China will eliminate tariffs on all imports from 53 African nations, excluding eSwatini, expanding upon a previous policy granting zero-tariff treatment to 33 least-developed African countries. This initiative, announced at a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting, provides duty-free access to the vast Chinese market for a significantly larger number of African nations, primarily from the middle-income bracket. The move comes amid accusations by China and African representatives that the United States is destabilizing global trade. The expansion aims to further facilitate African exports to China, bolstering economic ties between the two regions.
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Following a surprise Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing several top generals and scientists, Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israel. Israel’s defense minister threatened further action, stating that Tehran would face severe consequences for continued attacks. The escalating conflict has halted ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks, with both sides signaling further military action despite international calls for de-escalation. The attacks caused significant damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, estimated to take weeks to repair, and resulted in casualties on both sides.
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Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman, along with their spouses, were shot at their homes in separate attacks by a suspect impersonating a police officer. The suspect, described as a white male with brown hair wearing police-style attire, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Both lawmakers are reportedly in grave condition. A shelter-in-place order has been issued near the scene of one shooting, and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution.
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Vietnam’s admission as a Brics partner country was announced by Brazil, the current Brics chair. This decision reflects Vietnam’s substantial population, robust economy, and commitment to multilateralism and South-South cooperation. Brazil emphasized Vietnam’s alignment with Brics’ goals of a more inclusive global order. The addition strengthens the Brics group’s presence in Asia and its broader agenda of global governance reform.
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Following recent protests in Los Angeles, Governor Newsom accused the Trump administration of disseminating misleading footage. The Department of Defense’s Rapid Response account on X shared a video of burning police cars, which Snopes fact-checked as footage from 2020 protests. Newsom’s office condemned this as a propaganda campaign to justify the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. The Pentagon spokesperson countered, citing past instances of unrest in Los Angeles. Snopes also debunked other videos shared online, revealing them to be from unrelated prior incidents.
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State Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman were shot in their respective homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park by a suspect impersonating a police officer. A manhunt is underway for the suspect, described as a white male in black body armor. The extent of the lawmakers’ injuries and whether additional victims exist remains unknown. Governor Walz has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to provide full support to local law enforcement. This is a developing situation.
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Police in Vaughan, Ontario have charged a resident who fired a gun during an attempted Lamborghini theft, alongside four other suspects. The resident’s actions, while resulting in the prevention of the theft, led to charges being filed against him. Four individuals suspected of attempting to steal the vehicle are also facing charges. The incident is currently under investigation, with details surrounding the specifics of the events still emerging.
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Overnight drone strikes targeted key Russian defense industry facilities. The Independent Oil and Gas Company JSC in Samara Oblast, a producer of explosive components, and the Nevinnomyssk plant in Stavropol Krai, a major supplier of explosives and rocket fuel components, were both hit. Explosions and fires were reported at both locations, impacting Russia’s ability to supply its military. The attacks underscore Ukraine’s continued efforts to disrupt Russia’s war effort through long-range strikes. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
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Following Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran issued a warning to the U.S., U.K., and France, threatening retaliatory strikes on their regional bases and ships if they intervene. Despite denials of military support from the UK and US, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel in response. International calls for de-escalation, including from the UN Secretary-General, have been made, while some suggest the current conflict might offer Iran a renewed opportunity to negotiate a nuclear deal. Tensions remain extremely high in the Middle East.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem oversaw an ICE raid on the Los Angeles home of U.S. citizen Sabrina Medina, resulting in no arrests but the displacement of Medina and her children. The raid, conducted with numerous armed agents in tactical gear, targeted Medina’s undocumented husband who was not present. Medina’s family was forced to wait outside while agents searched their home, an event captured on video. Following the raid, Noem held a press conference where a physical altercation with Senator Alex Padilla occurred.
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John Q. Hosedrinker