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Following a phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, an agreement was reached to immediately begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. This unprecedented move, revealed on Truth Social, aims to prevent further loss of life and was reportedly met with surprise by European allies. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth simultaneously declared that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic and that the US will not deploy troops to Ukraine, prompting concern among NATO members. These announcements signal a significant shift in US policy toward the conflict, placing greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense on European nations.
The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a largely partisan 52-48 vote, with only Senator McConnell (R-KY) opposing from the Republican side. Gabbard’s confirmation, a victory for President Trump, followed concerns raised by Democrats and some Republicans regarding her past statements on Russia, Syria, Edward Snowden, and Section 702 of the FISA Act. Despite initial reservations, Gabbard subsequently moderated her stances during her confirmation hearing, securing support from key Republican senators. The confirmation further showcases Trump’s influence within the GOP.
The House released a budget resolution proposing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, $2 trillion in mandatory spending cuts, and a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase, aiming to enact President Trump’s agenda. This action follows delays in the House due to internal disagreements, prompting the Senate to concurrently develop its own proposal. Speaker Johnson emphasized the House’s commitment to the President’s complete agenda, while Senate Republicans, led by Senator Graham, advocate for a two-part approach to expedite the process, prioritizing immediate action on border security, defense, and energy. Despite differing approaches, House Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Thune have reportedly coordinated their efforts.
Ohio has confirmed its first human case of bird flu (H5N1) during the current outbreak, affecting an adult farmer in Mercer County who had contact with infected poultry. The risk to the general public remains low, according to the CDC. The state health department advises avoiding contact with sick or dead poultry and wild birds, and recommends using protective equipment when handling potentially infected animals. Further guidance emphasizes thorough handwashing and avoiding touching one’s face after contact.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has made it clear he won’t be attending any White House meetings if discussions include President Trump’s controversial plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza. This firm stance underscores the deep reservations Egypt holds regarding the plan’s feasibility and ethical implications. The sheer scale of displacement involved, potentially impacting over two million people, makes it a proposition that Egypt is unwilling to participate in.
The proposal, which envisions U.S. control over Gaza and its transformation into a luxurious coastal region, has been met with widespread international condemnation. Egypt, sharing a border with Gaza, is particularly concerned about the potential for mass migration across its border, a scenario it has consistently rejected.… Continue reading
Following four months of post-election negotiations, Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl’s attempt to form a coalition government with the conservative Austrian People’s Party failed. The collapse stemmed from irreconcilable differences, particularly concerning control of the Interior Ministry and differing stances on EU policy and relations with Russia. Kickl, whose Freedom Party won the September election, blamed the People’s Party for the breakdown, citing disagreements over policy and ministerial portfolios. President Van der Bellen now faces several options, including new elections, a minority government, or renewed coalition talks, amidst a worsening economic climate.
FEMA has revoked over $80 million in grants from New York City, escalating a dispute over migrant shelter funding. A federal judge declined to halt the reclaiming of funds, which included a $59 million grant challenged by the Trump administration and a further $21.5 million award. Mayor Adams is exploring legal options and plans to discuss the matter with Trump administration officials, while the White House suggests the funds were misallocated. The funds were disbursed under the Biden administration but were later flagged by Elon Musk, prompting the action and the firing of four DHS employees involved in the transactions.
The House Republican budget resolution proposes a $4 trillion debt ceiling increase and allocates $4.5 trillion for tax cuts, primarily to make permanent the Trump-era tax reductions. This plan, which also includes spending cuts and allocations for immigration and military initiatives, faces internal GOP divisions, particularly between the Freedom Caucus and more moderate members. Democrats strongly oppose the tax cuts, citing concerns about increased deficits and potential cuts to social programs. The resolution, while aiming to enact a significant portion of the Trump agenda, will likely undergo substantial negotiation before final passage.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has resulted in the culling of nearly 1.8 million farmed birds in the UK over the past three months, stemming from 33 confirmed outbreaks. While the risk to humans remains low, the government acknowledges the significant emotional and financial toll on affected farmers. Although the culled birds represent a small percentage of overall poultry production, concerns persist regarding the long-term mental health impact on the farming community. New housing orders have been implemented in several English counties to mitigate further spread.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood