Following a suspicious surge in Tesla EV sales and subsequent rebate claims totaling $43 million in just three days, the Canadian government has frozen Tesla’s rebate payments. This action, taken after Tesla claimed a sales rate of 1.5 vehicles per minute, is pending a full audit of each individual claim. Further, Tesla’s eligibility for federal rebates is revoked until existing US-Canada tariffs are resolved. This federal freeze compounds existing provincial-level exclusions, impacting Tesla’s Canadian sales, previously its fifth-largest market.
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Following Donald Trump’s reelection, a wave of authoritarian actions—including disappearances, deportations, and the targeting of vulnerable populations—has unfolded at an alarming rate. While many Americans continue daily life amidst this crisis, widespread fear and institutional capitulation are evident, with corporations, universities, and law firms complying with the administration’s demands. Despite this, grassroots resistance is growing, evidenced by large political rallies and demonstrations across the country. The nation faces a profound and potentially irreversible shift, demanding individual choices regarding resistance or compliance.
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Kermit the Frog, created by University of Maryland alumnus Jim Henson, will deliver the university’s 2025 commencement address. This isn’t Kermit’s first commencement speech; he previously addressed graduates at Southampton College in 1996 and has a history of appearances at the University of Maryland. The internationally beloved Muppet, an environmental advocate and Peabody Award winner, will offer words of encouragement to the graduating class. University President Darryll J. Pines expressed excitement for the unique commencement speaker.
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A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing at least 144 deaths and 732 injuries. The quake’s epicenter, located approximately 11 miles from Mandalay, also resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries in neighboring Thailand, including the collapse of a Bangkok high-rise under construction. Myanmar’s junta requested international aid to address the widespread damage and overwhelming casualty numbers, while concerns remain about access to affected areas amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The earthquake’s impact is expected to be severe and long-lasting, potentially displacing thousands and causing further strain on the already fragile nation.
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Greenland’s new social-liberal government, formed following the March 11th election, excludes the ultra-nationalist Naleraq party. This coalition prioritizes stability amidst perceived foreign pressure, notably from a recent, criticized US visit. While all parties support eventual independence, the new government advocates a cautious, long-term approach, shelving immediate emancipation plans. This contrasts with Naleraq’s push for rapid independence.
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A leaked White House document reveals plans for significant staff reductions across 22 federal agencies, ranging from 8% to 50%, as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal bureaucracy. The proposed cuts, which include substantial reductions at agencies like HUD and the IRS, are sparking widespread outrage and concerns about the impact on public services. While the White House claims the document is a preliminary draft, the potential consequences for federal employees and the American public are already being felt, with reports of increased wait times and website issues at agencies like the Social Security Administration. These cuts are linked to the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” agenda, adding to the controversy surrounding the administration’s actions.
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In waging a war against TdA, the Trump administration’s actions, particularly the use of CECOT, potentially violated several key legal frameworks. These include the Geneva Conventions, which were breached through the alleged exploitation of prisoners and denial of their communication rights. Furthermore, the administration may have contravened the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 by sending prisoners to a location known for human rights abuses. Judge Boasberg’s Monday filing highlights these potential violations. The administration’s actions, therefore, warrant further scrutiny under both domestic and international law.
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Tasha Purnell, former principal of A.I. du Pont Middle School, faces over a dozen charges, including rape and continuous sexual abuse of a child. The indictment alleges Purnell sexually assaulted a girl under 16 between 2010 and 2014, exploiting her position of authority. These incidents occurred in New Castle County, Delaware. The Red Clay School District has yet to comment on the charges.
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Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) attempted to detain a healthcare worker at H.D. Cooke Elementary School in Washington, D.C., prompting concern among parents and school staff. While the agents left without making an arrest and DHS claims the presence was unrelated to enforcement, DCPS followed protocol by requesting identification and a warrant. The incident heightened anxieties within the school community, particularly regarding the impact on immigrant families, leading to community support efforts and calls for increased clarity and guidance from school officials. Advocates are providing resources to help immigrant families navigate potential future encounters with federal agents.
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Russia’s Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, announced that the informal moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure is no longer binding due to alleged Ukrainian violations. Peskov cited Ukrainian military actions targeting Russian energy facilities as evidence of this breach, claiming a loss of control by Kyiv’s leadership. This announcement followed Russia’s own large-scale drone attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and accusations of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The conflicting claims highlight the ongoing tension and escalation of the conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker