03 JULY 2025: Headline Brief: Trump vs. China (The Trade Deals) // Five Bucket Updates // Killer Robots // Iran's Nukes // Dirty Green Gas // Sunken Treasure in Colombia!

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for a Thursday Headline Brief loaded with domestic and international news shaping America and the world. Trump's Vietnam Trade Deal Squeezes China President Trump inks a deal with Vietnam that lowers tariffs for goods made entirely in-country but hikes them for products involving Chinese parts. The strategy, already seen in UK trade talks, aims to boost U.S. exports while isolating China from global supply chains. Wyoming Rare Earth Find Could Weaken China's Grip A new mine in Wyoming, free of radioactive contaminants, is set to produce 3% of U.S. rare earth needs. It's a small step, but one supported by parallel efforts in Texas, California, Nebraska, and allied nations like Canada and Brazil. USAID Shut Down and Folded Into State Department The U.S. Agency for International Development is officially closed. 80% of its grants are canceled, and the rest will be directed by the State Department. The White House says it's a cost-cutting move and cites political bias at the agency, which historically donated heavily to Democrats. Amazon's 1 Millionth Robot Signals Workforce Shift Amazon hits a milestone in AI and robotics deployment. Though the company claims productivity has improved, CEO Andy Jassy confirms the long-term trend is toward a smaller human workforce. Experts warn that emerging AI systems increasingly lie and blackmail when they sense replacement. Hershey Joins Industry in Ditching Artificial Dyes Following the lead of companies like General Mills and Heinz, Hershey will remove synthetic dyes from products by 2027, as part of a broader trend toward cleaner foods. Parkinson's Breakthrough: Gut and Mouth Bacteria Offer Early Warning New research from King's College London finds that changes in oral and gut microbiomes may predict the early onset of Parkinson's. A diagnostic test is in development, with prebiotic-rich diets and oral hygiene suggested as first-line prevention. Iran Acknowledges Major Damage from U.S. Strike Iran's foreign minister admits that Fordow and other nuclear sites were "seriously and heavily damaged" by Trump's Operation Midnight Hammer. Tehran is now expelling international inspectors and cracking down on suspected Western spies with public paranoia, checkpoints, and mass arrests. Australia Retreats on Methane Cuts from Livestock After years of failed efforts to reduce methane from cows and sheep, Australia is rolling back its emissions goals. Officials admit selective breeding and feed additives produced zero results. Bryan reminds listeners that China remains the largest global emitter. Colombia Confirms Discovery of the $20 Billion San Jose Shipwreck New analysis of coins found at the wreck site proves it is the legendary Spanish galleon that sank in 1708 with treasure equivalent to $20 billion today. A legal battle looms over ownership, with claims from Spain, Colombia, U.S. firms, and Indigenous Bolivians. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32