According to a report by Mediazona, over 20,000 Russian soldiers have faced prosecution for refusing to fight in Ukraine since September 2022, with the majority of cases involving going AWOL. These cases highlight a significant issue within the Russian military, with widespread reports of abuse and punishment tactics employed to maintain order. Despite these challenges, Russia continues to recruit a large number of soldiers monthly, often offering substantial financial incentives. Additionally, President Putin signed a decree to significantly increase the size of the Armed Forces, further indicating the scale of Russia’s ongoing war efforts.
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The 2020 presidential election fallout continues, as evidenced by the disbarment of ex-Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro in New York. Chesebro, considered a key architect of the fake electors scheme, was found guilty in Georgia of conspiracy to commit filing false documents, a “serious crime” that led to the disciplinary action. This followed his indictment in Georgia related to efforts to overturn the state’s election results. Chesebro also faces charges in Wisconsin related to the fake electors scheme, and a presidential pardon would not offer relief.
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The United States and Guatemala and Honduras have reportedly signed agreements to potentially offer refuge to individuals seeking asylum, potentially expanding the U.S.’s ability to return migrants to third countries. According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, these agreements aim to provide asylum-seekers with options beyond the United States, but both Guatemala and Honduras later denied signing safe third-country agreements. This move builds upon previous agreements and efforts by the U.S. to limit access to its asylum system. These agreements reflect broader efforts to manage migration, including the use of third-country agreements with other nations like El Salvador, Panama, and Costa Rica.
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The BBC is launching a subscription service in the US, marking the first time it will directly charge users outside the UK for unlimited news content and live television coverage. This “premium experience” includes ad-free articles, the BBC News channel livestream, and early access to podcasts and newsletters, with a yearly fee of $49.99. This move is aimed at increasing commercial income, particularly in a US market where some news outlets have reputations for political bias. This venture directly competes with other news streaming services while also addressing financial pressures stemming from a decline in licence fee income.
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The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) and the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP) have confirmed that a shipwreck is the remains of the HMS Endeavour. This confirmation comes after a final report detailing the identical timber scantlings and unique stem scarf, matching the Endeavour’s design, which was previously disputed. Captain James Cook’s first voyage, aboard the Endeavour, included mapping coastlines and a mission to observe the 1769 transit of Venus. The ship was later scuttled in an American harbor during the American Revolution and was located using 18th-century maps and sonar technology.
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According to Ukraine’s army chief, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian forces have halted Russian advances in the Sumy region, stabilizing the frontline and effectively “choking off” the summer offensive. Despite these successes, Syrskyi emphasized the urgent need for improved fortifications, citing delays in construction and the importance of “kill zones” and anti-drone measures. The situation remains volatile, as Russia continues to target Sumy with missile strikes and has claimed to have captured several villages, while also potentially establishing a buffer zone. Recent criticism has been raised over the quality of fortifications in the region and the delays in their construction.
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The “No Secret Police Act of 2025” has been introduced by Representatives Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat in response to reports of masked federal agents making arrests without proper identification, a practice that has been escalating. The legislation aims to mandate that law enforcement officers from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement display their identity and insignia when making arrests. The bill seeks to combat the fear and confusion caused by agents concealing their faces, as well as the potential for impersonation, as concerns are raised about this practice, and its implications for public safety. The bill faces potential opposition in the Republican-controlled House, with some officials citing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers.
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The Chicago White Sox have banned a fan indefinitely from their home games after the fan made a derogatory comment about Arizona Diamondbacks player Ketel Marte’s late mother, causing him to become visibly upset. The fan was ejected from the game, and the ban will be enforced at all MLB stadiums. Both the White Sox and Major League Baseball have condemned the fan’s actions, with the White Sox organization offering their apologies to Marte. Despite the incident, fans from both teams showed support for Marte at the following game.
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A groundbreaking project to synthesize the basic components of human life has commenced, marking a potential world first. Backed by an initial £10 million from the Wellcome Trust, the research aims to revolutionize treatments for incurable diseases, promising therapies to improve aging and repair damaged organs. The ambitious endeavor, however, faces criticism due to ethical concerns surrounding the potential for designer babies and the possibility of misuse. This project follows the 25th anniversary of the Human Genome Project, which was also largely funded by Wellcome.
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On June 26, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported that its “Ghosts” unit conducted a drone strike on air defense equipment in Russian-occupied Crimea. The attack purportedly damaged critical components of Russia’s S-400 Triumph air defense system, including radar units and a launcher. HUR stated that the radars are essential for the anti-aircraft system’s functionality, making them prime targets. This attack follows previous successful strikes on S-400 systems in Crimea and other regions, part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to target military and industrial infrastructure in occupied territories.
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John Q. Hosedrinker