The media aggressively attempted to undermine Zohran Mamdani’s campaign, with outlets like the *New York Times* and *The Atlantic* criticizing his policies, specifically his proposals for rent control and public services, while dismissing his ideas as impractical. The articles employed selective memory, factual inaccuracies, and even critiques of Mamdani’s youth. Despite this concerted effort, the negative coverage failed to deter voters, highlighting the disconnect between establishment media and the public, as well as the strength of grassroots campaigns. The author warns that despite the victory, the general election will likely see increased pressure from monied interests and the media.
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Senate Republicans unveiled a 940-page bill on Friday, aiming for a Saturday vote on President Trump’s agenda, including tax cuts, increased military spending, and funds for deportations, along with cuts to Medicaid and clean energy. The bill, expected to add $4 trillion to the national debt, faces internal Republican opposition, with several senators voicing concerns over its contents and the process. Key provisions include extending tax cuts, a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, and a controversial Medicaid provision that could jeopardize support from some Republicans. While the GOP hopes to utilize the budget reconciliation process, the bill’s passage remains uncertain, with the House and potential presidential involvement still in the picture.
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Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett criticized the Supreme Court’s decision to limit nationwide injunctions, suggesting it was a maneuver to benefit President Donald Trump. Crockett argued the ruling, which followed the court limiting the power of individual judges to issue nationwide injunctions, would hinder courts from blocking policies such as Trump’s challenge to birthright citizenship. According to Crockett, the Court is prioritizing Trump’s interests over upholding the Constitution. Despite Trump’s approval of the ruling, the details remain ambiguous enough that proposed changes to birthright citizenship could still be blocked nationwide.
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On the night of June 27-28, Russian forces launched 23 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia and Cape Chauda in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 22 of the drones, primarily targeting the Odesa region. While the majority were neutralized, a hit was reported in Odesa, and debris from the downed drones fell in eight locations. This attack follows a prior drone strike in Odesa on the evening of June 27, which resulted in the death of a married couple and injuries to two children.
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On the night of June 28, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed to have targeted the Kirovske military airfield in occupied Crimea with drones, destroying several helicopters and a Pantsyr-S1 air defense system. The SBU stated that the attack focused on Russian aviation, air defense systems, and storage facilities. This follows a previous drone strike on June 27 at the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd Oblast, where four Su-34 fighter jets were allegedly targeted, resulting in the destruction or damage of the aircraft. While these claims are unverified, Ukraine has increased its drone attacks as Russia continues its aerial assaults.
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Due to significant equipment losses in the war against Ukraine and a shortage of modern military equipment, Russia is returning outdated T-62 tanks to service. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reports that the primary restoration of these tanks is taking place in the far-eastern Zabaykalsky Krai. The deployment of the T-62s is a temporary measure stemming from a severe shortage of modern battle tanks, with some potentially being used for defensive positions. Russia has reportedly lost a significant number of tanks since the start of its full-scale invasion.
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Amidst warnings of an impending recession, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to reduce military spending over the next three years, despite current spending reaching nearly $172 billion annually. This decision follows warnings from economic officials regarding dwindling resources and a slowdown in wartime economic growth, despite 4.3% growth in 2024. Russia faces challenges including high inflation, labor shortages, and the impact of Western sanctions, leading to cuts in non-military spending, particularly social programs. Furthermore, private industries are suffering, and banking officials have privately warned about a potential crisis next year, while the country struggles with reintegrating returning veterans.
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The Minnesota State Capitol rotunda held a unique memorial service on June 27th for the late State Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark Hortman, and their family dog, Gilbert, who were all killed at their home on June 14th. This event marked the first instance of a woman and an animal being honored in this way at the Minnesota Capitol. Mourners, including many who brought their own dogs, came to pay their respects, reflecting the family’s love for dogs and their community involvement. The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection to the shooting of the Hortmans and Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
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In a recent interview, Rep. Jamie Raskin discussed the Supreme Court’s current conservative alignment and its perceived efforts to accommodate Donald Trump. The conversation focused on the implications of the court’s rulings on nationwide injunctions, particularly the potential for widespread confusion if unconstitutional orders cannot be blocked on a national level. Raskin emphasized the need for these injunctions, highlighting the risk of legal chaos and the potential for lasting damage. The discussion underscored the critical role the Supreme Court plays in upholding the law and the potential consequences of its decisions.
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On June 26th, approximately 150 pro-Palestinian activists breached a storage facility belonging to OIP Land Systems, a manufacturer of military equipment for Ukraine, causing significant damage. The activists, part of the Stop Arming Israel campaign, targeted the facility believing its equipment was intended for Israel, despite the CEO’s claim that the company has not produced defense systems for Israel in over two decades. Equipped with tools, the protesters vandalized vehicles and offices, resulting in an estimated $1.1 million in damages and delaying a crucial delivery for Ukraine by at least a month. The protest was motivated by Elbit Systems’ ownership of OIP Land Systems, an Israeli defense company, which protesters believe supplies a significant portion of equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.
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John Q. Hosedrinker