IRAN HITS 'PIGGY BANK' OF NATIONS BY ATTACKING QATAR LNG TANKER IN STRAIT
(SPECIAL COMMENTARY)
AMONG THE SHIPS THE US SAYS WERE ATTACKED BY IRAN IN RECENT DAYS A LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS TANKER FROM QATAR.
QATAR A MAJOR PRODUCER OF LNG WHICH PROVIDES IT WITH REVENUE.
THE ANGRY REACTION OF US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND THE STRONG US ATTACKS ON IRAN UNDERSCORE THE FINANCIAL SENTITIVITY OF ATTACKS LINKED TO QATAR.
FOUR POINTS:
1. QATAR IS A KEY ALLY OF TURKEY (TURKIYE) HOST OF THE NATO SUMMIT. IT FINANCIALLY SUPPORTS TURKEY WITH THE TURKS BASING MILITARY FORCES IN QATAR.
2. PRESIDENT TRUMP VERY FRIENDLY TO BOTH QATAR AND TURKEY.
QATAR PROVIDING THE US WITH AN AIRPLANE NOW USED BY MR. TRUMP AS 'AIR FORCE ONE'.
3. A CRIMINAL CASE IN ISRAEL NOW PROBES THE PAYMENTS GIVEN BY QATAR TO AIDES OF PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU BETWEEN 2021 AND 2024.
4. QATAR PROVIDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE HAMAS MOVEMENT TO GOVERN GAZA AND WAS ALLOWED TO DO SO BY ISRAEL'S GOVERNMENT.
THIS HAS BECOME A VERY CONTROVERSIAL POLITICAL ISSUE IN ISRAEL AS THE FIGHT OVER CREATING AN INDEPENDENT PROBE OF THE OCTOBER 7, 2023 HAMAS ATTACK ON ISRAEL CONTINUES.
"I think it's over. It's scum. They're sick people"
Today's public statement of US President Donald Trump regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran regarding the Iran War.
AUSTRALIA CUTTING SECURITY DEALS WITH SOUTH PACIFIC NATIONS TONGA, SAMOA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND FIJI.
THE DEALS CONNECT AUSTRALIA TO THOSE NATIONS FOR DEFENSE WITH AUSTRALIA IN TURN CONNECTED TO THE UNITED STATES AND UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH THE "AUKUS" MILITARY ALLIANCE
A search underway for a missing cargo plane off the coast of Pakistan that plunged from an altitude of 36,550 feet.
The aircraft missing over the Arabian Sea after it left the United Arab Emirates bound for Karachi. It was off the southern coast of Pakistan less than 200 miles from both Karachi and Pakistan's border with Iran.
The plane carried a crew of five.
It reported a navigational fault before disappearing.
The "Flightradar24" system showing a five-thousand-foot descent followed by a six-thousand-foot climb and finally the more than 36,000 foot drop in an almost vertical position...Al Jazeera Qatar
IRAN SAYS IT HAS HIT 85 US MILITARY SITES IN KUWAIT AND BAHRAIN IN RETALIATION FOR LAST NIGHT'S US ATTACKS ON IRAN...(NEWS AGENCIES)
It's been a day of disruption for internet and phone service in Australia because of a major outage involving "Telstra" the country's largest telecom service provider.
Train service also went down in parts of Australia along with payment services and online shopping...ABC NEWS AUSTRALIA BLOG
AT THE NATO SUMMIT SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT LEE JAE MYUNG PLEDGING 100 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE.
SOUTH KOREA STRESSING ITS SUPPORT DOES NOT INVOLVE 'LETHAL WEAPONS'.
SOUTH KOREA WILL BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS WITH NATO TO ENTER THE NATO DEFENSE PROCUREMENT MARKET...YONHAP NEWS AGENCY SOUTH KOREA
In the conflict in Mali Russia's "Africa Corps" claiming success fighting alongside Malian government forces against jihadists who launched a major series of attacks last Saturday.
Some field commanders along with most of the attacking jihadists said to have been eliminated...Tass Russia
PRESIDENT TRUMP MEETING THE TURKISH RULER PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN AS HE VISITS TURKEY (TURKIYE) FOR THE NATO SUMMIT.
MR. TRUMP SAYING THE US IS LIFTING SANCTIONS ON TURKEY AND WILL SOON DECIDE ON RESUMING TURKEY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE US CONTROLLED F-35 WARPLANE PROJECT.
A STICKING POINT WITH TURKEY ITS POSSESSION OF RUSSIAN S-400 AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS WHICH IT PURCHASED IN RECENT YEARS.
IT'S BEEN SUGGESTED THOSE SYSTEMS NEED TO BE SENT TO A 'THIRD COUNTRY' IN ORDER FOR TURKEY TO BE LET BACK INTO THE F-35 PROJECT...AL JAZEERA QATAR
Iran warning that the US decision to revoke oil sanctions waivers on Iranian oil is a violation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Iran's foreign ministry condemning the decision announced by the US Treasury Department today.
In addition, the ministry warns Iran will take any measure it deems necessary to safeguard its interests and national security...Reuters-Times of Israel
US ATTACKS ON IRAN TONIGHT IN RESPONSE TO ATTACKS ON TANKERS IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IN RECENT DAYS.
THOSE ATTACKS ATTRIBUTED TO IRAN BY THE UNITED STATES...(NEWS AGENCIES)...OSINTdefender "X"...
THE ATTACKS DESCRIBED AS MORE INTENSE THAT PREVIOUS ONES.
NIGEL FARAGE RESIGNING FROM HIS SEAT IN PARLIAMENT SO HE CAN FACE VOTERS IN A SPECIAL ELECTION.
THE REFORM UK LEADER ACCUSED OF TAKING IMPROPER GIFTS WHICH HE SAYS WERE NOT LINKED TO POLITICS AND ALLOWED UNDER ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMRNT...NOS NETHERLANDS (TRANSLATION PROMPT)
The main suspect in last week's bombing attack in Monaco on a Ukrainian businessman tied to Russia found dead in Ukraine.
Anastasiia Berezovska shot in the head according to authorities who also say two suspects are in custody.
The suspects made transfers of cryptocurrency and money to accounts linked to Berezovska...Tass Russia
(Updated) Two tankers attacked in the Strait of Hormuz today. Both vessels were hit off the coast of Oman suffering some structural damage...UKMTO "X" (1st Attack)...UKMTO "X" (2nd Attack)...
These attacks follow a similar attack yesterday. Qatar has lodged a protest with Iran regarding an attack on an LNG tanker...Tass Russia
(News Analysis)
NATO LEADERS INCLUDING US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP GATHERING IN ANKARA, TURKEY (TURKIYE) FOR THE NATO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT.
DEFENSE CONTRACTORS INCLUDING MAJOR US FIRMS ALSO A BIG PART OF THE EVENT.
NATO MEMBERS ARE INCREASING THEIR DEFENSE SPENDING IN LINE WITH US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S DEMANDS FOR FIVE PERCENT OF GDP TO BE SPENT ON DEFENSE.
THIS WILL POSITION NATO COUNTRIES TO OPPOSE RUSSIA AND CONTRIBUTE TO OPPOSING CHINA IN THE 'INDO-PACIFIC' REGION...DEUTSCHE WELLE GERMANY BLOG
MARINE LE PEN LOSING APPEAL OF CONVICTION GETS PRISON SENTENCE BUT IS ELIGIBLE FOR RUN FOR PRESIDENT NEXT YEAR
LE PEN SAYS SHE IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT
(STORY UPDATED)
In Paris this afternoon the Paris Court of Appeal deciding on whether to allow Marine Le Pen to run for President in next year's election.
The court rejected Le Pen's appeal giving her a three-year prison sentence and a 45-month sentence of political ineligibility suspending 30 months of it making her eligible to run for political office.
The leader of the National Rally (RN) in France's National Assembly had been disqualified based on her conviction for misuse of European Parliament funds when she was a member.
Le Pen now says she will be a candidate for President and in her words 'will not be wearing an electronic bracelet'.
Standing in the wings to replace her Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally, who leads opinion polls in first round voting.
Last week European prosecutors conducted raids pursuing a probe of political contractors linked to Bardella on allegations of misuse of European Parliament funds.
French police have also raided RN offices in recent months seeking evidence of financial wrongdoing...
IN DAMASCUS, SYRIA TWO BOMB EXPLOSIONS WITH AT LEAST 18 WOUNDED INCLUDING POLICE OFFICERS.
THE EXPLOSIONS ACCOMPANYING THE VISIT OF FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON TO SYRIA WHERE HE'S MEETING SYRIA'S NEW LEADERS TO PURSUE FRENCH ECONOMIC VENTURES IN SYRIA.
THEY HAPPENED NEAR THE HOTEL WHERE MR. MACRON WAS STAYING.
THE BLASTS ALSO ACCOMPANY STRONG ISRAELI CRTICISM OF THE SYRIAN JIHADIST GOVERNMENT'S ALLY TURKEY (TURKIYE)...NOS Netherlands (Translation Prompt)
The markets today.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average down 130.76 points.
The NASDAQ declined 302.47 points or 1.16 percent.
At 430 pm in New York the price of oil 72 dollars a barrel up three dollars 45 cents or 5.03 percent...
THERE IS MUCH SPECULATION REGARDING THE HEALTH OF REPUBLICAN US SENATOR MITCH MCCONNELL OF KENTUCKY.
MCCONNELL HOSPITALIZED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS WITH STAFF ISSUING STATEMENTS SAYING HE IS 'RECEIVING EXCELLENT CARE' 'CONTINUING HIS RECOVERY' AND THE LATEST OFFICIAL STATEMENT LAST THURSDAY SAYING HE 'CONTINUES TO IMPROVE'.
HIS LATEST LONG-TERM HOPSITALIZATION FOLLOWS EARLIER HOSPITALIZATIONS.
IT IS NOT KNOWN IF MCONNELL WILL BE PRESENT WHEN THE SENATE GOES BACK INTO SESSION...THE GUARDIAN UK
MILLIONS OF MOURNERS ON THE STREETS OF TEHRAN FOR THE FUNERAL PROCESSION OF AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI ASSASSINATED BY ISRAEL AT THE START OF THE IRAN WAR ON FEBURARY 28TH.
THE MOURNERS DRESSED IN BLACK AND BEATING THEIR CHESTS DURING THE PROCESSION...
(UPDATED) TONIGHT A TANKER HIT BY A PROJECTILE IN THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ OFF THE COAST OF OMAN. A FIRE IGNITED BUT NO CASUALTIES REPORTED...UKMTO "X"...
AMPLIFYING THIS STORY ARE US SOURCES TELLING INSIDER JOURNALIST BARAK RAVID (AXIOS, CHANNEL 12 ISRAEL, CNN) OF TWO VESSELS BEING HIT AND DAMAGED IN THE STRAIT TONIGHT.
In Russia tonight heavy Ukrainian attacks on the city of Belgorod and the Belgorod Region near the Ukraine border. No casualties reported with an 'infrastructure facility' hit causing a fire...RIA Novosti Russia (Translation Prompt)...
Ukrainian drones attacking Moscow have also been downed late tonight...(RIA Novosti Russia)
(This Story Is Being Updated)
IN MAINE DEMOCRAT US SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER BEING FORCED OUT OF THE RACE.
HE DID NOT MAKE CAMPAIGN APPEARANCES IN RECENT DAYS.
A SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION INVOLVING PLATNER PUBLISHED THIS AFTERNOON.
(Updated-Corrected) In the last 24 hours a controversy surrounding the World Cup of soccer (football) underway in the US.
US President Donald Trump intervening with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to urge reversal of a one-game suspension for US star player Folarin Balogun.
Balogun's suspension lifted following Trump's intervention.
The "red card" given to Balogun after he stepped on the knee of a player for the team from Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Belgium is appealing the reversal of Balogun's suspension...The Hill USA...
Meanwhile FIFA deciding to fine Balogun 40,000 dollars with US Soccer to pay half of it...Tass Russia
AT LEAST 25 KILLED AND ALMOST 100 INJURED IN A PRISON RIOT IN SRI LANKA.
In southern Lebanon four killed in an Israeli drone attack on a car.
A woman identified as a school principal along with her mother, a domestic worker and a Syrian national killed in the attack...Al Jazeera Qatar
HAMAS GIVES UP POLITICAL POWER IN GAZA TO NEW TECHNOCRATIC GROUP
(NEWS, COMMENT ANALYSIS)
IN GAZA HAMAS RELINQUISHING GOVERNING POWER WITH ITS LEADERSHIP SAYING THERE IS NO LONGER ANY EXCUSE FOR ISRAEL TO CONTINUE ATTACKING THE TERRITORY.
MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE KILLED BY ISRAELI ATTACKS IN GAZA SINCE THE 'CEASEFIRE' WAS PROCLAIMED LAST FALL BY US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.
THE HAMAS MOVE LINKED TO THE WORK OF THE 'BOARD OF PEACE' WHICH ESTABLISHING A NEW COMMITTEE TO RUN GAZA DESCRIBED AS TECHNOCRATIC.
THE HAMAS GROUP SUDDENLY APPEARED IN GAZA BACK IN 2007 SEIZING CONTROL OF THE ENCLAVE BY FORCE FROM THE LEFTIST FATAH MOVEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY BASED IN RAMALLAH.
IT IS BELIEVED BY MANY THAT ISRAEL ENABLED THIS TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO DIVIDE PALESTINIANS AND IMPEDE MOMENTUM TOWARDS A PALESTINIAN STATE...AL JAZEERA QATAR
The markets today.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 155.84 points or .29 percent.
The NASDAQ up 288.49 points or 1.12 percent.
At 433 pm New York Time the price of oil 68 dollars 69 cents a barrel no change in price...Marketwatch
WEEKLONG CHINA-RUSSIA NAVAL DRILLS BEGINNING AT THE CHINESE NAVAL BASE IN QINGDAO.
RUSSIAN REAR ADMIRAL SERGEI SINKO SPEAKING OF THE DRILLS BEING DEFENSIVE IN NATURE AND NOT DIRECTED AGAINST ANY THIRD COUNTRY...TASS RUSSIA
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warning Latvia about launching Ukrainian drones to attack Russia.
Galuzin noting Russia's SVR intelligence has warned about such a possibility and detected the presence of Ukrainian drone operators at Latvian military bases.
He said Latvia would be mistaken if it thinks it would get away with allowing Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia using its NATO membership as an umbrella.
THE DEMOCRAT US SENATE PRIMARY IN MICHIGAN NARROWED TO A 'MODERATE' VERSUS 'PROGRESSIVE' CONTEST.
CANDIDIATE MALLORY MCMORROW SUSPENDING HER CAMPAIGN SUNDAY.
THAT LEAVES THE CONTEST AS A TWO-WAY RACE BETWEEN HALEY STEVENS AND ABDUL EL-SAYED.
MR. EL-SAYED CONSIDRED THE 'EXTREME' CANDIDATE WITH HIS CRITICISM OF ISRAEL FIGURING PROMINENTLY IN THE CONTEST.
EL-SAYED ISSUING A STATEMENT FOLLOWING MCMORROW'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE RACE.
HE NOTED HE IS IN A FIGHT AGAINST THE DEMOCRAT PARTY ESTABLISHMENT, LARGE CORPORATIONS AND THE AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AIPAC)...THE HILL USA
In the UK MP Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK Party, being accused of accepting undeclared gifts. A referral made to a parliamentary standards watchdog.
Those undeclared gifts linked to crypto investor George Cottrell.
There have been similar allegations involving crypto currency billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Now in both cases Mr. Farage saying the gifts were in a personal capacity not linked to political activities meaning no rules were broken.
NASA ADMINISTRATOR JARED ISAACMAN SAYING THE US IS 'VERY MUCH IN A SPACE RACE RIGHT NOW' WITH CHINA.
ISAACMAN SAYS ITS POSSIBLE CHINA'S ASTRONAUTS WILL LAND ON THE MOON AHEAD OF THE US.
BUT HE STRESSES THAT NASA'S PLAN INVOLVES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BASE ON THE MOON.
THE US HAS BACKED UP ITS MOON LANDING TIMETABLE TO 2028 WITH CHINA'S TIMELINE OFFICIALLY 2030 BUT ISAACMAN SAYS CHINA MAY LAND ON THE MOON EARLIER THAN THAT...CBS NEWS
With less than four months to go before Israel's next election the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deciding to defy a Supreme Court ruling concerning the board of "Channel 2".
The high court has decided to allow the board to meet and make decisions even though it has less than a 2/3 quorum.
The court also preventing the government from making appointments to the Channel 2 board which has media regulatory powers.
The cabinet voting not to abide by any decisions made by the board.
There are numerous disputes currently underway involving the Netanyahu government and the Supreme Court with any one of them creating potential "Constitutional Crisis" situations...Times Of Israel
In a 24-hour period Russia says it downed 282 attacking Ukrainian drones along with nine smart bombs and a guided missile...Tass Russia
A 'MILITARY GRADE' DRONE WAS FOUND WASHED ASHORE ON THE BLACK SEA COAST OF NORTHERN TURKEY.
THE AREA SEALED OFF WITH MILITARY OPERATIONS TO DEFUSE IT EXPECTED.
NO OFFICIAL WORD ON THE DRONE'S COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
THE UKRAINE WAR RAGES IN THE BLACK SEA WITH FREQUENT DRONE ACTIVITY ON BOTH SIDES. TURKEY HAS BEEN A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF DRONES TO URKAINE'S MILITARY...Türkiye Today
(Updated) In the United States on Saturday celebrations of America's 250th anniversary with flyovers of military aircraft in New York and Washington DC.
Other celebrations across the United States including numerous parades and fireworks shows on Saturday evening.
Weather disrupting some scheduled events including a speech by US President Donald Trump on Saturday evening in Washington that speech occurred later than expected.
In his speech Mr. Trump expressing his desire to 'keep America great" by passing election legislation he has proposed called the "SAVE Act".
IN RECENT DAYS AT LEAST SEVEN KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACKS IN GAZA.
1,066 DEATHS AND 3,445 INJURIES REPORTED SINCE A CEASEFIRE WAS PROCLAIMED IN GAZA LAST FALL BY US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP...ANADOLU AGENCY-TRT WORLD TURKEY (TURKIYE)
"Israeli occupation forces continue their unlawful and inhumane attacks against the oppressed in Gaza.
The war-addicted current Israeli government must not be given the opportunity to once again drown our geography in the smell of gunpowder and blood"
Those words spoken by Turkish ruler President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a joint news conference with the visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Mr. Erdogan saying Israel its political survival to 'continuation or conflicts in the region'.
Erdogan's comments just days before the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday...Times of Israel
In Israel this weekend nationalist settlers torching a Bedouin home. The attack happened in the "West Bank" near Ramallah. No casualties reported...Times of Israel
Threats aimed at Yemen's Houthi movement from the central government of Yemen and its Saudi coalition allies.
They follow the landing of an Iranian airliner in Yemen. The airliner taking passengers back to Tehran including a delegation to attend the Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral.
The Houthi movement also threatening the Saudis saying they had to use air defense missiles to prevent the Saudis from attacking the Iranian airliner.
Saudi Major General Turki al-Maliki says the Houthis are 'trying to undermine regional and international security' with threats aimed at the Saudis and international shipping off the coast of Yemen...Al Jazeera Qatar
"The American President once again confirmed his readiness to work towards a rapid end to the fighting and find solutions to overcome the crisis"
THAT'S RUSSIAN SPOKESMAN YURI USHAKOV DISCUSSING US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S CONVERSATION WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ON SATURDAY.
THE BATTLEFIELD SITUATION DESCRIBED BY MR. USHAKOV AS ONE OF EUROPEAN ESCALATION ON BEHALF OF UKRAINE.
MR. TRUMP MAKING AN OFFER TO SEEK AN END TO FIGHTING AS HE MEETS EUROPEAN LEADERS AT THE NATO SUMMIT IN THE COMING WEEK...REUTERS-JERUSALEM POST
THERE'S BEEN A REPORT FROM A POLISH MEDIA OUTLET SAYING THE US HAS WARNED POLAND OF POSSIBLE PROVOCATION FROM RUSSIA IN THE COMING MONTHS.
POLAND IS A MAIN LOGISTICS HUB FOR MILITARY SUPPLIES TO URKAINE.
THE REPORT SPEAKS OF SOME SORT OF RUSSIAN INCURSION POSSIBLY SUPPORTED BY THE RUSSIAN-ALIGNED NATION OF BELARUS. DRONES COULD CROSS THE BORDER OR EVEN GROUND TROOPS ACCORDING TO THIS REPORT.
Pope Leo XIV on the Italian island of Lampedusa on the Fourth of July.
Lampedusa is a receiving center for many thousands of migrants seeking to reach Europe.
The Pontiff was invited to the US for its 250th anniversary by Vice-President JD Vance earlier this year.
He called for more work to done on the migration issue speaking of 'peace, truth moderation and care' as well as referencing the Biblical story of the "Good Samaritan"...NOS Netherlands (Translation Prompt)
(News Analysis)
The Alternative for Germany Party holding a national meeting in Erfurt, Germany this weekend.
The AfD leading in political polls in Germany.
It's lead over the governing Christian Democrats as wide as seven percentage points garnering close to 30 percent of the popular vote.
The party's strength in Eastern Germany will be demonstrated in regional elections in just two months with the AfD poised to possibly gain a majority of seats in two German states.
Tens of thousands of protesters converged on Erfurt to oppose the AfD with a German court banning the protests on some access roads to the conference.
Organizers had spoken of trying to prevent the conference from taking place but many delegates arrived early to avoid any blocked roads.
Thousands of police drafted in from across Germany to deal with demonstrations that sometimes turned violent...Tagesschau Germany
ON FRIDAY NORTH KOREAN RULER KIM JONG-UN WATCHING TESTING OF WEAPONS FROM NORTH KOREA'S NEW WARSHIP 'KANG KON'.
THE WEAPONS TESTED SAID TO INCLUDE A CRUISE MISSILE. NAVAL ARTILLERY, AUTOMATIC GUNS AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC WARFARE DEVICES...YONHAP NEWS AGENCY SOUTH KOREA
(SOME MATERIAL MAY BE CONSIDERED DISTURBING OR OFFENSIVE)
(ADDITIONAL MATERIAL ADDING THROUGHOUT THE POST THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND)
The Sunday News Summary launches at Midnight Eastern US Time...Link
The Gasoline Price Update Here In York, Pennsylvania on Sunday Night a gallon of gas at Sam's Club 362.9 that is 89 cents more than the Pre-Iran War price 273.9.
NEWSDUMP UPDATE: PRESIDENT TRUMP SPEAKS WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN
Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin speaking for one hour, 25 minutes according to Putin-aide Yuri Ushakov.
Putin congratulating the United States on its 250th anniversary of independence.
The Ukraine War discussed with the NATO summit in Turkey (Türkiye) set for Tuesday.
NEWSDUMP UPDATE: DRONE ATTACKS IN ST. PETERBURG AREA OF RUSSIA AIMED AT OIL INFRASTRUCTURE
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proclaiming Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure and a naval base near Russia's second largest city St. Petersburg.
Russia downing 72 drones in the Leningrad Region with no casualties reported.
Videos of fires related to the drone attacks posted online...
"VOICE OF AMERICA" CLASSIC "YANKEE DOODLE" SIGN ON
50 YEARS TODAY I WAS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR A MASSIVE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION HERE IS A HOME MOVIE FROM SOMEONE ELSE OF WHAT THE SCENE LOOKED LIKE...
I COULDN'T GET PAST THE CROWDS TO HEAR THE SPEECH OF THEN PRESIDENT GERALD FORD BUT I DID TAKE SNAPSHOTS OF MR. FORD COMING AND GOING FROM A LANDING ZONE FOR HIS HELICOPTER NEAR PENNS LANDING.
HERE IS SOME LIVE TV COVERAGE FROM JULY 4TH, 1976 THAT INCLUDES PART OF THE SPEECH...
This social media post is worthy of thoughtful consideration it links to the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence signed in Philadelphia 250 years ago...
It was Michael Savage who told us of "The Enemy Within".
As noted and linked in last week's post Herbert Philbrick was told by his Communist handlers in the 1940's to be a Baptist and a Republican for the Commies...
But I might add the Founders left us with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and its Bill of Rights like Freedom of Speech, Religion and so on.
"The work has been done"
As Cliven Bundy put it during some of his speeches in the last decade or so.
We have those documents to stand on that is for sure as we move forward...
A Top Ten Country Hit Song from 50 years ago today...
"FREEDOM TRAIN"-MERLE HAGGARD
"UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"-DONNA FARGO
"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"-HILLSDALE COLLEGE CHOIR
"The time has come for the American people to face some blunt facts..."
(NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS WITH MAINSTREAM MEDIA SOURCES)
Raids conducted against 'far-right' political operations in multiple European countries including France.
They included contractors linked to France's National Rally and its leader the candidate leading opinion polls in next year's Presidential Election Jordan Bardella.
The European Public Prosecutors Office on a search for evidence of embezzlement involving a group of nationalist parties in the European Parliament between 2019 and 2024.
Mr. Bardella is awaiting a court decision this Tuesday regarding Marine Le Pen's appeal of her disqualification from being a political candidate.
That is linked to her conviction on charges of embezzling European Parliament funds.
Bardella's presidential candidacy contingent on Le Pen's disqualification from being one...
AMENDED 'ASSISTED DYING' LEGISLATION APPROVED BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN A 295-232 VOTE.
THE EUTHANASIA BILL REJECTED BY FRANCE'S SENATE FORCING IT BACK TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY.
THE NEW PROVISIONS SAID TO GIVE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS THE ABILITY TO ABSTAIN AND END THE NOTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUFFERING TO BE AN EXCLUSIVE REASON FOR PUTTING A PATIENT TO DEATH.
IF THE SENATE REJECTS THE LEGISLATION FOR A SECOND TIME, THE ASSEMBLY CAN VOTE A THIRD TIME TO FINALLY PASS THE BILL...
In Paris this afternoon a gathering of the "Historic Yellow Vests". A small group of protesters sitting and talking for starters then around two hours and 30 minutes into this video a procession taking to the sidewalks and walkways...Yellow Vests Paris Week 396 7/4/2026
A British defense and security think tank with a report saying that Russian-linked ships launched drones over Europe late last year.
The report addressing the drone sighting incidents around military bases in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany during November and December...NOS Netherlands (Translation Prompt)
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SPEAKING WITH US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.
NETANYAHU'S OFFICE SAID THE TWO LEADERS AGREED TO MEET SOON IN THE UNITED STATES...TIMES OF ISRAEL
UN human rights chief Volker Turk issuing a "Red Alert" about the situation in and around the Sudanese city of El-Obeid.
Turk urging immediate action from world leaders to prevent atrocities from being committed by the United Arab Emirates backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
He noted the siege-like conditions of the last 18 months during the fight between the RSF and Sudan's armed forces.
But now there are fears that a ground offensive by the RSF will lead to mass murder in El-Obeid like the killings that occurred when RSF forces took control of the city of El-Fasher last year...AFP France-France 24
THE US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REBUFFING A JUDGE'S ORDER TO RELEASE UNREDACTED JEFFREY EPSTEIN FILES.
THEY SAY THE FILES HAD 'SENSITIVE VICTIM' INFORMATION IN THEM AND WERE APPROPRIATELY RELEASED WITH REDACTIONS.
THE PLANTIFF IN THE LAWSUIT SEEKING THE FILES FULL RELEASE BELIEVES AT LEAST ONE OR MORE PEREPETRATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ARE BEING PROTECTED BY THE REDACTIONS...ABC NEWS USA "X"
(This Story Is Updated With Russian Delegation Details)
In Iran a week of funeral ceremonies for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assassinated by Israel at the opening of the Iran War earlier this year.
Foreign dignitaries in Tehran today especially from neighboring countries including Iraq, Armenia and Pakistan.
They joined top Iranian officials to pay their respects to Ayatollah Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla mosque complex...Press TV Iran...
The Russian delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev also including Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko and Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev.
Mr. Medvedev meeting Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and other Iranian leaders...Tass Russia
The markets today Wall Street closed for the July 4th holiday.
At the close of trading today the price of oil in New York 68 dollars 78 cents a barrel up nine cents...Marketwatch
Tonight at Madison Square Garden in New York City the marriage of singing star Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce...Sky News UK Blog
THE REPUBLICAN LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL OBTAINING A STATE SUPREME COURT FREEZE OF HER INDICTMENT BY A GRAND JURY IN DEMOCRAT-CONTROLLED NEW ORLEANS.
THE 16-COUNT INDICTMENT ALLEGED THAT AG LIZ MURRILL ENGAGED IN INTIMIDATION AND MALFEASANCE.
THE ALLEGATIONS SURROUND HER ENFORCMENT OF A LAW APPROVED BY THE REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED STATE LEGISLATURE TO REFORM COURTS IN NEW ORLEANS...THE GUARDIAN UK-MSN
The European Union sanctioning six Russians linking them to the death of opposition activist Alexei Navalny.
The six involved in the development of a poison found in his body after he died in a Russian prison in 2024.
INTERNATIONAL POLICE AGENCY 'INTERPOL' RELEASING THE PHOTO OF A UKRAINIAN WOMAN CONSIDERED THE SUSPECT IN A BOMBING ATTACK IN MONACO EARLIER THIS WEEK.
ANASTASIIA BEREZOVSKA WANTED IN THE ATTACK ON UKRAINIAN BUSINESS TYCOON VADYM YERMOLAEV THAT WOUNDED HIM, HIS WIFE AND SON.
MR YERMOLAEV KNOWN TO HAVE BUSINESS TIES WITH RUSSIA IN CRIMEA WHICH HAS COME UNDER INTENSE UKRAINIAN ATTACK IN RECENT WEEKS.
AUTHORITIES IN MONACO SAY BEREZOVSKA LEFT A BACKPACK BOMB AT YERMOLAEV'S DOOR DISGUISED AS A MAN. A SOURCE TOLD REUTERS SHE HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN GERMANY FOLLOWING THE ATTACK...SKY NEWS UK
40 killed when a bus plunged into a ravine in Pakistan. Eight others injured. The accident occurred after the bus took on passengers from a second bus that had broken down.
A Pakistani official said the extra passengers led to the bus being overloaded. An investigation is underway...AFP France-Dawn Pakistan
OUTSIDE THE UNITED NATIONS IN NEW YORK A TIBETAN MAN TORCHING HIMSELF.
PROTESTER LOBGA RANGZEN BURNING HIMSELF TO DEATH.
RANGZEN PROTESTING CHINESE CONTROL OF TIBET WHICH BEGAN IN THE 1950'S...NEW YORK POST USA
IN WESTERN PAPUA NEW GUINEA AN AMERICAN PILOT HAS BEEN KILLED BY SEPARATIST REBELS.
NICHOLAS GOSSELIN FLEW FLIGHTS FOR AN AIRLINE IN THE REGION. HIS PLANE ALSO TORCHED WITH HIS SEVEN INDONESIAN PASSENGERS LEFT UNHARMED.
THE 'TPNTB' GROUP SEEKING INDEPENDENCE FOR WESTERN NEW GUINEA SAYING THAT INDONESIAN SOLDIERS WERE TRANSPORTED BY THE AIRLINE.
THE REBELS SAY THEY ARE SENDING A MESSAGE TO THE US, THE FORMER COLONIAL POWER THE NETHERLANDS AND THE UN TO ADDRESS THE 'FUNDAMENTAL CAUSES' OF THE WESTERN NEW GUINEA CONFLICT.
ONE WOMAN KILLED IN A UKRAINIAN ATTACK ON THE RUSSIAN BORDER CITY OF BELGOROD.
SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CITY'S ELECTRICITY INFRASTUCTURE REPORTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ATTACK...TASS RUSSIA
In the Netherlands 10,000 people dying via euthanasia in 2024. It represents a 500 percent increase over a 25-year period.
5.8 percent of all Dutch deaths in 2024 were the result of euthanasia.
Research points to an aging population, people living longer with chronic conditions and stronger emphasis on 'personal choice'.
There are other factors mentioned including increased discussion of euthanasia by medical professionals and a 'secularizing society'...NOS Netherlands (Translation Prompt)
SIX BISHOPS AND ALL PRIESTS OF A TRADITIONALIST GROUP EXCOMMUNICATED BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
THIS FOLLOWS AN ORDINATION CEREMONY IN WHICH TWO BISHOPS ORDAINED FOUR OTHER MEN AS BISHOPS.
THE SOCIETY OF SAINT PIUS X BELIEVES IN THE TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS ABANDONED BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE 1960'S.