At West Point’s commencement, President Trump asserted his election victory granted him unrestrained power to govern as he sees fit, echoing similar claims made previously. He lauded the military, taking credit for its strength while simultaneously praising the graduating cadets as the “first West Point graduates of the golden age of America.” Despite numerous court rulings against his administration’s actions, including unlawful deportations, Trump expressed confidence that judges would eventually allow him to continue his policies. His speech also featured attacks on critical race theory, transgender athletes, and diversity initiatives.
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John Woeltz and Beatrice Folchi were arrested in New York City for the kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist. Woeltz faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and assault, after the victim, who was held captive for up to three weeks, escaped and alerted authorities. Police discovered evidence including Polaroid photos depicting the torture and recovered a firearm at the SoHo residence. While Folchi was initially charged, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declined prosecution pending further investigation.
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Overnight attacks on May 24-25th targeted Kyiv and multiple Ukrainian regions, resulting in explosions and injuries. Seven injuries were reported in Kyiv alone, with damage to a student dormitory and residential buildings. The attacks followed a previous night of heavy assaults and involved waves of drones and missiles, prompting widespread air raid alerts. Russia’s continued targeting of civilian areas underscores the ongoing conflict and disregard for international pleas for a ceasefire.
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The Trump administration is systematically dropping numerous lawsuits against major corporations, including Boeing, Capital One, Southwest Airlines, and Coinbase, initiated by the previous administration. These cases involved allegations of fraud, consumer deception, and regulatory violations. Consumer advocates strongly condemn this action, arguing it eliminates critical consumer protections and allows businesses to operate with impunity. The Trump administration defends its actions as reducing unfair enforcement, while simultaneously easing merger approvals, potentially further concentrating corporate power.
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Despite JD Vance’s self-identification as “Scots-Irish,” a commissioned genealogical study failed to conclusively establish a family link to Northern Ireland. Researchers, while tracing his lineage back to Virginia in the 1800s, encountered difficulties definitively connecting him to Ulster-Scots ancestry, despite claims linking him to a 17th-century ancestor. The resulting report, while presenting potential ancestral lines with gaps, ultimately concludes that a direct link remains unproven. Further research is ongoing, though no guarantee of success exists. The study was commissioned by a Northern Ireland minister and presented as a 24-page dossier.
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A prisoner exchange, brokered by the Trump administration, saw the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war, resulting in joyous reunions for some families while others anxiously searched for missing loved ones. This event, a rare success in direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, was overshadowed by simultaneous attacks; Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone assault, while Ukraine responded in kind. The exchange took place amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting the complexities and continuing tensions between the two nations. Despite the celebratory atmosphere for some, the uncertainty surrounding missing soldiers underscores the human cost of the war.
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In Foley, Alabama, Leonardo Garcia Venegas, a US citizen, was arrested during a Trump administration-led immigration raid targeting undocumented workers. Despite presenting a Real ID, authorities deemed it fake, wrestled him to the ground, and handcuffed him. After verifying his citizenship with his social security number, he was released hours later. The Department of Homeland Security claims Garcia Venegas interfered with the arrest, while his family highlights the incident as an example of the increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement impacting even US citizens.
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During a West Point commencement address, President Trump digressed into a discussion of “trophy wives,” using real estate developer Bill Levitt’s divorce and remarriage as a cautionary tale. He suggested that such marriages often prove unsuccessful, despite providing temporary happiness. This anecdote is particularly noteworthy given Trump’s own three marriages to significantly younger former models. The president’s comments thus presented a curious juxtaposition of personal experience and unsolicited advice.
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Kasper Eriksen, a Danish-born father of four living in Mississippi, was detained by ICE despite having no criminal record. His detention stemmed from a missed immigration form in 2015, a deadline missed due to a family tragedy, which resulted in a removal order issued without proper notification. Currently detained at the LaSalle Detention Center in Louisiana, Eriksen’s case highlights a broader trend of increased ICE detentions targeting immigrants without criminal charges, a practice fueled by the current administration’s immigration policies. The Eriksen family faces significant financial strain and emotional distress, while the private prison industry profits from his detainment.
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In April, BYD surpassed Tesla in European battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales for the first time, selling 7,231 units compared to Tesla’s 7,165. This significant achievement comes despite substantial import tariffs on Chinese vehicles and BYD’s relatively recent expansion into major European markets. Overall European BEV sales grew, reaching 17% of the market, with Chinese manufacturers leading this growth at a 59% year-on-year increase. This marks a pivotal shift in the European electric vehicle landscape.
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John Q. Hosedrinker