Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusations of collusion between the Mexican government and drug cartels, countering that the U.S. harbors its own criminal networks and that numerous American citizens are involved in drug trafficking within Mexico. Sheinbaum cited an investigation revealing over 2,600 U.S. citizen arrests for organized crime offenses in Mexico since 2018, emphasizing the need for bilateral cooperation and U.S. action to curb domestic drug trafficking and consumption. Furthermore, she criticized Google’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico for U.S. users, threatening legal action if the name change isn’t reversed. Sheinbaum and other Mexican officials maintain that Mexico is actively combating drug cartels and rejects any suggestion of complicity.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten resigned from the federal corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams, echoing his predecessor Danielle Sassoon’s concerns about the Department of Justice’s decision to drop the charges. Both prosecutors, who possess conservative backgrounds, criticized the DOJ’s alleged attempt to leverage the prosecution for political gain, specifically for the mayor’s cooperation on immigration enforcement. Scotten’s letter strongly condemned the use of prosecutorial power to influence policy, rejecting any involvement in such actions. The resignations follow reports of a proposed quid pro quo agreement between the mayor’s legal team and the federal government.
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Musk’s DOGE team: Judges to consider barring it from US government systems. The sheer audacity of the situation demands immediate action. The fact that judges are merely *considering* barring this unauthorized group from government systems is utterly baffling. This isn’t a matter for deliberation; it’s a blatant breach of security and a flagrant disregard for established processes.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The potential damage caused by this unauthorized access is immense, and the continued delay only exacerbates the risks. Every moment that passes increases the chance of irreversible harm to sensitive government data and systems. Instead of thoughtful consideration, swift and decisive action is required.… Continue reading
Following Trump and Putin’s announcement of peace talks without Ukrainian involvement, President Zelenskyy asserted the need for Ukraine’s central role in negotiations, citing past experiences where ceasefires were violated immediately after agreements with Putin. He cautioned against decisions made about Ukraine without Ukrainian input, emphasizing the potential for such actions to aid Russian occupation. While Zelenskyy remains prepared for discussions with Trump in Washington, he highlighted the symbolic inappropriateness of signing any peace treaty in Munich, referencing the historical context of the city. Ultimately, Zelenskyy is seeking to reclaim Ukraine’s agency in the peace process.
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The Justice Department’s dismissal of corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has triggered a mass exodus of at least six senior officials, including Manhattan’s U.S. Attorney. This unprecedented wave of resignations, surpassing even the 1973 “Saturday Night Massacre” in scale, stems from concerns over political interference in the case. The dismissals, ordered by Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, cited concerns of “weaponization” of the justice system, while resigning officials argued the decision was improper. The controversy draws parallels to past instances of executive overreach and raises serious questions about the independence of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal proposes that Ukraine’s well-trained Armed Forces could form the foundation of a unified European army following potential EU membership. This proposal highlights Ukraine’s unique military experience and expertise gained during the ongoing conflict. Shmyhal also emphasizes Ukraine’s significant untapped natural resources, such as uranium, lithium, and titanium, which could benefit Europe and potentially replace Russian imports. However, recent US demands for access to these resources and the Trump administration’s push for immediate negotiations raise concerns about Ukraine’s future role in any peace process and the overall security landscape in Europe.
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A measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has surged to 48 cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated children aged 5-17. The rapid spread prompted increased vaccination efforts, including a seven-day-a-week clinic, following an 18% MMR vaccine exemption rate in the county—one of the highest in Texas. Thirteen individuals have required hospitalization due to the highly contagious airborne illness, highlighting the critical need for increased vaccination rates. This outbreak contributes to a national rise in measles cases, exceeding those seen in recent years and underscoring the continued failure to meet national vaccination goals.
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The Trump White House indefinitely banned the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One due to the AP’s continued use of “Gulf of Mexico” despite the President’s renaming of the body of water to “Gulf of America.” This decision, condemned by the White House Correspondents Association as a First Amendment violation, prevents the AP from participating in pooled press events crucial for White House coverage. While the AP retains White House grounds credentials, the ban significantly impacts its ability to report on presidential activities. The AP is preparing a legal challenge, citing viewpoint discrimination.
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During a recent Munich meeting, a US Congressional delegation presented Ukrainian President Zelenskyy with a document granting the US 50% rights to Ukraine’s future mineral resources; Zelenskyy declined to sign. This follows earlier statements by Zelenskyy supporting a strategic partnership with the US in rare earth mining, though not to this extent. The incident comes amidst conflicting reports regarding the extent of any such resource-sharing agreements between the two countries. Previous claims of a $500 billion rare earth mineral agreement have been made, though their veracity remains disputed.
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Recent Economist/YouGov polls indicate a decline in President Trump’s approval rating, with disapproval now exceeding approval for the first time since his inauguration. This shift follows a period of relatively high, albeit fluctuating, approval ratings since his second term began. While some attribute the change to normal polling variations, the trend warrants further observation. The decline is notable given Trump’s history of closely monitoring and reacting to public opinion polls.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood