The USDA is eliminating two programs totaling $1 billion in funding for schools and food banks to purchase food from local sources. This decision, attributed to a shift toward “fiscally responsible initiatives,” cancels $660 million for the Local Food for Schools program and $420 million for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement. The funding cuts significantly impact schools already facing high food costs, forcing reductions in fresh produce and local sourcing. The termination affects numerous schools and farmers nationwide, jeopardizing both school nutrition and local economies.
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Demonstrators in Budapest protesting restrictions on assembly clashed with police, prompting condemnation from the EU’s equality commissioner. Organizers of Budapest Pride, denouncing the actions as fascist, maintained their commitment to the upcoming march. This event highlights increasing tensions between the ruling Fidesz party and its critics, fueled by recent legislative attacks on freedoms and dissent. The rising popularity of the opposition Tisza party suggests a potential shift in Hungarian politics ahead of the 2025 elections.
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The EU’s new military program, projected to exceed $800 billion by 2030, prioritizes bolstering Europe’s defense industrial base through increased intra-European procurement. This initiative strategically excludes the U.K. while including South Korea and Japan as partners. The program’s impetus stems from a recognition of Russia as a threat and broader geopolitical concerns, including shifting American strategic focus. This shift reflects a desire for greater European autonomy in defense matters.
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Rep. Glenn Ivey’s public call for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s resignation marks the first such demand from a Democratic lawmaker, stemming from party divisions over the handling of a Republican funding bill. Ivey criticized Schumer’s decision to allow the bill’s passage as a surrender of crucial leverage against the administration’s actions, including federal job cuts. This sparked intense debate within the party, with some members advocating for more aggressive resistance, while others, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, publicly supported Schumer. Despite this support, criticism from prominent Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlights the significant internal conflict within the party.
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During a Fox News interview, Donald Trump expressed strong negative opinions about Canada, referring to it as “one of the nastiest countries” to deal with and suggesting it should be the 51st U.S. state due to perceived economic imbalances. He criticized Canada’s trade practices, particularly its dairy tariffs, and Prime Minister Trudeau’s government for dishonesty in negotiations. Trump further stated his indifference towards the outcome of the Canadian election, claiming that his primary goal is eliminating the significant U.S. trade deficit with Canada. He also criticized Canada’s low defense spending within NATO.
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A French researcher, visiting the U.S. for a conference, was denied entry and subsequently deported after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allegedly found concerning messages on his phone. French officials expressed serious concern, citing the researcher’s affiliation with the CNRS and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the expulsion. Conflicting reports suggest the messages were characterized as either expressing personal opinions critical of Trump administration policies or as “hate and conspiracy messages,” even potentially involving terrorism accusations, though these charges were later dropped. The researcher’s electronic devices were seized prior to his deportation.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt falsely claimed during a press briefing that Judge James Boasberg, who temporarily blocked Trump’s deportation of migrants, was a “Democrat activist” appointed by Barack Obama. NBC News correspondent Garrett Haake corrected Leavitt, noting Boasberg’s appointment by George W. Bush. Leavitt deflected by citing the number of injunctions against President Trump, framing the judge’s actions as part of a broader effort to obstruct the administration’s agenda. This instance marks Leavitt’s third fact-check from PolitiFact in just two months.
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Following Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s vote for a GOP-backed continuing resolution that cut non-defense spending by $13 billion, Our Revolution’s survey revealed that nearly 90% of its progressive members want him to resign. This vote, which avoided a government shutdown, drew widespread condemnation from progressives due to significant cuts to crucial programs and a lack of specific funding allocations. The survey also indicated strong support for primary challenges against Schumer and the ten other Democrats who voted for the bill. The situation highlights a significant rift within the Democratic party between progressive and moderate factions.
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Following a call between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, a limited ceasefire was agreed upon, focusing on halting strikes against civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities. Trump proposed American ownership of Ukrainian power plants to ensure their security, a suggestion made alongside a request from Zelenskyy for additional Patriot missile systems. While the Kremlin claims Kyiv is not reciprocating, the White House emphasizes continued U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Technical experts from all three nations will meet to discuss ceasefire implementation.
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A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student facing deportation, transferring it to New Jersey. The judge found the case outside his jurisdiction but upheld an order preventing Khalil’s removal from the country pending the New Jersey court’s decision. Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, alleges his arrest and attempted deportation violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights due to his participation in pro-Palestine protests. The government’s accusations of Khalil’s ties to terrorism remain unsubstantiated.
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John Q. Hosedrinker