Sen. John Fetterman has faced a tide of public criticism from fellow Democrats as he stakes out lonely ground as a critic of the far-left wing of his party — and another wave rolled in Wednesday after he made a surprise video appearance at the Republican midterm convention.
So far, however, his Senate colleagues haven’t joined the pile-on.
Archiv: bad ideas / schlechte Ideen
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appears in surprise video at GOP midterm convention
In the roughly one-minute video introducing McCormick on stage, Fetterman made clear that he is still a Democrat. But took aim at the rise of “socialism” in his own party – a notable and public rebuke to the Democrats’ left flank.
“Yes, I’m a Democrat. Why am I here talking to you today? Because well, I’m a common sense Democrat. I’m always going to stand with America. I’m always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life,” Fetterman said in the pre-recorded video.
WATCH: Trump promises $5,000 ‚dividend‘ for Americans if GOP wins midterms
Watch Trump‘s remarks in the video player above.
„If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,“ Trump told the crowd at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas. „It will be called the Trump dividend.“
Two tankers carrying Saudi oil attacked in Strait of Hormuz
(Updated 6 hours ago)
Two supertankers carrying Saudi ​oil were struck by unknown projectiles within minutes of each other while ‌transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz late on Monday, according to shipping intelligence and tracking firms Marisks and Kpler.
„The near-simultaneous incidents represent a further escalation in the threat environment within ​the Omani corridor,“ Marisks said.
US sanctions International Criminal Court’s president, official
Akane, a Japanese national who has served as ICC president since 2024, and Seye, a Senegalese national, were added to the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, according to the agency’s website.
Both designations were made pursuant to Executive Order 14203, „Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court,“ which US President Donald Trump signed on Feb. 6, 2025, and which has since been used to designate 10 ICC officials, including former Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan and eight judges.
Dem establishment scores win as Crowley defeats socialist Hong in Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s closely watched Democratic gubernatorial primary, handing the party establishment a key win. Crowley, backed by Gov. Tony Evers, will face Trump-endorsed Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November.
Vessel struck off coast of Oman: UKMTO
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre has received a report of a vessel being struck about 18 nautical miles (33 km) off the coast of the Omani town of Khasab.
UKMTO cited a “verified source” as saying an “unknown projectile” hit the vessel, causing a fire.
UAE says ADNOC tanker attacked in Hormuz
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday said Iran had targeted a tanker belonging to the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The foreign ministry in a statement condemned „the hostile Iranian attack that targeted a tanker belonging to ADNOC with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, without causing casualties“.
US air base, CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan targeted: IRGC
Tehran, IRNA – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that its Aerospace Force has targeted a US air base and the US military’s CENTCOM headquarters in Jordan with ballistic missiles.
In a statement issued early Wednesday, the IRGC Aerospace Force said the attack was carried out in response to aggressive actions by the US military against Iran.
The brave combatants of the IRGC Aerospace Force targeted the US air base and the CENTCOM headquarters of the US military in Jordan with several ballistic missiles, the statement said.
Saudi Arabia launches strikes on Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq
(July 29, 2026 | 03:43 AM)
Saudi Arabia‘s armed forces, in coordination with the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), carried out precision strikes on Wednesday against Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq linked to recent drone attacks on the Kingdom‘s oil facilities, the Ministry of Defense announced.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki said the operation followed attempted drone attacks on oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh region on Monday and Tuesday, which Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed. He said those attacks originated from Iraqi territory and were carried out by Iran-backed terrorist militias.
Progressives Urge Senate to Reject Israel Military Integration in NDAA Passed by House
House lawmakers voted 216-212, almost entirely along party lines, to pass HR 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027.
Republicans voted 209-7 in favor, while Democrats voted 205-6 against the measure. Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Don Davis (NC), Jared Golden (Maine), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Adam Gray (Calif.), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) voted „yes.“ Independent Rep. Kevin Kiley of California also voted in favor of the bill.
US-Israel Defense Integration on Horizon as House Keeps Section 219 in NDAA
The House approved the rule governing debate on H.R. 8800 by a 214-211 vote Tuesday, July 21. The vote allowed the chamber to proceed with the NDAA but excluded the amendment from Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that would have removed Section 219.
Iran criticises Oman over announcement of southern shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz
According to Iranian officials, Tehran considers itself responsible for managing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz under its interpretation of the memorandum of understanding with the United States and maintains that it has the authority to designate approved shipping routes.
Oman’s announcement that vessels could use a southern corridor within Omani territorial waters prompted criticism from Tehran.
According to the report, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it could take action against vessels using routes outside those designated by Iranian authorities.
Trump Administration Vows to Dismantle the International Criminal Court
(July 14, 2026)
The ICC was established by a 2002 treaty to investigate and prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity when a member of the treaty is unable or unwilling to prosecute the crimes on its own. The U.S. signed but never ratified the Rome Statute, and the ICC has never opened an investigation into alleged crimes committed on U.S. territory.
The court has, however, taken actions against President Donald Trump’s ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also opened investigations into American actions overseas, including alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Some human rights organizations and legal experts have also argued that U.S. strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific and the U.S. abduction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro could fall within the ICC’s jurisdiction, as Venezuela is a party to the Rome Statute. The ICC has not opened a formal investigation into the U.S. conduct.
State Department Launches Campaign to Dismantle International Criminal Court’s Threat to American Sovereignty
(July 13, 2026)
Actions under consideration include:
– Diplomatic calls from the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary, ambassadors, and other members of senior leadership to foreign nations highlighting the abuses of the ICC and the risks posed to Americans and other nations urging them to withdraw from the ICC
– Nations that partner with American law enforcement and the U.S. military or that enjoy the benefits of the U.S. security umbrella are called upon to reject the ICC’s purported authority to prosecute American officials and servicemen
– Increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on U.S. assistance
– Diplomatic calls urging other nations that, like America, that are not party to the Rome Statute to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside us
– Visa revocations and travel bans for ICC personnel
– Increased sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organizations
Three Oil Tankers targeted in successive attacks Off Omani Coast
Muscat: The Maritime Security Centre has reported that three oil tankers were targeted in separate attacks off the Omani coast, with one crew member confirmed killed and three others still missing, as authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate response efforts.
Indian sailor killed in Iranian strike on oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz
One Indian crew member was killed, and eight others were wounded in an Iranian missile strike targeting two Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s (Adnoc) shipping arm confirmed that two of its very large crude carriers were struck and sustained “significant damage” while passing through the strait.
Iran unexpectedly backs Trump’s plan to charge ships in Strait of Hormuz — then declares Tehran will collect the money
Araghchi agreed that whoever provides safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait should be paid for the service.
Then came the catch.
„Iran has always been the GUARDIAN of the Strait and will remain so FOREVER,“ he wrote on X.
And as for Trump‘s proposed price?
„20% is of course too much. We will be fair.“
Trump’s ridiculous Hormuz proposal is the last thing the world needs
The strait was open before the US and Israel joined forces to wage war on Iran, only to have that nation slam it shut. Some vessels got through during the ceasefire, with Iran charging $3 million for a fully loaded supertanker to transit the strait.
Trump’s threatened toll would jack that cost up to $69 million.
Trump proposes 20% toll on cargo through Strait of Hormuz; restarts Iran blockade
President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. will impose fees in the Strait of Hormuz “at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped,” after declaring America the “guardian” of the major oil shipping route.
U.S. military to enforce new Iran blockade starting 4pm Tuesday
President Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. is reinstating the naval blockade on Iran and will prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. The blockade will go into effect on July 14 at 4pm ET.
Trump also claimed the U.S. would be „reimbursed“ at a rate of 20% for securing safe passage for cargo ships, though the details and seriousness of the initiative were not immediately clear.
Iran says it struck second vessel in strait
„A second vessel accused of violating regulations in the Strait of Hormuz has been struck,“ the Guards said in a statement carried by state television IRIB, adding they had also attacked a US base in Qatar.
IRGC Navy: Strait of Hormuz closed until US ends regional intervention
Earlier, the IRGC Navy reported having been forced to fire a warning shot at a vessel after several ships ignored its instructions regarding navigation through the strait.
Describing the incident involving the trespassing vessel, the force said the ship had switched off its onboard systems, therefore, posing a threat to maritime safety.
Gavin Newsom gambles on Joe Biden in hunt for 2028 presidential nomination— but still has to clear the Kamala Harris hurdle
(June 23, 2026)
While other Democrats are distancing themselves from Biden’s failed reelection bid and the political wreckage that followed, California’s governor is leaning in. Newsom has praised Biden’s presidency, defended his record, and positioned himself as one of the party’s most visible Biden loyalists.
He has called the Biden presidency a “masterclass of policymaking.” He has said he will never turn his back on Biden. And last week, he went further.
He hosted Hunter Biden on his podcast.
That matters.