Epidemiologist Gabrielle Perry decried the Trump administration’s cuts to the NIH and CDC, citing a lack of planning for the upcoming flu season and the US withdrawal from the WHO. These cuts, totaling an estimated $12 billion for the NIH, have resulted in the termination of advisory boards, including the National Cancer Institute’s scientific advisors. Hundreds of NIH scientists have publicly voiced their dissent, while Health Secretary Kennedy Jr. justified his dismissal of the CDC’s immunization advisory committee as a means to restore public trust in vaccines. These actions have prompted significant concern regarding the nation’s public health preparedness.
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The Trump administration’s approach to federalism deviates from traditional models, prioritizing actions that potentially incite violence. This is exemplified by contrasting responses to events: the barring of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations in Washington D.C. and the handling of immigration protests in Los Angeles, where ICE actions led to injury and detention of a protest observer, despite largely peaceful demonstrations. The administration’s inconsistent application of federal power suggests a disregard for consistent principles of federalism in favor of actions intended to maximize the potential for unrest. These differing responses highlight the administration’s inconsistent application of federal authority.
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Sahil Lavingia, a tech founder hired by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize VA systems, was unexpectedly dismissed after 55 days. His termination followed a blog interview where he praised the agency’s efficiency, contradicting common perceptions of government waste. Lavingia’s observations focused on opportunities for modernization rather than widespread fraud or abuse. This dismissal, despite DOGE’s stated commitment to transparency under Elon Musk’s leadership, highlights a perceived conflict between the agency’s public image and its internal actions.
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In Philadelphia, a man impersonating an ICE agent robbed a cash-only auto shop, zip-tying the cashier and stealing approximately $1,000. This incident follows President Trump’s deportation efforts and has sparked concerns about emboldened criminal activity. Critics argue the administration’s actions, including the deployment of federal agents in a manner perceived as aggressive, contribute to a climate where such crimes are more likely to occur. The suspect remains at large, highlighting the vulnerability created by the impersonation of law enforcement.
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Governor Newsom filed an emergency request with a federal court to prevent the Trump administration from utilizing National Guard and Marine troops in Los Angeles immigration raids, arguing that such action would exacerbate existing tensions. This follows President Trump’s deployment of approximately 4,700 troops in response to protests against intensified immigration enforcement. The federal government countered that Newsom’s request is unprecedented and would hinder their operations; a hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The governor contends that the troops’ involvement in raids, instead of solely protecting federal buildings, will escalate civil unrest. Local officials, including the police chief, oppose the military presence, asserting it hinders their ability to manage the protests effectively.
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The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway jointly sanctioned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians and undermining Israel’s security. The sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, target the ministers’ inflammatory rhetoric and actions related to the occupied West Bank, marking a departure from US policy. This action comes amidst growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in the West Bank and Gaza, with the allies citing the ministers’ incitement of extremist violence and human rights abuses as justification. The sanctioned ministers defiantly rejected the penalties.
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Nine News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet during a live report on immigration protests in Los Angeles. The incident, captured on camera, shows an officer firing in the direction of Tomasi and her cameraperson. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the incident and expressed concern, promising an investigation into the use of crowd-control munitions against members of the press. The shooting highlights safety concerns for journalists covering protests.
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Following a public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, some Democrats are attempting to reconcile with Musk, viewing him as a potentially valuable ally. Several Democratic figures, including Representative Ro Khanna and Senator Cory Booker, have expressed interest in Musk’s support, highlighting his past alignment with Democratic priorities like electric vehicles and space exploration. However, this strategy has faced criticism, with Senator Bernie Sanders labeling Musk a “right-wing extremist,” and others arguing it reflects a flawed system that allows billionaires to exert undue political influence. Ultimately, the attempts to court Musk expose the deeper issues within the political system, where both parties prioritize securing the support of wealthy individuals rather than addressing systemic inequality.
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Following a raid on the Ambiance Apparel factory in Los Angeles, resulting in the detention of numerous workers, protests erupted. These demonstrations were met with a forceful response from the Trump administration, including the deployment of the National Guard, despite objections from California officials. The administration escalated the situation through inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions, shifting the narrative from immigration enforcement to the protests themselves and characterizing protesters as violent. This strategy, critics argue, was a deliberate attempt to create a media spectacle and demonize the protestors. Ultimately, the situation resulted in federal felony charges against a union president and widespread public unrest.
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The upcoming U.S. defense budget will feature reduced funding for military assistance to Ukraine, a decision reflecting the administration’s prioritization of a negotiated peace settlement. While the exact amount of the reduction remains undisclosed, this shift comes amidst intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine and despite previous substantial U.S. aid totaling over $66 billion. This change in policy contrasts sharply with prior levels of support and follows recent controversies including the diversion of anti-drone missiles and a temporary halt to aid. The budget, however, prioritizes funding for U.S. military readiness.
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John Q. Hosedrinker