Illinois Governor Signs Bill Imposing New Limits on Immigration Enforcement, and the essence of the reaction is a complex mix of support, skepticism, and strong feelings about the current state of immigration enforcement. The Governor’s actions are viewed by some as a necessary response to what they perceive as overreach by federal immigration agencies, echoing sentiments that highlight the need for protections against aggressive tactics. The core of this support stems from a belief in due process and a deep-seated concern about the methods used to detain and deport individuals, often described as “street kidnapping.” This echoes the idea that individuals should not fear apprehension simply for existing in a community.… Continue reading
Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith is resigning after less than two years, amid a power struggle with former President Donald Trump over federal control of the city’s police department. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Smith’s departure, highlighting her leadership during a time of significant challenges and a reduction in violent crime rates. The resignation, effective December 31st, is reportedly due to a desire for more family time, although it follows Trump’s attempt to federalize the MPD and ongoing investigations into alleged manipulation of crime statistics. Despite the controversy, Smith’s tenure saw crime rates fall significantly in early 2024, although the MPD continues to navigate issues of accountability and federal interference.
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In other news, a group of Senate Democrats has introduced the “Change Corruption Act,” a bill aiming to prevent the government from minting coins featuring a living president, specifically targeting a planned commemorative coin featuring Donald Trump. The bill, introduced by Senators Merkley and Cortez Masto, directly challenges the U.S. Mint’s plans to create $1 coins with Trump’s likeness in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. However, the bill faces significant obstacles given the current political landscape. It is also important to note that if this coin is minted, it wouldn’t be the first time a sitting American president has had his face on American currency.
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The Trump administration has implemented a $5,000 apprehension fee for migrants without legal status, applicable to those aged 14 and older apprehended after crossing the border. This new fee, stemming from provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” expands the financial penalties associated with unauthorized entry. The legislation also increases other immigration-related fees and introduces new fees for humanitarian protections, such as asylum applications. Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation to reverse some of these provisions, particularly those affecting unaccompanied children, citing potential negative impacts on their safety and legal rights.
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A Russian An-22 military transport aircraft crashed in the Ivanovo region during a scheduled test flight after repairs, resulting in the presumed deaths of all seven crew members. The incident occurred near the Uvod Reservoir in the Furmanovsky District. This particular aircraft, based at the Ivanovo-Severny military airfield, was likely undergoing maintenance within a hangar before the flight. The An-22, a Soviet-era aircraft known for its large payload capacity and historic significance as the world’s largest turboprop aircraft, was originally slated for retirement in 2024, but may have been re-evaluated due to recent losses of other military transport aircraft.
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In a rare instance, a Michigan man died of rabies after receiving a kidney transplant from an Idaho man who succumbed to the disease. The donor was scratched by a skunk while protecting a kitten. Following the recipient’s death and a review of the donor’s medical history, authorities discovered the skunk encounter and later confirmed the donor’s rabies infection through kidney biopsies. This led to a “likely three-step transmission chain” from a bat to a skunk to the donor and finally, to the recipient. The CDC has reported that this is only the fourth recorded transplant-transmitted rabies event in the U.S. since 1978.
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The Defense Department initially stated that the two individuals could have been attempting to radio their cartel, potentially indicating a continuation of their drug-trafficking mission. Lawmakers were briefed that the individuals were deemed capable of returning to combat. However, Trump has implied disagreement with the decision and suggests that the Defense Department’s reasoning for the second strike is untrue. Following the strike, Rep. Jim Himes described the individuals as being in distress and without the means of locomotion when killed by the U.S., leading to debate.
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European intelligence agencies have discovered a Russian sabotage network planning to bomb airplanes bound for the United States, utilizing explosives capable of a large-scale attack. This operation, involving explosions at logistics centers and plans for mid-air bombings, is part of a broader hybrid campaign by Moscow across Europe. Intelligence assessments and NATO reports suggest this activity reflects preparations for a potential major conflict, with Russia actively recruiting operatives and targeting infrastructure. Multiple sabotage attempts have been thwarted, indicating a wider threat, as analysts compare Russia’s current tactics to those of the KGB, placing Europe in a “pre-war” phase.
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Reports indicate former President Trump is experiencing increased fatigue, even napping during official meetings, and has been making changes to his schedule to accommodate it. However, this tiredness contrasts with the pervasive exhaustion felt by many Americans. Trump’s policies have resulted in a decline in the well-being of the American people, causing anxiety, stress, and a lack of sleep for many. This fatigue is not experienced equally, with the most vulnerable populations being targeted by the administration’s actions and experiencing the most profound impacts. Ultimately, the article contends that this widespread exhaustion may be part of a strategy to disorient the public and undermine their capacity to resist.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern over the spread of white supremacist ideology and false claims of persecution against South Africa’s Afrikaner minority. These claims, amplified by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk, pose a threat to the nation’s sovereignty, international relations, and national security. The US’s response has included boycotting the G20 summit and prioritizing white South African refugees, while falsely claiming a tolerance for violence and racism. These actions, coupled with the propagation of the “white genocide” narrative, are seen as attempts to undermine South Africa’s policies and global standing.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker