RFE/RL News Monitoring

On the 75th Anniversary of Radio Free Europe’s First Broadcast

From the editors: Founded in 1949 during the Cold War, Radio Free Europe targeted Soviet satellite states, while Radio Liberty, established in 1951, focused on the different peoples of the Soviet Union. Initially funded covertly by the CIA until 1972, the …

'The Spirit Of Freedom:' 75 Years Of Radio Free Europe

Court cancels arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik

The President of Republika Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, voluntarily appeared at the Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, accompanied by his defense attorney, for questioning as a suspect in the investigation due to reasonable suspicion that he …

A Journalist In Jail: Freed Former RFE/RL Reporter Recalls Belarus Prison Ordeal

Journalist Ihar Karnei was in a good mood when he set out for the store one Monday morning two years ago after a “happy” summer weekend in the country visiting friends along with his wife, Ina. He didn’t make it far. Seconds after he stepped out of the …

Exiled Afghans Critical As Russia Recognizes Taliban Government

Afghans living abroad have told RFE/RL of their fears and concerns following Russia's decision to officially recognize the Taliban as their country's government. Russia is the first country in the world to do so since the group regained power …

Bosnia Court Cancels Milorad Dodik Arrest Warrant Amid Constitutional Violation Probe

On July 4, 2025, the court of Bosnia and Herzegovina ruled to cancel the arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik, the president of the Republika Srpska. He is suspected of attempting to undermine the constitutional order. Instead of arresting him, the court …

Trump Hints At New Sanctions On Russia Amid Ongoing Fighting With Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin understands that more sanctions “may be coming,” as Moscow continues to reject Washington’s push for a cease-fire in Ukraine. Speaking on Air Force One on July 4, Trump said: “ …

Bosnian court cancels arrest warrant for Republika Srpska leader Dodik

The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 4 canceled the arrest warrant for the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik, who is suspected of undermining the constitutional order. This is reported by the Balkan service of Radio Liberty and Reuters. …

Serbia Anti-Government Protests Escalate with Nationwide Blockades

Powerful anti-government protests continue in Serbia, which began on July 4. Residents of various cities across the country are actively blocking streets and setting up barricades, according to the Balkan service of Radio Free Europe. In particular, …

Michael Stipe Net Worth 2025: Unpacking the $75 Million Fortune of R.E.M.'s Enigmatic Architect

Michael Stipe Net Worth 2025: Unpacking the $75 Million Fortune of R.E.M.'s Enigmatic Architect. Michael Stipe, the distinctive voice and lyrical genius behind the legendary band R.E.M., has cultivated a career as expansive and thought-provoking as his …

'Horrible Conditions' For Ukrainians Stuck At The Georgian-Russian Border

A windowless basement space at a remote border crossing in Georgia has become the cramped home for Ukrainians who have been held by Russia, in some cases for years, and who are now being deporting. Russia is kicking the Ukrainians out after forcibly …

Analysis: Amid Stalled Talks, Russia Has Massively Increased Air Attacks On Ukraine

As several months of US-led diplomacy have failed to broker a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlin has used the time to massively ramp up aerial attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Russia almost doubled its monthly totals of missiles …

The Point of No Return: Aslan Ismailov on Why Azerbaijan Is Done with Putin’s ‘Russkiy Mir’

Interview by Vazha Tavberidze  He is one of Azerbaijan’s best-known lawyers and an outspoken human rights defender — and for decades, Aslan Ismailov has been watching Moscow’s games in the South Caucasus up close. In this wide-ranging conversation with …

The Great Realignment

Updated at 7:20 a.m. ET on July 4, 2025 The American president wrote, “Vladimir, STOP!” on his Truth Social account in April, but the Russian president did not halt his offensive in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian president called for an unconditional cease …

A good day to remember the words in our Declaration of Independence (Letters)

A good day to remember our Declaration of Independence July 4th is much more than BBQs and beer, parades and horns. It celebrates the birth of our nation, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, a statement of why our first patriots felt compelled …

Slovakia continues to block 18th EU sanctions package against Russia

Stock Photo: Getty Images The 18th EU sanctions package against Russia was discussed and ultimately not adopted during a meeting of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) in Brussels on 4 July due to Slovakia’s opposition. Source: two …

'We're Shocked': Ukrainian Soldiers Return Home After Prisoner Exchange

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as part of an ongoing agreement that has seen busloads of prisoners-of-war cross the border both ways. RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service filmed returning soldiers reuniting with their loved ones.

KALW Almanac - Friday July 4, 2025

Today is Friday, the 4th of July of 2025, July 4 is the 185th day of the year 180 days remain until the end of the year. 80 days until autumn begins The sun will rise in San Francisco at 5:53:23 am and sunset will be at 8:35:15 pm. We will have 14 hours …

Schrödinger’s Kadyrov

Each time Chechnya’s longtime ruler, Ramzan Kadyrov, disappears from the public eye, it fuels fresh speculation about whether he's still capable of leading the republic. A recent public call to “pray for Ramzan,” made by the region’s deputy information …

Minister Julien Paluku Accelerates President Tshisekedi’s Vision through U.S.–DRC Mineral Partnership and AGOA Renewal

HUNTERSVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- H.E. Julien Paluku, the Minister of Foreign Trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is proud to submit this testimony for the Annual Review of the Eligibility of Sub- …

Guerreros de Ley - Abogados de Accidentes en Texas

Guerreros de Ley: abogados de accidentes de tránsito en Texas al servicio de la comunidad latina TX, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Guerreros de Ley: abogados de accidentes en Texas al servicio de la comunidad latina En …

K3 Holdings and Alpine LA Properties Celebrate Independence Day

Investing in Affordable Housing and Standing with Immigrant Families - Real Estate Leaders Prioritize Stability, Security, & Community as Foundations of Freedom LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- K3 Holdings, a …

Market Calm Masks Trade Shock Risk: EBC Financial Group Warns Ahead of July 9 Deadline

With volatility near four-month lows and risk-on flows accelerating, traders may be underpricing disruptive global trade policy shifts DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- As the July 9 expiration of President Trump’s 90-day …

Market Calm Masks Trade Shock Risk: EBC Financial Group Warns Ahead of July 9 Deadline

With volatility near four-month lows and risk-on flows accelerating, traders may be underpricing disruptive global trade policy shifts DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- As the July 9 expiration of President Trump’s 90-day …

Market Calm Masks Trade Shock Risk: EBC Financial Group Warns Ahead of July 9 Deadline

With volatility near four-month lows and risk-on flows accelerating, traders may be underpricing disruptive global trade policy shifts DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- As the July 9 expiration of President Trump’s 90-day …

EBC Financial Group Sees Shift in Investor Sentiment as Above-Expectation 147,000 Non-Farm Payrolls Reprice Markets

Markets slash odds of a July rate cut to 4.7%, driving a broad repricing in FX and gold. DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The latest US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data, released on 3 July, delivered an unexpected jolt to global …

EBC Financial Group Sees Shift in Investor Sentiment as Above-Expectation 147,000 Non-Farm Payrolls Reprice Markets

Markets slash odds of a July rate cut to 4.7%, driving a broad repricing in FX and gold. DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The latest US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data, released on 3 July, delivered an unexpected jolt to …

Disability Advocate Slams Medicaid Cuts in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

IEP Advocate Lisa Lightner slams Medicaid and Medicare cuts in new law, warning all families will feel the impact—even those not on public benefits. PHILADELPHIA, PA, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Lisa Lightner, nationally recognized …

EBC Financial Group Sees Shift in Investor Sentiment as Above-Expectation 147,000 Non-Farm Payrolls Reprice Markets

Markets slash odds of a July rate cut to 4.7%, driving a broad repricing in FX and gold. DC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The latest US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data, released on 3 July, delivered an unexpected jolt to global …

CALDA Files Federal Lawsuit to Block Texas’ SB 17 — A New Land Ban Alleged to Target Chinese Americans

Lawsuit seeks to strike down SB 17, citing historic parallels to exclusionary land laws from the 1890s HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance (CALDA), a non-profit organization …

Applications Now Open for the February 2026 Truth and Purpose Learning Tour for Educators

SEATTLE, WA, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The Institute for Common Power is proud to invite educators from across the country to apply for our February 2026 Truth and Purpose Learning Tour, a fully funded, immersive journey …

Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Finalizes Veto Decisions

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today finalized veto decisions and issued eight vetoes of the 20 bills on the Intent-to-Veto list. As of today, Governor Green has taken action on 304 of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature in the 2025 Session. …

Congress Passes H.R. 1, Delivering Major Support for Federal Law Enforcement and Thomson Federal Prison

THOMSON, IL, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Congress has passed H.R. 1, a significant legislative package aimed at strengthening federal law enforcement, with a focus on addressing the staffing crisis at Thomson Federal Prison …

No Label Brewing, VFW Post 9182, and H-E-B Win Global Award for Veterans Support Campaign

Honored locally and globally, No Label Brewing, VFW Post 9182, and H-E-B are recognized for their impactful campaign supporting veterans in Katy, Texas. KATY, TX, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- No Label Brewing Co., VFW Post …

Family, Faith, and Forever Friends: Chapel School’s Class of 2025 Graduates

Three Emotional Speeches, Honors, and One Final Chorus Mark Milestone Ceremony NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The Chapel School in Bronxville, New York, proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 with …

SlapBak Drops the Mic with 'It’s Only America' — The Protest Anthem of a Generation

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- In a cultural moment where shouting often replaces listening and ideology overshadows empathy, SlapBak frontman Jara Harris is making noise for all the right reasons. The band’s …

Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Signs Bills to Enhance Water Safety and Kūpuna Care

HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed four measures into law today to strengthen Hawai‘i’s public safety through the enactment of safety measures and protocols surrounding retention and detention ponds, as well as legislation that implements …

Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor, Congressional Delegation Joint Statement on Republican Tax Bill

STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI   JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA   GOVERNOR, CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION JOINT STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN TAX BILL Governor, Delegation: We Are Mobilizing Now To Respond, Protect People FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3 …

Former Air Force Member Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Sexual Assault at Air Base in England

James Loubeau, a former U.S. Air Force member, was sentenced today to five years in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release for sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019. In April …