As the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports drags on, thousands of seafarers are stranded on ships, and economic shockwaves ripple around the world.
The US housing market is moving towards a more balanced state, with 44% of agents reporting a balanced market in Q2, up from 30% last year. Buyers are regaining leverage due to increased supply and more realistic pricing from sellers, though high mortgage rates remain a concern.
California and New York are advancing legislation requiring 3D printers to incorporate "print blocker" software to prevent the creation of firearm components. This move shifts regulation from gun files to the machines themselves, but the vague specifications of the technology raise concerns about potential surveillance and impact on the 3D printing industry.
Democrats are developing "Project 2029," a policy blueprint for a future president, inspired by the conservative Project 2025. A key focus is combating the "annoyance economy," a term for frustrating business practices like hidden fees and difficult subscription cancellations, estimated to cost Americans $165 billion annually. Policy veterans Chad Maisel and Neale Mahoney are leading efforts to create regulations addressing these issues.
Extreme heat waves are causing roads to buckle and warp, leading to traffic disruptions and closures. Experts cite climate change as a driver of more frequent and intense heat, questioning the readiness of current infrastructure to withstand future climate conditions.
President Trump's long-standing criticisms of NATO, particularly regarding defense spending and burden-sharing, are expected to create a tense atmosphere at the upcoming summit in Turkey. Allies are focused on maintaining the alliance's cohesion amidst Trump's "transactional" foreign policy approach.
Descendants of Dred Scott and Chief Justice Roger Taney, who authored the infamous Dred Scott decision, met recently in Washington D.C. The meeting occurred as the Supreme Court grappled with birthright citizenship, a case that echoes the 1857 ruling.
