Today is Independence Day in the United States — but for millions of Americans, it doesn't feel like a day of freedom. Donald Trump has officially signed the Republican budget bill into law, a sweeping piece of legislation that will strip away vital safety nets, gut health care access, and funnel billions into mass deportation and corporate giveaways.
While the headlines may be quiet, the consequences are not. That’s why I’m here — to cut through the noise and break down what’s really in this bill, day by day, line by line. Because the only way to fight back is to stay informed, stay organized, and speak the truth loudly.
If you believe in holding power accountable and making sure the facts reach the people who need them most, I invite you to stand with me. Your support keeps this work alive. Please consider subscribing today and help fuel independent journalism that refuses to look away.
Here’s the news:
Donald Trump has signed the Republican budget bill into law during a Fourth of July White House event, cutting federal safety-net programs and boosting immigration enforcement, calling it a “birthday present for America.” The bill will:
Massive Cuts to Social Programs:
Over $1.1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and the ACA, leading to nearly 12 million people losing health coverage.
$287 billion slashed from food assistance (SNAP), likely affecting 3.2 million adults and their dependents.
Imposes strict work and bureaucratic requirements on Medicaid and SNAP recipients.
Increased Immigration Enforcement and Military Spending:
Allocates $30 billion to hire 10,000 ICE agents and over $45 billion for expanding detention facilities.
Authorizes $150 billion boost in military spending, including funding for a U.S. "Golden Dome" missile defense system.
Favoritism for Special Interests:
Repeals taxes on gun silencers and short-barrel firearms, benefiting gun retailers.
Revokes renewable energy incentives, threatening clean energy jobs and raising utility costs.
Adds $4 trillion to the national debt over 10 years, despite GOP claims of fiscal conservatism.
Despite claims from Trump and official sources, the bill does not cut Social Security taxes — changes to Social Security are prohibited under reconciliation; instead, it introduces a limited new tax deduction for seniors.
Despite strong Democratic opposition, the bill narrowly passed both chambers of Congress, marking a significant legislative win for Trump and fulfilling long-standing right-wing priorities.
Despite tough talk, Freedom Caucus members have repeatedly caved in 2025, voting for key measures they initially opposed — including a continuing resolution, debt limit hike, SALT cap increase, and both House and Senate budgets and reconciliation bills.
Catastrophic flash flooding in central Texas has killed at least 13 people, with more missing—some possibly children from nearby summer camps—after up to 10 inches of rain caused rivers to rise rapidly overnight.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with washed-out roads and limited warning complicating evacuations; local officials and camp staff are working urgently to locate and assist unaccounted-for individuals.
Elon Musk is floating launching a new political party, the “America Party,” on July 4, aiming to disrupt the two-party system by targeting a small number of key House and Senate races to gain influence in Congress.
Musk publicly slammed Trump’s massive spending bill, calling it “pork-filled” and “a disgusting abomination,” citing its projected $3.9 trillion deficit impact and perceived favoritism toward outdated industries at the expense of green energy.
Trump spoke with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy on Friday amid doubts about his ability to fulfill his pledge to end the Russia-Ukraine war; they discussed increasing air defense support.
A federal judge temporarily halted the deportation of eight immigrants to South Sudan, just hours after the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to proceed with removals to countries with which individuals have no ties.
Judge Randolph Moss transferred the case to Boston, citing that Judge Brian Murphy—who had initially blocked the deportations—is better positioned to handle the matter.
Republican Rep. Van Orden sparks fresh outrage with another controversial post, adding to his growing record of inflammatory public statements.
Russia launched its most intense drone and missile strike on Kyiv yet, prompting strong international reactions; Germany and the U.S. are in talks to bolster Ukraine's air defense systems.
Zelenskyy said Trump was well-informed, and leaders of Germany, France, and the UK are actively engaging ahead of a July 10 Ukraine summit co-chaired by Macron and Starmer.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons is set to become Suriname’s first female president, taking office unopposed amid economic struggles and newfound oil wealth, following the ruling party's failure to secure a re-election path for outgoing President Santokhi.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
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