Following President Trump’s blanket pardons for nearly 1,500 January 6th rioters, he now suggests exploring a government compensation fund for these individuals. This proposal follows the estimated $2.7 billion in damages caused by the Capitol riot, for which many rioters faced restitution orders now nullified by the pardons. The idea has sparked significant public outrage, with many criticizing the potential use of taxpayer money to compensate those responsible for the insurrection. Trump maintains that the rioters were unfairly treated and are “patriots.”
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A recent YouGov poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans (74 percent) view the leak of a Signal chat detailing a Trump administration’s Yemen airstrike plan as a serious issue, surpassing concern over Hillary Clinton’s private email server. The Signal chat, published by *The Atlantic*, allegedly included classified information shared by officials on an unsecure platform, prompting comparisons to Clinton’s email controversy. This incident has sparked criticism and potential legal ramifications under the Espionage Act, leading to a lawsuit filed by American Oversight. Reactions from involved officials ranged from denials to accusations of a “witch hunt.”
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Reporters discovered that publicly available information linked several high-profile individuals’ online accounts, including health data trackers, WhatsApp, and Signal. This easily accessible data poses a significant security risk, potentially allowing hostile actors to compromise their communications through spyware. Former officials express concern that adversaries, particularly given Steve Witkoff’s actions in Russia, likely already possess these communications, including sensitive discussions about a potential military strike. Witkoff’s presence in Russia while added to the Signal group, according to former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, essentially provided the Kremlin with advance notice.
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Elon Musk privately contacted Reddit CEO Steve Huffman following public criticism of Reddit’s content moderation. Subsequently, Reddit banned a subreddit containing violent threats against DOGE employees, a thread Musk highlighted. This action, while seemingly addressing violent content, also removed non-violent posts and prompted concerns among Reddit moderators about Musk’s undue influence. The incident follows a pattern of Musk blocking competitor links on X, raising questions about his methods and impact on platform governance. Reddit maintains that they address policy violations regardless of the source of the report.
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President Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports has already resulted in the layoff of at least 200 Canadian steelworkers, with the United Steelworkers union anticipating significantly more job losses. Companies like Canada Metal Processing Group and Algoma Steel have cited the tariffs as the reason for workforce reductions, including layoffs and hiring freezes. The upcoming expiration of a temporary tariff pause further threatens thousands of additional jobs. While the Canadian government has offered some assistance, industry leaders are pushing for more comprehensive support measures to mitigate the ongoing economic damage.
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Following a joint press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional €2 billion in military aid to Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of continued military support for Ukrainian resistance. This aid package includes Milan anti-tank missiles, Mica and Mistral air defense systems, VAB armored vehicles, AMX-10RC tanks, and drones. Macron also urged Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire without preconditions, criticizing Moscow for adding new demands to a previously agreed-upon truce. Uncertainty remains regarding a potential Black Sea ceasefire due to Russia’s conditional acceptance.
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Four U.S. Army soldiers went missing during a Lithuanian training exercise after their armored vehicle submerged in a body of water. The vehicle was discovered deeply embedded in mud, requiring extensive draining and excavation efforts. While initial reports incorrectly stated the soldiers’ deaths, the search continues with “positive signs” offering hope. The incident occurred amidst heightened regional tensions near the Belarusian border.
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National Security Adviser Mike Waltz denies knowing journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, claiming he wouldn’t recognize him, despite Goldberg’s assertion of having met Waltz twice. However, a 2021 photograph shows both men together at a book launch, contradicting Waltz’s statement. Waltz attributed Goldberg’s inclusion in a top-secret group chat to a technical issue or hacking, a claim met with skepticism. Following the leak of sensitive information, President Trump, reportedly angered by the incident, tasked Waltz with investigating the matter.
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Secretary Kristi Noem’s X video, filmed at El Salvador’s CECOT prison, warned undocumented immigrants of potential imprisonment there for crimes against the U.S. This follows President Trump’s controversial deportation of Venezuelans to El Salvador, utilizing wartime legislation. Noem’s post generated intense online backlash, with critics citing human rights concerns and the lack of due process, while supporters praised her strong stance. The video also sparked controversy over Noem’s apparent display of a luxury watch during the filming.
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The Greater Cleveland Food Bank faces the cancellation of $2 million worth of food from the Federal Emergency Food Assistance Program, potentially leaving thousands without food this week. This loss, equivalent to a week’s supply for Northeast Ohio, includes vital fresh produce from local farmers participating in the Food for Purchase Assistance program. The cancellations stem from broader federal spending cuts, the reasons for which remain unexplained by the Department of Agriculture. This crisis is exacerbated by proposed state budget cuts, creating a severe threat to hunger relief and local agriculture.
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John Q. Hosedrinker