The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal from Apache tribes seeking to prevent the transfer of Oak Flat, a sacred site in Arizona, to Resolution Copper for a massive mining project. Lower courts allowed the land transfer, which would destroy the site considered essential to the Apaches’ spiritual well-being. Justice Gorsuch dissented, calling the decision a “grievous mistake,” while the majority left in place rulings allowing the mining operation to proceed. This decision follows a 2014 land swap approved by Congress and despite ongoing legal challenges by the Apache Stronghold group. The mining project promises significant economic benefits but faces strong opposition from tribal members and environmental advocates.
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President Trump announced full pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of *Chrisley Knows Best*, who were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion totaling over $30 million. Trump personally informed their daughter Savannah of the decision, adding to his history of granting clemency to high-profile allies. The pardons, which will void their sentences and financial penalties, have sparked debate regarding the use of presidential pardon powers and accusations of preferential treatment. The Chrisleys’ attorney hailed the decision as a correction of an injustice, while critics cited this as an example of white privilege.
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Russia’s energy minister, Anton Rubtsov, has warned that heavy taxation is making oil production unprofitable, threatening the country’s vital export revenue. This comes as Russia’s oil and gas revenue plummeted by a third in May, reaching its lowest level since July 2023. The high tax burden, implemented to offset sanctions-related losses, is deterring investment and potentially impacting long-term production. Experts warn that while tax cuts could boost production, they risk widening the budget deficit, leaving the Kremlin in a difficult financial balancing act.
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The European Commission launched an investigation into Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) for insufficient age verification measures. The Commission alleges the platforms’ one-click self-declarations are ineffective in preventing minors from accessing adult content. Potential penalties include fines up to 6% of global annual turnover if the platforms fail to implement effective age verification. While Stripchat’s designation as a “very large online platform” was revoked, the investigation into its age verification practices continues. The Commission emphasized its commitment to swift action depending on the platforms’ response.
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President Trump is reviewing all restrictions on Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities, believing the current limitations hinder efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table. This follows Germany’s announcement that there are no longer range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, a move the Kremlin deemed dangerous. Upcoming meetings between Trump administration officials and German representatives will discuss further support for Ukraine, including potential new sanctions against Russia. Military analysts suggest lifting restrictions could significantly alter the war’s dynamics, allowing Ukraine to target key Russian military infrastructure.
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A recent E. coli outbreak, linked to contaminated romaine lettuce and sickening nearly 90 people, saw federal agencies fail to issue any public warnings, a departure from standard practice. This inaction follows a pattern of the Department of Health and Human Services neglecting public health information regarding infectious diseases like listeria and hepatitis. Furthermore, the administration has withdrawn a proposed regulation to reduce salmonella in poultry and disbanded a Justice Department unit focused on contaminated food, shifting responsibilities to under-resourced states. This lack of federal oversight and resource allocation raises serious concerns about public safety and food security.
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Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is significantly underdiagnosed, potentially affecting thousands. Consuming 35 units of alcohol weekly for five years or more can cause ARBD, impairing daily functions. Lack of awareness and stigma hinder diagnosis and treatment, despite the potential for significant recovery with appropriate rehabilitation. While some funding is available, adequate resources for ARBD treatment remain a challenge, leading to poorer long-term outcomes for many.
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A roundtable discussion among Russian lawmakers condemned Western animation, toys, and video games, alleging a negative influence on Russian children. State Duma deputy Yana Lantratova highlighted the perceived shift from positive Soviet-era characters to flawed Western counterparts like Shrek and the Grinch. The lawmakers argued that these characters, despite seeming innocuous, promote undesirable traits while being presented as positive role models. This cultural infiltration, they claimed, erodes the image of the purely positive character prevalent in Soviet media.
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Canada’s participation in the EU’s ReArm Europe initiative, a €1.25 trillion, five-year plan to bolster European defence production, was confirmed in the throne speech. This move, aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S., includes access to the €235 billion Security Action For Europe (SAFE) loan program for joint arms procurement. The decision follows years of discussions with European leaders and is motivated by a desire for a more diversified approach to defence partnerships. This initiative complements a “Made in Canada” defence procurement strategy focusing on domestic production and allied collaborations.
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The White House has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies to implement expanded social media screenings for applicants. This pause, affecting all student visa applicants, is due to the “significant implications” the expanded vetting will have on embassy operations. The State Department will issue further guidance in the coming days. This action is the latest in a series of administration policies restricting international students, some of which have faced legal challenges.
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John Q. Hosedrinker