Operation Blizzard, a month-long CBSA operation targeting drug trafficking, resulted in over 2,600 seizures nationwide. A significant majority (67%) of seized drugs originated in the U.S., while a much smaller percentage (17.5%) was destined for the U.S. The operation yielded 1.73 kg of fentanyl, with the majority bound for the U.S. The initiative, part of a broader border security plan, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat the flow of illicit drugs across the Canada-U.S. border.
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Governor Whitmer expressed deep disappointment over President Trump’s consideration of pardoning Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr., who were convicted of plotting to kidnap her. The men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their plot, fueled by anger over COVID-19 restrictions, despite claims of entrapment being rejected by the court. Trump’s comments dismissing the convictions as a “railroad job” and his potential pardon are viewed as undermining efforts to condemn political violence. Whitmer plans to convey her concerns directly to the White House.
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The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) filed a federal lawsuit against the White House, alleging violations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment due to the absence of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at press briefings and other public events. The suit contends that the lack of ASL interpretation, despite the availability of English captions, denies meaningful access to information for hundreds of thousands of ASL users. Two deaf men joined the NAD in the suit, citing difficulties understanding information vital to their lives due to limited English comprehension. The White House’s discontinuation of ASL interpretation, following a period of provision under the Biden administration, is the basis of the legal action.
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Brazilian prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against BYD, JinJiang Construction Brazil, and Tecmonta, alleging human trafficking and slavery-like conditions at BYD’s Camacari factory. The suit, seeking over £33m in damages, stems from an investigation that rescued 220 Chinese workers found to be enduring deplorable living and working conditions, including overcrowded housing and excessive work hours. BYD claims cooperation with prosecutors, while the prosecutors assert the lawsuit is well-founded and supported by substantial evidence. The investigation halted construction of BYD’s first major plant outside Asia, originally slated to open in March 2025.
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Manitoba has declared a state of emergency due to unprecedented wildfires forcing the evacuation of 17,000 people, prompting a request for military assistance from Prime Minister Carney. The city of Flin Flon, with 5,000 residents, was completely evacuated, highlighting the scale of the crisis. The fires, exacerbated by grounded water bombers due to drone interference, have already caused one serious injury and significantly exceed the province’s average wildfire count for this time of year. Assistance from across Canada is being provided to combat the 22 active blazes.
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Starbase, Texas, a SpaceX-controlled town, is proposing a new zoning ordinance impacting residents’ property usage. A memo reveals some residents may lose existing property rights under the proposed “Mixed Use District,” allowing for diverse commercial and residential development. A public hearing is scheduled for June 23rd to discuss the new zoning and citywide map. The town, recently incorporated, is largely populated by SpaceX employees and their families.
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Former President Trump recently asserted that autism’s increased prevalence must stem from external factors, citing inaccurate statistics to support his claim. This statement contradicts the scientific consensus that genetics and family history significantly contribute to autism. Trump’s remarks, alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s similar pronouncements, are concerning given their potential influence on healthcare policy. These unsubstantiated claims, coupled with HHS’s reduced vaccine authorizations, threaten to undermine public health initiatives and exacerbate existing challenges.
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Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the last surviving grandson of President John Tyler, passed away at age 96 from natural causes. A successful chemical engineer, he later dedicated his time and resources to preserving historical sites, notably Sherwood Forest, his family’s ancestral home, and Fort Pocahontas. His philanthropic efforts included a significant donation to the College of William & Mary, establishing an endowment for its history department. He is survived by three children and eight grandchildren, and Sherwood Forest will remain in the family’s possession.
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The Department of Health and Human Services terminated a $766 million contract with Moderna to develop an mRNA bird flu vaccine, citing concerns about the mRNA technology’s safety and lack of transparency. This decision, despite Moderna’s reporting of positive interim results from a Phase 1/2 study, shifts federal funding priorities toward vaccine platforms with established safety profiles. Critics argue this cancellation jeopardizes pandemic preparedness, particularly given the evolving threat of H5N1 avian flu and the limited availability of alternative vaccine production methods. The move has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts who warn of increased risks to the American public.
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Governor Whitmer expressed deep disappointment over President Trump’s consideration of pardoning the individuals convicted of plotting her kidnapping. She condemned political violence regardless of target or origin, highlighting her own condemnation of an attack on President Trump. Whitmer plans to communicate her concerns to the White House, despite recent collaborations with Trump on state matters. These meetings, including one where Trump signed executive orders targeting political opponents, have drawn criticism but Whitmer maintains her focus on bipartisan cooperation for Michigan’s benefit.
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John Q. Hosedrinker