Senate split over Trump’s tax and spend bill – Idaho killer guilty plea deal | USA News Briefing Week 27

It’s set to be a busy week for the United States with Donald Trump’s contentious tax and spend bill expected to be voted on before the 4 July deadline. The bill has proven unpopular with the public, Democrats and even some Republicans, with a possible 3 trillion USD being added to the USA’s debt. Elon Musk isn’t happy with it either, leading to another online spat with Donald Trump!

US media is reporting the man accused of murdering four Idaho students in 2022 is set to accept a guilty plea deal, which will see the death penalty off the table.

The 20-year-old man who lured two firefighters to their deaths has been publicly named. The motive for his murders remains unknown.

🇺🇸 USA News Briefing Week 27

USA Editorial

Donald Trump says ‘very wealthy group’ has agreed to buy TikTok in the US

🇺🇸 USA News Briefing (30 June-

🇺🇸 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

It’s crunch day for the British prime minister as MPs are set to vote on the government’s planned reforms to welfare, with dozens of rebel Labour MPs still planning to

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 »