Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna reported being detained by Israeli settlers armed with US-made M4 rifles during a visit to the West Bank, an experience he described as an unfiltered look at the human toll of Israeli occupation. His group’s van was surrounded while observing a village previously destroyed by settlers, with Khanna asserting that Israeli forces sided with the settlers rather than intervening on behalf of the Americans. The Israeli military confirmed intervention by troops and police who dispersed the settlers and allowed vehicles to proceed. This incident occurs as Israeli conduct toward Palestinians increasingly divides Democrats and influences political discourse ahead of US elections.
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Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for a medical event, leading to widespread speculation about his condition due to a lack of clear communication from his representatives. While some Republicans claim to have spoken with him, others, including a fellow congressman and former President Trump, admit they are unsure of his status. This continued opacity has prompted concerns, with Kentucky’s governor requesting transparency to quell the rumors.
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Despite European efforts to curb Russia’s war economy, the Dutch supermarket brand Spar continues to operate and open new locations across Russia, including in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan. Spar International states it cannot terminate existing contracts due to legal agreements and that its decentralized model means it does not directly own Russian operations. However, the Dutch government has deemed continued operations “irresponsible,” and experts have questioned the company’s explanation for remaining active in the country. This situation arises in the context of previous reports questioning Spar Iran’s activities in potentially circumventing international sanctions.
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Crews are once again draining the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool as a renovation project, initiated by President Trump with the goal of completion before the nation’s 250th birthday, has encountered significant problems. Within weeks of its initial completion, the pool suffered an algae bloom and evidence of peeling coating, which the President attributed to vandalism, though critics suggest it stems from shoddy workmanship. The ongoing issues, including debris from a recent fireworks display and alleged tampering, necessitate further draining and repairs. The Trump administration plans to utilize the same companies for the new rounds of repairs, despite ongoing investigations by Democratic lawmakers into the project’s funding and execution.
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On July 11th, Ukrainian forces launched significant strikes across the Sea of Azov, targeting 21 oil tankers, four tugboats, and two dry cargo ships. These actions aimed to diminish the Russian aggressor’s military-economic potential by disrupting oil transportation that finances the war and hindering military logistics and port operations. The extensive damage has forced a halt to shipping through the Kerch Strait, impacting global food markets, particularly wheat shipments. Further strikes in Taganrog involved drones attacking four vessels, with Russian authorities reporting only minor damage and successful air defense interceptions.
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The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a significant bipartisan housing reform aimed at increasing supply and lowering costs, automatically became law due to President Trump’s inaction. The president declined to sign the bill in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation focused on election reform. Despite the president’s personal disinterest in the housing bill, it passed both houses with wide margins and enacts numerous provisions, including limiting institutional investors’ purchase of single-family homes and facilitating the conversion of commercial buildings into affordable housing.
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Overnight on July 11, Ukrainian drones launched a significant operation in the Sea of Azov, reportedly hitting 21 Russian tankers and seven other vessels. These targets, including tugboats and cargo ships, are believed to be involved in transporting oil and supporting Russian military logistics, with the strikes potentially disrupting traffic through the Kerch Strait and the Don-Azov Canal. This action follows similar Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian shipping near occupied Crimea, underscoring ongoing efforts to cripple Russia’s maritime operations and sanction circumvention. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but market analysts note that disruptions to Russian grain exports, a significant portion of which transit through the Sea of Azov, could impact global wheat futures.
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Subpoenas have been issued to several New York Times journalists following their report on security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One, according to the newspaper. These subpoenas seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan. This action represents a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to challenge independent news organizations and is viewed as part of a pattern of actions aimed at undermining press freedom. The reporting detailed speculation that the new jet, gifted by Qatar and recently entering service, may lack advanced security features compared to older models, prompting a reassessment of its use.
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The Omsk oil refinery, a significant facility producing approximately 15 percent of Russia’s jet fuel, has ceased operations following Ukrainian strikes. These attacks, which have targeted at least nine Russian oil refineries and terminals recently, are increasingly disrupting Russia’s fuel production capabilities. This shutdown, coupled with the cumulative impact of numerous strikes, has forced Russia to transition from an oil product exporter to a fuel importer, struggling to meet domestic demand.
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Joseph Horner, a Long Island music teacher, has been charged with murder after allegedly strangling his sister-in-law, Victoria Castle, in an unprovoked attack. Prosecutors claim Horner sexually assaulted Castle after the murder, then changed his clothes and called 911. He reportedly told police he had harbored feelings for Castle since 2017 and acted on them when his wife was away. Horner pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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John Q. Hosedrinker