In a landmark decision, a panel of Brazilian Supreme Court justices sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison. The conviction was on five counts, including attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral defeat. Bolsonaro’s co-conspirators also received lengthy sentences, and the ruling is expected to deepen political divisions. The US government has criticized the ruling and is expected to respond, adding further strain to US-Brazil relations.
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Brazil’s top court panel forming a majority to convict Bolsonaro for criminal organization, what a headline! It’s hard not to feel a surge of both admiration and a touch of envy. The fact that Brazil is taking a strong stand against a former leader, holding him accountable for alleged criminal activities, is truly commendable. It speaks volumes about the strength of their democratic institutions and their commitment to justice. It really makes you think about how the US handles its own political accountability.
It’s a bit surreal to process that a country once labeled a “banana republic” is now demonstrating such a clear commitment to upholding the rule of law while, at least in the perception of some, the US is lagging behind.… Continue reading
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to 27 years and three months in prison. The sentencing stems from his alleged involvement in plotting a coup in Brazil. Further details regarding the specifics of the plot and the evidence presented were not included in the brief.
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Following a week of deadly protests and violence across Nepal, the army has regained control of the capital Kathmandu. The unrest, sparked by anger over social media bans and corruption, led to 30 deaths and the escape of over 13,500 prisoners. Negotiations have begun between protest leaders and the military, though no decisions were reached, while a former Chief Justice is considered a potential interim leader. The demonstrations, largely driven by the “Gen Z” movement, resulted in widespread destruction of government buildings, prompting concerns about the country’s democracy and calls for restraint from international organizations.
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In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death, former President Donald Trump declared the far-right media personality a “martyr” and blamed the political left for his killing. Trump’s rhetoric, delivered without confirmation of the shooter’s motive, served as a launchpad for attacking those who oppose his agenda. Prominent MAGA figures joined in, accusing the left of responsibility and calling for retaliation. The article warns that this response echoes historical patterns where right-wing governments have used incidents of political violence to justify repression, suppress dissent, and undermine constitutional rights, escalating the danger to democracy.
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Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes initiated the trial by claiming that Jair Bolsonaro led a criminal organization aimed at reinstating a dictatorship in Brazil. The alleged plot involved a disinformation campaign and potential use of special forces assassins to seize power. Evidence presented suggested Bolsonaro attempted to undermine the electronic voting system and incite a military intervention after losing the 2022 election. The former president faces charges of leading an armed criminal organization and attempting a coup d’etat, which could result in a 43-year sentence.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily allowed President Trump to fire a Federal Trade Commission member, Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, despite a law meant to restrict the White House’s control over the agency. The court blocked a lower court’s ruling that reinstated Slaughter while the case continues, signaling the likelihood of granting the president broader firing authority. This action directly challenges a 1935 Supreme Court precedent limiting the president’s ability to remove FTC commissioners without cause, a restriction meant to protect the agency from political pressure. The Trump administration argues such restrictions unlawfully limit presidential power as defined by the Constitution.
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Trump’s recent social media posts have taken a disturbing turn, using AI imagery and threatening language to declare war on American cities. The “White House” amplified these threats, signaling an escalation in the administration’s embrace of fascism. This alarming behavior demands a new level of resistance, urging a coordinated national mobilization, including a million-person protest in Washington, D.C. The author calls for strategic action beyond protests, such as a General Strike, to create concrete impacts and prevent further harm. This movement aims to protect democracy and build a more equitable future.
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On Saturday, Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric, threatening Chicago with military intervention in a social media post. The post, accompanied by an AI-generated image, included language suggesting the city was about to experience “war.” This prompted swift condemnation from public figures like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called out the president’s authoritarian tendencies. The article argues that the gravity of the situation necessitates stronger opposition to Trump’s actions, urging those who value democracy to be more vocal and proactive in resisting his behavior.
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A recent investigation contacted numerous U.S. Nobel laureates in science and medicine regarding Donald Trump’s policies. Many of the scientists expressed concern about potential repercussions on scientific research, healthcare, and education. Several laureates, including Roald Hoffmann and Joachim Frank, noted parallels to the Nazi era and predicted a decline in the U.S.’s scientific leadership due to proposed budget cuts and changes in immigration policies. These policies, coupled with the dismantling of equality programs, are seen as detrimental to attracting and retaining top scientific talent, ultimately threatening the U.S.’s position in global scientific advancements.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood