Following a shooting at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas, a second detainee has died. Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, 32, succumbed to his injuries after being removed from life support. He was one of three detainees shot during the incident; the other detainee who died was Norlan Guzmán-Fuente, 37. The shooter, Joshua Jahn, was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has significantly impacted both students and teachers like Zabi, who relied on online platforms for English language instruction. Zabi’s students, many preparing for the IELTS exam, were cut off mid-test, leaving them devastated. The cost of mobile data, the only alternative, is prohibitive for most, further exacerbating the situation. Zabi, like many, is now considering leaving the country, and the money changer, Anas, says he’s had to endure an extreme dip in business.
Reports indicate that South Africa’s ambassador to France, Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa, has been found dead less than a day after going missing. Authorities received a concerning message from him the previous evening, and his phone last pinged near the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. According to reports, he is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of a hotel, though this has not been officially confirmed. Mthethwa had a long political career, serving as a minister in various capacities since the early 2000s, and most recently as South Africa’s ambassador to France.
In a recent CNN interview, Senator Roger Marshall defended Donald Trump’s posting of an AI-generated video targeting Democratic leaders. The video depicted Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero and an AI-dubbed Chuck Schumer making offensive statements. Marshall compared Trump’s actions to a “little boy” playing with a flashlight, suggesting the president was playfully highlighting the Democrats’ supposedly unreasonable demands. The clip’s offensive nature and potential to undermine shutdown negotiations, however, were questioned.
The Trump administration is facing a crisis due to plummeting U.S. soybean exports to China, as revealed by a leaked message detailing concerns. The message indicates that a recent economic bailout of Argentina resulted in Argentina selling soybeans to China, reducing prices, and giving China leverage in trade negotiations. American farmers, who have lost their largest buyer, are now struggling with oversupply, storage issues, and significant financial losses as China shifts its purchases to South American suppliers. While the administration is exploring aid and potential trade solutions, farmers are advocating for lasting trade agreements and a return to the Chinese market to secure their economic futures.
President Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, proposed a 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza and release hostages, a plan with conditions previously rejected by Hamas. The plan involves a temporary governing committee, hostage release within 72 hours of Hamas’s acceptance, and potential amnesty for Hamas members who disarm. While Trump expressed optimism, the plan faces challenges, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and the lack of explicit mention of Palestinian statehood. Simultaneously, Netanyahu apologized to Qatar for a recent strike on Hamas officials, seeking to mend relations with a key mediator.
Justice Clarence Thomas recently stated that settled legal precedent should not be treated as “gospel,” suggesting some decisions may be based on questionable foundations. He criticized the court’s adherence to precedent, advocating for a re-evaluation of “stare decisis.” Thomas’s remarks come before the Supreme Court’s new term and follow the overturning of Roe v. Wade, where he also expressed a desire to reconsider other substantive due process precedents. This stance reflects a broader conservative effort to dismantle precedents related to civil liberties and social progress.
Following days of deadly Gen Z-led protests over unreliable utilities, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and the entire government. While the President did not indicate he would step down, he announced a call for applications for government positions with a three-day timeframe to review proposals for a new Prime Minister. The UN reported 22 deaths due to the protests and the subsequent violent response from security forces, although Madagascar authorities dispute the toll. Protests, which began peacefully but were met with force, have involved thousands of people in the streets, resulting in roadblocks, fires, and attacks on political figures.
Following youth-led protests sparked by water and power shortages that have resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina dissolved the government. The demonstrations, inspired by similar movements in Kenya and Nepal, represent the largest challenge Rajoelina has faced since his 2023 re-election. Rajoelina has apologized for the government’s shortcomings and announced a call for applications for a new premier, while also promising measures to address business disruptions and create space for dialogue with the youth. The UN has cited a “violent response” by security forces as contributing to the fatalities, while the government disputes the UN’s casualty figures.
In a recent social media post, former President Trump shared an AI-generated video mocking Democrats and their policies, specifically targeting their stance on healthcare for undocumented immigrants. This post comes amidst a looming government shutdown, with negotiations between Trump and congressional leaders stalled due to disagreements over healthcare policy. The current funding crisis puts federal operations, and the income of government workers at risk, with a deal needing to be reached by Wednesday to prevent a shutdown. The Democrats are fighting to prevent the Republicans from cutting healthcare for millions of Americans, while the Republicans are fighting against Democrats’ proposals to fund healthcare for illegal aliens.
John Q. Hosedrinker