A Republican poll suggests that Democrat Colin Allred could defeat Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a 2026 Senate race, with Allred polling at 52% compared to Paxton’s 37%. This hypothetical victory would make Allred the first Texas Democratic Senator since 1993. The poll, conducted by a firm formerly associated with Donald Trump’s campaign, also indicates Paxton could defeat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary. Allred, having previously lost a Senate bid in 2024, is considering another run.
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The EU is exploring cooperation with the U.S. on several trade issues, including reducing tariffs on imported cars and industrial goods, and addressing China’s trade practices. However, internal divisions among member states complicate the EU’s response, with some wary of appearing to yield to U.S. pressure or alienating a long-standing ally. While the EU considered retaliatory measures in the services sector, it opted for a more traditional goods-based response to avoid escalating tensions further. This approach, coupled with ongoing negotiations, aims to navigate the temporary pause on some U.S. tariffs.
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Several immigrants who fled authoritarian regimes expressed alarm at tactics employed during the Trump administration, finding parallels to their home countries’ oppressive practices. These included aggressive questioning and phone searches at borders, reminiscent of the surveillance and intimidation they experienced abroad. Conversely, some immigrants, such as Lily Tang Williams, felt the Biden administration’s actions, particularly regarding censorship, were more reminiscent of authoritarian tactics. Concerns extended to academia, with professors fearing self-censorship due to potential repercussions from the administration’s actions. The targeting of news organizations further mirrored tactics used by authoritarian leaders in other nations.
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Quebec will implement a province-wide ban on cell phones and electronic devices in all public and private elementary and high schools starting next school year. This expands upon the existing classroom ban enacted in January 2024, following recommendations from a committee studying the devices’ negative impact on student learning. Individual schools will determine implementation methods, though exceptions may be made for medical needs, educational purposes, or students with disabilities. The ban aims to foster socialization and reduce distractions, addressing concerns about excessive screen time and its effects.
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Following a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Tesla’s board was exploring CEO replacements due to Musk’s absenteeism and Tesla’s poor first-quarter performance, Musk vehemently denied the claims on X. Tesla’s board chairwoman, Robyn Denholm, also issued a statement refuting the report. The Journal’s article noted Tesla’s lack of prior comment on the matter. Musk’s divided attention between Tesla and his role within the Trump administration, marked by significant public backlash, appears to have contributed to the speculation.
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White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s departure is generating considerable buzz, leaving many wondering about the reasons behind his surprisingly short tenure. It seems the 100-day mark has become a significant milestone, marking the end of Waltz’s time in the administration.
The timing raises questions, particularly given the ongoing investigations and controversies swirling around the administration. Speculation abounds regarding the reasons for his exit; some suggest his involvement in a Signal chat with a journalist, potentially involving classified information, played a role. This journalist, known for reporting on previous controversies surrounding the former president, could be a key factor.
The situation is further complicated by Waltz’s alleged sharing of classified information, not just once, but twice.… Continue reading
A Wall Street Journal report alleging Tesla’s board sought to replace Elon Musk as CEO prompted a furious all-caps response from Musk on X. The report, which cited unnamed sources, claimed the board contacted multiple search firms before scaling back efforts after Musk’s public commitment to Tesla. Tesla vehemently denied the report’s claims, stating it was communicated to the Journal pre-publication, while the Journal maintained its reporting accuracy. This conflict follows recent criticism of Musk’s focus on other ventures and Tesla’s significant profit decline.
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Amidst raging wildfires in Israel, Hamas and various Palestinian social media accounts are inciting arson attacks against Israeli civilian targets, including homes, forests, and vehicles. Messages explicitly call for widespread burning, referencing the recent Hamas attacks and framing the actions as resistance. These calls utilize various platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter), encouraging Palestinians to exploit the current heat and dryness to maximize damage. The incitement is connected to the ongoing conflict and aims to inflict further harm on Israeli citizens and infrastructure.
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A newly signed minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian minerals and funds Ukrainian reconstruction. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, interpret this as Ukraine paying for U.S. military aid, characterizing it as a forced transaction leveraging Ukraine’s national wealth. This deal coincides with ongoing tensions regarding peace talks, with Russia expressing readiness but Ukraine demanding an immediate ceasefire. Critics suggest the agreement hinders Russia’s peace negotiation goals by justifying increased U.S. military spending in Ukraine.
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During his first 100 days, President Trump actively dismantled various aspects of American society, including government institutions, civil rights, and international alliances. This was a deliberate effort to overturn the advancements of the 20th century, a period marked by increased equality, wealth, and global influence. Trump’s actions, echoing the views of paleolibertarian thinkers, aim to create a less equal, less educated, and more insular nation. This includes attacks on higher education, civil rights legislation, and even the 14th Amendment, all while enacting economically destructive tariffs. The result is a deeply unpopular president presiding over a rapidly unraveling nation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood