Senator Ted Cruz defended Elon Musk’s brief, unpaid role in the Trump administration, attributing the backlash to left-wing hypocrisy. Cruz characterized Musk’s efforts as heroic, citing cost-cutting measures and disregard for personal financial losses. He claimed that attacks on Tesla properties constituted domestic terrorism and urged public gratitude for Musk’s service. This defense followed reports of violent protests against Tesla and came after Musk’s departure from his government position.
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The Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which aids 6.2 million Americans with heating and cooling costs, faces potential elimination. Despite Congress allocating $4.1 billion this fiscal year, the Trump administration dismissed the program’s staff, leaving $378 million undistributed. This jeopardizes vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, who face increased health risks from extreme temperatures due to unaffordable energy costs. Eliminating LIHEAP would exacerbate this problem, potentially leading to increased heat-related deaths and hospitalizations.
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Pressure is building on President Trump to immediately impose new sanctions against Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine, with both Republican Congress members and White House advisors urging swift action. Trump, however, has delayed a decision, hoping to negotiate a ceasefire with Putin, citing concerns that sanctions are ineffective and escalate tensions. A comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors is under consideration, alongside a proposed congressional bill implementing steep tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil. Despite previously suggesting he could quickly resolve the conflict, Trump’s recent rhetoric reflects increased frustration with Putin’s actions.
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A US trade court ruled President Trump’s sweeping tariffs illegal, exceeding his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration immediately appealed, seeking a stay from the ruling to prevent what it called irreparable economic harm, and plans to take the case to the Supreme Court. The ruling invalidated tariff orders issued under the IEEPA, requiring new orders within ten days, but industry-specific tariffs remain unaffected. While the White House denounced the decision as judicial overreach, the ruling was celebrated in global financial markets.
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President Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global over a “60 Minutes” segment featuring Kamala Harris alleges deceptive editing that violated Texas consumer protection laws. Paramount’s motion to dismiss, citing First Amendment protection, was opposed by Trump’s legal team, arguing the editing constituted commercial speech damaging to Trump’s businesses. Settlement talks, involving a Paramount offer of $15 million rejected by Trump, are ongoing, amidst threats of further lawsuits from Trump’s lawyers. The case’s complexities intersect with Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, raising concerns among some senators despite assurances of separation from the lawsuit by the FCC.
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Racquel “Kelly” Smith received a life sentence for trafficking her six-year-old daughter, Joshlin, alongside accomplices Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn. The trio were also given concurrent 10-year sentences for kidnapping, despite Joshlin remaining missing. Evidence revealed Smith sold Joshlin to a traditional healer for 20,000 rand, citing the child’s desirable features. Judge Nathan Erasmus cited a lack of remorse from the defendants and the severity of the crime in imposing the maximum sentence.
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U.S. President Trump proposed that Canada pay $61 billion to join the Golden Dome missile defense program or become the 51st state for free, a proposition Canadian Ambassador to the UN Bob Rae equated to a protection racket. Rae cited the UN Charter’s principle of sovereign equality, directly contradicting Trump’s annexation suggestion. This followed King Charles III’s address to the Canadian Parliament, a show of support amid the annexation threats. Prime Minister Carney firmly reiterated Canada’s status as an independent sovereign nation, rejecting Trump’s offer.
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A federal judge ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio likely violated the Constitution by ordering the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, based on his pro-Palestinian activism. While the judge declined to immediately order Khalil’s release from immigration detention, citing a need for further evidence of irreparable harm, he acknowledged Rubio’s actions likely misused a federal statute. The judge also rejected Khalil’s First Amendment retaliation claim due to insufficient evidence, though this charge is being challenged separately. The case continues with ongoing efforts to secure Khalil’s release and overturn his deportation.
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Israel has announced the approval of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in decades. This includes the legalization of existing outposts built without authorization and the creation of entirely new settlements. The move, lauded by Israeli officials as a strategic measure preventing a Palestinian state, is condemned by the Palestinian Authority as a dangerous escalation and by critics as a significant step toward annexation. This expansion, exceeding any in over 30 years, drastically alters the West Bank’s landscape and further entrenches the Israeli occupation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker