South Asian communities in Canada are experiencing a surge in extortion and violence orchestrated by gangs, prompting city officials in Surrey, BC to request a national state of emergency. These criminal organizations, often with ties to transnational groups like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, employ intimidation tactics, including shootings and online threats, to demand money from community members. Authorities are struggling to keep up with the rising number of cases, citing challenges such as lenient bail laws and exploitation of weaknesses in immigration policies. Many fear that the current legal system is not adequately addressing the issue, further exacerbating the sense of insecurity within affected communities.
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Reports have surfaced regarding a US investigation into claims that Meta can access users’ encrypted chats on WhatsApp, despite Meta’s denial of the allegation. These claims originated from a lawsuit filed by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, citing “courageous” whistleblowers and accusing Meta of accessing purportedly private communications. Meta, in response, has labeled the claims “categorically false and absurd,” suggesting the lawsuit is a tactic to support the NSO Group, which Quinn Emanuel is also representing. Experts have expressed skepticism, noting the lack of concrete evidence and the improbability of such a breach remaining secret.
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Netanyahu accuses the “Deep State” of trying to topple him, alleging a witch hunt designed to intimidate those around him. This is the crux of the matter, and it immediately sets off alarm bells. The timing, the rhetoric, and the target all point to a familiar playbook, one that has been deployed by leaders facing mounting criticism and potential legal challenges. The idea of a hidden cabal, working behind the scenes to undermine the elected leader, is a powerful narrative. It provides a convenient scapegoat and allows the accused to deflect responsibility.
Considering Netanyahu’s long tenure in Israeli politics, his accusations carry a certain irony.… Continue reading
AP News reports Democrat Taylor Rehmet secured a victory in a special election for the Texas state Senate, flipping a traditionally Republican district. Rehmet, a labor union leader and veteran, defeated Republican Leigh Wambsganss with a significant margin, marking another successful special election for Democrats. This win highlights increasing Democratic motivation to reject GOP candidates, a trend further emphasized by previous victories in other states. The seat was previously held by a Republican who resigned, and although Rehmet’s term is temporary, this win is a concerning sign for Republicans.
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Christian Menefee has won the special runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, securing the vacant seat left by the passing of Sylvester Turner. Menefee’s term will last through the end of 2026, and he is already campaigning for a full term in the redrawn district, facing competition from figures like Al Green and Amanda Edwards. The race saw both candidates focusing on affordability, with the Houston Chronicle endorsing Menefee. Following the election, the House balance is now 218 Republicans and 214 Democrats, with additional special elections pending.
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Following the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, niche, left-leaning gun advocacy groups are reporting a surge in demand for firearm training. Increased interest in gun ownership is fueled by the actions of the Trump administration, leading to many on the left considering getting armed. The incident has shifted the views of some, resulting in sold-out classes and increased membership in various gun organizations. Fear of government overreach and a perceived power imbalance are cited as primary motivators for this trend, with some drawing comparisons to historical instances of selective gun rights support.
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Democrat Taylor Rehmet’s victory in a special election for a Texas Senate district, previously held by Republicans and carried by Donald Trump, caused a major upset. Rehmet, a machinist union leader, defeated conservative activist Leigh Wambsganss despite being vastly outspent, with a decisive 57% of the vote. This win is considered a warning sign for Republicans and a potential boost for Democrats in upcoming elections, as the Democrats aim for more red-leaning seats across Texas. Both candidates will face off again in November for a full four-year term in the district.
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On Saturday, a wave of coordinated suicide and gun attacks across Balochistan province by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) resulted in 33 fatalities, including civilians and security personnel, with authorities reporting 92 insurgents killed in response. The attacks, considered the deadliest in decades for militants, targeted various locations, including a high-security prison and police stations. The BLA claimed responsibility, and the military alleged Indian backing, a claim India has previously denied. These attacks follow a recent increase in violence by Baloch separatists and the Pakistani Taliban, and authorities reported that over 133 militants have been killed in the past 48 hours.
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A recent survey examined user experiences with online video advertisements, revealing several common frustrations. Respondents reported issues such as slow loading times for video content, ads freezing or failing to finish, and the failure of video content to play after the ad concluded. Additionally, excessively loud audio in the ads and other technical difficulties were frequently cited by viewers. These findings highlight prevalent problems within the online advertising ecosystem that negatively impact user satisfaction.
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The leaked photographs reportedly feature the former Duke of York and have raised serious concerns. These images depict the former royal in a compromising position with a woman. The photographs’ existence adds another layer of controversy to the Duke’s already tarnished reputation. The details surrounding the images and their source remain under scrutiny.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood