Terri Estepp is suing Huntington Bank after allegedly being fired shortly after returning from FMLA leave used to care for her terminally ill daughter. Estepp, a consistently high-performing manager, claims the termination was retaliatory, despite fulfilling all FMLA requirements. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, alleges a violation of federal law protecting employees’ FMLA rights. Huntington Bank denies wrongdoing, stating their compliance with employment laws and appropriate actions in the matter. Legal experts note that while not explicitly forbidden, terminating an employee immediately upon their return from FMLA is generally considered poor practice and requires strong justification.
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In response to increased US tariffs on Chinese goods, China implemented export controls on several strategic metals, including tungsten, a key component in military and civilian applications. While China controls a significant portion of the global tungsten supply, the impact of these restrictions is debated, with some viewing them as a strategic warning to encourage negotiation rather than a major economic blow. The US, however, has already been working to diversify its supply chains for these materials. Alternative sources exist for many of the restricted metals, mitigating China’s potential leverage.
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Representative Jasmine Crockett’s recent CNN interview criticized the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that only those who benefit from “failing forward,” like President Trump, support such efforts. Crockett contends that attacks on DEI originate from those who feel threatened by increased competition from historically marginalized groups who have had to work harder to achieve success. This viewpoint sparked backlash on social media, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding meritocracy and DEI’s role in addressing systemic inequalities. The article ultimately suggests that opposition to DEI stems from a desire to maintain positions of power without demonstrating competence.
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Marko Elez, a 25-year-old Department of Government Efficiency engineer with access to sensitive U.S. Treasury payment systems, resigned following scrutiny of racist and eugenicist social media posts. The now-deleted account, linked to Elez through archived posts and usernames, contained numerous offensive statements targeting various ethnic groups. His resignation followed inquiries from the Wall Street Journal and concerns from Capitol Hill lawmakers regarding his access to critical payment infrastructure. Elez previously worked for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink, and X.
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NATO countries are indeed discussing the deployment of troops to Greenland following Donald Trump’s threats to seize the Danish island. This unprecedented situation highlights a significant rift within the alliance, forcing a reconsideration of its fundamental purpose and the potential implications of a member state’s aggression towards another. The very idea that NATO might need to defend a member against another member is deeply unsettling, raising fundamental questions about the alliance’s future.
The discussion of troop deployment isn’t just hypothetical; it involves practical considerations of how NATO forces would respond to a potential US invasion. This includes exploring the application of Article 5, the alliance’s mutual defense clause, a provision designed for external threats, not internal conflict between member states.… Continue reading
The Iowa Supreme Court overturned a federal COVID-era provision requiring 30-day eviction notices for tenants receiving federal housing assistance, reducing the notice period to three days. This decision, the first of its kind nationally, stems from the interpretation of the CARES Act’s temporary provisions. The ruling is expected to disproportionately affect low-income renters, potentially exacerbating homelessness and straining already limited resources for housing assistance. Critics argue the change is cruel and will burden an already strained system, while proponents believe it aligns with the CARES Act’s intended temporary nature.
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Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman faces mounting criticism from fellow Democrats for his perceived pro-Trump stances since a Mar-a-Lago meeting with the former president. This includes voting in favor of several Trump cabinet appointments and supporting controversial legislation, actions interpreted as prioritizing political expediency over party loyalty. Consequently, Fetterman is losing support among progressive and moderate Democrats who question his commitment to their shared agenda and accuse him of prioritizing political self-preservation. This shift is raising concerns about his electability and the possibility of a primary challenge in 2028, particularly given his past progressive rhetoric. The situation parallels that of former Senator Krysten Sinema, highlighting the risks of dramatically shifting political positions.
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Over the past three months, Russia has suffered daily battlefield casualties averaging over 1,500, a sharp increase from January 2024’s average of 846. This surge in casualties, coupled with potentially insufficient recruitment rates, presents a significant challenge for Russia’s military. While the Kremlin seeks to avoid unpopular mobilization, estimates of new recruits vary widely, with some suggesting insufficient numbers to replace losses. The Kremlin’s attempts to incentivize recruitment, including increased payouts and relaxed medical standards, highlight the growing manpower crisis.
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A new H5N1 avian flu variant, D1.1, has been detected in Nevada dairy cows, marking the first documented instance of this strain’s transmission from wildlife to domestic cattle. Seven herds, totaling approximately 50,000 cows, are currently under quarantine. While a few human cases of mild conjunctivitis have been reported, the risk to the general public remains low due to pasteurization of milk products and the illegality of raw milk sales in Nevada. The Nevada Department of Agriculture is actively monitoring the situation, implementing biosecurity measures on affected farms, and collaborating with federal agencies to investigate the virus’s spread.
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President Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, revealed plans to significantly escalate sanctions against Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Kellogg described current sanctions as a “three” on a ten-point scale of effectiveness and indicated a potential doubling of pressure, particularly targeting Russia’s energy sector. This intensified approach, involving a whole-of-government strategy, contrasts with the Biden administration’s approach, which Kellogg criticized as lacking a clear strategy. While exploring potential arms deals, Trump prioritizes halting the violence before engaging in negotiations, recognizing Russia’s history of tolerating high military casualties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood