Before his appointment, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bombarded Bill Nye with numerous texts promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, a claim Nye dismissed as lacking self-awareness and confusing correlation with causation. Despite Nye’s requests to cease contact, Kennedy continued his efforts to sway Nye’s opinion. This incident highlights Kennedy’s broader assault on vaccine confidence, including controversial actions within the Trump administration, such as firing the CDC’s immunization advisory committee. Nye emphasizes the real-world dangers of vaccine hesitancy, citing outbreaks like the Texas measles epidemic as evidence of the negative consequences of such beliefs.
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Following ICE raids in Los Angeles, protests erupted, prompting President Trump to illegally federalize the National Guard and deploy 2,000 Marines, despite Governor Newsom’s objection and the absence of any rebellion. This action, deemed unlawful by legal experts and military leaders, risks escalating the situation due to the Marines’ lack of crowd-control training. Newsom subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment, while the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act further heightens concerns about the use of the military against civilians. This unprecedented mobilization presents a significant legal and ethical dilemma for service members.
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Florida roofing boss Vincent Scardina, a Trump supporter, experienced firsthand the consequences of strict immigration policies when ICE detained six of his Nicaraguan employees—a third of his workforce—despite their valid work permits and pending asylum applications. This action has severely impacted his small business, highlighting the unintended consequences of aggressive immigration enforcement. The detained men, now dispersed across multiple states, are represented by an attorney fighting for their release. Scardina, while still supporting many of Trump’s policies, now expresses buyer’s remorse regarding the impact on his business and the lives of his employees.
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A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating at a low 38%, with 54% disapproving. Negative net approval ratings plague his handling of key issues, including immigration (-9%), the economy (-16%), and trade (-19%). Support for his “big beautiful bill” is also weak, with 53% of voters opposing it. Furthermore, his approach to the Russia-Ukraine war garnered only 34% approval.
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An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, killing all 242 passengers and crew aboard. The plane, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, impacted a medical college hostel, resulting in numerous casualties on the ground. Rescue efforts are underway, with at least 30 bodies recovered, and many more feared trapped. The nationalities of those on board included a significant number of Indian and British citizens, along with a small number of other nationalities.
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An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, India, shortly after takeoff, resulting in a large fire and significant damage to a nearby residential area. The flight, carrying 242 people, was en route to London when it went down. Rescue operations are underway, and investigations into the cause of the crash, potentially involving heavy fuel load, are expected to begin. Multiple agencies, including the DGCA, are responding, and the Indian government is providing support to victims and families. Airport operations have partially resumed.
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ICE agents arrested a pregnant U.S. citizen, Cary Lopez, while attempting to detain her undocumented husband, leading to Lopez’s hospitalization due to severe stomach pains. This incident follows a pattern of alleged mistreatment of pregnant U.S. citizens by ICE, including a previous case where agents shattered a car window to arrest a pregnant woman’s family. The recent repeal of protective rules for pregnant women in migrant detention further highlights concerns about the well-being of pregnant women within the immigration system. These actions, coupled with the deployment of military personnel to assist in ICE raids, underscore a broader pattern of aggressive enforcement tactics.
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Authorities in Raleigh, North Carolina rescued 101 puppies from an alleged puppy mill operating in egregious conditions. The dogs, a mix of popular purebred and designer breeds, were found in overcrowded cages and unsanitary surroundings. Several were pregnant or nursing. Following veterinary assessment and treatment, some of the animals will be made available for adoption.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted a key difference between the Los Angeles protests and the January 6th Capitol riot, rejecting claims of hypocrisy regarding President Trump’s pardon of Capitol rioters. He cited the 1992 LA riots as justification for the current deployment of federal forces, emphasizing the need to maintain order and prevent widespread destruction. Johnson defended the president’s actions while declining to further discuss the January 6th events, stating that those involved in illegal activities faced consequences. The contrast highlights the administration’s differing responses to protests, drawing criticism for its strong-arm tactics in Los Angeles.
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When questioned about President Trump’s planned $45 million military parade, many Senate Republicans reacted evasively, employing tactics such as silence, abrupt departures, and evasive answers. While a few Republicans voiced support for the parade, citing the Army’s anniversary and the importance of projecting American strength, most avoided direct responses regarding the cost, possibly due to conflicting views on government spending and a reluctance to publicly oppose the president. Only Senator Rand Paul openly criticized the parade, citing both its cost and its symbolism. The senators’ responses highlight a tension between fiscal conservatism and loyalty to the president.
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John Q. Hosedrinker