The European Commission is seeking support from heavy industry to include a “Made in Europe” component in the upcoming Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), aiming to boost the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries against international competition. This initiative mirrors a previous EU bill prioritizing domestic clean technologies. The IAA aims to support domestic production through measures like quotas, state aid adjustments, and the creation of “lead markets” to drive demand. Industry leaders are receptive, emphasizing the need for economic independence and financial support to address trade deficits and ensure economic security.
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Brian Schatz says the US “absolutely rolled” by China-Canada trade deal, and it’s hard to disagree. The situation, as he lays it out, is a foreign policy fumble with real economic consequences, plain and simple. It’s a classic case of a country shooting itself in the foot, driven by a lack of understanding about the basic rules of international relations. The core principle, as Schatz points out, is loyalty to friends. And the US, by many accounts, wasn’t just disloyal; it was actively hostile. And now, here we are.
For anyone paying attention, this feels like a predictable outcome. The US, with its often erratic and self-serving trade policies, has alienated its allies, creating an environment where Canada, understandably, sought alternative options.… Continue reading
In a recent speech, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, admitted that thousands of people were killed during the recent protests, while placing blame on the United States for the casualties. The demonstrations, which began on December 28th due to economic concerns, evolved into calls for the leader’s removal, leading to a violent government response and a near-total internet blackout. Reports from various groups, including the US-based Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), indicate a high death toll, while restricted internet access has made it challenging to ascertain accurate information. Although reports of unrest have decreased in recent days, the situation remains unclear as security forces continue to patrol the streets.
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A Minnesota judge ruled that federal immigration officers in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. This decision stems from a case filed by six activists who have been observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol activities related to an immigration crackdown. The judge’s ruling prohibits detaining drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction and mandates probable cause or reasonable suspicion for arrests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement after the ruling stating they would be taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law.
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Virginia inches closer to gutting GOP seats through redistricting, and it’s a significant development in the ongoing political landscape. The narrative is clear: Democrats in the Commonwealth are positioning themselves to redraw congressional maps, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the state’s delegation to the US House of Representatives. This move, which could see the current 6-5 Republican advantage flipped to a potentially lopsided 10-1 or 9-2 in favor of the Democrats, is not happening in a vacuum. It’s a direct response to Republican efforts in other states, a strategic maneuver in the ongoing redistricting wars.
Virginia Democrats are setting the stage for a special election, likely in April, where voters will have the final say on this process.… Continue reading
After Renee Good Killing, Derisive Term for White Women Spreads on the Far Right, a deeply troubling phenomenon has emerged in the wake of the tragic killing of Renee Good. The language used to describe her and, by extension, other white women, has taken a decidedly nasty turn, revealing a disturbing undercurrent of misogyny and political animosity.
Specifically, the term “AWFUL,” an acronym for Affluent White Female Urban Liberal, has gained traction within certain conservative circles. This isn’t just a casual insult; it’s a deliberate attempt to demean and dehumanize a specific group of people based on their perceived political leanings, socioeconomic status, and, crucially, their gender.… Continue reading
President Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, unless a deal is reached for the United States to acquire Greenland, escalating tensions over the Arctic territory. The proposed tariffs, starting at 10% and increasing to 25%, target goods from various European nations and were met with strong criticism from European leaders who viewed the actions as unacceptable. These threats have prompted protests in Greenland and Denmark, with demonstrators expressing opposition to the potential takeover and demanding the right to self-determination. A bipartisan US delegation has traveled to Copenhagen to meet with leaders from Denmark and Greenland.
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The 2024 election outcome, once considered a major realignment, now appears less significant. Trump’s victory was narrow, and the new voters he attracted have quickly abandoned him, evidenced by negative polling among independents, Latinos, and young voters. Biden’s presidency was plagued by high inflation and age-related concerns, ultimately leading to a campaign that failed. Currently, a majority of the electorate views Trump’s second term as a failure across various policy areas, including the economy and immigration.
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The US has demonstrated a dramatic expansion of power across multiple continents, leveraging military force and political influence in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. This aggressive posturing is viewed as a consequence of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, with leaders from around the world responding with varying degrees of passivity or complicity. While some argue the US is in decline, the author suggests Putin’s miscalculations in Ukraine have inadvertently benefitted Trump, who is now seemingly in a position to shape global politics. Ultimately, the piece argues that Trump poses a greater threat to Europe than Putin, not because of military strength but because of the president’s erratic foreign policy.
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Ocasio-Cortez ramps up fight with Vance amid 2028 speculation. It’s impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her potential future, especially with the 2028 election already on the horizon. Recent actions and statements suggest she’s not just sitting on the sidelines; she’s actively engaging, particularly in ways that position her against prominent figures like Vice President Vance. The escalating rhetoric, especially the sharp criticism directed at Vance’s values, feels like more than just political sparring. It feels like the groundwork being laid for a future contest.
The focus of the attacks, as it seems, is not merely on policy differences but on fundamental clashes of values.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Judge Rules Minneapolis ICE Can’t Detain Peaceful Protesters
A Minnesota judge ruled that federal immigration officers in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. This decision stems from a case filed by six activists who have been observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol activities related to an immigration crackdown. The judge’s ruling prohibits detaining drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction and mandates probable cause or reasonable suspicion for arrests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement after the ruling stating they would be taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law.
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