Yale historian Timothy Snyder characterizes Elon Musk’s actions within the Trump administration as an ongoing coup, leveraging technology and data access to effectively seize power without formal authority. Snyder argues that Musk’s influence surpasses even that of President Trump, controlling access to federal government systems. This “digital coup,” if unacknowledged, threatens democratic processes and human rights. While President Trump claims oversight, opposition from Democrats is anticipated.
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Finland recently reported a suspected violation of its airspace by a Russian state aircraft. The incident, which occurred over the Gulf of Finland for a few minutes on Friday afternoon, is under investigation by the Finnish Border Guard. This isn’t the first time this has happened.
Previous incursions by Russian military aircraft into Finnish airspace were reported in June of this year and August 2022. These repeated actions raise serious concerns about Russia’s disregard for Finnish sovereignty, a concern amplified by a similar incident involving a Russian vessel entering Finnish territorial waters last year.
The timing of this latest incident is noteworthy, occurring just a day after the Finnish government proposed legislation to prevent Russians from acquiring real estate in the country.… Continue reading
The Baltic nations’ decisive severing of ties with Russia’s power grid marks a significant victory, not just for their energy independence, but for the broader cause of freedom. This long-awaited disconnection, finalized at 9:09 AM local time on Saturday, represents years of strategic planning and a determined push to escape the geopolitical blackmail inherent in relying on a hostile neighbor for essential infrastructure.
The move is widely celebrated as a triumph for European unity and a powerful statement against Russia’s attempts to leverage energy resources as a tool of coercion. For Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, this act signifies taking control of their own energy destiny, removing any potential for Russia to manipulate their electricity supply for political gain.… Continue reading
A U.S. Treasury intelligence team has identified Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as the greatest insider threat risk in the agency’s history, citing unauthorized access to sensitive data and system lockouts by DOGE staff. This assessment, following a federal judge’s curtailment of DOGE’s access to Bureau of the Fiscal Service records, prompted a recommendation to immediately suspend all DOGE access to payment systems and conduct a comprehensive review of their actions. The concern stems from reports of unauthorized data changes and the locking out of civil servants, particularly concerning given that DOGE members previously had access to systems processing over $4.7 trillion annually. The team recommends immediate suspension of access and subsequent insider threat monitoring.
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A measles outbreak in West Texas’ Gaines County has rapidly grown to 20 confirmed and probable cases, primarily affecting unvaccinated children. Low vaccination rates in the county, with an 18% exemption rate among kindergartners—significantly higher than the state and national averages—are contributing to the outbreak’s spread. The highly contagious nature of measles necessitates immediate vaccination efforts, with health officials urging residents to get vaccinated and receive booster shots as needed. A local clinic offering testing and vaccination is now operational.
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President Trump initially suspended the de minimis trade exemption, which allows duty-free entry for small packages from China, resulting in a potential surge in processing burdens for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, he subsequently issued an executive order temporarily reinstating the exemption, contingent on the Commerce Secretary’s notification of sufficient systems for tariff collection. This reversal highlights the considerable uncertainty surrounding trade policy under the Trump administration. The de minimis provision, heavily utilized by companies like Temu and Shein, has faced criticism for facilitating a large influx of potentially counterfeit or unsafe goods.
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Following arguments from 18 state attorneys general and several cities, a federal judge in Boston is considering a request to block President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. Plaintiffs contend the order violates the 14th Amendment and would cost states significant funding for essential services. The judge’s decision is pending, but two other federal judges have already issued nationwide injunctions against the order. The core legal dispute centers on the 14th Amendment’s definition of citizenship and the executive branch’s authority to alter it.
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The dismantling of the U.S. aid agency has sent shockwaves across Africa, leaving many in disbelief. The news has sparked widespread concern, particularly given the crucial role the agency played in providing essential services and support across the continent. The sudden loss of funding is causing immediate hardship, with reports of job losses in sectors like pharmaceutical production and distribution of vital HIV/AIDS medications. This creates a void that will undoubtedly impact the health and well-being of millions.
The situation is further complicated by the potential for increased Chinese influence in the region. With the U.S. stepping back, China is well-positioned to expand its economic presence, potentially leading to concerns about exploitation and neo-colonialism.… Continue reading
Donald Trump announced the revocation of Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to intelligence briefings, mirroring Biden’s 2021 action against Trump. Trump cited the Department of Justice’s investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents as justification, despite the investigation’s conclusion not recommending criminal charges. This action follows Trump’s previous revocation of clearances for over 40 former intelligence officials. Biden has not yet responded to Trump’s announcement.
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On Saturday, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia successfully disconnected from the Russian and Belarusian power grid, marking the end of decades of dependence. This “isolated mode” test allows for independent frequency management and assessment of the Baltic states’ new system resilience. Sunday will see full synchronization with the Continental European grid, integrating them into a larger network serving over 400 million consumers. This move secures the Baltic states’ energy independence and future, ending reliance on Moscow for frequency control.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood