Lawmakers remove ‘revenge’ tax provision from Trump's big bill after Treasury Department request

Beijing announced that the U.S. and China have ironed out specifics to put their recent trade deal into action, building on an agreement struck earlier this month in London. They're calling it part of the "Geneva consensus," though the exact details remain a bit vague.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been a big deal for years, so any sign of cooperation—even if it’s just confirming old agreements—is worth noting. But until we see concrete actions, it’s hard to say whether this is real progress or just diplomatic talk.

Japan carried out its first execution in nearly three years, putting to death a man who lured and murdered nine people he connected with on social media. The case, dubbed the "Twitter killer," shocked the nation due to its calculated brutality and exploitation of online platforms to target victims.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another crime story—it’s a grim reminder of how digital spaces can be weaponized, and it reignites debates over Japan’s use of the death penalty. The case also forces a hard look at how social media platforms can inadvertently facilitate real-world violence, making it relevant far beyond Japan’s borders.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is sounding the alarm about the increasingly hostile political climate, arguing that toxic rhetoric and threats against judges are undermining democracy itself. He’s calling for a return to civil debate and stronger protections for judicial independence—basically, a plea to cool things down before lasting damage is done.

Editor’s Note: Kennedy isn’t just another voice in the political noise—he’s a respected legal figure who spent decades at the highest court. His warning carries weight because he’s seen firsthand how polarization can erode trust in institutions. If even judges aren’t safe from intimidation, it’s a bad sign for the health of democracy as a whole.

President Trump announced that the U.S. and China have signed a trade agreement, though he didn’t provide specifics. He also hinted at a potential deal with India soon.

Editor’s Note: Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been a big deal for businesses and markets, so any progress—even vague—could ease some uncertainty. But without details, it’s hard to know if this is a major breakthrough or just a small step. The mention of India adds another layer, suggesting the administration is pushing multiple trade fronts at once.

In a surprising twist, New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Cuomo, a seasoned centrist with a long political career, was widely expected to win, but Mamdani—a younger, progressive newcomer—managed to pull off the upset. The race highlighted a growing divide within the Democratic Party between its establishment and insurgent progressive wings.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one primary—it’s a sign of shifting tides in Democratic politics. Mamdani’s win echoes the Tea Party’s shakeup of the GOP years ago, where grassroots energy toppled establishment favorites. Whether this signals a lasting leftward push or just a one-off upset, it’s a clear warning to party centrists: progressive challengers aren’t going away. For voters, it’s a reminder that even "safe" races can deliver surprises.