A Harvard/Harris poll reveals strong support (72%) among Democratic voters for a more aggressive approach towards the Trump administration, championed by figures like Senators Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. This aligns with the significant crowds drawn by their “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” demonstrating widespread resonance for their pro-working class message, even in traditionally conservative states. The tour directly contrasts with the approach of Democratic leadership, who have prioritized compromise over confrontation. Ocasio-Cortez’s rising popularity, reflected in recent polling data, suggests a potential generational shift within the Democratic Party.
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Russia’s military buildup along the Finland border, including new infrastructure for increased troop deployment, is viewed by Finnish officials as a deliberate test of NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause. This action follows Finland’s NATO accession and is accompanied by continued Russian hybrid warfare tactics, such as manipulating migration flows. The increased Russian military presence necessitates Finland’s own military reorganization, expanding its divisions and incorporating NATO command structures. Russia’s actions, though dismissed by Putin as “nonsense,” are causing significant concern among Finland and its allies, prompting increased defense preparedness across Europe.
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President Trump and Salvadoran President Bukele openly mocked U.S. court orders in the Oval Office, refusing to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongfully deported Maryland man. This defiance follows a Supreme Court ruling mandating Abrego Garcia’s repatriation, which the administration has ignored despite admitting the deportation was an “administrative error.” The meeting solidified Trump’s disregard for judicial authority, suggesting a potential expansion of this practice to include deportations of U.S. citizens deemed “criminals” to El Salvador. This blatant disregard for legal processes raises serious concerns about the erosion of American democratic principles.
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Three months into his second term, President Trump’s approval rating stands at 44%, with 51% disapproving, largely due to negative economic assessments. His administration, heavily influenced by Elon Musk, faces widespread public distrust; Musk’s favorability rating is notably low, even below that of federal employees. Concerns about weakening democracy and the influence of oligarchy are also prevalent. Ultimately, Trump and Musk’s joint performance has failed to meet public expectations, potentially jeopardizing both their political standing.
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Federal Judge Paula Xinis sharply criticized the Trump administration for its handling of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation, accusing them of ignoring court orders and obstructing justice. The administration defiantly claimed that even if returned, Abrego Garcia would be immediately re-deported due to alleged MS-13 ties, despite accusations of misinterpreting court orders to “facilitate” his return. Judge Xinis rejected the administration’s arguments, ordering two weeks of intensive discovery and emphasizing the urgency of Abrego Garcia’s situation, highlighting the daily harm to him and his family. The judge’s rebuke follows the Supreme Court’s upholding of her previous order mandating the administration facilitate Abrego Garcia’s release from a Salvadoran prison. The administration’s actions have been met with outrage from Abrego Garcia’s wife and widespread protest.
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A new poll reveals that 58% of Americans oppose President Trump’s tariffs, with a majority (53%) wanting Congress to intervene. Bipartisan support exists for a bill granting Congress a two-month review period for new tariffs, though its passage remains uncertain due to potential filibusters and a threatened presidential veto. Legal challenges are also underway, arguing that the President’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify tariffs is unlawful. The poll further indicates widespread public disapproval of Trump’s broader economic policies, with majorities believing they are increasing grocery prices and harming the stock market.
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A shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas left four individuals hospitalized, three of whom sustained gunshot wounds considered non-life-threatening. Authorities apprehended a student suspect, who allegedly fired the weapon on campus. Following the incident, the school was secured, students were reunited with families, and classes were canceled for the remainder of the week to allow for mental health support. This incident follows a similar shooting at the same high school nearly a year prior.
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Regarding Canada-U.S. relations and auto tariffs, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed President Trump’s unchanging stance. This position asserts that the U.S. disproportionately funds Canada’s defense. Leavitt reiterated Trump’s belief that Canadian citizens would significantly benefit from U.S. statehood. The statement comes in response to questions about ongoing trade tensions and the overall relationship between the two nations.
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Preliminary data suggests Russia experienced its lowest birth rate in over two centuries during the first quarter of 2025, with February’s figure marking a record low. This decline, reaching a 3% drop compared to the same period in 2024, is particularly sharp in several regions, highlighting the failure of government policies aimed at boosting the birth rate. The resulting natural population decline is substantial, exacerbated by a death rate that, while decreasing, is insufficient to offset the plummeting birth numbers. Rosstat projections indicate that this trend will continue, leading to a significantly smaller and older Russian population by 2046.
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A new investigation reveals that despite sanctions and Israel’s neutrality declaration, Israeli companies exported over $10 million in metalworking tools to Russia’s defense sector in 2024 alone. Major suppliers like ISCAR, Vargus, and Carmex utilized indirect routes through China and Uzbekistan to circumvent restrictions, with tools ending up in factories producing missiles, aircraft, and air defense systems. Company representatives cited limited control over distribution chains, while the investigation highlights the effectiveness of third-party rerouting in supplying sanctioned industries with crucial technologies. This continues a pattern of sanctions evasion, as seen previously with the import of bearings into Russia.
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John Q. Hosedrinker