12: Intense fighting has resumed between Ethiopian forces and combatants in the northern Tigray region for the first time in 12 months. Addis Ababa says it has launched a “large-scale offensive” in response to regrouping efforts by the Tigray People's Liberation Front – a further blow for ongoing mediation efforts led by the African Union.
25: At least 25 people were killed, and dozens injured, on Wednesday in a Russian attack on a train station in central Ukraine. Prior to the attack, which took place on Ukraine's Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia might try “something particularly cruel” this week.
8: Brazilian police launched raids on eight premises linked to prominent supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro after leaked messages revealed their alleged support for a coup if the incumbent loses elections this fall. Many fear Jan. 6-style violence after the vote.
56: With primary races well underway ahead of US midterm elections this November, abortion access has significantly increased in significance for Americans, with 56% of registered voters saying it is “very important” to their vote. That’s up from 43% in March, before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
55: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Albo) got a cheer when concertgoers in Sydney realized he was sitting amongst them at an indie-rock concert and chugging a beer. Three months into Albo’s new gig, Aussies don’t begrudge him the downtime: Albanese is polling at 55% as preferred PM, 38 points ahead of Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton.The Regime's viral banger "Special Military Operation" is NOW STREAMING on most platforms, including those TWO BIG ONES. #PUPPETREGIME
What is President Trump trying to achieve in Iran, and how does his strategy compare to past US interventions in the Middle East?
The US has paused Russian oil sanctions in a bid to stabilize energy markets rocked by the war with Iran. Administration officials stress that it’s a “tailored” measure, applying only to oil already loaded onto tankers, but it’s still a gift to Russia, which has already been clocking an extra $150 million daily in oil revenues since the war began.
4: The number of crew members aboard a US refuelling plane – out of six total – who died after the aircraft crashed in neighboring Iraq on Thursday, US Central Command said this morning.