Elon Musk attacks Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ tax bill as ‘outrageous’ and says it will cause deficit to grow by $2.5tn – US politics live

Adam Bingle, an Ontario worker, is feeling the pinch of Trump’s trade war in his daily life. Rising costs are making it harder to afford basics, and he’s also anxious about job security. It’s a double whammy—higher prices and the fear of losing income—that’s leaving him and others like him in a tough spot.

Editor’s Note: Trade wars aren’t just political headlines—they hit people where it hurts. For workers like Adam, tariffs and trade tensions mean real struggles: tighter budgets and shaky job prospects. This story puts a human face on how global policies trickle down to kitchen-table worries.

A recent survey by Hong Kong’s biggest workers’ union found that 25% of residents don’t know about upcoming changes to public healthcare fees—specifically, an expansion of waivers for low-income patients. Lawmakers are pushing the government to do a better job publicizing the reforms, which kick in half a year from now. The study also showed confusion among some respondents about how the new safety net measures will work.

Editor’s Note: Public awareness gaps could leave vulnerable people unprepared for changes meant to help them. If folks don’t know they’re eligible for waived fees, they might avoid care or face unexpected bills—undermining the whole point of the reform. It’s a reminder that good policies need clear communication to actually land.

Six major UK water companies—including Thames Water—have been barred from handing out executive bonuses under new regulations. The move comes amid public outrage over poor service, sewage spills, and soaring bills while top bosses pocketed hefty payouts.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about bonuses—it's a crackdown on what many see as a broken system. Water firms have faced fierce criticism for prioritizing profits over infrastructure and environmental harm. Blocking rewards for execs signals regulators are finally responding to public anger, but critics will argue it’s a small step when bigger fixes (like fixing leaky pipes or stopping sewage dumps) are still lagging.

Hong Kong's national security police have slapped another charge on jailed activist Joshua Wong, this time accusing him of conspiring with exiled former lawmaker Nathan Law to work with foreign forces back in 2019. The 28-year-old was hauled to court under tight security, with police visibly ramping up presence around the courthouse. The charge sheet suggests Wong and others allegedly pushed foreign entities to impose sanctions on Hong Kong—a move that’s become a flashpoint under the city’s sweeping national security laws.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another legal headache for Wong—it’s a signal of how aggressively Hong Kong authorities are pursuing cases tied to the 2019 protests, even years later. With foreign collusion charges carrying heavy penalties, the case underscores the shrinking space for dissent under Beijing’s tightened grip. For observers, it’s a stark reminder of how the national security law is being wielded to silence opposition, one high-profile case at a time.

David Beckham, the legendary former footballer and philanthropist, is finally set to receive a knighthood in King Charles’s upcoming birthday honors list. After years of speculation—and a career that includes over 100 appearances for England and extensive charity work—Beckham will officially become "Sir David," while his wife, Victoria, will take the title of "Lady Beckham."

Editor’s Note: Knighthoods aren’t just about fame—they’re a nod to significant contributions, and Beckham’s work with underprivileged kids has been as impactful as his soccer career. This isn’t just a win for him; it’s a recognition of how athletes can leverage their platform for real change. Plus, it’s a fun bit of royal pomp for the rest of us to enjoy.