Summary‍

An investigative report found that the Pentagon launched an anti-vax campaign in the Philippines to undermine China during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The IRS is aiming to put an end to a major tax loophole used by the rich to raise up to $50 billion. The Boston Celtics are the 2024 NBA Champions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu dissolves his war cabinet in order to increase his influence over a potential cease-fire deal. The US Surgeon General has called for a major warning label to be placed on social media. The US faces severe heat warnings this week in the Midwest and Northeast. The 2024 Tony Awards gave major recognition to “Stereophonic”. 

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Sources & More

In Must Know News…

• A bombshell investigative report found that four years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic’s deadliest hour, the Pentagon launched a secret anti-vax campaign in the Philippines to cast doubt on the safety of Chinese medical aid. Hundreds of government accounts impersonating Filipinos spread disinformation across social media, denouncing face masks, COVID tests, and even the first available vaccine. 
• The IRS is planning to end a major tax loophole for the rich that could raise up to $50 billion dollars over the next ten years. The idea is this: stop “partnership basis shifting,” which is when a business or person moves their assets from one property to another to avoid paying taxes. This plan is just one part of the IRS’s recent crackdown on tax cheats and wealthy corporations. Let’s just hope some of that $50 billion comes our way… 
• Your 2024 NBA Champions are the Boston Celtics who defeated the Dallas Mavericks in 5 games. This is their 18th NBA championship, giving them the record for the most titles of all time. The Bill Russell Finals MVP Award went to Jaylen Brown. Check out today’s sports episode for more on this!

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In Other Notable News…

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu disbanded his war cabinet. He will now consult a much smaller group of officials about Israel’s operation in Gaza, granting himself greater influence over a potential cease-fire deal.
• U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for warning labels on social media platforms that caution young people of their ill effects, similar to those on cigarette boxes. Murthy argued that while a warning label won’t solve the mental health crisis, it could increase awareness.
• Things are heating up in the US this week as over 58 million Americans face severe temperature warnings. To our listeners in the Midwest and Northeast, make sure to stay safe and hydrate, it’s gonna be a hot one!
• The 2024 Tony Awards ended with “Stereophonic” winning 5 of the 13 awards it was nominated for, pulling out a close victory over many other performances. Make sure to check out today’s C2 pop culture for more details!

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Hope you have a great day, and thanks for listening to Current2, the easy way to stay informed!

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The Bulletin Brief:

Secret anti-vax campaign launched by the Pentagon (Reuters)

Tax loophole for major-rich to be squashed by the IRS (AP, CNN)

Celtics are the 2024 NBA Champs, Brown wins Finals MVP (ESPN, X)

Netanyahu dismantles war cabinet for greater influence (Reuters)

Potential U.S. Surgeon General warning on social media (AP, Reuters)

Severe heat warnings hit the US this week (CBS)

2024 Tony award highlights (NBC)