Trump’s Big Beautifill Bill passes Senate and House – Idaho killer pleads guilty | USA News Briefing Week 27

14 countries hit with new Trump tariffs – Elon Musk new party – Texas flooding – Trump delays tariffs | USA News Briefing Week 28

(Friday 11 July 2025) – The US President has issued new steep tariffs on 14 countries, including Brazil, fueling fears of more trade wars over the summer.

Elon Musk has been in the news this week as he revealed his plans to start his own political party.

Earlier in the week, Trump had announced a delay to his tariff plans as he appeared to push for a global trade deal, but did threaten an extra 10% tariff on any country siding with the policies of the BRICS alliance.

As of Friday, 120 people are confirmed dead from the Texas floods, and at least 150 remain missing. Following the massive floods, more rain arrived, hampering rescue efforts.

🇺🇸 USA News Briefing Week 27

🇺🇸 USA News Briefing (30 June - 6 July)

🇺🇸 This week so far …

A lot is happening in the USA this week as Donald Trump’s controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill” will be voted on ahead of the 4 July deadline. The sprawling budget bill could cut health insurance coverage for nearly 12 million Americans and add $3.3tn (£2.4tn) in debt, according to new estimates.

The man accused of murdering four Idaho students in their home is set to accept a plea deal in a case that shocked the United States. More than 2 years on from the horrific murder, the suspect will plead guilty to avoid the death penalty.

News In Pictures

Key Events

📅 Key Cultural & Business Events – This Week

Independence Day Celebrations – 4 July 2025
Club World Cup Final – 1 July 2025
Aspen Ideas Festival – 1–6 July 2025

✍️ Thought of the day

Take a break and hydrate well. A glass of water or herbal tea is a simple act of kindness to your body.

TRUMP’S BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL HEADS TO THE HOUSE AFTER SENATE WIN

Guilty plea expected in 2022 murders of four Idaho students

US Senate holds marathon vote on Trump's 'big beautiful bill'

Idaho shooter kills 2 firefighters and injures one

🌼 Flower of the Week

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

- Why it’s special: Blooms into early July, releasing its signature calming scent. Great for attracting bees and butterflies, and beautiful in borders or pots.

Fun fact: The Romans used lavender to scent their baths and bedlinen.

🐦 Bird of the Week

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

Why it’s special: Known for its spectacular “song-flight,” spiralling or hovering up to ~200 m while singing for minutes on end.

Chicago nightclub mass shooting leaves four dead and 14 wounded

A drive‑by shooting erupted around 11 pm outside Artis Restaurant & Lounge in downtown Chicago’s River North area, where an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz had just ended. Four individuals, two men (aged 24 and 25) and two women, were killed, while 14 others aged between 21 and 32 suffered injuries; at least four are in critical or serious condition. Gunfire erupted from a dark SUV before the vehicle fled; no arrests have been made and multiple suspects are reportedly at large.

This marks the second drive‑by shooting at the same venue (formerly Hush Lounge) since 2022. The chaotic scene left “blood and people’s personal items strewn about” as emergency responders and police rushed in.

🔁 Reactions:

Chicago PD: “Multiple people shot; preliminary counts show four fatalities.”
Mello Buckzz (via social media): > “Prayers up for all my sisters … all I can do is talk to God and pray.”
Pastor Donovan Price: > “Worst I’ve seen—even in Chicago, nothing like this.

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP/CBS report the facts without sensationalism, detailing casualties, suspected culprits, and funeral forensics (cbsnews.com).
NY Post / Times of India highlight the alarming pattern of violence at this venue, noting past shootings and safety concerns (cbsnews.com).
Local outlets focus on the aftermath chaos, bloodstained streets, lost personal effects, and trauma among witnesses (blockclubchicago.org).

📊 Sentiment: Negative. This brutal, unprovoked mass shooting underscores persistent gun-violence issues in Chicago. With key suspects still at large, community safety and nightclub security have come under heavy scrutiny.

House advances Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill through Rules Committee amid tight margins

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly voted 219–213 late Wednesday to advance the Senate-passed version of former President Trump’s sprawling “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) via the Rules Committee – clearing the way for a full floor vote by July 4. The procedural vote followed six hours of debate and intense lobbying from Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump supporters. Debate on the House floor began shortly after, with the final vote expected imminently.

The bill combines permanent extensions of 2017 tax cuts, tip and overtime tax relief, $150 bn for defence and border enforcement, with steep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, clean‑energy credits, and student loans. The CBO estimates a $3.3 trillion rise in the national debt over ten years and the loss of healthcare for about 11.8 million Americans.

🔁 Political Reactions:

Mike Johnson: “We got more work to do, but it’s going to get done.” (apnews.com, cbsnews.com)
Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader): > “This is robo robbery of poor Americans to give to billionaires.” (apnews.com)
Political analyst: > “GOP unity shows Trump’s power, but narrow margins reveal deep fault lines.” (thedailybeast.com)

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP/CBS stick to procedural facts -vote count, timeline, and narrow GOP majority hurdles (aljazeera.com, cbsnews.com).
Washington Post/WSJ highlight the internal divisions within the GOP, airing holdouts in the Freedom Caucus and moderates uneasy with deficit increases (wsj.com).
Progressive outlets emphasise the human cost – medicaid cuts, debt impact, and political messaging advantage ahead of 2026 midterms (time.com).

📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. The procedural win keeps Trump’s agenda alive, but it exposes sharp ideological rifts and policy trade-offs with potentially damaging social and fiscal consequences.

Pentagon pauses weapon shipments to Ukraine amid stockpile concerns

The U.S. has temporarily halted shipments of key air-defence missiles, including systems used by Patriot batteries, alongside precision munitions previously pledged to Ukraine. The Pentagon cites low domestic stockpiles following a Department of Defence review; some munitions have already been diverted back to the U.S. military.

This pause coincides with Russia’s intensifying drone and missile campaign. June saw over 500 aerial weapons launched at Ukrainian cities, straining Kyiv’s defences. Ukrainian officials have formally summoned a senior U.S. diplomat to demand clarity, warning that the stoppage endangers civilian infrastructure and halts critical air-protection systems.

🔁 Reactions:

Anna Kelly (White House): “America First, prioritising U.S. military readiness after DoD stock review.” (apnews.com)
Fedir Venislavskyi (Ukrainian MP): “This cuts off Ukraine during the most dangerous aerial assault yet.” (reuters.com)
Political analyst: > “Europe may try to fill the gap, but Ukraine urgently needs U.S.-made air defence.” (vox.com)

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP/France 24 report the pause factually, detailing stockpile issues and Ukraine’s urgent need.
Wall Street Journal frames this as a sign of weakening U.S. support and pivoting global priorities (wsj.com).
Ukrainian and European outlets highlight the operational risks and mounting humanitarian cost due to reduced air protection (ft.com).

📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral. The decision safeguards U.S. military readiness but severely impacts Ukrainian defence amid escalating attacks. European allies are now expected to step in, but capacity gaps and timing pose urgent risks.

US airstrikes delay Iran’s nuclear programme by one to two years, Pentagon says

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced that U.S.–led strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan have likely set back Tehran’s nuclear progress by 1 to 2 years, revising earlier intelligence suggesting only months of delay. The operation, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeted underground centrifuge halls and enrichment chambers using bunker‑buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles.

Despite this, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi warned Iran could resume enrichment within months. Iran has responded by suspending cooperation with the IAEA, raising verification concerns.

🔁 Reactions:

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell: “We have degraded their programme by one to two years … intel assessments inside the Department assess that.”
IAEA’s Rafael Grossi: > “They could resume enriched uranium production in a matter of months.
Iran’s FM Abbas Araqchi: > “Facilities have been seriously and heavily damaged,” but steps are being taken to restart operations.

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP/Euronews report with precision and contrast between Pentagon optimism and IAEA caution; factual tone dominates. (euronews.com)
Wall Street Journal/FT stress the geopolitical significance and debt to military credibility, but note uncertainties in verification.
Washington Post opinion argues military strikes alone cannot eliminate nuclear ambitions, urging return to diplomacy. (washingtonpost.com)

📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. The airstrikes deliver a temporary blow to Iran’s nuclear capacity, yet raise fresh challenges in verification, diplomacy, and regional stability, signalling complex implications ahead.

Trump threatens to deport Elon Musk as controversial bill passes.

Trump Threatens to Deport Elon Musk Amid Row Over EV Tax Cuts

What happened

Donald Trump has publicly suggested he would “take a look” at deporting Elon Musk, despite the Tesla and SpaceX CEO being a naturalised US citizen. The threat follows Musk’s renewed criticism of Trump’s flagship “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which dismantles key tax incentives for a political target, as Trump doubles down on attacks against corporate critics. The EV policy changes could also signal a broader Republican shift away from electric vehicles (EVs). Trump accused Musk of acting out of financial self-interest, pointing to the EV cuts as the likely source of the billionaire’s opposition.

Trump also floated the idea of using the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), an agency Musk formerly led, as a tool against him. While Musk has yet to respond directly, he has hinted at a possible escalation in their ongoing feud.

Why it matters

The clash between Trump and Musk symbolises a deepening rift between pro-business conservatives and Trump’s increasingly personalised policymaking style. Musk, once viewed as a Trump ally, now finds himself facing green tech incentives, potentially impacting US climate policy and industry investment.

Reaction

Critics labelled Trump’s deportation comments as legally baseless and politically reckless, warning they could chill business criticism. Legal experts highlighted that naturalised citizens cannot be deported for political dissent. Pro-Trump circles, however, praised the remarks as a show of strength. Musk has remained largely silent, but observers expect a response soon, particularly if Trump pursues regulatory actions through Doge or Treasury mechanisms.

What next

With Trump’s EV cuts heading to the Senate, expect further lobbying from automakers and clean tech firms. Musk may re-enter the political arena more forcefully, possibly funding opposition campaigns or launching media attacks. Meanwhile, Doge’s future role and whether Trump actually pursues regulatory action remain unclear. The feud could escalate into a tech-versus-Trump showdown ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Trump urges progress on Gaza ceasefire as more Palestinians are killed today.

Trump urges progress on Gaza ceasefire as Netanyahu heads to Washington

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for accelerated ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, declaring, “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”. He stated a truce could be reached “within a week” as Prime Minister Netanyahu is preparing to visit Washington, with adviser Ron Dermer already en route to discussions in the capital. While both Israel and Hamas express limited openness, scepticism remains, especially among Palestinians who say past ceasefires have quickly collapsed.

Simultaneously, Israel has launched new evacuations in northern Gaza ahead of intensified strikes -reportedly killing at least 23 Palestinians today- and a broader humanitarian crisis continues.

🔁 Reaction:

Donald Trump (Truth Social): “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”
Hamas spokesman: “We remain open but any deal must stop the war and bring all hostages home.”
Public viral tweet: > “Another collapse of ceasefire? Gaza’s civilians need more than tweets.”

📰 Bias Snapshot:

The Independent highlights Trump’s vocal mediation role and the timing of Netanyahu’s U.S. visit.
Reuters/AP mix progress in talks with grim updates on civilian evacuation and casualties.
The Guardian and Haaretz emphasise Israeli military signals that objectives may have been met and that a pause could be near, urging diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu.

📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. Trump’s push for a swift ceasefire and hostage exchange shows diplomatic momentum, but persistent violence, evacuations, and mistrust suggest fragile progress and limited guarantee of peace.

Senate advances Trump’s tax and spending bill amid Medicaid and debt concerns

Senators voted 51–49 to begin debate on President Trump’s sweeping legislative package, officially known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which combines large tax cuts, expanded defence and border spending, and deep reductions to Medicaid, SNAP and green energy programmes.

🧮 CBO Impact:

Adds an estimated $3.3 trillion to the national debt over ten years (up to $4-5 trillion, depending on debt counting rules).
It could strip 11.8 million Americans of Medicaid coverage and eliminate billions in healthcare funding.

👥 Senate tensions:

Narrow procedural passage 51–49, with opposition from Senators Thom Tillis and Rand Paul due to Medicaid cuts and debt rise.
Democrats used delay tactics, forced full bill reading and detailed amendments to highlight fiscal and coverage concerns.

🔁 Reactions:

Elon Musk: “Utterly insane… adding $5 trillion to debt, harming future industries.”
Senator Thom Tillis: “This ambush will leave 663,000 N.C. residents without Medicaid”

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP/Independent report core figures and debate dynamics factually.
WSJ/Washington Post focuses on legislative manoeuvring, procedural divides, and longer-term debt implications.
Time & Musk’s criticism frames it as ideological overreach, warning of economic and industrial damage.

📊 Sentiment: Negative–neutral. While supporters tout tax relief and border defence gains, the steep social programme cuts and soaring debt draw ethical and fiscal backlash, raising doubts about coverage losses, sustainability, and intra-party cohesion.

One Big Beautiful Bill heads to the House after Senate passes controversial bill

The U.S. Senate narrowly approved Donald Trump’s flagship tax-and-spending package, now called the One Big Beautiful Bill, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie following three Republican defections. This 900‑page legislation includes:

$4.5 trillion in tax cuts (extending 2017 rates permanently and exempting tips)
$150 bn in additional military spending and border enforcement
Deep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, clean energy programmes, student loans, and more.
Estimated $3.3 trillion increase in national debt over a decade, with 11.8 million more uninsured by 2034, according to CBO projections.

Now headed to the House with a tight GOP-votes math, where moderates and conservatives clash over its social safety-net cuts ahead of the 4 July deadline .

🔁 Reaction:

Vance/Schumer: “The vote today avoided a shutdown and advanced key reforms.”
Senators Tillis, Collins, Paul (GOP holdouts): > “Cannot support this deficit-heavy, entitlement-slashing agenda.”
Celebrities/activists (e.g. Alyssa Milano, Ilana Glazer): > “A disaster for healthcare and working-class Americans. #NoBeautifulBill”

📰 Bias Snapshot:

Reuters/AP/Guardian stick to legislative facts, vote counts, and policy scope .
WSJ/FT scrutinise fiscal impact, deficit concerns, and intra-GOP tensions ahead of House vote.
Progressive outlets emphasise threat to healthcare and social programmes, spotlighting celebrity criticism.

📊 Sentiment: Neutral–negative. Major milestone for Trump’s agenda, yet deficit surge and social cuts trigger internal dissent and opposition ahead of deadline-driven House battle.

US dollar slumps to 50-year low amid Trump policies and market turmoil

What happened

In the first half of 2025, the US dollar has suffered its worst decline since 1973, plunging roughly 10.8% against a basket of major currencies. Analysts link this slump to President Trump’s economic and trade policies, especially erratic tariff actions, ballooning national debt from his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and public attempts to influence Federal Reserve independence. This decline has eroded the dollar’s appeal as a safe-haven asset, while boosting alternative assets like the euro, gold, and non-US bonds.

Why it matters

A weakened dollar ripples across global markets: it raises import costs for US consumers and travel expenses, but improves export competitiveness. Investors fearing prolonged uncertainty are shifting to other currencies and assets like gold and German bonds. Concerns are mounting that persistent policy volatility could undermine the dollar’s central role in global finance, though some analysts argue the decline primarily reflects Fed rate cut expectations.

Reaction

Market reactions have been mixed. Stock indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have reached new highs, buoyed by low rates and debt-fueled spending. Some analysts suggest the dollar is oversold, with potential for recovery as bearish sentiment peaks. Others paint a bleaker picture: David Roche predicts the dollar could fall another 15-20% over five years without policy adjustments.

What next

Wall Street will closely watch two major developments: the Senate’s vote on Trump’s fiscal bill, which may ramp up debt further, and the Federal Reserve’s next moves. If Trump succeeds in replacing Fed Chair Powell and pushing for rate cuts, the dollar could weaken further. Meanwhile, global investors are offloading US assets, and currencies like the euro, yen, and Swiss franc are likely to continue appreciating.

2 dead as US firefighters ambushed in Idaho

Firefighters Ambushed in Idaho as Sniper Lures Them to Blaze

A gunman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, set a brush fire on Canfield Mountain before ambushing firefighters responding to the blaze on Sunday at around 2 pm. Two firefighters, one from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, were killed, and a third was critically wounded, now in stable condition post-surgery.

Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed the blaze was deliberately ignited as a trap. A 20‑acre wildfire complicated rescue efforts, and officers exchanged fire with the sniper during a multi-hour standoff involving around 300 law enforcement personnel, including FBI tactical teams. The suspect, found dead with a rifle nearby, is believed to have died by suicide; no motive has yet been determined.

🗣️ Reactions:

Gov Brad Little (Idaho): “This is a heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters—please pray for them and their families.”
Sheriff Norris: > “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.”
Firefighters’ union (IAFF): > “Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper… keep them and their families in your prayers.”

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

Reuters/AP report the incident unemotionally, focusing on facts: deaths, firefight details, standoff, and official responses.
People/CBS News emphasise emotional impact, noting a “heinous act of violence” and community shock.
WSJ and Washington Post explore operational and tactical aspects, including law-enforcement deployment and suspect’s death.

📊 Sentiment: Negative. The deliberately targeted attack on emergency responders is a shocking escalation, raising concerns about firefighter safety, rural violence, and the growing complexity of wildfire management under extreme conditions.

UK-US trade deal comes into effect today but steel tariffs remain unresolved!

UK-US Trade Deal Comes Into Effect, Slashing Tariffs on Cars and Aerospace but Steel Tariffs Remain

The long-awaited UK-US trade deal officially came into force, reducing tariffs on UK exports to the US and strengthening transatlantic economic ties. Tariffs on UK car exports have been cut from 27.5% to 10%, while aerospace goods, including Rolls-Royce engines and BAE Systems parts, now face zero tariffs. However, a 25% tariff on UK steel exports remains unresolved, with negotiations ongoing. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a significant step forward, while former President Donald Trump hailed it as “big and beautiful.”

🔁 Political Reactions:

Keir Starmer: “This deal strengthens UK jobs and exports, marking a new chapter for our economy.”
Labour opposition MP: “Good progress but steel tariffs still hold back full potential.”
Public viral tweet: > “Great news for UK cars but why no deal on steel yet? #TradeFail”

📰 Media Bias & Framing:

The Independent frames the deal as a pragmatic win with remaining challenges, focusing on jobs and industries affected.
BBC presents the deal with balanced coverage of benefits and outstanding issues, such as steel tariffs.
Right-leaning outlets praise the deal as a Brexit success story, emphasising deregulation and free trade.

📊 Sentiment: Neutral-positive. The tariff cuts provide immediate relief to key UK sectors, but unresolved steel tariffs and ongoing negotiations temper enthusiasm.

POLITICIAN TRACKER

A round up of what the Politicians have been doing.

*Denotes wanted for war crimes.

Keir Starmer

The PM has been forced into a humiliating backdown on his controversial welfare reform, days after already making huge concessions. The PM’s bill passed in the Commons yesterday, but still

STARMER TRACKER »

Donald Trump

It’s a huge week for the US president as his “One Big Beautiful Bill” is to be voted on in the Senate (4 July deadline). There has been backlash towards

TRUMP TRACKER »

Ursula von der Leyen

She is in Seville today and said the EU needs: “A paradigm shift is needed on development aid”. A clash is forming with the EU, right wing are attacking EU

LEYEN TRACKER »

President Macron

Attending the United Nations Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. And using the opportunity to sweeten relations with former African colonies.

MACRON TRACKER »

Volodymyr Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, a step that follows the Baltic nations and Poland’s move to boost their defence as

ZELENSKY TRACKER »

✍️ Quote of the Week

“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” — Napoleon Bonaparte

This week’s news shows how narratives — whether political, digital, or economic — can be engineered, exposed, or reimagined. The truth, as ever, lies between the lines, but there is no doubt, that history belongs to the victor.

mojo

HIDDEN STORY

🕵️ No, Macron did not hide cocaine on a train to Ukraine

A viral video claiming French President Emmanuel Macron was “caught red-handed” hiding a cocaine bag on a train to Ukraine has been thoroughly debunked by France 24’s fact-checking team. The footage, which showed Macron holding a white pouch before tucking it into his coat, was deceptively edited. The object was a known brand of French facial tissue.

The clip gained traction on platforms like X and TikTok, fuelled by conspiracy influencers. AI analysis of the video confirmed digital tampering.

This story reflects the increasing use of manipulated media to undermine political figures — particularly during periods of tension like Macron’s current Green rebellion.

Key takeaway: In an age of digital warfare, viral misinformation can move faster than diplomacy.

EVENTS and Culture

This weeks global cultural & business events provides a round up of the highlights key events taking place around the world. You don’t need a private jet to get around, some are virtual as well.

🌍 Global Cultural & Business Events This Week

🇮🇹 La Biennale di Venezia – Venice
🇺🇸 G7 Finance Ministers Summit – New York
🇺🇳 UN Digital Inclusion Forum – Geneva
🇩🇪 Berlin Design Week – Berlin
🇺🇸 SXSW EDU Europe – London

🏛️ Political events to keep your eyes on

NATO: Turkey requests joint monitoring of PKK disbandment
IMF: Revises 2025 global growth forecast to 3.2%
UNESCO: Adds Gaza’s Old Port to watchlist of threatened heritage sites
WHO: Issues early warning for rising dengue clusters in Asia
World Bank: Launches climate adaptation bond for Sahel nations

FEATURED EVENT – International Summit – Tirana, Albania

Meeting of the European Political Community, 16 May 2025

The sixth meeting of the European Political Community will bring together leaders from across the continent in Tirana, Albania under the theme ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’.

The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, who will co-chair the meeting along with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama.

🖼️ Art/Culture Highlight – Kunsthaus Zurich: “Surveillance and the Self”

An exhibition tracing the history. A Future for the Past

The exhibition focuses on various – also contradictory – perspectives on the historical context in which the arms manufacturer and patron Emil G. Bührle built up his collection: it highlights the biographies of former owners of individual works, whose sale took place under questionable circumstances, and the question of how a differentiated approach to history can succeed in the immediate present.

The Bührle Collection: art, context, war and conflict.

Motivation

✍️ Thought of the day

We’ve delveoped this need to move on to the ‘next thing’ standing in one place seems to make one anxious. That may be because of the way we are being engineered, the thirst for more. But the negative impact of that is, we rarely get to enjoy the moment.

When enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or any other activity, pay attention to the details and fully experience it, just stand still (figuratively) and process what you have done, The next, more is not always better.

✍️ Quote of the Week

➤ Every major achievement once looked daunting. Don’t be discouraged by how far there is to go – just take the next step.

mojo

HIDDEN STORY

Meta’s billion-dollar AI talent hunt sparks broader jobs reckoning

Meta is offering some of the richest talent packages in tech history – up to $100 million in signing bonuses – as Mark Zuckerberg personally spearheads a major AI hiring blitz, including a $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, while this aggressive push also raises fresh concerns about AI’s impact on traditional jobs (cityam.com).

EVENTS and Culture

The USA will be celebrating its Independence Day on the 4th, always a huge day of celebrations. The country also has the Club World Cup Final to look forward to, as well as the Global Business Summit. Here’s your USA Events Guide for the week ahead!

USA Events Guide: 30 June – 6 July 2025

Independence Day Celebrations (4 July)
The USA marks its Independence Day with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family events nationwide. Major cities like Washington D.C. and New York host large-scale celebrations, including iconic fireworks displays over landmarks such as the National Mall and Statue of Liberty, celebrating American history and patriotism.

Club World Cup Final (1 July)
This major global football event, held in the USA, showcases the world’s top club teams competing for international glory. It highlights the growing presence of football in the US sporting landscape.

Aspen Ideas Festival (1–6 July)
In Aspen, Colorado, leaders across business, politics, technology, and culture gather for discussions on innovation and global challenges. This festival fosters networking and thought leadership in a range of sectors.

ESSENCE Festival of Culture (3–6 July, New Orleans, LA)
A vibrant celebration of Black culture through music, art, and empowerment, featuring top artists such as Boyz II Men, Nas, and Davido. It’s one of the largest cultural festivals in the South.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival: “Youth and the Future of Culture” (2–7 July, Washington, D.C.)
Hosted on the National Mall, this festival explores how young people shape culture, focusing on creativity and resilience.

Business & Professional Events

Global Business Summit (5 July, Memphis, TN)

A gathering of business leaders focused on global economic trends and strategic insights.

183rd International Conference on Business Management and Economics (5 July, New York City)

Featuring discussions on the latest developments in business management and economic theory.

International Conference on Strategic Management and Planning (5 July, New York City)

Focused on strategic management practices and planning techniques for modern businesses.

National Small Business Conference

Offering workshops and networking on topics including AI adoption and financial success for small business owners.

Leadership

Lessons in leading through crisis from Jacinda Ardern

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shares insights and lessons in leading through crisis, reflecting on the challenges of leadership at the highest levels.

She shares how her empathetic leadership style, shaped by self-doubt, that drove her with the power of transparent communication and leading with trust, not ego, allowed her to move forward decisively.

Here are the Key Takeaways from her interview on Leadership:
1 – Imposter Syndrome Can Be a Leadership Asset
2 – Trust Is Built Through Honesty, Not Perfection
3 – Empathy and Resilience Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
4 – Crisis Is an Opportunity to Advance Policy Goals
5 – Sustainable Leadership Requires Self-Awareness

Develop »