New research reveals that Hamas has removed approximately 3,400 previously reported deaths from its Gaza war casualty figures, including 1,080 children. This significant reduction, identified by Honest Reporting and the Henry Jackson Society, suggests data falsification by Hamas. The deleted entries raise questions about the reliability of Hamas’s casualty reports, which have been widely cited by international media. Analysts suggest this action was an attempt by Hamas to enhance credibility, despite previous concerns regarding inflated civilian casualty numbers. The revised data, they argue, undermines Hamas’s narrative of disproportionate civilian targeting by Israeli forces.
Read More
Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the unlawful rescission of $12 billion in public health funding. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the cuts, which will reportedly eliminate crucial public health services and cost thousands of healthcare jobs. The states argue that the funds, while initially allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported long-term public health infrastructure and were not solely for pandemic response. The plaintiffs contend that HHS lacks the authority to unilaterally rescind congressionally appropriated funds, thereby undermining the legislative branch’s power.
Read More
A fire destroyed at least 17 Teslas at a Rome dealership, with investigations underway to determine the cause, including the possibility of arson. This incident follows recent waves of Tesla vandalism across Italy, featuring anti-Musk and anti-Trump graffiti, and another dealership fire a week prior. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing dealership owners. The incidents in Italy coincide with similar reports of vandalism and protests targeting Tesla in other countries, including France and the United States.
Read More
The news of the fourth missing American soldier in Lithuania being found dead today is deeply unsettling. It’s a tragedy that has understandably resonated strongly within the small Lithuanian population, a stark contrast to the seemingly muted reaction in the United States. The sheer scale of the US, with its vast population, often makes individual tragedies feel like mere statistics lost within a sea of events. This disparity highlights the very different contexts in which such news is received and processed.
The delayed and seemingly dismissive response from former President Trump, coming six days into the rescue operation and riddled with inaccuracies, only fuels the perception of a lack of empathy and concern from certain quarters.… Continue reading
Senator Cory Booker launched a 17-hour-plus speech on the Senate floor to protest the Trump administration’s policies, specifically targeting cuts to social programs and questionable executive orders. His marathon address, though not a filibuster, aims to highlight the Democrats’ opposition to these actions. Booker’s protest, drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights movement, underscores the party’s struggle to effectively counter the administration’s agenda. He continues his speech despite physical limitations and advice from colleagues, aiming to raise public awareness of what he sees as a national crisis.
Read More
Germany will permanently station troops in Lithuania by 2027, marking its first such deployment since World War II. This deployment, part of a multi-year agreement between Germany and Lithuania, is a direct response to Russia’s aggression and aims to bolster NATO’s eastern flank. Initially, 150 German soldiers will be deployed, growing to 500 by 2025 and eventually reaching 5,000. The move comes amid intelligence assessments suggesting Russia is preparing for a major war with NATO.
Read More
Despite a purported agreement to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia’s spring conscription has begun, calling up 160,000 men—10,000 more than the previous year. This follows heavy Russian military losses in Ukraine, prompting a tripling of the military’s size since the invasion began. The increased draft, coupled with recruitment of contract soldiers and foreign fighters, aims to replenish forces depleted by the ongoing conflict. Simultaneously, neighboring Finland, citing increased military threats, is increasing defense spending and abandoning its commitment to the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines.
Read More
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, during a Kyiv press conference, emphasized the persistent and significant military threat Russia poses to NATO, citing its long-term military buildup near alliance borders and stated goal of dominating Europe. He outlined three potential scenarios with Russia—war, threat, or occupation—arguing that robust deterrence, including continued support for Ukraine and its NATO membership, is crucial to preventing the latter two. Budrys stressed that Russia’s intentions are hostile and unchanging, aiming for territorial expansion and subjugation of neighbors. He highlighted the need to understand this reality to effectively counter the Russian threat.
Read More
President Trump is poised to announce a comprehensive overhaul of US trade policy on April 2nd, potentially including across-the-board tariffs of approximately 20% on most imports. While this plan aims to create fairer trade and generate government revenue, alternative approaches are still under consideration. Economists warn that such widespread tariffs could negatively impact economic growth and inflation, potentially sparking retaliatory measures from other nations. The uncertainty surrounding these trade policy changes has already contributed to market volatility and decreased investor confidence.
Read More
Moldova’s president has leveled strong criticism against Russia, characterizing its actions as “unacceptable interference” in the country’s affairs. This isn’t a new accusation; Russia’s history of aggression against Moldova, spanning over a century, speaks volumes. The situation highlights a long-standing pattern of Russian influence and control, particularly in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
The president’s condemnation underscores the deeply ingrained issues stemming from Russia’s persistent attempts to exert its will over Moldova’s sovereignty. The ongoing presence of Russian forces and the significant level of Russian control in Transnistria represent a direct challenge to Moldova’s independence and territorial integrity. This isn’t just a recent development; it’s part of a broader strategy.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood