French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the US’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine needs significant revisions before it is acceptable to Ukraine and Europe. Macron emphasized that the plan, while a step toward peace, contains elements that could be perceived as capitulation. He clarified that any decisions regarding territorial compromises rest solely with Ukraine and that the plan should not dictate terms favorable to Russia. Furthermore, Macron highlighted the importance of Ukraine rebuilding its military and emphasized Europe’s authority over frozen Russian assets.
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The closure of Tyson Foods’ Lexington, Nebraska beef plant, which employs nearly a third of the town’s population, will severely impact the community and reduce national beef processing capacity by 7-9%. While consumers may not immediately see price changes, the long-term impact could lead to higher beef prices, especially if American ranchers are discouraged from raising more cattle. Simultaneously, the increase of beef imports from Brazil, encouraged by tariff reductions, could affect the market, impacting U.S. cattle business profitability and confidence. This plant closure, resulting from Tyson’s continued losses in the beef business and the need for more technologically advanced facilities, marks a significant economic challenge for Lexington.
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Political analyst Nate Silver noted that disapproval of President Trump is slightly higher now than at a comparable point in his first term, with 55.9% disapproving. This negative sentiment is attributed to factors like the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, economic policies, and general fatigue. Recent polls from The Economist/YouGov and Fox News indicate declining approval ratings and negative views on the economy, potentially impacting the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Experts suggest that the predictability and perceived ineffectiveness of Trump’s policies could lead to a decline in popularity, opening doors for Democrats.
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The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, a Democratic Senator from Arizona, following a video he recorded urging the military to disobey illegal orders. Kelly, a Navy veteran, responded that he would not be intimidated by the administration, while his colleague, Senator Ruben Gallego, condemned the investigation as “insane.” The video, along with similar ones from other Democrats, sparked outrage from the Trump administration, leading to incendiary statements from Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who referred to the lawmakers as the “Seditious Six”. Republican lawmakers have largely remained silent, despite increased threats of violence against the Democrats.
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Nike co-founder Phil Knight recently donated $3 million to the Bring Balance to Salem PAC, aiming to elect Republicans to the Oregon Legislature, representing his largest single political contribution in the state. This donation significantly boosted the PAC’s cash reserves, bringing the total to $3.93 million. Knight’s support for the PAC reflects his ongoing effort to diminish the Democratic supermajorities in the Oregon Legislature, a trend he began in 2022 with substantial donations. Previously, Knight also contributed to candidates like Betsy Johnson and Christine Drazan during the 2022 election cycle.
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Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison. Gill admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for pro-Russia interviews and speeches, potentially receiving up to £40,000. These payments were connected to his work as a Member of the European Parliament, with the money coming from an individual alleged to have ties to Russian secret services. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb stated that Gill’s actions abused his position and damaged public trust in democracy.
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Gramma, a beloved Galapagos tortoise and the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, has passed away at an estimated age of 141. Arriving at the zoo in either 1928 or 1931, Gramma charmed visitors with her gentle demeanor, living through numerous historical events. Her care specialists affectionately called her “the Queen of the Zoo” as she faced age-related health issues and was eventually euthanized. Galapagos tortoises are known for their longevity, with the oldest recorded, Harriet, living to 175 years old.
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Several prominent MAGA influencer accounts, including DarkMAGA, MagaScope, WilliamAlbrech, and IvankaNews_, have been suspended from X after a new feature revealed their origins in countries like Nigeria and Bangladesh. These accounts, which collectively amassed over a million followers, were likely in violation of X’s rules against impersonation and misleading users. “IvankaNews_,” which claimed to be a U.S. resident, was among the accounts toppled by the feature, but others, like @America_First0 and “Trump Army,” continue to post despite being outed, potentially driven by X’s payment model that rewards engagement, even negative engagement.
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US holds secret meetings with Russians in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine, and the very idea sparks a flurry of questions and concerns. The fact that these discussions are happening behind closed doors, in a location like Abu Dhabi, immediately raises eyebrows. Why the secrecy? What exactly is being discussed? The situation is especially sensitive given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the complex geopolitical landscape it has created.
US holds secret meetings with Russians in Abu Dhabi on Ukraine, and the nature of these meetings becomes a focal point. Some suggest that the conversations might revolve around oil and money distribution.… Continue reading
A recent United Nations study reveals Jakarta as the world’s largest urban center, surpassing Tokyo, which previously held the title. The report highlights the rapid urbanization in Asia, with nine of the ten most populous cities located there. Jakarta’s massive population poses significant challenges, including congestion and pollution, prompting Indonesia’s plan to relocate its capital. Overall, the UN emphasizes that urbanization is a defining force, urging countries to adopt integrated policies for balanced development and sustainable growth.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood