The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reports that Hamas has placed bounties on the heads of its workers, including U.S. security personnel and local aid staff, offering monetary rewards for their injury or death. This follows a previous attack by Hamas on GHF workers that resulted in 12 deaths and instances of torture. GHF is calling on the international community to condemn Hamas’ actions and support their aid efforts, which have already distributed nearly 50 million meals. The organization recently received a $30 million funding boost from the U.S. State Department.
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Senator Scott Wiener has officially filed paperwork to run for the congressional seat currently held by Nancy Pelosi, with intentions to run in 2028. This move follows Wiener’s previous statements expressing interest in the seat whenever Pelosi decides to step down. Should Pelosi run for reelection in 2026, she would be competing against Saikat Chakrabarti. Wiener expressed his dedication to the people of San Francisco and emphasized the honor it would be to represent the city in Congress.
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In a joint operation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a founder of Hamas and head of its combat support headquarters, in Gaza City. Issa, who played a significant role in the October 7th massacre and was rebuilding Hamas’s organizational systems, was killed in an airstrike. Additionally, the IDF killed Abbas Al-Hassan Wahbi, a Hezbollah terrorist responsible for intelligence in the ‘Radwan Force’ Battalion, in southern Lebanon. Both actions were part of ongoing efforts to counter threats and rebuild capabilities.
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Adriana Smith, the Georgia woman kept on life support due to the state’s abortion law, was laid to rest Saturday in an Atlanta suburb. Smith was declared brain-dead in February while nine weeks pregnant and, under Georgia’s LIFE Act, remained on life support until her son, Chance, was born prematurely. After Chance’s birth in June, Smith was taken off life support and the funeral service drew a crowd of family, friends, and fellow nurses to honor her life, including a special tribute from the Atlanta Metropolitan Nursing Honor Guard. Smith’s son Chance remains in the neonatal intensive care unit and is expected to be okay.
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On June 27th, Michigan State Police employed a drone to resolve an hours-long hostage situation at a Saginaw Township bank. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. when a man took an employee hostage at Mercantile Bank, prompting a significant police presence and road closures along State Street. During negotiations, a drone delivered a beverage to the suspect, and when he exposed himself, a trooper shot him. The hostage was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and discharged overnight, while the bank remains closed pending the ongoing investigation.
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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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John Q. Hosedrinker