R.NF

Summary

Denmark and the Netherlands criticized Trump’s demand that foreign companies with U.S. government contracts eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Denmark called for a coordinated EU response, labeling the move a potential trade barrier.

The Trump administration sent letters to European firms—including in France and Belgium—warning they must comply with a DEI ban or risk losing U.S. contracts.

European officials condemned the letters, defending DEI as essential to corporate responsibility. The EU Commission is reviewing the situation, while the U.S. State Department called the effort a compliance measure.

Summary

Judge Susan Crawford won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, defeating conservative Brad Schimel despite his backing from Elon Musk and former President Trump.

Her victory preserves the court’s 4-3 liberal majority.

The race, expected to be the most expensive state supreme court election ever, saw spending top $100 million.

Issues before the court include abortion rights, labor laws, and potential redistricting that could affect GOP control of the U.S. House. Crawford, backed by Democrats and reproductive rights groups, will begin her 10-year term on August 1.

Summary

Reps. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) halted the House by pushing a bipartisan bill allowing new parents to vote by proxy for 12 weeks.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) tried blocking the vote with a special rule, but nine Republicans joined Democrats to defeat it.

Luna and Pettersen’s move paused GOP legislation and forced Johnson to cancel votes for the week.

Johnson argues proxy voting is unconstitutional, while Luna accused GOP leaders of using threats to stop the bill. The measure will likely return for a vote.

Summary

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) broke the record for longest Senate floor speech at 25 hours and 5 minutes, surpassing the 24-hour, 18-minute filibuster by former Sen. Strom Thurmond, who opposed the 1957 Civil Rights Act.

Booker said it “irked” him that Thurmond’s record symbolized efforts to block civil rights.

He used the speech to protest potential GOP spending cuts and Trump-era policies.

Supported by fellow Democrats, Booker remained standing and speaking for over a day, calling his action a symbolic reclaiming of the Senate’s legacy.

Summary

Vladimir Putin ordered the conscription of 160,000 men—the largest draft since 2011—despite ongoing U.S.-mediated ceasefire talks with Ukraine.

The move raises doubts about Russia’s commitment to diplomacy, with Kyiv accusing Moscow of using talks to buy time for battlefield gains in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine claims Russia intends to escalate the war, citing forced contracts for conscripts. Losses remain high on both sides, with Russia reportedly losing over 100,000 troops in 2024 alone.

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum discussed a joint approach to counter U.S. trade measures during a Tuesday call.

Carney emphasized plans to oppose what he called “unjustified trade actions” by the U.S., while both leaders stressed the need to protect North American competitiveness and national sovereignty.

The conversation follows Trump’s announcement—and subsequent delay—of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods.

Trump has also proposed broader reciprocal tariffs on global trade partners, escalating regional trade tensions.

Democrats just won their biggest electoral victory of the second Trump era. And Elon Musk lost big.

Archived

The former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces in a post on Facebook that he will leave the social media platform.

"I can no longer be involved in or support media platforms that contribute to undermining democracy", Löfven writes in the post.

He does, however, mean that "good forces" remain on the platform and takes the opportunity to thank his friends.

"Aware that many good forces are present here, I would like to say: thank you all friends, we'll meet in other contexts", writes the former Prime Minister.

Stefan Löfven concludes the post with an appeal.

"As long as you're here – do your best to stand up for what's good!"

Summary

A GOP-led procedural vote in the House failed after nine Republicans joined Democrats, halting legislative action for the week.

The vote's collapse blocked Republican efforts to pass the No Rogue Rulings Act, aimed at limiting federal judges’ power, and the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.

The failed rule also sought to derail a bipartisan resolution allowing proxy voting for new parents, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna.

With the rule defeated, Speaker Mike Johnson canceled all remaining votes until Monday evening, stalling key GOP priorities.

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case challenging South Carolina’s 2018 order to block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics.

Though federal law prohibits Medicaid from funding abortions, the state argues any support subsidizes abortion.

At issue is whether Medicaid patients can sue to enforce their right to choose providers.

Legal experts warn a ruling against Planned Parenthood could let states politically target care providers and restrict access to reproductive services. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid.

Shoddy cyber security at Ukrainian vehicle inspections has exposed hundreds of thousands of personal documents for the past four years, placing reams of personal data at risk of exploitation by bad actors, including Russian intelligence and hackers.

Largely scans of passports, taxpayer identification numbers, driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, the documents span a broad stretch of Ukrainian geography and demography. Mostly, they identify people who were buying or selling used cars internationally.

• Stanley's hacking past raises concerns among former Justice officials
• Stanley has active security clearance, DOJ expresses confidence in his abilities
• Stanley distanced himself from hacking, but posted footage of a hack in 2014

https://archive.ph/1A6x6

From Wolfgang Kippes

1/2000 Sek. f/6,3 Brennweite 400 mm Iso 800 NIKON Z 9 mit Nikon Objektiv 100-400 mm ein Bengalen-Uhu beim Start Germany,1.5.2024

The Indian Eagle Owl isn't found in Germany, so I'll assume this is in some animal park. I see Tierpark Berlin lists having one, so perhaps this is that owl. Either way, I'm a big fan of this owl.

Help win some free meals for owls!

Summary

The U.S. Naval Academy removed nearly 400 books from its library after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office ordered a review to eliminate materials promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The purge is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on DEI across federal agencies.

Officials began pulling books ahead of Hegseth’s unrelated visit Tuesday.

Confusion over DEI enforcement led to the mistaken removal of photos of Jewish female graduates, later restored.

From A Place Called Hope

This baby is too young to be out of his/her nest spot. At this age, they are doomed on the ground. Mom might feed a nest fall victim at first, but the babies who remain in the actual nest takes priority and Mom can't sit on babies in two places.

If you come across a baby bird on the ground, that is not mobile and is downy covered, it needs intervention.

A Place Called Hope works seven days a week when it comes to the birds we cater to, which include all birds of prey, vultures, and the corvids (crows, ravens, bluejays).

This little one will return to a wild nest asap. The nest tree is posing a challenge. It's not a good one for our climbing team. The nest itself is over 80 feet (24.5 meters) up with few limbs. It's incredible this baby is uninjured!

Fledged birds will have adult feathers. If they are moving about and doing things, they are likely fine and just doing owl things. Fuzzy, down covered ones like this can't escape danger or get food, so they do need help. Please do not give them food or water. Note your location (so the animal can be returned home), and get it to a rescue for the best chance of a positive outcome.

Help win some free meals for owls!