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From ground zero in Michigan: the socialist who vows to bring down the system was manufactured by it — Rhodes Scholar credentials, foundation money and all — while Bessent and the Trump team dismantle the machine that gutted Detroit. By Susan Kokinda · Susan Kokinda critiques Michigan Democratic Senate primary winner Abdul El-Sayed, arguing that while he calls Trump a symptom and “the system” the disease, El-Sayed actually protects the same…

The European Union has committed €90 billion to supporting Ukraine through 2026 and 2027, financed through borrowing on capital markets and backed by the EU budget. But a German MEP is questioning whether European governments understood the potential long-term liability when they approved the scheme — particularly because repayment is tied to Ukraine eventually receiving reparations from Russia. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · The…

Donald Trump demands compensation from Iran for damage and deaths in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, despite Israel carrying out regional attacks with US weapons. · Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei is appointed Iran’s security chief, vowing Tehran will defend its national rights and interests. We examine what his hardline vision could mean for Iran. · Meanwhile, clashes erupt in Syria’s Kurdish-populated areas following reported attacks by…

JCB’s £100 million hydrogen programme has crossed an important threshold: its hydrogen combustion engine is no longer simply an experimental alternative to diesel. Full European type-approval, a production hydrogen-powered backhoe and the first commercial generator deliveries suggest hydrogen combustion could become a practical option for some of the world’s hardest-to-electrify machinery. INR Report: Based on reporting by Max Carter for…

After years of difficult economic news, there are encouraging signs emerging from New Zealand's rural economy. PGG Wrightson has reported a sharp lift in profit and more than $1 billion in annual revenue, with farmers increasingly prepared to invest back into their businesses. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ HERE, with additional context by eLocal. · Some Welcome Good News · After a prolonged period in which much of New Zealand's…

Consumers across the South Island are being urged to check Vogel's bread with a best-before date of 15 August after a precautionary recall involving the possible presence of small pieces of metal. New Zealand Food Safety says there have been no reported injuries or consumer complaints, but affected products should not be eaten eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Bill Hickman for RNZ HERE. · New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Goodman Fielder…

Philip Polkinghorne has told the Coroners Court he began deleting photographs and other material involving sex worker Madison Ashton after learning he was likely the prime suspect in his wife's death. Polkinghorne, who was acquitted of murdering Pauline Hanna in 2024, is now giving evidence under oath at the coronial inquiry examining the circumstances of her death. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by Rowan Quinn, Senior Journalist for RNZ. ·…

Christopher Luxon has called National MPs to an urgent face-to-face caucus meeting in Wellington as renewed speculation over his leadership threatens to engulf the party. The meeting comes after a difficult period for the Prime Minister, with National polling at its lowest level under Luxon and MPs reportedly discussing whether a change at the top is needed before voters go to the polls. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ political editor…

Christopher Luxon remains Prime Minister and leader of the National Party after surviving another confidence vote. But with little more than 12 weeks until the election, surviving his own caucus may prove considerably easier than convincing New Zealand voters that the Government deserves another term eLocal Report: Based on analysis by RNZ political reporter Russell Palmer. · Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has survived another challenge to…

New Zealand-based internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom has delivered a stark warning about digital surveillance, artificial intelligence and the erosion of personal privacy in a wide-ranging interview with Tucker Carlson. But his argument goes beyond technology: Dotcom says representative government itself has failed, and is now backing direct democracy through New Zealand's Freedom Party as an alternative. eLocal Report: Based on an interview with…