Following accusations that Elon Musk performed a Nazi salute, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Musk, calling him a “great friend of Israel” who has consistently supported Israel’s right to self-defense. While some, including figures in the German Jewish community, condemned the gesture as a fascist salute, others, such as the ADL and Deborah Lipstadt, downplayed the incident. Netanyahu’s statement highlights Musk’s post-Hamas attack visit to Israel and his subsequent support for the country. However, Musk’s past actions, including promoting far-right figures and sharing antisemitic content, remain a point of contention.
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In Davos, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged continued U.S. weapons supply to Ukraine, assuring that European nations would cover the costs. This assurance follows President Trump’s past criticisms of both European defense spending and aid to Ukraine. Rutte acknowledged the validity of Trump’s criticism while emphasizing Europe’s proximity to the conflict. Zelensky separately underscored the significance of U.S. leadership in achieving a Ukrainian victory over Russia, a sentiment echoed by Trump’s campaign promises of swift conflict resolution, despite lacking concrete details.
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Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) has introduced a joint resolution to amend the 22nd Amendment, enabling President Trump to serve a third term. This proposed amendment would allow up to three presidential terms, but prevents a third term after two consecutive terms. The resolution has drawn immediate criticism from Democrats, who highlight the unprecedented nature of the proposal and the potential for constitutional disruption. The amendment’s success requires significant congressional and state-level support, a high bar given its controversial nature.
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US agents recently conducted a workplace raid in New Jersey, targeting undocumented immigrants. This action is part of a broader escalation of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, raising serious concerns about civil liberties and due process. The raid involved the detention of individuals, some of whom were US citizens, highlighting the problematic nature of the operation. The requirement for those detained to prove their citizenship, even for US-born citizens who don’t routinely carry such documentation, raises significant questions about the fairness and legality of the process. This suggests a system where individuals are presumed guilty until proven innocent, a stark departure from established legal principles.… Continue reading
President Trump again asserted that Russia acquired US hypersonic missile plans, claiming theft occurred during the Obama administration. He specified that a “bad person” provided the designs to Russia, while simultaneously boasting of the US’s imminent development of superior hypersonic missiles. This claim echoes previous statements by Trump and former advisor John Bolton. The Kremlin previously denied the allegation, asserting independent development of their own technology.
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The Knesset’s recent passage of a law mandating five years imprisonment for the denial of the October 7th massacre has sparked considerable debate. The core of the legislation focuses on criminalizing the denial of the massacre itself, a point that many find reasonable.
However, the inclusion of a clause addressing “sympathy” for the perpetrators has raised serious concerns about the potential chilling effect on free speech. The ambiguity surrounding the definition of “sympathy” is a major point of contention. Is questioning the methods used to interrogate captured terrorists, for example, considered expressing sympathy? What about opposing attacks on the relatives of perpetrators?… Continue reading
In 2024, solar energy surpassed coal as an electricity source in the EU, generating 11% compared to coal’s 10%, marking a historic low for coal. Wind energy (17%) also exceeded gas (16%), further highlighting the EU’s shift away from fossil fuels. This transition, fueled by the European Green Deal, resulted in renewables accounting for nearly half (47%) of EU electricity generation, while fossil fuels contributed only 29%. The increased reliance on renewables has significantly reduced the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and price volatility.
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Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected (98% opposed) a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) to curtail the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The board recommended rejecting the proposal, citing its alignment with Costco’s commitment to respect and arguing that the DEI programs are legally sound and beneficial for business. This decision contrasts with other corporations that have scaled back DEI programs following the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard*. Costco maintains its DEI efforts enhance employee attraction and retention, despite NCPPR’s concerns about potential discrimination lawsuits.
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House GOP measure would let Trump seek third term. This proposal, introduced just days into the new congressional session, has ignited a firestorm of debate and apprehension. It aims to amend the Constitution, specifically targeting the 22nd Amendment’s term limits for presidents, allowing a former president who has served two non-consecutive terms to run again. The blatant implication, that this is intended to enable a third term for Donald Trump, is hard to ignore, and understandably upsetting to many.
House GOP measure would let Trump seek third term, and the timing is striking. The swiftness with which this measure was introduced suggests a pre-planned strategy rather than a spontaneous legislative initiative.… Continue reading
The European Court of Human Rights overturned a French court’s decision granting a divorce based solely on a 69-year-old woman’s refusal to have sex with her husband. The ECHR ruled that this violated her right to respect for private and family life, finding the imposed marital obligation incompatible with sexual freedom and bodily autonomy. The woman, who had sought the divorce in 2012, argued that health issues and abuse led to the cessation of sexual relations. This ruling potentially marks a significant shift in French jurisprudence regarding fault-based divorces and women’s rights.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood