Following the recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by the US and Israel, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, claiming the US had “gained nothing” from its involvement in the conflict. The comments came after the US attacked three Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory missile strike on a US base in Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Both sides are assessing the damage, with conflicting reports on the extent of the destruction, and talks regarding a potential ceasefire are planned between the US and Iran.
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U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the country’s withdrawal of support from Gavi, citing concerns about the organization’s approach to vaccine science and a perceived loss of public trust. Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, criticized Gavi’s partnership with the WHO and questioned the safety of certain vaccines, including the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine. This decision has drawn criticism from health experts, including Dr. Paul Offit, who warn of the potential risks to millions of children. Gavi, a public-private partnership that has vaccinated over a billion children, maintains its commitment to vaccine safety and relies on WHO recommendations.
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Recent reports indicate that over 20,000 Russian soldiers have faced prosecution for refusing to fight in Ukraine, with the majority of cases involving AWOL violations. Independent media outlets have documented these cases since September 2022, revealing a significant number of convictions. Such actions suggest a systematic program of abuse within the Russian military, potentially aimed at maintaining order. Despite these challenges, Russia continues its war effort and recruits thousands of soldiers monthly, with the armed forces set to expand further.
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In a London court on Wednesday, Marcus Arduini Monzo was found guilty of murder. The 37-year-old was convicted for the death of a teenager, Daniel Anjorin, and other charges, including attempted murder. The prosecution argued that the attacks were triggered by a psychotic episode due to drug use. Monzo, armed with a samurai sword, admitted to carrying two swords but denied all other charges.
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A recent poll from the Texas Politics Project indicates that President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Texas has fallen into negative territory, marking a significant shift in the traditionally conservative state. The poll revealed that a majority of Texans disapprove of Trump for the first time in his second term, with 44% strongly disapproving. While he maintains strong support among Texas Republicans, his decline in approval mirrors a broader national trend. This trend is likely to be watched closely as Texas could become competitive.
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While promoting his “big, beautiful bill,” President Trump faced a significant setback in Congress as Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down key provisions related to Medicaid and public benefits for undocumented immigrants. This decision forced Senate Republicans to revisit the bill and created division among GOP senators, some of whom called for MacDonough’s removal. Despite the challenges, the White House expressed optimism about the bill’s passage before July 4th, while House Republicans, particularly conservatives, threatened to reject the Senate’s version due to concerns over its impact on key priorities and the deficit. Furthermore, more measures in the legislation are still awaiting a ruling from the Parliamentarian, which could create more obstacles.
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In April 2024, Slovakian politician Ľuboš Blaha met with Russian officials in Moscow, echoing Kremlin narratives and criticizing NATO’s role in Ukraine. This meeting, along with others, signaled a troubling alignment with Russia, amplified by Blaha’s platform within an EU member state. Concerns are growing about the influence of Moscow-aligned actors within the Slovak government, particularly through informal channels like Prime Minister Fico’s advisor, David Lindtner. This normalization of contacts allows Russia to weaponize internal politics and turn EU member states into vectors for Kremlin narratives, making Slovakia a potential Trojan horse. This case study warns of Russia’s broader strategy to co-opt democratic institutions across Europe.
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Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski believes that a new Cold War-style arms race could lead to the collapse of Vladimir Putin’s regime. Sikorski drew parallels between Putin and Leonid Brezhnev, noting that Russia is repeating the USSR’s mistake of excessive military spending. The Polish diplomat highlighted that Putin’s costly war in Ukraine has prompted the West to increase defense spending, which, combined with Russia’s financial strain, could lead to the same fate as the Soviet Union. This comes as European military spending has significantly increased, driving global growth in military expenditure.
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The Supreme Court has blocked Planned Parenthood from suing South Carolina over the state’s decision to defund the organization’s Medicaid funding due to abortion services provided. The 6-3 ruling, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, focused on whether a specific law allowed for private lawsuits, ultimately finding that it did not. The decision, which split along conservative and liberal lines, sparked debate regarding the implications for Medicaid recipients’ access to care and the ability to enforce their rights. This ruling potentially opens the door for other states to defund Planned Parenthood and restricts Medicaid beneficiaries’ ability to choose their healthcare providers.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi stated she was unaware of reports of immigration officials concealing their faces during arrests, despite video evidence and widespread concerns about fear and panic. During a Capitol Hill hearing, Bondi suggested that agents may be doing this for self-protection, citing threats against them and their families. However, civil rights campaigners have criticized the raids for evoking authoritarianism and putting both the public and the officers at risk. Bondi later turned the tables, claiming that it was protestors who were concealing their identities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker