Panama’s president has made it abundantly clear: there will be no negotiation regarding the Panama Canal. This firm stance, issued in advance of Senator Rubio’s visit, signals a potentially significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Panama and the United States. The president’s unwavering position leaves little room for compromise, suggesting a determination to resist any perceived pressure from the US.
The idea of the US taking over the canal is unrealistic. It’s a notion that only those lacking a sound grasp of geopolitical realities would seriously entertain. Any attempt to seize control would face significant logistical hurdles, not to mention provoking widespread international condemnation.… Continue reading
A non-binding motion for stricter German border and asylum rules passed with the support of the far-right AfD, fracturing the established political consensus. This controversial vote, defended by CDU leader Friedrich Merz as necessary, sparked intense debate and condemnation from Chancellor Scholz, who called it an “unforgivable mistake”. Merz plans to introduce binding legislation with potential AfD backing, despite concerns about its legality and timing before the upcoming election. The incident highlights the escalating political tensions surrounding immigration in Germany.
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Following his criticisms of President Trump, including referring to him as a “fascist,” retired General Mark Milley has been stripped of his security detail and clearance by the Pentagon. This action, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, follows an investigation into Milley’s conduct and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to revoke security protections for former officials who opposed him. The Pentagon cited undermining the chain of command as justification for the move. President Biden had preemptively pardoned Milley and others, anticipating potential retribution from Trump.
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Following a unilateral executive order from Donald Trump, Google altered the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” on its maps, prompting outrage from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum criticized Google’s compliance, highlighting the illegality of the name change under international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In response, Sheinbaum conversely requested Google to label parts of the United States as “América Mexicana” on its maps, mirroring Google’s actions. Google’s stated rationale was adherence to its policy of updating names based on official government sources, while it has yet to respond to Sheinbaum’s counter-proposal.
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The black boxes from the mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., have been recovered and are undergoing analysis. Initial reports indicate that only one air traffic controller was managing both helicopter and airplane traffic in the busy airspace at the time of the crash, raising questions about staffing levels. The accident, resulting in 67 fatalities, is under investigation by the NTSB, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Recovery efforts are underway, but have been hampered by challenging conditions.
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Costco’s recent announcement of a significant hourly wage increase for most of its US store workers to over $30 is generating considerable buzz. This move, which will see the top scale employees earning $30 an hour and the bottom scale employees earning at least $20, represents a substantial investment in its workforce.
The impact of this decision is multifaceted. For employees, it means a considerable improvement in their earning potential, offering a more livable wage that addresses the rising cost of living. Many commenters have expressed their excitement about the raise, emphasizing that it is a step in the right direction, particularly when compared to wages offered by other retailers, some of which may barely reach minimum wage levels.… Continue reading
The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General and the Archivist of the United States to investigate the DOJ’s removal of its January 6th database, which detailed Capitol attack prosecutions. CREW alleges this action violates 44 U.S.C. § 3106, requiring notification to the Archivist of record destruction. The database’s removal, seemingly connected to President Trump’s pardons, has been celebrated by some January 6th defendants but criticized as an attempt to erase evidence. CREW argues the database is a federal record whose deletion requires reporting, which the DOJ seemingly failed to do.
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A Russian drone strike on a Sumy apartment building resulted in at least nine deaths and thirteen injuries, prompting President Zelenskyy to denounce the attack as a “terrible tragedy” and a war crime. The attack, part of a larger overnight barrage of 81 drones across Ukraine, also damaged infrastructure including a grain warehouse and hospital in Odesa. Simultaneously, Russia announced terrorism charges against a captured British fighter, while a U.S. foreign aid freeze impacts Ukrainian aid groups. Zelenskyy, while assuring continued military aid, expressed concern over the funding pause.
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A neo-Nazi child exploitation ring, involving four men from across the U.S. and France, has been dismantled following their arrests. The group, which promoted neo-Nazism and pedophilia, groomed and coerced at least 16 children globally, including two from Southern California, into producing child sexual abuse material. Victims were subjected to horrific acts of degradation and coercion, including self-harm and threats of exposure to family and friends. Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a potential life sentence if convicted.
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Recent polling data reveals that nearly half of Danes perceive the US as a significant threat, surpassing the perceived threat levels of North Korea and Iran. Overwhelming majorities of both Danes (78%) and Greenlanders (85%) oppose Greenland’s annexation by the United States, although Danish respondents largely believe the decision rests with Greenland. This follows heightened tensions stemming from President Trump’s repeated attempts to purchase Greenland, fueled by its strategic location and resources. The Danish Prime Minister has responded by seeking European unity in navigating altered US relations.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker