Author: Eleanor Stratton
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New Executive Order Making It Easier For Teachers to Discipline Students
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to overhaul school discipline policies, aiming to give teachers greater authority to address student behavior by rescinding Obama-era guidance on racial equity in discipline. The order, part of a broader education reform package, directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to ensure disciplinary decisions focus solely on students’ actions, not…
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Why Does Trump Praise SCOTUS While Ignoring Its Orders?
President Donald Trump’s April 2025 assertion that he would “never defy” the Supreme Court has ignited constitutional debate, as critics allege his administration ignored a court order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported Salvadoran man. In a Time magazine interview, Trump emphasized respect for the judiciary, yet federal judges and advocacy groups like the…
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Wisconsin Judge’s Arrest: Obstructing Justice or Defending Due Process?
The arrest of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan on April 25, 2025, for allegedly obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has sparked a constitutional firestorm. Accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented Mexican national, evade arrest by escorting him through a nonpublic jury door, Dugan faces federal charges of obstruction and concealment. This…
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The Walz–White House Clash Over Immigration Gets Constitutional
Tim Walz didn’t hold back. In a recent campaign speech, the Minnesota governor and former running mate of Kamala Harris accused the Trump administration of preparing to use “Salvadoran gulags” as part of a mass immigration crackdown. He even claimed university students were being “swept up” under the pretext of border security. The White House…
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Border Patrol’s Digital Scrutiny: What International and U.S. Travelers Need to Know
In recent months, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has intensified its scrutiny of travelers’ digital devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This heightened surveillance affects both international visitors and U.S. citizens, raising concerns about privacy rights, legal boundaries, and the implications for all travelers. The Scope of Digital Inspections at U.S. Borders CBP officers…
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Is Trump Suggesting Ukraine Should Give Up Crimea?
On April 23, 2025, former President Donald Trump posted a lengthy statement on Truth Social criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s declaration that Ukraine “will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.” Trump accused Zelenskyy of “boasting” and claimed such language was “very harmful” to peace negotiations with Russia. But the bigger question for Americans isn’t…
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“That Ends Now”: What Happens When a President Ignores a Federal Judge?
The courtroom was silent — until Judge Paula Xinis made her ruling crystal clear. The U.S. government, she said, had unlawfully deported a man in defiance of the Constitution, and now it had to make it right. Her words weren’t vague. “That ends now,” she declared. What followed wasn’t just a scolding. It was a…
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Musk’s DOGE Departure: A Strategic Retreat or Political Fallout?
Elon Musk has announced plans to significantly reduce his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration initiative aimed at cutting federal spending. Starting in May, Musk intends to limit his participation to one or two days per week, allowing him to focus more on Tesla, which is currently facing substantial financial…
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A Judge, a Gang Member, and a Quiet Resignation: What the New Mexico Scandal Says About Accountability
What happens when a sitting judge is connected—however loosely—to one of the world’s fastest-growing criminal syndicates? In Las Cruces, New Mexico, that question just stopped being theoretical. A local magistrate judge, Jose “Joel” Cano, abruptly resigned in March after a Venezuelan national allegedly tied to the violent Tren de Aragua gang was arrested at a…
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The War on Harvard: Is Academic Freedom the Next Constitutional Battleground?
What happens when the federal government uses its financial muscle to shape the ideology of America’s universities? That’s no longer a theoretical question. Harvard University—one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions—is now at the center of a growing constitutional storm. The Trump administration has taken direct aim at elite universities like Harvard,…
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Washington’s War on Big Tech Heats Up – And the Constitution Is Caught in the Crossfire
How far can the federal government go to dismantle private power? That’s no longer a hypothetical question. This month, the Biden-era legal framework collided head-on with a Trump-era enforcement engine, as Google, Meta, Apple, and Amazon all face serious antitrust trials—some of which could end in corporate breakups. What was once a slow burn of…
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Latest Polls: Technically, the Constitution doesn’t care about approval ratings
Is a presidency still powerful if the public turns away from it? As Donald Trump enters the second quarter of his second term as President of the United States, his approval rating is not just a political metric – it’s becoming a constitutional stress test. With numbers hovering in the low- to mid-40s, and disapproval…
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Supreme Court Halts Deportations of Venezuelans Under 18th-Century Law: A Constitutional Standoff
Can a law written during the presidency of John Adams still determine who stays in the United States today? That’s the constitutional dilemma at the center of a new Supreme Court order blocking the Trump administration from deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. In a 5–4 decision, the justices halted removals…
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“Loyalty or Leave”: Trump’s Civil Service Reshape Raises Constitutional Alarms
What if your job in government depended not on competence, but on loyalty to the president? That’s the question at the heart of a sweeping proposal unveiled this week, in which the Trump campaign pledged to implement a new civil service classification—“Schedule Policy/Career”—for federal employees who work on policy. Under this reclassification, government workers who…
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‘NOT coming back’: White House Attacks NYT For ‘Wrong’ Headlines
Can a president ignore a court order and still claim to uphold the rule of law? That question continues to intensify following new statements from the Trump White House, which forcefully rejected recent criticism over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. Responding to concerns raised by Senator Chris Van Hollen and public…
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Delay Denied: Diddy Says He’s Not Ready. Should the Court Care?
Sean “Diddy” Combs will stand trial on May 5, 2025, after a federal judge denied his legal team’s request for a two-month delay in his sex trafficking and racketeering case. Combs, who has been in pretrial detention since his arrest in September 2024, now faces a fast-approaching courtroom showdown amid mounting legal complexity, national scrutiny,…
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia: Human Trafficking Allegations Complicate Legal Debate
Can the government defy a judge based on secret intelligence? What happens when due process collides with national security claims? The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a Salvadoran man deported from Maryland in defiance of a federal court order—has become a constitutional flashpoint. Now, newly surfaced allegations that he may have been involved in human trafficking…
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Appeals Court Rejects DOJ Bid to Block Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia
What happens when a court orders the government to correct a mistake, but the government refuses? This question lies at the heart of the ongoing legal battle over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite a court order protecting him from removal. On April 17, 2025, the Fourth…
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Second Amendment Irony: Disarming the Government, Not the People?
The Proposal to Disarm the IRS Rep. Barry Moore of Alabama has introduced the “Why Does the IRS Need Guns Act,” proposing to remove firearms and ammunition from IRS agents. The plan would: Moore, supported by GOP colleagues like Harriet Hageman, Mary Miller, and Clay Higgins, argues that the IRS has become “weaponized” against Americans.…
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4 Things the New Drug Executive Order Changes Immediately
In a decisive move to rein in the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs, the White House issued a sweeping executive order on April 15 that could alter how medication is priced, reimbursed, and delivered across the country. While several directives in the order include implementation windows stretching up to 180 days, a handful of changes…
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The White House Was Ordered to Let the AP In. It Didn’t. What Now?
AP’s Battle with White House over Press Access The Associated Press faces a challenge balancing journalistic integrity with the Trump administration’s demands. The AP’s use of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ instead of Trump’s preferred ‘Gulf of America’ led to their exclusion from the White House press pool. In response, the AP invoked constitutional protections. Judge Trevor…
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2 Pentagon Leaks That Should Worry Everyone
Pentagon Briefing of Elon Musk Raises Concerns The alleged Pentagon briefing of Elon Musk on China war scenarios raises serious concerns about the separation of private and governmental spheres. As a CEO with significant influence in tech and defense sectors, Musk’s potential access to sensitive military strategies is troubling. Key questions arise: Musk’s business ties…
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Tax Cuts For Everyone Or Should The Wealthy Pay More?
Republican Tax Strategy Overview Tax policy remains a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with the Republican Party steadfastly committed to reducing taxes across the board. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a key figure in this approach, has consistently voiced opposition to tax increases on high-income earners. Recent discussions within the party have considered raising the tax…
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Rogers Steps Up for Michigan as GOP Looks to Flip Long-Held Senate Seat
Mike Rogers Enters 2026 Michigan Senate Race Former Rep. Mike Rogers has announced his candidacy for the 2026 Michigan Senate race to succeed Democrat Gary Peters. Rogers, a former FBI special agent and House Intelligence Committee chair, made his announcement through Fox News, emphasizing his commitment to Michigan and alignment with Trump’s agenda. Rogers’ previous…
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Americans Could Face Biggest Tax Hike In History
Potential Tax Changes in 2025: Impact on American Families The potential expiration of key provisions from the 2017 tax law could lead to a significant tax increase for Americans. Without Congressional action, taxpayers might face an average increase of 22%. This could impact various aspects of family finances, from purchasing a new car to saving…
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White House News: No Safe Harbor for Immigrant Criminals
Trump and Bukele Collaborate on Deportations President Donald J. Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele met at the White House, focusing on deporting gang members from MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. This collaboration aims to address crime rates linked to these groups, demonstrating that dangerous criminals will not find sanctuary in the United States. Targeted…
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Trump’s April 20 Military Plan
Trump’s Border Emergency Declaration and the Insurrection Act President Trump’s early action upon taking office was declaring a national emergency along the southern border, emphasizing border control and national security. This executive order included a provision hinting at possibly invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807 if necessary, with a 90-day countdown beginning in January and…
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Arizona Takes Action on Noncitizen Voters
Arizona Voter Roll Update Arizona is verifying and removing noncitizens from its voter rolls following a lawsuit by America First Legal (AFL), led by former Trump advisor Stephen Miller. The suit, targeting 15 Arizona counties, claimed they weren’t following state law on citizenship verification. Now, these counties are working with the Department of Homeland Security…
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China Pauses Crucial Exports And Consumers Will Feel This One
China's Strategic Export Suspension Escalates Trade Tensions China has suspended some critical exports, escalating the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. This strategic move is a response to recent trade policies and tariffs. On the international trade stage, this decision will likely impact global supply chains significantly. Industries, particularly those relying heavily on minerals…
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Trump Admin Hit With 9–0 Supreme Court Ruling on Erroneous Deportation
Supreme Court Rules on Mistaken Deportation Case The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Trump administration must "facilitate" the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador. This occurred amid broader deportation initiatives, with Abrego Garcia alleged to have MS-13 gang affiliations, which his representatives deny. The court's decision…
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REAL ID and Surveillance State Concerns
REAL ID Implementation and Requirements The REAL ID Act, set to be enforced on May 7, 2025, will change domestic travel in the United States. This federal law requires REAL ID-compliant licenses or other approved identification for boarding domestic flights. To obtain a REAL ID in Arizona, for example, individuals need: Exceptions exist for those…
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Surprising Takeaways On The President’s Private Side
Bill Maher’s Unexpected Encounter with Donald Trump Bill Maher’s dinner with Donald Trump revealed a surprising contrast between the former president’s private and public personas. Maher observed: Maher noted, “The guy I met is not the person who the night before…tweeted a bunch of nasty crap.” Their conversation covered unconventional topics for a political figure:…
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DOGE Finds Just 3 States Make Up Over Half Of Unemployment Fraud
Since 2020, an eye-watering $382 million in fraudulent unemployment payments has flowed through the cracks of the U.S. benefits system—most of it concentrated in just three states. Together, these outliers are responsible for over 80% of the improper claims, raising serious concerns about administrative blind spots and systemic vulnerabilities. From toddlers collecting six-figure payouts to…
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What It Means When Democrats Vote Like Republicans
Bipartisanship or Betrayal? In 2025, American politics resembles a battlefield more than a republic, with key figures like Jared Golden marking new paths by crossing party lines. Golden supported the SAVE Act, which demands proof of citizenship before voting—a move he defends as necessary to prevent fraud. Critics argue it risks disenfranchising people, especially married…
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5 Things You Should Know About Immigrants and Medicaid
Immigrants in the U.S. significantly contribute to the economy and health care systems but face systemic barriers when accessing Medicaid and other public health programs. Despite often qualifying, many enroll at lower rates due to policy complexity, fear, and language challenges. Emergency Medicaid offers a vital safety net for urgent cases, though its funding is…
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1968 Civil Rights Act Signed
The Civil Rights Act of 1968: A Turning Point in American History April 11, 1968, marked a pivotal moment in American history with the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This legislative milestone came just a week after Martin Luther King…
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Did Booker Break Senate Rules?
Cory Booker’s Marathon Senate Speech Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered a remarkable 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, protesting policies under President Trump’s administration. Booker’s intent was to highlight what he perceived as threats to American democracy and to energize his political base. Booker’s protest wasn’t a traditional filibuster but rather a broad…
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Inside DOGE: A Former Insider Speaks
DOGE Takes Over: A New Era in Federal Government Merici Vinton's experience at the US Digital Service (USDS) changed dramatically with the arrival of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. Vinton described the new era as "highly secretive" with a shift away from collaboration and consensus-building. DOGE implemented what she calls…
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Can Congress Regain Tariff Power?
Congressional Authority on Tariffs The U.S. Constitution designates Congress as the primary authority over tariffs. Article I, Section 8 endows Congress with the power to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises," and to "regulate Commerce with foreign Nations." These words cement Congress's central role in shaping economic policy. Yet, over time, Congress has…
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Judge Rules AP Ban Unconstitutional
Federal Judge Rules White House's Punishment of Associated Press Unconstitutional Judge Trevor McFadden's ruling brings the White House's decision to block the Associated Press from presidential events under constitutional scrutiny. The federal judge, a Trump appointee, determined that restricting AP's access due to coverage that displeased the administration violates constitutional principles, particularly the First Amendment's…
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The Two Biggest Impacts Of Musk’s $150B Savings Goal
DOGE Aims for $150 Billion in Savings by 2026 Elon Musk, chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced during a White House Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump that the agency aims to save $150 billion in fiscal year 2026. Musk highlighted potential savings through reducing waste and fraud within government operations, citing…
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Who Reins In ‘Activist’ Judges? The House Just Picked a Side
House Passes No Rogue Rulings Act The No Rogue Rulings Act, spearheaded by Rep. Darrell Issa, has passed the House with a narrow margin of 219 to 213. The bill saw near-unanimous Republican support, with only one GOP member opposing it, while Democrats stood united in opposition. This legislation aims to curtail district courts’ authority…
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Protests Are Growing Over Medicaid: What’s Actually Changing and Why It Matters
Nationwide Protests Against Proposed Medicaid Cuts The Trump administration’s proposed Medicaid cuts have ignited a firestorm of debate across the United States. Over 1,200 demonstrations, organized by more than 150 groups, expressed deep concern about potential changes to this vital program. Protesters, including civil rights advocates and labor unions, voiced their worries about the impact…
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What Trump’s 125% Tariff Bombshell Means For American Consumers
President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing China’s “lack of respect” for global markets. The announcement, underscores a dramatic escalation in Trump’s trade strategy, signaling an uncompromising stance on what he calls China’s unsustainable trade practices. However, in a notable shift, Trump also declared a 90-day “PAUSE”…
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Can an Executive Order override Environmental Laws to Help the Coal Industry?
Trump’s Executive Orders to Revitalize Coal Industry President Trump is set to sign executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. coal industry. The plan involves: This initiative indicates a renewed focus on traditional energy sources like coal. Federal agencies are tasked with: Doug Burgum and Chris Wright will lead the newly established National Energy Dominance…
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SCOTUS Walks a Constitutional Tightrope While Trump Deportations Resume
Supreme Court Ruling Shifts Deportation Case to Texas U.S. District Judge James Boasberg’s courtroom has been less busy following the Supreme Court’s decision allowing the Trump administration to use the Alien Enemies Act for deporting Venezuelan nationals. This act, largely unused since World War II, is now making a comeback. The Supreme Court voted 5-4…
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What It Took For Seattle To Admit Defunding Police Was Wrong
Seattle Shifts Course on Police Funding Seattle’s city council has unanimously approved Resolution 32167, abandoning prior commitments to defund police. This marks a significant shift in the city’s public safety policies. Councilmember Rob Saka emphasized that this move is about “collectively healing” from what he describes as the “shameful legacy of ‘Defund’.” The city is…
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A True Battle Between Judiciary & Executive: Trump’s Rebellion Intensifies
Judge Boasberg at Center of Trump Administration Legal Controversy Judge James Boasberg finds himself at the center of a legal showdown with the Trump administration over deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. In a recent hearing, Boasberg pointed out potential rule-breaking as two planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members were sent to El Salvador despite…
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Presidential Authority on the Brink: Will the Court Rewrite the Rules?
Legal Developments in Trump’s Dismissals of Federal Board Members The recent legal developments concerning President Trump’s dismissals of Gwynne Wilcox from the National Labor Relations Board and Cathy Harris from the Merit Systems Protection Board have significant implications. A federal appeals court’s en banc 7-4 decision to reinstate these members, invoking decades-old Supreme Court precedents…
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Bondi vs. the Constitution: Who Gets to Decide Who Stays?
Attorney General Defends Deportation of Alleged MS-13 Member Attorney General Pam Bondi stood firmly behind the Trump administration’s decision to deport Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member. In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” she emphasized the importance of trusting ICE and Homeland Security’s assessments. Despite Abrego Garcia not being charged with…
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Trump’s Tariff Escalation with China
Trump Escalates Trade War with China President Trump has imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese imports, in addition to the existing 10% global tariff. This brings the total levy to an unprecedented 64%. Trump’s strategy aims to address what he perceives as China’s unfair trade practices, including: The new tariffs build upon previous measures, including…
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Federal Agency Accused Of Destroying Evidence After DOGE Investigation
DOGE Takes Control: Controversial Move Raises Questions Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has seized control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) following an executive order from President Trump. This drastic action has resulted in: Musk alleges that USIP deleted financial data to cover up wrongdoing, claiming: “They deleted a terabyte of financial…
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Maine Faces Legal Consequences for Defying Transgender Athlete Policy
Maine Faces Federal Pressure Over Transgender Athlete Policy Maine finds itself in a heated conflict with the Trump administration over its approach to transgender participation in girls’ sports. The issue centers on Title IX enforcement—a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education. Maine has allowed transgender girls to participate in school sports matching…
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Massive ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Erupt Nationwide
Nationwide “Hands Off!” Protests Sweep Across America The “Hands Off!” protests swept the nation, displaying significant activism across America’s 50 states. Over 1,200 demonstrations were organized by more than 150 diverse groups, including: They united to address issues such as government downsizing and human rights concerns. Peaceful gatherings dominated, with notable turnouts at locations like…
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Judge Orders Return of Erroneously Deported Maryland Father
Judge Orders Return of Mistakenly Deported Maryland Man Federal Judge Paula Xinis has ordered the Trump administration to arrange for Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return to the U.S. from an El Salvador prison by Monday at midnight. This order follows the realization that his deportation breached the Administrative Procedures Act, as it was carried out without…
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Administration’s Request To Dismiss Student Visa Case Denied By Federal Judge
Federal Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Request in Student Visa Case Federal Judge Denise Casper’s recent decision in the case of Rumeysa Öztürk, a doctoral student from Tufts University, has significant implications. Casper denied the Trump administration’s request to dismiss or relocate Öztürk’s case to Louisiana, following careful consideration of jurisdictional issues. Öztürk was detained by…
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Rubio Shuts Door on Entire Country in Deportation Standoff
U.S. Revokes Visas for South Sudanese Passport Holders Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced the U.S. decision to revoke visas for all South Sudanese passport holders and stop future issuances. This policy takes immediate effect due to South Sudan’s lack of cooperation in accepting the return of its citizens expelled by the United States.…
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Boasberg Considers Contempt of Court – Why It’s A Big Deal For Any Administration
Judge Scrutinizes Trump Administration’s Deportation Actions U.S. District Judge James Boasberg closely examined the Trump administration’s handling of deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. This scrutiny arose from the administration’s apparent disregard of a court order halting deportations of Venezuelan nationals. Boasberg focused on the March 15 events, where deportations proceeded despite his injunction.…
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No Rate Cuts Yet: Fed Stays Quiet While Trump Turns Up the Heat
Trump Calls for Fed Rate Cut Amid Economic Indicators President Donald Trump recently issued a direct appeal to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Truth Social, urging a reduction in interest rates. Trump cited several positive economic indicators to support his call: The president argued that these factors create an ideal climate for Powell to…
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Presidential Pardon for Dark Web’s Most Infamous Kingpin
When the dark web’s most infamous kingpin walks free at the hands of a U.S. president, the world takes notice. Ulbricht, the mastermind behind Silk Road, envisioned a decentralized, anonymous marketplace rooted in libertarian ideals and enabled by emerging technologies like Tor and Bitcoin. But that vision quickly unraveled. What began as a radical experiment…