U.S. Bank Vice Chair and Chief Administrative Officer Terry Dolan is presumed to have been among the fatalities in a single-engine SOCATA TBM7 plane crash in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The plane, registered to Dolan, crashed into a home, causing a fire but resulting in no fatalities on the ground. Authorities, including the NTSB, are investigating the cause of the crash and working to identify the victims. While the medical examiner has yet to confirm Dolan’s presence on the aircraft, U.S. Bank expresses its condolences.
Read More
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement strongly condemned the killing of eight Palestinian medics and six Civil Defence personnel by Israeli forces in Gaza. Fifteen bodies, including a UN staff member, were recovered from a mass grave after being denied access to the area for seven days. Israel claims the vehicles were advancing suspiciously without lights, while the Red Cross asserts that the medics were clearly marked and targeted in violation of international humanitarian law. A full investigation is demanded to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
Read More
Pro-Palestine activists vandalized the Trump Turnberry golf course in Scotland, spray-painting anti-Trump and pro-Palestine messages, and causing damage to the greens. Three individuals were arrested, with one charged and two released pending further investigation. Donald Trump, expressing outrage on Truth Social, called for harsh punishment for the “terrorists” involved. The group Palestine Action claimed responsibility, citing the U.S. government’s actions in Gaza as justification.
Read More
Following the detention of a University of Minnesota graduate student by federal immigration authorities, Governor Tim Walz is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security. The university was unaware of the arrest, which occurred off-campus, and did not cooperate with federal authorities. This incident raises concerns about the expansion of immigration enforcement onto college campuses, particularly given the recent increase in detentions of students involved in pro-Palestine activism. The university is providing support to the affected student, whose identity remains undisclosed.
Read More
A French court found Marine Le Pen guilty of misusing €474,000 in European Parliament funds, part of a larger €4 million embezzlement scheme involving her and co-defendants. Le Pen received a €100,000 fine and a four-year prison sentence (two years suspended), pending appeal. This ruling follows longstanding accusations of Le Pen’s ties to Russia, stemming from a controversial bank loan. Right-wing leaders across Europe, including Viktor Orbán, expressed outrage at the verdict.
Read More
Goldman Sachs’ recent upward revision of the US recession probability to 35%, from a previous estimate of 20%, is a significant development that deserves careful consideration. This increase reflects a growing concern among economists about the trajectory of the US economy. The jump alone suggests a rapidly evolving situation, prompting a reassessment of economic forecasts.
The increased probability underscores the accumulating economic headwinds. These include factors such as persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and a weakening consumer confidence. The current economic climate is reminiscent of past periods that preceded significant economic downturns, raising anxieties among investors and the public.
Many observers believe that the 35% figure itself may be an underestimation of the actual risk.… Continue reading
Following a guilty verdict in an embezzlement case, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen received a four-year prison sentence, a significant fine, and a five-year ban from holding public office, effectively ending her presidential bid. This verdict sparked outrage among MAGA influencers and other right-wing figures, who framed it as evidence of Europe’s anti-democratic tendencies and a politically motivated attack on a popular politician. They cited the ruling as proof of a systematic suppression of right-wing voices, ignoring the details of the embezzlement charges. Le Pen’s party has named Jordan Bardella as her replacement, while Le Pen maintains the option to appeal the sentence.
Read More
Elon Musk accused George Soros of sending operatives to a Wisconsin event where Musk distributed $1 million checks to voters supporting conservative Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel. This action, heavily criticized online, mirrors accusations conservatives level against Soros regarding election influence. Musk’s contribution of nearly $20 million to Schimel dwarfs Soros’s $2 million contribution to Schimel’s opponent. Critics highlighted the irony of Musk’s accusations, given his own substantial spending in elections, prompting widespread accusations of hypocrisy on social media.
Read More
Intelligence indicates Russia plans renewed offensives in eastern and southern Ukraine, prompting President Zelenskyy to call for broad defense efforts against what he characterizes as Putin’s land-grab strategy. Despite Trump’s expressed anger at Putin’s aims, the latter reportedly remains confident in a military victory. Simultaneously, Russia is reportedly dismissing conscripts and experiencing high casualty rates, while Ukraine reports improved soldier survival rates due to modernized training. The conflicting views highlight the ongoing tension and uncertainty in the conflict.
Read More
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in over 1,700 deaths, a number expected to climb. While multiple nations, including China, India, Russia, and Thailand, have deployed rescue teams and substantial aid, the United States’ response has been comparatively delayed and limited, despite a pledged $2 million in aid. China, in particular, has taken a prominent role, rescuing several individuals from the rubble and providing significant material support. The delayed US response has drawn criticism, especially considering recent cuts to foreign aid.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood