The European Parliament has passed a resolution advocating for a ban on social media use for children under 16, with parental consent being an exception. This non-binding resolution aims to address growing concerns about the potential mental health risks associated with unrestricted internet access for minors. The European Commission is currently evaluating Australia’s similar ban, and a panel of experts is expected to advise on the best approach to protect children online. The resolution also calls for the disabling of addictive features on internet platforms used by minors, such as infinite scrolling and excessive notifications.
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A federal appeals court unanimously upheld a nearly $1 million penalty against Donald Trump and attorney Alina Habba for a “frivolous” lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and others. The court affirmed the lower court’s decision to dismiss the case, citing “sanctionable conduct” in filing the suit. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged a conspiracy to falsely portray Trump’s campaign as colluding with Russia, but was dismissed by a lower court judge who stated that “no reasonable lawyer would have filed it.” This ruling represents another setback in Trump’s attempts to pursue legal action against his political adversaries.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Ukraine’s future membership in the alliance hinges on unanimous agreement among member states, not Russia’s demands. Despite recent peace talks and a controversial plan that initially appeared to restrict Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, Rutte reiterated that Russia holds no veto power. Rutte acknowledged the importance of providing Ukraine with strong security guarantees in lieu of NATO membership and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Russia. He also noted Russia’s minimal progress in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the need for increased defense spending in the face of a persistent Russian threat.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene’s sudden departure from Congress has unveiled significant fractures within the GOP, raising questions about the party’s future. Her resignation, following tensions with both Speaker Mike Johnson and the broader MAGA movement, is expected to exacerbate existing stress on the already thin Republican majority. These internal conflicts, coupled with a general sense of discontent and disrespect, have led to declining morale among GOP members. Furthermore, the lack of support for Trump’s initiatives, such as extending Obamacare subsidies, suggests a deeper crisis of leadership and unity within the party.
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Germany has developed a classified 1,200-page wartime logistics plan, “Operation Plan Germany” or OPLAN DEU, detailing how NATO would transport up to 800,000 troops across German territory in the event of a Russian attack. This plan highlights key infrastructure, including ports, railways, and highways, that would serve as the alliance’s main arteries to the eastern front, reflecting a shift back to a Cold War-style posture. The plan also considers the potential for Russian sabotage and cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, underscoring the urgency of the situation, especially given warnings that Russia may be willing to strike within two to five years. The strategy aims to deter conflict by demonstrating to adversaries that any attack would be unsuccessful.
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Responding to a video featuring six Democratic lawmakers urging service members to “refuse illegal orders” from former President Trump, Rep. Adam Smith stated he believes Trump has issued illegal military orders. Smith cited a specific instance, the order to blow up boats in the Caribbean without proper justification, as an example. He condemned the Department of War’s review into Sen. Mark Kelly’s participation in the video, deeming it a threat to free speech. While Smith expressed his views, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, also in the video, stated she was not aware of any illegal military orders from the former president.
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Poland arrests Russian suspected of hacking Polish companies, a development that undoubtedly sends ripples of concern through both the cybersecurity community and the geopolitical landscape. It’s a reminder that digital warfare is a very real, and often underestimated, facet of modern conflict. When someone is accused of cyberattacks targeting businesses, the potential damage isn’t just financial. It can extend to the theft of sensitive data, disruption of essential services, and even the compromising of national security. The mere fact that this individual is now in custody in Poland suggests a seriousness to the alleged offenses.
This situation throws a spotlight on the often-hidden world of state-sponsored hacking.… Continue reading
A federal appeals court has upheld nearly $1 million in penalties against Donald Trump and his attorneys for their racketeering lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and other Democrats. The court agreed with the lower court’s dismissal of the lawsuit, deeming many of its legal arguments frivolous. The suit alleged Clinton conspired to create a false narrative about Trump and Russia. The presiding judge found the suit to be filled with frivolous claims intended to harass and serve a political purpose, and that Trump knew of the suit’s shortcomings.
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The Pentagon is investigating Senator Mark Kelly due to a video that reminded military members they can refuse illegal orders, sparking controversy. Pete Hegseth, acting on Trump’s behalf, has threatened to recall Kelly to active service, focusing on trivial matters to discredit him. Legal experts affirm Kelly’s First Amendment rights protect his speech, indicating that Trump’s retaliation efforts are likely to fail. This situation highlights Trump’s tendency to target critics, but in this case, Kelly, a former military member, is prepared to fight back.
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The devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Hong Kong rapidly consumed seven of the eight buildings, resulting in at least 83 deaths and hundreds missing. Residents have raised concerns about the construction safety during the ongoing renovations. Three arrests have been made, and criminal and anti-corruption probes have been launched. Many residents, particularly the elderly, now face homelessness and loss.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood