Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE for individual photos.
Eastport, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the inaugural Airport Community Day at Eastport Municipal Airport. The event was held to celebrate the completion of major upgrades to the airport, including a new terminal and runway, as well as lighting and infrastructure improvements. Elected officials—including State Senator Marianne Moore, State Representative Artie Mingo, Eastport City Council President Billy Boone, and Eastport City Manager Brian Schuth—and dozens of local residents were in attendance for the celebration.
Senator Collins also spoke at the groundbreaking held at the airport in 2020 when construction began on these airport improvements.
“Eastport Municipal Airport helps connect Downeast Maine to the world. Just as important, and to the benefit of those not fortunate enough to live here, it connects the world to Downeast Maine,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “Maine’s smaller airports are vital pieces of our state’s infrastructure that promote job creation, tourism, and economic development throughout the surrounding communities. That is why, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of my greatest priorities is to ensure that Maine’s transportation needs are met.”
Nearly $7 million in federal funding for the project was awarded to Eastport in 2019 and 2024. This funding was made possible by the $1 billion in supplemental Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds provided in 2019 and $5 billion in Airport Terminal Program (ATP) funds provided in 2024 that Senator Collins secured as Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee and as one of 10 senators who negotiated the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Both the AIP and ATP supplemental funding streams were specifically designed to support small and non-primary airports like Eastport Municipal Airport.
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE for individual photos.
Eastport, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the inaugural Airport Community Day at Eastport Municipal Airport. The event was held to celebrate the completion of major upgrades to the airport, including a new terminal and runway, as well as lighting and infrastructure improvements. Elected officials—including State Senator Marianne Moore, State Representative Artie Mingo, Eastport City Council President Billy Boone, and Eastport City Manager Brian Schuth—and dozens of local residents were in attendance for the celebration.
Senator Collins also spoke at the groundbreaking held at the airport in 2020 when construction began on these airport improvements.
“Eastport Municipal Airport helps connect Downeast Maine to the world. Just as important, and to the benefit of those not fortunate enough to live here, it connects the world to Downeast Maine,” said Senator Collins during her remarks. “Maine’s smaller airports are vital pieces of our state’s infrastructure that promote job creation, tourism, and economic development throughout the surrounding communities. That is why, as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, one of my greatest priorities is to ensure that Maine’s transportation needs are met.”
Nearly $7 million in federal funding for the project was awarded to Eastport in 2019 and 2024. This funding was made possible by the $1 billion in supplemental Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds provided in 2019 and $5 billion in Airport Terminal Program (ATP) funds provided in 2024 that Senator Collins secured as Chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee and as one of 10 senators who negotiated the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Both the AIP and ATP supplemental funding streams were specifically designed to support small and non-primary airports like Eastport Municipal Airport.
We are shocked and saddened by the tragic and targeted shooting that took the lives of Minnesota House Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife. We condemn this and any other act of political violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families and the people of Minnesota.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 1, 3, and 4 into law following the special session he convened for disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention, and budget initiatives.
“We are proud of how the General Assembly came together during this special session to deliver real results for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. “We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line. Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state. These investments demonstrate that Missouri is committed to taking care of our own, staying competitive, and backing initiatives that secure long-term economic stability for our communities.”
SB 1 appropriates $25 million in extraordinary support to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to provide additional emergency aid to low-income households impacted by severe weather. It also allocates $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief and $50 million to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This legislation also provides non-General Revenue funding for a number of critical projects across the state, including:
$55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair
$13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements
$20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state
$800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements
$12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab
$35 million to OA for national guard facilities
$48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital
$2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements
SB 3 ensures Missouri remains competitive in retaining major sports teams, while also delivering targeted tax relief for storm-impacted Missourians and supporting long-term economic growth. The legislation includes the following provisions:
Show-Me Sports Investment Act: Authorizes the state to partner with professional sports teams to help finance stadium construction through bond payments and one-time tax credits with built-in protections for taxpayers.
Tax Credits for Homestead Damage: Creates a tax credit of up to $5,000 for home or renter insurance deductibles incurred due to severe weather damage in a declared disaster area in 2025, with flexible carry-forward and transfer options.
Tax Credits for Certain Sporting Events: Updates two different tax credit programs related to amateur sporting events in Missouri, aimed at making them easier to use and more effective at attracting and supporting sports events while making a positive impact on the state’s economy.
Property Tax Credit: Requires certain counties to ask voters whether to freeze or modestly cap real property tax increases for eligible homeowners.
SB 4 streamlines the delivery of disaster housing relief by allowing the immediate transfer of emergency aid to the Missouri Housing Development Commission when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration. The legislation also expands existing program eligibility from 50 percent to 75 percent of median household income and removes administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families.
For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.
Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN) released the following joint statement from the entire Minnesota Delegation, including Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN), Angie Craig (D-MN), Kelly Morrison (D-MN), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Pete Stauber (R-MN):
“Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
The following statement is from CWA District 7 Vice President Susie McAllister.
Our members in Minnesota and across our union are mourning the assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. We are also hoping for the full recovery of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife who were seriously wounded by the assassin.
Melissa Hortman fought for Minnesota’s workers and retirees every day. Under her leadership, the Minnesota legislature focused on legislation that made a real difference for working people and our families including paid family and medical leave, stronger protections against employment discrimination, and policies to ensure reliable, high-speed internet service for all Minnesotans, creating good jobs in the process.
Our thoughts are with Representative Hortman’s family, friends and colleagues. Her solidarity and her accomplishments will not be forgotten, and we will continue the fight in her name.
###
About CWA District 7: Communications Workers of America District 7 represents working and retired people across Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Our members work in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — More than 20 senior Iranian military commanders have been killed since the start of Israel’s operation against Iran on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Saturday.
As noted in the statement, during the first strike within the operation, Israeli fighter jets, guided by intelligence data, eliminated the deputy chief of intelligence of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran (AF) Gholamreza Mehrabi and the chief of the General Staff of the AF Mohammad Bagheri.
“G. Mehrabi played a key role in assessing intelligence, operational planning and preparing military operations against Israel,” the IDF said in a statement.
According to the IDF, Bagheri controlled most of Iran’s long-range surface-to-surface missiles and cruise missiles, which are Iran’s main offensive weapons against Israel.
Bagheri also oversaw Iran’s firepower systems and played an active role in decisions to attack Israel in April and October 2024, the statement said.
The chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces was killed along with the commander of the Aerospace Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC-AFS) Amir Ali Hajizadeh and several other high-ranking commanders in an underground headquarters in Tehran. –0–
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))
POMPANO BEACH, FL — Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) issued the following statement on the tragic shootings of Minnesota lawmakers and their families. “I am devastated by the calculated, senseless violence that stole the lives of a Minnesota state representative and her husband and wounded a state senator and his wife. This attack on public servants—and on the sanctity of their own homes—strikes at the very heart of our democracy. “Words cannot capture the grief their loved ones, constituents, and the entire state of Minnesota are enduring. As lawmakers, we devote our lives to safeguarding our communities—no one should face gunfire for answering that call to serve. “Those responsible must be brought to justice. We must stand united against hatred, intimidation, and politically motivated violence. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and all Minnesotans as they recover and navigate through this unimaginable tragedy.”
Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Joins Fox and Friends to Discuss the Celebrations for the 250th Birthday of the United States Army
Washington – On Saturday morning, live from the site of the U.S Army’s 250th Birthday Parade, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Joey Jones on Fox and Friends to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the importance of celebrating the Army’s rich history of service, and his family ties to the Army.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Highlights from the interview include:
On the current state of the Israel and Iran conflict:
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East – we need to stand beside them. At the same time, I want all the listeners to understand that the Iranian regime was just a week away from having nuclear warheads. President Trump gave them a 60-day warning. On day 61, Israel took things into their own hands. We pray for peace, we pray for the Iranian people, but we cannot tolerate a terrorist group having a nuclear warhead.”
On what should happen next for the United States regarding the conflict:
“Being from Kansas, I’m a big Eisenhower fan, and President Eisenhower said, “I hate war as only a soldier who’s lived it can, with all its brutality and futility.” Joey, you’ve seen what that war is like as well. I think when you’ve served, you hate war more than anybody else. I want to project peace through strength, that was another President Eisenhower saying as well, so let’s project peace through strength. Pray for peace every day, and I’m just so grateful for all the military people willing to fight for our freedoms to keep the peace, but make us safe as well. And a big shout-out to all those soldiers in harm’s way right now in the Middle East.”
On the planned counterprotests around the country for June 14:
“Certainly, their obsession has become psychosis. I would just come and invite some of the people to meet some of the people that I had the privilege of giving a Capitol tour to last night. Soldiers from the Big Red One, the First Infantry Division – this division had 12,000 people who made the ultimate sacrifice, 12,000 people from one division. 1.3 million people from the army have made the ultimate sacrifice, another 1.5 million people injured in war, so just come and tell them thanks for that right to get out here and protest. God bless all of them, God bless President Trump. Let’s celebrate the Army’s birthday today.”
On the penalties for those who burn American flags:
“I’m all for it. Unfortunately, I grew up during the Vietnam era, and that’s when the flag burning started. Again, my dad served, my brother served, someone from every generation of my family since the Civil War, and to see them burn the flag, it’s just a kick in the gut to all of us who served.”
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
Padilla Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Trump Remove Military Forces From Los Angeles
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) led the entire Senate Democratic Caucus in demanding that President Trump immediately withdraw all military forces from Los Angeles and cease all threats to deploy the National Guard or active-duty servicemembers to American cities.
The letter comes after Trump’s unprecedented move to federalize and deploy the California National Guard without the consent of the California Governor and mobilize U.S. Marine Corps elements, deploying approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest created by the President’s indiscriminate and intentionally inflammatory immigration enforcement raids across the region. The first 200 Marines arrived at the Los Angeles Federal Building yesterday, marking the first time in over 30 years that the Marines have been deployed in the United States.
Trump deployed these military personnel without the request or support of Governor Newsom, manufacturing a crisis and repeatedly escalating the conflict in order to create a spectacle. The federalizing of California’s National Guard marked the first time the Guard had been deployed without a Governor’s consent since 1965.
“We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders,” wrote Padilla and the entire Democratic Senate Caucus. “This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.”
The Senators slammed the deployment of military personnel as an abuse of power that undermines state and local leadership, interferes with critical law enforcement operations, and wastes military resources and taxpayer dollars. They also expressed concern for the dangerous precedent Trump’s misguided deployment of military forces could set for mobilizing military personnel to other cities across the country.
“For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order,” continued the Senators. “Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor,” concluded the Senators. “Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.”
The Trump Administration has consistently utilized excessive force and aggressive tactics in its immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles and across the country. This pattern of unnecessary violence was evident on Thursday when Senator Padilla was forcibly removed from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s press conference, thrown to the ground and handcuffed after simply trying to ask a question.
The legality of Trump’s federalizing of California’s National Guard without the Governor’s consent is currently being disputed in federal court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a stay to pause a lower court’s ruling, which had returned command of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom.
The district court ruled that the President did not follow the statutorily mandated procedure necessary to deploy the National Guard and ordered him to return control of the Guard to California. The Court ruled that Trump violated the 10th Amendment and 10 USC 12406, the provision that authorizes the President to federalize the Guard in the event of insurrection or rebellion. The court held that California was also likely to prevail on the merits of its suit — there was no rebellion or insurrection, and local, county, and state law enforcement were fully capable of enforcing the law.
“At this early stage of the proceedings, the Court must determine whether the President followed the congressionally mandated procedure for his actions. He did not. His actions were illegal—both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith,” wrote the court.
“We’re talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is, of course, limited to his authority,” the court continued. “That’s the difference between a constitutional government and King George. It’s not that a leader can simply say something, and it becomes it.”
In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter to President Trump was signed by the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, including Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear President Trump,
We write to express deep concern over your decision to deploy the National Guard and United States Marine Corps to Los Angeles without consultation or coordination with the Governor and local leaders. This unilateral action represents an alarming abuse of executive authority, continues to inflame the situation on the ground, and undermines the constitutional balance of power between the federal government and the states. We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles unless their presence is explicitly requested by the Governor and local leaders.
For the federal government to deploy military forces into American cities without consulting the Governor and local leaders is a dangerous misuse of federal power that has actively disrupted local law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order. Deploying military personnel should always be a last resort – not a first step – and should only occur when local law enforcement makes a specific request for such federal resources. The decision to use military personnel to create a spectacle has escalated tensions on the ground and created confusion among local law enforcement. Significantly, it also pulls military assets away from other critical missions and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
We are particularly concerned by the precedent that this ill-conceived deployment of military personnel to Los Angeles sets for other cities and states. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guards when operating within state borders. As Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said last year when serving as Governor of South Dakota, “If Joe Biden federalizes the National Guard, that would be a direct attack on states’ rights.”
We urge you to immediately withdraw all military personnel that have been deployed to Los Angeles in recent days and to cease any further threats of deploying National Guard or active-duty military personnel into American cities absent a request from the Governor. Respect for our Constitution and for our civilian law enforcement demands nothing less.
Washington, DC – NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kervin Stitt issued the following statement condemning the political shootings in Minnesota:
“We are deeply saddened by the targeted political shootings that took place in Minnesota. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and the people of Minnesota.
“As Chair and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, we condemn political violence in all forms. These attacks are not just assaults on individuals, they are attacks our communities, and the very foundation of our democracy. “
“Public servants should never fear for their lives for serving our communities.”
“We stand united in urging federal, state, and local officials to swiftly investigate and bring those responsible to justice. We also call on all Americans to reject political hatred and violence, and to recommit to the values of civility, respect, and peaceful democratic discourse.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as one nation to ensure that our public square remains a place of debate, not danger.”
arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul participated in the 2025 Buffalo Juneteenth Parade.
B-ROLL of the Governor greeting parade goers is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor’s Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Happy Juneteenth everyone. So great to be back in my wonderful hometown of Buffalo, New York. Let’s give it up for Buffalo.
For 160 years, we’ve been acknowledging the liberation from enslaved peoples who had to wait two more years than the rest of the nation for their freedom from President Lincoln after the Emancipation Proclamation. But I ask you here today, what does freedom look like in this country in 2025, all these years later?
Are people still free to live where they want and get the best education for their kids and get the jobs they want? No, there are still institutional barriers to that freedom, and that’s why we stand up against an oppressive government in Washington, and all across our country people are having No Kings parades and events and celebrations.
Today, I’m proud to be here in Buffalo with the real king and queen of our parade. Please stand up. You honor them and no other kings. Frank Merriweather is our Grand Marshall. Let’s give a round of applause to Frank Merriweather, our great Grand Marshall. All the way from New York City, we have the one and only great Attorney General Tish James. Our mayor, Chris Scanlon is here. Let’s give it up for the Mayor. And still doing the people’s work in Albany, but came here for this special event, the Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, Crystal Peoples-Stokes for an amazing job. Give it up for our Senator, Sean Ryan, has joined us. Senator April Baskin is here. Reverend Dennis Mull, our pastor.
Listen, my friends, today, we celebrate, but we’ll not lose in our hearts and our minds — our 10 brothers and sisters, we lost just three horrible years ago. I remember marching this parade just a few weeks after that blood bath that captivated the world, and they saw what happened when we saw racism and hatred come to a full force right here in our Tops. But just a few weeks later, we stood together, didn’t we?
We stood together and we were strong, and we stood up with this sense of resilience that it defined the people of our country and this nation and this city for 160 years of liberation, and that resilience — that defiant spirit goes on when we are under attack today. So onward and upward, we fight in the names of the ancestors.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) — The international peacekeeping exercise “Searching for Khaan-2025” kicked off in Mongolia on Saturday at the training center of the Mongolian Armed Forces, 60 km from the capital Ulan Bator.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the State Great Khural (parliament) of Mongolia Bukhchuluuny Purevdorj noted that the exercises serve as an important bridge for deepening international cooperation in peacekeeping operations and strengthening mutual trust and understanding between countries.
“The scale, inclusiveness, content and programme of these multinational peacekeeping exercises continue to expand year on year, reflecting a commitment to tangible actions that contribute to global peace and security,” he added.
A total of 1,200 peacekeepers from 24 countries, including Mongolia, China, Australia, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan and the United States, are taking part in 22 peacekeeping exercises organized by the Mongolian Armed Forces.
The exercise, which will last until June 28, will cover command and staff and field activities.
The exercises “In Search of Khaan” have been conducted since 2003 by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia jointly with the US Pacific Fleet Command and the UN Peace Support Fund. Since 2006, the peacekeeping maneuvers have evolved into large-scale international peacekeeping exercises. –0–
Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement:
“John and I are devastated and heartbroken by the horrific murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the horrific attack on Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Melissa Hortman was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and I still remember the two of us going door to door in her first legislative campaign. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. As Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, she led efforts to protect women’s rights, invest in clean energy, and secure free school lunch for kids. She was beloved by her colleagues.
I want to thank the brave law enforcement officers who are working in real time to protect Minnesotans and ensure there is accountability for these horrific crimes.
Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy. We must all condemn it. And we must refuse to be a country where anyone is silenced by threats or violence.
To Melissa’s and Mark’s family, Melissa’s colleagues in the Minnesota Legislature, and everyone mourning across our state: I grieve with you. And I will honor their legacy not just in words, but through action — by protecting our democracy, by standing up to hate, and by continuing the work they so passionately believed in.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement on Saturday morning:
“I am beyond devastated by the premeditated murder of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is a shocking and heinous act of targeted political violence against elected officials. It was clearly intended to instill fear in our communities.
“As Dean of the Congressional Delegation, I have been in touch with my colleagues, who share my profound shock and deep sadness over this tragedy.
“I am thankful to all Minnesota law enforcement personnel, especially those who are responding to the situation, which is still active. Minnesotans of all political backgrounds must unite to condemn this and all politically motivated acts of violence. In a democracy, we do not respond to acts of public policy with acts of violence motivated by extremism.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in response to the escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East:
“Like many around the world, I am alarmed by the latest escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Iran, and the subsequent counterattacks against Israel by the Iranian regime, risk destroying the nuclear negotiations led by the Trump Administration which offer the best hope for a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear program. This escalation could ignite a regional war, which would be catastrophic for the people of the Middle East, as well as the United States.
“We must continue to lead with diplomacy. We must avoid getting dragged into this conflict and work across nations to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. President Trump said he wanted to end wars in the Middle East. I urge him to stand up for the safety of American troops and American interests and use his influence as president to stop this from escalating further.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Know Your Immigration Rights
If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.
Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.
Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.
Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.
The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.
Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Today Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement to those demonstrating peacefully against the Trump administration:
“Today, people all across Northwest Washington state are gathering to demonstrate peacefully against the excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
“Excesses like the President spending more than 20 days golfing just so far this year, costing taxpayers millions in security and travel expenses. Corruption like the President accepting a $400 million luxury jet as a gift from a foreign country.
“And, most recently, the President has hijacked a parade to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday and turned it into a self-indulgent boondoggle. The Army estimates that the parade will cost $45 million.
“At the same time, Republicans in Congress are trying to pass huge funding cuts to programs that help families afford groceries. The Republican Rip-Off budget puts 14,000 people in Northwest Washington state at risk of losing food assistance.
“The food assistance program costs $6 per day per person. I did the math so you don’t have too – for the cost of the parade, Trump and Republicans could help more than 20,000 people access affordable groceries every day for a year.
“This Administration is also trying to cut 80,000 jobs at the Department of Veteran Affairs. If Republicans really cared about celebrating the Army, then they wouldn’t be attacking the system that millions of veterans rely on for health care and other essential services.
“I’m not able to attend the demonstrations of patriotism in Northwest Washington state today, but I want to thank every person who is showing up to make their voice heard. By rallying, by speaking up, by advocating for your communities, you are holding this administration accountable.
“I am standing with you, and I will continue alongside all of you to fight the excesses and corruption of this administration.”
DENVER – Colorado Governor Jared Polis released the following statement on the killing of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted assassination attempt on the lives of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in what appears to be a politically motivated attacks this morning.
“Colorado stands with Minnesota, and our deepest sympathies go out to those impacted by what appears to be politically motivated attacks. Make no mistake, politically motivated violence, assassinations, and attempts on the lives of elected officials are not the America we know, hold dear, and love. We must continue to reject the divisive politics and rhetoric that have become too prevalent in our country. Those involved in this heinous crime should never see the light of day again, be fully prosecuted under the law, and Colorado is ready to offer any assistance to our friends in Minnesota.”
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — Three Israelis were killed and 172 wounded in rocket attacks from Iran on Friday night and Saturday morning, Israeli state-run Kan TV reported.
According to the channel, the two victims, 73-year-old Israel Aloni and 60-year-old Eti Cohen Angel, were killed in a rocket attack on the central city of Rishon LeZion on Saturday. The attack left 27 people injured and several homes severely damaged.
Earlier on Friday evening, another woman was killed in an Iranian strike on a Tel Aviv neighborhood.
Of the injured, one person is in serious condition, 15 were moderately injured, and the rest were lightly injured. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), seven of the wounded are soldiers, all of whom were lightly injured.
Iran fired hundreds of rockets in five barrages, IDF says. –0–
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 13, 2025
Hearing loss affects over 50 million Americans and particularly affects older Americans, with nearly one in three people between the ages of 65 and 75 and around half of adults 75 or older reporting difficulty hearing.
Text of the Bill (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act, legislation to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare are able to access a full range of hearing and balance health care services provided by licensed audiologists.
Currently, audiologists are classified as non-physician health care professionals that are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing, balance, and related disorders. Although Medicare already covers various hearing health services, it currently does not recognize audiologists as providers, and they will only receive Medicare reimbursement for a limited set of tests to diagnose hearing or balance disorders—provided that patients first obtain an order from a physician or nurse practitioner.
“Outdated Medicare rules are preventing seniors from accessing the vital services audiologists provide,” said Senator Warren. “We’re introducing this bill because older Americans and people with disabilities deserve access to the full range of care they need.”
The Medicare Audiologist Access Improvement Act of 2025 would reclassify audiologists as “practitioners” in the Medicare program, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive hearing and balance health care services from licensed audiologists.
“The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act removes needless government barriers so Americans can access hearing care directly and affordably,” said Dr. Rand Paul. “It shows that when Congress focuses on practical solutions, we can work across the aisle to improve health care.”
“I’m proud to have helped improve access to high-quality and affordable hearing aids through the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Act in 2017. However, millions of Americans are affected by hearing loss, and more work needs to be done to reduce barriers. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to expand access and allow more seniors and individuals with disabilities to get help from a trained audiologist,” said Senator Grassley.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Angus King (I-Maine).
“Senior citizens deserve access to high quality audiology care and services they need,” said Senator Booker. “Too many patients suffering from hearing problems struggle to access care because current Medicare rules limit the range of services available. This legislation will remove barriers to accessing audiology care, expand the treatments available, and allow more audiologists to participate in Medicare.”
“Too many Granite Staters suffering from hearing loss are met with bureaucratic barriers when trying to access the care that they need. Roughly one in every three adults between the ages of 65 and 75 experience hearing loss – and yet, they struggle to get care because Medicare does not recognize audiologists as providers,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s past time we cut through this red tape to expand Medicare and ensure that older adults and Granite Staters with disabilities have access to the health services provided by audiologists. That’s why I’m proud to work across the aisle to introduce bipartisan legislation that does exactly that.”
“Excessive red tape has made it increasingly difficult for more than 70,000 Vermonters who experience hearing loss and need access to audiology services. Outdated Medicaid rules make it harder for folks in every state to receive the crucial care audiologists provide,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to make it easier for seniors and folks with disabilities to get the audiology care they need.”
The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act is supported by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Academy of Audiology, the Hearing Loss Association of America, the Hearing Industries Association, the Vestibular Disorders Association, the American Tinnitus Association, the National Rural Health Association, and the National Association of Rural Health Clinics.
“The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association thanks Senators Warren, Paul, and Grassley for their continued leadership to ensure seniors have more streamlined and robust access to hearing and balance care provided by audiologists,” said ASHA 2025 President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. “ASHA looks forward to supporting their efforts to remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that unfairly penalize seniors and prevent them from accessing critical hearing and balance care in a timely and cost-effective manner.”
The American Academy of Audiology’s President Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH, stated, “The leadership of these three dedicated senators in advancing audiologic access nationwide reinforces the vital work audiologists do every day to improve hearing and balance health care. For patients, this legislation represents a meaningful step forward—ensuring timely access to the essential services needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of hearing and vestibular disorders.”
“ADA applauds Senator Warren, Senator Paul, and Senator Grassley for championing the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA) to remove red tape so that seniors and individuals with disabilities have streamlined access to crucial hearing and balance healthcare services,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). “Eliminating burdensome pretreatment order requirements and classifying audiologists as Medicare practitioners will allow patients to receive timely, evidence-based care that improves communication, reduces fall risks, and enhances overall quality of life.”
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
Download logo
In a demonstration of Uganda’s growing commitment to collaborative Healthcare Diplomacy, the Uganda Embassy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and key stakeholders including AFRECC, Olympus, and Kyabiirwa Surgical Center, hosted a high-level esophageal Cancer Symposium at Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala. Under the theme “Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Esophageal Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event marked the culmination of a four-day health-focused agenda that began with specialized surgical training at Kyabiirwa Surgical Center in Jinja. Over 50 patients received treatment during the training phase, a tangible outcome underscoring the importance of applied science in addressing real-world health burdens.
The symposium was not merely an academic exchange it was a convergence of minds from the health sector, diplomatic corps, academia, media, and private manufacturers, drawn together by a shared sense of responsibility. Beyond policy, the symposium made room for stories personal accounts of survivors, caregivers, and practitioners working in low-resource settings. It is this blend of policy, practice, and lived experience, which gave the event its distinct character and diplomatic weight. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader socio-economic and cultural implications of non-communicable diseases. Presenters explored how public perceptions, behavior change, and even commercial industries such as tobacco and alcohol influence cancer rates. With emphasis on building resilient health systems, speakers called for a multi-sectoral approach that combines regulation, education, and innovation.
In line with her Mission’s mandate to promote Science and Technology transfer under the four ATMS, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, delivered remarks that reflected a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy in the health sector. “Cancer is not just a medical challenge it’s a deeply human one,” she said. “Each diagnosis is a story of hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of families and communities.” She underlined the critical role of technology in bridging geographic divides, emphasizing that embassies today function as both diplomatic posts and development facilitators. “With limited resources and high expectations, we walk a fine line. But strategic partnerships and shared responsibility remain our greatest assets,” she added.
Amb. Kakonge’s remarks also recognized the essential roles of countries like Japan which has worked closely with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the United States, not as donors, but as co-creators of a shared future. Her appeal to “think beyond borders and budgets” framed cancer as a global development issue an approach that resonated strongly with international health experts and funders in attendance. Speaking with both humility and resolve, His Excellency Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, who was also in attendance, reflected on the evolving collaboration between Japan and Uganda, which he described as “a journey of mutual respect and long-term investment in people.” The ambassador pointed to areas of growth, including health cooperation, coffee exports, and cultural exchange. He also acknowledged Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure through projects like the donation of ambulances and medical equipment efforts he described as acts of friendship, not charity.
“Our collaboration is not a project. It is a relationship,” he remarked, inviting partners to co-create solutions that transcend national interests and reflect a common vision for health, sustainability, and innovation. In his keynote address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, echoed Uganda’s commitment to early detection, public education, and regional health equity. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and he urged stronger efforts to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage. “When we delay, we pay,” he stated, referencing the escalating costs both human and economic of late diagnosis. Dr. Olaro also pointed to growing mental health concerns and the need for integrated, community-based approaches in both cancer and psychosocial care.
Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, described the symposium as “a convergence of science, innovation, and diplomacy.” He stressed that Uganda’s cancer burden cannot be tackled in isolation. “We must draw on global partnerships not only for funding but for the co-creation of knowledge. Innovation must be localized, and science must be democratized,” he said. His remarks were received with deep resonance by the international delegations, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to affirm their support. As the curtains fall on this milestone gathering, one thing is clear: Uganda is not just hosting conversations it is shaping them. With its eyes firmly on the future and its feet grounded in regional realities, the country is emerging as a credible voice in the global dialogue on cancer care, resilience, and shared humanity. In a world grappling with health inequities, Uganda’s call is simple yet profound: “Let us heal together.”
– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Saturday that its strikes killed nine senior Iranian nuclear officials.
It is noted that they fell victim to fire from fighter jets acting on data from the Military Intelligence Directorate. The scientists were killed at the start of the Israeli operation, which was carried out on Friday morning.
The dead played an important role in the Iranian nuclear project and had decades of accumulated experience in developing nuclear weapons, the IDF emphasized, noting that they included experts in nuclear and chemical engineering, physics, materials science and mechanics.
Israel carried out airstrikes early Friday on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The IDF said the strikes were intended, among other things, to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has repeatedly denied it seeks them. –0–
US-based Axiom Space is now set to send Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 19, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Saturday.
Shukla’s flight, originally scheduled for June 11, was postponed multiple times due to technical observations related to the ISS’s Zvezda module. A leak had been detected in the propulsion bay during a pre-launch test.
ISRO noted that Axiom Space is working closely with NASA to assess the pressure anomaly in the Zvezda Service Module onboard the ISS.
“During a follow-on coordination meeting between ISRO, Axiom Space, and SpaceX, it was confirmed that the liquid oxygen leak observed in the Falcon 9 launch vehicle has been successfully resolved,” ISRO said in a statement.
“Axiom Space is now targeting June 19, 2025, for the launch of the Ax-04 mission,” it added.
ISRO has reiterated its commitment to mission safety and continued coordination with international partners.
The mission holds historic significance for India. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS and only the second Indian in space, following Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.
Shukla will serve as the pilot of the mission, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States. The other crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary, both serving as mission specialists.
Once aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed in collaboration between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, aim to advance understanding of sustainable life-support systems—crucial for future long-duration space missions.
The research will also examine the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae—nutrient-rich, high-potential food sources for space missions.
The experiments will evaluate key growth parameters and analyze transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species in space, compared to their behavior on Earth.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) — Iran’s air defense forces shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and a large number of micro-drones. The female pilot of one of the downed drones was captured, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied the report. IDF spokesman Avichai Adrai called the claims “completely baseless.”
The statements came amid heightened tensions following Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.
According to the Iranian Press TV channel, Iranian air defenses shot down an Israeli drone near the Fordow nuclear facility, located near the city of Qom.
On Friday, Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, said at least 78 people had been killed and 320 wounded in the Israeli attacks in the country.
Among the dead were also Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces (AF) Mohammad Bagheri, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, commander of the central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces “Khatam al-Anbiya” Gholam Ali Rashid and commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces Amir Ali Hajizadeh. –0–
South Africa expresses profound concern regarding the attacks conducted by Israel on targets within Iran on 13 June 2025, including reported impacts on military areas, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure. Reports of civilian casualties, alongside military personnel, are deeply troubling.
These actions raise serious concerns under international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians enshrined in the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.
South Africa notes with particular concern the implications for nuclear safety and security arising from attacks in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. We recall the firm stance of the IAEA General Conference, reflected in resolutions such as GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, against armed attacks on peaceful nuclear installations as violations of the UN Charter and international law.
South Africa emphasises that anticipatory self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter requires clear evidence of an imminent armed attack, which does not appear substantiated in this instance.
South Africa extends its sincere condolences to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of all victims.
We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. South Africa urges maximum restraint by all parties and calls for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East. We support ongoing bilateral discussions, such as those between the USA and Iran, and reaffirm the critical importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
About 200 U.S. marines have been deployed to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, to protect a federal building there, the military said on Friday, after a week of protests over the current administration’s immigration raids in the city.
U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, commander of the Task Force 51, which includes more than 4,000 California Army National Guard soldiers and about 700 marines, said at a press briefing that those marines had completed civil disturbance training.
But Sherman said the marines will not participate in law enforcement activities.
Some of the marines were seen standing guard outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles area. The 17-story federal building on Wilshire Boulevard is home to many of Los Angeles’ federal offices, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Los Angeles field office.
U.S. President Donald Trump has made decisions to dispatch over 4,000 National Guard members and about 700 active-duty marines to the Los Angeles area despite the objection of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials.
About 2,800 service members, including 2,100 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines, were deployed to the greater Los Angeles area, said U.S. Northern Command in a news release on Wednesday, adding that the Marines had completed required training and would be serving alongside National Guard soldiers within the next 48 hours.
The Marines were reportedly undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, located south of Los Angeles.
The Trump administration won a swift legal victory on Thursday night when a federal appeals court blocked a lower court’s order issued just hours earlier that would have returned 4,000 California National Guard troops to state control, allowing the military deployment in Los Angeles to continue.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency stay just hours after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled Thursday evening that Trump had illegally federalized California’s National Guard and violated the Constitution.
The appellate court’s new order not only allows the National Guard troops to continue operating under federal command but also indicates that the legal battle between Washington and the Golden State will continue.
The dramatic legal reversal capped a day of courtroom confrontation between the Trump administration and California over the unprecedented federal takeover of state military forces.
Hundreds of people have been arrested in Southern California since the protests over federal immigration enforcement started a week ago, with more protests planned in the coming weekend across the region and the country.
Labour MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford criticsed the New Zealand government today for failing to take stronger action against Israel over its genocide and starvation strategy in Gaza, saying that at the very least the ambassador should be expelled.
Speaking at a rally in Henderson organised by the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa in West Auckland suburbs for the first time in the 88th week of protest, Twyford said: “The Israeli government is operating in an apartheid state.
“They subject the Palestinian people under their military.
“People who are under international law they are obliged to protect,” he told about 500 protesters.
“They are subjecting them to the most ruthless, most brutal system of apartheid.”
It was a story of “ethnic cleansing, dispossesion, terror routinely visited upon Palestinian people on a daily basis in their land”, said Twyford, who is Labour Party spokesperson on immigration, disarmament and foreign affairs.
“And it is being done, not only by the forces of Zionism, but by the Western world complicit, knowing, understanding and actively conniving in that dispossession and repression.”
Widely condemned move Twyford referred to the government’s move this week alongside four other countries to impose sanctions on two far-right ministers in the the Israeli cabinet, illegal settlers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, which has been widely condemned as too little and too late.
Labour MP Phil Twyford speaking at the Henderson pro-Palestinian humanitarian rally today . . . Palestinians are subjected by Israel to “the most ruthless, most brutal, system of apartheid.” Image: Asia Pacific Report
Leading British journalist Jonathan Cook this week criticised Britain, Australia, Canada and Norway along with New Zealand, saying they may have been “seeking strength in numbers” to withstand retaliation from Israel and the United States.
“But in truth, they have selected the most limited and symbolic of all the possible sanctions they could have imposed on the Israeli government.”
Israel was also condemned by speakers at the rally for its “unprovoked attack” on Iran and its strategy of forced starvation on the Palestinian people in Gaza and the repression in occupied West Bank.
The death toll in Gaza was almost 62,000 Palestinians — more than 17,000 of them children — and Israel had also killed at least 78 people in the first waves of attacks on Iran.
Meanwhile, in a statement today, the PSNA said it was appalled at the deportation of a Palestinian New Zealander from Egypt.
PSNA said it had conveyed to the Egyptian government its “shock and anger” at the deportation of Rana Hamida who had travelled to Egypt to take part in the Global March to Gaza.
“This Jew stands for Palestine” and “Sanction Israel now” placards at today’s Henderson rally. Image: APR
Egyptian deportations over ‘global march’ Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of people, including Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Moroccan, Greek and US citizens.
The Global March to Gaza is due to start this weekend in Egypt with thousands of people from throughout the world taking part.
PSNA co-chair John Minto said the march was to “express humanity’s outrage” at the ongoing Gaza-wide bombing and starving of the Palestinian population by Israel.
“Egypt’s action in deporting activists can only be seen as assisting Israel’s attacks against the Palestinian population,” he said.
“Unfortunately, Egypt has a long history of collaboration with the US and Israel to stifle the Palestine liberation struggle. This is in sharp contrast to the Egyptian people who are as appalled and angry as the rest of humanity at Israel’s horrendous war crimes.”
Minto said the following message from Rana as she returned to New Zealand — she was due at Auckland International Airport this afternoon:
‘The more we will roar’ “The Egyptian authorities, along with other governments, think that blocking humanity from this act of solidarity will stop because of them blocking people from being there and doing the job that they continue failing to do.
“They are so mistaken — the more complicit and enabling they get in their inaction and in this case their active participation, the more we will rise, and roar.
“We are escalating as you awaken the dragons within us.
“We will sing louder and we will walk longer — with our hiking shoes in the Sinai desert, or barefoot towards your embassies.
“We will disrupt your meetings, we will crowd your phone with calls and emails, and we will be the light that blinds your robotic heart and melts it alongside the lies you stand for.
“This is not about us, it is about HUMANITY within us that is dying and being oppressed in various forms, it is about the humans enduring hell in Gaza, West Bank and Falastine as a whole.
“Muslims, Jews and Christians together.
“It is about NEVER AGAIN.
“Boycott, divest — we will not stop we will not rest.”
Pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide protesters at the Henderson rally today with Te Atatu MP Phil Twyford speaking. Image: APR
Expel Israeli ambassador call In an earlier statement in the wake of Israel’s attack on Iran, PSNA called on the government to immediately expel the Israeli ambassador from New Zealand.
Minto said Israel’s strikes on Iran were “unprovoked, unilateral and a massive threat to humanity everywhere”.
“This is such a dangerous action, that diplomatic weasel words about Israel are not acceptable. Israel is an out-of-control rogue state playing with the future of humanity. We must send it the strongest possible message.”
“Israel’s using its often repeated lies and misinformation to attempt to justify it’s unconscionable violence and aggression.”
Minto pointed to Iran’s right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.
“Even US intelligence officials have made is clear very recently that Iran is NOT on the way to produce a nuclear weapon.”
“And neither is Iran committed to the ‘annihilation’ of Israel.
‘Liberation for Palestine’ “Iran does not support Israel as a racist, apartheid state and wants to see liberation for Palestine.
“In this, Iran has, along with the overwhelming majority of countries in the world, called for an end to Israel’s military occupation of Palestine, the end of its apartheid policies directed against Palestinians and the return of Palestinian refugees.”
New Zealand had the same policies, Minto said.
However, he condemned NZ’s “appeasement of this apartheid state, as our government and other Western countries have done over 20 months”.
A “Save the world from evil Zionism” placard at the Henderson rally today. Image: APR
The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s.
As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The unfolding conflict is reshaping regional dynamics, and Iran now finds itself with no easy path forward.
Strikes come at a delicate time
The timing of the Israeli strikes was highly significant. They came at a critical point in the high-stakes negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program that began earlier this year.
Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a report accusing Tehran of stockpiling highly enriched uranium at levels dangerously close to weaponisation.
According to the report, Iran has accumulated around 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity. If this uranium is further enriched to 90% purity, it would be enough to build nine to ten bombs.
The day before Israel’s attack, the IAEA board of governors also declared Iran to be in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.
The nuclear talks recently hit a stumbling block over a major issue – the US refusal to allow Iran to enrich any uranium at all for a civilian nuclear program.
Iran has previously agreed to cap its enrichment at 3.67% under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other global powers agreed to in 2015 (and abandoned by the first Trump administration in 2018). But it has refused to relinquish its right to enrichment altogether.
US President Donald Trump reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran last week, believing he was close to a deal.
But after the attack, Trump ramped up his threats on Iran again, urging it to agree to a deal “before there is nothing left”. He called the Israeli strikes “excellent” and suggested there was “more to come”.
Given this context, it is understandable why Iran does not view the US as an impartial mediator. In response, Iran suspended its negotiations with the US, announcing it would skip the sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday.
Rather than compelling Iran to agree to a deal, the excessive pressure could risk pushing Iran towards a more extreme stance instead.
While Iranian officials have denied any intention to develop a military nuclear program, they have warned that continued Israeli attacks and US pressure might force Tehran to reconsider as a deterrence mechanism.
On several occasions, Trump has insisted he is not seeking “regime change” in Iran. He has repeatedly claimed he wants to see Iran be “successful” – the only requirement is for it to accept a US deal.
However, in Iran’s view, the US proposal is not viewed as a peace offer, but as a blueprint for surrender. And the fear is this would ultimately pave the way for regime change under the guise of diplomacy.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei responded to the latest US proposal by insisting that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran. Abandoning this right from the Iranian perspective would only embolden its adversaries to escalate their pressure on the regime and make further demands – such as dismantling Iran’s missile program.
The fear in Tehran is this could push the country into a defenceless state without a way to deter future Israeli strikes.
Furthermore, capitulating to the US terms could ignite domestic backlash on two fronts: from an already growing opposition movement, and from the regime’s base of loyal supporters, who would see any retreat as a betrayal.
In this context, many in Iran’s leadership believe that giving in to Trump’s terms would not avert regime change – it would hasten it.
What options remain for Iran now?
Caught between escalating pressure and existential threats, Iran finds itself with few viable options other than to project strength. It has already begun to pursue this strategy by launching retaliatory missile strikes at Israeli cities.
This response has been much stronger than the relatively contained tit-for-tat strikes Israel and Iran engaged in last year. Iran’s strikes have caused considerable damage to government and residential areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Iran sees no alternative but to push forward, having already been drawn into open confrontation. Any sign of weakness would severely undermine the regime’s legitimacy at home and embolden its adversaries abroad.
Moreover, Tehran is betting on Trump’s aversion to foreign wars. Iranian leaders believe the US is neither prepared nor willing to enter another costly conflict in the region – one that could disrupt global trade and jeopardise Trump’s recent economic partnerships with Persian Gulf states.
Therefore, Iran’s leadership likely believes that by standing firm now, the conflict will be limited, so long as the US stays on the sidelines. And then, Iran’s leaders would try to return to the negotiating table, in their view, from a position of strength.
Ali Mamouri does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.