Governor JB Pritzker issued a directive prohibiting state employment for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, directly contradicting President Trump’s recent pardons and commutations. This action, deemed necessary to uphold Illinois’ values and ensure the integrity of its workforce, declares participation in the attack as “infamous and disgraceful conduct.” The directive anticipates potential legal challenges but aims to utilize existing personnel code for strong legal standing. Pritzker’s decision represents a significant rebuke of Trump’s actions and continues his long-standing opposition to the former president’s policies.
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China is constructing a massive new military command center near Beijing, a project that dwarfs even the Pentagon in scale, reportedly ten times larger. This sprawling, 1,500-acre complex, dubbed “Beijing Military City,” is raising significant international concern, particularly given its apparent purpose: sheltering China’s top military brass in the event of a nuclear war.
The sheer scale of this undertaking is striking. Satellite imagery reveals extensive construction underway, indicating a significant investment in reinforced bunkers designed to withstand the devastation of a nuclear attack. The timeline suggests construction began in mid-2024, coinciding with the People’s Liberation Army’s preparations for its centenary in 2027, a date President Xi Jinping has previously linked to his ambition of annexing Taiwan.… Continue reading
Kiah Duggins, a Wichita native and prominent civil rights attorney with Civil Rights Corps, perished in a plane crash near Washington, D.C., along with 67 others. A Harvard Law graduate and former Miss Butler County, Duggins dedicated her career to fighting for justice and equality, litigating cases challenging unconstitutional policing and money bail practices across multiple states. Before her death, she was set to become a law professor at Howard University. Duggins’ family has requested privacy during their grieving period.
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At least six high-ranking FBI officials, including those overseeing cyber, national security, and criminal investigations, have been ordered to leave their positions by Monday. These personnel changes, extending a purge that began last week at the Justice Department, follow the Trump administration’s stated intention to replace leaders appointed under former FBI Director Christopher Wray. The actions have caused internal concern, particularly as the targeted officials were not involved in Trump-related prosecutions. This follows anxieties among hundreds of agents involved in investigations of the January 6th Capitol attack and Trump’s handling of classified documents, who fear similar repercussions.
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Elon Musk, through his allies now in key positions within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), orchestrated a mass buyout email offering to 2.3 million federal employees. This action, mirroring a similar move at X (formerly Twitter), bypassed OPM officials, who were reportedly unaware of the plan. Musk’s influence extends beyond his Department of Government Efficiency role, as he now effectively controls the replacement for the U.S. Digital Service office. The buyout’s legality and long-term implications remain uncertain, given Musk’s history of controversial employment practices.
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Panama’s president has made it abundantly clear: there will be no negotiation regarding the Panama Canal. This firm stance, issued in advance of Senator Rubio’s visit, signals a potentially significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Panama and the United States. The president’s unwavering position leaves little room for compromise, suggesting a determination to resist any perceived pressure from the US.
The idea of the US taking over the canal is unrealistic. It’s a notion that only those lacking a sound grasp of geopolitical realities would seriously entertain. Any attempt to seize control would face significant logistical hurdles, not to mention provoking widespread international condemnation.… Continue reading
A non-binding motion for stricter German border and asylum rules passed with the support of the far-right AfD, fracturing the established political consensus. This controversial vote, defended by CDU leader Friedrich Merz as necessary, sparked intense debate and condemnation from Chancellor Scholz, who called it an “unforgivable mistake”. Merz plans to introduce binding legislation with potential AfD backing, despite concerns about its legality and timing before the upcoming election. The incident highlights the escalating political tensions surrounding immigration in Germany.
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Following his criticisms of President Trump, including referring to him as a “fascist,” retired General Mark Milley has been stripped of his security detail and clearance by the Pentagon. This action, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, follows an investigation into Milley’s conduct and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to revoke security protections for former officials who opposed him. The Pentagon cited undermining the chain of command as justification for the move. President Biden had preemptively pardoned Milley and others, anticipating potential retribution from Trump.
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Following a unilateral executive order from Donald Trump, Google altered the name of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” on its maps, prompting outrage from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sheinbaum criticized Google’s compliance, highlighting the illegality of the name change under international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In response, Sheinbaum conversely requested Google to label parts of the United States as “América Mexicana” on its maps, mirroring Google’s actions. Google’s stated rationale was adherence to its policy of updating names based on official government sources, while it has yet to respond to Sheinbaum’s counter-proposal.
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The black boxes from the mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Washington, D.C., have been recovered and are undergoing analysis. Initial reports indicate that only one air traffic controller was managing both helicopter and airplane traffic in the busy airspace at the time of the crash, raising questions about staffing levels. The accident, resulting in 67 fatalities, is under investigation by the NTSB, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Recovery efforts are underway, but have been hampered by challenging conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood