A plane crash in southern Mexico near the Guatemalan border claimed the lives of two Guatemalan pilots and a Mexican engineer. The aircraft was carrying sterile flies as part of a Mexican government initiative to combat the screwworm parasite affecting cattle. This initiative was launched in response to a U.S. suspension of Mexican cattle imports due to screwworm concerns. The cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Following ICE raids in Los Angeles, protests erupted, escalating into a second day of demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement. In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops, a move Governor Newsom condemned as inflammatory and a deliberate escalation of tensions. The deployment followed arrests of protesters and alleged assaults on officers during the initial demonstrations. The White House defended the raids and the National Guard deployment, while Los Angeles officials reported that many protests remained peaceful.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez was arrested on Thursday on charges of racketeering and conspiracy related to a large-scale gambling operation that generated over $21.6 million in illegal proceeds. The operation, involving a lottery, slot machines, and a gambling house, allegedly received protection and campaign contributions from Lopez. Governor Ron DeSantis subsequently suspended Lopez and appointed an interim sheriff. This arrest follows a prior incident where Lopez pleaded no contest to violating state records laws.
This memorandum authorizes the deployment of up to 2,000 National Guard personnel, for a period of 60 days or as deemed necessary by the Secretary of Defense, to protect federal personnel and property from violence related to immigration enforcement. The deployment is in response to recent incidents and credible threats against ICE and other federal agencies. The Secretary of Defense may also utilize additional regular Armed Forces personnel as needed and must consult with the Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary before withdrawing personnel. This action is taken under the President’s constitutional authority.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, has declared its withdrawal from Mali after more than three years of operations against Islamist militants. This departure, however, does not signal a complete Russian military exit; the state-controlled Africa Corps will maintain a presence in the country. While Wagner claims mission accomplishment, the transition appears linked to internal disputes and recent battlefield losses suffered against JNIM, an al-Qaeda linked group. The shift may also reflect a strategic repositioning by Russia, with the Africa Corps emphasizing training and logistical support over direct combat.
The arrest of David Huerta, president of SEIU-USWW and SEIU California, by ICE has galvanized California’s diverse union movement. Huerta’s arrest, marked by alleged excessive force, has ignited widespread outrage and solidarity among unions across the state and nationally. This incident follows a pattern of escalating immigration raids and has spurred a renewed commitment to action against mass deportations, transforming a previously cautious approach into a powerful show of unified resistance. The outpouring of support underscores the deep ties between unions and immigrant communities in California and promises significant future mobilization.
Musk’s DOGE Goons Surreptitiously Transmitted Reams of White House Data. The sheer audacity of it all is breathtaking. A Starlink Wi-Fi terminal, installed by Musk’s team atop the White House, allegedly bypassed crucial data-tracking security measures. This wasn’t some accidental oversight; it was a deliberate act, potentially granting unauthorized access to sensitive information.
This blatant disregard for established security protocols raises serious questions. The implications of such a breach are staggering, potentially compromising national security on an unprecedented scale. Who exactly had access to this data, and what did they do with it? The potential for misuse is enormous, ranging from blackmail to outright espionage.… Continue reading
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained at least 15 individuals in San Francisco, including four children, following routine check-ins. These detentions, part of a nationwide increase in arrests, occurred despite some individuals’ compliance with ICE requirements, raising concerns about intimidation tactics. One attorney reported detainees, including her client and her children, were held overnight in unsuitable conditions without food. Legal experts fear these actions will deter undocumented immigrants from attending court hearings, exacerbating the situation.
A collaborative effort between a major French automaker and a French defense SME will establish drone production lines within Ukraine. This initiative will supply drones to both Ukrainian and French armed forces, facilitating operational training using real-world scenarios. The project leverages Ukrainian expertise in drone design and operational strategy, eliminating the need for French personnel on-site. While the specific drone models remain undisclosed, the production aims to address the increasing reliance on drone warfare in the ongoing conflict. This partnership underscores the growing importance of drone technology in modern combat.
Simone Biles’s recent public disagreement with conservative activist Riley Gaines highlights a growing tension surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Biles, a highly decorated Olympic gymnast, has openly voiced her support for transgender women athletes, directly challenging Gaines’s criticisms.
The core of the disagreement centers on fairness and competition. Gaines, who tied for fifth place in a swimming competition with a transgender woman, has become a vocal critic of transgender inclusion in women’s sports, arguing it creates an unfair advantage. Biles, however, counters this argument, implicitly suggesting that Gaines’s focus on this single event overshadows her overall performance and that her complaints demonstrate a lack of graciousness in defeat.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood