Jorge Hernández, a former DEA informant known for assisting in major drug cases, has been arrested and charged with wire fraud. The 57-year-old allegedly extorted millions from six drug traffickers facing extradition, promising reduced sentences he could not deliver. Hernández, who had a long history with the DEA, including testimony in a bribery trial against former DEA supervisors, is accused of taking payments in cash, jewelry, and property. This arrest follows a prior federal conviction for money laundering, with probation set to expire in May 2027.
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Following a devastating Russian attack on Kyiv that killed 30 and injured 172, Ukrainian President Zelensky declared the assault “deliberate terror” with no military justification. He called for increased Western sanctions and further “entirely justified” losses inflicted upon Russia for its aggression. Ukraine continues to launch successful long-range strikes on Russian military targets, including airfields and weapons factories, while simultaneously proposing an unconditional ceasefire that Russia continues to reject. Amidst escalating conflict and mounting Russian casualties, Kyiv is developing its own long-range weapons capabilities.
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The G7 summit in Kananaskis concluded with Canada pledging C$2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, despite internal divisions regarding a unified statement on the war. President Zelenskyy expressed disappointment over a missed opportunity to secure further weapons support from President Trump, declaring diplomacy to be in crisis. The final G7 chair’s statement voiced support for Trump’s peace efforts and emphasized the need for Russia to reciprocate Ukraine’s commitment to a ceasefire, while exploring further sanctions. Despite Canada’s significant aid, the United States remains Ukraine’s primary arms supplier.
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A Fairfax man, Rui Jiang, received a 25-year prison sentence plus five years of supervised release for plotting a mass shooting at Park Valley Church in Haymarket, Virginia. Jiang, armed with multiple weapons, was apprehended at the church after posting online threats and a manifesto detailing his plan to kill male church members due to perceived personal grievances. His motivations stemmed from anger at the church and its male congregation, fueled by frustrations with his romantic life. The swift apprehension was the result of a concerned citizen reporting Jiang’s online threats to authorities.
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A new report from the International Panel on Information Environment (Ipie) reveals that climate misinformation, spread by fossil fuel companies, right-wing politicians, and nation-states, is hindering climate action. This misinformation, amplified by online bots and trolls, ranges from outright denial to discrediting solutions like renewable energy. The report calls for stronger measures to combat this, including regulation of social media, legal action against misinformation purveyors, and improved climate education. Without addressing this information crisis, the report warns, the climate crisis risks escalating into a catastrophe.
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A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer, the Takanami, transited the Taiwan Strait on June 12, marking the third such passage in the last year. This action, closely monitored by the Chinese military, follows a June 7-8 incident where a Chinese fighter jet dangerously approached a Japanese patrol plane. The transit, along with a subsequent joint exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea, demonstrates Japan’s increasing assertiveness in the face of growing Chinese pressure on Taiwan and in regional waters. This represents a shift in Japanese policy regarding the Taiwan Strait, reflecting concerns over China’s expanding military activities.
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A new Fox News poll reveals that 59 percent of registered voters oppose President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” compared to 38 percent in favor. This significant opposition, crossing party lines, highlights widespread concern over the bill’s potential negative impact on family finances and the national economy. The poll also underscores persistent economic pessimism, despite a slight improvement in economic ratings since the start of Trump’s second term. These findings, coupled with Trump’s underwater approval rating, suggest substantial challenges for the bill’s passage.
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Jena, Louisiana, a town heavily reliant on the GEO Group’s private prison, hosts quarterly community luncheons where GEO makes charitable donations. These events contrast sharply with the realities of the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center, a major detention facility known for harsh conditions and prolonged detentions of immigrants, including notable political activists. The town’s history reveals a pattern of controversy surrounding its detention facilities, ranging from a juvenile detention center plagued by abuse allegations to the current ICE center, highlighting a complex relationship between economic dependence and ethical concerns. Despite the national attention garnered by these issues, residents often downplay or avoid discussion of the detention center’s operations.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office instructed the Pentagon to adopt a passive approach to Juneteenth messaging, resulting in the cancellation of planned online content. This directive is part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Department of Defense, a policy reflected in the removal of historical content celebrating Black, Latino, and women veterans. This action follows previous removals of articles celebrating figures like Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen. The Army’s Juneteenth commemoration article was also deleted, although a press release acknowledging the holiday remains.
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Following nationwide protests against ICE raids, piñatas depicting ICE agents are circulating widely on social media. These piñatas, reflecting a tradition of Latino cultural expression, are being sold in cities experiencing aggressive immigration enforcement, notably Los Angeles. Videos showcasing the piñatas have garnered significant attention, generating both amusement and political commentary. This trend builds upon a prior instance in 2019 where a similar piñata was used at a Chicago fundraising event for Latino children seeking asylum.
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John Q. Hosedrinker