The Republican-led House of Representatives narrowly passed President Trump’s large tax-and-spending package early Thursday morning in a vote of 215-214. This measure, referred to as "one big, beautiful bill," aims to both extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and cut spending on programs like Medicaid and food aid. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly brokered a fragile agreement to navigate differing views among Republicans, with only two Republicans voting against and one voting present, while Democrats uniformly opposed the bill. Last-minute adjustments included accelerating Medicaid work requirements and the phaseout of wind/solar tax credits to appeal to conservatives, and raising the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 for members from high-tax states. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.
Despite the passage, the bill faced significant criticism, notably from within the Republican party itself. Rep. Thomas Massie strongly opposed the package, describing it as a "debt bomb ticking". He argued that the bill increases deficits immediately based on uncertain promises of future fiscal responsibility. Massie highlighted the Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and warned of soaring interest costs, potentially reaching $16,000 per American family, as the national debt could rise by an estimated $30 trillion over the next decade. He dramatically compared the situation to steering the Titanic towards an iceberg, criticizing the leadership for pushing the bill through late at night. Massie was one of the two House Republicans who voted against the bill.
In Washington, D.C., a shooting occurred near the Capital Jewish Museum, resulting in the deaths of two staff members from the Israeli Embassy. The suspected shooter, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was arrested at the scene after reportedly confessing and directing officers to his weapon. Witnesses observed the suspect near the museum following a Jewish heritage event. The victims, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were described as young professionals; Lischinsky was planning to propose to Milgrim. Law enforcement and FBI officials characterized the incident as a targeted attack, assuring there was no ongoing threat to the public. Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed full prosecution. The incident is noted as highlighting rising antisemitism amid Middle East tensions.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is holding a panel meeting to determine whether the COVID-19 vaccine formula should be updated for the upcoming fall season. This discussion is prompted by ongoing questions regarding who should receive boosters this year. The meeting follows a recent FDA decision to limit routine booster recommendations primarily to seniors and high-risk individuals, leaving those under 65 in uncertainty about eligibility and insurance coverage. The panel is tasked with evaluating if last fall's vaccine formula, which targeted omicron subvariants, provides sufficient protection against the currently dominant LP.8.1 subtype. While the World Health Organization deems the prior formula acceptable, regulators in Europe reportedly favor updating to target the newest strain. Dr. Vinay Prasad, FDA vaccine chief, indicated a shift towards letting scientific data dictate when formula changes are needed, rather than making automatic annual adjustments. The CDC’s advisory group is expected to provide recommendations next month on eligibility for fall boosters.
An unusual and dramatic meeting took place in the Oval Office between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The encounter included Trump dimming the lights and showing a video that alleged South African politicians were inciting violence against white farmers. President Ramaphosa questioned the video's authenticity, stating he had never seen it. Trump supported his claims with printouts concerning violence, while Ramaphosa brought in his delegation to emphasize that violence affects all South Africans, not just white farmers. The meeting concluded with a lighthearted exchange about gifting a plane, and Ramaphosa remarked on the dramatic nature of the meeting, suggesting it might have disappointed those expecting an even bigger event.
In San Diego, a small private jet crashed into a residential neighborhood early Thursday morning amidst heavy fog. The crash resulted in fires that engulfed approximately 15 homes and vehicles in the Murphy Canyon area. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy described the scene as a "gigantic debris field" with jet fuel extensively spread, prompting immediate evacuations. Visibility was severely limited at the time of the crash near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The number of people on board the six-to-eight-seat Cessna 550 aircraft was not immediately confirmed by the FAA. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause. No injuries were reported initially. This incident occurred in the same area as a fatal crash in 2021, highlighting risks near the airport.
