Speaking at a press conference in Paris, General Thierry Burkhard stated that France is considered Russia’s “main enemy in Europe,” largely due to French support for Ukraine. Burkhard highlighted various forms of hybrid warfare Russia employs, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and espionage, along with actions like sabotaging infrastructure and spying on satellites. The General emphasized the need for France to defend itself on multiple fronts, including space, sea, and air, where Russian activities pose a significant threat. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to make key announcements regarding defense efforts in an upcoming speech to the armed forces.
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Finland has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, joining other European allies who are responding to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. This decision, which follows a similar move by Poland and Baltic states, highlights growing concerns in Eastern Europe due to the heightened threat of Russian invasion. The Ottawa Convention, banning the use of antipersonnel land mines, is being reconsidered by several nations as leaders feel adversaries are not constrained by the treaty. This withdrawal, along with those of other nations, will be monitored by the international community as the war in Ukraine continues.
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Recent data indicates a potential summer wave of COVID-19 is underway, with estimated growth in 25 states, particularly in the Southeast, Southern, and West Coast regions. The CDC’s analysis suggests a pattern of biannual surges, peaking in late summer and winter due to genetic changes in the virus. Simultaneously, health officials are monitoring an increase in parvovirus B19 cases, prompting warnings and recommendations for protective measures, especially for pregnant women. Chicago health officials noted the highest percentage of parvovirus B19-associated emergency room visits in years.
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Russia is reportedly considering retiring and scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, after years of costly repairs and setbacks. The vessel, plagued by mechanical failures and accidents since its launch in 1990, has been undergoing an extensive overhaul since 2018 with repeated delays. With the work suspended, discussions are now underway between the Russian Navy and shipbuilding authorities. Experts believe the carrier is outdated, and its retirement would leave Russia without an operational carrier, prompting debate about future naval capabilities and priorities.
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FEMA Didn’t Answer Thousands of Calls From Flood Survivors, Documents Show
It’s pretty staggering to hear that FEMA, the very agency designed to help people in times of crisis, failed to answer a significant number of calls from flood survivors. This isn’t just about a few dropped calls; we’re talking about thousands of unanswered pleas for help, at a time when people’s lives were likely turned upside down. The documents reveal a concerning situation, and it paints a picture of potential systemic failures that need serious scrutiny.
The core of the issue, as it seems, boils down to FEMA’s call center contracts.… Continue reading
In a recent Fox News interview, Senator John Fetterman criticized New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, claiming he is “not even a Democrat” due to their political disagreements. This statement sparked online backlash from various individuals, including former campaign staff and a former state representative. Critics highlighted Fetterman’s shift from progressive stances to more centrist positions, particularly regarding immigration and his strong support for Israel, which contrasts with Mamdani’s vocal advocacy for Palestinian rights. Some Democrats expressed concerns that Mamdani’s views might be exploited by the GOP for messaging purposes, given the Democratic Party’s current image challenges.
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In a recent interview, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that Russia is currently under military censorship, a measure deemed justifiable to prevent the discrediting of Russia. Peskov highlighted a shift in Russian media, with an increase in “patriotic materials” and a decrease in skepticism, as a result of this censorship. This shift, enforced by laws introduced after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has led to the closure of numerous independent media outlets and the exile of many journalists. Despite criticism from human rights groups, the Russian Constitutional Court has upheld the legality of these wartime censorship laws, solidifying the crackdown on dissent.
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On July 11, a Ukrainian MiG-29 successfully struck a Russian military crossing in the Zaporizhzhia region with two US-made GBU-62 bombs upgraded with JDAM-ER kits. These precision-guided munitions, which utilize GPS and inertial navigation for accuracy and extended range, were instrumental in targeting a temporary crossing vital for supplying Russian troops near Kamianske. The gradual degradation of Russian air defenses has enhanced the effectiveness of these strikes, contributing to Ukraine’s defensive strategy of targeting logistics and infrastructure. This action is part of a larger effort to disrupt Russian advances, as seen in the recent precision airstrike on a Russian troop concentration in Russia’s Belgorod region.
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A federal judge has issued a temporary order to halt immigration raids in Los Angeles and several other California counties, siding with the ACLU in a civil rights lawsuit. The ruling prohibits agents from making detentive stops based on factors like race, ethnicity, language spoken, or location, emphasizing the need for reasonable suspicion. The judge’s order also mandates access to legal counsel for detainees, addressing claims of constitutional violations by the Trump administration. While the Trump administration denies the claims, the ruling temporarily restrains specific practices and impacts the counties involved in the lawsuit.
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Missouri’s Republican governor signed legislation to repeal the paid sick leave provision of a ballot measure that voters approved in the 2024 election. The original measure, which would have taken effect August 28th, mandated employers provide paid sick time to workers. This new bill, H.B. 567, also restricts increases in the state’s minimum wage. This decision has been criticized by advocacy groups and some Democratic leaders, who argue it undermines the will of the voters and prioritizes business interests over worker protections.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood