Global Shifts: UK's Palestinian Recognition and EPA's Rollback

The UK is considering recognizing Palestine as a state by September, but only if Israel takes steps towards peace. This move follows France's similar announcement, putting more pressure on Israel to ease restrictions in Gaza. The situation there is dire, with severe food shortages and rising hunger-related deaths. Israel's blockade has slightly loosened, but markets remain empty, and aid is being sold at extremely high prices. Meanwhile, the EPA is proposing to roll back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This decision, based on a report by a small group of scientists who disagree with the majority view on climate change, could lead to dirtier cars and worse air quality. Automakers, who had previously argued that the current rules were too strict, may now produce fewer electric vehicles. This rollback is seen as a major setback for efforts to combat climate change. In other news, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's associate, has agreed to speak with lawmakers in exchange for immunity. This development comes as Republicans try to distance themselves from Epstein. Trump has confirmed his past association with Epstein and Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims. The impact of Trump's new tariffs on imports is still unclear. Some companies have stockpiled goods to avoid the new taxes, while others are absorbing the costs to protect consumers. The 90-day summer pause on tariffs has given importers more time to prepare. Lastly, the Booker Prize longlist was announced, featuring two debut novelists. In Nashville, Elon Musk's Boring Company plans to build an underground passageway to the airport. And Fleetwood Mac fans can look forward to a reissue of Buckingham Nicks, the duo's only studio album.