The White House, under President Trump’s direction, has released a list of objectionable exhibits and artwork at various Smithsonian museums, claiming the institution is too “woke.” The list, published with the headline “President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian,” targets content related to race, slavery, immigration, and transgender identity. White House officials stated the administration aims to remove “divisive ideology.” The Smithsonian, in response, maintains its commitment to factual historical presentation.
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Starting August 23, postal services in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium will temporarily halt parcel shipments to the US due to the upcoming suspension of the “de minimis” customs exemption. This exemption previously allowed low-value packages to enter the US duty-free, but the change means shipments will now face tariffs, which these postal operators are not yet equipped to handle. Consequently, this decision will affect packages beyond letters, potentially forcing sellers to cancel orders or seek alternative shipping methods. The temporary halt is a result of not being able to handle the new customs declaration paperwork and payment methods required.
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The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has cautioned against pressuring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, labeling such proposals a “trap” orchestrated by Putin. Kallas emphasized that Russia has made no concessions and that Putin may not be interested in a peace deal, especially after receiving a “welcoming” during talks. President Zelensky has also expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate, citing their avoidance of a meeting and continued aggression. The piece highlighted the EU’s continued sanctions and the need for robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
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At a recent Hamptons fundraiser, Andrew Cuomo revealed his strategy to win the New York mayoral race by aligning with Donald Trump, suggesting Trump’s implicit support. Cuomo aimed to create a coalition of loyalists and Trump Republicans, recognizing that the primary goal was to defeat Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s official candidate. Cuomo indicated he could cooperate with Trump, as he believed Trump sought “redemption in New York,” despite Cuomo’s previous image as a tough opponent to Trump. This gaffe revealed his true political nature, echoing criticisms that Cuomo shares more in common with Trump, focusing on personality, division, and similar political strategies.
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The Florida Board of Education has eliminated certificates of completion for students with disabilities unable to earn a standard diploma, as per a new state law. This change, effective this year, leaves some students with severe disabilities without formal recognition upon graduation, potentially limiting their post-secondary opportunities and employment prospects. Concerns are raised that this move could exacerbate existing educational disparities and undermine incentives for these students. While the Department of Education emphasizes a shift towards alternative pathways to a diploma, this decision contrasts with recent legislative efforts to expand support and services for individuals with disabilities.
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Amid ongoing protests against the Trump administration’s ICE complex in Portland, the use of chemical irritants by federal agents has forced the nearby Cottonwood School to relocate due to safety concerns. The school’s interim executive director cited the impact of tear gas and other munitions on the school grounds and the inability to guarantee student safety. The school’s move highlights the broader consequences of the nightly clashes between protesters and federal agents, as the chemical weapons used by the government have created an unsafe environment for children and families. This situation prompted the school to seek the support of Senator Ron Wyden, who expressed concern over ICE’s unchecked authority and the potential health risks to children.
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Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia, and it’s a significant event, wouldn’t you say? It’s a moment where the geopolitical chessboard shifts, and the consequences ripple outwards. We see that Ukraine’s actions have directly impacted the flow of Russian oil, and the two countries most directly affected are Hungary and Slovakia.
It seems like the implications here go beyond a simple disruption of supply chains. There’s a clear sentiment expressed – a mix of relief, vindication, and even a touch of schadenfreude, aimed particularly at the governments of Hungary and Slovakia. Some commentators view this interruption as a form of “kinetic sanctions,” as if Ukraine is stepping in where European nations haven’t, or couldn’t, act decisively enough.… Continue reading
Ron DeSantis paints over Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk in the dead of night. When someone chooses to perform an action in secret, under the cover of darkness, it often speaks volumes about their intentions. It suggests a lack of courage and a sense that the act itself is unpopular, something they wouldn’t dare do in the light of day. And that’s exactly what happened with the Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk in Orlando. DeSantis himself made it clear this was intentional. It wasn’t a matter of misinterpretation. It was a deliberate act, and the reason given, that it was “political,” is, frankly, a flimsy justification for erasing a memorial to 49 people murdered in a hate crime.… Continue reading
In a controversial decision, Judge Kendra Briggs, a Biden appointee, released two teenagers charged in connection with the alleged assault of a former DOGE staffer from a youth detention facility. The judge ordered the teens, who were charged in an alleged carjacking assault, to return to their caretakers under conditions including electronic monitoring and a curfew. This decision has sparked outrage from right-wing commentators and influencers, who have criticized the judge and demanded stricter punishment. While Trump has yet to directly address the decision, he has previously expressed concern about crime in Washington D.C.
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Rutte pledges NATO security for Ukraine, and this commitment immediately sparks a flurry of thoughts and considerations. It’s a statement that echoes through the corridors of power, promising a future where Ukraine is shielded from further aggression. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. Is it a genuine commitment, or just a carefully crafted diplomatic phrase? The very mention of such a guarantee elicits skepticism. After all, the Budapest Memorandum, which supposedly provided security assurances, ultimately proved inadequate. A piece of paper, no matter how well-intentioned, is easily disregarded by a determined aggressor.
The true test of any security guarantee is its teeth, and the most formidable teeth belong to NATO’s Article 5.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood