Following a conversation between President-elect Trump and Mexican President Sheinbaum, Trump declared victory in stemming illegal immigration. Sheinbaum, however, stated that Mexico was already addressing migrant caravans and had no intention of closing its border. While the status of threatened tariffs on Mexico and Canada remains unclear, Trump framed the discussion as a success, suggesting the threat of tariffs alone was an effective policy tool. Illegal immigration across the southern border has recently decreased, a trend attributed in part to increased Mexican cooperation. The potential implementation of tariffs could negatively impact the USMCA trade agreement.
Read More
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during testimony to a public inquiry into election interference, alleged that the Russian state-owned network RT financially supports Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson to disseminate destabilizing messages. This claim, made in the context of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protests, asserts that RT amplified anti-vaccine and pro-Putin messaging through these figures. Both Carlson and Peterson deny receiving funding from RT, with Peterson considering legal action against Trudeau for defamation. The allegation follows previous accusations of RT funding pro-Trump influencers in the United States.
Read More
President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to retire all Indonesian fossil fuel power plants and install over 75 gigawatts of renewable energy within 15 years, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal, a decade ahead of previous commitments, involves leveraging Indonesia’s substantial geothermal resources and other renewable energy sources. Experts welcome the announcement but emphasize the need for immediate, concrete actions to phase out coal plants and secure necessary investment. Currently, Indonesia heavily relies on coal, emitting significant carbon dioxide, underscoring the scale of the transition required.
Read More
In a hard-fought California congressional race, Democrat Derek Tran defeated incumbent Republican Michelle Steel, securing a narrow victory after a protracted vote count. Tran’s win marks a significant upset for Democrats and makes him the first Vietnamese American to represent the district, home to Little Saigon. The intensely competitive race, one of the most expensive in the nation, saw both candidates heavily target Asian American voters, highlighting the district’s demographic complexities. Tran’s victory contributes to Democrats’ success in flipping several key Republican-held seats in California.
Read More
Senator Mike Rounds introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act,” aiming to abolish the Department of Education and redistribute its $200 billion budget to other federal agencies and states. The bill faces an uphill battle, requiring a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate, though Rounds hopes to utilize a reconciliation process to pass it with a simple majority. Experts express concern over the potential negative impacts on students with disabilities and marginalized groups, highlighting the loss of crucial federal protections and funding. The bill’s passage would represent a long-held Republican goal, reversing decades of federal involvement in education.
Read More
The German intelligence chief’s warning about Russian hybrid attacks potentially triggering NATO’s Article 5 is a serious escalation of the situation. It signals a growing concern that Russia’s ongoing campaign of subversion and destabilization, far from being a contained regional issue, could directly threaten the security of NATO members. This isn’t just about tanks and troops; it’s about a creeping encroachment on the very foundations of Western democracies.
The sheer scale of Russia’s meddling warrants a robust response. We’re talking about meddling in elections, buying influence with politicians, and flooding social media with disinformation – a multifaceted attack aimed at eroding trust and destabilizing societies from within.… Continue reading
Sam Benastick, a 20-year-old hiker, was found alive after over five weeks missing in remote British Columbia. He had embarked on a 10-day camping trip in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park on October 7th but became lost. Benastick, found by workers on a service road, survived harsh winter conditions including temperatures below -20°C by utilizing his cut-up sleeping bag and two walking sticks. He is now recovering in hospital from frostbite and smoke inhalation.
Read More
In contrast to recent discussions promoting civility, the author argues that hatred towards specific ideologies is necessary. The author contends that civility allows harmful individuals and policies to flourish, citing examples of voter suppression, xenophobia, and inadequate veteran care. Instead of compromise, the author advocates for actively opposing anti-democratic forces and their harmful agendas. This rejection of civility is presented as a necessary step to combat what the author views as dangerous political positions.
Read More
President-elect Trump’s reported plans to combat Mexican drug cartels, developed since early 2023, are gaining traction among even mainstream Republicans. Proposals range from covert special forces operations targeting cartel leadership to more overt actions like drone strikes and airstrikes. Key Trump nominees, including Hegseth and Rubio, publicly support military intervention. The plans, discussed with multiple Republican advisors, represent a spectrum of military force, from targeted assassinations to cyber warfare.
Read More
Elon Musk accused Alexander Vindman, a key witness in Trump’s first impeachment, of treason on X, calling for him to “pay the appropriate penalty.” This followed Vindman’s MSNBC appearance where he raised concerns about Musk’s potential sharing of state secrets with Putin. Vindman denied Musk’s accusations, calling them unfounded. Musk’s actions have drawn significant criticism, particularly given his close ties to the incoming Trump administration and his failure to provide evidence for his claims.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood