Liberal Justice Elena Kagan says the Supreme Court isn’t a rubber stamp for Trump

• The House of Representatives passed a series of bills focused on GOP priorities, including election security and the conflict in Iran, just before the summer recess. • In a separate legal development, a judge issued a temporary halt to an unspecified acquisition process following an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 states.

• The US launched airstrikes against Iranian military targets, marking the 13th consecutive night of operations following the collapse of a ceasefire deal. • President Donald Trump indicated he is not yet prepared to negotiate a new ceasefire, despite intensifying fighting between the two nations.

• House Republicans adopted a $95 billion budget proposal designed to fund the war in Iran and other White House priorities. • Speaker Mike Johnson pushed the package through on Wednesday, overcoming objections from Democrats and several members of his own party.

• During a Senate subcommittee hearing on July 14, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Elena Kagan addressed concerns regarding the judiciary's ethical standards. • Senatorial questioning focused on whether the Supreme Court has implemented policies to manage the "meteoric rise" of prediction markets and the resulting ethical predicaments.

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk has signaled a potential end to the protests against the NEET-UG paper leak at Jantar Mantar by softening his stance. • Wangchuk has dropped his key demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, providing the Modi government with a strategic "off-ramp."

• Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike on Friday after receiving formal assurances from the Indian government. • The strike was launched to support students protesting against alleged irregularities in examinations, demanding fair processes and accountability.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration is prepared to assist in ending the war in Ukraine, though he admitted no quick path to a deal currently exists. • Rubio emphasized that "new ideas" are necessary to break the deadlock and reach a sustainable resolution between the warring parties.

• The first four days of the Indian Parliament's monsoon session have seen no official business conducted, signaling a potential total washout. • Opposition parties are refusing to participate in government-led discussions, insisting instead on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

• Pulse Asia President Ronald Holmes stated that the narrative of "political persecution" is currently bolstering Vice President Sara Duterte's lead in presidential surveys for 2028. • The analysis was shared during an interview with Pinky Webb on the Bilyonaryo News Channel's program, "On Point."

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day fast at Jantar Mantar, though protests continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. • The Collective for Justice and Peace (CJP) expressed relief over Wangchuk's health but reiterated their call for Pradhan's removal from office.

• India's Gen Z is challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's long-standing social media dominance by using digital platforms to organize and amplify protests. • Young activists are adopting global protest strategies, including recreating viral memes from uprisings in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong to mobilize support.