Netanyahu’s trial was adjourned early Wednesday due to the prime minister’s reported illness after only 30 minutes of testimony. Despite this, he is scheduled to attend the Knesset to vote against a dissolution bill. Earlier interruptions included a request for an early adjournment due to a diplomatic call and a courtroom protest that prompted a warning from the defense. The prosecution requested to reschedule the lost time.
Planned nationwide “No Kings” protests on June 14th aim to counter President Trump’s militarized birthday parade, rejecting his authoritarianism and reclaiming patriotism. Demonstrations, exceeding the scale of April’s “Hands Off” protests, will occur across the country and globally, avoiding direct confrontation with Trump’s parade route. The recent militarized crackdown on pro-immigrant protesters in Los Angeles has significantly amplified the urgency and expected turnout for these demonstrations. Organizers are emphasizing non-violent resistance and providing training to ensure peaceful protests.
Governor Newsom’s address condemned President Trump’s actions in Los Angeles as a dangerous assault on democracy, citing the unlawful apprehension of citizens without warrants as a hallmark of authoritarianism. The president’s disregard for Californian governance, coupled with the violent response to protests, further exemplifies this trend. Newsom argued that Trump’s encouragement of division fuels his power grab, referencing the January 6th insurrection as evidence. The situation escalated with the FBI’s unilateral intervention and the addition of protesters to its Most Wanted list, highlighting the erosion of democratic processes.
Fueled by widespread wildfires spanning Canada, international aid is arriving. A 96-person Australian firefighting contingent has deployed to Alberta for five weeks, responding to a Canadian request for assistance. Additional support includes personnel from other Canadian provinces and the United States, addressing the tens of thousands of evacuees in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. The Yukon is also contributing 20 firefighters to Alberta’s efforts, while British Columbia anticipates extreme fire behaviour.
President Trump announced a significant trade agreement with China, securing upfront supplies of rare earth elements and magnets in exchange for reduced tariffs and concessions such as allowing Chinese students into U.S. universities. The deal, resulting from high-level talks in London, includes a 55% tariff for the U.S. and a 10% tariff for China. Final approval hinges on agreement between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. This agreement resolves a key dispute over rare earth minerals, previously a major point of contention.
Stephen Miller’s pressure on ICE to meet unrealistic deportation quotas led to the targeting of legal immigrants, fueled by his desire for a racially homogenous America. This pursuit of “mass deportations,” driven by white nationalist ideology, resulted in aggressive enforcement actions in California, directly sparking protests. President Trump’s subsequent deployment of the National Guard escalated the situation, creating the violent imagery he sought for his authoritarian agenda. The administration’s actions, while ultimately ineffective in achieving its demographic goals, have caused widespread harm and must be actively resisted.
A Follow the Money investigation reveals that Western companies paid Russia at least €40 billion in taxes over the past three years, a sum nearing one-third of Russia’s 2025 defense budget. This significant revenue stream, primarily from G7 and EU firms, directly supports Russia’s war effort despite Western sanctions and military aid to Ukraine. Many companies, citing various justifications, remain in Russia, despite challenges to exiting the market, including low asset sale prices and potential asset seizures. While Russia’s rhetoric suggests punitive measures against these companies, the Kremlin also indicates plans for their eventual return.
A 30-year-old New Jersey man sustained minor injuries after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone’s Old Faithful area on Tuesday, marking the second such incident this spring. This follows a similar incident involving a Florida man in May and multiple other bison-related injuries in recent years, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by approaching wildlife. Bison, the park’s most dangerous animal, are capable of high speeds and significant force. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to park regulations mandating a minimum 25-yard distance from bison and other large herbivores.
The Department of Homeland Security has requested over 20,000 National Guard troops to assist with immigration enforcement nationwide, at an estimated cost of $3.6 billion annually. These troops would aid in fugitive apprehension, riot control at detention centers, and the transportation of detainees, including unaccompanied minors. Military bases across the country are being assessed as potential detention sites for an anticipated increase in migrants. This request raises concerns about the militarization of domestic law enforcement and the potential impact on public perception of the military.
Glenn Valley Foods’ facility was searched by federal agents investigating potential employment fraud, with the company cooperating fully and facing no charges. Simultaneously, a significant deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles, criticized by local officials as excessive, is underway. Los Angeles has seen over 300 arrests related to protests, resulting in injuries to several officers. The Marines’ deployment, authorized by the Trump administration, may involve supporting ICE operations.
John Q. Hosedrinker