Politics

Wisconsin’s new state budget includes a $5 million allocation to revive film tax credits and establish a state film office under the Department of Tourism. The initiative, supported by Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, aims to attract more film and television productions to the state by offering generous tax incentives.

South Korea’s newly inaugurated leftist president, Lee Jae-myung, announced his intent Thursday to prioritize closer ties with North Korea, China, and Russia, signaling a sharp departure from the staunch U.S. alliance under his impeached conservative predecessor. Lee’s comments came during a press conference marking his first month in office.

Columbia University has suffered a massive data breach, with a hacker reportedly stealing 460 gigabytes of sensitive data on millions of current and former students, applicants, and employees. The breach, first reported by Bloomberg News, includes Social Security numbers, admissions records, and financial aid details.

A gas station explosion in southeastern Rome early Friday morning left at least 20 people injured, including eight police officers and a firefighter, according to local authorities and emergency responders. The blast occurred shortly after 8 a.m. and sent a large plume of black smoke over the Italian capital.

President Donald Trump has notched a string of major victories just six months into his second term, fulfilling core campaign promises and setting the tone for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

Dr. Phil McGraw’s media venture, Merit Street Media, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and launched a lawsuit against its primary distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network. The Fort Worth-based media company, which began operations in early 2024, cited financial hardship and failed capital raises as key reasons behind its financial collapse.

The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recalled Chargé d’Affaires ad interim John McNamara from Bogotá on July 3.

House Speaker Mike Johnson declared the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) as “the most conservative legislation of our lifetime” during an interview with Newsmax on July 3.

Pro-migration advocates who once celebrated President Joe Biden’s mass immigration policies are now expressing concern as the political tide turns. Congress, reflecting public frustration, passed President Donald Trump’s $170 billion “One Big Beautiful Bill,” dramatically increasing funding for immigration enforcement and setting the stage for mass deportations.

Following the partial acquittal of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs on major charges, an MSNBC panel sparked controversy by blaming the racial and gender makeup of the prosecution team. Legal analysts on Ana Cabrera Reports suggested that the presence of six white female prosecutors — referred to as “lawyer Barbies” — may have alienated jurors and contributed to the dismissal of the most serious charges.