Ford’s recent price hike on three of its Mexico-produced models—the Mustang Mach-E, Maverick pickup, and Bronco Sport—is a stark illustration of the lingering effects of past trade policies. The increases, reaching as much as $2,000 on certain models, are explicitly attributed to tariffs, making Ford one of the first major automakers to directly pass these costs onto consumers. This decision comes on the heels of Ford’s announcement that the effects of these tariffs would add approximately $2.5 billion to their overall costs by 2025, leading to a suspension of their annual earnings guidance. The ripple effect is undeniable, and it’s prompting serious concerns about the affordability and accessibility of vehicles for many consumers.… Continue reading
Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow during Xi Jinping’s impending visit to Russia is a highly volatile situation, fraught with potential for escalation. The timing, coinciding with Xi’s show of support for Putin, undeniably adds a layer of strategic significance to these drone attacks. It’s a clear message from Ukraine, demonstrating both their capability to strike deep into Russian territory and their willingness to do so even with the heightened risk of Chinese intervention.
The possibility of directly targeting Xi Jinping himself is a scenario fraught with unimaginable consequences. While some might consider such a strike a bold, decisive action, the ramifications are far too severe to contemplate lightly.… Continue reading
The Trump administration is intensifying intelligence gathering on Greenland, focusing on its independence movement and resource extraction, as the president persists in his pursuit of annexation. This includes identifying pro-annexation individuals in Greenland and Denmark to prioritize resource allocation for intelligence efforts. While the White House avoids commenting on intelligence matters, Trump has openly expressed concerns about Greenland’s security and the Arctic region, even hinting at potential military action. The administration is actively exploring the financial implications of annexation, including replacing Danish subsidies with potential payments to Greenland’s residents, despite widespread opposition from the Greenlandic population.
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Republican Jefferson Griffin conceded the North Carolina Supreme Court race to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs following a federal judge’s ruling against Griffin’s challenge to tens of thousands of ballots. The judge’s decision, upholding Riggs’ 734-vote victory, ended months of litigation stemming from Griffin’s claims of illegal voting. This concludes the last unresolved contest from the 2024 election, maintaining the current 5-2 split on the state Supreme Court in favor of Republicans. Griffin’s legal challenges, focusing on voter registration irregularities, were ultimately deemed unconstitutional by the court.
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Following the distribution of ballots by Diego Ravelli, the cardinals will commence the first vote, a crucial step despite the unlikelihood of a first-ballot papal election. This initial vote will reveal cardinals with significant support, informing subsequent ballots where momentum builds around leading candidates. Dinner at Casa Santa Marta provides a crucial off-stage setting for critical discussions and consensus-building among the cardinals. The process unfolds under strict secrecy, extending even to the dining staff.
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In an exclusive BBC interview, Joe Biden condemned the Trump administration’s pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia as “modern-day appeasement,” arguing that such concessions would not satisfy Vladimir Putin. Biden expressed concern that this approach could damage US-European relations and erode trust in American leadership. He further criticized Trump’s rhetoric and actions towards allies, contrasting them with his own administration’s policies. Biden highlighted the importance of strong alliances and the economic benefits of collaboration, contrasting Trump’s approach with his own record of economic growth and international influence.
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In the latest incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing on the USS Harry Truman, marking the second such incident in as many weeks. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. This followed a Houthi attack on the carrier hours after a ceasefire announcement, raising questions about the agreement’s effectiveness. These incidents, alongside previous mishaps including a collision with a merchant vessel and accidental friendly fire, have prompted concerns about the prolonged and challenging deployment of the USS Harry Truman.
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President Trump defended his universal tariffs, arguing that they will ultimately benefit the U.S. economy, despite potential short-term price increases. He used examples of children’s possessions, suggesting that fewer dolls and pencils are needed, implying that consumers will adapt to higher prices. Trump dismissed concerns about empty shelves and economic recession, maintaining that the tariffs will ultimately lead to prosperity. He also hinted that some tariffs may remain permanent to incentivize domestic production. The White House further clarified that these comments highlight a preference for higher-quality, domestically produced goods over cheaper imports.
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Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has rescinded all federal grants to Harvard University, citing numerous alleged violations of federal law and ethical breaches. McMahon’s letter details accusations ranging from non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling to criticisms of a new math course and alleged discrimination within the Harvard Law Review. The decision represents a significant escalation of the conflict between Harvard and the White House administration. McMahon argues that Harvard’s substantial endowment renders it capable of operating without federal funding.
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Ansley Baker and Liz Victor, a cisgender couple, were humiliated and ejected from Boston’s Liberty Hotel after security wrongly accused them of improper bathroom use. A security guard aggressively questioned Baker’s gender, demanding identification, despite her being alone in a stall. Following the incident, the hotel suspended the security guard, initiated staff retraining on inclusive practices, and pledged a donation to an LGBTQ+ organization. The couple, however, notes the hotel’s statement lacked a full apology or retraction of its initial, inaccurate claims.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker