A recently passed House spending bill includes a provision requiring financial bonds for injunctions against the Trump administration, effectively limiting legal challenges to the wealthy. This measure, buried within the bill, has drawn criticism for potentially shielding the administration from accountability by making legal action financially prohibitive for most Americans. Experts like Erwin Chemerinsky deem the provision unprecedented and harmful, arguing it’s designed to limit judicial power and prevent court orders from being enforced. Human Rights Watch similarly warns of the provision’s autocratic implications, hindering challenges to the administration’s actions.
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Two separate bridge collapses in Russia’s Bryansk and Kursk regions, bordering Ukraine, resulted in at least seven deaths and numerous injuries. Both incidents involved trains; in Bryansk, a road bridge collapsed onto a passenger train, with authorities citing “illegal interference,” while in Kursk, a freight train caused a bridge to collapse. Russian authorities initially labeled the events “terrorist acts,” but later removed those references, while Ukraine denied involvement. The incidents follow a pattern of attacks and sabotage targeting Russian infrastructure near the Ukrainian border.
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To combat Russia’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet,” Sweden will strengthen its verification of foreign vessels’ insurance status starting July 1st. This expanded scrutiny, encompassing ships transiting Swedish waters and not just those docking, will involve the Coast Guard and Maritime Administration. The initiative aims to deter the use of uninsured, poorly maintained ships and provide data for further sanctions enforcement. Swedish officials believe this heightened monitoring will disrupt the shadow fleet’s operations and improve Baltic Sea security.
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President Trump’s recent public appearances have been marked by increasing verbal errors, including mispronunciations and a correction regarding proposed DOGE-related budget cuts. These gaffes coincide with reports of Trump’s on-camera drowsiness, despite a recent clean bill of health. Meanwhile, allegations of drug use within the White House, potentially involving Musk, have emerged; this follows a previous report detailing widespread prescription drug use within the West Wing. Musk has not addressed the allegations against him.
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The UK government will build up to 12 new conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines, replacing the current Astute class fleet from the late 2030s. This initiative, part of a larger £40bn defence review, also includes £15bn for the nuclear warhead programme and investments in munitions production, long-range weaponry, cyber capabilities, and military housing. The new submarine program is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and apprenticeships. These actions aim to enhance the UK’s warfighting readiness and deter growing threats.
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Poland’s presidential election resulted in an extremely close outcome, with initial exit polls showing a near tie between Rafał Trzaskowski (50.3%) and Karol Nawrocki (49.7%). A later updated poll reversed these results, putting Nawrocki slightly ahead. The record-high voter turnout of nearly 73% underscores the significance of this election, with the final results expected to be confirmed on Monday. The winner will significantly influence Poland’s governance and foreign policy, with Trzaskowski favoring closer EU ties and Nawrocki promoting stronger US relations.
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During his This Week broadcast, George Stephanopoulos accused the Trump family of leveraging the presidency to amass billions of dollars through various deals. Stephanopoulos cited instances such as a pardon for a tax cheat after a substantial Mar-a-Lago donation and the SEC dropping a lawsuit against Binance after the platform listed a Trump family cryptocurrency. He quoted The Atlantic, describing the situation as unprecedented corruption on a scale comparable to post-Soviet or postcolonial dictatorships. This accusation comes despite ABC’s previous settlement with Trump for a false statement made by Stephanopoulos.
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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating Climax Mayor Joseph Kelly, 38, and his wife, Natalie Kelly, 44, following their arrests on child sex crime charges. Joseph Kelly faces two counts of child molestation, while Natalie Kelly faces two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. The investigation, initiated by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, stems from allegations of sexual contact with minors. Although Joseph Kelly is employed by the Decatur County School District, the GBI currently finds no link between his employment and the alleged crimes.
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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted a successful long-range drone operation, codenamed “Spiderweb,” targeting four Russian airfields. The operation, planned for over 18 months and personally overseen by President Zelensky, resulted in significant damage to approximately 40 Russian aircraft, including A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22M3 bombers, estimated at $7 billion. All SBU operatives involved were safely recovered, and the operation is considered a major Ukrainian victory.
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A Russian marine from the 40th Separate Marine Brigade has been charged by Ukraine’s SBU with war crimes for the January execution of two Ukrainian prisoners of war near Kursk. The soldier, captured after a subsequent firefight, allegedly shot the unarmed prisoners at point-blank range after their capture. This case contributes to mounting evidence of systemic war crimes against Ukrainian POWs, including numerous deaths in captivity and confirmed instances of deliberate killings by Russian forces. The accused faces life imprisonment if convicted under Ukraine’s Criminal Code for violating the Geneva Convention.
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John Q. Hosedrinker