Author: Onu Akter

The outlook among small businesses in the United States declined slightly in June, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business. The group’s monthly optimism index dropped by 0.2 points to 98.6. While the figure remains just above the historical average of 98, it fell short of economists’ expectations, who had forecast a reading of 98.7. The dip was driven largely by an increase in small firms reporting excess inventory levels, suggesting weaker-than-expected consumer demand. The report also highlighted high levels of uncertainty, which the NFIB said are holding back real investment and causing business…

In a major policy shift, the Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that churches and other religious institutions can now endorse political candidates to their congregants during services. The change marks a significant revision of long-standing restrictions that prohibited tax-exempt groups from engaging in political campaigning. The announcement came in a court filing on Monday as part of a settlement with two Texas churches and a Christian broadcasters’ association. These groups had sued the IRS in federal court, asking for broader protections that would allow all nonprofits—religious and secular—to support political candidates. While the court did not grant that wide request,…

Elon Musk has announced the formation of a new political party, the America Party, in a major step away from his previous support for President Donald Trump. The announcement came on July 5, 2025, following weeks of rising tension over a controversial tax-and-spending bill passed by the Trump administration. The bill introduces sweeping tax cuts and expands defense spending, drawing criticism from economists and business leaders. Musk, who once served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency during Trump’s first term, voiced concerns that the legislation could seriously increase the federal budget deficit. The elimination of green energy tax…

Cierra Ortega has officially exited Love Island USA following an intense wave of online backlash tied to a resurfaced racist social media post. The controversy surrounding the contestant reached a tipping point over the weekend, prompting her sudden departure from the reality dating show. Late on Sunday, July 6, Ortega’s parents issued a public statement through her Instagram Stories. In the post, they addressed the growing online criticism and spoke about the emotional toll the incident had taken on their family. Their message was clear: while they acknowledged the hurt caused by the past post, they also called for an…

For families in New York looking for a relaxing escape, Serenité in the Pocono Mountains is the perfect option. Located just over two hours from Staten Island, this luxury private residence club brings comfort, peace, and space all in one setting. Set in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Serenité blends mountain charm with five-star amenities. It’s a great choice for families who want to travel together but still enjoy personal space. Unlike hotels where you book separate rooms, Serenité offers large, elegant condos with room for everyone. A recent stay in one of the five-bedroom units made a lasting impression. With…

Sinners, the 2025 vampire drama starring Michael B. Jordan, has a surprising link to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The connection lies in the film’s wardrobe. Costumes that were originally made for Marvel’s long-delayed Blade reboot found a new purpose on the set of Sinners. Sev Ohanian, the producer of Sinners, shared the behind-the-scenes story during a recent interview. He revealed that Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter, who was working on the Blade film, had already created a large number of 1930s-era outfits. Blade was planned to feature scenes set in the past, which happened to match the time period of…

Australian actor Julian McMahon has died at the age of 56 after battling cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement. She said he died peacefully after a strong effort to fight the disease. She asked the public to allow the family privacy as they grieve. She also encouraged fans to keep finding joy in life, just as Julian had inspired during his lifetime. Details about the type of cancer or how long he had been fighting it were not shared. McMahon was born into a prominent family. He was the son of former Australian prime…

As summer brightens the European landscape, cities and coastlines are coming alive with tourists. From the sunlit shores of Spain to the busy boulevards of Paris and Rome, Europe is seeing one of its busiest travel seasons in recent memory. But while the continent thrives with energy and visitor spending, fewer Europeans are making the trip across the Atlantic. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, travel bookings from Europe to the United States have dropped by 13% for July compared to the same time last year. This noticeable U.S. travel decline appears to stem from more than…

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration may begin sending out tariff letters to trading partners as early as Friday, escalating pressure ahead of a critical July 9 deadline for trade negotiations. The move is part of Trump’s broader push to enforce what he calls “reciprocal” tariffs on countries that fail to reach trade agreements with the United States. Speaking to reporters on Thursday before departing for an event in Iowa, Trump said, “We’re probably going to be sending some letters out, starting probably tomorrow, maybe 10 a day to various countries saying what they’re going to pay to…

A high-profile civil lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. against former sports agent Jonathan Barnett, accusing him of rape, trafficking, and prolonged abuse over a six-year period. Barnett, once ranked the world’s most powerful sports agent by Forbes in 2019, is at the center of the explosive sports agent abuse lawsuit. Filed on Wednesday in California, the lawsuit outlines disturbing allegations by a woman identified only as “Jane Doe.” She claims that Barnett subjected her to repeated physical and psychological abuse between 2017 and 2023. The complaint names CAA Stellar, the sports agency Barnett led, and its parent companies…