Kyodo News Digest: June 28, 2026

• A new POLITICO poll reveals that the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement is not a monolith, consisting of individuals with diverse political ideologies and opposing views. • The grassroots effort played a significant role in supporting Donald Trump's 2024 presidential victory and provided momentum for candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• US Republican Senator Thom Tillis issued a warning on Sunday that persistent attacks on the integrity of US elections threaten to undermine public confidence in American democracy. • In addition to his warnings on election rhetoric, Tillis renewed his criticisms directed at Director of National Intelligence Bill Burns.

• The Supreme Court is preparing to release several key rulings by early July regarding presidential authority, birthright citizenship, and election rules. • These decisions will address critical disputes involving immigration policy and the legal status of independent federal agencies.

• Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old elected official, is attributing his recent primary victory to a desire to revive the historical roots of the Democratic Party. • Mamdani has emerged as a significant political "kingmaker" following the election results in 2025.

• Tensions in West Asia have escalated following fresh US-Iran strikes and the collapse of a fragile truce, while a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan. • In Venezuela, the death toll from recent earthquakes has risen to 1,430 as search and rescue operations continue for survivors.

• A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on June 29, 2026, causing significant seismic activity in the region. • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently visiting the Seychelles to strengthen bilateral ties and diplomatic relations.

• The U.S. military struck 10 targets in Iran following an order from President Donald Trump, escalating tensions and disrupting an uneasy ceasefire. • The attacks were launched in response to an Iranian assault on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz that occurred earlier on Saturday.

• Students and families gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on June 22 to protest against the NEET paper leak and CBSE evaluation failures. • The demonstrations highlight a growing wave of "Gen Z resistance" against systemic educational irregularities and government mismanagement.

• India has officially rejected allegations made by Pakistan regarding an attack in Karachi. • Activist Sonam Wangchuk has joined the Citizens' Justice Peace (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, initiating a hunger strike on June 28, 2026.

• England has begun preparations to face DR Congo in the Round of 32, while Scotland's Steve Clarke has stepped down as manager. • The tournament sees the exit of Iran and South Korea, with the latter's president publicly criticizing the team's performance.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on June 27, 2026, his intention to form a broader governing coalition following the upcoming elections. • Netanyahu explicitly stated that he intends to distance his future government from both far-right and left-wing political factions.