President Trump has announced steep 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports (and copper), citing legal actions against former Brazilian President Bolsonaro as political retaliation. Brazil pledged to retaliate, raising tensions and rattling global markets Reuters+5The Guardian+5The Guardian+5.
Meanwhile, a federal judge is reviewing a case challenging Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship. This comes after a Supreme Court decision curbing nationwide injunctions. The ACLU seeks class-action status on behalf of U.S.-born children of noncitizen parents The Guardian.
🌊 Central Texas Flood Fallout
The death toll from flash floods in Central Texas (July 4–7) has surpassed 120, with over 170 missing, marking one of the deadliest inland floods since 1976 YouTube+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4.
President Trump will visit Kerrville on July 11 to assess recovery efforts Wikipedia.
🏗️ Los Angeles Tunnel Collapse Rescue
In L.A., workers were rescued from a collapsed tunnel—fortunately, none were seriously injured, but officials continue investigating structural safety The Washington Post+1usnews.com+1.
👮 McAllen Border Patrol Shooting
In McAllen, Texas, a gunman opened fire on a Border Patrol station on July 7, wounding an officer before being fatally shot. The suspect was identified as 27‑year‑old Ryan Mosqueda from Michigan Wikipedia.
🧑⚖️ Secret Service Suspends Agents
Six Secret Service agents have been suspended following the assassination attempt on Trump during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024. The suspended agents face 10–42 day unpaid leaves amid an ongoing review The Guardian+1nypost.com+1.
⚙️ Energy Debate: Wind & Solar Under Fire
Trump critics call renewable energy “bad for the grid,” but a Texas-based analysis counters, showing wind and solar integration is working effectively usnews.com.
Back‑to‑school projections suggest consumer spending may drop due to rising prices and economic uncertainty Reuters.
🦠 Public Health: Measles Surge
Measles cases in the U.S. have spiked—hitting a 33‑year high—prompting health officials to re-emphasize vaccination efforts Wikipedia.
✈️ Global Diplomacy: Rubio Meets Lavrov
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of ASEAN talks. Discussions focused on Ukraine response, trade friction, and China’s proposal for a Southeast Asian nuclear ban Reuters+1aljazeera.com+1.
