The U.S. Department of Defense will permanently cease processing and transmitting microwave data from its three weather satellites by June 30, 2025, which will significantly impact hurricane forecasts. This decision, motivated by security concerns, means the loss of data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) will severely impede hurricane forecasts for the 2025 season. The discontinuation will halve the availability of critical microwave data, increasing the risk of missing important details about rapid intensification, misplacing storms, and degrading forecast accuracy, ultimately impacting tens of millions of Americans.
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Following an earlier incident involving profanity, President Trump adopted a different tone with a Ukrainian reporter at a NATO press conference. When questioned about selling Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, Trump inquired about the reporter’s connection to the country and her husband, who is a Ukrainian soldier. He then expressed consideration for her situation, acknowledging the hardships. Subsequently, Trump stated the US would assess the possibility of providing Patriot missile defense systems while highlighting their effectiveness.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that removing fluoride from water supplies could lead to a rise in cavities across the United States. This statement was made during a Fox News appearance where he discussed the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” campaign. Kennedy responded to concerns about the potential impact on dental health, especially for lower-income children who may not have access to preventative care. The admission drew criticism and mockery on social media, with many users pointing out the negative consequences of such a decision. The American Dental Association has since reiterated its support for fluoridation, emphasizing the negative effects of removing fluoride on public health and the economy.
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North Korea is set to open the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on July 1st, a beach resort designed to attract domestic tourists with the potential to host up to 20,000 visitors. The project, spearheaded by leader Kim Jong Un, aims to boost tourism and potentially generate revenue in the heavily sanctioned nation. While the resort’s ability to attract foreign tourists is uncertain, the country previously opened its borders to some Western visitors before abruptly halting tourism weeks later. It is unclear when the resort will begin welcoming international guests.
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During a recent House hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett scrutinized Melania Trump’s “Einstein visa,” designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities. Crockett questioned the former First Lady’s eligibility for the visa, pointing out that it’s typically awarded to Nobel laureates, Olympic medalists, or those with significant achievements in various fields, which Melania Trump did not have. Crockett argued that Melania Trump, a model, did not possess the qualifications and therefore should not have been granted the visa. A witness at the hearing offered a defense of the First Lady, suggesting her marriage to Donald Trump was an achievement in itself.
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Following Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary for the 2025 New York mayoral election, the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) called for his citizenship to be revoked and for his deportation. The NYYRC cited the Communist Control Act in its call to action, while the White House framed Mamdani’s win as evidence of uncontrolled migration. President Trump also criticized Mamdani, labeling him a “Communist Lunatic” on Truth Social. The election outcome is seen as a potential indicator of the Democratic party’s future direction, with the general election scheduled for November 4th.
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Centrist Democrats frequently adopt messaging that mirrors Republican talking points, even when those points are not entirely accurate, as seen with Andrew Cuomo’s crime rate fearmongering. This approach alienates potential Democratic voters, especially those affected by the issues being discussed, leading to decreased motivation to participate in elections. Furthermore, centrist Democrats often fail to directly address material needs, particularly economic issues, as effectively as their more progressive counterparts. Finally, unlike centrist Democrats, politicians like Mamdani are willing to introduce new and innovative policy solutions, rather than merely incremental adjustments to existing services.
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In 2023, the global cocaine market experienced unprecedented growth, with production, seizures, and user numbers reaching record highs. Production surged to 3,708 tonnes, fueled primarily by increased coca cultivation in Colombia, while seizures hit 2,275 tonnes. Cocaine use also expanded to 25 million users, reflecting a growing trend among affluent populations and contributing to a “vicious cycle” of production and consumption. The report also noted the rise of cocaine trafficking in new markets across Asia and Africa, as well as record seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants.
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During a Wednesday congressional hearing, Representative Jasmine Crockett questioned Melania Trump’s eligibility for an EB-1 visa, typically granted to individuals with “extraordinary ability”. Crockett criticized what she perceived as a double standard in visa enforcement, particularly regarding the former model’s immigration history. Crockett pointed out that Melania Trump obtained this visa despite not having the typical achievements associated with the program. Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute, who also testified, defended Melania Trump by making a quip, and it was noted that Melania had obtained her green card legally.
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Economic data released Thursday presented a mixed picture of the US economy. The final estimate of Gross Domestic Product showed a decline of 0.5% from January to March, with consumer spending growth slowing significantly. However, business investment remained positive, and new orders for durable goods surged. While unemployment claims increased, and the GDP decline was due to trade deficits, the Federal Reserve is likely to focus on inflation risks and the labor market when making decisions on interest rates.
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John Q. Hosedrinker