Beginning July 1st, all Russian state employees in the U.K. must publicly declare their activities under a new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS). This measure, expanding the scheme initially launched in 2023, follows the uncovering of suspected Russian and Belarusian spy networks and aims to counter threats to national security. Russia joins Iran as the second country subject to FIRS, enabling stronger action against covert activities and potential criminal prosecution for non-compliance. The scheme mandates registration of all political influence activities undertaken on behalf of a foreign state, enhancing transparency and informing parliamentary interactions.
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Minot, North Dakota Mayor Tom Ross resigned after an investigation revealed he mistakenly sent a sexually explicit video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim. The video, intended for his romantic partner, was sent following a call discussing a police officer’s suicide. An investigative report concluded Ross’s actions created a hostile work environment for Stalheim, who was his supervisor. The city council will appoint a new mayor within 15 days, unless a special election is petitioned for.
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President Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariffs triggered a significant sell-off in US and Asian stock markets. Dow futures plummeted over 1,100 points, while major Asian indexes experienced substantial drops exceeding 2%. Tech giants like Apple and Tesla led the decline in after-hours trading, reflecting concerns about disrupted supply chains and increased costs. Analysts described the tariffs as “worse than the worst-case scenario,” anticipating negative economic consequences including inflation and slower growth.
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The United States imposed a 29 percent tariff on Norfolk Island, a small Australian territory, while the rest of Australia received a 10 percent tariff. This disparity, unexplained by the White House, left Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese perplexed, given Norfolk Island’s negligible trade with the US. The tariffs, announced by President Trump, also affect Heard and McDonald Islands (uninhabited) and Christmas Island (10 percent). Despite the tariffs, Australia’s trade minister expressed confidence in continued trade with the US, while suggesting renewed free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union may be possible.
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President Trump launched a scathing attack on Senators McConnell, Paul, Collins, and Murkowski for opposing his proposed tariffs on Canadian imports, accusing them of disloyalty and siding with Democrats. The senators’ opposition to the tariffs, which aim to combat the fentanyl crisis, is part of a Senate resolution that would block the levies. Trump characterized the resolution as a Democratic ploy to expose Republican weakness, while the senators cited potential economic harm to both countries. A Senate vote is anticipated, with the President vowing a veto if necessary.
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A class-action lawsuit alleges that Elon Musk’s America PAC owes over $5 million to more than 100 canvassers who collected signatures for a petition supporting free speech and gun rights. The lawsuit claims canvassers were promised payment for signatures gathered but were not fully compensated despite repeated attempts to receive payment. America PAC denies any wrongdoing, stating that tens of millions of dollars have been paid, while attributing delays to fraud prevention efforts. The lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania, seeks to recover unpaid wages for the allegedly defrauded canvassers.
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Janet Protasiewicz’s victory over conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race was a decisive win for liberals, giving them a 4-3 majority on the court. This outcome defied a significant financial investment from Elon Musk in support of Schimel, totaling over $20 million. The election is seen as a rejection of both Musk and Donald Trump, who endorsed Schimel. Protasiewicz’s win secures liberal control of the court for the next three years, impacting significant cases on issues such as abortion and redistricting.
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Israel has launched a major ground and air offensive in Gaza, seizing territory and aiming to create a new security corridor, effectively dividing the strip. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the “Morag route,” a second corridor mirroring the Philadelphi route, to increase pressure for the release of hostages. This expansion, totaling 62 sq km of Gaza, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with numerous airstrikes targeting populated areas including a UN health clinic. The move is likely to hinder ceasefire negotiations and raise concerns about Israel’s long-term intentions in Gaza.
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Switzerland has frozen CHF7.4 billion ($8.4 billion) in Russian assets, a CHF1.6 billion increase from the previous year. This rise reflects the identification and subsequent freezing of additional assets. Furthermore, 14 real estate properties belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities have been seized. Criminal proceedings have been initiated by the Swiss Attorney General following a SECO investigation, resulting in an additional CHF1.65 billion in super-provisional asset freezes.
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Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour Senate speech, while not a filibuster, served as a powerful protest against President Trump’s actions. This performance, exceeding the chamber’s record, demonstrated a commitment that demanded respect and highlighted Trump’s disregard for norms and protocols. Booker’s protest, though within congressional norms, contrasted with other forms of resistance, such as boycotts and tax withholding, while the Wisconsin Supreme Court election underscored the effectiveness of traditional political engagement. Ultimately, Booker’s spectacle reclaimed the art of political performance from Trump.
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John Q. Hosedrinker