Anti-Erdogan protests in Turkey, sparked by the politically motivated arrest and disqualification of mayoral rival Ekrem Imamoglu, saw unexpected participation from a Pikachu-costumed protester who became a viral symbol of resistance. The demonstration, which resulted in approximately 1900 arrests and several journalist detentions, also featured other costumed figures. Police used water cannons and riot gear to disperse the crowds, with even some officers reportedly posing for pictures with the Pikachu protestor. The protests highlight growing dissent against President Erdoğan’s actions.
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The American Dream, characterized by widespread middle-class prosperity, is largely defunct, with the wealthiest 10% of households now driving half of all consumer spending. This dramatic shift, culminating in the current economic reality, is not a recent phenomenon but rather the result of decades-long policies prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy and austerity measures for social programs. These policies, implemented since the 1970s, have eroded social mobility, suppressed wages, and concentrated wealth at the top, leaving a significant portion of the population struggling. The outcome is an economy where consumer capitalism is unsustainable due to the inability of most Americans to afford basic necessities.
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Sweden announced its largest military rearmament plan since the Cold War, involving a €27 billion investment to reach 3.5% of GDP in defense spending by 2030. This includes €2.31 billion for new defense materiel (2026-2028), a €8.86 million investment to combat hybrid threats, and an increased €3.69 billion military aid package for Ukraine. A key component focuses on bolstering northern defenses with two new mechanized brigades for subarctic warfare, operational by 2028. The plan is partially funded through loans and was agreed upon with the Sweden Democrats.
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A YouGov poll indicates that the “Signal Scandal” surpasses both the Trump classified documents case and Clinton email controversy in the eyes of the American public, with 74% deeming it at least somewhat serious. This includes a significant portion of Republicans (60%). The poll’s findings are discussed by MSNBC’s Jen Psaki and John Harwood. The severity of the leak is a major concern across the political spectrum.
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A man has been arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly setting fire to Teslas, and he’s now facing federal charges. This has sparked a significant online debate, with many questioning the severity of the charges in comparison to other acts of violence and vandalism.
The core issue revolves around the application of federal law to what some see as a local crime. Arson is typically handled at the state level, yet this case is being pursued federally. This suggests that the prosecution believes there’s a basis for federal jurisdiction, possibly due to the cars’ involvement in interstate commerce, since they are sold across state lines and dealerships often receive inventory from outside of Nevada.… Continue reading
A YouGov poll reveals that 74% of Americans consider the Signalgate incident—the discussion of Yemen strike plans on a messaging app including a journalist—a serious problem, with even 60% of Republicans agreeing. While the White House dismisses the matter, some prominent Republicans, like Tomi Lahren, are urging the administration to acknowledge the error. Senator Ted Cruz called the journalist’s inclusion a mistake but rejected calls for an investigation. Growing pressure is mounting on Trump to dismiss National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for his role in the incident.
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Norway has updated its travel advisory for the U.S., echoing similar actions by other European nations. The changes, prompted by reported instances of European travelers facing detention and deportation, highlight stricter U.S. entry conditions and limitations on gender recognition in visa applications. Norway advises that a visa or ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry and that travelers whose gender differs from their birth certificate should contact the U.S. embassy beforehand. This follows recent updates from Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, reflecting growing concerns among European governments about U.S. immigration policies.
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Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at his home. The Department of Homeland Security claims the arrest followed the State Department’s revocation of Doroudi’s student visa due to alleged national security concerns. The University of Alabama, while unable to comment fully due to privacy laws, expressed support for its international students. This incident follows similar arrests of other non-citizen students across the country, highlighting a broader trend of increased scrutiny of international students in U.S. higher education.
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Rep. Jasmine Crockett, facing a censure resolution from Rep. Randy Weber for her criticism of Republicans, fiercely defended her comments during a House Oversight hearing. Crockett denounced the hearing targeting NPR and PBS as “goofy,” accusing Republicans of hypocrisy for focusing on perceived media bias while ignoring more serious issues. Strong support for Crockett emerged on social media, contrasting sharply with the censure resolution’s accusations of “venomous rhetoric.”
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Receiving the Star of Ukraine Award, Senator McConnell criticized President Trump’s approach to Russia and Ukraine. He expressed concern that some of the president’s advisors lack the commitment necessary to deter Russian aggression, warning of a potential outcome where Russia prevails and the U.S. suffers a defeat. McConnell highlighted the damaging effects of courting adversaries while alienating allies, characterizing such actions as naive and revealing. His remarks come amidst growing European anxieties regarding the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood