Following days of deadly Gen Z-led protests over unreliable utilities, Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina dismissed Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and the entire government. While the President did not indicate he would step down, he announced a call for applications for government positions with a three-day timeframe to review proposals for a new Prime Minister. The UN reported 22 deaths due to the protests and the subsequent violent response from security forces, although Madagascar authorities dispute the toll. Protests, which began peacefully but were met with force, have involved thousands of people in the streets, resulting in roadblocks, fires, and attacks on political figures.
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Why Donald Trump is obsessed with Portland? It’s a question that arises from the way he fixates on this specific city, particularly when considering the broader political landscape. One compelling reason is Portland’s strong activist culture and the intensity of its protests, especially those that occurred in 2020. For Trump, Portland became a target, a means to whip up a frenzy and potentially justify invoking the Insurrection Act. This isn’t simply a matter of policy disagreements; it’s a strategic move, a deliberate attempt to provoke a reaction.
Perhaps what is most unnerving is the historical context. This pattern of attempting to create a problem that does not exist.… Continue reading
Romanian authorities are investigating Tristan Tate for allegedly violating election laws by posting politically-charged content on social media during the recent presidential elections. The investigation stems from a complaint alleging attempts to influence voters, potentially constituting foreign election interference and illegal campaigning. Tate, who denies any wrongdoing, has been summoned for questioning. This separate probe is unrelated to the ongoing human trafficking and other charges against Tate and his brother, Andrew, in Romania and the UK.
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Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host and Trump ally, has unexpectedly become a leading voice against US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict. Leveraging his past experience as a neoconservative, Carlson effectively critiques the arguments for war, even drawing praise from unlikely sources like Jon Stewart. His recent interview with Ted Cruz exposed the senator’s lack of knowledge on Iran, highlighting Carlson’s ability to dismantle pro-war narratives. Despite President Trump dismissing Carlson’s concerns, their phone conversation suggests the former host’s anti-war stance is influencing the president’s decision-making process.
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President Trump’s order to reopen Alcatraz as a maximum-security prison followed the airing of the film *Escape from Alcatraz* on his local television station. His subsequent social media posts and statements strongly suggest the movie influenced his decision, linking the prison to concepts of law and order. This decision, however, has been met with criticism from San Francisco officials who deem it nonsensical. Simultaneously, Trump announced a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, further highlighting the apparent connection between his media consumption and policy decisions.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s rising influence within the Democratic party is fueled by her ability to effectively communicate with younger voters and channel their frustrations with both the Republican party and the current Democratic leadership. Despite initial skepticism, Ocasio-Cortez’s political acumen and significant social media reach are increasingly recognized as valuable assets. While she currently denies any plans for higher office, speculation abounds regarding future runs for Senate, governor, or even president, driven by her growing prominence and recent joint rallies with Sen. Bernie Sanders. However, reservations remain among some Democrats regarding her progressive policies and potential appeal to more moderate voters.
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Montana-based hunting influencer Sam Jones is under investigation for potentially violating her Australian visa after a video surfaced showing her taking a baby wombat from its mother. The footage, widely condemned as callous and dreadful by government officials and wildlife organizations, depicts Jones briefly holding the joey before returning it. Australian officials are reviewing her visa status to determine if immigration laws were broken, with strong statements indicating a likely future visa denial. Jones, who has since made her social media private, has defended her actions, claiming minimal harm to the animal.
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Despite initial predictions of a short-lived alliance, Elon Musk’s influence within the Trump White House has dramatically increased. Musk, effectively leading a “Department of Government Efficiency,” is rapidly making changes across multiple federal agencies, raising concerns about transparency and presidential oversight. His actions, including controversial pronouncements on X and undermining Trump’s announcements, have prompted criticism from Trump allies and fueled speculation about the sustainability of their relationship. However, Trump’s reluctance to challenge Musk stems from a combination of aligned political goals, Musk’s immense wealth and social media power, and a recognition of his unpredictable nature.
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The article details a past confrontation between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch in the Oval Office, where Trump reportedly berated Murdoch. Despite this public dressing-down, the piece suggests Murdoch ultimately emerged with the upper hand, maintaining significant influence within media circles. This power dynamic highlights the complexities of their relationship and the shifting landscape of conservative media. The lasting impact on both men’s legacies remains to be seen.
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The Democratic Party faces a critical juncture, with both a rightward shift and a bolder leftward approach presenting significant challenges. Moving right risks abandoning core Democratic principles and ultimately aligning with pre-Trump Republicanism, a movement swiftly overcome by Trumpism itself. A leftward shift, while potentially appealing to a segment of the electorate, necessitates expansive spending and a robust administrative state, both currently under threat. Conversely, a Trump presidency faces inherent contradictions in its policy proposals, making many of its promises unfeasible and potentially exacerbating existing problems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood