Mali's Military Government Dissolves All Political Parties
Mali's military government on Tuesday announced the dissolution of all political parties and political organizations throughout the national territory, implementing recommendations from an April national conference that opposition groups largely boycotted.
The decree, announced on state television by the Minister of Political Reforms, Mamani Nassiré, explicitly forbids members of dissolved political parties from holding meetings, though junta officials may continue their duties without party affiliations.
The dissolution was preceded by rare public protests involving hundreds of demonstrators in early May, after a recently formed coalition of around 100 parties demanded an end to junta rule by December 2025 and called for a "rapid return to constitutional order."
Narrative A
The dissolution of political parties represents a necessary step to stabilize Mali and combat the proliferation of ineffective political entities. The country has been mired in violence since 2012, with jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State threatening national security. The military government's firm action aims to unite the country behind a strong leadership capable of addressing these security challenges.
Narrative B
This move marks a severe assault on democracy and fundamental rights, effectively ending political pluralism in Mali. The military junta has systematically dismantled opposition voices through arrests, disappearances, and now the complete dissolution of political parties. This action violates Mali's 2023 constitution and international human rights obligations, while reneging on promises to return the country to civilian rule.
Nerd narrative
There's a 61% chance that Mali will experience a successful coup d'etat before 2040, according to the Metaculus predicition community.
Australia Sues Macquarie for 'Misreporting' Short Sales
Australia is suing Macquarie Securities Limited (MSAL), the broking arm of the Australian multinational banking and investment group, for “misreporting” millions of short sales to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
ASIC, which has begun legal proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court, claims that between Dec. 11, 2009, and Feb. 14, 2024, MSAL failed to report at least 73 million short sales, but estimated that the figure could be between 298 million and 1.5 billion.
The action is ASIC’s fourth against Macquarie, following a A$10 million ($6.4 million) penalty in April 2024 over third-party fee controls, a $4.9 million fine last September for “suspicious orders,” and new license conditions imposed in May 2025 after years of compliance failures.
Narrative A
ASIC has no other choice but to seek regulatory action against Macquarie Securities Limited for misreporting potentially hundreds of millions of short sales to the market operator over nearly 15 years. While there is no evidence to suggest this was deliberate, it is still severe, given that short sale data is vital to inform investors, governments, and regulators about market sentiment and potential risks.
Narrative B
The regulatory action against Macquarie overlooks the fact that it was the banking group itself, not ASIC, that first identified the irregularities in MSAL’s accounting and voluntarily reported them as long ago as late 2022. While Macquarie will carefully review the case, it has reiterated that it takes its financial and legal obligations seriously and continues to invest in the organization’s controls and systems.
Zelenskyy Again Calls on Putin to Attend Turkey Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called on Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to personally attend peace talks between the countries scheduled for Thursday in Turkey.
It came after Putin — with the U.S. growing impatient in its attempts to mediate an end to the war — proposed over the weekend that Russia and Ukraine engage in direct talks as they'd done in 2022. After pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy responded in the affirmative, but challenged Putin to be "personally" present.
On Tuesday, speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said he would be waiting for Putin in Turkey, alleging this was a test of Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks. "If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is the final point that he does not want to end the war," Zelenskyy said.
Pro-Trump narrative
The U.S. will be represented by experienced officials, but might be accompanied by Trump himself if Putin shows up. That would be great as all three leaders would be able to cover a lot of territory and secure a serious deal.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine hopes that Trump will attend these peace talks so he can see for himself how Putin lies and manipulates. Trump must realize that it is Russia that's the biggest obstacle to peace.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia continues to lay all the groundwork for successful negotiations in Istanbul. Russia will make an announcement on its negotiating team when the president deems appropriate.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance there will be a bilateral ceasefire or peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by February 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump Meets Syrian Leader, Lifts Sanctions in Historic Shift
U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, marking the first meeting between American and Syrian leaders in 25 years, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also joining the meeting, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined by phone.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry described the half-hour meeting, which reportedly lasted longer than expected, as "historic," with Trump urging al-Sharaa to join the 2020 Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, "deport Palestinian terrorists," and take responsibility for Islamic State group (IS) detention camps in northeastern Syria.
During his remarks at the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, Trump stated that his administration is "currently exploring normalizing relations with Syria’s new government," arguing that Israel was not sidelined by his trip to the Gulf and that good U.S. relations with those countries are good for Israel.
Pro-Trump narrative
Trump's bold move and the lifting of sanctions represent a strategic opportunity to stabilize Syria and reduce Iranian influence in the region. By engaging with the new Syrian leadership and promoting economic reconstruction, the U.S. can help transform a former adversary into a potential partner for regional stability and peace. The decision demonstrates pragmatic diplomacy that prioritizes future possibilities over past grievances.
Anti-Trump narrative
This policy shift is mind-blowing given that the U.S. is legitimizing a terrorist who spent five years in a U.S. prison with a $10 million bounty on his head previously offered by Washington. Furthermore, the hasty lifting of sanctions without adequate guarantees for the protection of minorities and the prevention of extremist influence could lead to an increase in sectarian violence and endanger the security interests of neighboring countries.
Nerd narrative
There is a 10% chance that Syria will be partitioned into new, internationally recognized sovereign states before 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Wisconsin Judge Indicted for Allegedly Obstructing ICE
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan on Tuesday was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of concealing a person from arrest and obstruction of proceedings, following her April arrest by the FBI for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade federal agents. Dugan's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the charges Wednesday.
The case centers on an incident from April 18, when Dugan allegedly directed Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was facing domestic abuse charges, and his attorney to exit through a non-public jury door after learning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were waiting to arrest him outside her courtroom.
Federal agents apprehended Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse following a foot chase. Court documents indicate he had previously been deported in 2013 and had illegally reentered the United States.
Republican narrative
Prosecuting Dugan sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Her actions deliberately obstructed federal law enforcement officers, and she put public safety at risk by attempting to let a violent criminal loose on the streets. She must be held accountable for her failure to uphold the rule of law and protect Americans.
Democratic narrative
This prosecution is a politically motivated attack on judicial independence and local authority, and it threatens the trust between courts and immigrant communities. The Trump administration is dangerously escalating its efforts to intimidate judges and chill opposition to its controversial policies by expanding its immigration crackdown beyond the immigrants in question.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20% chance that at least twice as many deportations by U.S. ICE will occur in Fiscal Year 2025 compared with Fiscal Year 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Saudi Foreign Minister: US and Riyadh Agree to End Gaza War, Release All Hostages
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said on Wednesday that the United States and Saudi Arabia "agree to end the war in Gaza and release all hostages." The United States did not issue a similar statement regarding the war in Gaza.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that there is a "genuine chance" for progress in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange, with talks expected in Qatar this week. U.S. President Donald Trump is also in Qatar as part of his trip to the region.
Contrary to statements made by members of Trump's team and regional leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel would not end its military campaign in Gaza even if a ceasefire deal were reached.
Pro-establishment narrative
Netanyahu is no friend to the United States, and Trump's threat to leave Israel behind if it doesn't get with the program is the right move. Netanyahu is stoking the flames of regional conflict to advance his own political interests. Indeed, the United States has no interest in upholding Netanyahu's demands, which will only undermine Washington's position in the region.
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Trump, of course, loves Israel and its people, the current trajectory he is pursuing in the region could significantly harm Israel and its interests. Trump is working to make a bad deal with Iran, exclude Israel from a deal with Saudi Arabia, and push to end the war in Gaza early, which could leave Hamas in a better position than it should be. Israel's leadership is working diligently with Trump, and, hopefully, recent reports have been overly alarmist.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Regardless of Trump's relationship with Netanyahu, he is no friend to the Palestinian people, and his administration is currently working to force the U.N. and international aid organizations into an Israeli-administered aid delivery system. Comments that Israel "is not involved" are ludicrous, considering the plan Washington is presenting is nearly identical to Israel's. Indeed, Trump is still complicit in Israel's genocide in Gaza.
Nerd narrative
There's an 8% chance that Israel will establish direct governmental control of the Gaza Strip in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Gabbard Fires Top Intel Officials in Security Shake-up
U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday dismissed Mike Collins, acting chair of the National Intelligence Council (NIC), and deputy Maria Langan-Riekhof, while relocating the council from CIA headquarters to the DNI office (ODNI).
This came shortly after the NIC released a declassified assessment contradicting Trump administration claims about the Tren de Aragua gang's alleged coordination with the Venezuelan government, which had been used to justify deportation policies.
Collins, with nearly three decades of intelligence experience, faced whistleblower complaints for alleged political bias and was associated with Michael Morell, who had previously questioned the authenticity of the later-proven Hunter Biden laptop story.
Republican narrative
Gabbard and Rubio are proving their loyalty to America by purging these corrupt career intelligence bureaucrats. Before this, Gabbard had already fired NSA and CIA officials who were discussing inappropriate topics on government servers, while Rubio exposed that Biden's State Department was censoring citizens and keeping dossiers on Trump allies. The national security apparatus was rotten to its core before these two entered office.
Democratic narrative
The abrupt actions of Tulsi Gabbard and her Trump loyalist allies undermine national security. Her evasive Senate testimony about the Signal group chat leaking sensitive military data shows reckless disregard for protocol; moving the president's daily brief to her office risks inefficiencies; and firing experts like Michael Collins weakens intelligence. These moves prioritize control over competence, eroding public trust for personal gain.
Nerd narrative
There is a 2.7% chance that Tulsi Gabbard will be the 2028 Republican nominee for president of the United States, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
El Chapo's Family Reportedly Enters US in Apparent Cartel Plea Deal
Mexico's security secretary Omar García Harfuch stated on Tuesday evening that last week 17 family members of Sinaloa Cartel leaders, including El Chapo's ex-wife Griselda López, crossed into the United States through the San Ysidro border crossing, carrying suitcases and over $70,000 in cash.
The family's entry has been linked to negotiations between U.S. authorities and Ovidio Guzmán López, El Chapo's son, who is scheduled to change his plea to guilty in federal court in Chicago on July 9. The U.S. government has not commented on the matter.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed surprise at the development, stating she learned about it through news reports. She demanded transparency from U.S. officials regarding any agreements made with the cartel members.
Narrative A
This is a calculated organizational decision by one faction of the cartel. This arrangement allows one faction to secure protection through cooperation with U.S. authorities while another maintains operational control in Mexico, ensuring the cartel's survival through a division of roles that benefits both sides of the organization. It remains to be seen what the United States gets out of this, but more important details may be forthcoming in the future.
Anti-Trump narrative
The Trump administration's decision to allow cartel family members into the United States contradicts its tough-on-crime stance and border security promises. This move raises serious questions about the consistency of immigration policies and demonstrates preferential treatment for some groups while maintaining harsh measures against others, including students exercising their First Amendment rights.
Pro-Trump narrative
The Trump administration is deeply committed to enhancing national security along its southern border — even taking steps such as offering Mexico military assistance to fight the cartels. U.S. and Mexican officials collaborate deeply, including on the deployment of surveillance drones, but Mexico must do more. The U.S. is consistently exploring multiple, creative avenues for enhancing its national security and dismantling transnational organized crime.
Nerd narrative
There's a 10% chance that the United States will deploy military forces in Mexico without the cooperation of the Mexican government before Jan. 1, 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Study: Chimps Show Medical Care Skills in Uganda Forest
Scientists studying chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest have documented 41 cases of medical care behaviors, including 34 instances of self-care and seven cases of treating others' wounds.
The chimpanzees were observed using multiple treatment techniques, including wound licking, finger pressing, leaf-dabbing, and applying chewed plant materials to injuries, with many of the plants used having known antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The specific medicinal plants identified include species from the Acalypha family, Alchornea floribunda, and Pseudospondias microcarpa, all of which have documented healing properties in traditional medicine.
Narrative A
This study confirms previous research showing that chimpanzees use medicinal plants to heal wounds, building on proving their empathy and mutual care. Like humans, chimps select plants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting shared cognitive traits. Their consoling behaviors, akin to human empathy, and ability to pass down medicinal knowledge highlight our close evolutionary bond, challenging views of chimps as merely violent.
Narrative B
Studies like this draw attention to the biological connection humans share with other mammals — especially traits like empathy and natural healing — that society has strayed from. Rapid techno-social progress can amplify our weaknesses and erode the communal bonds that once sustained us. Advanced medicine and technology — while undeniably remarkable — can create unstable networks, harming the very beings they aim to help by abandoning our innate, animal-like harmony.