North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles into the sea from its southwestern Hwanghae province, coinciding with the start of the annual Freedom Shield military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States. These drills are perceived by North Korea as rehearsals for invasion.
The missile launches mark North Korea’s fifth such event this year. Earlier, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry warned that the joint exercises could trigger “physical conflict” on the Korean Peninsula, reiterating leader Kim Jong Un’s goal of expanding the country’s nuclear capabilities to counter perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.
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Russia has expelled two British diplomats from its embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage activities that allegedly threatened national security. The Federal Security Service claims the diplomats provided false information to enter Russia and engaged in intelligence operations, though no evidence was presented.
The diplomats have been ordered to leave Russia within two weeks. The UK’s Foreign Office condemned the allegations as “malicious and baseless.” This incident adds to the growing list of diplomatic expulsions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with both Western nations and Moscow engaging in reciprocal actions.
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Israel continues to cut off electricity supplies to Gaza, impacting a desalination plant that produces drinking water for the region. This action follows Israel’s earlier suspension of goods to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into extending a ceasefire.
Hamas condemned the move, labeling it as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The reduction in electricity has severely affected Gaza’s infrastructure, which now relies heavily on generators. International bodies have criticized Israel’s actions, citing concerns over potential collective punishment.
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A severe thunderstorm in Ennis Texas, resulted in the death of a man and injuries to three family members when their recreational vehicle flipped multiple times at the Texas Motorplex. The storm brought winds reaching up to 90 mph, causing widespread damage in the area south of Dallas.
The high winds also tore the roof off a Days Inn along Interstate 45, damaged homes throughout Ellis County, and toppled several semi-trailer trucks on Interstate 35. Power outages affected nearly 20,000 residents, though most have since been restored.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Republican attorneys general in 19 states aimed at blocking climate change lawsuits against the oil and gas industry filed by Democratic-led states.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, stating the case should proceed for further consideration. The climate change lawsuits in question accuse fossil fuel companies of misleading the public about the environmental risks of their products and seek compensation for damages such as severe storms and rising sea levels.
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China has imposed a 15% tariff on key American agricultural products, including chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef, in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. This escalation in trade tensions has negatively impacted U.S. markets, with investors seeking safer assets.
The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to U.S. measures aimed at raising revenue, protecting domestic industries, and pressuring foreign nations. Economists warn that such tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and reduced economic efficiency. American farmers, particularly vulnerable to these retaliatory actions.
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