AP News reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that long-range strikes on Russian refineries have diminished Moscow’s oil refining capacity by 20%, with over 90% of those strikes conducted using Ukrainian-made weapons. He emphasized the need for more financial assistance to increase production of these weapons. Zelenskyy also discussed ongoing efforts to secure funding for winter gas imports and bolster defense against Russian attacks.
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In a shocking display, Hamas staged a fake “discovery” of the partial remains of hostage Ofir Tzarfati, who was previously recovered by the IDF, while failing to return the bodies of the remaining deceased hostages. The IDF documented Hamas operatives burying and then unearthing Tzarfati’s remains in front of the Red Cross, a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials and families of the hostages have condemned Hamas’s actions, with some calling for a halt to commitments under the agreement and a more forceful response. Potential retaliatory measures include expanding control over territory in Gaza to pressure Hamas to comply.
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US forces have killed 14 individuals in recent strikes targeting four alleged drug boats in the Pacific Ocean, marking a further escalation in the campaign against drug traffickers. The attacks, authorized by President Donald Trump, resulted in one survivor who was rescued by Mexican authorities. These strikes are part of a broader operation that has killed at least 51 people, primarily in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America, and raised concerns regarding their legality and the president’s authority to order them.
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Poachers in southern Mexico are brutally ripping baby spider monkeys from their mothers and smuggling them across the border to be sold as pets in the United States, fueled by viral social media videos. U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents have confiscated nearly 90 monkeys in the last 18 months, revealing the disturbing scope of this illegal trade, where mothers are killed, and babies are often crammed into tiny compartments without food or water. The animals are treated poorly, and the population is struggling to recover. Law enforcement faces challenges, and the confiscated monkeys are sent to zoos. The public is urged to avoid purchasing these animals to prevent the killing and smuggling of the endangered spider monkeys.
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During a recent meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directed military officials to increase the range of Ukraine’s long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia. The meeting, which included weapons manufacturers, focused on reviewing the effectiveness of existing strikes and expanding the geography for future use. Long-term contracts with manufacturers were discussed to improve resource planning and scale up supplies, with Zelenskyy promising more such agreements. The meeting also addressed Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, identifying new defense needs and the importance of securing air defense supplies from partners.
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According to AP News, conflicting reports have emerged regarding an incident involving an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army stated the drone, conducting routine reconnaissance, was downed near UNIFIL peacekeepers, adding that a hand grenade was thrown by Israeli forces after the drone was shot down. Conversely, UNIFIL reported the drone flew over a patrol “in an aggressive manner”, prompting defensive measures, followed by a dropped grenade and tank fire from Israel. This event occurred as tensions escalate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
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This comprehensive list details a complete directory of all United States and Canadian locations, including states, territories, provinces, and military installations. The organization encompasses all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and several U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Additionally, the list extends to include every Canadian province and territory. Finally, it notes the inclusion of a Zip Code for each of these locations.
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Finland’s Defence Minister, Antti Häkkänen, asserts that successfully countering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is crucial for deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the global consequences of the ongoing conflict. He highlights the importance of unwavering Western resolve, citing China’s keen observation of the West’s commitment. Häkkänen advocates for a three-pronged approach to ending the war: strengthened sanctions, increased military aid to Ukraine, and the use of long-range weapons. He suggests that any perceived weakness would embolden China, which is already supporting Russia.
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Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, intensified to a Category 5 storm, posing a severe threat to the Caribbean. Jamaica is in the direct path of the hurricane, with catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage expected. The storm is forecast to bring up to 102 centimeters of rain to some areas, and authorities are warning of life-threatening flash floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are also under watch, and residents are urged to seek shelter and comply with emergency orders.
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Syria, supported by Turkey and several Arab nations, has launched a diplomatic push at the UN to reclaim the Golan Heights, a territory Israel annexed in 1981 and considers its own. This initiative, spearheaded by Syria’s UN envoy, accuses Israel of violating Syrian sovereignty and calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Golan. Several Security Council members have echoed Syria’s demands, citing the occupation’s threat to Syrian stability. Israeli officials, however, have stated Israel’s intention to maintain its sovereignty and military presence in the area, while some suggest the Syrian campaign aims to expedite ongoing security negotiations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker