Good morning. I received a strike on my TikTok account overnight, so while TikTok is trying to censor me, I am glad to have Substack to provide you with accurate information.
If you believe in independent journalism that speaks truth to power, now’s the time to support it. A subscription helps keep this work going—unfiltered, relentless, and accountable.
With that, here’s the news:
Israel v. Iran
Diplomacy window: Trump allows 2 weeks for diplomacy before deciding on a strike against Iran; European and Iranian officials meet in Geneva as UK sees a chance to ease the crisis; US remains skeptical but open to progress.
Europe offers full negotiations: France, Germany, and the UK will propose “complete negotiations” to Iran at a key meeting in Geneva, covering nuclear enrichment, ballistic missiles, and terrorism financing.
Macron warns against nuclear threat: Macron emphasizes no tolerance for a nuclear-armed Iran, stressing the urgency of returning to talks aiming for “zero enrichment” and regional stability.
Israel threatens Iran’s leader: Netanyahu warns Iran’s Supreme Leader has “no immunity,” signaling potential direct targeting; Israel’s defense minister says Khamenei cannot be allowed to “continue to exist.”
On the ground: Iran and Israel exchange overnight strikes with no signs of de-escalation; Netanyahu aims to target all Iranian nuclear sites; Iran threatens to strike Israel's Channel 14 news offices, calling it Netanyahu’s propaganda outlet.
Non-Israel News
Trump silent on Juneteenth: Trump did not acknowledge Juneteenth until a late post saying there are “too many non-working holidays,” despite previously claiming credit for raising awareness before it became a federal holiday.
White House holds private meeting: While Trump stayed quiet publicly, Black community leaders and senior Trump officials met at the White House to discuss improving coordination with federal, state, and local partners.
Court allows Trump to retain control of California National Guard: A US appeals court ruled Trump likely had authority to federalize the National Guard to respond to Los Angeles protests, despite Governor Newsom’s legal challenge.
Legal battle continues: Newsom vowed to keep fighting Trump’s “authoritarian” use of troops, while Trump celebrated the ruling as a victory for protecting Americans when local authorities fail.
Dodgers block ICE access: The Los Angeles Dodgers say they stopped US immigration agents from entering Dodger Stadium’s parking lot, though DHS and ICE denied agents were present.
New rules for detention center visits: DHS now requires lawmakers to give 72 hours’ notice before visiting detention centers, following several tense visits by Democrats amid Trump’s immigration crackdowns.
Judge blocks funding pressure on states: A federal judge barred the Trump administration from withholding transportation funds from 20 Democratic-led states over immigration enforcement cooperation.
Pentagon muted on Juneteenth: The Pentagon reportedly advised a “passive approach” to Juneteenth messaging, with no planned web content acknowledging the holiday, according to a Rolling Stone report.
US pandemic preparedness weakens: Experts warn the US is less prepared for future pandemics than before 2020, citing staff dismissals, poor responses to bird flu and measles outbreaks, and weakened public health systems.
Experts raise alarms: Scientists highlight reduced virus monitoring, lack of quality information, and insufficient pandemic planning as major risks, with Angela Rasmussen saying the US now has “essentially no pandemic preparedness.”
Trump moves to keep Michigan coal plants open: The administration invokes a national energy emergency order to extend operations at two major coal plants, despite opposition from state regulators, utilities, and environmental groups.
Environmental and economic concerns: Critics warn the order will raise energy costs and worsen pollution, with the Monroe plant leading the nation in arsenic water contamination; Michigan officials say there’s no energy emergency to justify the move.
Hong Kong teachers warned over US events: Educators report being told to avoid US Independence Day celebrations, citing risks of violating national security laws.
Schools urged to discourage students: A message from a school principal advised staff to protect and discourage students from attending events organized by the US consulate in Hong Kong.
Share this post