Protests erupted across the US on Saturday, with demonstrators in cities like New York, Seattle, and Washington DC taking to the streets to oppose Donald Trump’s re-election. These demonstrations, fueled by anxieties surrounding Trump’s policies on reproductive rights, immigration, and other issues, saw participants from various advocacy groups united in their opposition. Signs and chants expressed concerns about the future of workers’ rights, women’s rights, and the potential for mass deportations. Demonstrators expressed their determination to fight against what they see as an attack on their rights and freedoms.
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A rear admiral in the Mexican navy was shot and killed in Manzanillo, a key port city on the Pacific coast. This marks one of the highest-ranking military officers slain in Mexico in a decade, with the last such incident occurring in 2013 when a vice admiral was killed in Michoacan. While attacks on high-ranking officers are relatively rare, the Mexican government has increasingly entrusted the navy, army, and National Guard with law enforcement duties, placing them at the forefront of the fight against drug cartels. Manzanillo’s strategic location for drug smuggling, with direct shipments from Asia, makes it a highly valuable target for cartels seeking to import precursor chemicals for fentanyl production.
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Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, argues in his new book, *Dawn’s Early Light*, that a “controlled burn” is necessary to revitalize America. This “burn” would target institutions like the FBI, Ivy League colleges, and the Boy Scouts, which he sees as corrupted and hindering conservative aims. Roberts uses fire imagery throughout the book, comparing progressive policies to Dutch elm disease and advocating for “burning away the rot” of existing institutions. His rhetoric, reminiscent of Trump’s own fiery language, has already proven controversial, and with Trump’s victory, his call for a “controlled burn” is likely to alarm progressives.
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A man has been charged with arson after a wildfire in New Jersey was sparked by a shotgun round, according to authorities. The incident has drawn criticism from many, highlighting the dangers of using incendiary rounds, especially during a fire ban.
The fire, which ignited amidst a period of severe drought, quickly gained attention due to the unusual cause. The suspect, according to reports, was using “Dragons Breath” rounds, which are incendiary ammunition known to produce extremely hot magnesium shards. This type of round is prohibited in New Jersey, and the suspect was allegedly shooting them in an area under fire restrictions.… Continue reading
Democrat Ruben Gallego has edged out former news anchor Kari Lake for Arizona’s open Senate seat, securing a victory for his party in a tight race. Gallego’s win fills the seat vacated by Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who opted not to seek reelection. While Gallego’s victory marks a win for Democrats, Republicans will maintain control of the Senate overall, with victories in West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio. The control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain, with potential implications for President Trump’s agenda in his second term.
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Despite recent assurances to Ukrainian President Zelensky, there are growing indications that incoming President Trump’s Ukraine policy may prioritize peace over territorial restoration, potentially leading to a “take it or leave it” situation for Kyiv. While Trump’s spokesperson denied a senior Republican strategist’s claim that the president would focus on peace, Trump’s decision to exclude pro-Ukraine Secretary of State Pompeo from his administration and his prior skepticism towards Ukraine funding raise concerns. Furthermore, Elon Musk’s presence on the call with Zelensky and his past expressions of doubt regarding Ukraine’s chances against Russia, coupled with John Bolton’s prediction of a deal with Putin involving Ukrainian concessions, further reinforce this potential shift in US policy.
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A federal judge has granted a stay of execution to Thomas Creech, an Idaho inmate scheduled to be put to death next week. This comes after Creech survived a botched execution attempt in February, where authorities were unable to establish an IV line despite multiple attempts. Creech’s attorneys argued that another execution would constitute cruel and unusual punishment and violate double jeopardy principles. The judge’s decision grants a reprieve while the court further considers Creech’s appeal, with a supplemental brief due by Friday. This stay effectively suspends preparations for a second execution, as the current death warrant is set to expire on Wednesday.
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Rod Ashby, a US Navy veteran, was devastated after Hurricane Helene destroyed his home and his wife, Kim, went missing. Seeking a new truck to help with the search, he fell victim to a scam, wiring nearly $40,000 to a fake online dealer impersonating a Colorado car dealership. This scam, which targeted other victims, exacerbated the family’s anguish as they grapple with the loss of their home, Kim’s disappearance, and the financial blow. The family has reported the fraud, but retrieving the lost funds remains uncertain. This incident highlights the importance of thorough research and caution when purchasing vehicles online, especially during times of crisis.
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has voted to change fuel standards in order to reduce emissions and improve air quality, but this decision will lead to a significant increase in gas prices throughout the state, potentially adding 65 cents per gallon. This move is aimed at addressing climate change and reducing fossil fuel consumption, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. However, the price hike has sparked concern among Californians who are already struggling with the cost of living, raising questions about whether this is the best way to encourage the transition to electric vehicles.
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Following Donald Trump’s election victory, LGBTQ advocacy groups have reported a surge in calls and messages to their crisis hotlines, particularly among transgender individuals. The Trevor Project witnessed a nearly 700% increase in outreach, with many callers expressing distress over Trump’s campaign rhetoric and policies targeting the transgender community. This surge in support requests underscores the significant impact of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation on mental health, particularly among transgender youth, who are already at higher risk of suicide and suicide attempts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood