Current Events in July 2025

• More than 3,200 U.S. newspapers have folded in 20 years, creating news deserts and fueling misinformation.

• Big Tech platforms disrupted ad revenue and control how news is seen online, leaving local outlets vulnerable.

• Nextdoor partners with over 3,500 local publishers, hoping to drive traffic and engagement through local headlines.

Local news in America is in crisis. Over the past two decades, more than 3,200 print newspapers have shuttered, leaving millions of Americans living in so-called “news deserts” without reliable local coverage.

One in six U.S. residents now has limited or no access to local journalism, a void that researchers say leads to lower voter turnout, heightened polarization, increased government spending, and the spread of health misinformation.

The situation could get worse if the Trump administration succeeds in cutting off funding to National Public Radio (NPR), whose local stations are among the few or only remaining local news outlets in many smaller cities. 

The collapse of local journalism has been hastened by technology giants like Google and Meta, whose dominance of the digital advertising market has siphoned away the revenue that once sustained newsrooms. Readers, meanwhile, have increasingly turned to "aggregators" like Google News or Apple News instead of subscribing directly to news outlets. They don't originate news coverage and usually don't have anything to contribute locally. 

Social platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have also made it harder for publishers to reach audiences by deprioritizing news content in user feeds.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may soon make matters worse if it can vacuum up enough local information from other sources to repackage for consumers wondering what's going on in their town.

A different path

Amid the turmoil, Nextdoor Holdings Inc. — the neighborhood-focused social network — is pursuing a different path. Unlike other tech platforms that prioritize keeping users within their walled gardens, Nextdoor announced on Tuesday a partnership with more than 3,500 local publishers.

Nextdoor aims to distribute local news headlines directly within its app, which boasts 46 million weekly users. A carousel of local stories now greets users as soon as they open Nextdoor.

“We’re sending traffic out versus keeping everything inside the walled garden,” Nextdoor CEO Nirav Tolia said. While acknowledging that this approach might not always deliver the smoothest user experience — particularly when readers encounter paywalls — Tolia maintained that supporting local publishers is part of Nextdoor’s broader mission.

Though publishers aren’t paid to share content on the platform, some are seeing benefits. One local publisher said he was seeing traffic bumps of up to 12 percent thanks to Nextdoor’s referrals. 

For local news outlets already on the brink, any new distribution channel is a welcome lifeline. But as publishers know all too well, tech platforms can change course overnight, leaving traffic — and livelihoods — hanging in the balance.

• A California Assembly committee just advanced a first-of-its-kind bill to mandate lead testing in prenatal vitamins sold in the state.

• A recent study found 90% of tested prenatal vitamins contained lead, which can harm a baby’s development.

• The proposed law would require manufacturers to meet the strictest lead limits starting in 2027.
  

California is one step closer to becoming the first state in the U.S. to implement strict testing requirements for prenatal vitamins containing lead —a toxic metal known to harm developing babies.

A bill recently advanced by the California Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee would prohibit the sale of prenatal supplements containing more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per daily serving. 

That threshold aligns with the strictest public health recommendations and is aimed at protecting pregnant people and their babies from unnecessary exposure to a dangerous contaminant.

“Any exposure to lead during pregnancy is dangerous – there is no safe level,” Susan Little, the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) California legislative director said in a news release. 

“Even trace amounts can interfere with a baby’s brain development, raising the risk of lifelong health and learning problems. It’s unacceptable that pregnant people are unknowingly exposed to toxic metals in the very supplements they take to protect their health.”

Lead in vitamins? It's more common than you think

While lead in vitamins might sound surprising, a recent study by the EWG and Unleaded Kids found that more than 9 out of 10 prenatal vitamins tested contained detectable levels of lead. Some even exceeded California’s maximum allowable dose level, which is set to warn consumers of reproductive harm under Proposition 65.

Prenatal vitamins are typically taken daily for months or even years. Even low levels of lead exposure over time can be dangerous, especially during pregnancy.

Lead has been linked to a range of developmental issues in children, including learning difficulties, lower IQ, and behavioral problems. And because lead can cross the placenta, babies are exposed in the womb—long before their first breath.

What's in the bill—and why it matters

If passed, the new California law would require all prenatal vitamins sold in the state to meet the 0.5 microgram-per-day lead limit by January 1, 2027. This includes products sold both online and in stores. Manufacturers would be prohibited from selling non-compliant products or even advertising them to California consumers.

Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements in the U.S. are not tightly regulated by the FDA before they hit the market. That leaves consumers largely in the dark about what’s actually in the vitamins they rely on.

“Pregnant people have a right to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies,” Bernadette Del Chiaro, EWG’s senior vice president for California, said in the news release. 

“SB 646 brings long-overdue transparency to the supplement industry and puts California once again at the forefront of protecting maternal and infant health.” 

What’s next

The bill still needs to be approved by other legislative committees and both chambers of California’s legislature before it can be signed into law. If successful, it could set a national precedent—and spark broader efforts to clean up the supplement industry.

In the meantime, experts advise consumers to research brands carefully and look for independent testing results when choosing prenatal vitamins.

• Walmart’s back-to-school sale features over 200 rollbacks and 2,000+ items under $10, with full supply lists starting under $10.

• Budget-friendly school lunch bundles let parents pack 10 lunches for under $20, with one-click shopping available.

• Parents can get everything on their child’s school supply list with one click for under $10. 

With retailers like Target and Dollar General preparing for the back-to-school season, Walmart is the latest big-name store to announce its back-to-school sale. 

Some of the highlights: a full back-to-school stock-up for under $65 and school supplies at lower prices than last year. 

“We understand how important it is for families and teachers to save time and money when preparing for the school year,” Denise Incandela, executive vice president, Fashion, Walmart U.S., said in a news release. 

“As the go-to destination for back-to-school shopping, we’re proud to offer another year of incredible value — including school supplies, must-have styles and essentials.”

School supply checklist

Walmart is offering school supplies at prices lower than last year, and here’s a look at some of the deals: 

• More than 200 back-to-school rollbacks 

• 100+ supplies priced under $1

• 1,000+ supplies priced under $5

• 2,000+ supplies priced under $10

On top of that, shoppers can get Walmart's back-to-school essentials list – which is priced under $10 – with just one click. Here’s what’s included: 

• Pen+Gear 5-inch Blunt-tip Kids Scissors, School Supplies, Multi-Purpose, Blue: $0.92

• Pen+Gear Crayons, Assorted Colors, 24 Count: $0.25

• Pen+Gear Pink Block Erasers, 2 Count: $0.47

• EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Black, 2 Count: $2.47

• Pen+Gear Wide Ruled Filler Paper, 10.5" x 8", 150 Sheets: $0.97

• Pen+Gear School Glue Sticks, Washable/Disappearing Purple, 0.21 oz 2 Count, Dry Time 3 Min: $0.25

• Pen+Gear Sharpened Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 12 Count: $0.50

• Pen+Gear Letter Size 3-Prong Paper Folder, Green: $0.25

• Pen+Gear Wide Ruled 1-Subject Notebook, 8" x 10.5", Blue, 70 Sheets: $0.45

• Pen+Gear Pocket Highlighter, Chisel Tip, Yellow, 2 Count: $0.88

• Pen+Gear #2 HB Unsharpened Wood Pencils, Yellow, 24 Count: $0.92

• Pen+Gear Lightweight Plastic Pencil Box with Snap-on Lid, Clear, 1-Pack: $0.97

Pack lunches for less

In addition to supplies, Walmart also has deals on school lunch favorites. 

Similar to the school supply checklist, shoppers can take advantage of Walmart’s one-click kids’ lunch essentials. The list includes everything you need to make 10 school lunches for under $20. Here’s what you get: 

• Great Value Concord Grape Jelly, 18 oz: $1.98

• Great Value White Sandwich Bread, 20 oz: $1.42

• Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter, 16 oz: $1.94

• Fresh Banana, Each: $0.28/each ($2.80 total) 

• Smartfood Popcorn White Cheddar Flavored Popcorn Snacks, 0.625 oz Bags, 10 Count Multipack: $5.37

• Welch's Fruit Snacks, Mixed Fruit, 10 Count Snack Box, 0.8oz Snack Packs, Gluten Free: $2.97

• Capri Sun Roarin' Waters Fruit Punch Wave Flavored Water Kids Drink Pouches, 10 Ct Box, 6 fl oz Pouches, Crisp, Light, Thin: $2.68

Walmart also has other one-click food options depending on your needs and preferences, including a healthier lunch option (under $20), a dorm food basket (under $50), and a snack stock-up (under $25). 

All of Walmart’s back-to-school deals are available online and in-store, as well as with any pick-up or delivery option.