Are US tariffs starting to bite? Trump, in denial over rising prices, targets Fed chief Powell

Japan's Prime Minister is digging in his heels, promising to stay in office even as exit polls suggest a rough political setback. The outcome could shake up Japan's leadership just as delicate trade talks with the U.S. reach a critical stage.

Editor’s Note: Political instability in Japan right now isn’t just insider drama—it could throw a wrench into high-stakes trade negotiations with the U.S. If the government wobbles, it might struggle to make tough decisions or stick to its commitments, which could ripple through global markets and trade relations. Not great timing.

It's the final day of The Open 2025, and Rory McIlroy is making his move, hitting precise shots amid the roaring crowd. He’s got a birdie chance to close the gap on leader Scottie Scheffler, setting up a thrilling showdown. The leaderboard is tight, and every shot counts—this is high-stakes golf at its best.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tournament—it’s one of golf’s biggest stages, and McIlroy’s chase adds drama to an already electric final round. If he pulls it off, it could be a career-defining moment. Even if you’re not a golf fan, the tension and skill on display make this worth watching.

Stage 15 of the Tour de France 2025 is off to a lively start, with Tim Wellens making a bold solo move while confusion swirls around Julian Alaphilippe’s positioning. The peloton is trailing Tadej Pogačar’s group by about a minute, and so far, the stage has been too chaotic for any serious breakaway to stick.

Editor’s Note: The Tour de France is always full of drama, and today’s stage is no exception. Wellens’ solo effort could shake things up, but the real intrigue lies in Alaphilippe’s situation—why the confusion? Is he struggling, or is there a tactical play at work? For cycling fans, this is the kind of mid-race tension that makes the Tour so gripping.

Russia says it's willing to talk peace with Ukraine—but only if Kyiv agrees to hand over the four regions Russia claims to have annexed in 2022, despite never fully controlling them. It’s a familiar demand, and one Ukraine has repeatedly rejected, calling it a non-starter for negotiations.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t really a new offer—it’s more of a repackaged ultimatum. Russia’s insisting on keeping land it took by force, while Ukraine (and much of the world) sees that as rewarding aggression. The sticking point remains the same: neither side is willing to budge on territory, which means the war grinds on. For now, "peace talks" sound more like posturing than progress.

Donald Trump is boasting that his support among the MAGA base has hit record highs—claiming up to 95% backing—despite ongoing fallout from his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. While Trump denies involvement with Epstein (even suing The Wall Street Journal over a disputed note linking them), the controversy isn’t going away. It’s a classic Trump move: rallying his core supporters while deflecting criticism.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about poll numbers—it’s about how Trump navigates scandals. His ability to spin controversies into loyalty tests for his base could shape the 2024 election, but the Epstein shadow won’t fade easily. For critics, it’s another red flag; for supporters, it’s just more "witch hunt" noise. Either way, the drama’s far from over.