Speaker Mike Johnson’s attempt to maintain a ban on challenging President Trump’s tariffs was unsuccessful when three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against a procedural measure. This vote’s failure allows Democrats to force votes on repealing these tariffs, a setback for the administration. Representatives Massie, Bacon, and Kiley cited the need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over tariffs, arguing they have been a net negative for the economy and a significant tax on American consumers and businesses. Speaker Johnson acknowledged the difficulties of leading with a slim majority, stating that while most House Republicans support the president’s trade policies, unanimity is required for such measures.
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The political star power of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appears to be on a significant upward trajectory, fueled by a series of recent successes for progressive candidates she has publicly supported. This growing influence is now sparking conversations within the Democratic Party, with some voices suggesting it’s time for her to consider challenging established figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Her ability to rally support and back candidates who outperform expectations is a testament to her burgeoning political capital.
Recent events, such as her endorsed candidate Analilia Mejia performing strongly in a competitive New Jersey special primary, underscore Ocasio-Cortez’s effectiveness as a kingmaker.… Continue reading
Despite widespread acknowledgment of its likely failure, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a collaborative effort among three nations to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, drones, and a combat cloud, remains officially in limbo. The program, personally championed by French President Macron in 2017, has been stalled for nearly a year due to industrial disputes, raising significant political stakes for the French leader. While French officials publicly maintain a desire for the project’s success, insiders suggest this is a political maneuver to avoid the damaging implications of its collapse.
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Mark Carney characterized his conversation with Donald Trump regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge as “positive,” emphasizing that Canada funded the project and ownership is shared with the United States. Trump had falsely claimed the bridge had minimal US content and that Canada would gain an unfair advantage, even asserting China would ban ice hockey in Canada as part of trade negotiations. Carney clarified that both American and Canadian steel and workers were involved in the bridge’s construction, highlighting it as a testament to bilateral cooperation. This exchange underscores ongoing trade tensions and Trump’s particular focus on Canada’s economic dealings with China.
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Governors have signaled a refusal to participate in a meeting with former President Trump after it became apparent that the invitation list was exclusively comprised of Republican governors. This decision, spearheaded by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, marks a significant departure from the usual bipartisan nature of the National Governors Association (NGA) events. Governor Stitt, in a letter announcing the shift, emphasized that the NGA’s mission is to represent all governors, and therefore, they could not facilitate an event designed to be divisive. The core sentiment is that this exclusionary approach from Trump directly undermines the NGA’s purpose of fostering unity and collaboration among state leaders.… Continue reading
A review by The Associated Press found that at least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, including patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption, and other abuses of authority. Experts warn that the agency’s rapid growth and increased empowerment to use aggressive tactics could accelerate such crimes, potentially leading to a “countrywide phenomenon” of misconduct. While ICE asserts that wrongdoing is not widespread and backgrounds are thoroughly vetted, a judge has suggested a troubling culture of lawlessness may be developing within the agency. The immense power ICE officers wield over vulnerable populations, coupled with less oversight and accountability, presents increased opportunities for abuses.
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El Paso International Airport has grounded all flights due to “special security reasons,” as declared by the Federal Aviation Administration. This temporary flight restriction, encompassing El Paso and nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, commenced early Wednesday and is slated to conclude on February 21st. The restricted airspace is designated as national defense airspace, with protocols allowing for the use of deadly force against aircraft posing an imminent security threat.
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As federal authorities expand detention capacity, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed alarm over the Department of Homeland Security’s increasing use of warehouse-style facilities. She describes this as a “black box system that disappears people,” urging local governments to resist approving such projects. This expansion comes amid rising detainee numbers and a growing number of facilities nationwide, with proposals to convert industrial warehouses facing both progress and opposition from various local and state entities. Concerns are also being raised by some within the president’s party regarding the potential strain on local infrastructure and revenue.
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A deeply tragic event has unfolded in Canada, with ten individuals losing their lives in a shocking act of violence at a high school. The news, while circulating widely on other social media platforms, has prompted a degree of surprise and concern regarding its less prominent presence on certain forums, especially given the rarity of such incidents in Canada. This deviation from the norm has led to considerable discussion and reflection on the nature of mass shootings and their societal impact.
The information released by authorities concerning the perpetrator is notably scarce, with the only detail provided being a description of the individual as female.… Continue reading
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has declared that Brussels and Kyiv have initiated a “war” against Hungary. This assertion follows the publication of an article by Politico detailing proposed plans for Ukraine’s “accession in advance” to the EU, bypassing standard procedures and outlining strategies to circumvent Hungary’s veto power. Orbán characterized these proposals as a “latest war plan” aimed at undermining Hungarian sovereignty and dictating the country’s political direction, urging citizens to prevent this through the upcoming April elections. The article itself suggests partial EU membership for Ukraine by 2027 and considers scenarios where Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine’s integration is overcome, including the possibility of a change in Hungarian government.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood