A Paris court found 10 individuals guilty of cyberbullying French First Lady Brigitte Macron by spreading false online claims about her gender and sexuality. The court cited “particularly degrading, insulting, and malicious” comments, leading to sentences ranging from six months in prison to suspended sentences, all accompanied by mandatory cyberbullying awareness training. The defendants, who shared posts falsely claiming Macron was transgender and a pedophile, were also ordered to pay 10,000 euros in compensation to Brigitte Macron. This case serves as an example in the fight against online harassment, reflecting the detrimental impact such claims had on Macron and her family.
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The New York Times and Washington Post were informed of a secret US raid on Venezuela just before its scheduled commencement and chose to delay publishing the information to avoid jeopardizing American troops. This decision aligned with established journalistic practices of prioritizing national security concerns, even amidst tensions between the media and the current administration. The administration praised the secrecy of the raid, which the President had approved, highlighting the successful coordination and stealth of the operation. The news outlets’ decision to withhold their reporting for several hours, after the government warned it could expose American troops, contributed to the operation’s secrecy.
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The Pentagon announced it would cut Senator Mark Kelly’s military retirement pay and issued a formal letter of censure, citing his “seditious” statements in a video. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the department would begin proceedings to reduce Kelly’s retirement rank due to “reckless misconduct.” Kelly, who has 30 days to respond, has vowed to fight the disciplinary action, calling Hegseth the “most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country’s history.” The controversial video, which prompted the Pentagon’s response, addressed service members’ right to refuse illegal orders following U.S. airstrikes.
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According to a statement released on Cuban state TV, a U.S. military operation in Venezuela over the weekend resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban officers. These officers were participating in a mission requested by Venezuela’s government. The Cuban government declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers, whose names and positions were not immediately released. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, noting a significant loss of life on the opposing side, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Cuban involvement in Venezuela’s internal security apparatus.
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Latvian police board vessel after Baltic Sea telecom cable breach: A concerning situation has unfolded in the Baltic Sea, with Latvian police taking action after a breach of an undersea optical fiber cable. This cable, owned by a private company, is a crucial link, connecting Lithuania and Latvia, essential for data transmission and communication. The fact that such a vital piece of infrastructure has been damaged sparks concern and highlights the vulnerability of these underwater networks.
Latvian police board vessel after Baltic Sea telecom cable breach: The incident has prompted a swift response, with Latvian authorities boarding a vessel in connection to the cable damage.… Continue reading
A leader of a prominent British far-right group, Mark Collett of Patriotic Alternative, addressed a summit of European extreme nationalist groups in Russia, organized by an oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin. The event in St Petersburg, the inaugural gathering of the Forum of the International Anti-Globalist League, included other far-right figures from across Europe and was hosted by Konstantin Malofeyev, who has been linked to financing Russian interests. Collett delivered a speech on birthrates and immigration. The revelations have raised concerns among MPs regarding the Kremlin’s attempts to exploit extremist groups to disrupt democracy and sow divisions in the UK.
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It’s a violation of the law: Schumer criticizes Trump’s decision to strike Venezuela, and honestly, the reaction is a collective sigh of exasperation. We’ve heard it before, haven’t we? The pronouncements, the condemnations, the pointed fingers – all pointing out the blindingly obvious. Yes, a potentially illegal action has been taken. Yes, it’s a problem. But what’s the plan? That’s the question echoing through the digital ether. It’s the persistent query that seems to hang unanswered, a ghost in the machine of political discourse.
Schumer, like others, highlights the infraction. But the key concern is a lack of concrete action. Where are the proposals?… Continue reading
The Trump administration’s strategy for Venezuela appears to lack a cohesive plan, potentially relying on bullying or the assumption of a welcoming reception for U.S. troops, even as American oil companies are poised to exploit resources. Despite the existing regime’s defiance, there are indicators that the administration might permit the current Vice President to remain in power if she embraces a capitalist system favorable to U.S. oil interests. This approach, alongside Russia’s silence and former testimonies, implies a potential agreement where the U.S. could be trading off territories like Ukraine and Taiwan for influence in other regions. Furthermore, the 2025 National Security Strategy signals a shift away from traditional alliances, implying a new global order defined by spheres of influence and the pursuit of wealth by major powers.
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The article highlights a dangerous decline in US disaster preparedness during the Trump administration. This was due to the dismantling of climate science initiatives, budget cuts, and reduced staffing at key agencies such as FEMA and NOAA. As a result, the nation’s ability to respond to and mitigate natural disasters was severely hampered, as evidenced by delayed responses, reduced forecasting capabilities, and increased costs associated with extreme weather events. Experts warn that these actions have created a “perfect storm” of escalating threats and a crumbling safety net, which will have long-lasting and potentially devastating consequences.
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Unrest in Iran has led to at least 16 reported deaths and numerous arrests as protests against soaring inflation continue to spread across the country, fueled by economic hardship and the devaluation of the Iranian rial. These demonstrations, the largest in three years, have escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, with protests expanding from the capital to other cities and universities. Authorities have responded with a mix of dialogue and force, while US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Iranian government. Tensions remain high as the government attempts to suppress the protests and the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows not to yield to the enemy.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood