Following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officials, the NRA and other gun advocacy groups are calling for a full investigation. This comes after a social media post by Bill Essayli, appointed by Trump, which was perceived as suggesting a justification for the shooting. The NRA and other groups, including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, have publicly criticized the sentiment that Pretti’s mere possession of a firearm near law enforcement justified the use of force, citing his right to bear arms. This incident has sparked a debate on the Second Amendment rights, especially as it pertains to lawful gun owners at protests.
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In secret recordings, Cruz trashes Trump, Vance, and the underlying sentiment is one of utter disdain, not just for the individuals but for the entire political game. The core revelation here is that Ted Cruz, a prominent Republican figure, reportedly expressed incredibly harsh criticisms of both Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in private, a stark contrast to his public persona. The details of these private rebukes paint a picture of a man who sees through the facade but lacks the courage to confront it directly.
We hear of Cruz’s assessment of Trump, which is scathing. He reportedly views Trump as a pathological liar, a narcissist of unprecedented proportions, and someone utterly devoid of morals.… Continue reading
Initially hesitant to use the term “fascist” to describe President Trump due to complexities and the overuse of the word, recent events have shifted this perspective. The author now argues that the totality of Trump’s actions, encompassing numerous characteristics like demolition of norms, politicized law enforcement, and leader aggrandizement, point to a distinct drift toward fascism. Despite acknowledging that not all classical elements are present, the author concludes that it is necessary to recognize and name Trump’s governing style as fascist to effectively address the situation.
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India voted against a UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation into human rights violations in Iran during recent protests, along with six other countries. The resolution, which was adopted, condemned the violent crackdown on protests and urged Iran to respect human rights. India’s decision, which aligns with its long-held belief that country-specific resolutions are unhelpful, drew public gratitude from Iran’s ambassador to India. This stance also reflects India’s commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty.
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Pope Leo says civilians in Ukraine are suffering, calls for war to end, and honestly, the reaction seems to be a collective shrug and a “duh.” It’s hard to ignore the sentiment that this observation, while true, feels a bit like stating the obvious. The war has been raging for a while, and the suffering of Ukrainian civilians has been a constant headline. It’s hard to fault the Pope for pointing out the obvious, but the fact that it feels like it *needs* to be pointed out again highlights the ongoing tragedy.
The general feeling appears to be that the Pope’s words, in isolation, might not be enough.… Continue reading
In response to the dire situation in Ukraine, Poland is sending substantial aid to help Ukrainians cope with the winter freeze and ongoing Russian attacks. The Polish government has ordered the delivery of 379 power generators and 18 heating units from its strategic reserves, with shipments commencing immediately. Additionally, the city of Warsaw is dispatching 90 generators to Kyiv, and a public fundraiser has raised almost 7 million zloty (€1.7 million) to purchase more equipment for Ukrainians. This aid comes as Ukraine faces freezing temperatures and widespread power outages due to deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure.
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Amidst escalating tensions with the United States and warnings of a potential attack, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved into a fortified underground shelter in Tehran, according to sources. This relocation comes in response to the deployment of a US naval armada to the Middle East and increased military readiness by Iranian forces, including a warning of an all-out war in response to any attack. The move also follows weeks of unrest inside Iran, with widespread protests and a severe crackdown by authorities resulting in thousands of deaths and arrests. The international community, including the UN, has condemned the human rights situation in Iran and called for an end to the repression.
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A federal judge in Georgia dismissed a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit against the state seeking voter information, ruling the suit was filed in the wrong location. The Justice Department, which is collecting detailed voting data from various states, can refile the lawsuit. This legal action follows the state’s refusal to provide voter information due to concerns over privacy, with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger citing state law preventing the release of confidential voter data. The issue has become politically charged, with some state Republicans criticizing Raffensperger’s resistance and supporting his primary opponent.
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In a recent development, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, demanding specific actions before federal immigration agents would consider reducing their presence in Minneapolis. Bondi’s demands included the handover of voter registration records, the repeal of sanctuary policies, and the sharing of Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Service program records. The Attorney General cited a rise in violence against ICE officers as justification for the continued operations, despite widespread condemnation of recent shootings by federal agents in the city. The letter has been criticized by Democratic voices, with some calling it an attempt at election interference and extortion.
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German investments in the US nearly halved in Trump’s first year back, report shows. This is a pretty stark indicator, isn’t it? It’s like a financial red flag waving in the wind. When a major economic player like Germany significantly cuts back on its investments in a country, it sends a clear message. It’s a message that needs to be unpacked to understand the potential drivers behind it.
The situation seems to have evolved into a scenario where Europe is actively reconsidering its financial commitments within the US market. The observation that many countries have pledged some form of investment is a point worth considering, especially in light of the shift away from the US.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Bondi’s Offer: ICE Out of Minneapolis for Voter Files Sparks Outrage
In a recent development, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, demanding specific actions before federal immigration agents would consider reducing their presence in Minneapolis. Bondi’s demands included the handover of voter registration records, the repeal of sanctuary policies, and the sharing of Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Service program records. The Attorney General cited a rise in violence against ICE officers as justification for the continued operations, despite widespread condemnation of recent shootings by federal agents in the city. The letter has been criticized by Democratic voices, with some calling it an attempt at election interference and extortion.
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