Despite Democratic efforts to prevent deportations without due process, amendments to a budget bill aimed at barring ICE from such actions, including the deportation of U.S. citizens, failed to pass the House Judiciary Committee. These amendments followed President Trump’s suggestion of sending U.S. citizens to a Salvadoran prison and actual deportations of Venezuelan citizens to that facility without legal proceedings. Democrats criticized Republicans for implicitly supporting the circumvention of Fifth Amendment rights. The rejection of these amendments leaves ICE with the ability to proceed with deportations under the current legal framework.
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President Trump repeatedly claimed in an ABC News interview that a deported man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, has “MS13” tattooed on his knuckles, citing a photograph as evidence. This photo, however, clearly shows the letters “MS13” superimposed onto an image of a hand, not an actual tattoo. Despite the interviewer’s corrections and the obvious digital alteration, Trump insisted on the accuracy of his claim, highlighting his belief, or desire to perpetuate the belief, in the fabricated evidence. This incident underscores the ease with which manipulated images can be used to spread misinformation, even at the highest levels of government. The incident raises concerns about the potential impact of increasingly sophisticated AI-generated imagery.
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One hundred days into the Trump presidency, this newsroom’s commitment to fearless, fact-based journalism continues. Unwavering dedication to truth has been sustained by reader support, crucial during challenging times. Continued contributions are now essential to ensure the ongoing delivery of vital news coverage. The newsroom’s mission remains providing accurate information to the public. Readers’ renewed support is vital for this critical endeavor.
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Karin Prien, a CDU member and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, has been appointed Germany’s Minister for Education, Family, Women, and Youth, marking a historic first as the first Jewish woman in the cabinet since the Holocaust. Her appointment comes amidst rising antisemitism and far-right influence in Germany, issues she has actively addressed. Prien, previously Schleswig-Holstein’s education minister, brings extensive experience and a strong stance against antisemitism to her new role. Her personal history and outspoken advocacy for Jewish causes highlight the significance of her appointment. She will assume office on May 6th.
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In his first 100 days, President Trump’s administration has aggressively pursued policies aimed at dismantling democratic checks and balances, mirroring strategies employed by authoritarian leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary. However, unlike Orbán’s subtle, incremental approach, Trump’s tactics have been poorly executed and met with significant pushback from the courts, the media, and even some segments of the business elite. This resistance, coupled with declining public approval, suggests that Trump’s authoritarian ambitions are currently failing. While American democracy remains vulnerable, the initial resistance offers a degree of cautious optimism.
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Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year-old Haitian woman, died on April 25th after over 10 weeks in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Her death, following alleged inhumane conditions at multiple detention facilities, is under investigation, and at least six other deaths have occurred in ICE custody this fiscal year. Advocates like the Haitian Bridge Alliance contend her death was preventable and demand accountability. Blaise was initially detained in Puerto Rico before being transferred to facilities in Florida and Louisiana, where detainees reported overcrowded cells, lack of medical care, and other concerning conditions.
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Critically ill 9/11 first responders are facing a devastating situation: they are being denied access to the very program designed to provide them with essential healthcare. This isn’t a simple bureaucratic snafu; it’s a systemic failure impacting individuals who risked their lives during a national tragedy. The program, intended to support those who suffered health consequences from their 9/11 response efforts, has seen a massive surge in enrollment, far exceeding initial projections. This increase underscores the long-term health impacts of the disaster and the significant need for sustained support.
The sheer volume of applicants has unfortunately exposed a critical funding gap.… Continue reading
The House rejected a Democratic amendment preventing ICE from detaining or deporting U.S. citizens, despite concerns raised by Democrats about the Trump administration’s immigration policies. This follows President Trump’s suggestion of sending U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes to El Salvador and accusations of deportations without due process. Recent polls show a near-even split in public opinion on the president’s immigration approach, while a Supreme Court ruling emphasized the right to due process before deportation. The budget bill, including the contested funding, is anticipated to pass Congress.
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In a speech marking the 100th day of President Trump’s second term, former Vice President Kamala Harris condemned his administration’s actions, characterizing them as creating “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.” Harris criticized the president’s tariffs, claiming they harmed American workers and businesses, and denounced his broader agenda as prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing public services. She countered the administration’s use of fear tactics by highlighting the courage of Americans resisting these policies and urged unity in the face of adversity. Using the metaphor of elephants huddling together during an earthquake, Harris emphasized the importance of collective action to overcome challenges.
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The European Union firmly rejects Russia’s annexation of Crimea, with its top diplomat stating that Crimea is unequivocally Ukrainian territory. Concerns exist regarding a potential U.S. peace plan that may involve concessions to Russia, including lifting sanctions and de jure recognition of Crimea’s annexation. The EU is preparing alternative strategies to maintain sanctions on Russia if the U.S. withdraws support for Ukraine. While acknowledging internal EU divisions and potential for defections, the EU emphasizes the need for unity and continued financial, albeit potentially limited military, support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood