Michigan Republicans elected State Senator Jim Runestad as their new chair, defeating candidates including Meshawn Maddock, a Trump ally facing charges related to the 2020 election. Runestad’s platform focused on fundraising and party unity, contrasting with Maddock’s more confrontational style. The 2026 midterms are crucial for Michigan Republicans, with key races including a U.S. Senate seat and gubernatorial election. Runestad aims to lead the party through these critical races while addressing internal divisions and financial challenges.
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A federal judge partially blocked President Trump’s executive order aiming to eliminate government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, deeming the order’s claims of illegality unfounded. The order, alleging DEI initiatives violate civil rights laws, sought to halt related awards and contracts. A coalition of academic institutions successfully challenged the order, arguing the resulting uncertainty harmed educators, students, and communities reliant on federal funding. Judge Adam B. Abelson’s ruling prevents the administration from terminating DEI-related obligations, emphasizing the decades-long legality of such programs. This decision provides relief to plaintiffs facing potential funding disruptions.
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Following President Trump’s imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Baroness Kennedy warned of potential arrest warrants for obstructing justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute. This action, in response to ICC investigations into Israel, directly impedes the court’s ability to function, according to Kennedy and other peers. Lord Thomas further argued that Trump’s proposed population transfer from Gaza constitutes a crime against humanity. The UK government, while expressing support for ICC independence, is engaging with the US administration to address these concerns.
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Democratic leadership’s weak response to Trump and Musk’s attacks on the government is failing to capitalize on widespread public disapproval. While polls show significant opposition to Trump (42-54% disapproval), and 73% of Democratic-leaning voters believe Congress isn’t doing enough, Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries offer ineffective responses, exemplified by the poorly-received nickname “Captain Chaos” and a seemingly toothless “task force.” Simultaneously, grassroots movements, including federal worker protests and “No Kings” demonstrations, are actively resisting the Trump-Musk power grab, yet the Democratic leadership appears frustrated by this resistance rather than energized by it. This inaction contrasts sharply with the efforts of some individual Democrats, like Senator Chris Van Hollen, who are actively engaging with the burgeoning opposition movement.
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Following a recent phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and a just peace. Starmer emphasized Ukraine’s crucial role in any peace negotiations, a stance he will discuss with President Trump during an upcoming visit to Washington D.C. This follows Trump’s controversial moves to re-engage with Russia and downplay Ukraine’s role in peace talks, prompting a flurry of diplomatic activity among European leaders. The discussions underscore the significant geopolitical shift and anxieties surrounding the potential exclusion of Ukraine from future negotiations.
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During the Presidents’ Day weekend, Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) conducted mass firings at the FAA, impacting multiple legal offices and resulting in the dismissal of numerous lawyers responsible for pilot safety and regulatory enforcement. These cuts, targeting probationary employees with fewer workplace protections, included personnel crucial for ensuring pilot medical fitness and safe flight paths, despite claims that safety-critical roles were spared. The firings have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to maintain safety standards, particularly given an existing pilot shortage and recent aviation accidents, and have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the FAA. A Transportation Department spokesperson defended the actions, while the White House and DOGE did not respond to requests for comment.
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Donald Trump and Elon Musk are falsely claiming millions of deceased individuals are receiving Social Security benefits to justify drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These cuts, totaling over $1 trillion, aim to fund massive tax cuts for the wealthy, despite previous promises to protect these programs. This assertion, amplified by figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, ignores the fact that improper Social Security payments are less than 1 percent of total benefits. The proposed cuts, alongside Republican budget plans, would severely impact vital government programs to achieve these tax reductions.
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Despite widespread public disapproval of Trump and Musk’s actions, as evidenced by recent polls, Republicans continue their aggressive agenda. A memo from Trump’s 2024 campaign pollster reveals significant economic dissatisfaction among voters in key House districts. This memo subtly cautions against certain Trump priorities that could further alienate these voters. The pollster’s cautious approach suggests a fear of antagonizing Trump.
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Trump’s recent pronouncements regarding his communications with Vladimir Putin and his escalating criticism of Volodymyr Zelenskyy paint a disturbing picture. He boasts of “good talks” with Putin, while simultaneously ignoring Ukraine’s pleas for support and launching personal attacks against its democratically elected leader. This stark contrast highlights a troubling prioritization of personal gain over national interests and international stability.
This situation evokes chilling parallels to historical moments where appeasement of dictators led to catastrophic consequences. The image conjured is one of a leader seemingly more concerned with personal accolades and potential benefits from a hostile power than with upholding democratic values and protecting an ally under siege.… Continue reading
Ahead of a Monday meeting in Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to urge President Trump to adopt a strong stance against Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that weakness towards Russia is against both American and European interests. Macron believes that Trump’s unpredictable approach could strategically benefit the West in negotiations, creating uncertainty for Putin. However, any peace deal must involve Ukraine and European partners, preventing a surrender that could embolden Russia further. Macron also voiced support for increased European defense spending and the potential deployment of French troops as part of a post-conflict security force in Ukraine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood