In a dramatic move, President Trump announced a 10% tariff on Denmark and seven other European countries, escalating to 25% if a deal for the purchase of Greenland is not reached by June 1. The countries affected include Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. This decision sparked widespread condemnation from European leaders who view the tariffs as an attack on transatlantic relations and a threat to NATO’s stability. While the U.S. and E.U. already have trade agreements in place, it is unclear whether the new tariffs would override them.
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In Iran, protests sparked by economic hardship have escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in a reported death toll of over 3,000, according to human rights groups. Demonstrations against the clerical leadership, including calls for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have led to a severe crackdown by authorities, although internet connectivity has slightly increased after an eight-day blackout. International attention has been drawn to the situation, with reports of executions and President Donald Trump’s comments on the matter. Foreign nationals, like Indian students and pilgrims, have also experienced restrictions.
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This week, President Trump pardoned Adriana Camberos, a San Diego woman previously convicted in 2016 for a counterfeit 5-Hour Energy scheme. Despite a prior sentence commutation, Camberos was later convicted in 2024 of a separate fraud case involving the purchase and resale of wholesale groceries. Prosecutors said she and her brother made millions in illegal profits, funding a lavish lifestyle. The pardon decision joins other recent clemencies, and a White House official stated that they felt it was correcting an earlier wrong.
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A US federal judge has given the Trump administration three weeks to rectify the deportation of a Honduran college student. The student, Any Lucia López Belloza, was deported to Honduras despite a court order meant to prevent her removal while she was traveling to see her family for Thanksgiving. The judge stated the simplest solution would be for the State Department to issue her a visa. The judge also recognized the government’s violation of a court order and the ability to remedy the “tragic” mistake.
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A folk-pop song, “I know, You’re Not Mine,” created by an AI artist named Jacub, has been banned from Sweden’s official music charts despite topping the Spotify charts with millions of streams. The IFPI Sweden made the decision due to the song being primarily AI-generated. The producers, “Team Jacub,” claim that AI was merely a tool used by human creators, and have argued about the artistic value of the song. This decision contrasts with other organizations like Billboard, which allow AI-generated tracks on some charts, and reflects growing concerns within Sweden’s music industry about the impact of AI on human creativity and revenue.
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A coalition of labor organizations and community advocates is launching a campaign to pressure state governments to implement “Tax the Rich” policies. The initiative aims to counteract the effects of federal budget cuts that threaten vital social programs by generating revenue through increased taxes on the wealthy. This campaign draws inspiration from Massachusetts’ “millionaires tax,” which has successfully generated billions for public services. Organizers are advocating for similar legislation in various states, including California, Rhode Island, and Michigan, and urging all states to consider this approach to address wealth inequality and protect essential public programs.
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The Trump administration is seemingly expanding its strategy of using fraud allegations to justify increased federal oversight, mirroring actions taken in Minnesota and targeting blue states like California and New York. This approach involves investigations into alleged fraud as a pretext for heightened federal scrutiny and potentially increased ICE activity, which could impact millions of Americans and exacerbate tensions with Democratic governors. The administration has already ramped up immigration enforcement in Minnesota following claims of fraud, using a viral video as evidence. Further actions include threats to freeze federal funds for programs in other blue states.
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A new report indicates former allies of Senator John Fetterman are actively working to unseat him in 2028, launching a website with opposition research and a donation refund option. The Working Families Party, which previously supported Fetterman, is leading this effort, citing his votes and alleged abandonment of progressive values. Potential primary challengers like Representatives Brendan Boyle and Chris Deluzio have already begun criticizing him, with some even calling him “Trump’s favorite Democrat”. Despite Fetterman’s dismissal of the claims and defense of his voting record, internal sources suggest he may not seek re-election due to his dislike of D.C. politics and political isolation.
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The European Commission is seeking support from heavy industry to include a “Made in Europe” component in the upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), aiming to boost the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries against international competition. This initiative mirrors a previous EU bill prioritizing domestic clean technologies. The IAA aims to support domestic production through measures like quotas, state aid adjustments, and the creation of “lead markets” to drive demand. Industry leaders are receptive, emphasizing the need for economic independence and financial support to address trade deficits and ensure economic security.
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Brian Schatz says the US “absolutely rolled” by China-Canada trade deal, and it’s hard to disagree. The situation, as he lays it out, is a foreign policy fumble with real economic consequences, plain and simple. It’s a classic case of a country shooting itself in the foot, driven by a lack of understanding about the basic rules of international relations. The core principle, as Schatz points out, is loyalty to friends. And the US, by many accounts, wasn’t just disloyal; it was actively hostile. And now, here we are.
For anyone paying attention, this feels like a predictable outcome. The US, with its often erratic and self-serving trade policies, has alienated its allies, creating an environment where Canada, understandably, sought alternative options.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump’s Plan: Minnesota Is First, California and New York Are Next
The Trump administration is seemingly expanding its strategy of using fraud allegations to justify increased federal oversight, mirroring actions taken in Minnesota and targeting blue states like California and New York. This approach involves investigations into alleged fraud as a pretext for heightened federal scrutiny and potentially increased ICE activity, which could impact millions of Americans and exacerbate tensions with Democratic governors. The administration has already ramped up immigration enforcement in Minnesota following claims of fraud, using a viral video as evidence. Further actions include threats to freeze federal funds for programs in other blue states.
Read More