Inflation report: Inflation remained essentially flat during May according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Numbers released this morning show that the Consumer Price Index was unchanged in May after rising 0.3% in April. Over the last 12 months, the index increased 3.3%. The Federal Reserve Bank has set 2% as its target rate of inflation. The cost of shelter rose in May, up 0.4% for the fourth consecutive month. Food increased 0.1% in May while energy fell 2% over the month, led by a 3.6% decrease in gasoline. Â
Russian warships: A flotilla of Russian warships that had been spotted about 100 miles off the East Coast of Florida was expected to arrive in Cuba today. One ship had arrived in Havana Harbor as of this morning. Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said that the ships would fire a 21-gun salute. The visit to Cuba by the Russian warships is seen as an effort to strengthen ties between Russia and Cuba while sending a message to the U.S. of strong Russian influence just 90 miles from the U.S.
Bridge collapse: The Port of Baltimore has been reopened to ship traffic following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was hit by a container ship. Primary shipping channels have been re-established and Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath told a news conference that the largest container ships can resume using the port. The cleanup cost is estimated to have surpassed $100 million so far. Plans are being created to build a new bridge to carry traffic over the Patapsco River.
Hunter Biden verdict: President Biden flew to Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday to meet with his son Biden following the jury verdict that Hunter Biden was guilty of three counts in connection with his purchase of a gun. Biden was convicted of lying on a government form by saying he was not using or addicted to drugs when he purchased the gun. The judge did not immediately set a date for sentencing. Hunter Biden is scheduled to go on trial Sept. 5 in California on charges that he failed to pay the IRS $1.4 million in taxes.
Project 2025: Seven Democrats in the House have announced that they’ve formed a task force to block the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 plan that would end Democracy in the U.S. under a second Trump Administration. The plan, which covers hundreds of pages, would dismantle the federal government as it exists today and establish dictatorial rule that would use the government for repression and retribution against those who oppose Trump. The Democrat lawmakers say they first need to raise awareness that the Project 2025 plan exists.
Missiles launched: Hezbollah today fired missiles from Lebanon over the border into Israel in retaliation for Israel having staged a strike that killed three Hezbollah operatives including one of its commanders. It was reported that more than 100 missiles were fired by Hezbollah. Israel did not immediately issue damage or casualty reports. In retaliation for the missile launches Israeli jets struck military targets in southern Lebanon today.
