Clifford Law Offices, on behalf of Casey Crafton’s widow, has filed $250 million in pre-case claims against the FAA and U.S. Army, marking an initial legal response to the Washington, D.C. air crash. These claims are a prerequisite to pursuing lawsuits against the federal government for the death of Crafton, who was among the 67 fatalities. The firm also issued preservation letters to American Airlines and the Black Hawk helicopter manufacturers. Failure to respond to the pre-case claims within six months will allow the family to file federal lawsuits within two years.
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Senior German lawmaker Michael Roth condemns President Trump’s statements regarding Ukraine as echoing Kremlin propaganda and a “complete failure” for the transatlantic alliance. Roth, chairman of the German parliament’s foreign relations committee, highlighted the president’s characterization of Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and alignment with Russia’s justification for the war. This rhetoric is viewed as a “worst-case scenario” for the Social Democrats ahead of Germany’s national elections. The alignment of the U.S. with Russia’s narrative is causing disbelief and concern among senior European officials.
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Following a neo-Nazi demonstration near Lockland Local Schools, Evendale police body camera footage reveals interactions between officers and the group. The footage shows the neo-Nazis’ departure in a U-Haul, leaving behind a vehicle and a service dog. Subsequent footage depicts the retrieval of one neo-Nazi and attempts to recover the abandoned Jeep, which had its tires slashed. Ultimately, the Jeep’s owner was transported to the Evendale Police Department due to safety concerns, and the Hamilton County Sheriff described the group as a small, cowardly entity. A third-party investigation into the police response is being sought by the school board.
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A recent poll revealed that 55 percent of respondents believe Elon Musk wields excessive influence over decisions impacting the United States. This finding is striking, suggesting a significant portion of the population harbors concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, regardless of his wealth or accomplishments.
The sheer magnitude of this figure warrants careful consideration. Fifty-five percent represents a substantial segment of the population expressing apprehension about Musk’s level of control. It suggests a widespread unease, transcending partisan divides, that deserves attention. This isn’t just a matter of opinion; it reflects a palpable anxiety about the potential consequences of unchecked power.… Continue reading
Following talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump issued a harsh condemnation of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, echoing Kremlin talking points. Trump’s remarks, accusing Zelenskyy of mismanagement and criticizing U.S. aid to Ukraine, were met with approval from prominent Russian officials like Dmitry Medvedev and Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov specifically praised Trump for acknowledging the Kremlin’s narrative regarding NATO expansion as a cause of the conflict. This alignment of Trump’s rhetoric with Moscow’s positions has raised concerns regarding potential implications for the ongoing war.
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Amidst US-Russia peace talks excluding Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance warned President Zelenskiy against criticizing Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of a positive relationship with the current administration. Trump, following Zelenskiy’s criticism, responded with harsh accusations on social media, falsely claiming Ukrainian aid mismanagement and Zelenskiy’s dictatorial rule. These actions come as the US negotiates a potential peace deal with Russia, one that defense experts fear significantly favors Russia and involves considerable territorial concessions from Ukraine. Republican leadership offered muted responses to Trump’s attacks on Zelenskiy.
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program designed to foster early childhood literacy by mailing free books to children, is facing potential cuts in Indiana. This decision, driven by the state’s governor, has sparked a firestorm of outrage, particularly from Dolly Parton herself, who founded the program almost three decades ago. The sheer audacity of attempting to dismantle such a beneficial program has left many feeling shocked and deeply dismayed.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between those who value education and those who seem actively resistant to it. The idea of actively working against a program that encourages reading in young children seems counterintuitive, especially given the proven link between early literacy and future success.… Continue reading
In contrast to Donald Trump’s claims, the U.S. has provided $183 billion in aid to Ukraine, with a significant portion already disbursed, while Europe has pledged an additional $174 billion plus $50 billion in loans. Zelenskyy directly criticized Trump’s inaccurate statements, highlighting their alignment with Russian disinformation. Trump’s rhetoric, praising Putin implicitly, serves Russian interests by shifting blame for the war onto the U.S. and Ukraine. This stance has been explicitly welcomed by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.
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On Valentine’s Day, Brian Gibbs, an education park ranger, was unexpectedly fired along with approximately 1,000 other National Park Service employees, a move impacting 5% of the workforce. Gibbs’s viral Facebook post detailed the emotional impact of this sudden job loss, highlighting his dedication to educating children and preserving the Effigy Mounds National Monument. The firings, part of a larger Trump administration initiative affecting thousands of federal employees, have drawn widespread criticism for potentially jeopardizing park safety and operations during the upcoming peak season. Conservation groups condemn the decision as reckless, further weakening the agency’s ability to manage and protect national parks.
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A February 2024 Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) survey revealed that 57% of Ukrainians trust President Zelensky, a five-percentage-point increase since December, contradicting former U.S. President Trump’s unsubstantiated claim of a 4% approval rating. Despite a year of declining popularity, Zelensky maintains majority support. This increase follows Kremlin propaganda efforts to discredit Zelensky’s legitimacy by falsely suggesting his term should have ended in May 2024, ignoring Ukraine’s constitutional prohibition on elections during martial law. The KIIS survey, conducted via phone with 1,000 respondents, indicates no domestic concerns regarding Zelensky’s legitimacy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood