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Latest Publications — Page 1230

  1. PoliticsRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Zelensky Proposes Using Starlink for Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Missile Sites

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked former U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene with Elon Musk to allow Ukraine to use Starlink satellite internet systems for long-range strikes on Russian ballistic missile launch sites. The Atlantic reported this, citing anonymous sources. Zelensky's proposal came after the U.S. refused to hand over Patriot interceptors to Ukraine.
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  3. PoliticsExecutiveCybersecurity

    Amazon's Zoox Wins First US Approval for Paid Robotaxis Without Human Controls

    Amazon's Zoox has won U.S. approval for limited commercial deployment of its novel steering-wheel-free robotaxis, a first for the autonomous ride industry. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) granted Zoox a temporary exemption allowing up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years, subject to an enhanced oversight structure. This clears the way for Zoox to begin charging passengers for rides, provided it also obtains state and local approvals. The agency determined that Zoox's systems exceed the equivalent performance requirements of a compliant vehicle, but additional reporting requirements have been imposed to ensure safety.
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  7. WorldMiddle EastConflictBorder Security

    Explosions Rock Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi; Ammunition Depot Hit

    A series of explosions have occurred in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, with reports suggesting a hit on an ammunition depot. Residents describe multiple secondary explosions and a large plume of smoke. Ukrainian officials have not declared an air raid alert. Similar incidents have occurred in other regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv. No casualties have been reported yet.
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  8. PoliticsMiddle East

    Judge Calama Partially Accepts Zapatero's Nullity Incident in Plus Ultra Case

    Judge José Luis Calama has partially reversed his decision to reject former President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's nullity incident in the Plus Ultra case. Calama acknowledged an error in calculating the deadline and will now review some of the resolutions appealed by Zapatero's defense. The judge accepted ruling on the possible exclusion of resolutions 9 to 12, relating to registrations in Zapatero's offices and companies, and the formation of a separate piece due to the appearance of jewels in his office. Calama verified that Zapatero's lawyer's written presentation was filed within the legally established deadline.
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  12. PoliticsLegislationLocal GovLeadershipNorth America

    Paxton Unveils Tax Proposal in Tight Texas Senate Race

    Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, also the state's attorney general, introduced a tax proposal focused on affordability. The plan includes healthcare, family, and housing tax breaks, such as a $50,000 deduction for first-time homebuyers and a $25,000 deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Paxton also aims to make the 'Trump Accounts' permanent and double the child tax credit. The race against Democratic nominee James Talarico remains close, with recent polls showing a slight lead for Talarico.
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  13. WorldRegulatorsProtestMiddle East

    Iranian Army Targets U.S. Facilities in Kuwait

    In the 27th phase of Operation Thunderbolt, the Iranian Army targeted U.S. military facilities in Kuwait using drone strikes. The targeted sites included aircraft hangars, satellite communication systems, and equipment warehouses at Ahmad Al-Jaber base. The base is considered a significant air support hub for the U.S. military. The Iranian Army stated that these attacks make intercepting their drones and missiles difficult and costly for the U.S., despite using advanced defense systems. The U.S. acknowledged the drone attacks but reported no casualties.
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  14. PoliticsMiddle EastChina

    Kennedy Center Suspends Public Tours After NYT Report on Trump's 'Gutting'

    The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has temporarily halted public tours following a New York Times article that detailed President Trump's alleged 'gutting' of the iconic cultural institution. The suspension comes after a volunteer tour guide spoke out about the center's decline under Trump's administration. The center's director of the volunteer program announced the pause in a memo, citing a review of tour routes for visitor experience enhancement. However, the move follows a Times report that highlighted the center's neglect and staff losses under Trump.
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  15. PoliticsRegulatorsCorruptionGovernanceMiddle East

    President Arévalo Urged to Veto IUSI Law Reform

    The Guatemalan Congress has passed a reform to the IUSI law, eliminating the tax for residential and mixed-use properties. Critics argue this move favors property owners at the expense of municipalities, which rely on IUSI for a significant portion of their income. The reform could lead to reduced municipal services and increased corruption. President Arévalo is urged to veto the law, with some suggesting a compromise of setting the rate at 3 or 6 percent.
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  18. WorldLegislationMiddle EastTrade

    South Korea Injects $13.9 Billion into Sovereign Wealth Fund for AI, Data Centers, Infrastructure

    South Korea plans to inject $13.9 billion (20 trillion won) into its sovereign wealth fund for strategic investments in artificial intelligence, data centers, and infrastructure. This move expands the fund's mandate to include domestic assets following a rout in technology stocks. The announcement has led to a surge in South Korea's stock market KOSPI, with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics jumping more than 25%.
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  19. PoliticsPeaceMiddle EastIsrael

    Israel's Drug Restrictions in Gaza Strip Endanger Cancer Patients

    Nearly 10 months after a ceasefire agreement, Israeli authorities continue to restrict the entry of essential drugs and medical supplies into the Gaza Strip, including cancer drugs and chemotherapy medicine. This restriction is causing a severe shortage of drugs and medical supplies, leading to a halt in chemotherapy treatment for several types of cancer. Patients are dying while waiting for permission to leave for treatment abroad. Over 5,000 cancer patients are waiting for referral approval, and more than 1,500 patients have died since October 2023 while awaiting permission to exit for treatment.
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  21. PoliticsRegulatorsLocal GovPeace

    New York Sues Prediction Market Kalshi Over Illegal Gambling

    New York's Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have filed a lawsuit against the prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging it operates an illegal gambling service that exposes residents, including minors, to significant personal and financial risks. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the platform's operations, an unspecified fine, damages for users, and the forfeiture of any illegal profits.
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