Quebec will implement a province-wide ban on cell phones and electronic devices in all public and private elementary and high schools starting next school year. This expands upon the existing classroom ban enacted in January 2024, following recommendations from a committee studying the devices’ negative impact on student learning. Individual schools will determine implementation methods, though exceptions may be made for medical needs, educational purposes, or students with disabilities. The ban aims to foster socialization and reduce distractions, addressing concerns about excessive screen time and its effects.
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Following a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Tesla’s board was exploring CEO replacements due to Musk’s absenteeism and Tesla’s poor first-quarter performance, Musk vehemently denied the claims on X. Tesla’s board chairwoman, Robyn Denholm, also issued a statement refuting the report. The Journal’s article noted Tesla’s lack of prior comment on the matter. Musk’s divided attention between Tesla and his role within the Trump administration, marked by significant public backlash, appears to have contributed to the speculation.
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A Wall Street Journal report alleging Tesla’s board sought to replace Elon Musk as CEO prompted a furious all-caps response from Musk on X. The report, which cited unnamed sources, claimed the board contacted multiple search firms before scaling back efforts after Musk’s public commitment to Tesla. Tesla vehemently denied the report’s claims, stating it was communicated to the Journal pre-publication, while the Journal maintained its reporting accuracy. This conflict follows recent criticism of Musk’s focus on other ventures and Tesla’s significant profit decline.
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Amidst raging wildfires in Israel, Hamas and various Palestinian social media accounts are inciting arson attacks against Israeli civilian targets, including homes, forests, and vehicles. Messages explicitly call for widespread burning, referencing the recent Hamas attacks and framing the actions as resistance. These calls utilize various platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter), encouraging Palestinians to exploit the current heat and dryness to maximize damage. The incitement is connected to the ongoing conflict and aims to inflict further harm on Israeli citizens and infrastructure.
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A newly signed minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian minerals and funds Ukrainian reconstruction. Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, interpret this as Ukraine paying for U.S. military aid, characterizing it as a forced transaction leveraging Ukraine’s national wealth. This deal coincides with ongoing tensions regarding peace talks, with Russia expressing readiness but Ukraine demanding an immediate ceasefire. Critics suggest the agreement hinders Russia’s peace negotiation goals by justifying increased U.S. military spending in Ukraine.
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During his first 100 days, President Trump actively dismantled various aspects of American society, including government institutions, civil rights, and international alliances. This was a deliberate effort to overturn the advancements of the 20th century, a period marked by increased equality, wealth, and global influence. Trump’s actions, echoing the views of paleolibertarian thinkers, aim to create a less equal, less educated, and more insular nation. This includes attacks on higher education, civil rights legislation, and even the 14th Amendment, all while enacting economically destructive tariffs. The result is a deeply unpopular president presiding over a rapidly unraveling nation.
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Despite Democratic efforts to prevent deportations without due process, amendments to a budget bill aimed at barring ICE from such actions, including the deportation of U.S. citizens, failed to pass the House Judiciary Committee. These amendments followed President Trump’s suggestion of sending U.S. citizens to a Salvadoran prison and actual deportations of Venezuelan citizens to that facility without legal proceedings. Democrats criticized Republicans for implicitly supporting the circumvention of Fifth Amendment rights. The rejection of these amendments leaves ICE with the ability to proceed with deportations under the current legal framework.
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President Trump repeatedly claimed in an ABC News interview that a deported man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, has “MS13” tattooed on his knuckles, citing a photograph as evidence. This photo, however, clearly shows the letters “MS13” superimposed onto an image of a hand, not an actual tattoo. Despite the interviewer’s corrections and the obvious digital alteration, Trump insisted on the accuracy of his claim, highlighting his belief, or desire to perpetuate the belief, in the fabricated evidence. This incident underscores the ease with which manipulated images can be used to spread misinformation, even at the highest levels of government. The incident raises concerns about the potential impact of increasingly sophisticated AI-generated imagery.
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One hundred days into the Trump presidency, this newsroom’s commitment to fearless, fact-based journalism continues. Unwavering dedication to truth has been sustained by reader support, crucial during challenging times. Continued contributions are now essential to ensure the ongoing delivery of vital news coverage. The newsroom’s mission remains providing accurate information to the public. Readers’ renewed support is vital for this critical endeavor.
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Karin Prien, a CDU member and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, has been appointed Germany’s Minister for Education, Family, Women, and Youth, marking a historic first as the first Jewish woman in the cabinet since the Holocaust. Her appointment comes amidst rising antisemitism and far-right influence in Germany, issues she has actively addressed. Prien, previously Schleswig-Holstein’s education minister, brings extensive experience and a strong stance against antisemitism to her new role. Her personal history and outspoken advocacy for Jewish causes highlight the significance of her appointment. She will assume office on May 6th.
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John Q. Hosedrinker