A senior Hamas security officer has revealed that the group has lost approximately 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip due to relentless Israeli strikes. According to the officer, the command and control system has been decimated, leading to a near-total collapse of security and the emergence of armed clans filling the power vacuum. The officer described the security situation as “zero,” with widespread looting and a lack of leadership, communication, and delayed salaries. This has paved the way for powerful local clans, such as the one led by Yasser Abu Shabab, to gain influence, potentially challenging Hamas’s remaining authority.
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On Sunday, President Trump announced plans to send letters to US trade partners beginning Monday, outlining new tariff rates on goods sold to Americans, with some deals also in the works. Although the president was initially uncertain about the implementation date, the Commerce Secretary clarified that the new rates would take effect on August 1st. These tariffs, originally set in April and delayed until July 9th, now offer a further reprieve, while also creating uncertainty for importers. US officials are also preparing for major trade announcements in the coming days, and the possibility for deadlines being pushed back exists based on the nature of negotiations.
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Ward Sakeik, a stateless Palestinian woman, was recently released from ICE detention after being detained in February. Sakeik recounted facing mistreatment during her detention, detailing harsh conditions and alleging criminalization for her stateless status. DHS officials, however, dismissed her account as a “sob story” and stated that she was not complying with immigration policies. Sakeik’s attorney has since pushed back against these claims, advocating for the rights of other detained individuals and highlighting the inhumane treatment they face.
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Speaker Mike Johnson’s brief 10-word response to the deadly flooding in central Texas, which has claimed 70 lives, drew criticism. The Guadalupe River near Kerrville experienced a surge of 20-26 feet, causing significant damage and road washouts. Johnson’s comment, “All we know to do at this moment is pray,” sparked outrage on social media, with users demanding action instead of prayers. In contrast, former President Trump declared a serious disaster for Kerr County and offered aid, while state and local officials continue search and recovery efforts.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it killed a Hamas commander, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, in a strike on a Gaza City cafe, also killing other Hamas members. The IDF stated Saleh was involved in planning maritime attacks and claimed to have taken steps to minimize civilian casualties. However, the attack on the al-Baqa cafe resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, including women, children, and artists, according to reports, raising questions about proportionality. The IDF is reviewing the “incident” while indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas continue.
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President Trump’s executive order, mandating the housing of incarcerated transgender women in men’s prisons and halting gender-affirming care, is explored as it endangers a vulnerable population. The order disregards court rulings, including Farmer v. Brennan, which established protections for inmates against harm. Advocates like Deidre Farmer and Ronnie Taylor discuss the devastating impact of these policies, which lead to increased violence, discrimination, and the denial of basic human rights for transgender individuals. They emphasize the need for education and for society to recognize and support the transgender community.
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Utilizing satellite data processing algorithms developed by ICM-CSIC, researchers have detected a reversal in the Southern Ocean’s circulation, the SMOC, a phenomenon never before observed. This shift, identified through satellite observations, shows a sustained increase in surface salinity, indicating that deep water is rising to the surface, bringing with it heat and CO₂. This reversal could accelerate sea ice melt and lead to increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, potentially doubling current levels. The team’s findings highlight the critical role of the SMOC in regulating global climate and underscore the need for further research to understand the cascading effects of this disruption.
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Recent warnings from Donald Trump represent a dramatic escalation in threats of retribution. He has threatened prominent figures, including Elon Musk, with repercussions such as loss of citizenship or investigation, and has called for the arrest of political opponents. These actions, combined with similar threats against others, raise concerns about the state of US democracy. Pro-democracy advocates caution that Trump’s words should be taken seriously, as they undermine the principles of free speech and the rule of law.
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For the sake of his party and country, Schumer should step aside. The Democratic party seems to be stuck in a pattern that isn’t yielding the desired results, and a fresh perspective might be exactly what’s needed. The prevailing sentiment suggests a need for leaders who are willing to fight, potentially drawing inspiration from the way certain political forces have reshaped their own party. There’s a sense that the current leadership isn’t adequately responding to the evolving political landscape.
The question of who could replace Schumer is naturally raised, with names like Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren being mentioned.… Continue reading
In the wake of devastating flash floods in Central Texas that have resulted in a significant loss of life, a Georgia congressional candidate has sparked controversy with a series of social media posts. The candidate, Kandiss Taylor, posted theories about the weather event, suggesting it was “fake” and the result of geoengineering. This led to immediate backlash and numerous replies from users who questioned her views and political associations. Despite the tragedy, Taylor doubled down on her statements, leading to further debate and criticism online.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood