A French researcher, employed by the CNRS, was denied entry to the United States and subsequently deported. American authorities cited messages on his phone expressing opinions critical of the Trump administration’s research policies as the reason for denial, classifying the opinions as “hateful” and even “terrorism.” The French government, while acknowledging US sovereignty over entry, deplores the incident, emphasizing the importance of freedom of opinion and academic freedom. Following an FBI investigation, charges were dropped.
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Wisconsin resident Bradley Bartell launched a GoFundMe campaign to secure his wife Camila Muñoz’s release from ICE custody. Muñoz, a Peruvian citizen, was detained upon returning from their honeymoon despite being married to a U.S. citizen and pursuing legal residency. Bartell, who voted for President Trump, expressed hope that this situation will highlight flaws in the immigration system. The fundraiser aims to cover legal fees and expedite Muñoz’s release from a Louisiana detention center.
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A North Dakota jury awarded Energy Transfer $660 million in its lawsuit against Greenpeace, finding the environmental group liable for defamation and other claims related to 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Greenpeace denies the claims, asserting the lawsuit aims to suppress peaceful protest and free speech, a concern echoed by constitutional rights experts. The verdict, which Greenpeace plans to appeal, raises significant concerns about the chilling effect on activism and the fairness of the trial given the jury’s composition and alleged bias. The case is viewed by many as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), intended to silence critics.
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Canada strongly condemns the execution of four dual Canadian citizens by China for alleged drug-related crimes, despite diplomatic interventions by Canadian officials. The Chinese embassy defended the executions, citing its “zero-tolerance” policy on drugs and asserting the legal process was followed. Canada continues to seek leniency for other Canadians facing similar situations in China, while relations between the two countries remain severely strained. This action is viewed as a significant setback in bilateral relations and underscores the risks faced by Canadians in China.
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For the eighth consecutive year, Finland topped the World Happiness Report 2025, with other Nordic countries also ranking highly. The report, based on self-reported life evaluations and conducted in partnership with Gallup and the UN, highlights the importance of social connections, trust, and community support in overall happiness. Factors such as sharing meals, having reliable social support, and even the perceived kindness of strangers significantly impact happiness levels. Conversely, the United States reached its lowest ranking ever, while Afghanistan remained the least happy nation.
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Ukraine’s recent attack on a Russian strategic bomber airfield, as reported by Russian officials, has sent shockwaves through the conflict. The targeted airfield, Engels, houses a significant number of strategic bombers used in attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. This bold move represents a significant escalation in the conflict, pushing the boundaries of the war’s geographic reach.
This attack, carried out with drones, according to reports, occurred approximately 700 kilometers from the front lines, showcasing Ukraine’s increasing ability to strike deep within Russian territory. The impact reportedly resulted in a major blast and fire, suggesting a successful strike on a key military asset.… Continue reading
A new YouGov/Economist poll reveals President Trump’s approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time in a month, with disapproval at 50% and approval at 45%. This negative shift is attributed to growing public backlash against his policies, particularly tariffs impacting the cost of living and the firing of federal workers. Experts cite these actions, along with a weakening economy, as major factors contributing to the decline in his support among independent voters. The drop comes after a relatively long honeymoon period compared to his first term.
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The Bundestag overwhelmingly approved a substantial German defense spending bill, potentially transforming its military capabilities and challenging Russia’s continental dominance. The bill removes constitutional spending limits on defense, allowing for borrowing exceeding 1% of Germany’s GDP, a significant departure from its previous under-investment. Funding will bolster military equipment, personnel training, and support for Ukraine, with projected increases potentially doubling annual defense spending. The bill also includes investments in infrastructure and climate-related projects, showcasing a multifaceted approach to national security and economic growth. Passage in the Bundesrat is expected.
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Recent widespread vandalism targeting Tesla dealerships and vehicles has prompted Elon Musk to publicly denounce the attacks, attributing them to the political left and suggesting a potential link to DOGE’s anti-fraud efforts within the government. Musk characterized Tesla as a peaceful company and himself as a victim of a coordinated campaign fueled by those who profit from government corruption. Law enforcement agencies, including the Justice Department, are actively investigating these incidents, which have involved arson, gunfire, and other forms of property damage, even labeling some actions as domestic terrorism. The protests, originating on a rival social media platform, have encouraged Tesla owners to divest themselves of their vehicles and stock.
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Thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem, marching to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence to voice their outrage over the renewed Gaza conflict and alleged government corruption. The demonstration, which included significant disruption, directly blamed Netanyahu for the escalation and highlighted concerns about his alliance with right-wing politicians like Itamar Ben Gvir. Protesters chanted accusations of corruption and held Netanyahu responsible for the lives of hostages held by Hamas. The march occurred hours before Israel announced the deployment of ground forces back into Gaza.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood