Moody’s upgraded Greece’s credit rating to Baa3, ending its 15-year junk status and marking a return to investment grade across all major agencies. This upgrade, attributed to improved public finances and a stable political environment, was welcomed by the Greek government as a significant achievement. Moody’s cited faster-than-expected improvements in public finances and ongoing debt reduction efforts as key factors. The government pledged continued commitment to reforms aimed at boosting investment, creating jobs, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
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During a CNN appearance, Rep. Jasmine Crockett expressed doubt about the 2028 presidential election, citing concerns about current leadership and echoing previous claims that President Trump is dictatorial and undermining democratic norms. This statement followed a question regarding a potential Ocasio-Cortez primary challenge against Senator Schumer. Crockett’s comments, which went unchallenged by the interviewer, add to her history of controversial remarks regarding Trump and the 2024 election results. Her skepticism about future elections reflects a broader concern among some Democrats about the stability of American democracy.
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Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown Medicine assistant professor with a valid U.S. visa, was deported to Lebanon after being detained at Boston Logan International Airport for 36 hours upon her return from a family visit. This deportation occurred despite a federal judge’s order prohibiting her removal without notice and justification. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintains that arriving aliens must prove admissibility, while a court filing alleges willful disobedience of the judge’s order. A hearing is scheduled to address CBP’s actions and Dr. Alawieh’s immediate return.
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The US Department of Defense webpage honoring Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, the highest-ranking African American to receive the award, has been removed. The URL was altered to include “DEI,” short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, following a recent appeals court decision lifting a block on executive orders aiming to end federal DEI programs. A Google cache shows the page previously highlighted Rogers’s service and commitment to racial and gender equality. The Department of Defense has not yet commented on the removal.
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The French Air Force’s recent practice landings on ice runways in Greenland are undeniably impressive. The sheer scale of landing a 140-ton aircraft on such a precarious surface, a surface that can easily send a cyclist sprawling, speaks volumes about the skill and precision involved. It’s a testament to the training and expertise of the pilots and ground crews involved.
This undertaking also highlights a significant show of support for allies. The timing, coinciding with other recent displays of Franco-Canadian military cooperation, underscores a deepening strategic partnership. While the immediate practical application in a large-scale invasion scenario might be debated, the symbolic value of this demonstration of capability is substantial.… Continue reading
President Trump authorized a significant wave of US air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing their attacks on Red Sea shipping as justification. The strikes, resulting in numerous Houthi casualties, followed months of escalating attacks by the group, which claims to support Palestinians and has targeted vessels allegedly linked to the US, UK, and Israel. Despite the US action, the Houthis vowed continued attacks on shipping and retaliatory action. Trump warned of further, even more forceful, responses if the attacks continued, while Iran condemned the US actions and called for an end to Israeli actions in Gaza.
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Despite ongoing negotiations, the Australian government lacks clarity on the Trump administration’s demands for continued tariff exemptions on steel and aluminum. While recent discussions with US officials were not deemed pessimistic, no assurances regarding future exemptions were given. Australia is exploring alternative trade partnerships to mitigate potential economic impacts from US tariffs, and it maintains its stance against retaliatory measures. The government continues to seek a mutually beneficial agreement, but a previous offer of guaranteed critical mineral supply has been rejected.
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Ma Yang, a Hmong American mother of five, was deported from Milwaukee to Laos, a country she’d never visited, despite being a legal US resident. Her deportation stemmed from a plea deal for marijuana-related charges, where she received incorrect legal counsel. Now without her medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, she is stranded in Laos, unable to communicate or access resources due to lacking documentation. This deportation occurred amidst increased deportation efforts under the Trump administration, though a temporary restraining order has since been issued regarding deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.
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Sound cannons, devices capable of emitting intensely loud and potentially harmful sound waves, were reportedly used by Serbian authorities against peaceful protestors. This action sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, highlighting the serious ethical and potential physical consequences of such technology deployed against civilians exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The sheer power of these devices, capable of causing permanent hearing damage, is undeniably alarming. Accounts describe the effects as causing immediate, visceral reactions – far beyond simple discomfort.
The deployment of sound cannons during a fifteen-minute silence, a moment of remembrance for fifteen individuals who lost their lives, added another layer of moral repugnance to the situation.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood