A Republican-linked political action committee (PAC) is employing a divisive tactic by targeting Arab American and Jewish American voters in key swing states with contradictory messages about Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on Israel. This PAC, known as FC PAC, has been funded by a dark money group with ties to former President Trump, and aims to stoke divisions and discourage voters from supporting a particular candidate. The advertisements, often mimicking the style of campaign materials, present Harris as both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine depending on the target audience. Experts warn that this manipulative strategy, while alarming, may be effective due to widespread frustration among Arab Americans over Democratic support for Israel, particularly in light of recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.
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A recent federal court ruling has dealt a blow to President Biden’s efforts to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. The program, which aimed to streamline the process and provide relief for families facing separation due to immigration status, has been deemed illegal by the court. This decision comes amidst a long-standing debate about immigration policy and the role of executive orders in shaping the legal landscape.
The ruling highlights the ongoing struggle for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. The Biden administration, like its predecessors, has resorted to executive actions to address pressing issues in the absence of congressional consensus.… Continue reading
The Biden administration has lifted a ban on American military contractors deploying to Ukraine, allowing them to help maintain and repair US-provided weapons systems like F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems. This shift aims to expedite repairs and maintenance, particularly for advanced systems requiring specialized expertise, which were previously transported out of Ukraine for repairs. The contractors will be located away from the front lines and their presence in Ukraine is anticipated to be limited, with a few dozen to a couple hundred contractors working at any given time. The decision was made after careful risk assessment and includes a requirement for contractors to develop robust risk mitigation plans to ensure the safety of their employees.
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Special counsel Jack Smith’s request to pause the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in order to assess an “unprecedented circumstance” has sparked a firestorm of reactions. The move, while seemingly intended to ensure a fair and thorough investigation, has been met with a mix of outrage, resignation, and even a touch of morbid humor.
Many critics see Smith’s request as a sign of weakness, a capitulation to Trump’s penchant for manipulating the legal system to his advantage. They argue that the case should proceed without delay, that any pause only emboldens Trump and his allies. They point to the numerous allegations against Trump, including his alleged involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents, as evidence that a swift resolution is necessary.… Continue reading
Following Donald Trump’s 2016 election victory, a surge in wealthy Americans seeking to leave the United States has been observed. A high-net worth investment consultancy reported a fivefold increase in inquiries about emigration in the 24 hours after the election result was announced. While celebrities like Sharon Stone, Cher, and Barbra Streisand have expressed willingness to consider emigration if Trump were to win a second term, this trend persists despite Kamala Harris’s policy platform proposing higher taxes for earners exceeding $400,000 per year. Popular destinations for these millionaire expats include Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
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Elon Musk’s unexpected participation in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Trump’s congratulatory message, raises concerns due to Musk’s close relationship with Vladimir Putin. Despite past disagreements, the call reportedly left Zelenskyy feeling optimistic, reassured by Trump’s support and Musk’s continued commitment to providing Starlink services. While the details of the conversation remain undisclosed, the involvement of both Trump and Musk in supporting Ukraine during this critical time is noteworthy.
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Elon Musk participated in a call between President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the day after the election. The inclusion of Musk, known for his pro-Trump stance and his role in providing Starlink internet service to Ukraine, raises questions about his potential influence in the new administration. Musk’s Starlink service has been a valuable asset to the Ukrainian military but his relationship with Ukraine has become strained due to his concerns about the cost of providing the service and reports of its use by Russian forces. Additionally, Musk’s interactions with Russian officials and his reported “regular contact” with Vladimir Putin have raised national security concerns.
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Israeli forces have declared their intention to prevent the return of Palestinian residents to northern Gaza following a systematic evacuation. This action, which has been criticized by international humanitarian law experts as a potential war crime, has been justified by Israel as necessary to combat regrouped Hamas cells. While Israel denies forcing evacuations, residents have described dire conditions and a desperate flight south. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon continues, marked by a deadly Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Barja and retaliatory rocket fire by Hezbollah targeting Israel.
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EU leaders, meeting in Budapest, have signed a declaration aimed at boosting the bloc’s competitiveness, driven by concerns over US protectionist trade policies and a need to address Europe’s own economic stagnation. The declaration calls for reduced bureaucracy, increased investment, easier access to capital, and higher productivity, echoing the recommendations of a report by former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi. This report, warning of a “slow and agonising decline” for the EU, proposes radical reforms, including increased common borrowing and a “true single capital market,” to avert this fate. The summit also recognized the urgency of the situation, with leaders acknowledging the need to address both the economic challenges and the implications of the changing geopolitical landscape.
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The fate of Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts in New York will be determined next week, with a judge deciding whether to grant his request to dismiss the case. If the judge upholds the conviction, Trump will face sentencing later this month, a move that would be unprecedented in American history. While the judge is unlikely to sentence Trump to jail time due to his status as a sitting president, his legal team is expected to seek delays and appeals. This case, unlike federal charges against Trump, remains a significant legal hurdle due to the unique complexities of sentencing a sitting president and the lack of presidential pardon power in state cases.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood