As the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei prepare to return to China, Japanese panda fans gathered for their final public viewing at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo. The pandas’ departure will leave Japan without pandas for the first time in half a century. This absence has raised concerns about the economic impact and the strained relations between Japan and China. Pandas have long been a symbol of goodwill and a beloved part of Japanese culture since their arrival in 1972, however, the pandas are likely to remain absent in Japan given the current political climate.
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As tensions escalate between Iran and the U.S., the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning, stating his forces are “more ready than ever” amid the presence of U.S. warships in the Middle East. The warning was made in response to the recent crackdown on protests, where thousands were killed and over 40,000 people were arrested. Concerns are rising that those arrested could face the death penalty, while President Trump has set red lines, warning Iran to halt executions and mass arrests. Due to the rising tensions, some airlines have suspended flights in the region, and activists report a rising death toll from the protests.
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HuffPost emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in upholding democratic values. The publication calls for unwavering journalism that resists external pressures and prioritizes truth. The article encourages readers to support HuffPost’s mission of holding power accountable. Those already supporting the mission are encouraged to log in and remove any additional promotional messages.
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Macron Calls for Ban on Social Media for Children Under 15 to be in Place by September: It’s a complex situation, isn’t it? The core idea, that children under 15 shouldn’t be on social media, has a certain appeal. Social media can be a wild place, and protecting young minds from its potential harms seems like a worthy goal. But as soon as you start digging into the details, you hit a minefield of potential problems.
The biggest hurdle appears to be enforcement. How do you realistically prevent kids from accessing these platforms? As one comment mentioned, there’s no “non-invasive” way to do it.… Continue reading
India is strategically diversifying its crude oil imports, with purchases from Angola playing a key role in reducing reliance on Russian oil amidst international pressure. This deal highlights Angola, a significant African oil exporter, as a vital supplier offering high-quality crude, particularly the Hungo and Clove grades, favored by Asian refiners. The shift follows stricter sanctions on Russian oil, causing India’s imports of Russian crude to plummet while increasing supplies from OPEC members. This move aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen trade relationships with the United States and the EU.
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Gold prices have surged past $5,000 an ounce for the first time, continuing a historic rally propelled by global uncertainties. This increase follows a 60% jump in 2025, driven by geopolitical tensions, including trade concerns and global conflicts. Demand for gold has also been fueled by inflation, a weak US dollar, central bank purchases, and anticipated interest rate cuts. As a safe-haven asset, gold attracts investors seeking stability, especially in uncertain economic climates.
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A Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed while taking off from Bangor, Maine on Sunday evening, involving eight people. Emergency crews responded to the incident around 7:45 p.m. ET, and the airport is currently closed. The extent of injuries is unknown at this time. The FAA and NTSB will investigate the crash, which occurred during a major snowstorm with low visibility and sub-freezing temperatures.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene: You’re all being ‘incited into civil war’
It’s a bizarre twist, isn’t it? Here’s Marjorie Taylor Greene, a figure who’s spent a career stoking the flames of division, now claiming we’re all being “incited into civil war.” The irony is almost palpable. It’s hard not to notice that she seems to be drawing a line in the sand regarding the current political climate, which seems rather convenient considering her past actions. She’s been a vocal supporter of movements and ideologies that actively contribute to the very tensions she’s now decrying.
Greene, in her statements, attempts to frame herself as a defender of various constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment and free speech.… Continue reading
Following the fatal shooting of a protester by Border Patrol agents, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz turn over voter rolls, echoing similar requests made to other states. Critics, like U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, have accused the DOJ of using fear to gain access to voter information, especially in light of the Trump administration’s claims of voter fraud. Bondi also requested records on social programs and the repeal of sanctuary policies, despite the lack of evidence supporting claims of increased crime. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes condemned the letter, labeling it as blackmail and comparing it to the tactics of organized crime.
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The article scrutinizes the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, highlighting discrepancies between video evidence and the Trump administration’s claims. Videos show Pretti, who was recording agents, being tackled, pepper-sprayed, and shot while appearing restrained. Official statements from the Department of Homeland Security immediately labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist, contradicting the footage. The author argues that this incident, following another death caused by ICE, presents a moral crossroads for Republicans, urging them to condemn the administration’s actions and speak out against the lies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood