According to recent reports, the United States is preparing to provide Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking targets within Russia, potentially including Moscow. This move signifies a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially changing the dynamics of the war. Details about the specific types of missiles and the timeline for their delivery remain undisclosed. The decision comes amidst growing frustration with Vladimir Putin and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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French President Emmanuel Macron has warned of an unprecedented threat to European freedom, emphasizing the need for increased defense spending. He announced plans to double France’s military budget by 2027, highlighting a rising geopolitical instability and the return of nuclear power. Macron’s address, delivered to the armed forces in Paris, referenced Russia’s actions in Ukraine and called for France to become a more powerful force to be feared. The proposals, which would bring the budget to €64 billion, are still subject to government approval.
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According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian forces have failed to meet their commanders’ expectations this summer, and Ukraine will persist in its efforts to bring the war onto Russian territory. Discussions were held with key military officials regarding defense fronts, specifically focusing on Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions. Zelenskyy also addressed the elimination of Russian forces responsible for the death of a child in Kherson Oblast. Furthermore, preparations for a visit by Keith Kellogg, along with discussions on weapon supplies and boosting domestic defense production, were also addressed.
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The White House continues to face scrutiny regarding its handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, with Google searches for “Epstein” surging significantly compared to previous weeks and even surpassing interest in topics like “tariffs”. This increase in interest follows the White House’s confirmation that no “client list” of Epstein exists, sparking criticism from figures within the former MAGA base and leading to calls for further investigation. Data analysts like Harry Enten suggest that the president’s attempts to distance himself from the topic are ineffective, and that the situation is a “self-inflicted error,” leading to decreased likelihood of the release of more Epstein files.
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Sweden’s national security service is investigating reports that sensitive data shared by bodyguards on a fitness app, Strava, may have exposed the private locations of powerful figures. The investigation was launched after a Swedish newspaper reported that bodyguards shared their running and cycling routes, inadvertently revealing details of the king and queen’s vacations and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s whereabouts. This incident, which included locations of other world leaders, prompted SÄPO to address the risks and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences, emphasizing the importance of adhering to privacy settings within the app.
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On July 12, 2025, Russia launched a combined air attack on Ukraine, utilizing Belarusian airspace for its operations. Residents near the border documented the movement of Russian drones originating from Belarus, with videos showing at least one Shahed kamikaze drone over the Slavgorod highway. This is not an isolated incident, as similar drone activity was observed in 2024. Notably, Belarusian fighter jets have also been involved in intercepting these drones, with one instance of a successful shoot-down occurring in the Yelsk district on August 29, 2024.
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The newly developed “patriotic chatbot” represents Russia and Belarus’ ongoing initiative to achieve technological and ideological self-reliance, a trend that has accelerated following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This project is part of a broader strategy to detach from Western influence and establish independent digital infrastructure. This initiative underscores the governments’ commitment to controlling information flow and fostering a specific ideological narrative within their digital spaces. The chatbot likely aims to promote a patriotic worldview and counter dissenting opinions.
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A fast-moving wildfire, the Bravo Dragon fire, has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, leading to the closure of that area for the season. The fire, initially managed as a controlled burn but later suppressed, was sparked by lightning and has consumed the lodge, visitor center, gas station, and other structures, while a second wildfire, the White Sage fire, burns nearby. The blaze has forced evacuations and the release of chlorine gas from a water treatment plant, prompting further safety measures, including bypassing Phantom Ranch. While officials reported progress in containing the White Sage fire, the Bravo Dragon fire’s intensity has caused it to spread rapidly, prompting efforts to create buffer zones.
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An investigation by the Miami Herald reveals that hundreds of immigrants without criminal charges are being held at Alligator Alcatraz, a Florida detention facility. These individuals, listed as having only immigration violations, are mixed with detainees who have criminal convictions or pending charges. While officials claim the facility houses dangerous individuals, the records show that a significant portion of the detainees lack criminal records in the United States. This data raises concerns about the scope of immigration enforcement efforts in Florida and the criteria for detention at the facility.
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John Q. Hosedrinker