House passes Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ tax and spending bill after months of wrangling – US politics live

This quirky piece titled "Pepper…and Salt" seems to be a playful, possibly satirical take on everyday life—maybe riffing on the small irritations and seasonings that flavor our daily routines. Think of it as a witty observational column, like finding humor in how people argue over condiments or the absurdity of mundane conflicts.

Editor’s Note: At first glance, it might seem like a lighthearted nothingburger, but stories like this matter because they remind us to laugh at the little things. In a world full of heavy headlines, a clever take on life’s minor annoyances can be a refreshing palate cleanser—like a dash of pepper (or salt) to spice up the day.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are firing on all cylinders in the Western Conference finals, crushing the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off being named NBA MVP, dropped 38 points in a dominant performance, sinking clutch shots and free throws like it was just another day at the office. The Wolves had no answer for OKC’s momentum, and now face a steep uphill battle heading back home.

Editor’s Note: The Thunder aren’t just winning—they’re making a statement. With SGA playing at an MVP level and the team looking unstoppable, this could be the start of a new era for OKC basketball. For the Timberwolves, it’s a wake-up call: if they don’t adjust fast, their dream playoff run might end sooner than they hoped. Either way, the West just got a lot more interesting.

Media Matters, a progressive advocacy group, is pushing back against what it calls "threats" from the Trump administration after reports surfaced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating the organization. The probe reportedly focuses on whether Media Matters improperly worked with advertisers—a claim the group denies. The story highlights escalating tensions between the administration and its critics.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic noise—it’s another flashpoint in the ongoing clash between the Trump administration and its detractors. If the FTC’s investigation is seen as politically motivated, it could fuel concerns about government overreach and the weaponization of federal agencies. For watchdogs like Media Matters, it’s a high-stakes fight over credibility and independence.

Columbia University is in hot water after a federal investigation found it violated students' civil rights—specifically around antisemitism concerns. This comes after months of back-and-forth with the Trump administration, which has been scrutinizing the school since March over how it handles discrimination claims.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic finger-wagging—it’s a big deal because it puts Columbia under a harsh spotlight for failing to protect students from discrimination. Universities are legally required to address civil rights violations, and if they don’t, they risk losing federal funding or facing stricter oversight. For students, it raises serious questions about whether the school is truly a safe and fair place for everyone.

The G7—made up of the world’s seven richest democracies—has put aside internal squabbles over U.S. tariffs to take a unified stance against what they see as unfair trade practices, widely understood to be targeting China. While they didn’t name China directly, their pledge to tackle "economic imbalances" is a clear nod to concerns like dumping, subsidies, and market distortions. The fact they reached any agreement at all is notable, given earlier doubts about discord among the group.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic posturing—it signals a hardening stance by major economies against China’s trade tactics, which they argue tilt the playing field. For businesses and consumers, it could mean more trade tensions (think tariffs or supply chain shifts), but it also shows the G7 trying to flex collective muscle in a global economy where China’s influence keeps growing. Watch for ripple effects in markets and diplomacy.