A former right-wing influencer has detailed how the Republican influencer economy operates, estimating that approximately 99 percent of prominent right-wing influencers are compensated through undisclosed agreements. These arrangements involve GOP consulting firms connecting wealthy donors and political operatives with influencers who are paid to push specific messages, petitions, or legislative talking points. This covert funding, reminiscent of foreign influence operations, fuels a vast ecosystem of right-wing media designed to distract from wealth redistribution and the actual policy agenda of wealthy donors.
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During a press conference, a reporter questioned whether Donald Trump was considering altering his Middle East policy due to rising gas prices exceeding $4.50 per gallon. Trump disputed the premise, asserting that gas prices had “come down very substantially” and were “way down.” However, AAA data indicated that gas prices actually increased on Thursday, reaching $4.56 per gallon, and had risen significantly over the preceding weeks. This assertion follows similar claims from other prominent Republicans about gas and grocery prices that were demonstrably false.
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A Frontier Airlines flight to Los Angeles struck and killed a pedestrian on a runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The pilot reported hitting an individual walking on the runway and subsequently experienced an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft, leading to an immediate aborted takeoff. Passengers were safely evacuated via slides onto the runway, and emergency crews extinguished the engine fire. The incident is currently under investigation by airport and safety authorities.
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The May 9th Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square was the shortest in modern Russian history, lasting around 45 minutes and notably excluding military vehicles for the first time in 19 years. Instead of the usual display of tanks and missile launchers, the ceremony featured only marching formations, with pre-recorded footage of military equipment, including drones and nuclear weapons systems, replacing the live broadcast. This shortened event also saw fewer high-ranking government officials in the main viewing stands, with President Putin accompanied primarily by security council members. Over 1,000 servicemen involved in the war against Ukraine participated, alongside a North Korean formation, during an event where Putin drew parallels between current Russian forces and Soviet soldiers of World War II.
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A Florida jury has convicted four men of conspiracy charges related to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. The defendants were found guilty of conspiring to kill or kidnap the leader and providing material support to the plot, which U.S. prosecutors alleged was planned and financed in South Florida with the aim of installing a new government. These convictions stem from a plot that destabilized Haiti and led to the president’s murder.
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Despite official assurances, the arrival of a cruise ship with a multinational passenger list has evoked unwelcome comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic for many Canary Islanders. These residents recall the initial outbreak, which began with a German tourist on La Gomera and led to the quarantine of approximately 1,000 individuals at a Tenerife hotel. The situation serves as a potent reminder of the widespread impact the virus once had on the region.
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A recently surfaced secret document appears to shed light on Russia’s ongoing efforts to bolster Iran’s capabilities, specifically in the realm of advanced drone technology and its deployment. The document details an offer from Russia to equip Iran with sophisticated, unjammable drones, coupled with comprehensive training on how to effectively utilize these unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly against American military assets. This proposed assistance extends to potential operations in the Persian Gulf region and possibly beyond, suggesting a broader strategic alignment between the two nations.
The nature of this offer – an ally providing advanced weaponry and tactical guidance to another – has led many to observe that this development should come as no great surprise.… Continue reading
During his May 9 Victory Day address, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared “victory will be ours,” despite a parade notably devoid of military hardware due to the threat of Ukrainian drones and the war’s shifting fortunes. The shortened event featured historical narratives and the first-ever march of North Korean troops, highlighting deepening Moscow-Pyongyang ties, while absent were key leaders like China’s Xi Jinping. Putin’s rhetoric drew parallels between the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany and the current conflict in Ukraine, referencing plans to “completely destroy” Soviet culture, a narrative echoed by Russia’s actions in occupied Ukrainian territories. The lifting of mobile internet restrictions post-parade suggested continued security concerns, while a surprise prisoner exchange and ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump preceded a relatively quiet night of drone attacks.
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Following strikes on Iranian oil tankers, concerns have arisen regarding the status of a ceasefire. While a ceasefire remains in place, threats of significant military action against Iran loom if an agreement is not reached quickly. The possibility of a “big glow” emanating from Iran suggests a potentially devastating response, emphasizing the urgency for Iran to sign a deal.
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Japan has begun utilizing expendable cardboard drones developed by AirKamuy, a Japanese drone manufacturer, as aerial targets for its Maritime Self-Defense Force. These lightweight, fixed-wing drones, known as the AirKamuy 150, are constructed from corrugated cardboard with a water-resistant coating and cost an estimated $2,000 to $2,500 per unit, making them exceptionally affordable compared to conventional military drones. This cost-effectiveness and simplified construction, which allows for rapid mass production using ordinary cardboard infrastructure, align with a growing military trend towards deploying large numbers of low-cost, expendable autonomous systems for various missions, including swarming air defenses and reconnaissance. The drone’s design also potentially offers reduced radar reflectivity, further contributing to its tactical advantages in modern warfare scenarios.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood