Vance Boelter was indicted on federal charges for the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for seriously injuring Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The indictment includes six charges, some of which carry the possibility of the death penalty, as announced by Acting US Attorney Joseph Thompson. Boelter is also accused of shooting at the Hoffmans’ daughter. Authorities recovered the firearms used in the incident, and the attacks were reportedly highly planned, with Boelter gathering information and supplies for months.
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The US withdrew $300M funding from Gavi, which vaccinates half of the world’s children. This is a significant development, and it’s worth unpacking the implications. Gavi, for those who may not be familiar, is a crucial organization. It plays a massive role in global health by providing vaccinations to children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. The impact is undeniable: Gavi has protected over a billion children since 2000 and prevented millions of deaths. Their model is also exceptionally efficient, able to negotiate vaccine prices down to a fraction of what they cost in the United States.
The US, historically a major donor, provided around $300 million annually to support Gavi’s mission.… Continue reading
CNN team allegedly ambushed by West Bank settlers amid spiraling extremist violence, a scenario that unfortunately, feels all too familiar right now. It appears a CNN crew covering the ongoing tensions in the West Bank was targeted, with reports suggesting the attackers were masked settlers. They allegedly started by trying to pelt the reporters’ car with objects and later, after the police had left the scene, ambushed the team, using a club or mallet to break the vehicle’s window. This incident, if true, underscores the escalating violence and the apparent impunity with which some settlers operate in the region.
The timing of this alleged attack, especially in the context of escalating tensions, is definitely a cause for concern.… Continue reading
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According to unnamed federal law enforcement officials, Jeffrey Epstein employed private investigators to surveil and intimidate FBI special agents involved in the investigation into his sex trafficking crimes. These tactics echo similar intimidation methods used against Palm Beach police officers who initially investigated Epstein. Internal divisions within Donald Trump’s administration surrounding the release of Epstein-related documents have also sparked controversy, with some officials expressing frustration over the Justice Department’s handling of the case. Despite these efforts, the Justice Department released video footage from Epstein’s jail cell, which caused even more suspicion. The release of further documentation is being blocked.
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On Tuesday, House Republicans voted against a measure to release the Epstein files, resulting in a 211 to 210 vote. This followed a failed attempt by Democrats to force a vote on the amendment. Despite the public interest in the files, no Republican voted in favor of the measure, including some who had previously expressed concerns about the Epstein case. Nine Republicans chose to abstain from the vote.
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Japan PM Ishiba’s call to reduce dependence on the United States is a significant development, especially given the backdrop of looming new tariffs. It seems like the winds of change are definitely blowing, with a growing sentiment that perhaps it’s time for Japan to lessen its reliance on the US, both economically and perhaps even strategically. This is a pretty bold move, considering the long and complex relationship these two nations have. It’s almost like a dance they’ve been doing for decades, and now, there’s a desire to change the steps.
The core of the issue boils down to a feeling that relying too heavily on one partner, particularly when that partner starts implementing trade barriers, can be detrimental.… Continue reading
In response to Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding a peace agreement, Dmitry Medvedev characterized the demands as a “theatrical ultimatum,” suggesting indifference from Russia. This follows Trump’s criticism of Medvedev for comments regarding nuclear weapons, particularly concerning Iran. Trump’s ultimatum included the threat of tough sanctions if a peace agreement isn’t reached within 50 days, alongside plans to supply Ukraine with weapons, funded by European allies. The US president has also confirmed the commitment to send various types of weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles, which will be fully paid for.
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After more than 50 years, the identity of a woman found dead in Marlborough in 1974 has been confirmed using DNA analysis. Originally unidentified, the deceased was believed to be between 18 and 48 years old at the time of discovery. Through the efforts of the Brattleboro Police Department and DNA provided by her siblings, the woman was identified as Nancy Gale Erickson, who was 21 years old when she died. Before her death, Erickson worked as a nurse in Florida before abruptly leaving in 1973, with her last known employment being at the Brattleboro Retreat.
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The White House was reportedly thrown into confusion regarding the status of FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino following his failure to appear at work on Friday, which fueled speculation about his resignation. Aides reached out to CNN seeking clarity on Bongino’s employment status as his relationship with the administration had deteriorated, and the president was reportedly angered by Bongino’s threats to quit. This uncertainty was further compounded by the president’s ambiguous response when asked if Bongino was still in his post. Bongino’s potential departure stemmed from his frustration with the DOJ and FBI’s findings regarding Jeffrey Epstein’s death.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood