1. Graham Platner Holds the Cards in Maine
   Bernie Sanders wants Graham Platner out of the Maine Senate race, but Platner has leverage over Democrats and may be refusing to leave without concessions. I explain the looming ballot deadline, the fight over his potential replacement, and why this mess could get even worse for Democrats.
2. Iran Escalates Near the Strait of Hormuz
   Iran is targeting commercial shipping with missiles and drones while the United States tightens pressure on Iranian oil sales. I explain how a U.S.-protected shipping channel near Oman is undermining Iran's strategy and why another military confrontation may be approaching.
3. Putin Tests NATO as America Sends Mixed Signals
   Vladimir Putin is probing European defenses while NATO allies grow increasingly concerned about America's commitment to the alliance. I look at Russian pressure against Finland, the Baltic states, and Poland, and why weakness now could lead to a much larger war later.
4. Tariffs Are Not Delivering the Promised Manufacturing Boom
   New economic data shows health care growing while manufacturing jobs decline and promised foreign investment falls short. I explain why tariffs are raising costs for American businesses without producing the manufacturing revival the country was promised.

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