Former US President Donald Trump disregarded the official dress code at Pope Francis’s funeral, wearing a blue suit instead of the required black attire, unlike other attendees such as President Biden who wore a darker blue suit. This choice drew significant criticism on social media, with many deeming it disrespectful. In contrast, Ukrainian President Zelensky, wearing military attire, and UK Prime Minister Starmer, in black, adhered to varying interpretations of the dress code. Trump’s early departure from the ceremony further fueled controversy.
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A federal judge has ordered a May 16 hearing to investigate the potential unlawful deportation of a two-year-old U.S. citizen to Honduras with her mother. The government claims the mother consented, citing a handwritten letter, but the judge expresses doubt. The child’s father also contests the deportation, alleging insufficient contact with his wife and requesting his daughter’s return. The judge’s concerns center on whether the deportation occurred without due process, prompting the scheduled hearing.
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Following previous statements suggesting a potential resolution to the conflict, President Trump expressed skepticism regarding Russian President Putin’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. This shift in perspective occurred just one day after Trump had indicated a negotiated settlement was imminent. The apparent contradiction highlights the fluctuating nature of reported progress in peace negotiations. Trump’s doubts underscore the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of the Ukrainian conflict.
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard asserted that federal employees confided in her that they were mandated to dedicate half their workday to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Gabbard argued this significant time commitment detracted from crucial intelligence work, potentially impairing the president’s access to timely and objective information. However, this claim was met with widespread skepticism and accusations of fabrication from numerous online commentators. The controversy follows a broader trend of the current administration’s efforts to curtail DEI programs within the federal government.
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At Pope Francis’s funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s eulogy implicitly rebuked Donald Trump’s border wall policy, echoing the late Pope’s strong opposition to such barriers. This posthumous criticism highlighted the long-standing tension between Trump and Francis, marked by public disagreements over immigration and other policies. Trump’s presence at the funeral, amidst intense lobbying from European leaders, led to a meeting with Zelensky, raising hopes for a breakthrough in the Ukraine conflict. The White House announced a planned follow-up meeting between Trump and Zelensky, further suggesting potential diplomatic progress.
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Canada’s Prime Minister has voiced strong condemnation of the Israeli blockade on food supplies entering Gaza. He asserts that the blockade must be lifted to allow the World Food Programme, and other humanitarian organizations, to deliver essential food aid to the civilian population. The severity of the situation demands immediate action to prevent widespread starvation.
The core issue here is the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where civilians face critical shortages of food and other necessities. The Prime Minister’s statement underscores the urgent need for immediate intervention to alleviate this suffering. This isn’t about taking sides in a complex conflict; it’s about ensuring the basic human right to food for innocent people.… Continue reading
To improve profitability and shareholder return, Jack in the Box is implementing its “JACK on Track” plan. This plan includes closing 150-200 underperforming restaurants by the end of 2025 and exploring the potential sale of its Del Taco subsidiary, acquired in 2022 for $575 million. The company aims to streamline operations and focus on growth-oriented investments in technology and restaurant renovations. These actions are intended to strengthen the company’s balance sheet and improve its overall financial outlook. This restructuring will affect approximately 2,200 Jack in the Box and 600 Del Taco locations across the United States.
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South Korea expressed “deep disappointment and regret” over Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site viewed by Seoul as a symbol of Japan’s WWII aggression. Ishiba’s offering, a traditional tree branch, accompanied a visit by Japanese lawmakers. The South Korean government urged Japan to acknowledge its wartime history and demonstrate remorse, highlighting this as crucial for future relations. This action follows recent improvements in bilateral ties, raising concerns about potential setbacks. The incident underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding historical issues between the two nations.
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A massive anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, involving over 20,000 security personnel from three states, has resulted in the deaths of at least five Naxals. The operation, launched following intelligence reports of top Naxal leaders’ presence, aims to eliminate the group by the government’s 2026 deadline. Security forces have surrounded the Karregutta hills, a known Naxal base, cutting off escape routes. This large-scale operation follows a recent increase in anti-Naxal efforts across multiple states, reflecting the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist insurgency.
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Senator Bernie Sanders and other progressive lawmakers condemned the Trump administration’s arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing the President of authoritarianism and undermining the rule of law. Judge Dugan faces felony charges for allegedly obstructing federal immigration agents. The arrest is viewed by critics as a blatant power grab, an attack on the judiciary, and a chilling tactic to suppress dissent. Protests erupted in Milwaukee in response to the judge’s arrest, highlighting widespread concerns about the Trump administration’s actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood