On Wednesday, Kendra Sullivan, a West Virginian, was surprised to find that her solo “No Kings” protest had gone viral. At a follow-up YouTube meeting organized by the coalition behind the national demonstrations, Appalachian activist Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson highlighted Sullivan’s demonstration in Beckley, which involved holding signs and facing confrontations from locals. Sullivan, who felt lonely on Saturday, decided to protest in her hometown after she realized there were no other nearby events. Despite facing negative reactions, including police involvement, Sullivan stood her ground, expressing the importance of showing her face and representing her views in her community.
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A Washington D.C. resident is suing local police officers, a member of the Ohio National Guard, and the District of Columbia after being detained while protesting the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops. The plaintiff, Sam O’Hara, was playing Darth Vader’s theme song from Star Wars while following a National Guard patrol, actions he shared on TikTok. The lawsuit alleges that his First and Fourth Amendment rights were violated and that the arrest constituted false arrest, imprisonment, and battery. O’Hara seeks compensatory damages, claiming the actions of the military and law enforcement were unconstitutional.
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Although the initial portion of Cruz’s statement echoed familiar Republican rhetoric, the latter part offered a more nuanced perspective. Cruz highlighted the considerable mobilization and anger on the left, emphasizing that such factors significantly influence election outcomes. He cautioned that complacency among Republican voters, coupled with increased fundraising and enthusiasm within the Democratic party, could lead to unfavorable results in the upcoming midterms. Despite potentially misrepresenting the Democrats, Cruz’s remarks indicate the GOP is taking notice of the large-scale “No Kings” rallies and the overall political energy.
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Speaker Mike Johnson defended President Trump’s use of social media, specifically a video depicting the bombing of “No Kings” protesters with excrement, claiming it was satire and not a call for violence. Johnson accused the protesters of attempting to incite violence, highlighting their signs with messages like “86 47” and images of Trump hanging from a noose. Republicans labeled the “No Kings” rallies as “Hate America” events and suggested they would be violent. Despite the rallies being peaceful, Johnson criticized the protesters, stating they were trying to incite violence against the president, who has faced previous assassination attempts.
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Last week in south Portland, federal immigration enforcement agents reportedly interfered with emergency personnel rescuing an injured protester. According to Willamette Week, agents delayed an ambulance exiting an ICE facility with the injured protester, requesting to ride along despite lacking arrest paperwork. The agents allegedly blocked the ambulance’s exit, behaving aggressively and threatening the driver with arrest and violence, even as the emergency crew attempted to de-escalate the situation. One agent is reported to have threatened to “shoot” the driver.
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Federal prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against two individuals involved in a July 4th protest at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas, marking the first time such charges have been linked to “antifa” activity. The individuals are accused of providing material support to terrorists and aiding in the attempted murder of government officers, though neither is accused of firing the shot that injured a police officer. This case is seen as a concerning precedent for how the government may use counterterrorism efforts to suppress dissent and criminalize protest movements. The indictment cites typical activist activities and the use of encrypted messaging as evidence, raising concerns about overreach and the chilling effect on free speech.
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Interviews with Latino participants at the Austin No Kings protest revealed strong emotions, contrasted by a New Braunfels protestor expressing similar concerns while wearing a dinosaur costume. This Texan city, located between Austin and San Antonio, has experienced significant population growth, yet remains politically conservative. Despite the area’s conservative leanings, a recent protest saw over a hundred participants gather, demonstrating local support for the No Kings movement.
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Following nationwide “No Kings” protests, former President Donald Trump responded with videos mocking the demonstrations, including one where he donned a crown and another where he flew a plane labeled “King Trump.” The protests, which saw over 2,600 rallies across the globe, aimed to oppose Trump’s policies and “defend democratic norms.” White House officials dismissed the protests, while prominent figures like Mayor Brandon Johnson and Representative Jamie Raskin voiced their support for the cause. As Trump’s presidency progresses, further protests are anticipated, and he has suggested he may use the Insurrection Act to curtail them.
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During a recent interview, J.D. Vance faced criticism for his response to racist text messages allegedly sent by young Republican staffers. Vance dismissed the messages, suggesting they were the product of “kids” and downplaying their significance. Critics swiftly condemned his remarks, arguing that the comments minimized the severity of racism and its potential impact, regardless of the ages of those involved. This response has ignited controversy, prompting accusations of insensitivity and a lack of accountability for the actions of individuals within the Republican party.
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Massive crowds turn out in Bay Area for ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump, and it’s hard not to be impressed. The reports coming in paint a vivid picture of a region galvanized by a shared sentiment – a desire to safeguard the principles of democracy and resist any semblance of authoritarianism. The sheer scale of the demonstrations, with thousands of people taking to the streets, speaks volumes about the depth of feeling against the former president’s rhetoric and actions. From what I’ve gathered, the organization seems to have been incredibly well-executed, especially in places like San Francisco, where a significant march down Market Street was a notable event.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ICE Agent Threatens Ambulance Driver, Sparking Outrage
Last week in south Portland, federal immigration enforcement agents reportedly interfered with emergency personnel rescuing an injured protester. According to Willamette Week, agents delayed an ambulance exiting an ICE facility with the injured protester, requesting to ride along despite lacking arrest paperwork. The agents allegedly blocked the ambulance’s exit, behaving aggressively and threatening the driver with arrest and violence, even as the emergency crew attempted to de-escalate the situation. One agent is reported to have threatened to “shoot” the driver.
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