SUMMARY: A recent tax and policy bill repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a multibillion-dollar green bank established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to finance climate projects. The Trump administration, opposing climate-focused policies, argues the bill authorizes freezing funds and canceling grants, seeking to reverse a federal judge’s ruling favoring nonprofits who sued the EPA over withheld funds. Climate United Fund counters that most money has already been disbursed, disputing EPA’s attempts to rescind funds. The EPA frames the dispute as a contract issue, not a constitutional one. Congressional intent emphasizes deficit reduction and criticizes EPA’s oversight under the Biden administration.

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SUMMARY: The Fourth of July commemorates the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776, marking America’s separation from Britain. Early celebrations began a year later and expanded after the War of 1812. Fireworks have been central from the start, inspired by John Adams’ vision of “Pomp and Parade” and tracing back to ancient Chinese invention. Presidents have mostly celebrated the holiday, except Adams, who favored July 2, when independence was voted. Fireworks sales surged from $407 million in 2000 to $2.2 billion in 2024, driven by pandemic restrictions on public displays. Despite safety warnings, injuries and deaths from fireworks rose significantly in 2024, urging careful handling to prevent accidents.

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The post What to know about Fourth of July holiday origins and traditions appeared first on www.news4jax.com

SUMMARY: Israeli airstrikes killed 15 Palestinians in Gaza early Friday, including eight women and one child. Additionally, 20 people were shot while waiting for aid, with two killed near distribution sites in Rafah and 18 elsewhere in southern Gaza. These killings occurred amid ongoing ceasefire talks, with Hamas discussing a proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Former President Trump said Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept it. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 57,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, with more than half women and children. Israeli forces deny targeting civilians intentionally.

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