The funeral for slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, was attended by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, with a eulogy delivered by Governor Tim Walz. Despite the attendance of prominent political figures, former President Donald Trump did not attend the service and did not issue a statement about the event. The suspected perpetrator, Vance Boelter, had a list of potential targets including the Hortmans, and was described as a supporter of Trump. While the funeral was taking place, Trump spent the morning golfing and made social media posts with divisive political rhetoric.
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Germany is set to become Europe’s largest military, spurred by concerns of a new Trump presidency and the war in Ukraine. The nation plans to change its constitution and allocate 3.5% of its GDP to defense spending. This shift includes a $117 billion special fund, suspending the debt brake to facilitate nearly $400 billion in defense spending through 2029, without impacting core budgets. While defense companies experience increased sales, rebuilding a culture of military service faces challenges, with the Bundeswehr working to improve its public image and attract new recruits.
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The recent victory of Zohran Mamdani, a young Democrat Socialist, over a seasoned politician signals a generational shift in politics, with a significant 52% of voters under 45 supporting Mamdani. This surge in youth voter turnout, often comprised of first-time voters, directly challenges the notion of young people’s apathy, fueled by grassroots campaigns and extensive outreach efforts. This victory signifies a response to the crises the next generation faces, like climate change and economic anxieties, and the demand for real change, like affordable housing. The election reveals that when organized, this generation can actively shape the political landscape.
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Eric Trump has suggested he or another member of the Trump family could pursue the presidency after Donald Trump’s potential second term. He implied that the political path would be accessible to him or other family members, while also acknowledging the personal toll the political arena takes. Despite staying mostly away from politics, Eric expressed dissatisfaction with many politicians and confidence in his own abilities. When questioned about potential financial benefits from the presidency, Eric denied them, citing significant costs to the family.
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Minnesota mourned the loss of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was laid to rest alongside her husband after a politically motivated assassination. The attack, which also targeted Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was carried out by a man impersonating a law enforcement officer. The assailant, Vance Boelter, was apprehended after a large manhunt, and a hit list of other politicians was found in his possession. The funeral was attended by prominent political figures and served as a moment of unity as the nation grapples with increased political violence.
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During a meeting with Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV expressed his sorrow for the “martyred” Ukraine and the victims of the ongoing war, instigated by Russia’s invasion in 2022, and annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Pope emphasized the importance of faith during these difficult times and has consistently expressed support for Ukraine, even appealing to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict. This stance marks a notable shift from his predecessor, with Ukrainian officials appreciating his solidarity. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly thanked the Pope for his prayers and compassion, calling for an end to the aggression and a return of those held captive.
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On June 27, German fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea near NATO airspace, according to Bild. The Russian aircraft, which had its transponder off, was heading west toward international airspace when detected. This incident marks the ninth interception mission by German forces in 2025, amidst ongoing aerial provocations from Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced he would refrain from phone calls with Vladimir Putin due to intensified attacks on Ukraine.
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On Friday, the IDF conducted an airstrike in Gaza, successfully eliminating Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a senior Hamas terrorist crucial to the October 7 massacre and Hamas’s training infrastructure. Al-Issa, who had combat experience from Iraq and Syria, was a key figure in developing Hamas’s military capabilities and was one of the founders of its military wing. He was also the Head of the Training Headquarters and a member of Hamas’ General Security Council. This strike occurred amidst a week of intense operations by the IDF Southern Command, which targeted over 300 terror targets in Gaza.
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Pete Hegseth, a right-wing provocateur, is critiqued for his actions, particularly his decision to remove Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship during Pride Month. The article contrasts Hegseth’s perceived weakness and lack of true warrior spirit with the genuine courage of Harvey Milk, a Navy veteran who fought for LGBTQ+ rights. Hegseth is accused of using this action to appeal to the MAGA base and to roll back LGBTQ+ inclusion in the military, while Milk is celebrated for his bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity. The author emphasizes the significant difference in moral character between the two individuals, highlighting Milk’s legacy of hope and public service compared to Hegseth’s perceived actions.
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A recent police report details an alleged murder plot involving four fifth-grade students at Legacy Traditional School in Surprise, Arizona, who planned to fatally stab a classmate and stage it as a suicide. The plot was uncovered after a parent alerted the school about the students’ discussions. According to the report, the motive stemmed from a relationship dispute, with the students allegedly planning the attack during a lunch break. The students, aged 10 and 11, were arrested on charges of threatening and disorderly conduct, and were released to their parents with possible expulsion pending.
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John Q. Hosedrinker