More than half of California voters back Newsom redistricting plan: Poll – so, here’s the deal. It looks like a majority of California voters are on board with Governor Newsom’s plan to reshape the state’s congressional districts. And honestly, you can see why.
Texas has already gone down the gerrymandering rabbit hole, and frankly, it feels like letting the other side cheat without a response is just not an option. The proposed measure in California is explicitly a response to that, and it’s even framed as temporary. You can support it while still despising the whole concept of gerrymandering. Plus, and this is key, it’s way more democratic than what Texas has done because the voters get the final say, not just the politicians.… Continue reading
Zelenskiy says Ukrainian forces inflict heavy losses on Russia in counteroffensive, and that’s definitely a headline that gets your attention. It’s the kind of statement that stirs up a lot of different emotions, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a complex situation, and hearing about potential successes for Ukraine, particularly in a counteroffensive, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. There’s a natural human tendency to feel a sense of satisfaction when one side seems to be gaining ground, especially when you consider the impact this war has had on so many lives. The news provides a critical reminder of the human cost of war, and it’s important to remember that amidst any talk of military gains, real people are enduring immense hardship.… Continue reading
Trump: ‘It’s no longer free speech.’ This statement, echoing a sentiment of frustration, seems to be the core of the matter here. It’s a striking claim, especially coming from a figure who often champions himself as a defender of free speech. The idea is that if the majority of media coverage is critical, it somehow ceases to be legitimate speech. The context reveals that Trump was likely referring to the perceived negative portrayal of his actions and decisions, as if the abundance of negative stories somehow negates the very principle of free expression.
This raises a multitude of questions. Does the volume of negative reporting, regardless of its accuracy or validity, invalidate the right to report?… Continue reading
Trump administration plans $6.4 billion in weapons sales to Israel, sources say, and honestly, it’s hard to know where to even begin unpacking all the reactions to this. It’s a lot to process, and there are a lot of different perspectives swirling around. Some people are pointing fingers, some are expressing anger, and others are just trying to make sense of it all.
The core of the matter, the $6.4 billion in weapons sales to Israel, is what’s driving the current discussions. The scale of the deal is substantial, and it’s sparking questions about priorities and the allocation of resources. It’s not just about the amount of money, but also what this means in terms of geopolitical strategy, especially when considering the ongoing conflict and the needs of other nations.… Continue reading
Ted Cruz: MAGA “will regret” what it did to Jimmy Kimmel
Ted Cruz, in an unexpected twist, seems to be aligning himself with a viewpoint that many people, myself included, find themselves surprisingly agreeing with: that the actions taken against Jimmy Kimmel by some within the MAGA movement were a step too far. This is not a straightforward endorsement of Kimmel, nor is it an abandonment of Cruz’s core political affiliations. Instead, it’s a recognition of a dangerous precedent. It’s a statement that resonates with the fundamental principles of free speech and the potential for a backlash when those principles are violated.… Continue reading
The news of a middle school student arrested in an alleged sextortion scheme involving hundreds of potential victims is, frankly, a lot to take in. It’s one of those stories that makes you pause and really consider the state of things. The core of the issue, as the police describe it, is this: young male students thought they were exchanging photos with a girl online, but they were actually communicating with another boy who then used those images to demand money, threatening to distribute them if the demands weren’t met. The scale of this, with hundreds of potential victims, is staggering.… Continue reading
In pressuring ABC over Kimmel, Trump may have crossed a constitutional line. Let’s just get this straight from the get-go: it’s not a “may have,” it’s a “did.” The evidence is there, the implications are clear. The First Amendment is pretty clear about the government not being allowed to mess with free speech, and pressuring a broadcaster because of what someone said on air? That’s a textbook violation. The problem is, we’ve seen this play out before, again and again. And, let’s be honest, nothing much happens.
It’s a frustrating pattern. This isn’t a single incident; it’s a part of a larger trend.… Continue reading
The initial report of a Utah trucker arrested after teens were found in a 29-degree refrigerated trailer is certainly shocking. The details paint a disturbing picture: two young girls, a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old, were discovered locked inside a refrigerated compartment of a semi-truck. The setting of a traffic accident in Lindon, Utah, led to the discovery, with law enforcement officials stumbling upon the girls during an inspection. Imagine the scene: Troopers, during their inspection, noticed “two sets of eyes” within the trailer. When questioned, the driver, identified as 28-year-old Jacob Ortell Scott, initially appeared surprised, but after conferring with his passenger, admitted the presence of children.… Continue reading
Judge tosses Trump’s $15B defamation suit against New York Times, Penguin Random House, and the immediate reaction, honestly, is a breath of fresh air. It’s like watching a particularly tedious piece of homework get thrown in the trash – satisfying and a bit of a relief. The judge, Steven D. Merryday, wasted no time in calling out the suit for what it was: a mess. He bluntly stated it “stands unmistakably and inexcusably athwart the requirements” of legal procedure. The entire thing sounds like it was drafted by someone who skipped law school, and the judge essentially echoed that sentiment. It sounds like Trump’s complaint was a rambling, incoherent mess.… Continue reading
Ukrainian Army’s Brazilians quietly encircle Russian troops near Pokrovsk — and eliminate them one by one. This news from the Pokrovsk direction in Donetsk Oblast is definitely interesting. It’s focusing on a fascinating aspect of the conflict: the presence and effectiveness of Brazilian soldiers within the 2nd International Legion.
Here, Brazilian soldiers, seasoned veterans of the Donetsk Oblast defense, are now turning the tables on the remaining Russian forces. Their mission: to eliminate the enemy pockets, mopping up the remnants of the Russian breakthrough attempts near Dobropillia.
Around Pokrovsk, these Brazilian volunteers are demonstrating the real-world applicability of their training. The skills honed in the dense jungles translate perfectly to the challenging Ukrainian terrain, allowing them to quietly navigate forests and villages.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood