President Trump claimed an “insurrection” was underway in Portland, Oregon, and suggested he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act to circumvent a judge’s order and deploy military troops. Despite his claims, city data shows homicides are down, and there were no reports of major unrest or violence. The president appears to be attempting to bypass legal challenges and deploy federal forces under the guise of quelling an uprising, echoing comments from other cities. A judge has ruled the administration used false claims of violence to justify the initial deployment of National Guard troops.
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Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act is a chilling prospect that, frankly, feels like it’s been brewing for quite some time now. The idea that he might use this power to bypass the normal legal processes is deeply unsettling, especially considering the potential for abuse. It’s worth remembering that this Act was intended for situations where state authorities are unable or unwilling to maintain order, not as a tool for personal political gain.
It’s hard to ignore the sense that there’s a deliberate strategy at play. The rhetoric, the dog-whistles, the attempts to portray certain events as “insurrections”—it all seems designed to create the conditions where invoking the Act would be, at least in his mind, justifiable.… Continue reading
President Trump deployed 300 California National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, despite a federal court order blocking the move and defying a federal order. This action followed a judge’s ruling that blocked Trump’s attempt to deploy active-duty troops, citing violations of the Constitution and federal law. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as a power grab and vowed to sue in response, as the unrest in Portland continues to escalate at an ICE detention center. Trump’s actions are in response to continued protests and clashes with federal agents that have taken place since June.
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The article highlights the Trump administration’s aggressive actions against non-citizen residents, specifically targeting them based on their speech and viewpoints. Judge William Young, in *American Association of University Professors v Rubio*, ruled the administration violated the First Amendment by detaining and deporting pro-Palestinian foreign scholars, emphasizing that the Constitution does not differentiate between citizens and immigrants regarding freedom of speech. Young’s decision condemned Trump’s actions as unconstitutional and a threat to fundamental rights, citing instances of immigrants like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk being targeted for their speech. The judge’s opinion extends beyond the immediate case, framing Trump’s actions as a broader threat to American values and urging Americans to defend constitutional principles.
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In the lead-up to the 2024 election, as Democrats warned about Donald Trump’s ties to Project 2025, a far-right governing agenda, many media outlets were criticized for downplaying these connections. Despite the fact that Project 2025 was demonstrably unpopular and created with the help of former Trump administration officials, some news sources published fact-checks that framed Democratic warnings as alarmist or misleading. After Trump’s victory, he and many of the architects of Project 2025 wasted no time beginning to implement the plan. Following Trump’s public embrace of the project, many commentators criticized media outlets for taking his denials at face value.
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The planet is rapidly changing due to climate change, yet the current president, Donald Trump, appears to be living in a past era, prioritizing fossil fuels and tariffs over green energy and global cooperation. His actions, such as rejecting climate science and supporting the oil industry, align with China’s advancements in green energy, potentially ceding economic and environmental leadership. Trump’s policies are also pushing the U.S. to the “planetary margins” and may lead to a historical disaster due to his disregard for the environment. Ultimately, Trump’s presidency is marked by a backward-looking vision that threatens the future of the country and the planet.
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Independent journalism faces unprecedented threats, underscoring its vital role in safeguarding democracy. Generous donors are tripling all monthly donations, so a $15 gift is worth $45. Support non-commercial news outlets by donating today and help protect freedom of speech, which is essential for a democratic society. Every contribution makes a difference.
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Former Brexit Party MEP admits accepting bribes to shill for Russia, and frankly, it’s hard to understand why this revelation isn’t causing more of a stir. The pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place, and a disturbing picture is emerging. It’s like someone finally admitting what many suspected: that Putin’s fingerprints were all over Brexit. This is not just a vague feeling anymore; there’s now, allegedly, proof that some of the promises and campaigns of the Brexit movement were, in fact, directly funded.
This person’s actions certainly seem to qualify as something beyond just questionable; in the simplest terms, it appears to be a betrayal of trust and a profound affront to democratic values.… Continue reading
Maintaining the integrity of medical science and protecting public health requires constant vigilance against the spread of misinformation. Supporting independent journalism is crucial to this effort, as it provides the fact-based reporting necessary to counter dangerous myths. The public is encouraged to become members to help safeguard science and keep everyone informed. Continued support will bolster the newsroom and allow the organization to remain strong.
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Trump’s comment about Turkish President Erdoğan highlights his tendency to align with authoritarian leaders. Erdoğan, in power since 2003, has a history of suppressing dissent, jailing critics, and controlling information, including blocking access to various online platforms. The recent arrest of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu on questionable charges further underscores Erdoğan’s willingness to use any means necessary to maintain power. This situation reflects a pattern of Trump’s support for leaders with questionable human rights records.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood