A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in national pride, particularly among Democrats, with only 36% expressing pride. This has created the widest partisan gap since 2001, alongside younger generations demonstrating lower patriotism levels than their elders. While 92% of Republicans feel proud, only four in ten Gen Z members and six in ten Millennials share the sentiment. Experts suggest that generational differences, and specifically the political leanings of each generation, are contributing factors to this trend, with Democrats and Independents showing a slow but consistent decline in national pride over time.
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Peter Thiel, a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, believes Western civilization has been in a state of stagnation since the 1970s, blaming it on the counterculture and the rise of the environmental movement. Thiel’s views, influenced by his analysis, have resonated with his peers, leading many to distance themselves from mainstream Democrats. His analysis of stagnation as requiring a radical right-wing political turn has had a profound influence on his peers in Silicon Valley. Thiel views figures like Greta Thunberg as the Antichrist, reflecting his belief in a literal interpretation of biblical dangers.
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is making denaturalization a top priority, directing its attorneys to aggressively pursue cases against naturalized citizens who commit crimes. This initiative will focus on individuals who may have committed fraud or other violations, expanding the criteria for which crimes could result in a loss of citizenship. Immigration experts express serious concerns about the constitutionality of the effort, especially regarding its potential impact on naturalized citizens and their families. The government has indicated that it plans to pursue these cases through civil litigation, raising due process questions and fears of creating a second class of citizens.
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Senator Bernie Sanders sharply criticized the Republican budget reconciliation package on the Senate floor, deeming it “the most dangerous piece of legislation in the modern history of our country” due to its severe cuts to Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and other vital programs. He warned of deadly consequences, citing a study projecting over 50,000 preventable deaths annually resulting from healthcare cuts. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the package would slash Medicaid by over $1 trillion and remove health insurance for nearly 12 million Americans, all to provide tax breaks for the wealthy. Sanders intends to propose amendments to lower prescription drug costs, eliminate an estate tax break, and remove $150 billion for the Pentagon.
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The U.S. Department of Justice sued the city of Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass, and City Council members, claiming the city’s sanctuary city law is illegal and hindering federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed by the Trump administration, argues that L.A.’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has resulted in “lawlessness,” with the federal government even deploying the National Guard. Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi asserts the city’s policies are the cause of recent violence, while Mayor Bass counters that federal agents are the ones creating chaos. The city’s ordinance, which restricts city employees from aiding in immigration enforcement, is seen by the federal government as intentionally discriminating against federal authorities, leading to the legal challenge.
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The article details a new Russian tactic in Ukraine, recruiting Ukrainians through Telegram to carry out bombings in exchange for money. These recruits, often unemployed or teenagers, are lured with easy tasks and then threatened or manipulated into escalating their actions. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained over 700 individuals for sabotage and terrorism related to this campaign, which is part of a larger shadow war. The SBU is working to counter these efforts by disrupting the recruitment process, using technical means to block detonating signals, and educating the public. There are concerns that these tactics may be exported to the west.
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The U.S. dollar has experienced its worst start to a year since 1973, primarily due to President Trump’s trade policies, concerns about growing public debt, and questions surrounding the Federal Reserve’s independence. The dollar’s decline coincides with the Senate’s consideration of Trump’s tax-cutting bill, which is projected to significantly increase the deficit. Trump’s approach to trade, characterized by reciprocal tariffs and pressure on the Fed to lower interest rates, has contributed to the dollar’s weakness. Furthermore, Trump has openly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, raising concerns about the central bank’s independence and potentially influencing monetary policy, which could further erode the dollar’s value.
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A new report reveals that while Kristi Noem served as the governor of South Dakota, she received $80,000 from an anonymous donor through a “dark money” group, significantly supplementing her government salary. Despite becoming the head of the Department of Homeland Security, Noem failed to disclose this payment in her financial disclosure reports, potentially violating federal ethics requirements. The funds were transferred to her personal company, Ashwood Strategies, which the donor, American Resolve, described as a payment for fundraising. Noem’s lawyer claimed she complied with the law, but did not address whether the Office of Government Ethics was specifically aware of the payment.
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As of June 1st, over 18,000 Ukrainians have received housing certificates totaling UAH 27.3 billion for destroyed homes, with approximately 11,000 individuals using the certificates to purchase real estate. Additionally, around 90,000 Ukrainians have received compensation for damaged property, amounting to over UAH 9 billion, with payments categorized for minor and major repairs. The Anti-Corruption Headquarters highlights the importance of establishing a public Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property to centralize and make accessible information on applications and compensation, while safeguarding personal data. The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development also received funds to pay for housing certificates for IDPs.
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The former president reportedly claimed to have allowed Iran to bomb a U.S. military base as retaliation, sparking little outrage despite the implication of a shocking dereliction of duty. Meanwhile, allies are attacking journalists and press for reporting that contradicts claims about Iran, while Senate Republicans are inciting hostility towards the nonpartisan Senate Parliamentarian. Further, the Trump administration is dismantling programs designed to prevent political violence and terrorism, and is continuing to reverse civil rights protections. Finally, the administration is looking to relax gun restrictions and continues to take actions that target marginalized groups.
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John Q. Hosedrinker