Category: News

President Trump’s initiative to eliminate taxes on worker tips may soon materialize, as senators finalize a substantial budget package dubbed the “big, beautiful bill.” A primary element of this legislation aims to alleviate federal income tax burdens for workers dependent on tips, including waiters, bartenders, and hairdressers. While the White House promotes this move as a success for the working class, critics like the Independent Restaurant Coalition argue that the benefits might be short-lived and that many low-wage workers might not see real assistance.

The proposed “no tax on tips” provision would create a new deduction for tipped workers, removing their federal tax obligations on tips earned. However, these workers would still need to pay state and local income taxes, as well as payroll taxes. Notably, the House and Senate versions of the bill diverge on key aspects, particularly regarding deduction limits.

The Senate’s proposal caps the deduction at $25,000, while the House version allows for no cap. Moreover, the House limits eligibility for the tax break to individuals earning $160,000 or less annually, while the Senate suggests phasing out benefits for those making over $150,000 and couples exceeding $300,000. According to estimates from the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, abolishing taxes on tips could increase the average take-home pay of eligible workers by approximately $1,675 yearly.

A survey revealed that 83% of hourly workers favor eliminating taxes on tips, indicating that added income could provide essential support for many workers. However, data shows that a significant number of tipped workers may not benefit, as over one-third already fall below taxable income levels. Critics emphasize that the tax break would primarily assist higher earners while leaving many low-wage employees, especially in fast food, without support.

Advocates suggest raising the federal minimum wage as a more effective strategy to help low-wage workers, addressing the root cause of income insufficiency rather than focusing solely on tax deductions.

In July, hundreds of thousands of workers in various cities and states will experience wage increases as minimum wage hikes take effect. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), over 800,000 workers in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., will be directly impacted by these changes, alongside numerous cities and counties that will raise their minimum pay rates. Currently, the federal minimum wage remains unchanged at $7.25 per hour, a rate that has stood still since 2009.

As living costs have gradually increased, several states and municipalities have opted to raise their minimum wages through legislation and ballot measures. EPI’s state economic analyst, Sebastian Martinez Hickey, noted that these increases aim to better support workers and their families. Full-time workers in Alaska could see an average annual pay increase of about $925, while those in Oregon might experience an increase of approximately $420.

Women make up about 58% of those benefiting from these wage hikes, with Black and Hispanic workers also likely to gain significantly, highlighting ongoing disparities in wage growth. Although the federal minimum wage has not changed in 16 years, there have been ongoing discussions, such as legislation proposed by Senator Josh Hawley to raise it to $15 per hour. Specific minimum wage increases include Alaska’s new rate of $13.00 an hour, raised by $1.09 due to a voter-approved ballot measure.

In Washington, D.C., the new minimum will be $17.95 an hour, reflecting a 45-cent increase. Meanwhile, Oregon’s minimum wage will rise to $15.05 an hour, following a 35-cent adjustment. Additional wage increases will occur in 12 cities and counties across California, Illinois, and Maryland, with various adjustments that range from 40 to 54 cents per hour.

Beyoncé faced a potentially dangerous situation during her first concert of the “Cowboy Carter” tour in Houston on Saturday night. While performing her song “16 Carriages,” she was suspended in a red convertible when it began to tilt unexpectedly. Fan-captured videos from the event show the singer, who is 43 years old, calmly reacting to the alarming scenario. As she was elevated in the air, the vehicle began to slant, prompting Beyoncé to say into the microphone, “Stop.

Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.”

Thankfully, she appeared to be secure in a harness and held onto one of the cables, ensuring her safety. The music was halted, and the car was gradually lowered back to the stage without incident, allowing the performance to continue. The precise cause of the car’s malfunction remained unclear following the event. Despite the scare, Beyoncé later shared her love for Houston through an Instagram post, including a heartfelt caption that read, “I love you, Houston,” along with a collection of images from the concert.

This Houston performance is part of her “Cowboy Carter” tour, which follows her successful international leg where she showcased her talent across six nights in London and three nights in Paris. The incident serves as a testament to her professionalism and ability to handle unexpected challenges during her performances.

A crew of four aboard SpaceX’s newest Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, concluding a seamless 28-hour automated rendezvous that began with their launch on Wednesday. The Crew Dragon, named Grace, is the fifth variant in SpaceX’s fleet. Its docking mechanism engaged with the Harmony module of the ISS at 6:31 a.m. EDT while they were above the mid-Atlantic Ocean. Following the initial “soft capture,” the capsule was securely locked in position, and various checks were carried out to ensure an airtight seal.

The hatches opened at 8:14 a.m., allowing Crew Dragon commander Peggy Whitson, along with her teammates Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Hungarian engineer Tibor Kapu, to enter the ISS. They received a warm welcome from the seven long-duration crew members already at the station. Peggy Whitson, a retired NASA astronaut and the most experienced American space flier, is leading this mission as part of a privately-financed charter by Axiom Space. Throughout their two-week Ax-4 mission, the crew plans to conduct a series of scientific research projects and technology demonstrations, along with educational events in their respective countries.

Station commander Takuya Onishi greeted Whitson and her crew at a welcoming ceremony, expressing both honor and privilege to have such a seasoned astronaut onboard while also congratulating the first-time space travelers. Whitson reciprocated, highlighting the exceptional hosting by the ISS crew and their anticipation for a productive collaboration. The Ax-4 mission aims to involve researchers from 31 countries in evaluating the various experiments being conducted. Whitson emphasized that this mission opens up access to space for nations that typically couldn’t participate, making it a groundbreaking endeavor.

Prior to docking, the crew shared their excitement, with Whitson describing the new capsule’s “new-spacecraft smell” and expressing joy in returning to space with her fellow astronauts. All crew members voiced appreciation for the experience and gratitude to the teams that made the mission possible.

Eleven individuals have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries that damaged a home in Northern California to such an extent that bears were able to enter. The Butte County District Attorney’s Office announced that the suspects, who allegedly targeted a 64-year-old woman’s residence in Magalia, face first-degree residential burglary charges. The disturbances began on April 17, 2024, when the first burglary incident was reported. Following that, the burglars repeatedly struck the home, causing the resident to leave out of fear for her safety.

Reports indicate that the sustained damage was so severe that multiple bears found their way inside the property, leading to further destruction. Those charged include Sean Anthony Crua, 43; Nicholas Brown, 37; Mary Ricca, 59; Sefo Sipa, 37; Gavin Dominguez-Feathers, 25; Joey Kupiheanapeahi, 42; Breanna Maier, 32; Michael Barnett, 29; Matthew Bacon, 44; Lindsey McLaughlin, 37; and Kayla Goebel, 34, all from Magalia. Currently, Crua, Maier, Dominguez-Feathers, and Kupiheanapeahi are held in Butte County Jail with bail set at $50,000 each. Brown has made bail, while the others have been released on their own recognizance, despite objections from prosecutors.

All eleven suspects are scheduled to return to court for further proceedings on July 9 and 10. This case has garnered attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the burglaries and the impact on the local community.

A private funeral was conducted on Saturday to honor the lives of Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their beloved family dog, who tragically lost their lives in a shocking incident two weeks prior. The family was allegedly targeted in a politically-motivated attack that has left the community in disbelief and mourning.

The service was attended by family members, close friends, and colleagues, all gathering to pay their respects and to reflect on the contributions and character of Melissa and Mark. The impact of their untimely deaths is being deeply felt across the state, prompting discussions about the state of political discourse and safety in the current climate.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack, law enforcement agencies are focusing on the potential motivations behind this violent act. The tragedy has not only affected the Hortman family but has resonated throughout the entire Minnesota political landscape and beyond, raising concerns about the safety of public officials and the escalating tensions within political realms.

Community leaders and colleagues have expressed their condolences, highlighting Melissa’s dedication to her work and the deep bond she shared with her husband. The couple’s love for their dog, who was also a victim of this senseless violence, has added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating situation.

In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for a reevaluation of how political conversations are conducted, emphasizing the importance of civility and respect in public discourse. As the investigation unfolds, the legacy of Melissa and Mark Hortman will undoubtedly inspire discussions on both safety and the need for a more congenial political environment.

A settlement has been achieved in the civil lawsuit concerning the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.” Court documents revealed that the lawsuit, filed by three crew members, claimed negligence against the producers, including Alec Baldwin, who also served as co-producer and lead actor. The plaintiffs sought compensation for the emotional distress they endured following the tragic incident. The lawsuit accused the producers of not adhering to industry safety regulations, a claim that they denied.

Specifics regarding the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, and attempts to reach the attorneys for both the producers and the plaintiffs were unsuccessful. Among the plaintiffs was Ross Addiego, a front-line crew member who witnessed Hutchins’s shooting during a rehearsal in October 2021 at a ranch near Santa Fe. In related legal proceedings, a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin was dismissed last year due to allegations that evidence was withheld by police and prosecutors. Meanwhile, “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024 and received an 18-month prison sentence after being accused of bringing live ammunition onto the set and neglecting safety protocols.

She was granted parole in May 2025. During a rehearsal, Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins when it discharged, fatally wounding her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin referred to the incident as a “one-in-a-trillion event.” Addiego’s testimony was pivotal in Gutierrez-Reed’s trial and in the grand jury proceedings against Baldwin.

Filming for “Rust” was completed in Montana in 2023, with Baldwin later describing the film’s completion as “nothing less than a miracle.” The Western was subsequently released in theaters in May.

Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that an ancient city, Çatalhöyük, was likely run by women in a matriarchal society over 9,000 years ago. The findings were published in a recent study in Science, which analyzed the genomes of over 130 skeletons discovered in the city. Çatalhöyük, located in southern Anatolia, Turkey, is known for being one of the most well-preserved Neolithic settlements, having been occupied from 9000 to 8000 BCE.

The site is notable for its female figurines that may represent a “Mother Goddess” cult, hinting at the societal structure of the time. The research team, comprising geneticists, archaeologists, and biological anthropologists, utilized advanced technologies to investigate the DNA of the skeletons over a twelve-year period. A significant discovery was that maternal lineage was vital in connecting household members based on burial practices.

Initially, families buried their members together, but this changed over time; many remains lacked biological connections. Where connections were found, they predominantly followed the maternal line, indicating that husbands may have moved into their wives’ households after marriage. The study revealed that female offspring maintained connections to their family households 70 to 100% of the time, while adult males often left.

Additionally, the research indicated that females received five times more grave goods compared to males, suggesting a pattern of preferential treatment. Co-author Dr. Eline Schotsmans stressed the importance of recognizing matrilineal systems, which can be found in various cultures, including some Indigenous Australian groups. These insights come on the heels of another study focusing on Celtic society in Britain, which found similar patterns in a late Iron Age cemetery.

Women were closely related, while men often married into the community, further emphasizing the potential prominence of maternal lineage in shaping social identities across cultures.

Chrysler is initiating a voluntary recall for over 250,000 of its 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles to address a potential issue with the side curtain airbags. The recall affects 250,651 vehicles, as some of the airbags may not maintain sufficient pressure during deployment.

This deficiency could increase the risk of injury to passengers in certain crash situations, as noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The root cause of the problem has been identified as improperly sealed seams in the airbags.

To rectify the issue, Chrysler dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the side curtain airbags if necessary, at no cost to the vehicle owners. Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, has stated that it is currently unaware of any injuries or accidents resulting from this specific defect.

However, they are strongly urging customers to adhere to the instructions provided on their recall notices to ensure safety. This isn’t the first time Chrysler has faced recalls in recent years.

In 2024, Stellantis recalled more than 211,000 SUVs and pickup trucks in the U.S. due to a software glitch that could disable the electronic stability control systems of the vehicles. Additionally, last year saw a significant recall of thousands of Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles because of a manufacturing defect, which posed a serious risk as airbags could rupture unexpectedly, leading to the potential for metal fragments to harm passengers.

Overall, Chrysler’s commitment to addressing these safety concerns illustrates the company’s dedication to passenger safety and quality assurance in its vehicles.

Dave Parker, the former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder renowned for his impressive career, has passed away at the age of 74. The Pirates organization confirmed his death on social media, expressing their sadness over the loss of a “legendary Pirate.” Parker was a celebrated player, being a two-time batting champion, the National League MVP, and a key member of the 1979 World Series championship team.

Scheduled for enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame next month, Parker was honored as an inaugural member of the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022. Known affectionately as “The Cobra,” Parker spent 11 of his 19 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Pirates, where he played from 1973 to 1983. Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting remarked on Parker’s dominant presence on the field, recalling how special he was during the ’70s.

Nutting emphasized Parker’s myriad accomplishments, including his All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards, and his vital role in the team’s 1979 championship success. Parker concluded his career with a .290 batting average, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs, making a lasting impact in the sport. He clinched back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and 1978, leading the National League with a .338 average, 215 hits, and 44 doubles in 1977.

Following that stellar season, he was named the 1978 National League Most Valuable Player, with remarkable stats that included a .334 average, 30 home runs, and 117 RBIs. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed sorrow over Parker’s passing, reflecting on his multifaceted talent and the forthcoming induction into Cooperstown. He conveyed condolences to Parker’s family and fans, underscoring the lasting legacy that “The Cobra” leaves behind in baseball.