For Chaos And Courtrooms

     The CSC’s new NIL rules ban many collective-backed deals by requiring a “valid business purpose,” prompting backlash and likely lawsuits. A bipartisan bill in Congress aims to set national NIL standards and block athlete employee status. Meanwhile, confusion, delays, and misinformation—like the Felix Ojo case—are fueling chaos in college sports.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/newsletter-image-likeness-vol-140-cscs-new-guidance-nil-heitner-7yjve/

Congress to Propose Name, Image, and License Guidelines in New College Sports Compensation Bill

     The SCORE Act would standardize college athletes’ name, image, and license (NIL) rights, regulate agents, and shield leagues from lawsuits. It would let schools share revenue with athletes, provide support services, and require disclosure of big deals. If passed, it starts July 2026.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6486795/2025/07/10/congress-nil-bill-college-sports-compensation-rules-guidelines/

Funding of Olympic Sports a Bargaining Chip as NCAA Seeks Antitrust Help

     College sports leaders hope to secure antitrust protections from Congress by pledging funding for Olympic sports, which are struggling financially due to new athlete pay rules. The NCAA wants unified NIL laws and limits on athlete lawsuits, but some lawmakers demand stronger athlete rights. Funding Olympic sports through federal grants is being considered to help save programs amid budget cuts. The bill’s success depends on balancing these demands.

https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-olympic-sports-98e974041f0af901b047d69672ad3176

California Rejects Trump Administration’s Demand to Remove Trans Athletes From Women’s Sports

     California rejected the Trump administration’s demand to bar transgender girls from female sports teams, defying threats of federal enforcement and funding cuts. The dispute escalated after a trans athlete won events at a state track meet. California officials argued that its policies comply with Title IX and have no plans to change them. The Trump administration signaled that enforcement actions would follow.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/us/politics/trump-transgender-athletes-california.html

How Small Provision Added to the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Affects Taxes for Sports Bettors

     A new law limits sports bettors to deducting only 90% of their losses, raising taxes for professional gamblers—even in losing years—and threatening their careers. This late-added provision surprised many and could push bettors toward illegal markets. Lawmakers and gambling groups are working to reverse the change.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6481190/2025/07/10/sports-betting-trump-bill-tax/

U.S. Center for SafeSport Releases 2024 Annual Report; Emotional Abuse Complaints Spike Again

     The U.S. Center for SafeSport’s 2024 report shows a 7.5% increase in cases, mainly involving emotional/physical and sexual misconduct. It found 2,654 violations out of 8,098 complaints. Nearly half of the 2,224 individuals in its disciplinary database are banned or ineligible. Training participation reached over 1.5 million courses in 2024. Funded by USOPC and DOJ grants, the Center changed CEOs amid scandals and has worked to improve transparency.

https://swimswam.com/u-s-center-for-safesport-releases-2024-annual-report-emotional-abuse-complaints-spike-again/

'The disappointment is huge:' Cuban Women's Volleyball Team Denied U.S. Visas to Compete in Puerto Rico

     The Cuban women’s volleyball team was denied U.S. visas, blocking the team’s participation in a key Puerto Rico tournament and hurting its chances for future competitions. Cuba called the restrictions racist, while the U.S. cited border security. This may affect many Cuban athletes aiming for events like the 2028 Olympics.

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/cuban-volleyball-team-visa-restrictions/65280541

Ex-NBA Guard Ben McLemore Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison in 2021 Rape

     Ben McLemore was sentenced to over 8 years in prison for raping a woman at a 2021 party. The victim spoke out for accountability, while McLemore admitted poor judgment but denied intent. Prosecutors said the victim was incapacitated; his lawyers claimed consent.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6484230/2025/07/09/ben-mclemore-prison-sentence-rape-conviction/

Youth Sports Are a $40 Billion Business. Private Equity Is Taking Notice.

      Youth sports have become a $40 billion industry, driven by private investment and rising costs. Wealthy families can afford elite training, while many others are priced out, widening access gaps and fueling concerns about equity and burnout.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/youth-sports-private-equity.html

Human Rights Court Rules That Olympic Champ Semenya Did Not Get a Fair Hearing in Sex Eligibility Case

     Caster Semenya won a partial victory at the European Court of Human Rights, which found that her fair trial rights were violated in Switzerland during her fight against track rules on testosterone levels. The case returns to Swiss courts, but the ruling doesn’t overturn current eligibility rules.

https://apnews.com/article/european-court-human-rights-semenya-verdict-switzerland-94f47afe56462d4b4d85a804448e3ee5

‘Football has been lost to Saudi Arabia’ – Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter

     Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said FIFA “lost” football to Saudi Arabia, criticizing its growing influence and FIFA’s lack of opposition. He also condemned the expanded Club World Cup for player strain and harsh summer heat, and criticized current FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s leadership. Blatter, previously banned over financial misconduct allegations, was cleared in 2025.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6490390/2025/07/12/saudi-arabia-fifa-sepp-blatter/

Media/Technology

Why the AI Moratorium’s Defeat May Signal a New Political Era

     A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers defeated a proposed 10-year ban on state AI regulation, preserving existing and future state laws. The moratorium, backed by tech firms and Senator Ted Cruz, was dropped after key opposition from Senator Marsha Blackburn. The move reflects growing bipartisan concern over AI risks, though debate over how to regulate it continues.

https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/07/09/1119867/why-the-ai-moratoriums-defeat-may-signal-a-new-political-era/

A.I.-Generated Images of Child Sexual Abuse Are Flooding the Internet

     AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is surging, becoming increasingly realistic and overwhelming law enforcement. Reports have jumped sharply in 2025, with over 485,000 cases in the U.S. alone. While laws ban such content, legal challenges remain around fully synthetic images. Tech firms are reporting and removing content, but AI's rapid advances are enabling criminals to produce convincing, disturbing material and even extort minors. Experts warn this growing crisis demands urgent action.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/technology/ai-csam-child-sexual-abuse.html

The FCC Is Pressuring Companies to Drop D.E.I. It’s Succeeding, Too.

       T-Mobile dropped its D.E.I. programs while seeking FCC approval for mergers, following pressure from Commissioner Carr. Critics say that the FCC is overstepping by linking deal approvals to corporate diversity policies.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/business/tmobile-fcc-dei-corporate-america.html

Nvidia Becomes First Public Company Worth $4 Trillion

      Nvidia hit a $4 trillion valuation, doubling from $1 trillion in 2 years by leading the AI chip market powering tools like ChatGPT. Its CEO’s early AI focus paid off, as major tech firms heavily rely on its chips. Despite competition and regulatory challenges, Nvidia is seen as a lasting AI leader.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/technology/nvidia-4-trillion-market-value.html

OpenAI and Microsoft Bankroll New A.I. Training for Teachers

      The American Federation of Teachers is launching a $23 million AI training center with Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic to help educators use AI tools safely and effectively in classrooms. The effort supports growing tech integration but raises concerns about misinformation and industry influence.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/technology/chatgpt-teachers-openai-microsoft.html

As Truth Social Business Struggles, Trump Media Goes Big on Crypto

     Trump Media, struggling to profit from Truth Social, is shifting to crypto, raising $2.5 billion to invest in Bitcoin and launch crypto ETFs. Despite losses, it leverages President Trump’s name and family support. Critics worry about conflicts of interest, but some investors see crypto as its best chance to make money.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/business/truth-social-trump-media-crypto.html

Danish Publishers Sue OpenAI After Failing to Strike Rights Deal

       Denmark’s main media group is suing OpenAI for using its content to train ChatGPT without permission. After failed talks and government efforts, the lawsuit was filed as Denmark leads EU AI discussions. OpenAI denies wrongdoing and says it no longer uses the content.

https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/07/01/danish-publishers-sue-openai-after-failing-to-strike-rights-deal

General News

Supreme Court Won’t Revive Aggressive Florida Immigration Law

      The Supreme Court refused to reinstate Florida’s law criminalizing unauthorized entry, keeping it blocked as immigration remains a federal issue. The case is ongoing, with Florida defying court orders and facing legal challenges.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/us/politics/supreme-court-florida-immigration-law.html

Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order in Class-Action Challenge

     A judge blocked Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to U.S.-born children of undocumented parents. The ruling applies nationwide through a class action.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/politics/trump-birthright-citizenship-lawsuit.html

Justice Jackson Says ‘the State of Our Democracy’ Keeps Her Up at Night

     Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the state of U.S. democracy keeps her up at night, reflecting growing concern over recent Supreme Court decisions expanding executive power. She emphasized using her voice through dissents to offer different perspectives.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/ketanji-brown-jackson-democracy.html

In Digital Era, Supreme Court Insists on Vast Piles of Paper

     The Supreme Court still demands 40 printed copies of many briefs, wasting paper and money despite electronic filing options. Critics say this outdated rule burdens litigants and harms the environment, urging a full switch to digital submissions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/supreme-court-cases-paper-electronic.html

State Dept. Begins Firing Nearly 1,400 Workers

      Mass layoffs at the State Department will cut over 1,300 jobs as part of Secretary Marco Rubio's reorganization. Critics say this weakens U.S. diplomacy, harms human rights efforts, and signals a retreat from global leadership, while rivals like China expand influence. The cuts mainly affect U.S.-based staff and diplomats, raising concerns about America’s future role abroad.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/07/11/us/trump-texas-news

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/trump-state-department-layoffs.html?searchResultPosition=1

Trump Is Gutting Weather Science and Reducing Disaster Response

     The Trump administration’s cuts to weather and disaster agencies like NOAA and FEMA are weakening the U.S. response to extreme weather. Layoffs, funding cuts, and program closures reduce forecasting accuracy and disaster aid, leaving communities more vulnerable as climate change worsens storms and floods.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/13/climate/floods-trump-cuts-disaster-preparedness-fema.html

Medical Societies Sue Kennedy and H.H.S. Over Vaccine Advice

      Six medical groups sued Health Secretary Kennedy for unjustly limiting Covid vaccine access for children and pregnant women, calling it unscientific and harmful. They demand the vaccines be reinstated, criticizing Kennedy for ignoring experts and spreading misinformation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/health/vaccines-kennedy-lawsuit.html

Measles Cases Hit Highest Total Since U.S. Eliminated the Disease, Schumer Urges Kennedy to Declare Public Health Emergency Over Measles

     Measles cases in the U.S. hit their highest since 2000, mostly affecting unvaccinated people. A major outbreak started in Texas and spread to 38 states, raising fears the U.S. may lose its elimination status. Declining vaccination rates and global outbreaks fuel the spread. Experts warn that without better vaccination, deadly measles outbreaks will become common again.  New York Senator Chuck Schumer urged Kennedy to declare a measles emergency, warning that delays risk spreading outbreaks like Texas. No emergency is planned yet.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/measles-public-health-emergency-rfk-jr.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/well/us-measles-record-outbreaks.html

Kennedy’s Battle Against Food Dyes Hits a Roadblock: M&M’s

      Kennedy has convinced many food makers to remove synthetic dyes by 2027, but candy companies like M&M’s resist, citing consumer preference and cost. While some companies agreed to the plan, candy makers want federal rules first. States like Texas and West Virginia plan to impose warnings or bans, likely forcing change. Bright colors are linked to taste, making reformulation tough. Kennedy’s effort relies on voluntary compliance, but state laws may drive real progress.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/rfk-food-dyes-candy.html

A Half Dozen Trump Officials Hold More Than One Big Job

       Trump has given multiple top roles to key officials, consolidating power in unprecedented ways.  Rubio holds 4major posts, while others like Greer and Duffy oversee multiple agencies, raising concerns about oversight and governance.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/07/11/us/politics/trump-administration-multiple-jobs.html

U.S. Will Try to Deport Abrego Garcia Before He Faces Trial, Judge Signals She Will Protect Him From Hasty Second Deportation

     The Justice Department plans to deport Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia again after his release on criminal charges, contradicting the White House. Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported to El Salvador, faces smuggling charges in the U.S. His case is confused, with conflicting government statements on deportation timing.

      Judge Paula Xinis criticized the Justice Department for mishandling Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s wrongful deportation case and warned she may order protections to prevent his quick re-deportation after release. She doubts the government will follow proper procedures and plans to act before his upcoming hearing. His lawyers also allege he was tortured in El Salvador, a claim the Justice Department opposes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/kilmar-abrego-garcia-trump-deport.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/abrego-garcia-deportation-judge-protection-trump.html

Appeals Court Overturns Plea Deal in 9/11 Case

      A federal appeals court upheld Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s cancellation of a 2024 plea deal in the 9/11 case, reopening the path to a lengthy death penalty trial at Guantánamo. The deal, which avoided trial with life sentences, was voided soon after it was made. The ruling means more legal battles ahead, especially over confessions obtained under torture, delaying final resolution for victims’ families.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/appeals-court-overturns-9-11-plea-deal.html

The FBI Is Using Polygraphs to Test Officials’ Loyalty

      Since Kash Patel became FBI director, the bureau has increased polygraph use, even asking if staff criticized him. This crackdown on dissent has led to many veteran agents leaving and a rise in loyalists, raising concerns about politicization and weakened independence. Patel also aggressively defends his image through lawsuits. Critics say this culture shift harms the FBI’s integrity.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/politics/fbi-polygraph-kash-patel.html

Justice Dept. Whistle-Blower Warns of Trump Administration’s Assault on the Law

     A former DOJ lawyer, Erez Reuveni, accused the Trump administration of pressuring attorneys to mislead courts and ignore judges to speed up deportations, violating legal ethics. He filed a whistleblower complaint backed by documents. DOJ officials deny the claims. The issue is now under congressional review amid concerns over disregard for the courts and migrants’ rights.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/politics/trump-bove-reuveni-whistleblower-doj-deportations.html

Justice Dept. Demands Patient Details From Trans Medicine Providers

      The Trump administration subpoenaed doctors and hospitals for records on transgender care for minors to restrict treatments. This political move pressures providers, leading some children’s hospitals to close clinics. Critics say this is intimidation and a privacy violation, while supporters push to ban such care nationwide.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/health/transgender-medicine-minors-trump-subpoena.html

Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows

     Trump’s 2026 budget plan cuts federal science funding by over 20%, slashing basic research by a third, risking U.S. leadership in innovation and helping China catch up.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/science/trump-science-budget-cuts.html

Trial Over Free Speech on Campus, and Trump’s Student Crackdown, Begins

     A federal trial challenges the Trump administration for targeting pro-Palestinian foreign students and academics, arguing it violated their First Amendment rights. The government denies a policy of censorship, citing national security. The case could set a major precedent for free speech and immigration enforcement.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/trump-trial-free-speech-student-crackdowns.html

IRS Says Churches Can Endorse Candidates From the Pulpit

     The IRS ruled that churches can endorse political candidates to their members without violating tax rules, creating a narrow exception to the ban on political activity by nonprofits. This could lead to more church politicking and concerns about nonprofits being used for political campaigns.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/irs-churches-politics-endorse-candidates.html

TSA to Let Travelers Keep Their Shoes On, Ending Hated Rule

     The TSA is ending its nearly 20-year-old shoe removal rule at some airports, letting more travelers keep their shoes on due to improved screening technology. This may lessen the appeal of PreCheck, which previously allowed shoe removal.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/travel/tsa-shoes-removal-airport-security.html

Trump Administration Ends Deportation Protections for Hondurans and Nicaraguans

     The Trump administration will end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduran and Nicaraguan migrants, removing their protection from deportation. The government says these countries have recovered, but advocates warn it will harm many longtime residents. Previous attempts to end TPS for other countries faced legal challenges.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/trump-deportations-tps-honduras-nicaragua.html

Trump Administration Renews Attacks On Harvard With Negotiations Uncertain

     The Trump administration intensified its conflict with Harvard by subpoenaing student data and challenging its accreditation over alleged antisemitism. Harvard denies the claims and says it complies with laws. This is part of a wider government push targeting elite universities on civil rights and immigration issues.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/us/politics/trump-harvard-data-accreditation.html

FEMA Is Holding Up $2.4 Billion in Grants to Fight Terrorism, States Say

      FEMA is late releasing grant guidelines tied to Trump’s immigration policies, delaying billions in funds for local security and emergency work. Smaller agencies fear layoffs and reduced protection, while officials warn the delay harms disaster response and public safety nationwide.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/nyregion/fema-funds-trump-noem.html

Why 1.5 Million New Yorkers Could Lose Health Insurance Under Trump Bill

     Trump’s new law will cut health coverage for over a million New Yorkers by shrinking the Essential Plan and Medicaid. Many immigrants and low-income residents will lose insurance, leading to more uninsured people. Hospitals and clinics will face funding losses, likely forcing service cuts and reducing access to care, with New York losing billions in health funding annually.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/nyregion/trump-domestic-policy-bill-new-york-health-care.html

Missouri Governor Signs Bill Rolling Back Voter-Approved Minimum Wage and Sick Leave

     Missouri Republicans rolled back voter-approved wage and sick leave laws, showing resistance to ballot measures that bypass legislatures. Similar efforts happened in other GOP-led states.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/missouri-minimum-wage-leave.html?searchResultPosition=1

Before Tragedy, Texas Repeatedly Rejected Pleas for Flood Alarm Funding

     Kerr County repeatedly failed to install a flood warning system despite clear risks, available federal funds, and multiple funding attempts. When a major flood hit in 2024, killing 121 people, no system was in place. The tragedy has raised serious questions about government inaction and accountability.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/politics/texas-flood-alarm-system.html

After Texas Disaster, Trump Shifts His Tone on FEMA

     President Trump initially wanted to eliminate FEMA, but after Texas floods, the administration shifted to reforming it. Despite claims of improvements, FEMA faced criticism for slow responses and staffing cuts. Experts say FEMA’s federal role is vital, and making it independent again could help.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/trump-fema-texas-flood.html?searchResultPosition=1

Federal Agents March Through L.A. Park, Spurring Local Outrage

     Federal agents and National Guard troops staged a heavily armed immigration raid in Los Angeles’s MacArthur Park, alarming residents and officials. Mayor Karen Bass called it an “armed occupation.” The operation disrupted the community, causing fear and business closures. Local leaders condemned the show of force, while federal officials said enforcement would continue. The raids have heightened tensions between the Trump administration and city leaders.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/la-macarthur-park-immigration.html

New York Must Move Forward With Housing Voucher Expansion, Court Rules

     A New York appeals court ruled that Mayor Adams must expand the city’s housing voucher program, overturning his veto due to cost concerns. The program helps low-income residents afford rent but has become costly. Tenant advocates praised the decision, while Adams warned it could worsen the housing shortage.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/nyregion/housing-voucher-nyc.html

Caltech Agrees to Settle Lawsuit Accusing It of Misleading Students

     Caltech settled a lawsuit for misleading students about a boot camp run mostly by an outside company, not Caltech faculty. The settlement demands clearer advertising and more university oversight. Caltech will end its partnership with Simplilearn this year. The case raises concerns about universities outsourcing branded programs.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/caltech-simplilearn-settlement-bootcamp.html

Judge Fines Lawyers for MyPillow Founder for Error-Filled Court Filing

      A federal judge fined two lawyers for filing a brief with fake and incorrect citations, likely due to careless use of AI or negligence. They claimed a draft was mistakenly filed. The judge wasn’t convinced. The case highlights the need for lawyers to carefully verify AI-generated work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/us/judge-fines-lawyers-mypillow-ai.html

Texas Court Seals Records in Ken Paxton’s Divorce Case

     A Texas court sealed divorce records after Attorney General Ken Paxton’s wife accused him of adultery. The private case could affect Paxton’s 2026 Senate primary challenge against Senator John Cornyn. Paxton denies wrongdoing, blaming political pressure for their split.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/12/us/texas-ag-paxton-divorce-records.html

Trump Administration Acknowledges Lack of Evidence From Epstein Documents

     Attorney General Bondi promised big Epstein revelations, but the Justice Department found no evidence of a “client list” or crimes by others and confirmed Epstein died by suicide. The release disappointed critics and fueled accusations that the Trump administration is hiding information about Epstein’s wealthy associates.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/trump-administration-jeffrey-epstein-client-list-suicide.html

Tesla Stock Dives as Elon Musk Plans New Political Party

      Tesla’s stock dropped 7% after Elon Musk’s new political party idea and feud with Trump. Once a boost, Musk’s politics now worry investors and hurt sales.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/business/tesla-stock-elon-musk-america-party.html

L.A.-Area Bishop Excuses Faithful From Mass Over Fear of Immigration Raids

      Bishop Rojas of San Bernardino excused Catholics from attending Mass if they fear immigration raids, as attendance drops and anxiety rises. Churches are offering support and alternative worship to help affected communities.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/us/california-san-bernardino-bishop-mass-church-ice-raids.html

American Allies Want to Redraw the World’s Trade Map, Minus the U.S.

      In response to U.S. tariff threats, the EU and allies are deepening trade ties to lessen dependence on the U.S., planning retaliation and new deals to build a more stable, cooperative global trade network.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/13/world/europe/trump-tariffs-trade-europe-us.html

Under Attack by Trump’s Tariffs, Asian Countries Seek Out Better Friends

     Countries hit by Trump’s tariffs are negotiating to avoid them while seeking new trade partners to reduce reliance on the U.S. Asian nations are exploring deals with the EU, India, and Brazil. Increased U.S. hostility and China’s export surplus push them to improve efficiency. So far, no unified global response has formed, but that may change if tensions rise.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/13/business/economy/trump-tariffs-trade-deals.html

Trump Pledges to Send More Weapons to Ukraine

     Trump reversed a recent pause and said the U.S. will send more weapons to help Ukraine defend against Russia’s attacks, citing frustration with Putin. The Pentagon confirmed that arms shipments are resuming amid ongoing debate over U.S. aid.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/us/politics/trump-ukraine-weapons.html

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