Recent polls indicate a potential erosion of President Trump’s support base following his decision to conduct airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Approval ratings among those who voted for him in 2024 have decreased, signaling a shift in attitudes, even among Republicans. Analysts suggest a disconnect between Trump’s actions and voter priorities, particularly regarding foreign entanglements, as a key factor. Despite the shifts, support for military action against Iran remains strong within his most devoted base, highlighting a complex interplay of partisanship and loyalty.
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Governor Spencer Cox has declared June 29th as a “Day of Prayer and Fasting for Rain” and urged Utahns to conserve water due to the intensifying wildfire season. The state is currently experiencing extreme drought conditions, with almost all of the state in moderate to severe drought and nearly half of the state suffering from drought. Cox has reached out to religious leaders statewide to encourage them to share the invitation. This declaration follows the governor’s previous calls for prayer and action regarding water shortages, highlighting the severity of the situation.
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President Zelenskyy has signed a decree for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decree, which also mandates immediate action to implement the decision, originates from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Notably, this move follows similar actions by Poland, Lithuania, and Finland, and does not mention the Verkhovna Rada’s involvement, although a vote may be required. Ukraine joined the convention in 1999, with ratification occurring in 2005.
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The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), a 940-page budget reconciliation bill, proposes $3.8 trillion in tax cuts and spending that could add $4.5 trillion to the national debt. Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are delaying the bill’s passage by requiring it to be read aloud in its entirety, a process estimated to take at least 15 hours. This move aims to highlight the bill’s contents, which include tax breaks for billionaires, potential cuts to healthcare and food assistance, and giveaways to fossil fuel companies. Some Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, have admitted to not fully understanding the bill’s contents before voting on it, further intensifying the debate surrounding its weighty consequences.
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Russia unleashed its largest aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, firing a total of 537 aerial weapons, including drones and missiles, targeting multiple regions. The attacks resulted in casualties across several regions, including the deaths of three people in Kherson, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, and one in Kostyantynivka. Simultaneously, Russian forces claimed control of a village in the Donetsk region, while Ukraine withdrew from an anti-personnel landmine pact. This escalation follows recent comments from Putin, expressing a willingness for peace talks.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to withdraw Ukraine from the Ottawa Convention, following similar moves by the Baltic nations and Poland. This decision stems from the ongoing conflict, as Russia has been extensively using anti-personnel mines, impacting both soldiers and civilians. The withdrawal allows Ukraine to potentially employ these weapons, mirroring the actions of neighboring countries preparing for a possible escalation in the war. The decree still needs parliamentary approval, and the exact date of implementation remains uncertain.
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The former U.S. President, Donald Trump, escalated his criticism of Israel, specifically targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial. Trump hinted that the significant $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid to Israel could be at risk. This warning implicitly suggested that the aid could be jeopardized if the charges against Netanyahu are not dropped. This represents a substantial shift in the U.S.’s approach to Israel, tying financial support to domestic legal matters.
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In response to President Trump’s efforts to withhold federal funding, Democratic legislators in several states are introducing bills that would allow them to withhold state payments to the federal government. The proposed legislation, introduced in states like Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Wisconsin, aims to counter the administration’s actions, which have frozen funds for various programs. While these bills face legal challenges and are unlikely to significantly impact the flow of funds, they represent a symbolic effort to challenge the federal government’s actions and protect state residents. Legal experts point out that the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause gives precedence to the federal government, but also recognize the potential for retaliation from the Trump administration.
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Recent Israeli strikes across Gaza have resulted in at least 72 deaths, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. These attacks, which began late Friday and continued into Saturday, targeted various locations, including shelters and tent camps. Amidst the violence, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a potential ceasefire agreement could be reached within a week, and Israel’s minister for strategic affairs is scheduled to meet with US officials. The conflict has already claimed the lives of over 56,000 Palestinians, with the situation further compounded by severe food shortages and the disruption of aid distribution by armed groups and Israeli forces.
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A recent study indicates that local community engagement has significantly increased. Residents are actively participating in town hall meetings and neighborhood initiatives. This surge in participation is believed to be fueled by increased awareness of local issues and a desire for community improvement. Furthermore, local businesses are experiencing a boost in patronage due to this renewed interest in the neighborhood.
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John Q. Hosedrinker