Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized Donald Trump’s approach to Russia, calling it “terrible” and expressing disapproval of Trump’s criticism of Europe alongside his perceived flattery of Russia. Bacon has been a vocal critic of Trump’s handling of the Ukraine-Russia war, particularly his rhetoric towards European allies and his views on Putin’s actions. Bacon disagrees with Trump’s proposed peace plan, which includes ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia, arguing that it rewards the invader and fails to secure lasting peace.
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Under a new proposal, the United States may soon require tourists from dozens of countries, including the UK, to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry. This policy, proposed by the Department of Homeland Security, would affect those eligible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program. The proposal also includes gathering phone numbers, email addresses, and more family information. Critics are concerned about potential harm to digital rights and longer wait times for ESTA approvals.
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At an EU General Affairs Council meeting, a workaround for technical negotiations with Ukraine was announced to bypass Hungary’s veto, according to European Pravda. This new process, spearheaded by Danish and EU officials, allows Ukraine to continue its reform process through “frontloading,” ensuring progress even without officially opening Cluster 1. While unanimity is still needed for official chapter closure, this approach allows for the continuation of negotiations, supported by 26 member states. The technical process has been launched for Clusters 1, 2, and 6, and Cyprus, the next EU presidency, is expected to continue this process.
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Following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s disclosure of sensitive military information via Signal, the Pentagon did not conduct a routine investigation into potential national security damage, primarily because Hegseth did not authorize one. While typically a classification review and damage assessment would be initiated to examine if military operations or sources and methods were compromised, this did not occur in this instance, despite concerns and a watchdog report finding that Hegseth’s actions violated DoD regulations. Instead, Hegseth focused on investigating potential leakers within his own staff, creating a chilling effect. This unusual decision, as well as the lack of further investigation, is inconsistent with established protocols, especially considering the sensitive nature of the information shared and the potential risks involved.
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In a surprising special election victory, Democrat Eric Gisler flipped a Georgia state House seat, previously held by a Republican, in a district that voted for Trump by a significant margin. This victory in House District 121 is seen as a major shift in the political landscape of Georgia. The win was achieved through a targeted campaign that emphasized equality and fairness, supported by organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. This outcome is viewed as a rejection of far-right politics and a sign that such strategies may not resonate with voters in suburban districts.
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According to a new analysis by the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), the average US household has paid $1,200 in tariff costs over the past 10 months due to President Trump’s trade policies. This amount is derived from official US Treasury Department data on tariff revenue, and is expected to continue to rise. Democrats, including Senator Maggie Hassan, have criticized the tariffs, arguing they contradict Trump’s promise to lower costs for families. Furthermore, the JEC projects that if current tariff levels remain, families will pay $2,100 annually, compounding the financial strain felt by many Americans.
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Former President Donald Trump is asserting executive privilege to block access to over 4,000 documents related to the January 6th Capitol riot. This claim is being made in response to a lawsuit from injured police officers seeking information about Trump’s actions that day. The National Archives has revealed that Trump aims to keep these records private, which also includes text messages. Further complicating matters, any documents reluctantly released to the plaintiffs will be sealed, preventing public access to the details of the riot.
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During a federal court hearing in Eugene, a judge halted proceedings when an ICE detainee testified she had not eaten since being awakened at 2 a.m. for transport. The judge, appalled by the detainee’s treatment, ordered the woman to be fed immediately and expressed strong disapproval to the Department of Justice. Ultimately, the judge ordered the woman’s immediate release, citing that more than 90 days had passed since her deportation order, which violated immigration law. The woman had been detained by ICE following a recent arrest and had previously been unaware of her deportation order from 2017.
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The time for action is now, as too many are complacent about the potential threat of Russia. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has warned that Russia, with its economy geared towards war, could be prepared to attack NATO within five years. He highlighted Russia’s willingness to sacrifice its soldiers and reliance on China, which provides critical components for Russian weaponry used in Ukraine. Rutte emphasized that China’s support is essential for Russia’s continued aggression.
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Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old child bride sentenced to death in Iran for her husband’s murder, has had her execution halted after his parents accepted approximately £70,000 in blood money. Kouhkan was arrested at 18 and spent seven years on death row, facing qisas (retribution-in-kind) for allegedly participating in her abusive husband’s death. Her case highlights systemic gender bias in Iran’s justice system, where child brides and victims of domestic violence often face severe penalties. While the payment saved her life, concerns remain about the qisas law, which violates international standards.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Judge Blasts ICE for Unacceptable Treatment of Detainee, Orders Release
During a federal court hearing in Eugene, a judge halted proceedings when an ICE detainee testified she had not eaten since being awakened at 2 a.m. for transport. The judge, appalled by the detainee’s treatment, ordered the woman to be fed immediately and expressed strong disapproval to the Department of Justice. Ultimately, the judge ordered the woman’s immediate release, citing that more than 90 days had passed since her deportation order, which violated immigration law. The woman had been detained by ICE following a recent arrest and had previously been unaware of her deportation order from 2017.
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