During an early morning operation in Elgin, Illinois, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined federal immigration agents, resulting in several arrests, including U.S. citizens who were later released. The raid was part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a DHS enforcement effort targeting criminal noncitizens in the Chicago area. Noem’s presence highlights the federal focus on immigration enforcement. The operation is expected to continue for several weeks, involving multiple federal agencies.
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On Tuesday, Israel launched a major offensive into Gaza City, causing mass displacement and heavy destruction. The Israeli military declared the “main phase” of the operation had begun with the goal of controlling the entire city. This escalation of conflict has likely pushed a ceasefire with Hamas further out of reach. The offensive began the same day independent experts commissioned by the United Nations Human Rights Council accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, a missile fired by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen set off rocket sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
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In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, some conservatives are calling for a crackdown on speech, contradicting their previous stances. Senator Rand Paul referenced moral clauses in contracts to suggest people don’t always have the right to say what they want. Figures like Vice President JD Vance and others are advocating for public shaming, potentially including contacting employers, of individuals expressing dissenting opinions. This shift has led to accusations of hypocrisy, particularly regarding the right’s prior criticism of speech policing.
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Russia’s inflatable fighter jet spotted visibly sagging during Zapad military exercises, and let’s just say, the internet had a field day. It’s not exactly the image of military might you’d expect, is it? Instead, we’re picturing a deflated Sukhoi, looking a little… well, droopy. The jokes practically write themselves, and trust me, a lot of them were pretty good. It’s a moment that’s easy to see as something of a metaphor for a lot of things, if you’re inclined to read into it.
This whole inflatable fighter jet situation really does spark some questions. It’s a misdirection tactic, we all know that.… Continue reading
Trump says flag burners should be jailed, and Pride flags banned, and this declaration is just the latest volley in a barrage of Republican rhetoric aimed at stifling dissent. It’s a chilling prospect, particularly in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which has seemingly become a catalyst for the party’s escalating crackdown on free speech. The situation feels like a descent into authoritarianism, where opposing viewpoints are not merely disagreed with but actively suppressed.
The former president’s pronouncements, made during a press conference on the assassination, are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader trend. This push for restrictions on what people can say or display, under the guise of maintaining order or protecting sensibilities, is a dangerous game that undercuts the very foundations of a democratic society.… Continue reading
Swarmer, a Ukrainian company specializing in AI-powered drone autonomy, has received US$15 million in funding from US investors, marking a significant investment in Ukrainian defense technology. This investment will allow Swarmer to equip every drone with swarm capabilities, significantly expanding its operational capacity on the battlefield. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the effectiveness of Swarmer’s technologies, noting that these swarm capabilities facilitate the deployment of numerous drones and robots, even with limited trained operators. The funding follows earlier reports of US company Auterion supplying Ukraine with AI strike kits, also designed to enable drone swarm functionality.
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President Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman to lead Mexico’s independence celebrations in over two centuries, delivered a strong message emphasizing national sovereignty. During the traditional “grito” ceremony and a subsequent military parade, she declared that Mexico would not accept foreign intervention or interference. These statements come amidst ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding drug cartels and border security, where the U.S. has sought increased action. Sheinbaum has rejected the idea of U.S. troops and maintained that Mexico’s actions against cartels are driven by national interests, despite pressure from the U.S.
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US health officials are planning to release data on child deaths and serious side effects potentially linked to COVID-19 vaccines, despite the lack of supporting evidence and concerns of increased vaccine hesitancy. This move is part of a larger effort to cast doubt on vaccines and reduce access, with the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices revisiting recommendations for COVID, measles, and hepatitis B shots. Critics worry that changes to recommendations could lead to insurance companies no longer covering certain vaccines. Moreover, there is a concern over the addition of anti-vaccine advisers to the HHS.
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The European Commission, under pressure from the U.S. President, will propose an accelerated phase-out of Russian energy purchases, going beyond its initial plan to cease purchases by 2027. This announcement followed a phone call focused on increasing economic pressure on Russia. The Commission is also preparing to present a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s crypto, banks, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, the U.S. has been pushing for tougher sanctions, including tariffs on China and India, the leading buyers of Russian oil, in an attempt to push Russia to the negotiating table.
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According to a recent study by the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab, thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are undergoing forced re-education in at least 210 facilities. These facilities, located in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, are reported to include programs of forced militarization and the production of military equipment. The study, based on publicly available data, details the various types of facilities, including summer camps and military bases, where the objective is to indoctrinate the children with pro-Russian narratives. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova for the war crime of unlawfully deporting and transferring children.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood