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The Boise City Council voted 5-1 to officially recognize three flags: the Boise City flag, the Pride flag, and the organ donor flag. This action, spurred by a new state law restricting flag displays, aims to memorialize the city’s flag-flying practices and ensure compliance. Council President Colin Nash emphasized the resolution’s goal of inclusivity and representing Boise’s values, while opponents argued the Pride flag was exclusionary. The city has secured pro bono legal representation in anticipation of potential challenges to the resolution.
President Trump incorrectly attributed the 2014 expulsion of Russia from the G8 to Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama, a decision made by former Prime Minister Harper following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. This action, which effectively ended the G8, stemmed from Russia’s violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. Trump later expressed his desire to reinstate Russia to the G7, believing its exclusion was a mistake that hindered diplomatic efforts to prevent the current war in Ukraine. He now concedes that re-admission is not currently feasible.
The Trump administration is intensifying intelligence gathering on Greenland, focusing on its independence movement and resource extraction, as the president persists in his pursuit of annexation. This includes identifying pro-annexation individuals in Greenland and Denmark to prioritize resource allocation for intelligence efforts. While the White House avoids commenting on intelligence matters, Trump has openly expressed concerns about Greenland’s security and the Arctic region, even hinting at potential military action. The administration is actively exploring the financial implications of annexation, including replacing Danish subsidies with potential payments to Greenland’s residents, despite widespread opposition from the Greenlandic population.
Republican Jefferson Griffin conceded the North Carolina Supreme Court race to Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs following a federal judge’s ruling against Griffin’s challenge to tens of thousands of ballots. The judge’s decision, upholding Riggs’ 734-vote victory, ended months of litigation stemming from Griffin’s claims of illegal voting. This concludes the last unresolved contest from the 2024 election, maintaining the current 5-2 split on the state Supreme Court in favor of Republicans. Griffin’s legal challenges, focusing on voter registration irregularities, were ultimately deemed unconstitutional by the court.
Following the distribution of ballots by Diego Ravelli, the cardinals will commence the first vote, a crucial step despite the unlikelihood of a first-ballot papal election. This initial vote will reveal cardinals with significant support, informing subsequent ballots where momentum builds around leading candidates. Dinner at Casa Santa Marta provides a crucial off-stage setting for critical discussions and consensus-building among the cardinals. The process unfolds under strict secrecy, extending even to the dining staff.
In an exclusive BBC interview, Joe Biden condemned the Trump administration’s pressure on Ukraine to cede territory to Russia as “modern-day appeasement,” arguing that such concessions would not satisfy Vladimir Putin. Biden expressed concern that this approach could damage US-European relations and erode trust in American leadership. He further criticized Trump’s rhetoric and actions towards allies, contrasting them with his own administration’s policies. Biden highlighted the importance of strong alliances and the economic benefits of collaboration, contrasting Trump’s approach with his own record of economic growth and international influence.
In the latest incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea after a failed landing on the USS Harry Truman, marking the second such incident in as many weeks. Both pilots ejected safely and were rescued. This followed a Houthi attack on the carrier hours after a ceasefire announcement, raising questions about the agreement’s effectiveness. These incidents, alongside previous mishaps including a collision with a merchant vessel and accidental friendly fire, have prompted concerns about the prolonged and challenging deployment of the USS Harry Truman.
President Trump defended his universal tariffs, arguing that they will ultimately benefit the U.S. economy, despite potential short-term price increases. He used examples of children’s possessions, suggesting that fewer dolls and pencils are needed, implying that consumers will adapt to higher prices. Trump dismissed concerns about empty shelves and economic recession, maintaining that the tariffs will ultimately lead to prosperity. He also hinted that some tariffs may remain permanent to incentivize domestic production. The White House further clarified that these comments highlight a preference for higher-quality, domestically produced goods over cheaper imports.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has rescinded all federal grants to Harvard University, citing numerous alleged violations of federal law and ethical breaches. McMahon’s letter details accusations ranging from non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling to criticisms of a new math course and alleged discrimination within the Harvard Law Review. The decision represents a significant escalation of the conflict between Harvard and the White House administration. McMahon argues that Harvard’s substantial endowment renders it capable of operating without federal funding.
John Q. Hosedrinker