Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Jeff Merkley are urging the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to investigate a deal between a UAE investment firm, Binance, and World Liberty Financial, a Trump-affiliated cryptocurrency company. This deal, potentially enriching the Trump family and Steve Witkoff, raises serious national security concerns due to its potential for conflicts of interest and foreign influence. The senators argue the arrangement could violate the Constitution and create opportunities for quid pro quo exchanges that jeopardize national security. Their letter highlights the substantial financial benefits for the Trump family and the inherent risks associated with this complex transaction.
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Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions of a desire to acquire Greenland for strategic reasons, European Parliament President Kaja Kallas delivered a strong rebuke. Kallas firmly defended Greenland’s right to self-determination, emphasizing that any decisions regarding its future must be made by the Greenlanders themselves. This stance underscores the EU’s commitment to upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty of nations. The rules-based international order, Kallas stated, depends on the unwavering respect for territorial integrity and national borders.
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India’s reduction of the Chenab River’s flow by 90 percent, due to maintenance at the Baglihar dam and planned work at the Kishanganga dam, has heightened tensions with Pakistan. This action follows India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and other retaliatory measures in response to recent attacks and border clashes. Pakistan views any water diversion as an act of war, issuing strong warnings and conducting missile tests. The situation reflects the long-standing conflict over Kashmir and threatens further escalation.
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The Trump administration plans to deport immigrants to Libya, utilizing a U.S. military aircraft. This action represents a significant escalation of the administration’s deportation program, which faces considerable legal opposition. The deportees’ nationalities remain unconfirmed, but the flight is expected to depart imminently. This decision is controversial, given Libya’s ongoing conflict and reports of dire conditions in its migrant detention facilities.
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During a meeting, President Trump firmly refused to reduce tariffs on Canadian goods, citing unfair treatment by Canada and falsely claiming a massive US subsidy to Canada. While acknowledging Canada’s significant purchasing power of US goods, Trump’s tariffs, impacting various sectors, are harming both nations. Prime Minister Carney countered that Canada will not become a US state, while urging a dialogue to lower tariffs. Despite Trump’s openness to future negotiations, a trade deal was not reached.
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In a Chandler, Arizona courtroom, artificial intelligence was used to create a posthumous impact statement for murder victim Christopher Pelkey, a first in Arizona judicial history. Pelkey’s family employed AI to recreate his image and voice, allowing him to address his killer, Gabriel Paul Horcasitas, and express forgiveness. The moving video, incorporating real footage and reflecting Pelkey’s personality, influenced the judge’s decision to impose the maximum sentence on Horcasitas. The successful use of AI in this case has prompted the Arizona court to form a committee to explore both the potential benefits and risks of its future applications in the justice system.
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Following a government-mandated week of free bus rides in El Salvador due to highway construction, President Nayib Bukele ordered the arrest of five bus company heads for allegedly defying the order. The arrests, for charges including “breach of duty,” followed widespread chaos and overcrowded buses, despite the government claiming to cover all lost revenue. The bus companies cited confusion over the sudden announcement and payment issues for daily-wage drivers. These actions are consistent with Bukele’s controversial, heavy-handed governance style, which has drawn international criticism.
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Florida Senate Bill 918, which would have significantly relaxed child labor laws, failed to pass before the legislative session ended. The bill, drafted with input from Governor DeSantis’s office, aimed to address perceived labor shortages by allowing 14- to 17-year-olds to work longer hours, including overnight shifts. While proponents argued it aligned with federal law and empowered parents, opponents, including labor unions and civil rights groups, raised concerns about exploitation and the bill’s potential harm to young workers. The bill’s failure leaves the issue unresolved, though future legislative attempts remain possible.
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Following negotiations mediated by Oman, the US will cease its air strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. This decision comes after the Houthis reportedly informed the US administration of their desire to end hostilities and halt attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The agreement ensures freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of commercial shipping through the crucial waterway. This de-escalation follows months of increased US airstrikes and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.
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On Tuesday, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman, marking the second such incident in eight days. Both pilots ejected safely with minor injuries after the aircraft’s tail hook failed to engage the arresting wire. This follows a previous incident where an F/A-18E Super Hornet and its tow tractor fell overboard on April 28th. Both incidents are currently under investigation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker