US aluminum premiums have skyrocketed to record highs following the implementation of tariffs, a development that’s sparked considerable debate and reveals a complex interplay of economic factors. The initial reaction might be one of patriotic celebration – a perceived triumph of protectionist policies designed to bolster domestic manufacturing. However, a closer examination suggests a more nuanced, and less celebratory, reality.
The significant reliance on aluminum imports, particularly from Canada, immediately throws cold water on the notion of a simple win for American manufacturers. While the intention might have been to shield American aluminum producers from foreign competition, the reality is that the US remains heavily dependent on imported aluminum.… Continue reading
Following recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, resulting in numerous arrests and significant protests, President Trump deployed National Guard troops, characterizing the demonstrations as an “insurrection.” This action, coupled with previous raids and the arrest of individuals even after judicial dismissal, signals the creation of a police state infrastructure. This infrastructure involves declaring emergencies to justify federal agent intervention, warrantless arrests, and the potential for expanded detention facilities. The article concludes that while martial law has not yet been declared, the current trajectory is cause for serious concern.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the discovery and identification of Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s Gaza military leader, and Mohammad Sabaneh, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, within a tunnel beneath Khan Younis’s European Hospital. Sinwar’s death, previously reported in May, was confirmed through DNA analysis; the bodies were found alongside other unidentified remains and various personal effects. The IDF claims this discovery supports their accusations of Hamas utilizing civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, for military purposes, a claim Hamas denies. Independent verification of these claims remains impossible.
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Russia launched a massive overnight drone attack on Ukraine, using nearly 500 drones and 20 missiles, primarily targeting central and western regions. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted the majority of these projectiles, with minimal reported casualties. This escalation coincides with renewed Russian offensives in the east and northeast, alongside stalled peace talks yielding only limited prisoner exchanges. Despite ongoing conflict and disagreements over body transfers, both sides indicate a willingness to continue negotiations, though breakthroughs remain elusive.
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A U.S. Army promotional video showcasing tanks en route to Washington, D.C., for a 250th-birthday parade inadvertently displayed a flatcar with graffiti reading “Hang Fauci & Bill Gates.” The Army swiftly removed the video after its appearance online, stating the message contradicts Army values. The graffiti’s origin and the flatcar’s ownership remain unclear, though it bore markings similar to Army equipment. Both Bill Gates and Anthony Fauci have been frequent targets of online conspiracy theories.
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Despite recent Russian claims of entering Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian military officials have firmly denied the presence of Russian troops in the region, citing these claims as disinformation. Fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast, near the convergence of several regions including Dnipropetrovsk, where the 31st Brigade maintains a tense defensive position. This denial follows previous similar assertions by Russia, all of which have been refuted by Ukraine. While Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has not experienced a ground invasion, it continues to face regular Russian missile and drone attacks.
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A Salmonella outbreak linked to approximately 1.7 million recalled August Egg Company eggs has sickened at least 79 people across seven states, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. The recall, encompassing specific plant codes (P-6562 or CA5330), covers eggs distributed between February and May. August Egg Company is conducting an internal review to prevent future occurrences, while the CDC advises consumers to discard or return recalled eggs and sanitize affected surfaces. This outbreak is one of several recent salmonella incidents involving various foods.
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Renault SA is in talks with the French Ministry of Defence about potentially manufacturing drones in Ukraine, though no final decision has been reached pending further ministerial details. This follows earlier reports indicating Renault’s collaboration with a smaller company to establish Ukrainian production lines for drones intended for use by both Ukrainian and French forces. The French Ministry of Defence has not publicly confirmed Renault’s involvement, despite a prior ministerial announcement regarding a major French car manufacturer’s participation in this initiative. These discussions stem from recent agreements between Ukraine and its allies to bolster Ukrainian defense production capabilities.
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On June 8-9, Ukrainian forces, utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles, successfully struck the JSC VNDIR-Progres facility in Cheboksary, Russia, located over 1,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This plant produces Kometa receivers crucial for Shahed drone navigation, significantly impacting Russia’s ability to manufacture and deploy these attack drones. The attack, resulting in a large fire and plant closure, was part of a broader effort to degrade Russian military production capabilities. Ukrainian authorities affirmed that strikes targeting Russian military infrastructure will persist until the cessation of hostilities.
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In May 2025, measurements at Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Observatory revealed a record-high average atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration of 430.2 ppm, a 3.5 ppm increase from the previous year. This surpasses the 400 ppm threshold, previously considered unimaginable, and signifies the highest level in millions of years, attributed to human fossil fuel consumption. The data, collected by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and NOAA, continues a long-term record illustrating the escalating impact of greenhouse gases on the planet’s climate and ecosystems. These measurements, integrated into the Global Greenhouse Gas Reference Network, provide crucial information for policymakers addressing climate change.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker