The author argues that the prevailing strategy of moderate Democrats is not the solution to the party’s struggles, but rather a continuation of the policies that have led to their failures. They point to the decline of states that once supported Democrats due to economic abandonment and corporate-friendly policies, specifically mentioning NAFTA’s impact on manufacturing jobs. The author contends that the focus should be on economic populism and building public capacity instead of relying on market forces and moderate candidates, as it has proven unsuccessful. They then assert that organized power and coordinated economic populism are the paths forward, not more of the failed moderation suggested by the current chorus.
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President Zelenskyy warned that Russia may initiate attacks on other European countries before the war in Ukraine concludes, citing a “stalemate” for Putin. He believes Putin is capable of opening a second front simultaneously while the war in Ukraine continues. Zelenskyy linked the rise in European criminal activity to Russia’s lack of progress on the front lines. He stated Putin seeks a major external enemy to unite Russia and views the United States and the West as adversaries.
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Ukraine is seeking to procure 27 Patriot air defense systems from the U.S. to protect against intensified Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, and is also requesting temporary loans of the systems from its European allies. President Zelensky emphasized the continued need for aid, asserting that support is only “enough when the war ends,” as attacks in regions like Donetsk and Kherson resulted in casualties. Despite existing support from allies, it hasn’t stopped Russia, and Zelensky expressed a positive relationship with U.S. President Trump despite the latter’s previous and planned communications with Putin that have spurred controversy.
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A federal judge rebuked the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order to fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, citing the president’s own statements as evidence of defiance. Despite the judge’s directive for full payment by Friday, the administration appealed the ruling and benefits remained unpaid, leaving millions without food assistance. The judge had previously pointed out the administration’s intent to withhold the payments for political reasons and highlighted the precedent of SNAP funding continuing during past shutdowns. An administrative order from Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson halted the lower court’s ruling, allowing the government to continue withholding funds while the appellate court reviews the matter.
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Argentina has, seemingly, become a beacon of hope, a place of refuge for a specific group: LGBTQ+ Russians fleeing the escalating anti-gay crackdown orchestrated by Vladimir Putin’s regime. It’s a complex situation, one that goes beyond just the LGBTQ+ community, as the influx of refugees from both Ukraine and Russia since the war’s commencement has been quite noticeable.
It’s clear that Argentina, for a while now, has been a place where people seek sanctuary from persecution. There’s a history of offering safe haven, dating back at least two decades. The stories of individuals finding freedom and safety in Argentina are moving and a reminder that everyone, everywhere, deserves to live without fear of discrimination.… Continue reading
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Italy is advocating for a stronger European defense, with President Sergio Mattarella renewing calls for a common European army. This push for a unified defense force comes as Italy faces a diplomatic dispute with Russia, triggered by inflammatory remarks from a Russian official linking the collapse of a historic Italian structure to Rome’s support for Ukraine. Italy has responded with a formal protest, condemning the Russian rhetoric as offensive. Despite the diplomatic tension, Italy is continuing its support for Ukraine, with the 12th military aid package in the works.
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Water storage in Mashhad’s dams has plummeted to under 3%, highlighting the severity of Iran’s water crisis. With consumption reaching 8,000 liters per second, water management is no longer a suggestion but a necessity, according to officials. The situation mirrors concerns in Tehran, where dams are at critical levels, prompting warnings of potential water rationing. The crisis is compounded by a nationwide drought, leading to criticism of environmental decision-making and accusations of politicization of the issue.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Russia, facing a stalemate in Ukraine, may initiate a second front against another European country. The Kremlin is currently testing NATO’s boundaries through hybrid warfare, and a need for an external enemy could drive further aggression. Zelenskyy believes Putin could pursue multiple fronts simultaneously due to his failures in Ukraine, despite the country’s defense efforts. He also emphasizes that the US should not consider friendship with Russia, especially as the current regime needs an external enemy to stay united.
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Trump Administration demands states ‘undo’ work to send full food stamps, which is a situation that seems designed to create hardship for some of the most vulnerable people in the country. The whole situation has an unmistakable air of cruelty. It’s difficult not to see this as a deliberate move to cause suffering, especially when considering the timing and the potential impact on families already struggling to make ends meet. The fact that this is happening as winter approaches just adds another layer of concern.
Now, it’s pretty clear where the blame lies. This isn’t a case of some complex political maneuver; it’s a direct action by the Trump administration to restrict access to food assistance.… Continue reading
A federal judge determined the Trump administration violated the First Amendment rights of Education Department employees. The violation occurred when the department replaced personalized out-of-office email replies with partisan messages blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the department to restore union members’ personalized out-of-office email notices immediately, or remove the partisan language from all employee accounts. The lawsuit was filed by the American Federation of Government Employees, who argued the action infringed on employee’s rights and used them as political mouthpieces.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood