NEW: In the 1990s, Congress passed a law requiring federal agencies to pass an audit. Since then, every major federal agency has done so, except the Pentagon. Now, that audit-failing agency wants $1.5 trillion. Listen to IPS scholar @lindsaykosh.bsky.social on @wbur.org:

Does the U.S. need a $1.5 trillion defense budget?

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is asking Congress for a record amount of money, $1.5 trillion, as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran continues. What do those taxpayer dollars pay for?

wbur.org

NEW: Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi would have celebrated her 28th birthday on July 28. Instead, she was killed by the Israeli military. Now, Congress is considering integrating that military into our own. IPS Wallace Fellow Julian Castañon Villa in @truthout.org:

Israeli Forces Have Killed US Citizens. Congress Wants to Deepen Military Ties.

Section 219, a measure to integrate parts of the Israeli and US militaries, could provide more cover for Israeli crimes.

truthout.org

For people with disabilities, communities make day-to-day life possible. With rising rents threatening many of those communities, disabled people must be a primary consideration in crafting equitable housing policy. Janiah Miller on @inequality.org

Housing Policy Should Protect Disability Communities, Not Displace Them

True housing accessibility isn't just about ramps and elevators — we also need to be able to afford to stay in the communities that support us.

inequality.org

NEW: This week, Michigan announced the first two U.S. deaths linked to cyclospora. The chief culprit in this outbreak? Our food system where just four massive corporations control over HALF of the U.S. fresh-cut salad market. Keep Americans safe. Break up food monopolies.

Don’t Want Explosive Diarrhea? Shop Local — and Regulate Big Food - OtherWords

Will the federal government have the guts to do what it takes to protect the American people’s guts?

otherwords.org

While J. William Fulbright is primarily remembered by the scholarship bearing his name, his role in the Senate led him to be an outspoken critic of militarism and the dangers of an “imperial presidency.” Wallace Fellow Julian Castañon Villa on @thenation.com

Senator J. William Fulbright Is Remembered Today Primarily for the Scholarship Program That Bears His Name

But a broader look at Fulbright’s legacy reveals him as one of the most prescient critics of militarism and the “imperial presidency”—lessons that apply more than ever today.

thenation.com

@taxprivatejets.org, a new initiative that tracks the emissions produced by private jet travel, found that over 92,000 private jets flew in and out of host cities during the World Cup, pumping over 147 kilotons of excess carbon into our atmosphere. IPS's @chuck77.bsky.social on @thehill.com:

Red card: World Cup fans and the public subsidize private jet polluters

Ordinary fans and the flying public subsidize the pollution spewing activity of the high-flying private jet class.

thehill.com

Following the Trump administration’s corporate tax cuts, Illinois lawmakers have passed a tax on the digital advertising revenue of companies like Google and Amazon, which, once implemented, could generate up to $800 million annually for the state.

States Can Make Big Tech Pay Their Fair Share - OtherWords

To offset federal cuts, Illinois will now tax corporations using our personal data for advertising. Other states should follow.

otherwords.org

NEW: The State Department's new report on Cuban influence names Amy Goodman, Hasan Piker, and Zohran Mamdani in a political narrative about Havana’s ideological reach. This is a threat to free speech nationwide. Brian Hudson:

How Washington Is Recasting the American Left as a Foreign Threat - FPIF

The State Department stretches real spy cases into a sweeping theory of ideological subversion.

fpif.org

In Mexico, the cheaper World Cup seats cost 263 days of minimum wage. Nearly nine months of work. Community celebration vs. gut-wrenching inequality is the contradiction of our time. End the ultra-wealthy's grip on our lives and culture, everywhere.

NEW: Recent divisions on Iran and Israel suggest that the traditional Washington consensus on war as an end goal is eroding. Timothy Hopper:

When War with Iran Is No Longer a Washington Consensus - FPIF

The Iran debate is increasingly about the limits and costs of war—and the relationship between Washington’s interests and Israel’s priorities.

fpif.org

NEW: Millions of working people keep their hard-earned money in low-cost index funds to secure a dignified retirement. Some of those funds are dropping critical investor protections to attract AI companies. Don't let SpaceX touch Americans' retirements.

Lawmakers Need to Protect Our Nest Eggs from Scams Like SpaceX - OtherWords

Fast-tracking SpaceX and other newly public companies into index funds puts retirement savers at risk — all to benefit corporate insiders.

otherwords.org

In the streets, in public squares, in homes — the people’s World Cup happens outside the stadiums. Why? Because FIFA priced out the people. In Mexico, the 99% filled the streets to give FIFA, billionaires, and corporations a red card.

Mexico’s 99% Demanded Justice by Showing FIFA, Billionaires, and Corporations a Red Card

The people of Mexico demanded that the people’s game be returned to them.

inequality.org

Last month, the International Trade Union Confederation @ituc.bsky.social ranked the U.S. as a nation with “systemic violations of worker rights,” noting an *increase* in violations over the last year—a dangerous precedent for the rest of the world.

"behind the facade of 'charitable giving' is a profoundly anti-democratic tax loophole that allows the super-wealthy to effectively substitute their priorities for what would otherwise be public priorities." thanks for citing our research <3 @ips-dc.org

Robert Reich@rbreich.bsky.social · last wk.

We tend to think of “charitable giving” as unambiguously good because we equate “charities” with organizations that help the poor and equate “giving” with generosity. But both assumptions are wrong.

As deputy and acting attorney general, Todd Blanche has proven he would use the Justice Department as a vehicle for enriching President Trump at the expense of the rule of law. Congress must refuse this nomination to put an end to this blatant corruption.

Trump Wants an Attorney General Loyal to Him — Not the Law - OtherWords

From the January 6 slush fund to the Epstein files, Todd Blanche's record suggests he’d serve Trump, not the public.

otherwords.org

Today’s Palestine Post features Khury Petersen-Smith, the Michael Ratner Middle East Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. Hear the conversation through KPFA’s Area 941, curated and edited for focused, on-demand listening. Listen at kpfa.org. 🎧 #KPFA #PalestinePost @ips-dc.org

Our 3rd annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium, Forging a Democracy that Works for All, was an enormous success last week. From our Wallace Fellows to our network of allies to all who attended, we thank you all for contributing to this event — and the work we're lucky to do year round.

NEW: Worker rights have backslid so much in the past year that an international union coalition just put the U.S. on a “Watchlist” for labor violations. U.S. workers deserve better. Now. @luctriangle.bsky.social and Cathy Feingold of the @aflcio.org in @inequality.org:

The World Is Watching the United States. So Are Workers.

An international coalition of unions just placed the United States on a "Watchlist" for labor violations.

inequality.org

💰 A US-based company sued Guatemala for halting its gold mine. 🙋‍♀️ The Indigenous land and water defenders in Peaceful Resistance La Puya stepped up. 🙌🏼 The company lost. 📖 Read more on our blog. 🔗 Part 1: bit.ly/4ySYzIu 🔗 Part 2: bit.ly/4fuDDyu

With the U.S. suffering more than $200 billion in climate damages annually since 2016, some states are holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in these disasters. It’s time we demand lawmakers in Washington do the same. @basavsen.bsky.social

Naked Fossil Fuel Corruption - OtherWords

While states are trying to hold Big Oil accountable for climate disasters, some fossil fuel-funded lawmakers in Congress are trying to shield them.

otherwords.org

🔴 LIVE: Join online for the 3rd annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium starting now! How might we re-envision democracy at home and abroad to ensure its survival – and with it our thriving? Join IPS, the Wallace Global Fund, @thenation.com, and @webuildprogress.bsky.social:

Forging a Democracy that Works for All - Institute for Policy Studies

IPS, The Nation, and We Build Progress in partnership with the Wallace Global Fund present the 3rd Annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium.

ips-dc.org

The Trump administration’s cruel campaign to deport anyone it can manage—which includes locking people up or sending them into active war zones—is wrecking homes of innocent families. If left unchecked, it could wreck the U.S. economy as well. @johnfeffer.bsky.social on @fpif.bsky.social:

Trump’s War at Home - FPIF

The administration's ruthless deportation policy is wrecking lives, communities, and the U.S. economy. It may turn out to be a political albatross as well.

fpif.org

NEW: Attorneys general can change our lives for the better. Trump’s new nominee, Todd Blanche, would instead continue turning the Justice Department into Trump’s personal favor factory. Paul Gordon of @peoplefor.bsky.social:

Trump Wants an Attorney General Loyal to Him — Not the Law - OtherWords

From the January 6 slush fund to the Epstein files, Todd Blanche's record suggests he’d serve Trump, not the public.

otherwords.org

As rent climbs across the U.S., rent control is one way states can reign in the cost of living. In Massachusetts, where 69% of residents support some form of rent control, the fight for affordability is going strong, despite setbacks. @inequality.org researcher Omar Ocampo on @cwbeacon.bsky.social

SJC ruling shouldn't be the last word on rent control

State lawmakers must take action to uphold the will of Bay Staters by lifting the ban on rent control and allowing local jurisdictions to pass the rent stabilization ordinances that work best for…

commonwealthbeacon.org

NEW: Instead of pouring another $73 billion(!) into the war on Iran, that money could fund for a year: - Free preschool for ALL 3- and 4-year-olds - Restore SNAP from Trump’s cuts for 4 million people - House every person in a homeless shelter - Double funding for the EPA Fund life. Not death.

What Could We Do Instead of Spending Another $73 Billion for War?

Providing more money to the Pentagon at this time will prolong the war and continue to underfund programs that Americans need and deserve. With so many potential better uses for these funds, there is ...

nationalpriorities.org

NEW: Massachusetts is the most expensive state by average rent. 69% of MA voters support statewide rent control, but a state court struck the option off the ballot. In MA and everywhere, it’s time to put livable caps on rent hikes. IPS scholar @ocampomar.bsky.social in @cwbeacon.bsky.social:

SJC ruling shouldn't be the last word on rent control

State lawmakers must take action to uphold the will of Bay Staters by lifting the ban on rent control and allowing local jurisdictions to pass the rent stabilization ordinances that work best for thei...

commonwealthbeacon.org

As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., Seattle’s “Fresh Bucks” program, which now serves around 17,000 households per month, is pioneering one potential solution to food insecurity. Julian Villa on @inequality.org

Seattle’s Fresh Bucks Program Offers a National Model for Reducing Food Insecurity

The city’s food assistance program shows how local governments can reduce nutritional inequality. Congress is now considering legislation to expand the model nationwide.

inequality.org

Despite threats from wealthy residents like Paul Krager, Massachusetts’s new wealth tax hasn’t caused a mass-exodus of the ultra-rich. Instead, it’s succeeded in raising $8.6 billion for the state. Omar Ocampo and Wallace Fellow Aidan Rozema on @inequality.org

Where is Massachusetts’ Millionaire Exodus?

Massachusetts proves that progressive taxes do not cause ultra-wealthy flight.

inequality.org

NEW: We all have the right to thrive on a healthy, peaceful planet. What's in the way? Mainly, the excessive power of the ultra-wealthy and the squandering of public resources into extreme militarization. IPS scholars put together concrete measures to expand democracy and repair our future. REPORT:

Forging a Democracy that Works for All - Institute for Policy Studies

Forging a Democracy that Works for All

ips-dc.org

📅 IN 2 DAYS: How can we not only defend democracy, but expand it to meet our needs? Join @ips-dc.org, @webuildprogress.bsky.social, @thenation.com, & our @lindsayowens.bsky.social July 23 in D.C. or online for the FREE Henry A. Wallace Symposium. Save your spot 👇

Forging a Democracy that Works for All - Institute for Policy Studies

IPS, The Nation, and We Build Progress in partnership with the Wallace Global Fund present the 3rd Annual Henry A. Wallace Symposium.

ips-dc.org