This flu season has witnessed a tragically high number of pediatric deaths, surpassing all years since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic with 216 fatalities reported thus far. This alarming figure is likely an undercount, with the final tally expected to rise further. A significant contributing factor is the decreased flu vaccination rate among children, falling from 64% five years ago to 49% this season. While the season has been severe overall, impacting millions with illness and thousands with death, indicators suggest a decline in flu activity since February.
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McDonald’s reported a 3.6% decline in U.S. same-store sales, its worst performance since the pandemic’s peak in 2020, significantly underperforming expectations. This drop, attributed to reduced customer traffic, particularly among middle- and lower-income consumers, reflects a broader trend of decreased discretionary spending. While high-income customer traffic remained steady, the company noted increased anti-American sentiment in some international markets. Despite these challenges, McDonald’s maintained its full-year outlook, citing positive impacts from promotions and value offerings.
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President Trump announced the renaming of May 8th as “Victory Day,” commemorating the end of World War II in Europe, despite the war continuing in the Pacific until August 1945. He also proposed replacing Veterans Day with a World War I commemoration on November 11th. This decision sparked criticism, given the continued fighting against Japan and the historical significance of Veterans Day in honoring all U.S. veterans. The unilateral nature of these pronouncements and their potential legal challenges remain unclear. Previous attempts to alter Veterans Day faced significant public backlash.
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David Hogg, a DNC vice chair, faces potential removal for his PAC’s $20 million investment in primary challenges against incumbent Democrats. This action, intended to strengthen the party, has drawn criticism, with DNC Chair Ken Martin suggesting rule changes to prevent such conflicts of interest. Despite the backlash and a public clash with James Carville, Hogg remains committed to his efforts, emphasizing the need for stronger Democratic candidates and addressing voter concerns on issues like gun violence and economic inequality. The situation may lead to Hogg’s resignation from either his PAC or his DNC position.
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Temu, a Chinese online marketplace, will cease directly selling goods from China to US customers, instead utilizing “locally based sellers” for order fulfillment within the US. This shift follows the closure of a duty-free rule for low-value packages, previously exploited by Temu and Shein to offer ultra-low prices. The decision aims to support American businesses and combat the smuggling of illegal goods, a concern raised by both the Trump and Biden administrations. This change is expected to result in price adjustments for consumers, mirroring similar actions taken or considered in the UK and European Union.
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Multiple recent polls reveal a significant decline in President Trump’s approval rating, particularly among his traditionally strong rural voter base. His approval among rural voters has dropped considerably, from a high of 63 percent in 2024 to figures as low as 45 percent in recent surveys. This erosion of support, also observed across other demographic groups, poses a substantial threat to the Republican party’s future electoral success. The decline is attributed to various factors, including the public’s response to his handling of the economy and tariffs.
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Luigi Mangione attorneys are seeking a dismissal of the state murder charges against their client. The complexity of the situation arises from the fact that the case has also landed in federal court, raising questions about jurisdiction and the potential for double jeopardy. One perspective is that if the crime allegedly occurred in New York City, subject to New York State laws that ensure a fair trial for both the victim and the accused, then federal involvement seems unnecessary. The question remains: why the federal intervention?
The core issue appears to be the interstate nature of the alleged crime. While the initial charges were for murder within New York state, the inclusion of interstate stalking as a contributing factor has opened the door to federal prosecution.… Continue reading
The U.S. Army has drafted detailed plans for a potential military parade on June 14th, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary. The proposed event, costing tens of millions of dollars, would involve over 6,600 soldiers, 150+ vehicles, 50 helicopters, and seven bands, along with potential civilian participants. While the Army is enthusiastic about the parade as part of a larger festival, final approval from the White House is pending, and concerns remain regarding cost and potential road damage from heavy military vehicles. The plans are still subject to change.
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Vice President Vance asserted that the war in Ukraine shows no signs of a swift resolution, despite ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to mediate. A recently signed U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s economy and potentially facilitating peace, represents progress, though Vance expressed cautious optimism about achieving a breakthrough. Secretary Bessent hailed the agreement as historic, while Secretary Rubio cautioned that continued U.S. mediation hinges on concrete peace proposals from both Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin, meanwhile, maintains its openness to negotiations.
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Russia’s GDP growth plummeted to 1.7% in Q1 2025, a significant slowdown from the previous quarter’s 4.5% and the weakest performance since Q1 2023. This decline is attributed to factors including the Central Bank’s tightening policies, ongoing sanctions, and supply chain issues. Industrial growth significantly weakened, with mineral extraction contracting and non-resource sectors slowing considerably. Experts even suggest a recession in civilian goods production, impacting various sectors including food production and construction materials.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood