Air Canada’s plans to resume operations on Sunday were suspended after the flight attendants’ union defied a government-ordered return to work, impacting approximately 130,000 travelers daily. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) intervened and ordered staff back to work, but the union, representing 10,000 flight attendants, refused. The union plans to challenge the order, citing unfairness, while the airline has extended the existing collective agreement’s term. Air Canada has now rescheduled flights to commence on Monday.
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Food prices have surged, with a 2.9% increase since last July, alongside significant rises in wholesale vegetable prices. This inflationary trend is expected to persist due to factors like tariffs. As producers face higher costs, they will likely pass those expenses onto consumers, affecting items beyond food, such as home electronics. Coupled with cuts to SNAP benefits and the rising demand on food banks, the situation is likely to worsen.
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According to biographer Michael Wolff, President Trump is desperately seeking a “big thing” to distract from the ongoing questions surrounding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff revealed that Trump is willing to sacrifice Ukraine in an upcoming meeting with Vladimir Putin to achieve this distraction. This decision follows the failure of other potential distractions and is driven by the persistent “Epstein drumbeat” that is threatening the former president. Trump is reportedly seeking to appease his base by removing the U.S. from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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In a move mirroring Donald Trump’s social media tactics, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has adopted a mocking tone, including a new nickname for Vice President J.D. Vance, “Just Dance Vance.” This follows the governor’s criticism of Trump’s efforts to redraw electoral maps, similar to actions in Texas. Newsom’s approach includes all-caps posts and derogatory nicknames, mirroring Trump’s style. The governor’s actions are intertwined with his opposition to attempts to redistribute congressional boundaries, potentially leading to further escalation in their ongoing conflict.
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Ukrainian forces launched a strike on a Russian troop column in the Kursk region on August 17, severely wounding Lt. Gen. Esedulla Abachev, who later had a limb amputated. The Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported the attack and linked Abachev to war crimes, emphasizing retribution for such actions. This strike, along with a separate operation that destroyed a Russian ammunition depot and eliminated Russian personnel in Melitopol, reflects intensified Ukrainian military activity. These events add to a pattern of high-ranking Russian military figures being targeted, including the reported killing of Deputy Navy Chief Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov earlier in July.
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In San Bernardino, California, a family experienced a harrowing encounter when masked federal agents surrounded their truck and demanded they exit the vehicle. After the family requested identification, which the agents refused, the agents began smashing the car’s windows. The father then attempted to flee, prompting the agents to open fire. Despite a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson claiming the suspect drove at officers, the family stated the agents provided no identification or warrants, leading to the father and family’s fear of their lives.
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Federal immigration officers were involved in an officer-involved shooting in San Bernardino after a vehicle stop escalated. A man contacted dispatch claiming masked men shot at him after breaking his car window, while the Department of Homeland Security reported agents were conducting a targeted enforcement operation and the suspect tried to run over officers. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice released video showing agents smashing the vehicle’s windows and firing shots, but the driver ultimately was able to flee. Following the incident, the San Bernardino Police Department was called to assist with crowd control during an attempted arrest, clarifying that the situation was not immigration-related.
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The Coalition of the Willing convened to express unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty, condemning any alteration of borders by force. President Zelensky announced that the coalition agreed key issues must be resolved with Ukrainian, U.S., and Russian involvement. Discussions also encompassed potential security guarantees involving land, air, and sea protection, alongside a fair and effective peace agreement. These developments occurred following a meeting in Brussels, setting the stage for Zelensky’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Trump.
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In a significant escalation of federal intervention, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio are deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington D.C. The Republican governors of these states are sending personnel at the request of the Trump administration to assist with law enforcement and bolster the federal crackdown on crime and homelessness. These actions follow President Trump’s executive order federalizing local police forces and activating D.C. National Guard members, sparking protests in the city. The added troops are intended to provide support in patrolling landmarks and assisting with tasks such as crowd control.
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European leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and the French President, convened with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House to counter a US-backed plan that would allow Russia to retain occupied Ukrainian territory. This unprecedented display of unity aimed to push back against Trump’s endorsement of the Kremlin’s proposal, which includes Kyiv ceding land in exchange for a ceasefire. The European leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, arguing against a land swap and seeking clarity on US security guarantees. While acknowledging Trump’s efforts, they stressed that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine and that Russia must face further sanctions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker