Ukraine’s armed forces have successfully struck two Russian oil refineries overnight, a feat President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “long-range sanctions” against Moscow. Drone operations targeted the Slavyansk oil refinery in Krasnodar region, approximately 300 kilometers from the front line, and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region, situated roughly 700 kilometers inside Russian territory. These operations aim to weaken Russia’s capacity to wage war by reducing its resources, with continued responses planned against Russian terror.
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The California wealth tax, a proposed 5% one-time levy on billionaires’ net worth, will now appear on the November ballot after a last-minute deal failed. This development means over 200 billionaires in the state, more than any other, are facing the prospect of the tax becoming law, leading to anticipation of a costly campaign and potential legal battles. Advisors to the ultrawealthy indicate their clients are preparing for the tax and some are already relocating from California, viewing it as another instance of the state imposing excessive taxes on success. Concerns also remain regarding the practicalities of assessing net worth and potential legal challenges to the tax’s constitutionality, especially its retroactive application and taxation of net worth rather than income.
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Donald Trump reportedly used nearly $700,000 in taxpayer funds designated for the National Park Service to renovate a White House walkway with imported granite, contradicting his public claim of personal payment. Internal documents reveal this expenditure was part of a larger redirection of federal resources, with National Capital Region projects surging while funding for parks nationwide drastically declined. This shift has led to the cancellation of over 900 maintenance efforts across the country, impacting critical repairs and programs, while the National Park Service grapples with severe staffing shortages.
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The decision to sever institutional ties between Burkina Faso and France concerns only the framework of their relationship, not the deep historical, human, cultural, and social connections that bind the two peoples. This move is exclusively an institutional one, and does not affect the existing strong bonds between Burkinabe and French citizens.
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Despite claims of 45,000 attendees at President Trump’s Great American State Fair opening speech, photographic evidence and news reports suggest significantly smaller crowds. The event, part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, features limited attractions and no traditional fair staples like carnival rides or classic foods. One notable attraction drawing attention was a cow named Melania, named by students as a tribute to the First Lady, whose hair color was noted to match the animal’s.
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The largest wildfire in the United States, the Cottonwood Fire, continued to spread through Utah’s dry canyons and mountainsides. The blaze has already damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and destroyed summer cabins in Beaver County, prompting damage assessments. Higher humidity offered some relief to firefighters, though strong winds persisted, contributing to an elevated fire danger across the arid state and much of the West.
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Following recent primary victories by progressive candidates, centrist Democrats are organizing to counter the growing influence of democratic socialists within the party. This faction has announced support for a “Promise to America” manifesto, emphasizing capitalism, law enforcement, and fiscal discipline, and argues that this ideology should not define the Democratic Party. Conversely, progressive voices contend that these insurgent candidates are resonating with voters who desire change, particularly regarding foreign policy and economic inequality. Concerns have been raised that centrist efforts might mirror past obstructionist tactics rather than offering constructive solutions for the party.
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The Assembly of Experts has instructed Iranian negotiators to adhere strictly to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s directives during talks with the United States, emphasizing that the country’s nuclear program must remain separate from these discussions. The clerical body warned against past negotiation errors and urged vigilance against adversarial tactics, stating that any violation of an agreement must be met with an immediate response. Furthermore, the Assembly demanded compensation for war damages, the release of frozen assets, sanctions relief, and the withdrawal of US forces, while also calling for accountability for war-related actions.
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Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem has declared the recently signed Israel-Lebanon framework agreement “null” and a “humiliation” that surrenders Lebanese sovereignty. He asserts that linking Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah’s disarmament crosses “red lines” and calls for the agreement to be replaced by an Iran-US memorandum. Meanwhile, the trilateral agreement, which aims to disarm Hezbollah and facilitate a phased IDF withdrawal, has been praised by both Israeli and Lebanese officials as a significant achievement and a step towards restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty.
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This article details the significant influence of Natalie Harp, an aide to Donald Trump, who has been dubbed his “human printer.” Harp’s role extends beyond merely printing documents to curating what Trump reads, often prioritizing laudatory content and strategically introducing material that aligns with her own agenda or causes him ire. Her fervent devotion is further illustrated by personal notes she writes to Trump, some of which have caused concern among his inner circle and even prompted warnings from the Secret Service. Harp’s unwavering support, even for Trump’s controversial aesthetic choices, underscores her unique position as a confidant to the former president.
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John Q. Hosedrinker