On Ukraine’s National Flag Day, drone operators from the “Rugby Team” battalion raised the Ukrainian flag over two villages in Russia’s Kursk region. These villages, Hornal and Huyevo, are historically part of Ukrainian Slobozhanshchyna. While this occurred, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled Russian attacks and regained control of the village of Zelenyi Hai in Donetsk Oblast. Despite this, Russia has been making battlefield gains, particularly in the Pokrovsk sector and achieving the fastest advance rate since March.
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The Pentagon has reportedly been restricting Ukraine from using U.S.-made ATACMS to strike targets within Russia, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This decision limits Kyiv’s use of these weapons against Moscow’s invasion. This news comes amidst increasing frustration from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war and the lack of progress in peace negotiations. Trump is now considering imposing further sanctions on Russia or potentially withdrawing from the peace process altogether, as efforts to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy have proven unsuccessful.
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President Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian and his efforts to remove “woke” narratives from museums mirror the Nazi’s suppression of modern art and dissenting voices. Trump’s administration initiated a review of Smithsonian institutions, aiming to promote “American exceptionalism” and eliminate “divisive” historical interpretations. This approach echoes the Nazi’s campaign against “degenerate art” and their attempts to control cultural institutions. The author raises concerns about the potential impact on the Smithsonian, drawing parallels to the choices made by museum officials during the Nazi era and the importance of resisting such pressures.
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GOP Rep. Nancy Mace faced an embarrassing setback when a scheduled speech to Moms for Liberty was canceled due to a meager turnout of only eight attendees. The event, which organizers hoped would draw 100 people, forced Mace to retreat backstage before eventually addressing those present and fielding media questions. This incident adds to a series of public missteps for Mace, who is currently vying for South Carolina’s governorship and has been attempting to align herself with Donald Trump and MAGA ideology. Notably, Mace has faced criticism for her comments and actions, including an incident where she lost her composure with a reporter and a controversial statement about watching ICE deportation raids.
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A Manhattan federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing sanctions against two U.S. citizens and law professors who work with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ruling stems from a lawsuit challenging a February executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC and prohibiting interactions with designated ICC officials. The court’s permanent injunction prevents the administration from enforcing civil or criminal penalties against the professors for providing various services to the ICC, including education, training, and analytical support. This decision, echoing a similar ruling in Maine, safeguards the professors’ First Amendment rights, allowing them to continue assisting the ICC in its investigations and prosecutions.
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Mississippi has declared a public health emergency due to a sharp increase in infant mortality, with the rate reaching its highest level in over a decade, and a rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Leading causes of infant deaths include congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The health department plans to address the issue by expanding access to obstetric care, strengthening community health programs, and educating families. This rise comes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which restricted access to healthcare in Mississippi and potentially contributed to the increase.
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Kenya has achieved a significant victory in the fight against sleeping sickness, becoming the 10th African country to eliminate the disease as a public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Kenya’s success after years of dedicated efforts, making this a major milestone in the continent’s battle against neglected tropical diseases. Sleeping sickness, a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly, was once a significant threat, but sustained investments in public health and community-based surveillance have led to remarkable progress. With fewer than 1,000 cases reported annually across Africa since 2018, the WHO is working towards eliminating sleeping sickness continent-wide by 2030.
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Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, significantly outpaced his rivals in recent fundraising efforts, accumulating over $1 million in the past few weeks. This fundraising success surpasses both incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who raised $425,000 and $507,000, respectively. Mamdani has a substantial war chest with $4.4 million in cash on hand, and he’s also receiving support from a pro-Mamdani super PAC funded by Elizabeth Simons, the daughter of a billionaire. In contrast, Cuomo is backed by a super PAC that received donations from billionaire Walmart heir Alice Walton.
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President Donald Trump was observed with visible makeup on his hand during public appearances, raising questions about his health. This is not the first instance of makeup use, as similar occurrences have been documented previously. The White House Press Secretary defended the president’s actions by emphasizing his frequent handshakes, while also addressing health concerns through a statement. Trump’s health has been scrutinized, especially after photos of his legs led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
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The possibility of Germany contributing troops to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine has ignited significant debate in Berlin. Despite Chancellor Merz’s insistence on Germany’s international responsibility, skepticism abounds, with many politicians and a majority of German citizens opposing such a deployment. Concerns exist about the strain on the Bundeswehr, the potential for escalation, and historical sensitivities, particularly in eastern Germany. Consequently, a decision to send German soldiers to Ukraine appears distant, amidst ongoing war and doubts about the feasibility of peace talks with Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker