British news photographer Nick Stern, based in Los Angeles, requires emergency surgery after being injured during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Paramount. Stern sustained a significant leg wound, believed to be caused by a non-lethal round fired by law enforcement during the demonstration, which involved approximately 350-400 protesters and a large police response. The Sheriff’s department stated the protest turned violent, prompting the use of tear gas and other munitions in crowd control. Stern’s injury, initially feared to be from a live round due to the severity of the wound, is now confirmed to be from a non-lethal projectile.
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Don Bacon, a Nebraska Republican, has publicly declared his refusal to follow his party “off the cliff,” marking a significant divergence from the prevailing trend within the GOP. His dissent is noteworthy, highlighting a dwindling number of Republicans willing to publicly challenge the party line. This open break suggests a potential departure from the Republican party altogether.
This statement, however, is met with considerable skepticism from various quarters. Many point to his past voting record, arguing that his actions haven’t consistently aligned with his recent pronouncements. Numerous instances are cited where Bacon seemingly voted in lockstep with the Trump agenda, undermining his claims of principled opposition.… Continue reading
President Zelenskyy asserts that a Russian cessation of hostilities is imminent, contingent upon the United States enacting stringent sanctions against Russia. He emphasizes the need for strong US support, coupled with European unity, to pressure Putin into ending the war. Zelenskyy believes the US possesses the necessary leverage to achieve this, urging President Trump to utilize economic sanctions, arms packages, and diplomatic pressure to halt the conflict. Ukraine fully supports all US-initiated peace proposals.
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Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed concern over a weakened US Russia sanctions bill, urging its swift and complete passage to pressure Vladimir Putin into negotiations. Reports indicate President Trump is influencing the Senate to soften the legislation, which could impose a 500% tariff on countries continuing to import Russian resources. Orpo plans to discuss this at the upcoming NATO summit, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The bill, spearheaded by Senators Graham and Blumenthal, is currently subject to negotiations with the White House.
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Gina Ortiz Jones, a progressive, has been elected as San Antonio’s new mayor, a victory that’s generating considerable buzz. This win is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing national conversation about the electability of progressive candidates, especially in areas often considered politically moderate or conservative. Her success in San Antonio challenges the prevailing narrative that progressive policies aren’t popular with working-class communities, at least in this context.
Gina Ortiz Jones’s victory offers a compelling counterpoint to the frequently heard assertion that progressive politicians struggle to connect with voters in traditionally non-progressive areas. The election results suggest a nuanced reality where progressive ideals, coupled with effective campaigning, can resonate even in unexpected places.… Continue reading
President Zelenskyy revealed that a planned delivery of 20,000 US missiles crucial for combating Russian Shahed drones has been diverted to the Middle East. This redirection, impacting Ukraine’s drone defense capabilities, reportedly occurred under the previous US administration. The missiles utilized specialized technology and were considered essential to Ukraine’s defense strategy. Zelenskyy expressed concern over this development, highlighting the resulting challenges in countering the ongoing drone threat.
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Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to use any necessary force to prevent the *Madleen*, a ship carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, from reaching Gaza. The *Madleen*, which departed from Sicily, aims to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s sea blockade. Katz’s statement follows a previous failed attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and comes amidst warnings of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to ongoing conflict and blockades. The activists’ planned arrival in Gaza’s territorial waters is anticipated this coming Sunday.
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Trump is deploying the National Guard under a rarely used power, and that’s raising a lot of eyebrows. It’s a move that feels both unprecedented and eerily familiar, harkening back to a time when such actions were used to quell civil rights movements. The deployment itself seems disproportionate to the situation on the ground, with reports suggesting relatively small-scale protests and minimal violence.
This raises serious questions about the justification for such a heavy-handed response. Why now? Why not during the January 6th insurrection, when there were actual acts of violence and an attack on the Capitol? The contrast is stark and unsettling, hinting at a potential abuse of power.… Continue reading
A second Trump administration has swiftly and severely damaged the United States, exceeding even the most pessimistic predictions. His “MAGAnomics” policies, particularly extreme tariffs, have crippled trade, causing inflation and potential widespread economic collapse. Simultaneously, drastic cuts to social programs are exacerbating poverty, while the dismantling of government institutions threatens essential services. Furthermore, a systematic assault on scientific research and intellectual inquiry is permanently undermining American leadership in these crucial areas.
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The Israeli defense minister, Israel Katz, has ordered the military to prevent Greta Thunberg’s aid boat, the *Madleen*, from reaching Gaza, threatening to use “any means necessary.” The vessel, carrying food and medical supplies, aims to breach Israel’s Gaza blockade. Katz directly addressed Thunberg, accusing her and her fellow activists of being anti-Semitic and Hamas propagandists. Israel asserts its actions are to prevent blockade violations and aid to terrorist organizations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood