{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftodays-news.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Ftodays-news-july-8-9-2025-WJ8_a5bv","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Today's News, July 8-9, 2025","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/01f7d4b2-716c-43f9-8a03-c96056c76782/a8609f7b-f21f-4526-89dd-f7fd102a5f72/wwop-todays-20news-20cover.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/1f7c94cd-bccf-4a70-bea7-539f9ec467fa\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Today&apos;s News, July 8-9, 2025\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"The Supreme Court cleared mass federal firings with only Justice Jackson dissenting, while Trump extended the federal hiring freeze and continued dismantling legacy welfare systems through the BBB. AG Pam Bondi defended her Epstein case handling, and MAGA critics were urged to focus on ongoing real-world indictments. TSA dropped the shoe-removal rule, and churches gained new political speech rights. Trump’s approval remains strong amid new tariffs, hiring gains, and record Bitcoin prices. Immigration crackdowns intensified with court victories and new laws. Meanwhile, Democrats flailed over border missteps and internal chaos, Elon Musk’s third-party push faltered, and key resignations followed. Internationally, Trump redefined diplomacy via Truth Social, imposing tariffs on 14 nations. Medical groups sued HHS over reduced vaccine guidelines, while a top FDA official rejected two COVID vaxxes. Cultural institutions like Harvard faced federal scrutiny, and DOJ anti-discrimination policy shifts signaled further systemic change."}