A senior French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that at least one Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan, potentially marking the first combat loss of the aircraft. This occurred during retaliatory strikes by Pakistan following Indian airstrikes. While Pakistan claimed to have downed several Indian jets, including multiple Rafales, French authorities are investigating whether additional Rafales were lost and the confirmation of wreckage requires further analysis. The incident caused a drop in Dassault Aviation’s stock price, highlighting market concerns about the Rafale’s performance.
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A lawsuit, *V.O.S. Selections v. Trump*, challenges the legality of President Trump’s tariffs before a three-judge panel. The plaintiffs, small import businesses, argue the tariffs violate the “major questions doctrine” due to their significant economic impact, citing a predicted $4,900 reduction in average household income. Support for this claim comes from an amicus brief signed by numerous former Republican officials. The case’s outcome, however, remains uncertain, as the major questions doctrine is novel and its application to presidential actions, especially in foreign policy, is untested.
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Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow on May 7 caused widespread disruption at Moscow airports, leading to significant flight delays and diversions, affecting an estimated 350 flights and 60,000 passengers. This follows two prior days of similar incidents, impacting air travel across Central Russia. The disruptions occurred just days before Russia’s Victory Day parade, a major event with numerous foreign dignitaries expected to attend. Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have intercepted the drones.
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell affirmed the incompatibility of simultaneously lowering inflation and implementing substantial tariffs. He warned that sustained tariff increases would likely cause inflation, slower economic growth, and unemployment. The inflationary impact’s duration remains uncertain, depending on tariff magnitude and the speed of price adjustments. Successfully mitigating persistent inflation hinges on the scale of tariff effects and maintaining stable long-term inflation expectations.
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Lawyers are reportedly quoting fees of $1 million or more to secure presidential pardons for clients, highlighting a disturbing trend of legalized bribery within the system. This exorbitant cost underscores the perception that access to justice, or at least freedom from its consequences, is now a commodity available only to the wealthy.
The sheer audacity of these million-dollar pardon packages suggests a blatant disregard for the principles of equal justice under the law. It’s a system where the weight of legal repercussions seems directly proportional to one’s financial standing, leaving those without substantial resources to navigate a vastly different, and far less forgiving, legal landscape.… Continue reading
In a recent conversation with Jen Psaki, Pete Buttigieg urged Democrats to adopt a more assertive approach in their campaign against Donald Trump. Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of demonstrating to voters that Trump’s political ambitions can be thwarted. The discussion focused on strategies to regain voter confidence and reclaim national leadership from the Republican party. This renewed focus on direct engagement with the electorate is seen as crucial for Democratic success.
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Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel signaled the failure to elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave. Cardinals will continue voting in a series of secret ballots until a successor to Pope Francis is chosen. The conclave, marked by secrecy and the absence of a clear frontrunner, pits those favoring continued reform against those seeking a more traditional papacy. Potential candidates include Cardinals Tagle, Prevost, and Parolin, though Pope Francis’ changes to the College of Cardinals have introduced significant unpredictability. Voting will continue for several days, with a break for reflection if a pope isn’t selected by Sunday.
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In response to President Trump’s repeated desires to acquire Greenland, the U.S. intelligence community has initiated a focused intelligence operation. This effort, directed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, aims to identify Greenlandic and Danish individuals supportive of U.S. interests regarding resource extraction and potential independence. The directive underscores the administration’s commitment to securing Greenland, despite Danish concerns and potential legal ramifications. This action represents a significant step towards achieving the President’s stated goal of acquiring Greenland, raising considerable international concern.
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Six Bulgarian nationals, operating under whimsical code names like “Jackie Chan” and “Mad Max,” were convicted of espionage in a sophisticated operation spanning the UK and Europe. Their activities, directed by alleged Russian agent Jan Marsalek, involved surveillance of journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian troops, posing a significant threat to national security. The group’s arsenal included a vast array of sophisticated spy equipment, and plots ranged from honeytraps to discussions of kidnapping and murder. Sentencing will determine prison terms of up to 14 years for these crimes.
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Facing financial strain from competition with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, WW International (formerly WeightWatchers) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move aims to eliminate $1.15 billion in debt and restructure for future growth, allowing the company to reinvest in its members and innovate within the evolving weight management market. The reorganization is expected to be completed within 40 days, with no disruption to existing members. The company’s acquisition of telehealth provider Sequence reflects its strategic shift towards incorporating weight-loss medications into its services.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood