IOC President Thomas Bach attributed the controversy surrounding two female boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics to a Russian disinformation campaign, dismissing it as a “fake news” crisis. The dispute, fueled by the IBA’s criticism of the IOC’s decision to allow the athletes’ participation, stemmed from the IBA’s prior ban based on a chromosome test—a decision Bach deemed irrelevant given the boxers’ long history of competing as women. Bach further emphasized the IOC’s lack of a universal transgender athlete policy, leaving it to individual federations. Finally, Bach expressed confidence in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics’ preparations, citing President Trump’s support and the potential reinstatement of boxing.
Read More
Senator Bernie Sanders’ “take on the oligarchy” tour, spurred by Elon Musk’s cost-cutting measures within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is drawing large crowds and significant social media attention. Rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan saw thousands in attendance, fueled by concerns over Musk’s influence and potential government overreach. Sanders’ tour specifically targets districts won by Biden in 2020 but flipped to Republicans in 2024, highlighting the political divisions at play. The tour’s success underscores widespread public anxiety over billionaire influence on policy and the potential for drastic cuts to government services.
Read More
A protest march, dubbed the first official People’s Solidarity March on Mar-a-Lago since 2020, targeted President Trump, Elon Musk’s DOGE, and the Department of Government Efficiency. Participants, representing groups like United PLUS and United Against Trumpism, decried the administration’s actions, expressing concerns about social security, healthcare, and foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. The marchers, exercising their First Amendment rights, hope to influence Trump’s policies and plan future demonstrations. A Ukrainian native highlighted the global impact of US decisions, emphasizing the shared concerns of Americans and Ukrainians.
Read More
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that Russian military personnel losses have surpassed 100,000 since the start of 2025. This figure reflects the ongoing success of Ukrainian defense forces in combating Russian troops across the entire front line. Syrskyi attributed this significant loss to the coordinated efforts and professionalism of Ukrainian defenders. The statement was made via a Facebook post.
Read More
Despite significant opposition from progressive Democrats, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote to advance a Republican spending bill. This decision, following earlier statements of defiance, will likely allow the bill to pass with only a simple majority. The bill includes $13 billion in cuts to non-military spending and offers no restrictions on the Trump administration’s actions. Progressive lawmakers strongly criticized Schumer’s decision, arguing it would empower Trump and Musk while harming working people, and urged constituents to contact their senators.
Read More
Following a Senate vote to pass a continuing resolution averting a government shutdown, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized fellow Democrats for ending the filibuster to pass the GOP-led bill, sparking a public exchange with former Senator Kyrsten Sinema. Ocasio-Cortez reiterated her stance against the filibuster, arguing it disproportionately blocks Democratic legislation. Sinema, in response, highlighted Ocasio-Cortez’s past criticisms of her position. The dispute highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic party regarding the filibuster’s role in legislative processes.
Read More
President Trump’s mandate for federal employees to return to the office sharply contrasted with his own frequent trips to his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he conducted official business and golfed, incurring significant taxpayer costs. This hypocrisy fueled criticism from federal workers who faced hardships due to the return-to-office policy, while Trump and his administration simultaneously downsized the federal workforce and promoted cost-cutting measures. The president’s actions, including golfing numerous times, are viewed as ironic given his rhetoric, and raise ethical concerns regarding the use of taxpayer funds to benefit his private businesses. This is particularly so as the costs for these trips are significantly high and he had previously pledged not to golf as president.
Read More
Despite a US judge’s order halting deportations, hundreds of alleged gang members were deported from the US to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. These individuals were immediately transferred to El Salvador’s high-capacity Terrorism Confinement Center for a potentially extended period. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked El Salvador’s President Bukele for his cooperation, highlighting the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries. This action reflects President Trump’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration and designates the deportations as a key component of his administration’s security agenda.
Read More
Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will hold a rally at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena on Thursday, part of a nationwide tour to counter President Trump’s policies. The free, public event, titled “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here,” begins at 6 p.m. MST. Following the ASU rally, the pair will continue their tour with a Saturday visit to Catalina High School in Tucson. Attendees should note restrictions on bags, signs, and firearms.
Read More
To boost European defense production and reduce reliance on US weapons, President Macron proposed offering the SAMP/T air defense system as an alternative to the Patriot, and the Rafale fighter jet as an alternative to the F-35. This initiative follows recent European NATO members’ continued purchases of US-made aircraft, despite concerns. Macron also urged French defense companies to streamline processes for greater competitiveness. Furthermore, he outlined a plan for a multi-national European troop deployment to Ukraine focused on training and long-term support, while reiterating the unacceptability of Putin’s ceasefire conditions.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker