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A federal judge has overturned a nearly $5 billion verdict in an NFL “Sunday Ticket” case. The class-action lawsuit was brought by subscribers who alleged the NFL violated anti-trust laws by overcharging to watch out-of-market games on its paid subscription service.

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Upon appeal, a U.S. district judge ruled two witnesses’ testimonies should have been left out and said the jury’s verdict was “clearly not supported by evidence and must be vacated.”

In a statement, the NFL said it was “grateful” for the ruling.

“We believe that the NFL’s media distribution model provides our fans with an array of options to follow the game they love, including local broadcasts of every single game on free over-the-air television,” the NFL’s statement said.

In the class-action lawsuit, which was filed in 2015, attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that by restricting broadcasts of those out-of-market games to the Sunday Ticket package, the NFL is forcing customers to pay more.

Because it was an anti-trust case, if the verdict would have been upheld, the fine would have been tripled. That means the NFL would have had to pay $14.1 billion in damages.

TEST UPDATE TEST (EX. CORRECTION) July is the most happening travel month of the year. Americans jet off to beaches, national parks or theme parks, but nearly half are carrying more baggage than what is in their luggage.

According to WalletHub’s 2024 Credit Card Debt Survey, 46% of Americans are still paying down last summer’s credit card balance.

“And almost 25% of them reported being very stressed out about it, about their credit card debt in general,” WalletHub Editor Christie Matherne told Straight Arrow News. “And that’s probably because of this next stat, which is nearly half of people said that they carry debt on cards from everyday purchases, which can get really expensive.”

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With the average credit card interest rate of around 23%, people are quickly falling behind on payments. Credit card delinquencies are up across the country, though some cities are increasingly struggling more than others.

WalletHub said in Chula Vista, California, delinquencies are up 85% in the last year. The city that is best off is Des Moines, Iowa, where delinquencies are still up, though by a much smaller 19%.

“That’s bad news,” Matherne said. “That’s not great. That means people are late on their credit card bills, they can’t afford to pay minimum payments, and that lands you in further debt with further problems.”

Nearly 1 in 3 people told WalletHub they will have more credit card debt by the end of the year. 2024 already started with record-high credit card debt.

Although 80% of people told WalletHub that paying their credit card debt is a top priority, summer vacations can put a snag in those plans. Of the Americans traveling this summer, 36% told Bankrate they are willing to go into debt to pay for it.

“I do see the disconnect between that and charging your vacation on a credit card when you’re still paying off last summer’s debt,” Matherne said. “And it also might be worth saying that people need vacations.”

As much as people need a break, nearly 1 in 3 Americans told Bankrate they are skipping summer vacation this year because they cannot afford it.

Credit card debt is not just about personal finances. As more Americans carry higher credit card balances, that financial strain stretches beyond the home.

“A whole bunch of money is ending up in credit card companies’ hands and less of it is ending up in our communities,” Matherne explained.

That slows consumer spending, the most critical component of the U.S. economy. It drives two-thirds of the country’s economic growth. That is why credit card debt and delinquencies can be a harbinger of a downturn if things do not turn around. 

America is not ready for a major war, says a bipartisan commission

A bipartisan commission report reveals that the United States is critically unprepared for a major military conflict, facing significant challenges from China and Russia. The report highlights alarming shortfalls in military readiness, including munitions shortages, recruitment challenges, and an inadequate defense industrial base. It calls for urgent modernization of the military, increased defense funding, and greater public awareness of national security threats. The commission emphasizes the need for sustained leadership and a fundamental shift in mindset across government to address these critical issues and enhance America’s defense capabilities in an increasingly complex global landscape.

1) America’s Military Readiness Crisis: Bipartisan Commission Sounds Alarm

A bipartisan commission report reveals that the United States is critically unprepared for a major military conflict, citing significant shortfalls in readiness and growing threats from China and Russia. The report calls for urgent action to modernize the military and increase national security awareness.

• The U.S. is critically unprepared for a major military conflict, according to a bipartisan commission report commissioned by Congress. (Source ref: 1,4,32)
• China and Russia have emerged as top threats to U.S. security, with China significantly eroding U.S. military advantages in the Western Pacific over the past two decades. (Source ref: 4,8,13)
• The report criticizes the Pentagon, Congress, and the Executive Branch for systemic issues hindering the military’s ability to address threats from major powers. (Source ref: 4,33)
• Experts warn that the U.S. is particularly vulnerable in a sustained conflict scenario, raising concerns about the country’s capacity to engage in prolonged warfare. (Source ref: 4,32)

2) China-Russia Alliance Reshapes Global Security Landscape

The emerging partnership between China and Russia is fundamentally altering the global security landscape, posing unprecedented challenges to U.S. military dominance. Their increased cooperation and joint military exercises necessitate a reevaluation of America’s strategic preparedness.

• China and Russia have established a ‘no-limits’ partnership that extends to military and economic ties with Iran and North Korea, aiming to undermine U.S. global influence. (Source ref: 8)
• Recent joint military exercises, including Russian and Chinese bomber flights near Alaska, underscore the growing operational coordination between these powers. (Source ref: 9,10)
• This new geopolitical axis increases the risk that any localized conflict could rapidly escalate into a multi-theater or global war. (Source ref: 39)

3) Critical Shortages Threaten U.S. War Capabilities

The report reveals alarming shortfalls in U.S. military readiness, highlighting critical munitions shortages and an inadequate defense industrial base. These deficiencies could severely limit America’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict, particularly against a major power like China.

• Pentagon munitions stockpiles could be depleted within three to four weeks in a protracted war with China. (Source ref: 17,43)
• Certain critical munitions, such as anti-ship missiles, are in such short supply that they might last only a few days in a conflict scenario. (Source ref: 19)
• The U.S. defense industrial base is currently unable to meet the equipment, technology, and munitions needs of both the United States and its allies, even during peacetime. (Source ref: 36)

4) Recruitment Challenges Undermine Military Strength

The U.S. military faces a significant personnel shortage due to persistent recruitment challenges, despite improved retention rates. This manpower deficit threatens America’s ability to respond effectively to multiple global threats.

• Recent recruitment shortfalls have led to a decrease in the size of the Army, Air Force, and Navy. (Source ref: 5)
• While retention rates for current service members remain strong, the struggle to attract new recruits poses a significant challenge to maintaining a robust fighting force. (Source ref: 29)
• The recruitment crisis comes at a critical time when the U.S. military needs to be prepared for potential multi-theater engagements. (Source ref: 30)

5) Modernization: A Critical Imperative for U.S. Defense

The U.S. military faces an urgent need for technological modernization to maintain its global edge. A bipartisan commission highlights the necessity of adopting cutting-edge technologies and streamlining bureaucratic processes to prepare for potential major conflicts.

• The Pentagon must prioritize the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare capabilities, and hypersonic weapons. (Source ref: 14)
• A comprehensive review of major military systems is essential to ensure battle-readiness and eliminate obsolete programs. (Source ref: 16)
• The commission recommends that Congress and the Pentagon work together to remove barriers to innovation and streamline procurement processes. (Source ref: 35)

6) Economic Realities of National Defense Funding

The landscape of U.S. defense spending reveals a complex interplay between historical trends, current economic constraints, and emerging global security needs. While the percentage of GDP allocated to defense has declined significantly since the Reagan era, recent geopolitical events have prompted large supplemental security expenditures.

• U.S. defense spending has decreased from 6.8% of GDP during the Reagan era to around 3% today. (Source ref: 24,25)
• Recent fiscal constraints have limited Pentagon budget increases to 1%, effectively resulting in a cut when accounting for inflation. (Source ref: 26)
• Despite budget limitations, the U.S. has responded to global crises with substantial supplemental security bills, including a recent $95 billion package supporting Ukraine, Israel, and Indo-Pacific countries. (Source ref: 27)

7) Mobilizing Public Support for Defense Readiness

The report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to mobilize public support for enhancing America’s defense readiness. It underscores the alarming disconnect between the American public’s awareness and the potential impact of a major war, calling for a bipartisan effort to address these critical issues.

• The American public is largely unaware of how a major war could disrupt every aspect of daily life, from utilities to internet services. (Source ref: 20)
• The commission calls for a bipartisan effort to galvanize support for necessary changes and investments in national defense. (Source ref: 44)
• Implementing the commission’s recommendations will require sustained presidential leadership and a fundamental shift in mindset across various government bodies. (Source ref: 40)

References

1) The report, commissioned by Congress, found that the U.S. “is not prepared today” for a major military conflict. (sources: 1, type: Fact)
2) The quadrennial review of U.S. national security preparedness brings together “a group of outside experts to review the country’s national defense strategy.” (sources: 1, type: Fact)
3) Its goal is to provide an independent assessment of the nation’s preparedness. (sources: 1, type: Fact)
4) A report has found that the United States military is “not prepared” to fight in a major war, as “major powers” — such as Russia and China — have become “top threats” to the U.S., with China “outpacing” the U.S. The report, which the Commission on the National Defense Strategy released in July, reveals that while the U.S. is currently facing some of “the most serious and most challenging” threats since 1945, several problems are preventing the U.S. military from being able to address threats from China or Russia. (sources: 2, type: Fact)
5) The report also notes that the U.S. military has faced “recent recruitment shortfalls” that have led to a decrease in “the size of the Army, Air Force, and Navy.” (sources: 2, type: Fact)
6) “The United States last fought a global conflict during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago. (sources: 2, type: Fact)
7) The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago. (sources: 2, type: Fact)
8) China and Russia are described as major powers that are trying “to undermine” the influence of the U.S., with China “outpacing the United States”: The report adds that China and Russia established a “no-limits” partnership in February 2022 that has “only deepened and broadened to include a military and economic partnership with Iran and North Korea.” (sources: 2, type: Fact)
9) Most recently, it was reported that Russian and Chinese bombers had been flying together off the coast of Alaska. (sources: 2, type: Fact)
10) While the bombers were reportedly not seen as a threat, it represents the first time that Chinese bomber aircraft have flown close to Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone and the first time aircraft from both countries have taken off from the same base in Russia. (sources: 2, type: Fact)
11) “The United States last fought a global conflict during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago. (sources: 3, type: Fact)
12) The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago. (sources: 3, type: Fact)
13) Both China and Russia are bolstering their military capacity while working closer with one another, creating a looming threat from two of the world’s largest superpowers, the report reads. (sources: 3, type: Fact)
14) Newer technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and hypersonic weapon capabilities are some of the examples listed as necessary to help modernize the military. (sources: 3, type: Fact)
15) In the event of a multi-theater war, the U.S. will need to work with allies to amplify its military-industrial complex production capabilities, given that it alone is “unable to produce everything needed.” (sources: 3, type: Fact)
16) The Pentagon should also conduct a sweeping review of its major systems to ensure they are up-to-date and battle-ready, and discard any programs that are headed toward obsoletion, according to the commission. (sources: 3, type: Fact)
17) A new high-profile report on US national defense acknowledged that the Pentagon could deplete its munitions within “three to four weeks” in a protracted war with China. (sources: 4, type: Fact)
18) Ammunition stockpiles are particularly lacking, said the eight-person commission, which included a retired Army general, a former Democratic-party congresswoman, and a former US ambassador. (sources: 4, type: Fact)
19) Some important munitions, such as anti-ship missiles, could last only a few days, the commission warned. (sources: 4, type: Fact)
20) The review further stressed that the US public is “largely unaware” of the threats to their country and its allies, saying that most Americans don’t understand how major war stands to affect every aspect of their lives — from water and power supplies to internet services. (sources: 4, type: Fact)
21) This was the finding of a bipartisan panel tasked by Congress to review U.S. defense strategy. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
22) The report wasn’t due until the end of the year, and the panel finished early so that its findings could factor into the presidential election. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
23) “The United States is still failing to act with the urgency required, across administrations and without regard to governing party,” the report says. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
24) During a defense buildup led by President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. spent 6.8% of GDP on defense. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
25) It now spends around 3%, though in real terms defense spending reached its all-time high during the wars on terror earlier this century, according to data from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
26) One of the most recent barriers was a deal struck last year to avoid a government default, which capped increases to the Pentagon budget at 1%, a cut when accounting for inflation. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
27) Since the war in Ukraine, the U.S. has passed multiple enormous supplemental security bills — most recently a $95 billion one this April that included funding to support Kyiv, Israel and countries in the Indo-Pacific. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
28) ‘A solution’ But legislation and money do little to solve what the commission calls America’s biggest issue: the home front. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
29) The military isn’t recruiting as many people as it wants, though it’s doing better retaining those who already joined. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
30) Given the threat of Russia, China and Iran in the Middle East, America’s military should be able to fight across multiple theaters at once, it says. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
31) “We find that the situation has deteriorated since the 2018 Commission’s report and that many of the previous recommendations were not adopted,” this report says. (sources: 5, type: Fact)
32) The report warns that the U.S. is unprepared for a sustained conflict with China or Russia, highlighting a crisis of confidence in American national security. (sources: 1, 4, 5, type: Fact)
33) The Pentagon is burdened with bureaucratic processes and outdated military hardware, contributing to a stagnate state. (sources: 3, 3, type: Fact)
34) The U.S. military is no longer prepared to fight in a major war, facing serious challenges from adversaries like China and Russia. (sources: 3, 3, 5, type: Fact)
35) The report emphasizes the need for Congress and the Pentagon to remove barriers to adopting innovation and improve defense production capabilities. (sources: 3, 3, 5, type: Fact)
36) The U.S. defense industrial base is unable to meet the equipment, technology, and munitions needs of the United States and its allies. (sources: 2, 3, 4, 4, type: Fact)
37) “The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war,” the report states. (sources: 2, type: Quote)
38) “The Commission finds that, in many ways, China is outpacing the United States and has largely negated the U.S. military advantage in the Western Pacific through two decades of focused military investment,” the report reads. (sources: 3, type: Quote)
39) The new axis “creates a real risk, if not likelihood, that conflict anywhere could become a multitheater or global war,” according to the report. (sources: 3, type: Quote)
40) “Implementing these recommendations to boost all elements of national power will require sustained presidential leadership and a fundamental change in mindset at the Pentagon, at the National Security Council and across executive branch departments and agencies, in Congress, and among the American public writ large,” the report reads. (sources: 3, type: Quote)
41) “[We] agree with the Commission’s position that there is still much to do to fully achieve our strategic objectives,” a Pentagon spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation. (sources: 3, type: Quote)
42) They cited a 2022 report from two Center for National American Security analysts that said the US doesn’t have enough arms to “blunt and defeat an initial invasion” from powers like China. (sources: 4, type: Quote)
43) “As a result, unclassified public wargames suggest that, in a conflict with China, the United States would largely exhaust its munitions inventories in as few as three to four weeks,” their report said. (sources: 4, type: Quote)
44) “A bipartisan ‘call to arms’ is urgently needed so that the United States can make the major changes and significant investments now rather than wait for the next Pearl Harbor or 9/11,” it said. (sources: 4, type: Quote)
45) “The nation was last prepared for such a fight during the Cold War, which ended 35 years ago,” the report reads. (sources: 5, type: Quote)
46) Both the timing and tone are an attempt to yank public attention away from domestic issues, such as the border and the economy, said Jane Harman, a former Democratic Congresswoman from California and chair of the commission. (sources: 5, type: Quote)

Germany passed a new law allowing renters to install plug-in solar panels on their balconies. The new law significantly limits the ability of landlords and homeowners associations to prevent such installations. Only in cases where there is a compelling reason can these entities intervene.

Renters in Germany can now install solar energy systems with a capacity of up to 2,000 watts. That amount of electricity is sufficient to power common household items such as light bulbs, cellphone chargers, toasters, coffee makers and even medium-sized refrigerators. The cost of installing these solar devices typically ranges between around $500 to $1,600.

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Historically, Germany relied heavily on Russian gas for its energy, with imports from Russia constituting 55% of the nation’s gas supply. However, following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the subsequent trade sanctions, Germany increasingly turned to solar energy to meet its needs. Solar farms have been particularly successful, at times generating more than 60% of the country’s electricity this year.

By enabling renters to install solar panels, the new law extends access to solar technology to a significant portion of the population. With over half of Germany’s residents living in rented accommodations, this policy could have a sizable impact on the adoption of solar energy across the country.

As Congress reconvenes on Capitol Hill, all eyes are on the House of Representatives, where a pivotal vote is scheduled on the contentious Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Introduced by House Republicans, this bill seeks to mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for all federal elections in an effort to prevent noncitizens from voting.

Under the current National Voter Registration Act, individuals attest to their citizenship by checking a box on registration forms. However, the SAVE Act proposes significant changes, requiring prospective voters to furnish documentation proving their citizenship. Accepted forms of proof include a U.S. passport, a photo ID card issued with proof of citizenship, or a combination of a photo ID and supporting documents like a birth certificate.

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For those lacking these documents, states would gain access to federal agency databases to verify citizenship status for voter registration purposes, according to the text of the bill. The bill also includes provisions to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and grants discretion to the Department of Homeland Security to deport non-citizens found to have illegally registered to vote.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has vigorously advocated for the SAVE Act, emphasizing its role in closing loopholes that allow non-citizen voting, enhancing election security and bolstering public trust in the electoral process. In a detailed plea to House members, Johnson underscored the necessity of passing the bill to safeguard American elections against foreign interference.

⚡️A 🇺🇦Ukrainian heavy drone of the "Baba Yaga" type carries a robot dog pic.twitter.com/DrsrtCoUoH

— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) September 23, 2024

The SAVE Act has sparked intense debate along party lines. Democratic leaders opposing the bill argue that it imposes undue burdens on various groups, including military personnel, Native Americans, naturalized citizens and elderly voters who may face challenges in acquiring the required documentation.

In a whip question, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., criticized the bill as placing an “extreme burden” on millions of Americans, potentially disenfranchising vulnerable populations.

This vote follows a previous House decision in May, where a similar measure blocking non-citizen voting in Washington, D.C., garnered bipartisan support, with 52 Democrats crossing party lines to vote in favor. However, Democratic leadership is now urging solidarity among its ranks to oppose the SAVE Act.

Despite the anticipated House vote, prospects for the SAVE Act’s passage in the Senate remain uncertain. Even if approved by the House, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where partisan divisions could hinder its progress.

As Congress gears up for a crucial session, the SAVE Act vote marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over voting rights and election integrity.

President Joe Biden is trying to reassure voters and a growing number of Democrats who are reportedly calling for him to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. However, he has vowed to stay in the race during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, July 8.

“The bottom line is I’m not going anywhere. I am not going anywhere,” Biden said.

His words come as even more Democratic lawmakers called for his withdrawal from the presidential race over the weekend of July 6. Some have demanded more media appearances to reassure voters ahead of the general election.

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Concerns were raised about the president’s mental acuity for office after a shaky debate performance on June 27.

Following those concerns, the president and his aides have tried to quell them. On Friday, July 5, President Biden addressed concerns about his physical and mental stamina to endure another four years as president on ABC News.

“Would you be willing to undergo an independent medical evaluation that included neurological and cognitive test and the release the to the American people,” George Stephanopoulos asked Biden.

Biden replied, “Look, I have a cognitive test every single day. Every day I have to that test. Everything I do. Not only my campaign but I’m running the world.”

However, the president failed to directly answer the question over whether or not he would take the test.

While the media sprint is meant to calm concerns, it has also drawn scrutiny. Over the weekend, a Philadelphia radio host, Andrea Lawful-Sanders, resigned after admitting to asking questions provided to her by the Biden campaign.

“The questions were sent to me. I approved them,” Lawful-Sanders said.

Another radio host in Milwaukee, Earl Ingram, also said that he was provided questions ahead of his interview with the president. However, he has not resigned.

A Biden campaign spokesperson acknowledged that the campaign provided questions to the radio show hosts but said, “We do not condition interviews on acceptance of these questions.”

Following the backlash, the Biden campaign said it will no longer recommend questions to interviewers.

Meanwhile, Biden’s reassurance tour hits the global stage as he plans to hold a press conference at the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., starting on July 9, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.