Supreme Court allows Trump to proceed with cuts to federal workforce

Petra Costa’s documentary Apocalypse in the Tropics paints a disturbing picture of how Brazil’s political landscape has been hijacked by right-wing evangelical leaders. The film exposes the cozy relationship between politicians and fundamentalist Christian groups, complete with American-style prayer breakfasts and a fixation on apocalyptic prophecies. Costa doesn’t spoon-feed conclusions—instead, she leaves viewers to grapple with whether Brazil’s democracy can survive this unsettling shift.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Brazil—it’s a warning. When religious extremism seeps into the halls of power, it can reshape democracy itself. The documentary matters because it shows how easily ideology can eclipse governance, and it forces us to ask: How far is too far before a country’s political soul is irreversibly changed?

Ovidio Guzmán López, son of the infamous drug lord "El Chapo," is reportedly set to admit guilt in a Chicago court this week for his role in trafficking narcotics into the U.S. This comes after his high-profile arrest last year, marking another chapter in the long saga of the Sinaloa cartel's legal battles with American authorities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another drug bust—it’s a symbolic blow to one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels. El Chapo’s sons have been key figures in keeping the Sinaloa empire running after their father’s imprisonment. A guilty plea could signal tighter U.S. pressure on the cartel, but it also raises questions about whether this will actually dent the drug trade or just shuffle power behind the scenes. For everyday folks, it’s a reminder of how deeply cartel influence reaches across borders.

Two Oregon high school athletes, Maddie Eischen and Sophia Carpenter, are suing their state over policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls' sports. The teens say they were inspired by the public debate between swimmer Riley Gaines and gymnast Simone Biles about fairness in competition. Their lawsuit comes after they chose to forfeit a track event rather than compete against a transgender athlete.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another legal battle—it’s part of a growing national fight over who gets to compete in women’s sports. These girls are putting their names on a lawsuit because they feel the rules put them at a disadvantage. Whether you agree with them or not, their case could ripple through other states dealing with the same debate.

President Trump is sitting down with five West African leaders for a White House lunch—but the meeting comes at a tricky time, as the U.S. has been slashing aid to the region. It’s a mix of diplomacy and tension, with leaders likely hoping to address the cuts while navigating the political moment.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a photo-op lunch. West Africa relies heavily on U.S. aid for everything from health programs to security, so these leaders are probably walking into that room with a lot on their minds. The cuts could destabilize partnerships—or force tough conversations about what both sides really expect from each other.

Philadelphia’s messy standoff is finally over. After days of stalled trash pickup and shuttered libraries, the city and its striking workers—represented by District Council 33—hammered out a deal. Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the agreement, which means garbage trucks will roll again and libraries can reopen. No word yet on the nitty-gritty of the deal, but for residents tired of piled-up trash, it’s a relief.

Editor’s Note: Strikes like this aren’t just about paychecks—they’re about how cities function (or don’t) when essential workers walk off the job. Philly’s deal avoids a prolonged crisis, but it’s also a reminder of how fragile everyday services can be when labor disputes flare up. For other cities watching, it’s a case study in balancing budgets and worker demands without leaving residents stuck with the mess.