Senator Bernie Sanders defended his use of the term “oligarchy” to describe Trump administration allies, arguing that the American public understands its meaning, contrasting his large rally attendance with Senator Elissa Slotkin’s assertion that the term lacks broader appeal. This disagreement follows similar criticisms from other Democrats regarding the party’s messaging. Sanders emphasized the need for a clear vision for the future of the Democratic party amidst internal disagreements on strategy and messaging following recent electoral setbacks. The debate highlights the ongoing struggle within the Democratic party to define its post-Trump identity.
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In October 2017, FBI agents mistakenly raided Trina Martin’s home, causing significant trauma to her, her boyfriend, and her son. Martin subsequently filed a lawsuit against the government, but a federal judge and appeals court dismissed it, arguing courts shouldn’t second-guess police “honest mistakes.” The Supreme Court will now decide whether the Federal Tort Claims Act allows such lawsuits against the government for wrong-house raids, a question with conflicting precedent across different circuit courts. The case highlights the need for clarity on holding law enforcement accountable for such errors.
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A Lufkin, Texas man, Avante Nicholson, is being sought by police after allegedly hiding marijuana-filled Easter eggs in city parks and posting clues to their locations on Facebook. His Facebook posts included photos of the eggs and referenced selling narcotics. Police recovered over a quarter-ounce of marijuana from four of the five hidden eggs. Authorities are continuing their search for Nicholson.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration’s deportation policies, asserting that due process applies to all in the U.S., while simultaneously justifying the deportation of undocumented immigrants, including those with U.S. citizen children. He characterized the deportation of children with their undocumented mothers as a consequence of the mothers’ illegal status, and disputed reports that the process lacked due process. Rubio further argued that the administration’s stricter approach to immigration stemmed from a need to curb the influx of undocumented migrants. Finally, he offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
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President Zelenskyy asserted that Ukraine’s steadfast defense maintains avenues for diplomatic resolution, despite Russia’s deceptive claims of peace initiatives. Continued Russian offensives, marked by heavy losses, belie any genuine commitment to ceasing hostilities. This ongoing aggression underscores Russia’s attempts to mislead global partners, highlighting the need for sustained pressure to compel genuine peace efforts. Recent diplomatic meetings in the Vatican and Rome indicate growing international understanding of this situation. A peace agreement, while closer according to Secretary Rubio, remains contingent upon concessions from both Russia and Ukraine.
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President Trump claims to have finalized 200 trade deals, a figure his administration has been unable to substantiate. When pressed by multiple news outlets, cabinet members failed to name a single country with which a deal has been reached, instead offering vague statements about ongoing negotiations and “sub-deals.” This lack of transparency follows a 90-day pause on tariffs, excluding China, and amidst rising tensions and retaliatory measures from China, which denies any trade negotiations have taken place. The discrepancy between Trump’s assertion and the verifiable evidence casts doubt on the administration’s claims.
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Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee for NASA administrator, faces scrutiny following past legal issues. In 2010, he was arrested for fraud related to insufficient funds checks written to casinos, though he claims the matter was swiftly resolved. Prior to this, civil lawsuits were filed against him in New Jersey and Connecticut for writing bad checks totaling $2 million to casinos, including those owned by Donald Trump. These cases were settled, and Isaacman attributes the incidents to immaturity. His Senate confirmation hearing is pending.
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Senator Patricia Fahy’s long-standing support for Tesla’s New York dealerships has reversed. Following President Trump’s election and Elon Musk’s appointment, Fahy now opposes Tesla’s legislative waiver allowing direct operation of dealerships. This shift has led her to actively campaign against Tesla’s expansion, including participation in protests against a proposed dealership. Her position reflects a change in political priorities and potentially concerns about Musk’s leadership. The Senator, along with other lawmakers, is actively seeking to revoke Tesla’s special exemption.
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A federal judge expressed “strong suspicion” that a two-year-old US citizen, VML, was deported to Honduras with her mother without due process. The judge noted the illegality and unconstitutionality of deporting a US citizen without meaningful process and scheduled a hearing to investigate. While the Department of Homeland Security claims the mother chose to take the child, the judge’s concern highlights potential violations of the child’s rights. This case, along with a similar incident involving a breastfeeding infant, underscores concerns about due process within the context of increased deportations under the Trump administration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker