Representative Mary Miller (R-Ill.) issued a since-deleted social media post expressing disapproval of a Sikh chaplain’s prayer in the House, initially misidentifying him as Muslim. Her statement drew immediate bipartisan condemnation, with Republicans and Democrats alike criticizing her remarks as discriminatory and inconsistent with American values of religious freedom. The guest chaplain, Giani Surinder Singh, offered a prayer for peace and unity. Historically, the House has invited guest chaplains from diverse faiths, reflecting the nation’s religious pluralism.
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The public feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, highlighted by AOC, underscores concerns about the influence of extreme wealth in politics. Musk’s about-face from Trump supporter to impeachment advocate, following his boast of securing Trump’s election victory, has drawn significant attention. This conflict, described by some as a “big, beautiful breakup,” has prompted widespread online discussion and concerns among Republicans regarding legislative efforts. AOC and others see this event as validating their warnings about unchecked wealth concentration.
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A premature Canadian infant who contracted measles before birth from an unvaccinated mother has died, though the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed. This death, potentially linked to the current measles outbreak, is raising concerns given the virus’s resurgence across Canada, particularly in Ontario and Alberta. The outbreak disproportionately impacts certain unvaccinated communities, highlighting the importance of MMR vaccination. Measles, a highly contagious virus with potentially severe complications, was declared eradicated in Canada in 1998 but continues to reappear due to international spread and vaccine hesitancy.
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During a White House meeting, President Trump offered increased American energy exports to Germany but avoided committing to further sanctions on Russia or additional military aid to Ukraine. While Chancellor Merz emphasized the need to support Ukraine and lauded Trump’s potential role in peacemaking, Trump deflected questions on sanctions, instead highlighting his past actions regarding Nord Stream 2 and potential future energy deals. Trump’s focus remained on energy cooperation with Germany, contrasting with Merz’s emphasis on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The discussion also covered NATO and broader trade policy.
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A Department of Homeland Security memo details plans to deploy up to 20,000 National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, including fugitive apprehension, detention support, transportation, and translation services. The memo outlines roles ranging from “night operations and rural interdiction” to guard duty and riot control within detention facilities. While the Pentagon hasn’t approved the request, deployment could begin as early as next month, primarily from Republican-led states. This unprecedented use of the National Guard for domestic immigration enforcement raises legal questions and concerns.
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Hundreds of undocumented immigrants attending routine ICE check-ins at a Los Angeles federal building were unexpectedly detained, some held overnight in overcrowded basement cells. Attorneys reported inhumane conditions, including families with children held without adequate food or water, despite some having stays of removal. ICE denies these accusations, while DHS claims the detainees had final orders of removal. The recent surge in ICE arrests, exceeding 2,000 per day, mirrors the administration’s intensified focus on deportations.
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For the third consecutive year, Louisiana lawmakers rejected a bill that would have allowed minors who were victims of rape to access abortion services. The bill’s defeat, in a 3-9 vote, occurred despite emotional testimony from the bill’s author and another representative, both of whom were conceived after their mothers were raped. Opponents cited religious beliefs and concerns about the sanctity of life, even referencing a nine-year-old girl currently pregnant in the state. Louisiana’s near-total abortion ban, with limited exceptions, leaves rape survivors with few options, forcing them to carry pregnancies to term or seek out-of-state care.
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The Australian Navy ship HMAS Canberra unintentionally disrupted wireless internet and radio services across much of New Zealand while approaching Wellington. The ship’s navigation radar interfered with shared spectrum bands used by Wi-Fi and radio broadcasters, forcing some to switch to backup systems. The ADF acknowledged the interference, stating that HMAS Canberra subsequently changed frequencies to resolve the issue. New Zealand authorities confirmed the incident was resolved, highlighting the shared nature of some radio spectrum bands.
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John Q. Hosedrinker