INTERNACIONAL
Winners, losers and grab-bags from House GOP’s narrow passage of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

With the narrow 215-214 passage of House Republicans’ «Big, Beautiful Bill,» (BBB) there were noted winners and losers, and some entities who felt mixed results from the midnight-oil-burning negotiations and vote.
The House Freedom Caucus (HFC) within the GOP conference appeared to be a key player in BBB talks, as Chairman Andy Harris of Maryland voted «present» while two other HFC members – Reps. Warren Davidson of Ohio and Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted «nay.»
The HFC was initially very concerned about the bill’s spending levels and how quickly – or not – some of the reduction measures would be implemented.
Ultimately, the HFC won out in terms of shifting Medicaid Work Requirements in the bill to take effect by 2027 rather than the originally-proposed 2029 deadline.
MIKE JOHNSON, DONALD TRUMP GET BIG BEAUTIFUL WIN AS BUDGET BILL PASSES HOUSE
On the other GOP flank, moderates and lawmakers from blue states had expressed concern over the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) – which helps Democrat-run state residents lessen their tax burden.
Originally, SALT was capped at $10,000, but the budget bill raised it to $30,000 for individuals earning up to $400,000.
Rep. Michael Lawler, R-N.Y., and other blue-state Republicans clashed with President Donald Trump on the matter – with the president retorting that he knew Lawler’s Rockland County district better than he did.
Lawler was seen as a winner in the budget bill’s passage, as his work – along with Long Island Republicans like Rep. Nick LaLota, secured the deduction for their constituents.
Another blue state Republican, Rep. Andrew Garbarino of New York, was one of two nonvoting members – the other being Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., according to the official roll.
Residents of such high-tax states as New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland and California won out in that respect, ensuring that they would be able to continue to utilize SALT.
Outright winners in the bill were Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., — who saw some version of their original effort come to pass.
Trump also saw his sweeping middle- and upper-class tax cuts preserved from expiration, which in turn rendered debt-and-deficit hawks proverbial losers.
ADAM SCHIFF TELLS EPA’S LEE ZELDIN HE’LL CAUSE CANCER AFTER SHOUTFEST
Passage of the bill in the House comes as the national debt currently sits at $36,214,475,432,210.84, according to Fox Business’ National Debt Tracker. The federal deficit will grow by about $2 trillion over 10 years, according to reports, while the tax cuts’ preservation will reduce gross federal revenue.
But Medicaid and SNAP work requirements funding cuts are expected to lessen that blow.
Other winners included illegal immigration hawks, with the bill allocating billions for the Pentagon and for homeland security, including at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Energy interests also won out in the bill’s passage.
The American Petroleum Institute applauded the House for taking another step to «restore American energy dominance.»
«By preserving competitive tax policies, beginning to reverse the ‘methane fee,’ opening lease sales and advancing important progress on permitting, this historic legislation is a win for our nation’s energy future,» the group said in a statement.
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Johnson, left, Trump, right (Getty)
Losers included Democratic leadership, as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., saw his caucus vote as a bloc, but with just shy of the partisan force necessary to block the bill.
One particularly upset «loser» in the bill’s passage was House Homeland Security Committee ranking member Bennie Thompson of Mississippi.
«You can’t shovel s—t and call it sugar,» Thompson fumed in a Thursday statement.
«This horrific bill is one of the most shameful grifts I have ever seen played on the American public,» he added.
Abortion providers also lost out via the bill, as it reportedly bans Medicaid disbursements to Planned Parenthood for one year, which could lead to decreased revenue for such organizations.
Opponents of SALT, including members of the HFC also essentially lost out, given the fact the deduction remained intact and was somewhat bolstered.
The bill’s slashing of green energy tax credits also renders that particular corporate sector – including wind, solar and EV concerns – another potential loser in the BBB.
House Budget,Republicans,Donald Trump,Mike Johnson,New York
INTERNACIONAL
White House urges Iran to accept nuclear deal as IAEA reports uranium enrichment spike

The White House on Saturday said it is in Iran’s «best interest to accept» its proposal on a nuclear deal following a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency saying the country is swiftly increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium.
«President Trump has made it clear that Iran can never obtain a nuclear bomb,» White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. «Special Envoy [Steve] Witkoff has sent a detailed and acceptable proposal to the Iranian regime, and it’s in their best interest to accept it. Out of respect for the ongoing deal, the administration will not comment on details of the proposal to the media.»
The IAEA’s report said Iran had increased its stockpile to 900.8 pounds of uranium enriched by up to 60% as of May 17, a nearly 50% increase since the agency’s last report in February, which put the stockpile at 605.8 pounds.
The report said Iran is «the only non-nuclear-weapon state to produce such material,» which is a «serious concern.»
IRAN CONDEMNS AUSTRIA OVER REPORT ON ADVANCED NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM
The White House on Saturday said it is in Iran’s «best interest to accept» its proposal on a nuclear deal after a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency said the country is increasing its stockpile of near weapons-grade enriched uranium. (Getty Images)
The IAEA added that just 92 pounds of 60% enriched uranium is enough to produce an atomic bomb if it is enriched to 90%.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but U.S. intelligence agencies say the country has «undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so.»
Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a joint statement that the report was based on «unreliable and differing information sources,» claiming that it was biased and unprofessional.
The statement added, «The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its disappointment about the report, which was prepared by imposing pressure on the agency for political purposes, and expresses its obvious objection about its content.»

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi in front of the gate of the Fordow nuclear enrichment plant in Fordow near the city of Qom last November. (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran/AFP via Getty Images)
On Thursday, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that he was unsure a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal could be imminently reached.
«Iran is sincere about a diplomatic solution that will serve the interests of all sides. But getting there requires an agreement that will fully terminate all sanctions and uphold Iran’s nuclear rights — including enrichment,» he wrote.
IRAN FOREIGN MINISTER VOWS NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT WILL CONTINUE ‘WITH OR WITHOUT A DEAL’
Oman Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi presented the Trump administration’s first formal proposal in Tehran Saturday, which calls for Iran to cease all uranium enrichment and for a regional consortium that includes Iran, Saudi Arabia and other Arab states and the U.S. for producing nuclear power, The New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the document.

An Iranian newspaper addresses the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. (Alborz Irani/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also put out a rare statement on a Saturday about the IAEA’s report, calling it «grave.»
«The agency presents a stark picture that serves as a clear warning sign: Despite countless warnings by the international community, Iran is totally determined to complete its nuclear weapons program,» Netanyahu’s office said.
«The report strongly reinforces what Israel has been saying for years — the purpose of Iran’s nuclear program is not peaceful. This is evident from the alarming scope of Iran’s uranium enrichment activity. Such a level of enrichment exists only in countries actively pursuing nuclear weapons and has no civilian justification whatsoever.
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«The report clearly indicates that Iran remains in non-compliance of its fundamental commitments and obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and continues to withhold cooperation from IAEA inspectors. The international community must act now to stop Iran.»
Iran,Donald Trump,White House,Nuclear Proliferation
INTERNACIONAL
«Un operativo sin precedentes»: los asilados de la Embajada argentina dieron detalles sobre el rescate en Caracas

La liberación de cuatro asilados venezolanos en la Embajada argentina en Caracas fue confirmada el 6 de mayo. Los colaboradores de María Corina Machado abandonaron la sede diplomática, donde permanecieron refugiados por más de un año, como parte del operativo bautizado “Operación Guacamaya”.
Poco trascendió de la modalidad del rescate que encabezó el gobierno de Estados Unidos, con la colaboración de la Argentina y la participación de Machado. Lo que sí anticiparon es que en “la continuidad” de esta operación también abandonaron el país la madre de Machado y la esposa y el hijo del gendarme argentino Nahuel Gallo, detalló uno de los asilados Omar González.
Leé también: El dramático testimonio de los opositores venezolanos que estuvieron refugiados en la Embajada argentina
Semanas después, ese dirigente, junto a Magalli Meda y Pedro Urruchurtu hablaron con la periodista Carolina Amoroso en TN Internacional sobre esas dramáticas horas en que escaparon de la Embajada en Caracas.
Los detalles del “Operativo Guacamaya”
Para Meda, fue “un operativo sin precedentes». También consideró que la Embajada “dejó de ser un espacio diplomático protegido por convenios internacionales”.
“Gastaron una fortuna en cercarlo, no solamente afuera con las alcabalas, sino que las casas aledañas fueron confiscadas para montar centros de operaciones de control, seguimiento y supervisión de hombres armados”, contó.
Si bien la manera en que el operativo fue realizado sigue siendo un secreto, ella detalló que “requirió mucha coordinación, organización y mucha valentía y además articulación con la comunidad internacional”.
“Nosotros no podemos dar absolutamente ningún detalle porque es parte de un proceso en el que se está trabajando por la libertad de Venezuela. Éramos un reflejo del atropello absoluto del Estado de derecho que viven todos los venezolanos. Nos convirtieron en unos rehenes, violaron completamente nuestros derechos humanos, y no nos quedó más remedio que organizar una salida porque, de lo contrario, íbamos a terminar muertos“, explicó Mena.
Leé también: Internas y lucha de poder: la oposición venezolana se fracturó a 10 meses de la discutida reelección de Maduro
Y agregó: “Sabemos que el régimen tenía toda la intención de hacer un montaje de una supuesta fuga que iba a terminar en una desaparición forzada de todos los asilados».
Días después de conocerse la salida de los asilados, Mena denunció que agentes del chavismo allanaron su casa y luego la de su madre, donde denunció que “robaron objetos de valor y un auto que usaron para trasladar el botín”. ”En Venezuela, nadie está seguro», alertó.
“Jamás nos íbamos a rendir”
Los opositores también denunciaron que se les negó el acceso al agua y la electricidad mientras estuvieron asilados. González, que sufre de problemas cardíacos, reclamó en enero que le habían rechazado la entrega de un medicamento.
“Nunca nos sentimos sometidos a las amenazas y la tortura psicológica de la dictadura de Nicolás Maduro. En nuestros corazones estaba la convicción de que jamás nos íbamos a rendir y eso nos ayudó. (…) Nosotros teníamos un propósito, luchar por la liberación de Venezuela, y eso nos dio mucha fuerza”, aseguró.
En ese sentido, resaltó: “A pesar de que teníamos electricidad, ni agua, y limitaciones de alimentos y de medicinas, nos las ingeniamos no solo para sobrevivir, sino para poder salir de esa prisión en que habían convertido la sede diplomática de la Argentina en Venezuela. Lo hicimos en las narices de quienes aseguran tener el control de la seguridad”.
Los asilados denunciaron el recrudecimiento de la violencia contra la oposición en Venezuela. (Video: TN/Foto: @marcosvelazco_1 en X).
Si bien la liberación de los cinco opositores fue un éxito, hubo un sexto asilado, Fernando Martínez Mottola, que no resistió el asedio. El asesor de la alianza Plataforma de la Unidad Democrática (PUD) negoció su salida con el chavismo en diciembre, y dos meses después, murió en su casa.
Meda lo recordó como un colega con quien tuvo “una amistad de muchos años” y como “un hombre muy compenetrado con su familia” que, aunque se ejercitaba frecuentemente mientras permaneció en la Embajada, su salud se debilitó porque estaba “bajo mucha presión”. “Él tuvo varios episodios con su salud. A nosotros nos golpeó muy duro enterarnos de su fallecimiento”, lamentó.
“Nuestra salida no tuvo nada que ver con ellos”
Urruchurtu denunciaba a diario en las redes sociales el asedio que sufrieron durante más de un año en la Embajada.
Ahora, remarca que la “ola represiva que se ha desatado no tiene precedentes”, lo que “desmonta esa versión que ellos quisieron venderle al país y al mundo de que ellos negociaron” la salida de los dirigentes.
“Es completamente incoherente la reacción violenta contra nosotros, contra nuestros entornos y contra la sociedad venezolana. No se justifica esa respuesta, porque ellos saben lo que hicimos y saben que nuestra salida no tuvo nada que ver con ellos”, agregó.
Leé también: Diosdado Cabello acusó al argentino Germán Giuliani, detenido en Venezuela: “Detrás de todo no solo hay droga”
Urruchurtu además destacó que este rescate es un paso más hacia la democracia. “Si algo demuestra nuestra operación es que el régimen es derrotable y está débil. Evidentemente, estas respuestas que hemos visto en las últimas horas lo confirman”, dijo.
También aclaró que los cinco opositores están comprometidos con la misión de Machado y continuarán colaborando con ella en la distancia. “En Venezuela opera una diplomacia de rehenes. Se usan extranjeros y presos políticos como fichas de canje y esto tiene que acabarse y ese es nuestro compromiso. Estamos muy conscientes de los tiempos de urgencia“, aseveró.

Pedro Urruchurtu remarcó que están comprometidos con la misión de María Corina Machado. (Video: TN/Foto: AFP).
“María Corina Machado está en peligro”
La violencia contra la oposición se recrudeció en los últimos días, denunciaron. González admitió que temen “por la vida de Juan Pablo Guanipa”, la mano derecha de Machado que fue detenido el 24 de mayo, pero también por el “millar de presos políticos”.
“Venezuela es el país con más presos políticos en el mundo, de los cuales muchos han sido asesinados, torturados, lanzados desde una ventana, sometidos a vejámenes humanos. No hay ningún límite, arrestan a menores de edad, ancianos, gente trabajadora. Esta gente está desesperada y ha arreciado la represión», denunció.
Leé también: Alerta de Estados Unidos: les pidió a sus ciudadanos que abandonen inmediatamente Venezuela
En ese sentido, advirtió que Machado, quien permanece en la clandestinidad dentro del país, “está en peligro”. “Hay una cacería humana. En este momento, hay una persecución en su contra”, aseguró.
Sin embargo, afirmó que la líder opositora “planificó todo el proceso” de la “Operación Guacamaya” y con este éxito, “se ha destacado como una líder militar, y los policías y militares comienzan a verla como su comandante en jefe”.
Venezuela, refugiados, embajada, Argentina, Caracas
INTERNACIONAL
Floods kill at least 111 as northern Nigeria battles climate change, dry spells and heavy rainfall

Torrents of predawn rain unleashed flooding that killed at least 111 people in a market town where northern Nigerian farmers sell their wares to traders from the south, officials said Friday, predicting the death toll would grow.
The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency did not immediately say how much rain fell after midnight Thursday in the town of Mokwa in the state of Niger, more than 180 miles west of Abuja, the capital of Africa’s most populous nation.
SOUTHEAST MET WITH DANGEROUS FLOODING WHILE NORTHEAST BRACES FOR SNOWSTORMS
Communities in northern Nigeria have been experiencing prolonged dry spells worsened by climate change and excessive rainfall that leads to severe flooding during the brief wet season.
In videos and photos on social media, floodwaters covered neighborhoods and homes were submerged, with their roofs barely visible above the brown-colored waters. Waist-deep in water, residents tried to salvage what they could, or rescue others.
A person looks on in his collapsed house following flooding that forced several thousands from their homes in Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria, May 31, 2025. (Reuters/Stringer)
«We lost many lives, and the properties, our farm produce. Those that have their storage have lost it,» Kazeem Muhammed, a Mokwa resident, said.
Besides the 111 confirmed dead, «more bodies have just been brought and are yet to be counted,» Niger state emergency agency spokesman IIbrahim Audu Husseini told The Associated Press by telephone Friday afternoon.
Mokwa, nearly 380 kilometers (236 miles) west of Abuja, is a major meeting point where traders from the south buy beans, onions and other food from farmers in the north.
Mokwa community leader Aliki Musa told the AP the villagers are not used to such flooding. «The water is like spiritual water which used to come but it’s seasonal,» said Musa. «It can come now (and) it will reach another twenty years before coming again.»
The chairman of the Mokwa local government area, Jibril Muregi, told local news website Premium Times that construction of flood-control works was long overdue.
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«This critical infrastructure is essential to mitigating future flood risks and protecting lives and property,» he said.
In September, torrential rains and a dam collapse in the northeastern city of Maiduguri caused severe flooding that left at least 30 people dead and displaced millions, worsening the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
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