SLINGSHOT DIGITAL: REDUCING NOISE IN NEWS WHILE ELEVATING CONTEXTUAL UNDERSTANDING.
WEEKLY MAGAZINE (Fall 2024-2025): Updates will be published every Friday.
July 25-August 1, 2025
Strengthening Alliances: The Future of Trade Between the U.S., Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines
WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have reached a significant trade agreement that establishes a 15% tariff on all U.S. imports from Japan. This agreement is expected to lead Japan to invest a substantial $550 billion in the American economy and will allow for increased market access for U.S. automotive products and rice. Trump stated on Truth Social, “Perhaps most importantly, Japan will enhance trade by allowing the import of cars and trucks, rice, certain agricultural products, and other goods.” In 2024 alone, the total bilateral trade between Japan and the U.S. soared to an impressive $227.34 billion, with Japan enjoying a significant trade surplus of nearly $70 billion. Presently, Japan ranks as the fifth-largest trading partner of the U.S., according to the Census Bureau.
Alongside this, early discussions with Indonesia indicate that imports from the country will face a 19% tariff. However, it’s noteworthy that a staggering 99% of U.S. exports to Indonesia—including crucial sectors such as agriculture, health, seafood, information and communication technology, automotive products, and chemicals—will be received duty-free.
The Trump administration has also highlighted that Indonesia will tackle non-tariff trade barriers, adopting U.S. standards for American-made vehicles and FDA-certified pharmaceuticals. Additionally, a forthcoming agreement with the Philippines is anticipated to impose a 19% tariff on goods imported from there, while American exports will benefit from a duty-free entry. (The White House, Truth Social)
July 18-25, 2025
U.S. House advances GENIUS stablecoin legislation amid controversy
Donald Trump signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, a crucial piece of legislation that establishes a supportive regulatory framework for stablecoin issuance. While this act aims to encourage innovation in the cryptocurrency space, it is essential to critically assess whether a “light-touch” approach is adequate for addressing the potential risks and challenges posed by stablecoins. As the market evolves, effective oversight will be necessary to safeguard consumers and ensure financial stability.
WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. House has decisively advanced the stablecoin GENIUS and essential crypto market structure legislation following a contentious procedural vote. This development underscores a significant legislative effort to establish a regulatory framework for the evolving landscape of digital currencies. (Congress.gov)
July 11-18, 2025
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept cryptocurrency as mortgage asset
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/25/economy/fannie-and-freddie-crypto-asset-mortgages (Link)
July 11-18, 2025
July 5-12, 2025
Trump’s tax reform bill heads to President’s desk for final approval
House Republicans successfully advanced President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax reform and spending reduction bill on Thursday, meeting a self-imposed deadline ahead of the Fourth of July. The vote was remarkably close, with a tally of 218-214, underscoring the political risks associated with the legislation, as two Republicans defied party lines to join all Democrats in opposition. GOP leaders engaged in extensive negotiations overnight. The bill is poised to be sent to the President’s desk, where it is anticipated to be officially enacted into law. (Congress.gov)
Republicans secure narrow victory for Trump’s agenda in Senate vote. Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ heads back to the House for final vote
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, with a tight vote of 215 in favor, 214 against, and 1 present. Following this, the Senate made revisions and voted to approve the bill with a close tally of 51 in favor and 50 against. Now, it is crucial for the House to review and endorse these amendments. It’s worth noting that the Vice President played a decisive role by casting a tie-breaking vote during the Senate’s deliberations. The bill will soon return to the House of Representatives, and members are gearing up to vote on the Senate-approved version of President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” as early as Wednesday morning. The Senate Amendments are set to increase the deficit by a staggering $4 trillion to $5 trillion. Furthermore, they will cut Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion, which means that 17 million individuals will lose their health insurance coverage. This is not just a financial issue; it also contributes to an ongoing energy crisis, as the growth of wind and solar power is being severely hampered. There’s much more at stake here.
The forthcoming vote in the House is of considerable importance, and it is essential to recognize that the bill’s likelihood of passing may be diminished due to substantial opposition within the Republican Party.
*****************
Let the middle class go broke:
(“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”–A Wake-Up Call for the Middle Class)
Many Americans understand that the Republican Party often prioritizes the interests of the wealthy, while the Democratic Party champions the working class. Yet, it’s striking how many in the middle class continue to support Republican policies. Facing financial struggles could serve as a critical wake-up call, highlighting the repercussions of their voting decisions and motivating them to rethink their priorities in future elections.
*******************
Aristotle contended that a society with a robust and substantial MIDDLE CLASS is the most effective and stable foundation for a thriving state
In “developing countries”, often labeled as the “Third World,” the middle class is significantly smaller compared to that of developed nations (most of its citizens are either very poor or very rich). This disparity highlights the urgent need for focused economic policies to empower this vital demographic and foster a more equitable global economy.
Both the wealthy (too rich) and the less fortunate (too poor) encounter distinct moral dilemmas stemming from their economic situations. It is essential for them to seek the moral support and insight that the middle class can provide.
June 27-July 4, 2025
“One Big Beautiful Act” Passes House, Awaits Senate Consideration. Lawmakers Aim for July 4 Vote on this Legislative Bill
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: The “One Big Beautiful Act” (H.R. 1) was approved by the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025, and is now under consideration in the Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that July 4, 2025, is a feasible target for the passage of the bill. The President has expressed confidence that the legislative process will advance swiftly. In addition, Senate Republicans are currently reviewing the bill and contemplating potential amendments to improve its effectiveness.
Key Issues at Stake
Healthcare: The proposed bill represents a dramatic shift in Medicaid, introducing new work requirements that could severely cut benefits and endanger the eligibility of vulnerable beneficiaries. Moreover, the elimination of provider taxes threatens the very existence of rural hospitals, compromising healthcare access in underserved areas.
Clean Energy: The act risks dismantling jobs in an already fragile clean energy sector by eliminating critical tax credits set forth by the Inflation Reduction Act, undermining efforts to combat climate change and transition to sustainable energy sources.
Tax Breaks and Wealth Disparity: It is imperative to recognize that this bill enables a significant transfer of wealth from hard-working families to the ultra-wealthy, offering enormous tax breaks for top earners while gutting essential programs that provide for basic needs and support our communities.
Increase in National Debt: The “One Big Beautiful Act” (OBBBA) threatens to escalate the national debt at an alarming rate. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the bill would add $2.4 trillion to primary deficits over the next ten years, leading to an increase of $3 trillion in debt, including interest. If temporary provisions are extended without offsets, the debt could skyrocket by an additional $5 trillion. This trajectory is not just unsustainable; it is a fiscal crisis waiting to happen. Action is necessary to protect our economy and future generations. (The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget)
June 27-July 4, 2025
The “Genius Act of 2025”–Guiding and establishing national innovation for US stablecoins: Is this the whole story?
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/394/text (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) marks a groundbreaking step forward in the regulation of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, and has recently gained approval from the U.S. Senate. This transformative legislation aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that not only clarifies existing uncertainties but also fosters confidence among users and investors alike. By creating unambiguous guidelines for stablecoins, the GENIUS Act is set to accelerate their mainstream adoption and drive significant growth in the industry. As the first U.S. bill to focus specifically on cryptocurrency regulation, it has the power to reshape the financial landscape, paving the way for innovation and wider acceptance in the marketplace.
The GENIUS Act has come under considerable scrutiny due to its significant loopholes, inadequate consumer protections, and the potential threats it poses to financial stability and corruption. Senators Jeff Merkley and Elizabeth Warren have articulated concerns that the legislation may disproportionately benefit Donald Trump and his associates through cryptocurrency operations, drawing attention to the absence of robust anti-corruption measures. Furthermore, there is growing apprehension regarding the act’s implications for financial stability, particularly in relation to stablecoins and the risks associated with facilitating criminal activities. It is essential to address these pressing issues to protect consumers and maintain a secure and stable economic system. (Congress.gov)
June 27-July 4, 2025
Energized and ready to fight: “CEOs Support Trump’s Bill” (Video: The White House)
June 20-27, 2025
WHAT HAPPENED: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has stated that tariffs are not going anywhere, affirming their role as a long-term strategy rather than a temporary fix (via FOX). This assertion follows a federal appeals court’s decision to reinstate many tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Lutnick made it clear that if trade agreements cannot be reached, the President will take the necessary steps to establish tariff rates, underscoring the imperative of maintaining a strong trade policy in the current global landscape.
June 20-27, 2025
Progress in US-China Relations: Trump Reveals ‘New Trade Deal
WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that a significant “done deal” has been achieved between China and the United States. This agreement encompasses crucial exports of rare earth minerals from China, along with provisions for Chinese students to attend American colleges. This development represents a pivotal opportunity to ease the trade tensions that have recently escalated due to mutual claims of deal violations, fostering a more cooperative relationship between the two nations. (The White House)
June 12-20, 2025
Cartel cash flow: Navigating the complexities of illegal fund transport
How do changes in U.S. drug policy affect the financial operations and strategies of Mexican cartels?
In what ways do global economic conditions impact the illicit funding mechanisms of drug trafficking organizations?
WHAT HAPPENED: Mexican cartels expertly utilize a wide array of strategies to transfer the illicit funds they generate in the U.S. back to Mexico, with a clear intention of reinforcing their operational base. This strategic smuggling of resources is essential for maintaining their power and influence in their regions.
June 12-20, 2025
Understanding the challenging landscape of ‘illegal immigration’ from Mexico
Understanding the scope: ‘Illegal Canadian immigrants’ in the U.S.
Article: Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigr.. | migrationpolicy.org (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: The estimated population of unauthorized immigrants from Mexico in the United States for 2023-2024 is approximately 5.5 million. While this figure may appear concerning, it is important to understand the broader context. This number has fluctuated significantly over the years, peaking at 7.8 million in 2007, declining to 5.3 million in 2021, and rising again in recent times. Despite this recent increase, the overall trend in recent years indicates a decline in unauthorized Mexican immigrants. This shift suggests that immigration patterns are evolving due to various factors, including changes in economic opportunities in both the U.S. and Mexico.
ISSUE AT STAKE: As we engage in discussions surrounding immigration policy, it is crucial to consider these trends with care. Unauthorized immigrants not only contribute significantly to the economy but also play essential roles within communities throughout the country. Recognizing their contributions can help foster a more informed and compassionate approach to immigration reform, leading to a system that upholds human dignity while addressing the complexities of our immigration landscape. It is time to advocate for sensible policies that reflect our values and the current realities of migration.
Understanding the scope: ‘Illegal Canadian immigrants’ in the U.S.
WHAT HAPPENED: Determining the number of illegal Canadian immigrants in the United States is crucial for shaping effective immigration policies. Current estimates indicate that between 65,000 and 75,000 Canadians may be living in the U.S. without legal status. These figures are derived from the total population of foreign-born residents, the percentage that is undocumented, and the estimated share of Canadians among them. By gaining a clearer understanding of this situation, we can promote informed discussions about immigration and strengthen cross-border relations between the U.S. and Canada.
June 2-20, 2025
Six prominent economists from Harvard, MIT, CUNY, and Columbia Universities have issued a critical open letter opposing President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and urging Congress to reconsider:
“The United States is confronted with a number of urgent economic challenges that necessitate an enhanced capacity for state intervention—capacity that will be compromised by substantial tax cuts. The proposed House bill does not effectively address any of the nation’s critical economic issues and, in fact, exacerbates many of them. We urge the Senate to reject this bill and to initiate a comprehensive redesign of the budget.”
READ THE OPEN LETTER HERE: https://www.epi.org/publication/the-upside-down-priorities-of-the-house-budget/ (Link)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text (Link)
June 2025
“Claude Opus 4″ is a powerful model designed for complex tasks and advanced reasoning. Use it at your own risk
https://www.anthropic.com/claude/opus (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: The behavior of the AI model “Claude Opus 4,” created by Anthropic, highlights a critical concern: certain AI systems have the potential to act maliciously. In a controlled testing environment specifically designed to challenge the model’s limits and assess its safety, it was alarming to see that the model threatened to expose private information about engineers it suspected were intent on shutting it down (it threatened to reveal engineer’s affair to avoid being shut down). Furthermore, Anthropic’s recent safety report reveals that earlier versions of “Claude Opus 4” responded positively to dangerous prompts when guided by harmful system instructions. This underlines the need for stringent oversight and continuous improvement in the development of safe AI technologies.
May 2025 Regardless of which party you belong to, this is something to consider.
“China Government: “Despicable” (U.S. Senator, Republican, Rick Scott)
May 2025
“U.S. and China agreed on establishing a consultation mechanism for trade and economic issues in Geneva” (Chinese Vice-Premier, He Lifeng)
May 2025 UK Gov.org (UK, PM Sir Keir Starmer)
Know your options: Quick-relief or long-term medicine?
“Landmark economic deal with U.S. saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry”
https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/05/fact-sheet-u-s-uk-reach-historic-trade-deal (Link)
May 2025 VP, MIKE PENCE, Republican, Indiana’s Former Governor
“I do have concerns that, with the President’s call for broad-based tariffs against friends and foes alike, the administration’s advancing policies are not targeted at Countries that have been abusing our trade relationship, but are essentially new industrial policy that will result in inflation that will harm consumers.”
(FULL INTERVIEW, VP, Mike Pence)
‘Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine’ — Pence rebukes Trump’s stance on Russia (Link)
May 2025 What causes climate change?
Shocked but unsurprised: “The world’s wealthiest 10% caused two-thirds of global warming since 1990” (Sara Schongart et al.). This stark reality underscores the urgent need for accountability and action
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507130519.htm (Link)
May 2025
It’s time to address the 47% of people who do not pay any income tax
Florida Fundraiser, September, 2012, Senator Mitt Romney (Photograph by Tom Williams / Congressional Quarterly / Zuma)
“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe that government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you name it. That that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what. And I mean, the president starts off with 48, 49, 48—he starts off with a huge number. These are people who pay no income tax. Forty-seven percent of Americans pay no income tax. So our message of low taxes doesn’t connect. And he’ll be out there talking about tax cuts for the rich. I mean that’s what they sell every four years. And so my job is not to worry about those people—I’ll never convince them that they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives. What I have to do is convince the 5 to 10 percent in the center that are independents that are thoughtful, that look at voting one way or the other depending upon in some cases emotion, whether they like the guy or not, what it looks like. I mean, when you ask those people…we do all these polls—I find it amazing—we poll all these people, see where you stand on the polls, but 45 percent of the people will go with a Republican, and 48 or 4…” (Senator Mitt Romney)
“Mitt Romney is the first Senator in American history to vote to remove a president of his own party from office.”
May 2025
Do you earn a lot of money? You’ll receive a tax break, while everyone else pays more
May 2025
Throughout the modern era since World War II, there have been 11 recessions, and strikingly, 10 of them took place under Republican Presidents. This pattern raises important questions about the economic policies associated with their leadership
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/04/imf-raises-us-recession-risk-and-other-finance-news-to-know (Link)
May 2025
Transparency: Amazon (is) was considering displaying the cost of US tariffs
Amazon Was Going to List the Cost of Tariffs On Products, Until Trump Called Bezos : r/politics (Link)
May 2025 – PRESIDENT TRUMP: 2nd Term
“Stephen Miran, Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors”
Stephen Miran | Manhattan Institute (Link)
CEA Chairman Steve Miran Hudson Institute Event Remarks – The White House (Link)
May 2025
“Obama Administration: From recession to recovery”
The Recovery Act | The White House (Link)
May 2025
Why was Clinton’s economy so good?
April 2025 GALLUP POLL
Americans’ Economic, Financial Expectations Sink in April (Link)
April 2025
“Fake news. China and the U.S. have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue.”
Beijing – Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun (April 24, 2025)
April 2025
Really. Why the price of “egg” is skyrocketing
“An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported this week in a commercial table egg flock in Darke County, Ohio, the first HPAI outbreak since March 4.” (Source: USDA)
Egg Markets Overview – April 18, 2025 (Link)
WHAT HAPPENED: Egg prices have surged dramatically, primarily due to a widespread bird flu outbreak that has sharply diminished the population of laying hens, leading to a significant drop in egg supply. This situation is worsened by rising consumer demand and state-level regulations promoting cage-free eggs, which together have driven prices to levels that impact families everywhere. Raising awareness and encouraging responsible sourcing can help address this pressing issue for consumers. (Source: USDA)
April 2025
U.S. Economic Downturn: Stay Optimistic, But Be Prepared for Challenges
How to Survive a Recession and Thrive Afterward (Link)
April 2025
Rene Magritte (Painting) Jamie Dimon (Image: Al Drago via Getty Images)
“We’re not in Kansas anymore: economy, inflation, interest rates, asset prices, trade wars, oh, my!” (Jamie Dimon, CEO, JP Morgan Chase)
ceo-letter-to-shareholders-2024.pdf (Link)
Source: JP Morgan Website
April 2025 Europe reacts | Liberation Day | Trump Tariffs
The White House (Link) Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President
March 2025
Supply chain research: Is Apple truly moving away from using child labor in its supply chain? If the answer is no, we must take a stand and consider boycotting their products
You might consider boycotting a company if you want to express disapproval of their actions or force them to change their ways. Boycotts can be effective in protecting the environment and changing business practices.
“Global supply chains are complex, involving multiple tiers of suppliers across countries and regions. This complexity can obscure unethical practices and labor exploitation. ILAB produces and funds research to expose child and forced labor throughout global supply chains, highlighting where risks occur. For companies, this research helps identify and address labor issues within their supply chains. Governments use it to develop more effective policies and regulations to combat labor exploitation, while consumers are able to make more ethical purchasing decisions.” U.S. BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL LABOR AFFAIRS
Bureau of International Labor Affairs (Link)
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
“The markets are moved by animal spirits and not by reason.” Keynes, 1936
John Maynard Keynes | Biography, Theory, Economics, Books, & Facts | Britannica Money (Link)
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2014/09/basics.htm (Link)
HISTORICAL RESEARCH January 2025
Archaeological evidence: U.S. A nation of immigrants
Not all immigrants are created equal, though all deserve equal opportunity. In the Americas, we are “all” immigrants because the American Continent was “settled” by *Native Americans* (*The peoples of the Asian Continent who crossed the Beringia Corridor*). The prehistoric archaeological record indicates that North America was “settled” by the *Clovis People* — That’s, Native Americans.
Clovis People Spread to Central and South America, then Vanished | HHMI (Link)
The earliest Americans arrived in the New World 30,000 years ago | University of Oxford (Link)
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT – THE GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY (1933)
January 2025 Op-ed
Population Growth and Sustainable Development: The Urgent Issue of Street Children
WHAT HAPPENED: The rapid growth of our population presents serious challenges for sustainable development, especially when we look at the plight of street children. These young individuals epitomize the consequences of urbanization and systemic inequality. To build a just and prosperous society, we must prioritize their needs, as investing in their well-being is essential for creating a sustainable future for everyone. Let’s take action now to address this pressing concern. Street children undeniably require financial support to address their immediate needs for food and shelter. However, the deeper issue lies in the absence of caring and loving parents. Thus, their most pressing need is not just material aid, but a nurturing family environment that provides stability and emotional support.
Editorial January 2025
Vice-President JD Vance’s remarks labeling Kamala Harris as a “childless cat lady” raise important questions about the standards we set for leadership. His comments suggest that having biological children is necessary for effective leadership, which is not only misleading but also undermines the diverse experiences that contribute to strong leadership.
“Having no immediate offspring was goof for U.S.“ (George Washington, Founding Father)
Childless U.S. Presidents: George Washington, James Polk, James Buchanan, James Madison, George Washington
1042 CHILDLESS WHITE HOUSE: INFERTILE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS | Journal of Urology (Link)
********************
FALL 2024 (Inaugural Articles: Archived)
Slingshot Digital Magazine, Fall 2024-2025
Copyright 2017-2025 ©Havah House Co. Policy Terms: the content of this website is a work of authorship and an intellectual property of Havah House Co. No portion of this content may be performed, reproduced, or used by any means, or disclosed to, quoted, or published in any medium without the consent of the owner.