President Xi Jinping of China will undertake a state visit to Russia from May 7th to 10th, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The visit will include participation in Moscow’s commemorations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This high-level visit signifies the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between China and Russia. The state visit is expected to cover a wide range of topics of mutual interest to both nations.
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Putin, 72, says the succession is always on his mind. This statement, while seemingly straightforward, reveals a complex reality far beyond a simple acknowledgment of aging and political legacy. It hints at a deeply ingrained anxiety, a constant struggle to maintain power in a system he himself has meticulously crafted.
Putin’s preoccupation with succession isn’t merely about choosing a successor; it’s about controlling the process entirely, preventing any unforeseen challenges to his authority. The very act of considering succession speaks volumes about his understanding of power dynamics, his awareness of potential threats, both internal and external, and his calculated efforts to manage those threats proactively.… Continue reading
Cleveland-Cliffs announced the indefinite idling of three steel plants—two in Pennsylvania and one in Illinois—affecting approximately 950 workers, starting June 30th. This decision, attributed to weak demand and pricing for specific products like high-carbon steel sheets, is unrelated to tariffs. The company emphasizes that flat-rolled steel production remains unaffected. While some mines and another steel plant are also idled, Cleveland-Cliffs anticipates restarting its Cleveland blast furnace and a Michigan plant contingent on improved automotive production.
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President Trump’s prioritization of mass deportations has led to clashes with the judiciary over due process rights for immigrants. He expressed uncertainty about the Fifth Amendment’s applicability, suggesting the required legal processes would be excessively time-consuming. The administration’s actions, including the controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act and the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, have faced Supreme Court rebuke, highlighting a pattern of circumventing established legal procedures. Despite claiming adherence to legal counsel, Trump’s approach has consistently challenged judicial rulings and constitutional protections for immigrants.
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Elon Musk’s tenure as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) concluded with significant criticism. Despite initially promising $2 trillion in savings, Musk’s actual reported savings fell drastically short, and independent analysis suggests DOGE’s actions may ultimately cost the government billions. This, coupled with a 71% drop in Tesla’s first-quarter profits, has severely damaged Musk’s public image and brand. The resulting negative perception is likely to have long-term consequences for both Musk and his companies.
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President Trump’s AI-generated image of himself as the Pope, shared on Truth Social, sparked outrage even among his loyal MAGA base. Criticism ranged from accusations of disrespecting Catholicism and God to labeling the post as arrogant and stupid. While some dismissed it as harmless humor or trolling, others, including former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, condemned the action. The incident highlighted a rift within the MAGA community, with some expressing disgust and others continuing to defend the president’s actions.
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Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, vehemently denies accusations of Nazism, citing his actions as contradictory to such claims. He attributes the negative media coverage to a relentless propaganda campaign, comparing it to the attacks faced by President Trump. Musk points to actions such as restoring previously banned accounts and his controversial statements on historical figures as evidence of misrepresentation, while acknowledging the effectiveness of repeated lies in shaping public perception. He also claims to be the target of assassination attempts, though admits he is “difficult to kill.” The interview highlights the increasingly strained relationship between Musk and his critics.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed sending American troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels. Sheinbaum firmly rejected this proposal, emphasizing Mexico’s commitment to national sovereignty. This rejection follows a recent increase in U.S. military presence along the border, despite Sheinbaum’s insistence on collaborative efforts within respective territories. Her statement underscores a potential conflict between the two nations regarding approaches to drug trafficking, despite previous cooperation on other issues.
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At Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting, Warren Buffett strongly criticized President Trump’s trade war, calling the tariffs an unwise “act of war” against allies. He argued that trade should not be used as a weapon and expressed concern that the approach fosters global resentment rather than economic benefit. Buffett emphasized that other nations’ prosperity does not necessitate American loss and warned of potential long-term negative consequences for global security. He believes a more prosperous and collaborative global environment ultimately benefits all.
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Recent interviews and public statements reveal a concerning decline in President Trump’s cognitive abilities. He demonstrates significant memory lapses, frequently contradicts himself, and makes factually inaccurate claims, often exhibiting detachment from reality. This includes misrepresenting events, such as falsely claiming involvement in Harlem riots and the existence of MS-13 tattoos on a deported individual. The stark contrast between the level of concern expressed about President Biden’s age and cognitive abilities and the relative lack of similar scrutiny regarding President Trump’s current state is notable.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood