February 2025

Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to End Birthright Citizenship, Setting Up Supreme Court Showdown

A US appeals court refused the Trump administration’s request to immediately halt a lower court’s block on an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for some immigrant children. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will conduct a full review of the case in June. The administration argued the order was crucial to immigration reform, while opposing states contended it violated the 14th Amendment. The appeals court majority found the administration failed to demonstrate an urgent need for immediate action.

Read More

Trump Labels Latin American Cartels Terrorist Organizations: Fears of War and Reprisal

Eight Latin American drug cartels, including Tren de Aragua and MS-13, have been officially designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by the Trump administration, a move announced Wednesday and to be published Thursday. This designation, enabled by a January 2020 executive order, utilizes a label typically reserved for politically motivated groups, but the administration justifies it based on the cartels’ transnational operations, including drug and human trafficking, and violent territorial expansion. Critics express concern that this broad label could negatively impact U.S.-Latin American relations and trade due to the potential for unintended legal repercussions for businesses. Mexico has affirmed its commitment to combating cartels within its own borders while maintaining its sovereignty.

Read More

Ukraine Fears US Betrayal After Trump’s Comments

Ukrainians, stunned by recent comments, are grappling with a profound shift in their perception of the United States. The feeling of betrayal runs deep, fueled by a sense that unwavering support is no longer guaranteed. This isn’t simply a matter of political disagreement; it’s a crisis of trust that casts a long shadow over the future of their nation and the broader international landscape.

The widespread belief that the U.S. has abandoned its allies leaves Ukrainians feeling vulnerable and isolated. The narrative of exploitation, perceived by many as propaganda, further erodes confidence in American intentions. This perception of betrayal isn’t limited to Ukraine; it extends to other allies, creating a widespread sense of unease and questioning the reliability of the United States as a global partner.… Continue reading

US Deportees Abandoned in Darién Jungle: A Human Rights Crisis?

Zheng Lijuan, a Chinese woman deported from the US to Panama as part of a larger group of migrants, escaped from a Panama City hotel. Her escape, aided by locals, followed the transfer of 170 deportees to a Darién region camp near the Colombian border. This action is part of a deal between Panama and the US to manage migrant flow, spurred by Trump-era immigration policies and threats regarding the Panama Canal. The agreement leaves many migrants fearing repercussions upon return to their home countries, highlighting the precarious situation created by this policy.

Read More

Cop Avoids Charges After Admitting to Beating Children

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) criticized police for not filing criminal charges against an officer who admitted to assaulting his children with a belt. The IPCA determined the officer’s actions constituted three counts of child assault, despite the police concluding their investigation due to insufficient admissible evidence, stemming from the officer and his wife’s refusal to allow their children to be interviewed. Police internally censured the officer for serious misconduct, a sanction the IPCA deemed grossly inadequate. The IPCA noted that the police inexplicably cited the lack of criminal proceedings as a mitigating factor in their decision.

Read More

Baltic States Prepare for War as Russia’s Military Builds

The Baltic region is bracing itself for a potential conflict, fueled by escalating tensions between Russia and the United States over Ukraine’s future. Intelligence suggests that Russia is significantly expanding its military capabilities, preparing for a possible large-scale confrontation with NATO within the next five years, particularly if NATO appears weak. This worry is amplified by concerns that the US might withdraw troops from the region, a move that would have devastating consequences.

The Baltic states – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia – are on the front lines of this looming crisis. Having once been part of the Soviet Union, they understand the threat posed by Russia intimately.… Continue reading

US Abdicates Ukraine Leadership Role, Strengthening Russia: Europe Must Act

Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak criticized the United States for ceding diplomatic leadership to Russia regarding potential Ukraine peace talks, arguing this weakens the U.S. position and undermines Ukraine’s interests. Podolyak expressed concern over a lack of Ukrainian involvement and briefing regarding the talks, questioning the efficacy of a “peace through strength” strategy. He further highlighted President Trump’s false claims blaming Ukraine for the war and suggesting Zelenskyy is a dictator, raising concerns about potential Russian interference in Ukrainian elections.

Read More

Trump’s Approval Rating Plunges Amid Economic Fears

Trump’s approval rating is declining, a trend directly linked to growing American anxieties about the economy. The rising concern over economic instability is overshadowing other issues, becoming the dominant factor influencing public perception of the president.

This economic unease is manifesting in various ways, from rising food prices – like the now infamous $10-a-dozen eggs – to broader fears about job security and overall financial well-being. This palpable economic anxiety translates directly into a shrinking approval rating for the president, as many citizens directly attribute their economic hardships to his policies.

However, the focus on economic woes seems, to some, short-sighted in the face of potentially far greater dangers.… Continue reading