Following President Trump’s pardon, Andrew Taake, a January 6th rioter, was arrested in Leon County, Texas, on Tuesday for a 2016 charge of online solicitation of a minor. A multi-agency operation tracked Taake to the residence, culminating in his arrest. Despite a request from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Taake’s release from federal custody was not prevented due to a delay in processing the warrant. He is now held without bond pending transfer to Harris County Jail.
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William Lowery condemns Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his perceived role in the erosion of American democracy. Lowery cites numerous alarming actions by the current administration, including cabinet appointments, funding cuts, and attacks on institutions like the FBI and free press. He argues McConnell failed to prevent what he describes as a “coup,” effectively ceding his opportunity to protect democratic principles. Lowery concludes that McConnell’s legacy will be negatively judged by history.
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A reported Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, involving approximately 500 personnel and 50 armored vehicles, targeted the settlements of Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Ulanok. Russian sources claim the attack was repelled, citing significant Ukrainian losses, while also reporting damage to a gas pipeline. Conversely, some Russian milbloggers reported Ukrainian success in seizing Ulanok. The Ukrainian General Staff, however, did not acknowledge the offensive in its report, focusing instead on repelling Russian attacks elsewhere.
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Honeywell, a U.S. industrial conglomerate, will separate into three independent companies: automation, aerospace, and advanced materials. This restructuring, driven partly by shareholder pressure from Elliott Investment Management, aims to increase agility and unlock shareholder value for each specialized entity. The separations are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027, following a trend of other conglomerates simplifying their structures to improve competitiveness. This follows similar moves by General Electric and Alcoa, reflecting a shift away from large, diversified corporations.
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The FCC’s release of the full transcript and video of Kamala Harris’s ’60 Minutes’ interview has sparked a firestorm of commentary, much of it focusing on the perceived hypocrisy of the situation. The release itself seems, to many, a strange use of agency resources, particularly given the existing concerns about potential news distortion across the media landscape. This isn’t just about the Harris interview; it’s about a broader question of fairness and consistency in how news is scrutinized.
The central controversy revolves around the FCC’s investigation into whether the ’60 Minutes’ interview was edited in a way that constitutes “news distortion.”… Continue reading
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez contends that the Trump administration intentionally “floods the zone” with information to overwhelm and paralyze the public, a tactic acknowledged by former strategist Steve Bannon. This strategy, historically employed by authoritarian regimes, aims to induce passivity and discourage resistance. Ocasio-Cortez encourages viewers to counter this by taking breaks to avoid burnout, recognizing that collective, even small-scale, action can effectively generate resistance and impede the administration’s agenda. She emphasizes that citizens outnumber the administration and that sustained, widespread action will ultimately prove effective.
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Kansas is experiencing a major tuberculosis outbreak, with 67 active cases identified—exceeding the state’s typical annual total. This surge, affecting less than 3% of the state’s population, is one of the largest in the US in recent decades and highlights the impact of weakened public health infrastructure. Reduced state powers, including limitations on mandated testing and isolation, hinder effective response efforts, while national-level communication restrictions further complicate the situation. Experts emphasize the critical need for strong coordination between state and federal agencies to prevent future outbreaks.
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For a limited time, readers can subscribe to the Standard Digital package at a 40% discount, reducing the annual price from S$780 to S$465. This introductory offer allows readers to form informed opinions based on the Financial Times’ reliable reporting. The discounted rate is valid until February 27, 2025. This is a chance to experience the FT’s trusted journalism at a significantly reduced price.
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Following President Trump’s threatened tariffs, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson highlighted Canada’s energy infrastructure vulnerability, specifically its reliance on U.S. pipelines for oil transport to Ontario and Quebec. This dependence necessitates discussions regarding the feasibility and necessity of a new west-to-east pipeline to enhance energy security. While not advocating for immediate construction, Wilkinson suggests exploring this option, emphasizing the need for inclusive consultations with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders. The Trans Mountain expansion, bypassing the U.S., serves as a positive example of such energy diversification.
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German authorities uncovered over 100 dormant websites designed to disseminate disinformation, likely in preparation for the upcoming Bundestag election. These sites, mimicking legitimate news sources, contain AI-generated content and are poised to rapidly spread fabricated stories via social media. This activity mirrors previous instances of foreign interference in European elections, particularly those attributed to Russia. The timing is especially concerning given the AfD’s strong showing in polls.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood