Speaking at the Berlin summit on peace in Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the United States would respond militarily if Russia attacks Ukraine again. Tusk stated that American negotiators, including Steve Witkoff, had been clear in their commitment to providing security guarantees to Ukraine. This united front of the US, Europe, and Ukraine is seen as crucial in pressuring Russia to engage in serious peace talks or agree to a ceasefire. Tusk emphasized the importance of Western allies acting together to prevent Russia from creating divisions.
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As U.S. pressure on Ukraine grows, Ukrainians are largely opposed to Russian demands, particularly regarding territorial concessions. President Zelensky has stated that any decisions on territorial concessions should be decided by Ukrainians, potentially through a referendum, though this is complicated by martial law. Many Ukrainians view holding a vote during the war as unrealistic due to security concerns and logistical challenges. A recent survey showed that a significant majority of Ukrainians oppose plans that involve troop withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast, with many citizens emphasizing that they would not concede these territories to Russia.
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Ford Motor Co. is adjusting its electric vehicle strategy due to financial losses and changing consumer preferences, shifting investment towards gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles. The company will discontinue the all-electric F-150 Lightning, instead focusing on an extended-range version and retooling its Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center to produce gas-powered trucks. These changes come as Ford has lost billions on EVs and anticipates further financial hits, with plans to have half of its global volume be hybrids and extended-range EVs by 2030. The shift reflects broader industry trends, as consumer demand for EVs has lagged, influenced by factors like cost and charging infrastructure, alongside policy changes from the Trump administration impacting fuel economy and emissions regulations.
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Ashley Fagan has been sentenced to 18 to 23½ years in prison for her role in the death of her 6-year-old daughter, Eva Bretz. Fagan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including permitting child abuse and involuntary manslaughter, after an autopsy revealed Eva suffered from chronic physical and sexual abuse, multiple injuries, and fentanyl in her system. The victim’s grandfather expressed the immense grief and injustice of the situation, emphasizing the mother’s failure to protect her daughter. Fagan’s boyfriend, Blake Hutchinson, who was also a suspect, died by suicide before he could be arrested.
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President Zelenskyy declared Ukraine’s refusal to cede Donbas to Russia or recognize it as Russian territory. The United States has proposed a free economic zone for the region as a possible compromise, but Zelenskyy stressed this would not imply Russian control. Negotiations involving the US, Ukraine, and European leaders have focused on a revised peace plan, with the territorial issue remaining a key point of contention. While a referendum on territorial matters is not currently planned, Ukraine is open to elections in Donbas once a ceasefire is established.
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The US military conducted strikes on three boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. These attacks, targeting vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling and linked to “designated terrorist organizations,” were justified by the US President as an escalation to combat drug trafficking. The strikes are drawing increased scrutiny from lawmakers, especially given the rising death toll and the recent designation of fentanyl as a “weapon of mass destruction,” which has expanded government authority.
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Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue, which, if you think about it, is a pretty straightforward conclusion based on what we see and experience. It’s the only logical explanation when you consider how many scam advertisements and fake profiles we’re constantly bombarded with, and how often they’re reported only to be met with a response stating the ad “does not violate our policies.” That’s a pretty damning indictment, isn’t it? It suggests that Meta, and likely other social media platforms, are prioritizing profit over user experience and even basic safety.
Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue, and this has become the norm within the digital advertising model.… Continue reading
Multiple sources suggest FBI Director Kash Patel’s tenure may be ending due to perceived missteps, including the Brown University shooting investigation. Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly already departing, signaling a major shakeup within the agency. According to FBI insiders, the agency is in disarray, with low morale. Andrew Bailey, the former Missouri Attorney General, is favored to replace Patel, though this has been denied by the White House.
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Rep. Don Bacon, a senior House Armed Services Committee member, has criticized the Trump administration’s approach to Russia, particularly regarding the new National Security Strategy. Bacon draws parallels between Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Neville Chamberlain’s appeasement of Nazi Germany, specifically highlighting the potential for Ukraine to cede territory for peace. He suggests this mirrors the historical context of offering land for peace, which didn’t guarantee peace then and wouldn’t now. Bacon further notes that he is voicing concerns held by many GOP members, and that the new strategy starkly contrasts with previous approaches and is drawing pushback from fellow Republicans.
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Footage from the Bondi Beach massacre shows two individuals heroically attempting to disarm the shooter, Sajid Naveed, moments before their deaths. Dashcam video and drone footage reveal the pair grappling with Naveed, and one is seen holding the gun after taking it. Tragically, Naveed later returned and opened fire in their direction. Additionally, Ahmed Al Ahmed, another bystander, bravely disarmed one of the shooters and has been hailed as a hero.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood