US Health Department Unfreezes $10 Billion in Aid for Five States

The United States government has refunded tens of billions of dollars in tariffs collected under former President Donald Trump after the Supreme Court declared them illegal. According to budget figures released Monday, the government has already paid back $81 billion in duties to companies that imported goods into the country. Tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, were a key part of Trump's economic strategy when he took office in 2017 and again in 2025. The Supreme Court ruled that certain tariffs imposed by Trump's administration violated trade laws, forcing the government to return the money. The refunds have been ongoing since the ruling, with the latest figures showing the total amount repaid. The decision is a significant setback for Trump's trade policies, which aimed to protect American industries by taxing foreign imports. Critics of the tariffs argued they raised costs for businesses and consumers, while supporters said they helped domestic manufacturing. The refunds mark a major financial shift, as the government must now return billions collected over several years. The process of repaying all affected companies is expected to continue, with further payments likely in the coming months.

A federal judge has strongly criticized a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), calling it an improper case of self-dealing. The judge also recommended that the lawyers who brought the case face disciplinary action, including acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. The lawsuit, which was filed during Trump's presidency, challenged certain IRS actions. However, the judge ruled that the case was not legitimate and appeared to benefit the former president personally. In legal terms, self-dealing occurs when someone in a position of power uses their authority for personal gain rather than for the public good. The judge's recommendation for disciplinary action against the lawyers involved is a serious step. It suggests that the judge believes the lawyers may have violated ethical rules by filing a lawsuit that lacked legal merit. Todd Blanche, as acting attorney general, is a high-ranking official in the Justice Department. This decision adds to the legal challenges surrounding Trump, who faces several other lawsuits and investigations. The ruling does not impose immediate penalties but puts the lawyers on notice that their conduct could be reviewed by legal ethics authorities. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump's legal strategies and the judicial system. The judge's strong language underscores the importance of ensuring that lawsuits are filed in good faith and not for improper purposes.

The Supreme Court of India has asked the Uttar Pradesh government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to submit a status report within a week on the probe into alleged embezzlement of donations for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The court is currently overseeing the investigation and is considering multiple public interest litigations that call for an independent inquiry. So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with suspicious activities related to the temple fund. The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 20. The Ram Mandir, a Hindu temple under construction in Ayodhya, is being built after a decades-long legal dispute. Donations were collected from the public to fund the construction, and concerns about misuse of these funds prompted the legal action. The Supreme Court's involvement underscores the importance of transparency in the use of religious donations. The SIT's report will likely detail the progress of the investigation and any further arrests or recoveries.

The UK government announced plans on Monday to change the law to allow the deportation of a convicted paedophile who led a notorious grooming gang. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood said the move targets Shabir Ahmed, who was the ringleader of a group that targeted girls in Rochdale, northern England. Ahmed was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2012 for multiple child sexual offences, including rape. He was released earlier this month under the country's early release programme, sparking public outcry. The proposed legal change would enable the deportation of foreign-born criminals even after they have served their sentences. Ahmed is believed to be of Pakistani origin, but the government has not confirmed his citizenship status. Grooming gangs, often involving groups of men targeting young girls, have been a major issue in the UK, with several high-profile cases in towns like Rochdale and Rotherham. Critics have accused authorities of failing to protect victims due to cultural sensitivities. The new law would close a loophole that currently prevents deportation of some serious offenders. Mahmood stated that the government is determined to ensure that such criminals face the full consequences of their actions. The announcement comes amid growing public anger over early releases of dangerous offenders. The legislation will be introduced in Parliament soon.

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has publicly defended his advisor Morris Katz, despite calls from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to cut ties with him. The controversy stems from Katz's involvement in the sale of a property owned by a group called Platner, which later collapsed amid scandals. The DSA urged its allies to blacklist Katz, labeling his actions as 'perverted.' However, Mamdani stated that Katz remains a top advisor and did not distance himself from the consultant. Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, broke his silence on the matter, emphasizing that he values Katz's counsel. The DSA's push to blacklist Katz reflects internal divisions within the party over ethical standards and past associations. Platner, the organization involved, faced multiple scandals that led to its downfall. Critics argue that advisors like Katz should be held accountable for their roles in such failures. Mamdani's decision to keep Katz close has drawn mixed reactions from supporters and opponents alike. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within progressive circles about accountability and loyalty. Mamdani's stance may affect his political relationships going forward.

Brazil's government watchdog, the Comptroller General (CGU), has raised alarms about a resurgence of secret budget spending through committee amendments. These funds, known as 'emendas de comissão,' totaled over R$15 billion ($2.8 billion) in 2024 alone, according to a report. The category saw an explosive growth from R$329 million in 2022 to R$15.5 billion in 2023, after a previous secret budget scheme was banned. The CGU found that it is nearly impossible to trace the real authors of these amendments, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The return of opaque spending comes after years of controversy over Brazil's 'secret budget'—a system that allowed lawmakers to direct funds to projects without public disclosure. The CGU's report highlights that the new committee-based mechanism lacks proper oversight, potentially enabling corruption and misuse of public money. The watchdog warned that the current system hides who is actually responsible for allocating the funds, undermining democratic governance. This development has sparked calls for stricter regulations and more transparent budget processes. Critics argue that the government must ensure that all spending is traceable and subject to public scrutiny to prevent abuse.