Eutelsat, a French satellite operator, experienced a dramatic 387% share price surge last week, fueled by speculation surrounding its potential role in providing satellite internet to Ukraine. This follows reports of strained U.S.-Ukraine relations and the possibility of Starlink’s services being curtailed. Eutelsat is currently in talks with the European Union to expand its services in Ukraine, potentially replacing Starlink. While the situation remains unclear, Eutelsat’s substantial satellite fleet positions it as a viable alternative.
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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick asserted that President Trump’s tariff threats against Canada, specifically targeting Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s energy surcharges, were a strategic maneuver to achieve a quick resolution. Lutnick compared Canada’s reaction to that of Ukraine, suggesting a lack of gratitude for past U.S. support. He characterized Ford’s actions as a mistake, claiming the premier’s energy tax prompted Trump’s response and subsequent withdrawal of the threat. The situation highlights ongoing trade tensions and Trump’s determination to protect American interests, particularly within the automotive and energy sectors.
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A US federal judge recently ruled that former President Donald Trump lacked the authority to remove Susan Tsui Grundmann, a Democratic member, from the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). This decision, which ordered Grundmann’s reinstatement, underscores a crucial aspect of the US system of checks and balances. The judge’s action directly countered Trump’s attempt to exert unilateral control over an independent agency.
The judge’s ruling effectively restored a 2-1 Democratic majority on the FLRA, at least until Grundmann’s term expires. This shift in the board’s composition has significant implications for the resolution of labor disputes between government agencies and their employees’ unions, as the FLRA plays a vital role in adjudicating these matters.… Continue reading
The Trump administration has halted a $1 billion program designed to preserve affordable housing, jeopardizing crucial upgrades to tens of thousands of low-income housing units across the country. This decision, directed by the Department of Government Efficiency, halts funding for energy efficiency improvements and critical repairs, impacting projects already underway. The termination threatens to destabilize numerous affordable housing projects, as the funding serves as a critical foundation for attracting additional investments. Consequently, many low-income residents face the imminent risk of displacement due to the lack of necessary repairs and renovations.
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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov to the International Space Station on Wednesday. This mission, Crew-10, will facilitate the return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the ISS for nine months following unforeseen issues with their initial Boeing Starliner flight. Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth with the Crew-6 astronauts on their departure. The Crew-10 crew will assume their duties upon arrival Thursday morning.
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The heads of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and the CIA spoke for the first time in over two years on Tuesday, agreeing to maintain future contact. This significant development coincides with a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, which Ukraine has signaled its willingness to accept. Experts suggest this communication could be a strategic negotiating tactic by the US, though the renewed contact remains fragile and contingent on Russia’s actions. The resumed dialogue reflects a broader shift toward rapprochement between the US and Russia, contrasting with strained relations with other US allies.
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Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris, 63, has been indicted on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child stemming from incidents beginning in 1982 when the victim was 12. The alleged abuse, which lasted four years, came to light after the victim, Cindy Clemishire, publicly accused Morris of sexual abuse. Morris, who resigned from his position last year following admission of “inappropriate sexual behavior,” faces up to 20 years in prison per count. The Oklahoma Attorney General stated there will be no tolerance for such crimes, especially when committed by those in positions of power.
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Governor Tim Walz is embarking on a tour of Republican-held House districts, where in-person town halls have ceased due to contentious constituent reactions. This initiative, beginning in Iowa and Nebraska, will also include stops in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio, aiming to amplify the voices of constituents feeling unheard by their representatives. Walz, motivated by the perceived lack of response from Republican officials to concerns about the Trump administration, sees this as a crucial opportunity for dialogue and mobilization. He emphasizes the importance of Democrats engaging meaningfully with these concerns rather than simply opposing the Trump administration.
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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a sweeping rollback of environmental regulations, aiming to overturn more than a dozen rules concerning emissions, pollution, and the scientific basis for climate action. This plan, described as ending the “Green New Scam,” seeks to reduce regulatory costs and boost business growth by reassessing rules impacting oil, gas, and coal industries. Key amongst the targeted regulations is the 2009 endangerment finding that establishes greenhouse gases as a threat, a decision environmental advocates vow to challenge legally. The move has sparked outrage from environmental groups and some EPA staff, who deem it unprecedented in scale and potentially damaging to public health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood