The African Union has declared it will not recognize a parallel government in Sudan amid the country's ongoing civil war, which has caused significant death, disorder, and chaos. The situation shows no signs of reconciliation at present, highlighted by the rival government's bid for acknowledgment. This denial aims to delegitimize the group vying for recognition and legitimacy, however, if divisions in Sudan prove too deep, this denial may only serve as a temporary obstacle for the potential emergence of a new country in East Africa.

China's top leaders have pledged support for companies affected by U.S. tariffs, including stabilizing foreign trade and investment, amid inconclusive U.S.-China talks that left tariff levels uncertain. The tariff wars have had intense consequences, deeply impacting Chinese firms, prompting the government to step in with measures like financing support and export tax rebates. Many Chinese companies are better suited to friendlier trade climates, raising questions about the future resilience of the Chinese economy. China's economy grew at a 5.2% pace in the second quarter, but industrial profits fell, exacerbating challenges from excess capacity and lagging domestic demand.

Angolan authorities arrested over 1,200 people during protests that began as a taxi drivers' strike against rising fuel prices and escalated into widespread demonstrations, looting, and clashes in Luanda. The government raised diesel prices by more than 33% as part of subsidy removal plans, leading to higher transportation and food costs, with protesters also voicing frustration over poverty, governance, and nearly five decades of MPLA rule. Some public officials suggest the unrest is actually a cover for more radical elements in the country to attempt to subvert the government, but it appears the government has fueled a coalition of frustrated citizens demanding more effective leadership. President João Lourenço dismissed the possibility that the protests reflect the actual concerns of citizens, claiming the country already has low fuel prices compared to other nations.

The EPA has proposed revoking the 2009 "endangerment finding" that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide harm public health, which underpins regulations on emissions from vehicles, power plants, and factories under the Clean Air Act. Implemented during the Obama era, the finding enabled aggressive limits on emissions. Critics argue it was based on overblown concerns and paved the way for coercive and unpopular mandates like those on electric vehicles. If enacted, this repeal would be one of the most significant deregulatory acts in modern U.S. history, potentially invalidating all current climate rules and facing legal challenges from environmental groups and states.

A coalition of 21 states and Washington, D.C., led by Democratic attorneys general, has sued the USDA for demanding personal data on all SNAP applicants over the past five years, including Social Security numbers, addresses, and immigration status. The USDA claims this is to ensure program integrity and prevent fraud, tied to an executive order for access to data in federally funded programs. While it may seem reasonable for the USDA to request useful information for oversight, the lawsuit argues it's an illegal privacy violation with a chilling effect on benefit usage, especially for mixed-status families. States might need to reduce their reliance on federal funding if they wish to avoid such demands going forward.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, despite previously disavowing the practice, has begun selling short-term debt to stabilize long-term interest rates and sustain U.S. borrowing. This move comes amid broader economic discussions, including U.S.-China trade talks where Bessent represented the U.S. At some point, the country must confront its looming fiscal crisis, as failure to address spending issues could lead to a rude awakening regarding the consequences of fiscal irresponsibility.

A three-judge federal panel is hearing arguments on whether Alabama should be placed under preclearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act for future congressional maps, following rulings that its 2021 and 2023 maps racially discriminated against Black voters. The 2013 Supreme Court decision removed Alabama from such oversight, but civil rights groups seek its reinstatement through 2030, citing historical resistance to majority-Black districts. Alabama opposes, arguing it threatens state sovereignty and is unnecessary since no new map is planned before 2030. Given Alabama's past failures to act responsibly, it remains unclear if states can exercise autonomy or if federal oversight must continue.

With tempers flaring over priorities, Houston City Council is debating the allocation of $314 million in federal disaster recovery funds for damages from Hurricane Beryl and the storms in May. Key contention centers on increasing housing repair funds from $50 million to $100 million, as many families remain displaced, while others emphasize infrastructure and emergency preparedness to avoid future mismanagement.

Louisiana has switched to a closed party primary system, no longer recognizing the Independent Party and requiring voters to register with a party to participate in primaries for certain races, affecting over 150,000 voters who will become "No-Party." This change impacts elections for U.S. Senate, House, Supreme Court, education board, and Public Service Commission, with the first affected race in 2026. Primaries are quintessential opportunities for voters to shape policy, so this shift represents a significant change that could lead to a very different political climate.

John Horhn was sworn in as Jackson's new mayor, vowing to restore faith, deliver hope, and address the city's challenges through collaboration with state and federal leaders. The 70-year-old former state senator defeated the incumbent in a Democratic runoff and takes office amid issues like crumbling infrastructure, population decline, and eroding public trust. Horhn emphasizes urgency, logical solutions, and creating opportunities, particularly for youth, in a city marked by crime and economic struggles. His faith-oriented approach could help, but substantial reforms are needed to get Jackson back on track.