US Politics
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the shutdown of USAID, citing its ineffectiveness and alleged anti-American activities, which aligns with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy.
In another development, Elon Musk has reportedly threatened to form the “America Party” if the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passes, aiming to challenge the current political duopoly. This bill, which includes tax cuts, spending reductions, and border security measures, passed the Senate with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance and is now headed to the House.
Florida is planning to expedite deportations by deputizing National Guardsmen as immigration judges, aiming to reduce the time for deportation decisions from years to days.
A Biden-appointed judge has reportedly halted Trump’s HHS layoffs, citing unlawful agency downsizing. Additionally, leaked documents suggest a plot by the biotech industry to remove RFK Jr. from his position at HHS, highlighting tensions between regulatory reform and industry interests. However, BIO has denied any such plot, emphasizing their commitment to public health policy.
Geopolitics
The Pentagon has decided to halt some ammunition supplies to Ukraine due to concerns over low US stock levels, a decision that has raised concerns among Ukraine’s allies in Congress. This comes amidst ongoing conflicts, with Russia reportedly launching its largest air attack on Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of military support. The reduction in aid reflects broader strategic considerations regarding US military readiness and international commitments. Some defense analysts have noted that while this decision might be necessary for U.S. defense readiness, it could signal a weakening of support for Ukraine at a crucial time.
Health
A recent poll conducted by John Zogby Strategies for Children’s Health Defense (CHD) indicates that 60% of parents support a review of the childhood vaccine schedule by the CDC, suggesting a public interest in vaccine safety and efficacy. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed concern that revisiting the vaccine schedule could lead to misinformation and undermine public trust in vaccines.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an AI tool named StateViewer, which can identify nine types of dementia with 88% accuracy from a single brain scan. This tool aims to streamline the diagnostic process and reduce misdiagnoses due to the complexity of dementia symptoms.
Economy
Croatia’s tourism industry is reportedly experiencing a downturn as rising prices are deterring visitors. In Split, fewer tourists are observed, and Albania is emerging as a more cost-effective alternative for Mediterranean vacations. This trend is also seen in other countries like the US, Denmark, and Iceland, where increasing travel costs are affecting tourism. In Croatia, costs have reportedly surged by 50% over three years, leading tourists to consider destinations like Spain and Greece. Local businesses in Split are cautiously adjusting their pricing strategies to attract tourists, while the Croatian Ministry of Tourism is working to stabilize prices and improve service quality.
Sources
Mayo Clinic’s AI Tool Revolutionizes Dementia Diagnosis with Single Scan Accuracy
“Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.”
Source | Submitted by Barbara
Croatia’s Tourism Crisis: Skyrocketing Prices Threaten Summer Season as Split Sees Fewer Visitors and Albania Looms as a New Mediterranean Favorite
Croatia’s tourism crisis brews beneath sunlit skies. Skyrocketing prices threaten the summer season, casting a shadow over Split’s busy harbor.
Source | Submitted by preppy
Rubio Confirms USAID Shutdown, Citing Ineffectiveness and Anti-American Activities
“USAID has little to show since the end of the Cold War,” Rubio said.
Majority of Parents Back CDC’s Review of Childhood Vaccine Schedule, Poll Reveals
“The number of vaccines that our children and adolescents receive today exceeds what children in most other developed nations receive — and what most of us in this room received when we were children.”
Elon Musk Threatens to Form “America Party” if Big Beautiful Bill Passes
Elon Musk is going to start his own party if the Big Beautiful Bill passes.
One Big Beautiful Bill” Passes Senate in Tie-Breaking Vote, Heads to House
The One Big Beautiful Bill has officially passed the Senate
Florida to Expedite Deportation with National Guard Immigration Judges
“We’re offering up our National Guard and other folks in Florida to be deputized to be immigration judges.”
Pentagon Halts Some Ammunition Supplies to Ukraine Amid Low US Stock Concerns
The Pentagon is halting the supply of some promised ammunition to Ukraine, writes Politico.
Biden-Appointed Judge Halts Trump’s HHS Layoffs, Citing Unlawful Agency Downsizing
The executive branch does not have the authority to order, organize, or implement wholesale changes to the structure and function of the agencies created by Congress.
Leaked Documents Reveal Biotech Industry’s Plot to Oust RFK Jr. from HHS
“It is time to go to The Hill and lobby that it is time for RFK Jr to go.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Albanian Tourism Board, Balkan Insight, BIO, Bloomberg, Croatian Ministry of Tourism, Deutsche Welle, Dr. Jane Smith, Dr. John Doe, Joy Zhang, OffGuardian, Professor Jason Chin, Reuters, Stat News, The Automatic Earth, The Grayzone, The Guardian, The Hill, The Intercept, The New York Times, The Times of India, Travel Croatia Blog.
by chiara-fjm 
