Discussions are underway regarding punitive tariffs on Russian imports as a potential EU sanction, a measure considered to circumvent Hungary’s resistance to broader trade restrictions. While the EU recently implemented its 17th sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey yielded little progress due to Putin’s absence. This lack of progress may lead to increased pressure for stronger sanctions, potentially including the punitive tariffs, if talks fail to produce a resolution.
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Priya Saxena, an Indian national studying in South Dakota, was granted a preliminary injunction preventing her deportation after her student visa was revoked due to a minor traffic infraction from four years prior. Despite this, Saxena successfully completed her master’s and doctorate degrees. The government’s action, part of a broader initiative targeting 1.3 million foreign-born students based on incomplete NCIC data, was deemed unlawful by the court. Saxena’s case highlights concerns regarding the accuracy and fairness of the government’s mass review of student records.
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Following reports of Rohingya refugees being forcibly removed from an Indian naval vessel, the UN has launched an inquiry into these “unconscionable, unacceptable acts.” UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews is investigating, urging India to cease inhumane treatment and repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar. Andrews previously raised concerns about the arbitrary detention and refoulement of Rohingya refugees in India. He demands India repudiate these actions, halt deportations, and hold those responsible accountable.
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Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old Texas mother, was arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly providing her 13-year-old son with ammunition and tactical gear for a planned school shooting. The boy, who had a documented history of disturbing online posts, drawings depicting a “suicide route,” and research on past mass shootings, was apprehended off-campus. His grandmother alerted authorities after discovering live ammunition, a homemade explosive, and tactical gear in his possession. Pardo, aware of her son’s violent intentions, reportedly expressed no concern for his behavior.
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Despite April’s inflation rate reaching its lowest point since 2021, a new report reveals a widening gap between Americans’ earnings and the cost of a basic standard of living. The Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity’s (LISEP) Minimal Quality of Life index indicates that 60% of U.S. households cannot afford this minimum, revealing a “functionally unemployed” rate exceeding 24%. This disparity is attributed to rising costs of essentials like housing, healthcare, and education, outpacing wage growth, particularly for low- and moderate-income families.
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Governor Newsom’s proposed $322 billion budget for 2025-26 includes a $500 million cut to Proposition 56 healthcare provider payments, impacting organizations like Planned Parenthood. This reduction, aimed at addressing a $12 billion deficit exacerbated by Proposition 35’s Medi-Cal expansion, would slash Planned Parenthood’s California budget by one-third. The cuts would severely limit access to essential healthcare services for low-income Californians, increasing wait times and travel distances for care. While the Governor’s office claims to support reproductive freedom, Planned Parenthood argues the cuts effectively defund the organization in California.
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Senator Chris Murphy advocates for congressional oversight of arms deals with nations, such as Qatar and the UAE, that have financially invested in President Trump’s businesses. He cites Qatar’s offer of a private jet as an example of quid pro quo arrangements potentially compromising U.S. national security interests. Murphy argues that these deals necessitate Senate votes, ensuring transparency and preventing the compromise of U.S. foreign policy through corrupt practices. He contends that such votes are crucial to safeguarding national security and preventing the transfer of sensitive technologies to potentially hostile entities.
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During Supreme Court oral arguments concerning birthright citizenship, Justice Barrett questioned Solicitor General Sauer about the Trump administration’s adherence to lower court rulings. Sauer stated that while the DOJ generally respects circuit precedents, exceptions exist, particularly when seeking to overturn rulings. This prompted Barrett, and previously Justice Kagan, to question whether this was a long-standing practice of the federal government or specific to the Trump administration. Sauer’s responses highlighted a potential conflict between the executive branch’s actions and the principle of judicial authority, with the ultimate decision on birthright citizenship and the administration’s approach to be determined by the Supreme Court.
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Former FBI Director James Comey’s Instagram post of seashells arranged to form “8647” prompted a Secret Service investigation after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem deemed it a threat against President Trump. The number’s interpretation as a threat, particularly the use of “86” as slang for “kill,” fueled outrage among Trump supporters. Comey subsequently removed the post, claiming unawareness of the potential interpretation and denouncing violence. The incident ignited a political firestorm, with several high-profile figures condemning Comey’s actions.
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Graphic footage obtained by the BBC from Dr. Tom Potokar depicts the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis, resulting in 28 deaths and numerous injuries. The attack, which Israel claims targeted Hamas, left the hospital evacuated and overflowing with patients suffering from severe trauma, including children with extensive nerve and brain injuries. Dr. Potokar’s account details horrific injuries sustained by patients requiring extensive treatment. This incident occurred amidst a wider Israeli bombardment of Gaza, causing at least 114 Palestinian fatalities on Thursday alone.
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John Q. Hosedrinker