The Disturbing History of Vaccine “Hot Lots”
People often say: “I got the COVID vaccine and nothing bad ever happened to me.” If only they realized how lucky they were not to get one of the bad batches.
This Week in the World Affairs Brief
TRUMP IS RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS FOR IRAN
Despite Trump’s blustering threats to hold to a strict deadline on the ceasefire with Iran before bombing of Iran’s civilian infrastructure if they did not return to the negotiating table by Tuesday 5:00 PM eastern time, Trump backed down and in a bid to calm the markets (and the critics of his handling of this war) extended the ceasefire “indefinitely.” With most of Iran’s military targets already destroyed and fearing that making good on his threat to target civilian infrastructure would make him a war criminal in international legal circles, Trump has few military options left. So it is not surprising that after many long, probably heated discussions with his advisors, Trump has settled on the next most effective pressure point on Iran—continuing the maritime blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade, which is not legal since the US started this war, has already netted one big prize—a cargo ship laden with missile fuel chemicals from China. Trump shrugged off the embarrassment of having earlier claimed he had an agreement with Xi that China would not supply war materiel to Iran saying, “I was a little surprised because I have a very good relationship, and I thought I had an understanding with ... Xi. But that’s all right. That’s the way the war goes, right?” No, Mr. President, that’s NOT “all right,” and you should learn not to trust Xi when you get a slap in the face like this from your presumed trusted Communist leaders. But Trump is so susceptibility to flattery and then seeing his enemies with “rose colored glasses,” I suppose he will never learn that he can’t trust Xi, Kim, and Putin when they tell him what he wants to hear. To receive a free, one-time sample of the Brief, along with option on how to subscribe, click on Request a Sample on the left.
Also:
- Russian Advances in Ukraine have Stalled
- Inflation Madness at the Grocery Store
- Redistricting War Over Control of Congress
Daily News
The Queen of Mandating Vaccines - Trump's pick to head the CDC, Erica Schwartz.
It is incredibly ironic that President Donald Trump would write that his pick to lead the CDC, Erica Schwartz, will “restore the GOLD STANDARD SCIENCE at the CDC, which was an absolute disaster focused on ‘mandates’ under Sleepy Joe,” when Schwartz is the QUEEN of mandating vaccines
In Dead of Night, Johnson Tries—But Fails—to Ram Through Domestic Spying Bill for Trump
A dramatic series of votes in the US House of Representatives resulted in a dead-of-night extension of what critics describe as a “deceitful proposal” to continue a controversial domestic spying program, known as Section 702, that allows federal agencies to spy on the communications of Americans without a warrant.
7 Takeaways From RFK Jr.’s Appearances Before Congress
Kennedy defended budget cuts, his agency’s actions on vaccines, and the administration’s efforts to crack down on health care fraud.
US Drains Half Its Patriot Arsenal During Iran War, New Military Study Finds
The seven-week Iran war, currently on pause due to an extended ceasefire, has raised alarm in Washington over the question of how fast the US has burned through its missile interceptor stockpile. The two-week ceasefire, having just been extended, provided an opportunity for both sides to restock and regroup. A fresh analysis from the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) finds the US military tore through nearly half its Patriot interceptor inventory while heavily draining multiple other critical missile stockpiles.
Trump Announces Extension of Iran Ceasefire
The U.S. naval blockade of the country’s ports will continue, the president says.
Tit-For-Tat Assaults On Shipping Widen: US Intercepts 3 More 'Illicit' Tankers In Asian Waters, Iran Seizes Additional 2 In Hormuz
At least two fully laden Iranian tankers slip past US naval blockade, amid reports of more going dark, BBG reports, but Pentagon denies. Reports of three more Iranian tankers being seized by US in Asian waters. Iran in turn seizes 2 more ships in Hormuz, citing "dangerous navigation". Trump extends ceasefire by 3-5 days, per White House statement to Fox. Third US carrier precisely 3-5 day away from Mideast waters: Fox IRGC seized the MSC Francesca and a Greek-owned ship named Euphoria, which had been attempting to transit the Hormuz chokepoint earlier today. Within hours, a third ship comes under fire by the IRGC. Senior Iranian adviser says the US naval blockade is "no different than bombing" and must be met "with a military response". Competing narratives emerge over what Iran calls "fake news" as Trump hails "release" of 8 Iranian women said to be facing death penalty.
CIA Security Officer Shauni Kerkhoff Files Lawsuit Against Steve Baker and The Blaze for Identifying Her as J6 Bomber
Mr Baker, a former FBI employee named Kyle Seraphin and Kentucky representative Thomas Massie also pushed the accusation, saying FBI Director Kash and other FBI officials were lying and an innocent guy was arrested. The arrested suspect, Brian J. Cole, Jr., confessed to the crimes.
U.S. Deploys Ukrainian Acoustic Sensors, Interceptor Drones At Prince Sultan Air Base
At the center of this new security effort to fortify the airspace above Prince Sultan Air Base against low-cost Iranian one-way attack drones is Sky Map, a Ukrainian command-and-control platform used to detect incoming drones. The coordinated response to Shaheds is the use of interceptor drones.
US Blocks Regular $500 Million Cash Pallets Flown To Iraq, Over Pro-Iran Militias
The Wall Street Journal has verified something that Iraqi officials themselves were denying just days ago: the US is blocking Iraq's regular dollar shipments in order to pressure it's Iran-backed militias.
Pentagon Denies Widespread Reports Of Iran's 'Dark' Tankers Breaching US Blockade
It continued, "In fact, the Iranian-flagged tankers are anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran, after being intercepted by U.S. forces earlier this week. Dorena has been under the escort of a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after previously attempting to violate the blockade." Earlier even Bloomberg alleged that two Iranian fully laden tankers breached the US blockade. Amid two competing and contradictory narratives, the fog of war remains thick, making it difficult to assess which version is ultimately correct.
Embassy Tells Americans Still In Lebanon Depart Now While Flights Available As Ceasefire Collapsing
This has resulted in the US embassy in Beirut issuing an urgent renewed security alert, urging US citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial flight options are still available.
Vance's Pakistan Trip 'On Hold' After Iran Demands Lifting Blockade Of Its Ports, Talks Appear Off
Neither side wants to appear 'weak' by flying to Pakistan first without the other side having already clearly committed. Trump warns: 'Expect...bombs' & urges Tehran "release women" said to be on death row. Overnight, US forces conducted a right-of-visit, maritime interdiction and boarding of the stateless sanctioned M/T Tifani in Indo-Pac region: CENTCOM As just 12 ships have gone through Hormuz Strait in last 24 hours, Iran claims one of its own made it past the US naval blockade. CENTOM says 28 turned around.
Chief Justice Roberts Faces Two Strikes After New Leak Rocks the Court`
For an institution that prides itself on its confidentiality and insularity, the Court is looking increasingly porous and partisan in these leaks. Worse yet, people are indeed coming to the Court “to see the umpires.” The most recent leak was published by the New York Times, which was given internal memos from various Supreme Court justices on the use of what is known as the “shadow docket” to issue rulings without oral arguments.
10-Day Ceasefire Between Israel and Lebanon Begins
The announcement came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the rare talks between the countries in Washington on April 14—the first time leaders from the neighboring countries met in-person in the U.S. Capitol in 34 years.
US Broadens Iran Blockade to Allow Boarding, Seizure of Ships Worldwide
The Pentagon said Iran-linked and sanctioned vessels may be intercepted globally under expanded enforcement.
'Highly Unlikely' US Will Extend Iran Ceasefire, 'Lots Of Bombs Will Go Off' If No Deal: Trump
President Pezeshkian cites "historical distrust" and states on X: "they seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force." Vance intends to depart Tuesday to Pakistan, though still unclear whether Iranians will join - Pakistanis say yes, but timeline is fluid. Trump warns "nobody's playing games" & "lots of bombs will go off" if no deal (PBS) Xi to Saudi crown prince important phone call: "the first time the Chinese leader had called for the reopening of the strategically vital waterway."
China To Import Record Amount Of US Ethane As Iran War Chokes Off Naphtha, LPG Supplies
Ethane is a natural gas liquid primarily used to produce ethylene, a key building block for plastics, and China depends almost entirely on the US for supply. The product became a political flashpoint between Beijing and Washington last year after the US tightened export controls during a bitter trade war.
USS Ford Carrier Returns To Mideast After Extensive Fire Repairs
The carrier is rejoining an expanding US military buildup in the region - with the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group already deployed, and the USS George H.W. Bush expected to soon join, which would bring the number of US carriers in the Middle East to three.
CBP to Begin First Phase of Tariff Refunds Following Supreme Court Ruling
The first phase would only cover ‘certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation,’ the agency said.
Populism Is Not Dead Yet: Bulgaria's Pro-Russia Ex-President Radev Wins In Landslide Victory
Radev, a eurosceptic former fighter pilot, built his campaign around calls for pragmatic ties with Moscow, resumption of Russian energy supplies and an end to military aid for Ukraine.
"No More Mr. Nice Guy": US Strikes, Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Trying To Break Blockade
The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel.
Europe Faces Summer Jet Fuel Crisis as Iran War Slashes Supply
Europe faces an imminent jet fuel crisis as the Iran war and Hormuz disruption cut off key Middle Eastern supplies. Long-term refinery closures and rising import dependence have left Europe highly exposed, with limited alternatives and growing competition from Asia. Airlines are already cutting capacity and warning of higher fares, with potential flight cancellations looming as fuel shortages intensify.
US Prepares To Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally Following Iranian Gunboat Attack On Tanker In Hormuz
US officials: War may resume if no peace talks breakthrough: Axios Two Iranian gunboats Open Fire on a tanker near Oman; 2nd tanker hit by 'unknown projectile'. India summons Iranian ambassador to condemn incident Pentagon prepared to expand anti-vessel action, signals prepared to board Iran-linked ships globally Friday: Hormuz Open; Saturday: Hormuz Closed Trump: Iran wanted to close up Strait again, can't blackmail us
Netanyahu Left 'Personally Stunned' By Trump Rhetoric Prohibiting Lebanon Strikes
On Friday, Trump declared the US had "prohibited" further Israeli strikes just as the administration-brokered 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon kicked in. The US President was unusually harsh in rhetoric with America's longtime #1 Mideast ally, writing on Truth Social that "enough is enough".
US Treasury Extends Russian Crude Waiver Amid Supply Disruptions
The Trump administration renewed a key sanctions waiver on April 17, allowing countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, responding to urgent pressure from Asian nations battered by skyrocketing energy costs. [Putin wins again]
Dramatic Audio: Indian Tanker Was Given Permission Before Being Fired On By IRGC, Delhi Summons Ambassador
the Foreign Secretary conveyed India's deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz," the statement from India said. The full statement, which is still somewhat tame in its rhetoric in light of the fact that what the Indian vessel thought was an "approved" transit came under direct attack:
“Depraved EVIL”: Gay Couple Mocks Baby’s Cry for ‘Mama’ In Viral Surrogacy Video
Two gay men in Nashville recorded themselves taunting the baby they obtained through surrogacy as he cried desperately for his mother. The now viral clip has ignited fury across X. The clip opens with one man asking the infant, “Who do you want, Dada or Pop?” The baby responds, “Mama.” The man replies, “No, there is no mama,” and the baby cries.
Beijing Boosts BeiDou Satellite System To Try And Compete With GPS
The plan involves replacing older satellites with newer third-generation models and adjusting their orbits to improve worldwide coverage. The system will be streamlined from 50 to 37 active satellites, most operating in medium Earth orbit like GPS and Europe’s Galileo.
Netanyahu Resists, Trump Repackages, Iran Sets the Price
Donald Trump announced today that a Lebanon–Israel meeting has been set, presenting it as a diplomatic step forward and hinting at talks “at the level of leaders.” On the surface, it is packaged as de-escalation. In reality, it is the language of urgency from Washington, trying to contain the wider Iran crisis before it spins out of control. Such a meeting gives Israel nothing it has failed to seize by force, brings Netanyahu no closer to any meaningful war aim, and will not erase Hezbollah from the battlefield, the government, or parliament. It reveals the opposite: not Israeli success, but the failure of war to produce the political outcome Israel wanted, and the growing American need to disguise that failure as diplomacy. A staged photo or a phone conversation between Lebanese and Israeli decision-makers, officials, whatever their rank, cannot erase the domestic image of Netanyahu’s defeat, especially when every other party involved rushes to declare victory.