U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s opposition to Israel’s plan to control Gaza City, suggesting Britain would have lost World War II under his leadership. Starmer’s stance, which includes opposing the military action and advocating for a Palestinian state, drew anger in Israel. The UK’s ambassador to Israel also expressed concerns, stating that occupying all of Gaza would be a mistake and highlighting the dire humanitarian situation, while calling for unrestricted aid access. The UK believes a military solution alone is insufficient for defeating Hamas.
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As a measure to bolster its defenses against potential threats, Lithuania is implementing a program to teach its citizens, including over 22,000 schoolchildren, drone operation and construction skills. This initiative, a joint effort by the defense and education ministries, will involve various age groups, with younger students building and piloting simple drones, and older students designing and manufacturing drone components. The government plans to invest €3.3m in specialized equipment, including indoor and outdoor drones and training systems, while the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and the non-formal education agency will conduct the training. This initiative is part of Lithuania’s broader efforts to enhance its civil resistance capabilities, particularly in light of its border with Russia and Belarus and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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In a recent exchange, Laura Loomer levied harsh accusations against Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, alleging Greene fabricated stories to undermine her career aspirations. Loomer accused Greene of personal hypocrisy, citing marital infidelity and perceived dishonesty regarding the Trump administration. This latest confrontation is another instance of the two women clashing, following past disagreements including Loomer’s controversial remarks about Kamala Harris and Greene’s subsequent condemnation of Loomer.
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E.J. Antoni, Donald Trump’s nominee for BLS commissioner, has proposed suspending the monthly jobs report, advocating for the use of quarterly data instead. Antoni, previously the Heritage Foundation’s chief economist, cited concerns about the accuracy of the monthly figures, arguing that a lack of confidence in the data could have serious consequences for businesses and policymakers. This proposal follows Trump’s dismissal of the previous BLS commissioner and claims that the July jobs report was inaccurate due to revisions in employment figures. The July report was criticized for revisions that indicated significant downsizing in the market, potentially signaling an impending recession.
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In the early hours of Wednesday, August 13, Ukrainian kamikaze drones targeted the Unecha oil pumping station (LDS “Unecha”) on the Transneft Druzhba pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk region. The operation was conducted by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (HUR) in collaboration with other Ukrainian Defense Forces. The facility, a major hub in the pipeline system, is vital for supplying fuel to Russia’s military-industrial complex. This strike represents the latest in a series of Ukrainian operations aimed at disrupting Russian logistics and energy infrastructure.
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An Alabama priest, Robert Sullivan, is under investigation following allegations by a woman, Heather Jones, that he provided financial support in exchange for “private companionship” including sex, beginning when she was 17. Jones claims Sullivan paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars to remain silent, providing supporting documentation. The Birmingham diocese confirmed an independent review board and the Vatican are investigating while Sullivan is prohibited from public ministry. Jones, who is now speaking publicly, states that she hopes her statements will give credibility to her claims.
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The White House has mandated a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday, aiming to align the institution’s content with the President’s interpretation of American history. This review encompasses all public-facing content, including social media and educational materials, to ensure alignment with the President’s vision of celebrating American exceptionalism and removing any divisive narratives. The Smithsonian, while reaffirming its commitment to factual presentation, will collaborate with the White House, Congress, and its Board of Regents on this matter. The review, which will initially focus on eight museums, will require the submission of materials and corrective actions to replace what is deemed “divisive” language with “unifying” descriptions.
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Following the recent shooting at the CDC, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to attribute the attack to vaccine misinformation. Despite the shooter’s stated concerns regarding the COVID vaccine, and the CDC staff’s acknowledgment of the dangers of misinformation, Kennedy asserted the need to avoid penalizing questions about vaccines. In an interview, he expressed a desire to return the CDC to “gold standard science,” while also criticizing the U.S. government’s pandemic response and vaccine efforts. Kennedy defended his department’s decision to pull vaccine development contracts, despite criticism from other health experts.
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Reports suggest the U.S. and Russia are considering a “West Bank-style” occupation of Ukraine as a potential solution to end the ongoing war. This proposal would grant Russia economic and military control over occupied Ukrainian territories, mirroring Israel’s control of the West Bank. The plan, reportedly discussed between U.S. and Russian representatives, including former President Trump’s envoy, aims to circumvent the Ukrainian constitution’s limitations on ceding territory without a referendum. Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected any territorial concessions, but the proposed deal may be put in place.
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A California man and former Trump voter, Brian Gavidia, was detained by immigration agents during a federal operation, leading him to believe he was targeted due to his race. Gavidia, who is now part of a lawsuit challenging immigration enforcement tactics, recounted how he was pushed against a wall and questioned about his citizenship. Department of Homeland Security officials maintain that such allegations of targeting are false, stating that enforcement operations are highly targeted and based on legal status. The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which will decide the fate of restrictions limiting broad-based immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker