The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral effort between the UK, Japan, and Italy, aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. While Canada is not currently a partner, the UK government has expressed openness to future collaboration. This aligns with analysts’ suggestions, given Canada’s strong security ties with the UK and its adoption of the F-35, already utilized by GCAP members. GCAP’s advanced capabilities will replace existing fleets and foster international defense cooperation. The program is progressing with a demonstrator aircraft anticipated by 2027.
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Senator Cory Booker delivered a nearly 20-hour speech on the Senate floor, criticizing the Trump administration’s policies and actions. His marathon speech, prompted by constituent pressure for stronger responses to administration actions, highlighted concerns about violations of core American principles and the detrimental effects on various institutions. The speech, while not immediately impacting legislative action, drew comparisons to other lengthy Senate speeches aimed at raising awareness and influencing public debate. Booker’s actions garnered both praise from civil rights leaders and mockery from the White House.
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Senator Cory Booker engaged in a prolonged Senate floor speech, although not a technically defined filibuster, to protest what he views as unacceptable government actions. His speech, exceeding 15 hours, targeted conservative Republicans for various policy positions, including their handling of fiscal issues and support of figures perceived as undermining democratic institutions. Booker’s actions, largely ignored by mainstream media, draw a parallel to historical acts of civil disobedience, aiming for a memorable and impactful protest against the current political climate. He continues to speak out on issues such as threats to Social Security.
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New research reveals that Hamas has removed approximately 3,400 previously reported deaths from its Gaza war casualty figures, including 1,080 children. This significant reduction, identified by Honest Reporting and the Henry Jackson Society, suggests data falsification by Hamas. The deleted entries raise questions about the reliability of Hamas’s casualty reports, which have been widely cited by international media. Analysts suggest this action was an attempt by Hamas to enhance credibility, despite previous concerns regarding inflated civilian casualty numbers. The revised data, they argue, undermines Hamas’s narrative of disproportionate civilian targeting by Israeli forces.
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Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the unlawful rescission of $12 billion in public health funding. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the cuts, which will reportedly eliminate crucial public health services and cost thousands of healthcare jobs. The states argue that the funds, while initially allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported long-term public health infrastructure and were not solely for pandemic response. The plaintiffs contend that HHS lacks the authority to unilaterally rescind congressionally appropriated funds, thereby undermining the legislative branch’s power.
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A fire destroyed at least 17 Teslas at a Rome dealership, with investigations underway to determine the cause, including the possibility of arson. This incident follows recent waves of Tesla vandalism across Italy, featuring anti-Musk and anti-Trump graffiti, and another dealership fire a week prior. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing dealership owners. The incidents in Italy coincide with similar reports of vandalism and protests targeting Tesla in other countries, including France and the United States.
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Senator Cory Booker launched a 17-hour-plus speech on the Senate floor to protest the Trump administration’s policies, specifically targeting cuts to social programs and questionable executive orders. His marathon address, though not a filibuster, aims to highlight the Democrats’ opposition to these actions. Booker’s protest, drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights movement, underscores the party’s struggle to effectively counter the administration’s agenda. He continues his speech despite physical limitations and advice from colleagues, aiming to raise public awareness of what he sees as a national crisis.
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Germany will permanently station troops in Lithuania by 2027, marking its first such deployment since World War II. This deployment, part of a multi-year agreement between Germany and Lithuania, is a direct response to Russia’s aggression and aims to bolster NATO’s eastern flank. Initially, 150 German soldiers will be deployed, growing to 500 by 2025 and eventually reaching 5,000. The move comes amid intelligence assessments suggesting Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO.
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Despite a purported agreement to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia’s spring conscription has begun, calling up 160,000 men—10,000 more than the previous year. This follows heavy Russian military losses in Ukraine, prompting a tripling of the military’s size since the invasion began. The increased draft, coupled with recruitment of contract soldiers and foreign fighters, aims to replenish forces depleted by the ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, neighboring Finland, citing increased military threats, is increasing defense spending and abandoning its commitment to the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
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Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, during a Kyiv press conference, emphasized the persistent and significant military threat Russia poses to NATO, citing its long-term military buildup near alliance borders and stated goal of dominating Europe. He outlined three potential scenarios with Russia—war, threat, or occupation—arguing that robust deterrence, including continued support for Ukraine and its NATO membership, is crucial to preventing the latter two. Budrys stressed that Russia’s intentions are hostile and unchanging, aiming for territorial expansion and subjugation of neighbors. He highlighted the need to understand this reality to effectively counter the Russian threat.
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John Q. Hosedrinker