Wyoming Representative Harriet Hageman faced significant backlash at a town hall meeting for her support of a continuing resolution extending government funding. The resolution, which Hageman claims does not affect Social Security, was met with boos and protests from constituents concerned about President Trump and Elon Musk’s influence and their statements regarding Social Security. Hageman’s support for the resolution, coupled with Trump and Musk’s controversial comments about Social Security, fueled the angry reaction. This incident reflects a broader trend of Republican representatives facing constituent outrage over the administration’s actions and perceived threats to social safety nets.
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DoorDash is partnering with Klarna to offer Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options for food delivery, marking an expansion of BNPL services beyond typical large purchases. This allows users to split payments into four interest-free installments or align payments with their pay schedules. While BNPL services have surged in popularity, concerns remain regarding rising consumer debt and lack of regulation. The DoorDash-Klarna partnership coincides with Klarna’s upcoming IPO and reflects the projected growth of the BNPL market to over $160 billion in the next seven years.
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The Associated Press documented 59 incidents across Europe since February 2022, where Western officials blame Russia or its allies for various acts of disruption. These range from cyberattacks and propaganda to sabotage, arson, and assassination plots, aiming to sow discord and undermine support for Ukraine. While proof of direct Russian involvement is often difficult to obtain, the Kremlin denies any such campaign. The alleged actions are viewed as a “staggeringly reckless campaign” intended to create political instability and weaken support for Ukraine amongst European citizens. Increased cooperation and intelligence sharing among European nations is deemed crucial to counter this threat.
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Acting SSA Commissioner Dudek threatened to shut down the agency after a judge blocked the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to SSA data, citing a “fishing expedition.” This followed a lawsuit filed by labor and advocacy groups challenging DOGE’s data access. Critics, including several advocacy groups, condemned Dudek’s actions as a reckless attempt to please Elon Musk and the Trump administration, jeopardizing the benefits of millions of Americans. The threatened shutdown underscores the escalating conflict between the SSA and DOGE over data access and raises serious concerns about the agency’s future.
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Mohammad Farooq, a trainee nurse, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 37 years for attempting a deadly Islamic State-inspired attack. His plan involved a pressure cooker bomb, significantly more powerful than those used in the Boston Marathon bombing, intended for use at St. James’s Hospital in Leeds, with RAF Mentwith Hill as a backup target. The attack was thwarted by a patient who talked Farooq out of detonating the device. Farooq’s conviction stemmed from evidence including the bomb, a (fake) firearm, and digital evidence revealing his extremist views and planning.
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A Tesla owner in Lowell, Massachusetts, reported being shot at, sustaining two bullet holes in his vehicle, leading him to believe the attack targeted his Tesla. This incident follows a recent surge in vandalism and arson targeting Teslas, charging stations, and dealerships, potentially linked to backlash against Elon Musk. The victim’s concerns are amplified by the emergence of a website doxxing Tesla owners, heightening fears of violence against Tesla drivers. While Lowell police arrested a suspect, the investigation continues.
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Halifax folk duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald were pulled over in Ohio and subjected to a nearly hour-long police interaction. Officers searched their rental car for narcotics, questioned them separately, and asked each sister which country they preferred, Canada or the U.S. While police claim the stop was due to distracted driving and the questioning was innocuous, the sisters reported feeling interrogated and intimidated. The Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office disputes the MacDonalds’ account, characterizing media coverage as “false reporting and hate mongering.”
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Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez launched a Stop Oligarchy tour rally in Arizona, vehemently criticizing Trump and Musk for harming working- and middle-class Americans. The pair accused corporate CEOs, the fossil fuel industry, and pharmaceutical and insurance companies of criminal behavior, demanding stronger action from the Democratic party. The rally, drawing considerable attention from disillusioned Democrats, also featured criticism of Senator Sinema and implicit calls for greater progressive action within the party. The tour continues with further events planned across several states.
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Following a New York Times report alleging a Pentagon briefing on China war plans for Elon Musk, both the Pentagon and Secretary Hegseth denied the report, clarifying the meeting focused on innovation and efficient production. Despite this, concerns remain regarding potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s extensive business dealings in China and existing contracts with the Pentagon. Former President Trump echoed these concerns, emphasizing the sensitive nature of military strategies and the inappropriateness of sharing such information with a businessman operating in China. The meeting ultimately addressed a broader range of topics, including but not limited to China.
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The United States rejected Mexico’s request for emergency water delivery due to Mexico’s consistent failure to meet its obligations under the 1944 water-sharing treaty. This shortfall, exacerbated by drought and increased agricultural demand, is severely impacting American farmers, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. The treaty, governing water allocation from the Rio Grande and Colorado Rivers, has faced increasing strain in recent years. Despite a 2022 agreement aiming to improve timely water deliveries, Mexico’s insufficient contributions prompted the US’s unprecedented rejection.
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John Q. Hosedrinker