Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, California, is identified as the sole fatality in a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack targeting an IVF clinic in Palm Springs. The FBI labeled the incident an act of terrorism, stating Bartkus, who held nihilistic beliefs, intentionally detonated explosives and attempted to livestream the event. Investigators are reviewing a potential manifesto and seeking public assistance to reconstruct Bartkus’s actions prior to the explosion.
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Rep. Don Bacon confirmed a one-day pause in U.S. cyber operations against Russia during February 2024 negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, contradicting previous Pentagon denials. This pause, typical during such negotiations, was first reported by The Record and later confirmed by multiple U.S. officials to CBS News. The Pentagon’s subsequent denial, issued via its newly created rapid response X account, was labeled a lie by Rep. Eugene Vindman. Bacon’s statement marks the first on-the-record acknowledgment of the directive.
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Following his inaugural mass, Pope Leo XIV held extensive meetings with world leaders including Ukrainian President Zelensky and Peruvian President Boluarte, but only briefly greeted Vice President JD Vance. This limited interaction followed a sermon subtly criticizing Vance and the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants and seizure of foreign resources. The snub builds upon previous criticisms of Vance’s immigration policies by both Pope Francis and Pope Leo (then Father Prevost), who publicly opposed Vance’s stances. Despite past tensions and a brief meeting with Pope Francis before his death, Vance’s attempts at reconciliation with Catholic leadership appear to have yielded limited success.
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Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old Twentynine Palms resident, is the suspected perpetrator of a bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic. The attack, deemed an act of terrorism by the FBI, resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, significantly damaging the clinic. Bartkus, who reportedly expressed anti-natalist views in writings and a recording, allegedly intended to cause harm to those involved in the fertility clinic. The FBI is continuing its investigation, with a press conference scheduled to provide further details.
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Missouri lawmakers are currently attempting to repeal abortion protections that were previously enacted by voters. This move has sparked significant outrage and calls into question the very nature of representative democracy. The blatant disregard for the will of the people raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the power dynamics at play.
It seems paradoxical that voters can approve measures through ballot initiatives, only to have those same measures overturned by elected officials. This undermines the fundamental principle of majority rule, suggesting a system where the voices of citizens are easily silenced. The current situation highlights a deeper problem – the potential for elected officials to consistently circumvent the expressed wishes of their constituents.… Continue reading
In Nigeria’s Borno state, drastic cuts to USAID funding have severely impacted humanitarian efforts, leading to the deaths of children suffering from malnutrition. The termination of programs providing therapeutic food, like those run by Mercy Corps, has left organizations overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of the displaced population. This has resulted in increased mortality rates among malnourished children and a halt to essential shelter construction for those escaping conflict. The crisis extends beyond Nigeria, affecting numerous other countries and jeopardizing essential health services. Without increased funding from other sources, the consequences will be devastating.
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Increased tariffs are devastating small businesses, particularly those reliant on wholesale materials. The cost of essential packaging supplies, such as bubble wrap, has doubled, significantly impacting already thin profit margins in competitive e-commerce markets. This, coupled with existing website fees and platform commissions, forces difficult choices between price increases that risk alienating customers, and absorbing the losses, ultimately hindering small businesses’ ability to thrive. The current economic climate exacerbates the problem, making the “Buy American” ideal both unrealistic and financially unsustainable for many.
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Following a meeting where Zelenskyy urged a full and unconditional ceasefire, international efforts to end the conflict intensified. While Russia’s recent drone attacks involved significant decoys, Western leaders, including Trump who plans to speak with both Putin and Zelenskyy, are coordinating to pressure Russia into ceasing hostilities. A ceasefire is viewed as the crucial preliminary step before considering further options, with the deployment of peacekeeping troops currently deemed premature.
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Russia’s recent warning to Kyiv of an “endless war” during peace talks in Turkey underscores a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. The implication is clear: Russia believes it can’t win a decisive victory, yet is unwilling or unable to withdraw. This admission, however veiled, reveals a concerning shift in Russia’s strategy.
Instead of aiming for a swift and decisive victory, the stated goal seems to have transitioned to a protracted conflict, seemingly accepting a scenario of indefinite warfare. This is a dramatic departure from the initial narrative of a rapid “special military operation,” and highlights a growing desperation within the Russian leadership.… Continue reading
Following Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and First Lady Zelenska met with the Pontiff, marking his first audience with a foreign leader. Discussions centered on the war in Ukraine, focusing on potential Vatican mediation, prisoner releases, and the repatriation of deported children. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Vatican’s potential role in peace negotiations and highlighted the Pope’s symbolic importance in fostering a just peace. The meeting also addressed humanitarian concerns, with Zelenska thanking the Vatican for medical aid and requesting continued cooperation. The Pope reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood