A large explosion was reported in Severomorsk, home to Russia’s main Northern Fleet nuclear submarine base, prompting immediate speculation on social media. However, the Severomorsk mayor subsequently denied any such event. Simultaneously, the SBU launched a major operation within Russia, reportedly striking over 40 Russian aircraft, including strategic bombers, using drones. The SBU operation targeted aircraft responsible for bombing Ukrainian cities.
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A recent court ruling against Donald Trump’s tariffs has sparked outrage among his MAGA allies. The decision exposed significant flaws in the legal arguments supporting the tariffs, according to a lawyer for the opposing side. This legal setback represents a significant blow to Trump’s trade policies. The ruling’s implications are far-reaching and will likely impact future trade disputes.
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Following constituent outcry over proposed GOP legislation slashing Medicaid and food assistance, Senator Joni Ernst offered a dismissive, insensitive response at a town hall. Subsequently, she issued a widely criticized “non-apology,” minimizing her remarks and ultimately promoting her religious beliefs in a video filmed in a cemetery. The legislation in question includes a trillion-dollar reduction in vital health and nutrition programs, impacting millions of Americans’ access to healthcare. This controversy highlights the stark contrast between the bill’s massive tax cuts benefiting the wealthy and its devastating impact on vulnerable populations.
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The Trump administration is escalating its campaign to expand executive power, targeting the Library of Congress and claiming it falls under executive branch authority. This assertion, along with attempts to influence other independent agencies like the GAO, represents a broader effort to blur the lines separating government branches. The administration’s actions have faced some resistance, including legal challenges and pushback from Congress, though limited. The White House’s rationale centers on a claimed mandate to rein in spending and reshape governance, ignoring established norms of separation of powers. Control over the Library would grant access to vast amounts of sensitive data, including congressional research requests and copyright information.
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Today’s large-scale Ukrainian drone attack on four Russian airfields, reportedly damaging over 40 aircraft including strategic bombers, represents an unprecedented escalation in the conflict. While Ukraine has previously targeted Russian air assets, this attack surpasses all previous efforts in scale and ambition. Simultaneously, conflicting reports emerged regarding attacks on Russian trains, with accusations of false flag operations exchanged between Kyiv and Moscow. This escalation follows a massive Russian drone and missile barrage against Ukraine, further intensifying the ongoing conflict.
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U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas’s counter-proposal for a 60-day ceasefire “totally unacceptable,” demanding their acceptance of the U.S. framework. Hamas offered the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, contingent on a temporary independent authority being established. Witkoff insisted on immediate proximity talks based on the U.S. proposal, emphasizing Hamas compliance as the only path to a ceasefire. The White House confirmed Israel’s approval of the U.S. framework, though official Israeli comment remains pending.
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AtlasIntel, a top-ranked pollster, reveals President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 45 percent, its lowest point in his second term. This marks a significant drop from previous polls showing approval between 46 and 50 percent, with disapproval rising from 49 to 54 percent. The decline is reflected across various policy areas, including the economy and immigration, where negative assessments now outweigh positive ones. However, this contrasts with other recent polls showing a slight uptick in Trump’s approval.
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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon expressed concern over the deteriorating US-China relationship, emphasizing that while China poses a potential threat, America’s internal issues are equally alarming. He warned against underestimating China’s resolve in trade negotiations, stating that expecting capitulation is unrealistic. Dimon stressed the need for immediate domestic reform, citing mismanagement in various sectors like permitting, regulations, and healthcare as critical obstacles to economic growth. Failure to address these internal problems, coupled with a growing national deficit, could severely jeopardize the US economy.
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A Russian military train carrying supplies was destroyed near Melitopol, disrupting a key logistical route to Crimea, according to Ukraine’s HUR. Increased Russian security measures followed the attack, for which responsibility was not claimed. Separately, a train derailment in Bryansk Oblast, potentially caused by sabotage, resulted in multiple casualties. Finally, a Ukrainian partisan group reported sabotaging a railway line in occupied Donetsk Oblast.
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Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) launched a large-scale operation, utilizing drones, targeting over 40 Russian bombers at air bases deep within Russia. The attack reportedly damaged or destroyed aircraft including A-50s, Tu-95s, and Tu-22M3s, crucial for Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Confirmed attacks occurred at Belaya air base (Irkutsk Oblast) and Olenya air base (Murmansk Oblast), although details remain scarce. While the SBU did not specify the drone types, unconfirmed reports suggest the use of long-range FPV drones.
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John Q. Hosedrinker