Donald Trump’s victory in Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large Arab American population, highlights a growing disconnect between Democratic leadership and communities that once formed its base. Despite Trump’s history of demonizing Muslims, he won 42.5% of the vote in Dearborn, while Vice President Kamala Harris received 36%. This shift, which some attribute to frustration with Democratic support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, has left many Arab American voters feeling disillusioned with the Democratic party. While some, like Abbas Alawieh, a lifelong Democrat, still voted for Harris out of opposition to Trump, many, like Layla Elabed, felt they could not support a party that ignored their pleas for a more nuanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This election has exposed a need for the Democratic party to re-engage with its grassroots, listen to the concerns of its base, and address the issues that matter most to its constituents, lest it risk losing them to the opposing party.
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Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and a prominent evangelical figure, has been chosen by President Trump to be the US ambassador to Israel. This appointment has sparked a wave of reactions, ranging from amusement to alarm, reflecting the deep divisions in American politics and the complex relationship between the US and Israel.
Huckabee’s selection has been met with skepticism and even outright criticism from many, who see him as unqualified and potentially harmful to US interests. His past pronouncements on Israel, including his support for the idea of forcibly relocating Palestinians, have drawn particular concern. His association with figures like Pastor John Hagee, who believes in a literal interpretation of biblical prophecy and advocates for a military strike on Iran, has further fueled concerns about his potential influence on US foreign policy.… Continue reading
President-elect Trump has proposed eliminating the Department of Education, returning education control to the states. This plan, part of his 10-point education agenda, includes promoting Christian Nationalism, attacking teachers’ unions, and diverting public funds to private schools. Trump also intends to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs through the Department of Justice, potentially harming Black and brown communities by hindering access to student debt relief, Pell Grants, and protections against discrimination. While Congress likely won’t vote to eliminate the Department of Education, Trump could significantly weaken it through executive actions, shifting the responsibility and burden of education funding to individual states.
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The Kremlin has vehemently denied reports of a phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, in which Trump allegedly warned Putin against escalating the war in Ukraine. While Trump’s team declined to comment on the president-elect’s private calls, both the Kremlin and Trump’s communications director have refuted the Washington Post’s claims, labeling them as “pure fiction” and “false information.” Despite the denial, the potential impact of Trump’s policies on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant concern, with various international figures voicing their hopes that the United States will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
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Taiwan has quietly become a major supplier of air defense systems to Ukraine, donating surplus HAWK surface-to-air missile batteries. This contribution, likely facilitated by the U.S., complements other HAWK donations from the U.S. and Spain, potentially boosting Ukraine’s air defense force by nearly a third. While the HAWK system is older, it remains effective against slower drones, cruise missiles, and manned aircraft, and its compatibility with the NASAMS system enhances its value to Ukraine. This donation signifies a vital contribution to Ukraine’s diversified air defense network, ensuring a more resilient defense against constant Russian attacks.
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Jack Teixeira, a former Air National Guard member, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegally sharing classified documents from the Pentagon on a social media platform. Teixeira pleaded guilty to six counts of espionage-related charges, acknowledging his actions in transmitting sensitive information about matters like military aid to Ukraine and threats against U.S. forces abroad. He was arrested in April 2023 and had been in custody since mid-May. Despite possessing a top-secret security clearance and receiving training on handling classified information, Teixeira began sharing documents online in January 2023, ultimately leading to his arrest and conviction.
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Melania Trump is declining an invitation to a traditional tea with First Lady Jill Biden, opting to skip the customary event held during presidential transitions. While some members of her husband’s team encouraged her attendance, Melania has cited scheduling conflicts with her new memoir as the reason for her absence. This decision marks her autonomy, especially considering her limited involvement in the campaign and her avoidance of the political spotlight. Despite a tradition established by Michelle Obama hosting Melania in 2016, the two women have not spoken since the 2020 election, further highlighting the division between the families.
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South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, known for her conservative stances and national prominence within the Republican Party, has been chosen by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security. This appointment comes after Noem’s successful reelection campaign, which saw her leverage her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her outspoken opposition to government mandates. Trump’s choice of Noem, a strong supporter of his immigration policies, signals his intent to prioritize border security and crack down on illegal immigration. The agency, which has faced significant turmoil and leadership changes under Trump’s previous administration, oversees a massive budget and workforce.
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Gen Z voters, like Kate and Holly, are facing a deepening political divide with their Trump-supporting parents, a disconnect exacerbated by Trump’s re-election in 2024. While Kate’s parents transitioned from fiscal Republicans to QAnon believers, Holly’s parents, despite instilling empathy in her, now support a candidate whose rhetoric contradicts their past values. This generational gap is causing significant family rifts, leaving young people like Kate feeling isolated and fearing the loss of their entire family. The political landscape has intensified the differences between generations, leaving families struggling to bridge the chasm of conflicting ideologies.
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A 62-year-old man, identified as Fan, deliberately drove his vehicle into a crowd exercising at the Zhuhai Sports Center, resulting in the deaths of 35 people and injuries to 43 others. Police have detained Fan, who is in a coma after self-inflicting injuries. Initial investigations indicate that Fan’s actions stemmed from dissatisfaction with property division following his divorce. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Chinese social media, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for Fan’s “severe punishment in accordance with the law.” The attack comes amidst a recent string of violent incidents targeting civilians in China, raising concerns about public safety.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood