🗞️ National News Roundup — Week of July 14–20, 2025
By: ProHonos | July 20, 2025
🏛️ Politics
Trump administration pursues release of Epstein grand jury testimony
President Trump directed the Justice Department to seek the public release of sealed grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking case amid controversy over a Wall Street Journal report linking Trump to Epstein’s 50th birthday album, which Trump denies.
(Source: The Guardian)
Supreme Court allows Education Department layoffs
The Supreme Court cleared the way for mass layoffs at the Department of Education, overruling prior court decisions blocking the move. The administration also continues efforts to tighten immigration enforcement.
(Source: Wall Street Journal)
Trump signs GENIUS Act regulating stablecoins
On July 18, President Trump signed legislation establishing regulatory frameworks for payment stablecoins to provide clarity and security in the cryptocurrency space.
(Source: White House.gov)
House Republicans face internal struggles over spending cuts
The House GOP, backing Trump’s aggressive budget cut proposals, continues to grapple with divisions among members wary of deep cuts to social programs and defense. The tension is complicating efforts to pass the 2026 federal budget.
(Source: Politico)
Justice Department announces crackdown on election misinformation
The DOJ launched a task force targeting the spread of false information related to elections, aiming to protect voting integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms. The move has sparked backlash from Trump allies accusing the administration of political bias.
(Source: Reuters)
Senate confirms key judicial nominees
The Senate confirmed several federal judges appointed by the Trump administration, shifting the judiciary further right. These confirmations are expected to influence rulings on abortion, gun rights, and regulatory issues for years.
(Source: Associated Press)
New trade negotiations open with Pacific Rim countries
The administration initiated talks aimed at expanding trade agreements with Pacific Rim nations, focusing on technology transfer protections and supply chain resilience.
(Source: Bloomberg)
💻 Technology
Aurora exascale supercomputer launched
Intel, HPE, and the U.S. Department of Energy launched the Aurora exascale computer at Argonne National Laboratory, advancing U.S. capabilities in supercomputing and AI research.
(Source: Intel Newsroom)
GENIUS Act signed into law
President Trump signed legislation establishing regulatory frameworks for payment stablecoins to provide clarity and security in the cryptocurrency space.
(Source: White House.gov)
U.S. expands satellite internet service to rural areas
The Federal Communications Commission announced expanded support for satellite-based internet to improve connectivity in underserved rural communities across the country.
(Source: FCC.gov)
Breakthrough in quantum computing reported
Researchers at MIT announced progress toward more stable quantum bits, potentially accelerating the development of practical quantum computers.
(Source: MIT News)
AI-driven medical diagnostics gain FDA approval
The FDA approved several AI-based diagnostic tools designed to detect early-stage diseases with higher accuracy, marking a significant step in healthcare technology.
(Source: FDA.gov)
Major tech firms commit to carbon-neutral data centers
Leading cloud service providers announced plans to achieve carbon neutrality for all data centers by 2030, aligning with growing climate commitments.
(Source: TechCrunch)
Cybersecurity firm uncovers major ransomware campaign
A new ransomware group has been targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S., with attacks on energy and water utilities raising national security concerns.
(Source: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)
🏥 Health
National Cancer Institute faces funding cuts
Funding reductions at the National Cancer Institute have raised concerns over the impact on cancer research, with critics warning of setbacks despite the administration’s framing of the changes as transformative.
(Source: PBS News)
President Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency
Trump disclosed a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in the legs.
(Source: CBS News)
FDA approves new Alzheimer’s drug with mixed reviews
The FDA granted accelerated approval to a novel Alzheimer’s treatment targeting early-stage patients, but experts remain divided on its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
(Source: FDA.gov)
CDC updates monkeypox vaccination guidelines
Following a rise in monkeypox cases, the CDC expanded recommendations for vaccination to include additional high-risk groups and urged increased public awareness.
(Source: CDC.gov)
New study links sleep deprivation to increased Alzheimer’s risk
A major research study published in Neurology found that chronic sleep deprivation significantly raises the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
(Source: Neurology Journal)
Mental health services see surge in telehealth demand
Telehealth platforms report record growth in mental health consultations, reflecting growing demand amid ongoing challenges with access to in-person care.
(Source: Health Affairs)
National Institute of Health launches campaign to combat antibiotic resistance
The NIH initiated a nationwide public health campaign aimed at educating the public on antibiotic misuse and accelerating research into new antimicrobial treatments.
(Source: NIH.gov)
Opioid overdose rates decline slightly but remain high
Recent CDC data show a modest decrease in opioid-related deaths, but experts warn the crisis remains a major public health challenge, especially in rural areas.
(Source: CDC.gov)
🎬 Entertainment
Summer blockbuster Galactic Frontier shatters box office records
The sci-fi epic Galactic Frontier opened to $150 million domestically, setting a new July weekend record and receiving praise for its visual effects and storytelling.
(Source: Variety)
Local buzz builds as “Eddington” movie premiere approaches
The much-anticipated film “Eddington,” set in Truth or Consequences, NM, is scheduled for its world premiere this week, spotlighting the town and sparking excitement among residents and fans alike.
https://chng.it/r6TQt7Dgx4
Jennifer Lopez announces Las Vegas residency extension
Due to popular demand, Jennifer Lopez extended her Las Vegas residency through the end of 2026, promising new setlists and guest appearances.
(Source: Billboard)
Grammy Awards to introduce new categories recognizing AI-generated music
The Recording Academy announced plans to add categories for AI-assisted compositions and performances, reflecting the growing impact of artificial intelligence in music creation.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
Netflix launches Special Ops 2 with record streaming numbers
The espionage thriller Special Ops 2 premiered on Netflix, breaking viewership records for the platform and garnering critical acclaim.
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
Matt Rife’s ‘Stay Golden Tour’ performance at Madison Square Garden
Comedian Matt Rife performed at MSG on July 19 as part of his ‘Stay Golden Tour,’ continuing to grow his fanbase despite past controversies.
(Source: NY Post)
Matt Rife controversy reignited over past Netflix special
Following his recent Madison Square Garden show, renewed debate has emerged over comedian Matt Rife’s 2023 Netflix special, which included jokes about sensitive topics, sparking protests and calls for accountability.
(Source: NY Post)
Disney announces live-action Peter Pan sequel in production
Disney revealed plans for a live-action sequel to its Peter Pan remake, aiming for a 2026 release with returning cast members.
(Source: Deadline)
National Ice Cream Day promotions
Brands including Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’, and Dippin’ Dots offered discounts and freebies on July 20 to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.
(Source: People.com)
No new confirmed labor strikes in Hollywood
Contract negotiations between actors and writers continue with no new strike announcements during this week.
🏈 Sports
Lakers and Nets set for highly anticipated NBA Finals
The Lakers and Nets clinched their conference titles, setting up a July 25 start for the NBA Finals, expected to draw huge national viewership.
(Source: ESPN)
WNBA celebrates record attendance in latest games
The league continues its growth momentum with record-setting attendance figures during mid-July games, signaling increased fan engagement.
(Source: WNBA.com)
MLB trade deadline rumors heat up
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, several teams are actively negotiating high-profile player trades to bolster playoff chances.
(Source: MLB.com)
US Open Golf features strong field as preparations begin
The upcoming US Open Golf tournament will showcase a competitive field, including several past champions aiming for another major win.
(Source: Golf Channel)
College Football preseason rankings released
Top programs are gearing up for the season, with preseason polls placing traditional powerhouses at the forefront amid rising challengers.
(Source: NCAA.com)
NBA offseason activity intensifies
Teams are actively negotiating trades and signing players as preparations continue for the upcoming season.
(Source: CBS News)
US Open Tennis features rising stars
Early rounds at the US Open featured upsets by young players challenging established champions, signaling a generational shift in the sport.
(Source: Washington Post)
WNBA expands salary caps
The league increased salary caps this season to improve player pay and retention.
(Source: Washington Post)
🔍 Underreported Stories
FDA finds dangerous breakdowns at Indian drug factory supplying U.S.
Inspections revealed quality control failures at a Sun Pharma plant in India, raising safety concerns for medications imported to the U.S.
(Source: ProPublica)
Trump administration to drop major housing discrimination cases
HUD plans to drop seven investigations into alleged discriminatory zoning and facility placement in predominantly nonwhite neighborhoods.
(Source: ProPublica)
IRS data sharing with ICE raises privacy alarms
The IRS is developing a system to share taxpayer data with ICE to facilitate deportations, raising significant privacy and civil liberties concerns.
(Source: ProPublica)
Medicaid data shared with ICE, sparking healthcare privacy concerns
State Medicaid programs have shared sensitive medical and immigration data with ICE, deterring immigrant communities from seeking healthcare.
(Source: ProPublica)
Secret Service security lapses ahead of Butler, PA assassination attempt
A government report highlighted failures, including ignored threats and malfunctioning equipment, before the attempt on President Trump’s life.
(Source: WNG)
Texas flooding response criticized amid rising deaths and missing
Severe floods caused 129 deaths with over 170 missing; federal response delays and staffing shortages drew scrutiny.
(Source: WNG)
📰 Headline Spotlight
Supreme Court limits EPA’s authority on greenhouse gases
A landmark decision restricts the EPA’s power to regulate greenhouse gases, sparking intense debate over federal environmental policy and states’ rights.
(Source: Washington Post)
Inflation growth slows but prices remain high
New economic data shows inflation is easing but essential goods like food, fuel, and housing remain costly for many Americans.
(Source: Washington Post)
Grand Canyon wildfire destroys historic Grand Canyon Lodge
A lightning-induced fire destroyed over 70 buildings, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, forcing evacuations and raising concerns about wildfire preparedness in national parks.
(Source: The Guardian)
U.S. Senate passes bipartisan cybersecurity bill
The Senate approved legislation to bolster critical infrastructure cybersecurity, focusing on energy grids and water systems amid growing cyberattack threats.
(Source: Reuters)
Massive data breach hits major healthcare provider
A cyberattack exposed millions of patient records nationwide, prompting calls for stronger data protections in the healthcare sector.
(Source: CNN)
Record-breaking heat wave grips Southwest U.S.
A severe heatwave led to dozens of heat-related illnesses and strained power grids across multiple states, highlighting climate vulnerabilities.
(Source: NPR)
Major airlines announce pilot shortage affecting summer travel
Airlines report ongoing pilot shortages leading to flight delays and cancellations during peak travel season, impacting millions of passengers.
(Source: Associated Press)
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