National Security Advisor Michael Waltz accepted full responsibility for a Signal group chat inadvertently including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, leading to the leak of sensitive information about planned Yemen airstrikes. Waltz, while blaming Goldberg and criticizing media coverage, admitted to creating the group and stated he was investigating the incident with technical experts. Despite Waltz’s claim of no staffer involvement, President Trump suggested otherwise, though his account was unclear. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with concerns raised about potential Espionage Act violations and accusations of careless handling of classified information.
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Liberal Leader Mark Carney highlighted the leaked U.S. war plans for Yemen, emphasizing the shifting U.S. security priorities and the need for increased Canadian self-reliance in defence. He cited the leak as a serious issue demanding transparency and accountability, noting that Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is evolving and potentially jeopardizing intelligence sharing. Carney stressed the importance of bolstering Canada’s defence capabilities, including potential investments in its military and coast guard, prioritizing Canadian resources in defence production. Further details on these plans will be revealed in the upcoming Liberal party platform.
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President Trump’s sweeping executive order seeks to dramatically expand federal control over elections, potentially disenfranchising millions of voters. The order attempts to restrict voter registration, punish states allowing late-arriving ballots, and utilize federal databases to review state voter rolls, ostensibly to combat rare instances of non-citizen voting. This action is expected to face immediate legal challenges, with several Democratic officials already vowing to sue. The order also directs changes to voter registration procedures and voting system certifications, significantly altering the EAC’s role. Critics argue the order is a politically motivated attempt to suppress voter turnout.
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Brave1, a Ukrainian defense tech cluster, unveiled the “Katran,” a new multi-purpose naval drone boasting a range of 1,500 km and a top speed of 130 km/h. This autonomous drone, developed by Military Armored Company HUB, is equipped with a diverse array of weaponry including torpedoes and a minigun, alongside advanced electronic warfare capabilities and AI-supported targeting. Its successful deployment in maritime operations has already been confirmed, contributing significantly to Ukraine’s defense capabilities and potentially reshaping global military standards. The Katran’s effectiveness builds upon previous Ukrainian successes with unmanned maritime systems, demonstrating a clear trend in autonomous naval technology.
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Amidst US-Russia talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine, a Russian missile attack injured 88 people, including 17 children, in Sumy. Ukraine denounced Russia’s “hollow statements about peace,” while a proposed one-month halt to strikes on energy infrastructure remains uncertain regarding scope and implementation. Although a draft joint statement is pending approval, significant disagreements persist between Moscow and Kyiv regarding peace treaty terms, including territorial concessions and military aid. Ukraine remains deeply distrustful of any Russian commitments.
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Patrick Crusius, the El Paso Walmart shooter responsible for 23 deaths in a 2019 hate crime, has been offered a plea deal in state court to avoid the death penalty. This follows his 2023 federal conviction resulting in 90 consecutive life sentences. While the state District Attorney supports the death penalty and believes Crusius deserves it, the decision was made in part due to the victims’ families’ desire for closure and to avoid protracted legal battles. Federal prosecutors also declined to pursue the death penalty, though reasons were not fully disclosed.
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Elon Musk’s purported climate heroism is undermined by his actions as a shadow president in the Trump administration. His involvement has led to the dismantling of Biden’s climate initiatives, including cuts to subsidies for renewable energy and EV chargers. This behavior is attributed partly to Musk’s personal views and a strategic move to cripple Tesla’s competitors by foregoing subsidies. Ultimately, however, his actions are largely driven by a desperate attempt to avoid Kamala Harris’s proposed tax on billionaire’s unrealized gains, highlighting the dangerous influence of extreme wealth on American politics.
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Senator Tammy Duckworth sharply criticized the potential appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, deeming him the most unqualified candidate in history. Duckworth’s comments came during a discussion with Katy Tur about a separate matter—a journalist’s inclusion in a group chat concerning planned Yemen airstrikes. The controversy surrounding the leaked information overshadowed discussion of the potential Hegseth appointment. The senator’s strong statement highlights deep concerns about Hegseth’s suitability for the position.
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A Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser crashed on frozen Tustumena Lake near Homer, Alaska, with a pilot and two children aboard. Good Samaritans, aided by radio communication, located the wreckage and survivors approximately 12 hours after the aircraft was reported overdue. All three occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, interviewing the pilot to determine its cause.
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23andMe’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has ignited serious privacy concerns, as the genetic data of millions of users is now a potential asset in the company’s sale. This sensitive information, used to predict disease predisposition and connect relatives, lacks robust federal protection under current U.S. law, unlike medical data held by healthcare providers. Experts warn of the potentially catastrophic consequences of data misuse by future owners, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of DNA and the limited recourse for individuals. The sale underscores the vulnerability of personal genetic information and the need for stronger data privacy regulations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker