A Chicago pastor, Rev. David Black, injured during a protest outside a Broadview ICE facility, is now a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s response to demonstrations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed the lawsuit on behalf of journalists, media organizations, clergy, and local residents, alleging that federal agents used excessive force, including tear gas and pepper balls, against peaceful protestors. The plaintiffs argue that these actions violated First Amendment rights and are seeking to restrict federal tactics at the facility. The court is currently considering a temporary restraining order while the case proceeds.
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Recent polls reveal a significant decline in President Trump’s approval ratings, with only 40 percent of Americans holding a favorable view, particularly following his controversial statements about deploying the National Guard. The Reuters/Ipsos poll also indicates that a majority of Americans do not support the president’s ability to deploy federal troops into states without the governor’s consent. This comes amidst Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act and send troops into various cities, leading to clashes with state governors and accusations of politicizing the military. Despite these challenges, the president has continued to promote alternative polls, although their accuracy is disputed.
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Former President Donald Trump took to social media to call for the jailing of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect ICE agents, without providing any evidence. These remarks came amid legal challenges from state and local officials regarding the deployment of National Guard units to Chicago. The lawsuit alleges the president’s actions are “unlawful and dangerous,” while the White House defends the deployment as part of a crime crackdown. Both Johnson and Pritzker have responded critically, with Pritzker denouncing the call as authoritarian.
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Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to allegations of lying to Congress five years ago, initiating a legal battle that is expected to involve motions to dismiss the indictment. The indictment followed public pressure from President Trump on Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey, as well as the appointment of a new prosecutor to file charges. The two-count indictment accuses Comey of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding, though the evidence and specific information discussed with the media are unclear. The case has brought attention to the Justice Department’s targeting of Trump’s adversaries and its impact on the long-broken relationship between Trump and Comey.
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In recent developments, prominent Democratic figures have publicly questioned President Donald Trump’s cognitive health. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona both accused Trump of suffering from dementia, citing his actions and statements as evidence. Pritzker specifically criticized the President’s decisions and actions, suggesting that he is “out of his mind”. Further, several other Democrats have raised similar concerns, with some describing Trump as “unhinged” and others questioning his fitness to serve.
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In the Fairbanks mayoral election, Democrat Mindy O’Neall defeated Republican incumbent David Pruhs. Unofficial results showed O’Neall securing 54% of the vote compared to Pruhs’ 45.7%. Pruhs conceded, citing low voter turnout and strong support for O’Neall from the Alaska Democratic Party as contributing factors to his loss. The election marks a shift as Republicans had held the mayoralty for nearly a decade, with O’Neall’s victory signaling a change in leadership for the city.
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During a CNN interview, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller reportedly claimed President Trump had “plenary authority” regarding the deployment of the National Guard. This statement, which suggests the president has absolute control, was made while discussing the administration’s response to court orders concerning the National Guard in Portland, Oregon. The comment was then followed by an apparent pause and omission of the word “plenary” in a later response. This assertion of broad presidential power has generated controversy, given the historical reluctance to involve the federal military in civilian affairs and the legal checks and balances in the US government.
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President Trump has reportedly ceased all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, frustrated with President Maduro’s continued reluctance to leave office and rejection of ties with drug cartels. The administration has prepared multiple military plans, including the potential ousting of Maduro, while the U.S. military has conducted at least four strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Top officials are now asserting that those involved in drug trafficking towards the U.S. are legitimate targets. The Venezuelan government has responded by reporting their concerns about a potential false flag operation targeting the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed strong disapproval over the potential doubling of health insurance premiums if tax credits expire, stating that no Republican leaders have offered a plan to address the issue. Greene highlighted the significant financial burden on millions of Americans who rely on these subsidies for essential healthcare. She also criticized the allocation of substantial funds to Israel and Ukraine, expressing her opposition to these expenditures. Additionally, Greene has joined fellow Republican Representative Thomas Massie in criticizing the government shutdown, which they believe is distracting from other issues.
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President Trump claimed an “insurrection” was underway in Portland, Oregon, and suggested he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act to circumvent a judge’s order and deploy military troops. Despite his claims, city data shows homicides are down, and there were no reports of major unrest or violence. The president appears to be attempting to bypass legal challenges and deploy federal forces under the guise of quelling an uprising, echoing comments from other cities. A judge has ruled the administration used false claims of violence to justify the initial deployment of National Guard troops.
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John Q. Hosedrinker