The Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s Nuclear Weapon
Source: Washington Monthly
by Jonathan Alter
“Two Iran experts on how the U.S. plays checkers and Iran plays chess.” (06/29/26)
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/06/29/trump-iran-strait-of-hormuz/
SCOTUS blocks Trump’s attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook
Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“The US Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to fire a governor of the US central bank, in a ruling seen as affirming the Federal Reserve’s independence. In a 5-4 decision, justices from the country’s top court said the administration had not provided Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook sufficient ‘due process’ for her to contest her removal. The decision sends the matter back to lower courts, where the administration will have to prove its allegations that Cook has committed mortgage fraud if it wishes to proceed with the firing and where Cook would have a chance to challenge the accusation. Cook has denied the allegations, which Fed defenders say are a pretext to allow Trump to assert more control over the bank.” (06/29/26)
The Daily Blast With Greg Sargent, 06/29/26
Source: The New Republic
“Trump Reflecting Pool Arrests Take Unnerving Turn—and Officials Go Mum.” (06/29/26)
How to Spend It
Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Mark Nayler
“Every seven years, the EU approves a new budget, known as a Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The next MFF will cover the period 2028–34, and has been described by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen as ‘the most ambitious ever proposed.’ It has to be approved unanimously by the end of 2027, but with general elections due in almost a third of the bloc’s 27 countries next year (France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Greece, Estonia, Finland, and Slovakia), the pressure is on to have negotiations wrapped up by Christmas. After a two-day summit in Brussels on June 18 and 19, however, only one point of agreement had been reached: to bring new funding ideas to the next brainstorming session in October.” (06/29/26)
Anti-Monopoly Bill Hits Make-or-Break Moment in California
Source: The American Prospect
by David Dayen
“A bill to update the antitrust laws in the nation’s most populous state faces a critical legislative hearing this week. At a time when California is among the states being relied upon as a substitute for proper antitrust enforcement, which is moribund at the federal level thanks to Trump administration corruption, advocates say the state must have a full suite of tools to succeed. Monied interests are working diligently to stop the bill, but it gained important momentum late last week when a key senator signed on. The office of state Sen. Ben Allen, who is running for statewide office to become California’s insurance commissioner, told the Prospect that ‘the Senator is very likely going to be supporting the bill.’ Allen was one of a handful of Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats whose position on the bill was uncertain as of last week.” (06/29/26)
https://prospect.org/2026/06/29/anti-monopoly-bill-hits-make-or-break-moment-in-california/
Trump bought millions in company’s stock shortly before ICE sought $220 million deal with it
Source: CNBC
“President Donald Trump disclosed buying between $1 million and $5 million in Axon Enterprise stock on Feb. 10. Two weeks later, ICE posted a notice seeking a five-year, $220 million Taser contract for about 17,800 devices, along with unlimited cartridges and training — enough to more than quadruple its current inventory. The ICE notice does not name Axon, but procurement reviewers and policing experts told CNBC the specifications appear to match only Axon products. The contract has so far not been awarded. There is no evidence Trump was involved in or had knowledge of the procurement process or that Axon knew about his stock purchase. But ethics experts said the timing alone raises red flags, even as the White House has said Trump’s assets are in a trust managed by his children, that a third party made the trades and that ‘there are no conflicts of interest.'” (06/29/26)
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/29/trump-axon-stock-ice-taser-immigration-enforcement.html
The Kyle Anzalone Show, 06/28/26
Source: Libertarian Institute
“Will Iran Force the US Out of the Middle East?” (06/29/26)
The 250th Anniversary Of…What, Exactly?
Source: Libertarian Institute
by Tom Mullen
“In a few days, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. There will be fireworks, concerts, speeches, and millions of backyard barbecues. But what precisely are we celebrating?” (06/29/26)
https://libertarianinstitute.org/articles/the-250th-anniversary-of-what-exactly
A Lost War, a Bad Agreement and a Possible Good Outcome
Source: CounterPunch
by L Michael Hager
“The U.S. lost its war of choice against Iran. Trump and Netanyahu failed to eliminate the perceived Iranian nuclear threat, despite relentless bombing that killed thousands and destroyed both military assets and civilian infrastructure. The desired ‘regime change’ left a more hawkish leader in charge. Iranian forces then deployed missiles and drones to carry out devastating attacks on American bases in the Gulf. Thirteen U.S. soldiers lost their lives. Most significantly, Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz sparked global panic in energy, fertilizer, and other vital markets. … If the just-signed MOU maintains the 60-day ceasefire and becomes a full-fledged agreement, America’s benefits could ultimately outweigh what it loses. The possible gains are three: an end to a costly war, a downscaling of U.S. relations with Israel, and a modest retreat from American imperialism.” (06/29/26)
https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/06/29/a-lost-war-a-bad-agreement-and-a-possible-good-outcome/
Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as aftershock rattles rescuers in disaster zone
Source: SFGate
“With the window for finding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-to-back earthquakes, and a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira. Relief organizations say the first 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes struck northern Venezuela, attention turned to the humanitarian crisis that was taking shape in devastated regions. The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government. Major questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government under acting President Delcy Rodríguez — who came to power in January after the Trump administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro — will be able to coordinate the effort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.” (06/29/26)