Tensions between the U.S. and Denmark escalated after security officers at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen removed 44 Danish flags placed to honor fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. The removal of the flags, which coincided with President Trump’s remarks about NATO allies’ contributions in Afghanistan, sparked outrage and led to a swift response from Danish citizens who placed hundreds of additional flags. Following the incident, U.S. officials stated the flags were returned and would remain in place, while also citing a “general rule” for the removal of flags and banners left by demonstrators. The Danish Veteran Association criticized the embassy’s actions, and the incident reflects a strain in the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Read More
Mayor Mamdani is publicly calling for increased taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, citing a $12.6 billion budget gap, which he attributes to the previous administration’s mismanagement. Facing potential resistance from Governor Hochul, who is hesitant to raise taxes on the wealthy, the mayor aims to find “efficiencies” in city spending and recalibrate the fiscal relationship between the state and city. Though the mayor plans on tackling the financial crisis with “bold solutions”, he has faced criticism from ex-Mayor Adams, who blames the current administration for the budget issues, as well as the Citizen’s Budget Commission, which disputes the size of the gap. With campaign promises to fulfill and pressure mounting, Mayor Mamdani is set to provide more details in his upcoming preliminary budget.
Read More
Friday will see another wave of protests in Minnesota against immigration enforcement actions, mirroring a similar demonstration from the previous week that drew thousands despite freezing temperatures. These protests are part of a national day of action opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, with organizers encouraging an economic blackout. However, some small businesses are opting to remain open due to financial pressures, as last week’s protest negatively impacted foot traffic and sales for many businesses. Further protests are also scheduled for Saturday across the country, while news outlets will continue to cover these ongoing developments.
Read More
Odds of a U.S. government shutdown are climbing, and it’s all because a funding deal seems to be stuck in the Senate. This isn’t just a minor blip; it’s a real threat that could bring parts of the government to a standstill, affecting everything from military operations to health programs. The core of the problem? A spending bill is facing new hurdles, and if a solution isn’t found, we’re looking at a potential shutdown.
The timing is particularly tricky. Even if the Senate does manage to pass something, it then needs the green light from the House of Representatives, which, unfortunately, is currently out of session.… Continue reading
New GOP anti-voting bill may be the most dangerous attack on voting rights ever. It’s a statement that, frankly, is alarming, and deserves a deep dive into the implications of such legislation. The sheer breadth of the proposed changes, if enacted, could fundamentally alter the landscape of American elections. It’s not just about making voting “more secure”; it’s about potentially making it significantly harder for millions of Americans to exercise their constitutional right.
This isn’t about making sure elections are secure. The overwhelming consensus is that voter fraud is exceedingly rare. So, what’s really driving this? The general sentiment is that the GOP is facing an uphill battle to win elections, and rather than adapt their platform to attract a wider base of voters, they are trying to manipulate the system to ensure their continued power.… Continue reading
Earlier this week in Portland, Hassane Barry, a Guinean asylum seeker, was arrested by ICE agents while driving with his wife and infant child. Agents shattered the car’s window to apprehend Barry, leaving his wife and baby in the vehicle. The arrest occurred during an intensified ICE operation targeting individuals in Maine, despite Barry having no known criminal history. Barry’s wife, left alone and in shock, is now struggling to care for their baby and is afraid to leave their apartment.
Read More
At a recent town hall, a student questioned the omission of the recent Minnesota killings while the speaker had previously mentioned Laken Riley, a victim of a crime by a Venezuelan immigrant. The student’s question sparked outrage within the crowd. The speaker responded by explaining that her previous comments were related to the Laken Riley Act, which had been passed earlier in the year.
Read More
A severe heatwave has gripped several states, with Andamooka and Port Augusta, South Australia, both reaching a scorching 50°C. This extreme heat is attributed to a slow-moving upper-level high pressure system, creating a “heat dome” that traps hot air. These were the 8th and 9th times Australia has recorded 50°C temperatures, with the last occurrence being in 2022. Several other locations across South Australia and New South Wales also experienced temperatures in the high 40s during the week.
Read More
Journalist Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday night in connection to a protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month. The arrest followed an incident where Lemon was present during an anti-ICE protest that interrupted a church service. Lemon’s attorney stated he was acting in his capacity as a journalist and that the arrest was an attack on the First Amendment. The Justice Department had previously attempted to charge Lemon and others but was initially rejected by a magistrate judge.
Read More
Senate Democrats, joined by a small number of Republicans, blocked a government funding package that included $10 billion for ICE, triggering a debate about reforms. A potential deal is emerging that would separate DHS funding, including the ICE allocation, from other appropriations bills. While Senate Democrats demand specific reforms like a ban on masks and body cameras, critics argue that these measures may be insufficient. Progressives expressed concern that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may concede too much, given his past handling of high-stakes funding negotiations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE Arrests: Agents Shatter Window, Leave Mother and Baby After Portland Incident
Earlier this week in Portland, Hassane Barry, a Guinean asylum seeker, was arrested by ICE agents while driving with his wife and infant child. Agents shattered the car’s window to apprehend Barry, leaving his wife and baby in the vehicle. The arrest occurred during an intensified ICE operation targeting individuals in Maine, despite Barry having no known criminal history. Barry’s wife, left alone and in shock, is now struggling to care for their baby and is afraid to leave their apartment.
Read More