Following an attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir, India launched airstrikes on nine alleged “terrorist infrastructure” sites within Pakistan, resulting in at least eight deaths and numerous injuries on both sides. Pakistan responded by claiming to shoot down Indian jets and declaring the strikes an “act of war,” escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed nations. The Indian military claimed its actions were measured and targeted, while Pakistan’s defense minister denied this, stating civilian areas were struck. International concern is high, with the UN urging both countries to exercise maximum restraint.
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Oklahoma’s new 2025-2026 high school social studies standards mandate the study of alleged “discrepancies” in the 2020 presidential election results. These discrepancies, presented as factual, include claims repeatedly debunked by Snopes, such as issues with mail-in ballots and sudden vote counts. The standards’ adoption, despite lacking awareness from some board members, followed a legislative inaction deadline. This curriculum also includes the teaching of unsubstantiated claims regarding COVID-19’s origins and the Biden administration’s performance.
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The Canadian dollar strengthened to a near seven-month high against the U.S. dollar due to a weakening greenback and positive trade data. Despite President Trump’s assertion of a continued tense trade relationship and ongoing tariffs, Canada’s March trade deficit narrowed significantly, and increased exports to countries outside the U.S. offset the decline in U.S. exports. A rise in oil prices, a key Canadian export, and a generally weak U.S. dollar further boosted the loonie’s value. Canadian government bond yields also fell, mirroring trends in U.S. Treasuries.
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After 45 days in jail, Mahendra Patel, accused of attempted kidnapping at a Georgia Walmart, was granted a $10,000 bond. His attorney presented security footage suggesting Patel was trying to prevent a child from falling, contradicting the mother’s account of an attempted abduction. While prosecutors cited a prior felony conviction and DUI arrest, the judge cited the video evidence and Patel’s community ties in granting bond, stating he did not believe Patel to be a flight risk. Patel was indicted on charges of attempted kidnapping, simple assault, and simple battery following a grand jury hearing.
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A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, following a similar incident just over a week prior. The pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely after an apparent arresting gear malfunction during landing, sustaining minor injuries. This latest incident follows a Houthi attack on the Truman, although a connection between the two events remains unclear. The repeated loss of aircraft and other incidents involving the Truman highlight the challenging operational environment in the Red Sea.
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In an attempt to promote the FIFA World Cup, Senator JD Vance instead sparked outrage with a joke about deporting international visitors. His comment, referencing Homeland Security Secretary Noem, was met with widespread criticism for its tone-deaf and unwelcoming approach. The intended tourism promotion backfired, transforming into a controversial deportation threat. This incident follows a pattern of Vance’s missteps in handling sports-related events.
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Judge Jamal Whitehead ordered the Trump administration to admit approximately 12,000 refugees, rejecting the administration’s narrow interpretation of a 9th Circuit appeals court ruling. The administration argued for admitting only 160 refugees, a claim the judge deemed a misrepresentation of the court’s decision. This order stems from a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s suspension of the refugee admissions program, which the judge initially blocked as a nullification of congressional authority. The 9th Circuit partially stayed the initial block, but mandated processing for those with pre-existing travel plans.
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Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, facing reports of a worsening illness and accusations of widespread human rights abuses, has again requested his dismissal from Putin. This request, made to Russian state media, follows previous, unsuccessful attempts in 2016, 2017, and 2022. Kadyrov’s rule has been marked by a severe human rights crisis, leading to international sanctions. The final decision now rests with President Putin.
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Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, described as focused and non-escalatory, targeted terrorist infrastructure and avoided Pakistani military facilities. Pakistan responded by violating the ceasefire agreement with artillery fire in the Bhimber Gali area, prompting a calibrated Indian Army response. Several Indian ministers and chief ministers publicly lauded the Indian Army’s actions.
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Federal Judge Richard Myers decisively rejected a Republican candidate’s attempt to overturn a North Carolina Supreme Court election, deeming the effort a violation of voters’ constitutional rights. The attempt involved retroactively disqualifying thousands of legally cast ballots, primarily targeting voters in Democratic-leaning counties. This action was deemed a brazen attempt at election subversion, and the ruling is highly unlikely to be reversed on appeal. The case highlights the vulnerability of elections to partisan judicial manipulation and sets a dangerous precedent for future election disputes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker