March 2025

Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Use Alien Enemies Act for Deportations

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, blocking President Trump’s attempt to utilize the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for expedited deportations of Venezuelan gang members. The judge ruled the act’s provisions regarding invasion or incursion did not apply to the situation, as the current circumstances did not meet the criteria of war. This class-action lawsuit, brought by two nonprofits, challenges the President’s proclamation, which invoked the act to deport members of the Tren de Aragua gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization. A further hearing is scheduled, and the Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling.

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Trump Invokes 1798 Law, Raising Fears of Mass Deportations and Human Rights Abuses

President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to authorize mass deportations of Venezuelan citizens affiliated with the Tren de Aragua gang, fulfilling a campaign promise. This controversial law, previously used to justify Japanese internment during WWII, grants the president broad powers to bypass due process and target foreign nationals based on their nationality, not individual actions. The directive targets Venezuelans aged 14 and older who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents, raising significant human rights concerns. Trump’s actions follow anti-immigrant rhetoric and have been condemned by critics as a potential abuse of presidential power.

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Canadian Grocery Store Ditches US Produce Amidst Boycott

Urban Grocer, a Victoria grocery store, has eliminated nearly all U.S. fruits and vegetables from its inventory in response to decreased sales of American produce following the implementation of U.S. tariffs. This decision, made after customer purchasing patterns clearly indicated a preference for non-American products, resulted in the replacement of 380 items with produce sourced from Canada and other international locations. Despite absorbing increased costs to avoid price hikes, the store reports increased overall sales and customer satisfaction. This action reflects a broader trend of Canadian consumers prioritizing locally sourced and non-American goods in response to the trade dispute.

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VOA Staff Placed on Indefinite Paid Leave: A Calculated Power Grab?

Voice of America staff being placed on indefinite leave with pay is a perplexing situation sparking a wide range of reactions. The decision seems counterintuitive; if the goal is to save money, why continue paying salaries without requiring work? Shutting down the agency entirely would appear more efficient, or alternatively, allowing staff to continue their duties would maintain some level of operational continuity. The current approach leaves many wondering about the underlying motives.

This indefinite leave with pay seems particularly puzzling considering previous attempts to reduce staff through buyouts were largely unsuccessful. It suggests the administration’s motivations extend beyond simply trimming budgets.… Continue reading

Tesla Investor Hopes Musk’s Government Role, and Tesla Ties, Are Short-Lived

Despite Tesla stock market negativity surrounding Elon Musk’s political involvement in the Trump administration’s cost-cutting measures, investment manager Christopher Tsai maintains faith in Tesla’s long-term potential. Tsai, whose firm holds significant Tesla shares, hopes Musk’s political role will be brief, allowing him to refocus on his businesses. This sentiment follows similar market reactions to Musk’s Twitter acquisition. However, Tsai Capital has seen substantial returns on its Tesla investment since 2020. Ultimately, Tsai views Tesla as a technology company poised for significant future growth.

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Carney’s European Tour: Canada Prioritizes Allies Amidst US Uncertainty

Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney will begin his international engagements with visits to France and the United Kingdom to strengthen ties and address trade and security issues. A future meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated. Domestically, Carney’s government will prioritize economic growth, affordability, and national security. An election is expected shortly.

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Musk’s Aid Cut Death Toll Denial: Fact-Check Exposes Millions of Casualties

Elon Musk’s claim that no one has died due to U.S. foreign aid cuts is demonstrably false. In South Sudan, the cessation of aid, orchestrated in part by Musk and President Trump, directly resulted in the deaths of several children, including Peter Donde, who died from an opportunistic infection due to lack of HIV medication, and Achol Deng, who died after losing access to her case worker and medicine. These deaths are not isolated incidents, and health workers predict a significant rise in mortality as food and medicine supplies dwindle. The consequences extend beyond immediate deaths, impacting anti-terrorism efforts and disease surveillance, ultimately harming U.S. interests.

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High School Art Project Censored, Sparks Nationwide Debate

West Union High School freshman Amber Greenfield created a Women’s History Month mural depicting a pregnant woman with bound hands and taped mouth, intending to symbolize the silencing and restriction of women’s reproductive rights. However, school superintendent Dawn Wallace deemed the mural “inappropriate,” citing depictions of bondage and teen pregnancy. While Greenfield maintains her artistic intent was misunderstood, she partially altered the mural per the school’s request, removing the fetus, but the entire mural was ultimately covered. The incident highlights a conflict between artistic expression and differing interpretations of social commentary within a school setting.

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Zambian River Destroyed by Chinese Mine Waste Spill

On February 18th, a tailings dam at a Chinese-owned Zambian copper mine collapsed, releasing 50 million liters of acidic waste into the Kafue River, a vital waterway for millions. This environmental disaster has caused widespread fish kills, crop destruction, and a water supply shutdown in Kitwe, impacting approximately 700,000 people. The Zambian government is implementing emergency measures, including aerial lime dispersal, while holding the mining company responsible for the cleanup. The incident has fueled existing concerns about the environmental impact of Chinese mining operations in Zambia and sparked public anger over negligence.

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