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Speaking to The Post from Warsaw, Poland, Vaidotas Urbelis, Lithuania’s defense policy director praised Trump for accelerating Europe’s response to security threats. He highlighted how, under Biden, decision-making was often delayed. “In political life, people tend to delay decisions — ‘OK, maybe we’ll do it after one year, maybe after two years,’” Urbelis said. “And the current language of the US administration says to Europe, ‘Do it now, make decisions right now, because that’s your responsibility.’” The recent emergency leaders’ summit in Brussels underscored this shift in approach, reinforcing the idea that Europe must take primary responsibility for its own defense. Lithuania, a small nation bordering the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Belarus, has been at the forefront of this transformation. In January, Lithuania pledged to increase its defense spending to 6% of its GDP, becoming the first NATO country to meet Trump’s call for a 5% defense commitment. Currently, Lithuania allocates just over 3% of its GDP to defense. The Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have been among the most proactive NATO members in strengthening their military capabilities, recognizing their vulnerability to Russian aggression. However, their total defense budget for 2024 is approximately $5.2 billion, less than half the cost of a single U.S. aircraft carrier. None of these nations possess a single fighter jet, making their collective military capability relatively small. Given these challenges, Urbelis advocates for a united front against Russia. Echoing remarks made by Lithuania’s Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė in a Fox News interview, he reinforced the need for Europe to apply unrelenting pressure on Moscow. “When you talk to Russia, it’s not like normal negotiations, that you offer something and your opponent also makes concessions and you agree in the middle,” Urbelis explained. “It’s not the way Russia negotiates. If you offer something, they will ask for more. If you offer concessions, they understand that as a sign of weakness. That’s why you must put huge pressure on them, militarily, economically, financially, so that they agree on a solution that is acceptable to all. That’s what we mean by negotiating by having a gun on the table, because they don’t understand the language.” Urbelis pointed out that Northern European nations, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, are rapidly ramping up their defense efforts. “Northern Europe is moving extremely fast,” he said. “Because we are most exposed and we know what Russia means. We have lived with Russians for centuries. We know how they behave and how they negotiate.” However, he warned that the rest of Europe must follow suit. “The most important kind of test will be numbers. What countries put on the table,” he said. “If we’re still below 2% [of GDP], that’s not serious.” At the same time, he stressed the importance of NATO unity, cautioning against divisions that Russia could exploit. “We should not sacrifice unity. Because what Russia wants is to divide NATO.” Discussions continue over whether NATO countries will deploy troops to Ukraine and what their mandate would be. Urbelis emphasized that rules of engagement must be clearly defined. “What is even more important is not just the number of troops, but what are the rules of engagement,” he said. “If someone was to engage these forces, the response must be immediate and violent.” He underscored the necessity of U.S. involvement, arguing that a strong American presence would deter Russian violations of any ceasefire or peace deal. “That’s why we need as many countries as possible and some kind of U.S. involvement. People use that word, U.S. backstop. But Russians would not dare to violate that agreement because what Russia is good at is violating all cease-fires and all peace deals,” he continued. “So not for a second can we assume that Russians will honor this cease-fire or peace agreement. Not for a second.” As Europe accelerates its defense preparations, Trump’s firm stance has undeniably reshaped the geopolitical landscape, forcing NATO to confront security threats with new urgency. Based on a report by NYP 2025-03-19

Update to Topic: Putin agrees to 30-day halt on energy facility strikes, Ukraine signals support

A row of Tesla vehicles erupted in flames at a Las Vegas service center early Tuesday in what authorities suspect was an arson attack. The dramatic blaze, captured on video, showed the high-end electric cars engulfed in fire, with one vehicle exploding into a massive fireball—seemingly triggered by its lithium battery, according to footage obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Las Vegas police confirmed they are investigating the fire as an act of arson. Photos from the scene revealed that someone had painted the word “RESIST” in large red letters across the Tesla Collision Center in Enterprise, just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip. “Communications received information that an individual had set several vehicles on fire in the parking lot and caused damage to the property,” police stated in an email. During a media briefing on Tuesday morning, Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said that at least five Tesla vehicles were torched, and three rounds were fired into the cars. A 911 caller reported hearing gunshots and witnessing a person dressed in black igniting the vehicles. Additionally, investigators discovered a non-ignited Molotov cocktail at the scene. “I’d like to point out this was a targeted attack against a Tesla facility,” Koren stated, adding that police will be increasing their presence at Tesla locations throughout Las Vegas. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from law enforcement officials. “Violent acts like this are unacceptable,” said FBI Special Agent Spencer Evans, who heads the agency’s Las Vegas office. He warned that those considering similar actions should understand the severity of the crime. “To those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want to let you know it’s a federal crime. We will come after you. We will find you.” The attack in Las Vegas comes amid a wave of vandalism targeting Tesla facilities and vehicles. Just 22 hours earlier and about 300 miles away in San Diego, sheriff’s deputies discovered multiple Tesla cars defaced with swastikas at a local dealership. Officials said that several dealership windows were also spray-painted with swastikas and profanity. Meanwhile, in another suspected arson case, two Cybertrucks were damaged by fire at a Tesla dealership in Kansas City, Missouri. Authorities there, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are investigating. “Similar incidents have occurred in several states and the FBI and ATF are coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to gather information,” FBI Kansas City said in a statement Tuesday. While investigators work to determine whether the attacks are connected, the incidents highlight a growing trend of hostility toward Tesla. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, has been a polarizing figure in recent years, though it remains unclear whether he was the intended target of these actions. Based on a report by NYP | NBC News 2025-03-19

UPDATE: Putin agrees to 30-day halt on energy facility strikes, Ukraine signals support

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for a month-long halt to strikes against energy infrastructure in Ukraine, a limited ceasefire that Kyiv quickly said it would be willing to consider. Talks aimed at advancing toward a broader peace plan will begin immediately, the White House said following a lengthy call between the two leaders, but it was unclear whether Ukraine will be involved. Putin ordered the Russian military to stop attacks against energy sites after speaking with Trump, the Kremlin said in a statement. But he again raised concerns during the call that a temporary ceasefire might allow Ukraine to mobilize more soldiers and rearm itself. Putin also emphasized that any resolution of the conflict would require an end to all military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, the Kremlin added. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country would consider supporting the U.S. proposal to stop strikes on energy infrastructure. "I think it will be right that we will have a conversation with President Trump and we will know in detail what the Russians offered the Americans or what the Americans offered the Russians," Zelenskiy told reporters during an online briefing. Negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as a more complete ceasefire and a permanent peace deal, will commence immediately in the Middle East, the White House said in a statement, though it did not say whether Ukraine would be invited. The White House's statement in full Today, President Trump and President Putin spoke about the need for peace and a ceasefire in the Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed this conflict needs to end with a lasting peace. They also stressed the need for improved bilateral relations between the United States and Russia. The blood and treasure that both Ukraine and Russia have been spending in this war would be better spent on the needs of their people. This conflict should never have started and should have been ended long ago with sincere and good faith peace efforts. The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East. The leaders spoke broadly about the Middle East as a region of potential cooperation to prevent future conflicts. They further discussed the need to stop proliferation of strategic weapons and will engage with others to ensure the broadest possible application. The two leaders shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel. The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved. Kremlin's statement on possible 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure Here's a snippet of that statement: "During the conversation, Donald Trump proposed that parties to the conflict should mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Vladimir Putin responded positively to this initiative and immediately gave the Russian military the corresponding order. "The Russian President also responded constructively to Donald Trump’s suggestion to implement a well-known initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. It was agreed that negotiations to further elaborate the specific details of such an agreement should begin." Based on a report by Reuters | BBC 2025-03-19

Please discuss this new topic in the thread below. Hundreds killed according to Hamas as Israel launches air strikes on Gaza

@bannork a highly inflammatory troll post making false claims has been removed. Any more misrepresentation of a weblink like that will earn you a warning.

One more post removed from you and you will also be removed @Brian J

@sammieuk1 Posts using derogatory and toxic nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be removed. If you don’t want your post to be removed, spell people’s names correctly, this applies to both sides of the political debate.

Israel's airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of hundreds, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issues warnings to residents in several areas, possibly signaling an expanded military offensive. Overnight, the IDF launched a surprise bombing campaign targeting Hamas, and in a post on X, the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Col. Avichay Adraee, shared a map of "dangerous combat zones" from which civilians should evacuate. These areas include Beit Hanoun, Khuza’a, and the Abasan suburbs of Khan Younis. "The White House was consulted by Israel on their attacks on Gaza tonight. President Trump was clear: Hamas, Houthis, all those who seek to terrorize Israel and the U.S. will pay a price. All hell will break loose." “The IDF has launched a strong offensive against terror organizations. These designated areas are considered dangerous combat zones,” Adraee stated. He urged civilians to leave immediately for known shelters in western Gaza City and Khan Younis. "Remaining in these areas puts your lives and the lives of your family members in danger," he warned. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported conflicting casualty figures. An official statement from the ministry revised the death toll to 254, down from an earlier count of 310. However, the ministry’s head told AFP that at least 330 people had been killed. The official statement also reduced the reported number of injured from over 1,000 to 440. Two Hamas sources told AFP that among those killed was Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the head of the terror group’s interior ministry, which oversees police and internal security services in Gaza. According to Gazan media, other high-ranking Hamas figures killed in the strikes include Issam Da’alis, a member of Hamas’s political bureau and head of the governmental activity monitoring committee, and Abu Ubaida Al-Jamassi, another political bureau member reportedly in charge of Hamas’s emergency committee. Also killed were Bahjat Abu Sultan, a senior figure in Hamas’s interior ministry, and Ahmad Al-Khatta, the director-general of Hamas’s justice ministry in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate military action, saying that Israel would continue applying “increasing military strength.” Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that "the gates of hell" would remain open in Gaza until all hostages were released. The IDF confirmed that military operations would persist "as long as necessary" and would extend beyond airstrikes. Hamas condemned the renewed strikes, accusing Israel of targeting civilians and violating the ceasefire agreement in an “unprovoked escalation.” The group warned that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions were placing hostages in Gaza in grave danger. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

A baiting troll post removed @SMIAI along with an unsubstaniated claim

A couple of inflammatory trolling posts removed @Brian J

U.S. government is demanding Columbia University “begin the process of placing the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies department under academic receivership for a minimum of five years. The University must provide a full plan, with date certain deliverables, by the March 20, 2025, deadline.” What this means: A joint letter from the General Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services demands that Columbia university must provide a concrete plan with specific deadlines for how it will restructure and manage the the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies (MESAAS) department, beginning by placing it under direct oversight, and restructuring it for at least five years. “Academic receivership” typically involves the university appointing an external authority or a special administrator to oversee the department’s operations, curriculum, faculty decisions, and possibly hiring or firing processes. The government makes clear in the letter shared that it sees the MESAAS department as a source of alleged “antisemitism.” The full text of the letter: —- Dr. Katrina Armstrong Interim President Columbia University Office of the President 202 Low Library 535 W. 116 St., MC 4309 New York, NY 10027 David Greenwald Claire Shipman Co-Chairs Columbia Board of Trustees 202 Low Library 535 W. 116 St. MC 4309 New York, NY 10027 Dear Dr. Armstrong: Please consider this a formal response to the current situation on the campus of Columbia University and a follow up to our letter of March 7, 2025, informing you that the United States Government would be pausing or terminating federal funding. Since that date your counsel has asked to discuss “next steps.” U.S. taxpayers invest enormously in U.S. colleges and universities, including Columbia University, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that all recipients are responsible stewards of federal funds. Columbia University, however, has fundamentally failed to protect American students and faculty from antisemitic violence and harassment in addition to other alleged violations of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Pursuant to your request, this letter outlines immediate next steps that we regard as a precondition for formal negotiations regarding Columbia University’s continued financial relationship with the United States government. Please ensure and document compliance with the following no later than the close of business on Wednesday, March 20, 2025: • Enforce existing disciplinary policies. The University must complete disciplinary proceedings for Hamilton Hall and encampments. Meaningful discipline means expulsion or multi-year suspension. • Primacy of the president in disciplinary matters. Abolish the University Judicial Board (UB) and centralize all disciplinary processes under the Office of the President. And empower the Office of the President to suspend or expel students with an appeal process through the Office of the President. • Time, place, and manner rules. Implement permanent, comprehensive time, place, and manner rules to prevent disruption of teaching, research, and campus life. • Mask ban. Ban masks that are intended to conceal identity or intimidate others, with exceptions for religious and health reasons. Any masked individual must wear their Columbia ID on the outside of their clothing (this is already the policy at Columbia’s Irving Medical Center). • Deliver plan to hold all student groups accountable. Recognized student groups and individuals operating as constituent members of, or providing support for, unrecognized groups engaged in violations of University policy must be held accountable through formal investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and expulsion as appropriate. • Formalize, adopt, and promulgate a definition of antisemitism. President Trump’s Executive Order 13899 uses the IHRA definition. Anti-“Zionist” discrimination against Jews in areas unrelated to Israel or Middle East must be addressed. • Empower internal law enforcement. The University must ensure that Columbia security has full law enforcement authority, including arrest and removal of agitators who foster an unsafe or hostile work or study environment, or otherwise interfere with classroom instruction or the functioning of the university. • MESAAS Department - Academic Receivership. Begin the process of placing the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies department under academic receivership for a minimum of five years. The University must provide a full plan, with date certain deliverables, by the March 20, 2025, deadline. • Deliver a plan for comprehensive admissions reform. The plan must include a strategy to reform undergraduate admissions, international recruiting, and graduate admissions practices to conform with federal law and policy. Based on a report by US Gov | NYT 2025-03-17 Related Topics: Democrats Face Backlash for Supporting Arrested Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Federal Education Department Investigates 60 Universities Over Antisemitism Allegations Trump’s Bold Stand Against Campus Antisemitism Sends a Clear Message Trump Border Czar: ICE Will ‘Absolutely’ Deport Legal Immigrants Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding Over Campus Protests U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas

The NHS has been urged to abandon the term “midwife” in favor of a more inclusive title, sparking debate over the role of gender in maternity care. Academics behind a newly published research paper argue that the centuries-old term is outdated and reinforces patriarchal structures, suggesting it be replaced with “lead perinatal practitioner.” The proposal comes from Dr. John Peddleton, a senior midwifery lecturer at the University of Northampton, and Dr. Sally Pezaro, an academic midwife at Coventry University. In their paper, From Midwife to Lead Perinatal Practitioner: A Utopian Vision, published in Birth Issues in Perinatal Care, they contend that as transgender and non-binary individuals increasingly seek midwifery services, the profession must adopt more inclusive terminology. “As trans and non-binary people increasingly require access to midwifery services, this paper proposes an alternative professional title that is inclusive and liberates midwives from continuously reinscribing the sex/gender binary in their nomenclature,” they write. They argue that the term “midwife” perpetuates rigid understandings of sex and gender in childbirth and is a barrier to progress in the profession. The authors also claim that moving away from the traditional title would allow midwives to escape associations with historical gender roles and gain greater professional recognition. “While recognising that the word ‘midwife’ may conjure historical and societal images and feelings of nostalgia, it will be important to move past this and towards alternative language in pursuit of a strengthened professional identity and increased societal respect and value for the profession,” the paper states. Dr. Peddleton and Dr. Pezaro suggest that abandoning the term midwife would be a “trailblazing contribution towards the eradication of gender inequalities in the reproductive arena” by severing its ties to patriarchal structures. However, the proposal has been met with significant criticism from within the midwifery profession and beyond. Opponents argue that the focus should remain on patient care rather than language debates, especially at a time when maternity services are already under immense pressure. Anna Melamed, a midwifery lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol, dismissed the proposal outright, emphasizing that childbirth is a biological reality that should not be politicized. “It is women as a sex category who are pregnant and give birth, regardless of how they identify,” she told the Daily Mail. “Midwives are one of the few professions who proudly and clearly stand by and on the side of women.” Helen Joyce, a representative from the charity Sex Matters, also criticized the suggestion, calling it unnecessary and impractical. “Maternity services are under enough pressure without ideological nonsense being foisted upon them,” she said. The public response has largely echoed these sentiments, with many taking to social media to express frustration over the proposal. One Facebook user commented: “How about they do the best possible job they can and help women through childbirth? Stop worrying about titles and labels.” Another added: “This is totally ridiculous. If you are giving birth, you are a woman and, as such, require a midwife. Who cares if it offends anyone?” Some NHS trusts have already introduced gender-neutral terms such as “birthing person” instead of “mother” to accommodate trans and non-binary individuals. However, whether the broader profession will adopt “lead perinatal practitioner” in place of midwife remains to be seen. For now, the debate highlights the ongoing tensions between gender-inclusive language and the recognition of biological realities in healthcare. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

The Islam Channel, Britain’s most prominent Muslim television network, is under scrutiny as the broadcasting regulator Ofcom investigates allegations of bias, incitement, and extremist content. The channel, which claims to have two million daily viewers and is watched by an estimated 60 percent of British Muslims, stands accused of glorifying violent Islamist movements and fostering hostility toward the West. A complaint submitted to Ofcom alleges that the Islam Channel has repeatedly aired content praising the October 7 attacks and likening Israel to the Nazis. It is also accused of giving a platform to extremist voices while failing to maintain impartiality in its political reporting. The complaint further claims that the channel misrepresents key facts, potentially misleading its audience. The investigation follows a report compiled by Dr. Taj Hargey, director of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, which details multiple alleged violations of the Broadcasting Code between November 2024 and January 2025. Dr. Hargey, known for his liberal stance within British Islam, asserts that the channel persistently portrays Islam as being persecuted by Western powers, presents Hamas, Iran, and various jihadist groups as legitimate resistance movements, and excludes Israeli government representatives or pro-Israel perspectives in its Gaza coverage. Additionally, he accuses the channel of promoting a restrictive Wahhabi-Salafi interpretation of Islam while marginalizing Shiah, Sufi, Ahmadi, and secular liberal Muslims. According to Dr. Hargey, the Islam Channel has repeatedly aired one-sided narratives, including using the sentencing of Southport killer Axel Rudakubana as an opportunity to criticize the UK’s counter-terrorism initiative, Prevent, while omitting the fact that he possessed an Al-Qaeda training manual. Further concerns center around the channel’s portrayal of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui. A documentary aired in January allegedly framed Siddiqui as an innocent Muslim victim of the so-called “War on Islam” without acknowledging her ties to Al-Qaeda and her attempts to harm U.S. personnel. The Islam Channel also stands accused of breaching Ofcom’s rules against content that could cause harm, incite violence, or spread undue offense. Among the examples cited is a speech by Ismail Patel, founder of Friends of Al-Aqsa, who described Israel as a “violent racist colonialist enterprise.” The channel is further alleged to have presented a biased view of radical Islam, failing to address the suppression of women’s rights under the Taliban in Afghanistan or the theocratic regime in Iran. Dr. Hargey also highlights the channel’s failure to report the October 7 Hamas attacks during a December segment on the Gaza conflict. Instead, it allegedly amplified claims that Israeli forces deliberately target journalists while failing to provide an opportunity for Israeli officials or the Israel Defense Forces to respond. In his complaint to Ofcom, Dr. Hargey stated, “The station’s persistent lack of impartiality, spread of harmful rhetoric, and engagement in political advocacy appear to directly contravene the principles set out in the Broadcasting Code.” Founded in 2004 by businessman Mohamed Harrath, the Islam Channel has a controversial history. Harrath, who fled Tunisia and was granted UK refugee status in 2000, previously established the Tunisian Islamic Front as a non-violent opposition group to President Ben Ali’s dictatorship. In 2010, he was arrested in South Africa on terrorism charges due to an Interpol Red Notice issued by Tunisia, though he was later released without charge. He has since accused Tunisian authorities of using Interpol to target him unfairly. In a broadcast on Christmas Day last year, Harrath controversially compared the treatment of Muslims in Britain today to that of Jews in 1930s Germany, warning: “There is a targeting of the Muslim community... We have to fight. We have to fight back.” The Islam Channel, available via Sky, Virgin, Freeview, and global live streaming, is primarily funded through advertising and viewer donations. The network has previously raised funds live on air, claiming to be the only channel providing “the truth” about the Gaza war. In 2007, it reportedly received a £2 million investment from the overseas arm of the Al-Shiddi Group, which has connections to the Saudi royal family. Despite being recognized with the Responsible Media of the Year award at the British Muslim Awards in 2014 and 2015, the Islam Channel has faced multiple regulatory sanctions. In 2007, Ofcom fined the channel £30,000 for violating broadcasting rules by allowing Yvonne Ridley to present news programs while running as a political candidate. In 2010, the regulator censured the channel for airing content advocating marital rape and domestic violence. More recently, in 2023, Ofcom found that the one-hour documentary The Andinia Plan constituted hate speech against Jewish people. Dr. Hargey did not hold back in his criticism, stating: “Islam Channel epitomizes hideous Islamic fundamentalism in the UK. It purports to represent British Muslims, but its sectarian ideology is nothing but an insidious initiative to mainstream Muslim extremism and fanaticism in this country. It revels in their ‘them and us’ narrative, inhibiting any effective social cohesion. Ofcom needs to take decisive action to mitigate the channel’s incendiary language and partisan guests who do not subscribe to traditional British values.” An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed that complaints were being reviewed: “We are assessing the complaints against our rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.” The Islam Channel has been repeatedly approached for comment but has yet to respond. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

Hawaii is sinking at a shocking pace—40 times faster than previously estimated—raising grave concerns that catastrophic flooding could devastate businesses and homes within decades. A new study has revealed that certain areas of Oahu’s South Shore, including Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Ewa Beach, are subsiding at an alarming rate of approximately 25mm per year. This dramatic land sinking, combined with rising sea levels, is expected to cause an estimated $12.9 billion in infrastructure damage. Kyle Murray, co-author of the study published in Communications Earth & Environment, warned that the implications of this rapid subsidence are dire. "In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for flooding on a shorter timeline," he stated. Pearl Harbor and Mapunapuna, both significant areas on the island, could experience flooding within this decade—up to 30 years earlier than previously predicted. By 2080, other areas like Downtown Honolulu, the airport, Ewa Beach, and Waikiki will be regularly exposed to severe flooding. According to the study, by that time, the combined effect of sea level rise and land subsidence will bring water levels just under six feet, endangering entire coastal communities. By the end of the century, the situation is expected to worsen dramatically, with water levels potentially reaching up to eight feet. Dr. Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, highlighted the dangerous intersection of climate change and land subsidence. "Rising sea levels due to climate change are already increasing coastal flood risks in low-lying neighborhoods around Honolulu, and this new study shows that sinking land could significantly amplify those risks," she explained to DailyMail.com. "Add in subsidence rates that are on par with sea level rise rates, and the threat increases substantially." Dr. Dahl predicted that by the next century, "higher annual coastal flood levels due to climate-driven sea level rise" will "expose residents, businesses, and infrastructure in parts of Mapunapuna to potential losses." Some areas of Oahu are already experiencing early warning signs of what’s to come. Heavy storms this past January resulted in significant flooding in Kuliouou, near Honolulu, leaving inches of standing water. Local residents have grown accustomed to the annual flooding during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. "The second it starts overflooding, then the entire house is gonna have to be cleaned out once the rain's over," resident Kiana Novey said in an interview with Island News earlier this year. In response to the increasing threat, FEMA has issued a preliminary draft of new flood zone maps for the island. Homeowners in high-risk flood zones with federally backed loans or mortgages will be required to purchase flood insurance. Public comment on these new designations, which will drastically expand coverage areas and impact thousands of local residents, is open until June 10. Previously, only certain parts of Honolulu, Kailua, and select coastal regions were considered high-risk flood zones. However, the new data suggests that much of the island’s coastline—and the thousands of homes built along it—are now in imminent danger. Co-author of the study Phil Thompson cautioned that some regions could see a 50 percent increase in flood exposure by 2050. "Risk strategies will have to be implemented to help protect the island, which could eventually mean relocating businesses and homes from high-risk areas," he told Daily Galaxy. Despite the bleak outlook, there is one small glimmer of hope. The study indicates that the rate of sinking in Mapunapuna may begin to slow by 2090. However, by that time, much of the island’s coastline will already be facing irreversible damage—both physically and economically—leaving large portions of Oahu quite literally underwater. Based on a report by The Daily Mail 2025-03-18

A disturbing online network known as 'The Com' is luring children as young as 11 into carrying out horrific acts of violence and cruelty, raising alarms among authorities. The network, which operates on encrypted platforms like Telegram and Discord, preys on young boys, coercing them into committing despicable acts as a means of initiation and progression. Concerns over 'The Com' have reached the highest levels of government, with the National Crime Agency (NCA) briefing ministers on its dangers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed serious concern over the rise of this underground group, which includes sub-factions with names such as the Maniacs Murder Cult, the No Lives Matter Cult, Brotherhood of Blood, and the Cult of White Misanthrope. The sinister network primarily targets boys between the ages of 11 and 17, grooming them into increasingly extreme behaviors. New recruits are often forced to prove themselves through sickening initiation rituals, such as destroying property in their communities, harming their younger siblings or classmates, or even abusing pets and stray animals. Those who show the greatest willingness to engage in violence rise through the ranks. According to an inside source, these recruits are viewed as mere pawns by higher-ranking members. "For alphas in the network, new entrants are just fodder to be persuaded to commit acts of violence, to generate more unique content for the group – some of which can be sold on to other networks – and ultimately, to be extorted for money," the source revealed. The issue has been brought into public consciousness by the Netflix drama Adolescence, which follows a boy’s descent into violence after being manipulated online. A source confirmed that the show has helped raise awareness about the dangerous influence of online networks. Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips acknowledged the growing concern among parents, stating, "Many parents will have been watching Adolescence and asking: how real is this?" She added, "What the experts in the Home Office warned me was that The Com is one of the biggest threats facing young boys in our country: a loose affiliation of online networks operating in the encrypted shadows of social media and instant messaging platforms." Efforts to tackle this growing crisis are underway, with the NCA collaborating with international law enforcement agencies in the United States, the Philippines, and New Zealand to disrupt the spread of harmful content and identify those responsible. The UK Government is also calling on social media platforms to take urgent action against these groups. Baroness Jones, a former deputy mayor of London and advocate for women's rights, expressed deep concern over the impact of these groups on young minds. "This is a very distressing account of practices that harm the boys themselves, as well as the animals or people who are targeted," she said. "It is exactly the sort of online material that needs banning immediately and the organisers prosecuted, for the possible later crimes of blackmail and extortion, but also for the crime of damaging young minds." Joeli Brearley, campaigner and co-host of the To Be a Boy podcast, described the situation as terrifying. "It makes you feel sick to the stomach as a parent, and I feel a constant fear about where this is heading," she said. "Ninety-nine per cent of parents are completely unprepared and naive – they have no clue what their children are doing online." She emphasized the importance of parental vigilance, urging parents to maintain open conversations with their children about their online activities. "You can't stop kids seeing things online, but it is important to have those conversations with them about what they are seeing, make them feel like they can come to you. And never judge them when they do – or they will stop talking to you." Brearley also pointed out the need for better support for boys, warning that many young males feel lost and vulnerable to dangerous influences. "Boys are feeling not championed. These sites give them a sense of community, trick them into thinking this is what it means to be a man. We need to be better at filling their void." As authorities work to dismantle these harmful networks, the growing fear remains: how many more boys will fall victim before real change is made? Based on a report by The Daily Mail 2025-03-18

Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX will send a humanoid robot to Mars aboard its massive Starship rocket next year, with human missions potentially following by the end of the decade. The billionaire, who now serves as a close advisor to Donald Trump, revealed that a launch carrying Tesla’s Optimus robot is scheduled for late 2026. “Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus,” Musk confirmed. “If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely.” Musk has long been vocal about his ambition to colonize Mars, a goal that aligns with Trump’s renewed space policy. During his January inauguration speech, Trump declared his commitment “to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, has been designed as a general-purpose worker capable of performing routine tasks. When unveiling the robot in October 2024, Musk suggested that Optimus could one day serve as a teacher, babysitter, dog walker, lawnmower, grocery shopper, bartender, and even a companion. “Whatever you can think of, it will do,” he said at the time. While he did not specify a launch timeline then, Musk estimated that Optimus, when produced at scale, would cost between £15,000 and £23,000—cheaper than a car. Starship, the rocket intended to carry both robots and humans to Mars, is the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built. Standing at 403 feet tall—roughly 90 feet taller than Big Ben—it is designed for full reusability, a crucial aspect of Musk’s long-term vision for space travel. NASA is also counting on a modified version of Starship as a lunar lander for its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon within the decade. Despite its ambitions, SpaceX faced another setback this month when its latest uncrewed test flight ended in an explosion. Although the booster was successfully recovered, the upper stage of Starship lost control and tumbled before communication was lost. Footage shared online showed debris falling over the Bahamas. This marked the eighth orbital test flight, and as with previous attempts, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered an investigation before SpaceX can conduct another launch. Nevertheless, SpaceX’s rapid iteration strategy—often summarized as “fail fast, learn fast”—has propelled it to the forefront of the global space industry. Despite setbacks, Musk remains undeterred in his pursuit of making Mars a habitable destination, with robots possibly leading the way for human explorers in just a few years. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

A judicial handbook advising judges on fair treatment in court has sparked criticism for its stance on migrants and its use of a contentious definition of Islamophobia. The Equal Treatment Bench Book, a 352-page document published annually by the Judicial College, aims to enhance judges' understanding of those appearing before them and to promote effective communication in courtrooms. However, critics argue that it promotes political bias and a two-tier justice system. The handbook states that migrants and asylum seekers face negative portrayals in sections of the UK press and some political debates. It notes that many have suffered imprisonment, torture, or rape before fleeing their home countries and that asylum seekers in the UK often experience high levels of stress due to insecurity, social isolation, and the fear of deportation. The guide cites figures from the Home Office, highlighting that while the UK received 74,751 asylum applications in 2022, Germany processed 244,132 and France 156,103. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, has criticized the guide, calling it a sign of a politically influenced judiciary. “This guidance is another concerning example of the politicisation of the judiciary. Sentencing decisions should be made on the facts of the case, not on activist guidelines which are pro-open borders. Illegal migrants and asylum seekers who break the law should not be treated any less robustly than a British citizen, otherwise we have a two-tier system.” The handbook also adopts the definition of Islamophobia proposed by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on British Muslims in 2018, which states that “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” The definition has been widely criticized, including by Muslim groups, for being overly broad and potentially restricting free speech. Fiyaz Mughal, founder of Tell MAMA, an organization that monitors anti-Muslim hate incidents, expressed serious concerns about its inclusion. “We’re now moving into Stasi-land when such a loose definition [is used] through which a coach and horses could be driven through by people who want to defend their Muslimness, and which can be used to stop free speech and the right of people to question beliefs. The judiciary always is willing to listen to issues of inclusion but this avenue is being abused by some really bad actors to attempt to get a form of protection of religious beliefs and practices through the back door and through our judiciary.” Jenrick also condemned the handbook’s stance on the matter, saying, “The APPG definition of Islamophobia is a Trojan horse for a blasphemy law — the judiciary should stick to established law to tackle anti-Muslim hate, not writing in ever more expansive definitions.” The guide further advises judges not to raise “unnecessary objections regarding dress code” in cases where defendants wear a full-face veil and encourages them to “show understanding” if defendants are unable to attend court due to religious observances. The Judicial Office has been contacted for comment on the controversy surrounding the handbook. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-18

Civil servants have come under scrutiny for extravagant spending on taxpayer-funded credit cards, prompting the government to pledge tighter controls. Reports reveal that officials have used these cards for luxurious expenses, including stays at high-end hotels, outings to a Barbados yacht club, and even a course on "value for money." Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, is set to announce a crackdown on Whitehall’s use of government-issued credit cards. While Labour previously criticized the Conservative government for reckless spending, recent revelations have embarrassed the party, showing that costly expenditures have continued unchecked since Labour came to power last July. McFadden has since launched an urgent review into the issue, with measures expected to limit who can access these cards and what they can be used for. Shortly after the general election, the Cabinet Office charged £1,820 to a government credit card for a course on “value for money.” In July, the Prison and Probation Service spent £814 at “Chips Isle of Wight,” a retailer specializing in retro video games. The Department for Education also racked up a £7,230 bill with the Marriott hotel chain for an “away day” event for civil servants in August. In November, the Department for Business spent £1,080 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts' business program, which claims to use acting techniques to improve leadership and public speaking skills. December saw even more controversial spending, with Angela Rayner’s housing department paying £609 to rent a meeting space at a city farm just a mile from its taxpayer-funded offices. That same month, the Foreign Office spent nearly £11,000 at John Lewis and another £1,300 at the luxury department store Fortnum & Mason. Additionally, David Lammy’s department charged £650 to a specialist chandelier firm and £4,100 for swimming pool maintenance. A Labour insider defended the government’s stance, saying, “We will not allow taxpayers’ money to be frittered away in this irresponsible way. We will be ruthless in tackling the waste to which the Tories turned a blind eye, so we can prioritise cash on more hospital appointments, teachers in classrooms, and police back on the beat. To get a grip on the problem, Pat McFadden has ordered an urgent review of who has access to these government credit cards and what they can be used to purchase. We will set out more action in the coming weeks.” Records indicate that extravagant spending has persisted for years. In January 2023, Foreign Office staff spent £920 at the Nassau Yacht Club in Barbados, £965 at a bowling club in Toronto, and £2,900 at an art deco cinema in Wellington, New Zealand. The following October, the department spent £673 on a website that sells life-size celebrity cardboard cutouts, including a full-sized replica of Harry Styles priced at £45. In November 2022, another £684 was spent at a leisure company in the Lake District offering axe-throwing and clay pigeon shooting. A government spokesperson emphasized efforts to curb wasteful spending, stating, “We are fully focused on tackling wasteful spending and inefficiency across government. That’s why we are carrying out huge reforms to create an agile and productive state. We are fundamentally changing the way public services, civil servants, and the UK deliver for the public, building on the first eight months of the Government’s agenda.” Foreign embassies sometimes use procurement cards to host political and business leaders or to promote Britain’s interests abroad. However, as scrutiny intensifies, Labour’s promised crackdown is expected to introduce significant changes to the use of taxpayer-backed credit cards. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

The White House on Monday firmly dismissed a suggestion from a French politician that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France, taking a jab at the lawmaker in the process. “Absolutely not,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing when asked about the possibility of sending the iconic statue back. She did not hold back in her response, adding, “And my advice to that unnamed, low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. So, they should be very grateful to our country.” The remark came after Raphaël Glucksmann, a center-left politician and member of the French Parliament, made headlines with his call for the U.S. to return the statue. Speaking at a convention on Sunday, Glucksmann argued that the United States no longer upholds the values that led France to gift the statue in the first place. “Give us back the Statue of Liberty,” Glucksmann declared. “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’” He continued, “We gave it to you as a gift, but apparently you despise it. So it will be just fine here at home.” France originally gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a symbol of the friendship between the two nations and to celebrate America’s dedication to freedom and democracy. The statue was officially unveiled in New York City in 1886 and has since remained one of the most enduring symbols of the country’s ideals. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-03-18

Ukrainian soldiers who fought in Russia's Kursk region have described their retreat as a nightmare, likening the harrowing experience to scenes from a horror movie. Facing relentless Russian attacks, waves of drones, and devastating artillery fire, troops struggled to withdraw as their forces suffered heavy losses. Extensive accounts from Ukrainian soldiers paint a picture of chaos and desperation as they attempted to escape under constant Russian fire. On March 9, a soldier identified as "Volodymyr" sent a message via Telegram, stating he was still in Sudzha, where panic had set in, and the front lines were collapsing. "Ukrainian troops are trying to leave – columns of troops and equipment. Some of them are burned by Russian drones on the road. It is impossible to leave during the day," he reported. Just a month earlier, the withdrawal routes were passable. By March 9, however, they had fallen under Russian fire control. "In one minute, you can see two to three drones. That's a lot," Volodymyr added. He lamented that Ukrainian forces had relied on a single major road, the Sudzha-Sumy highway, and yet, despite the obvious risk, their commanders were caught off guard when the Russians targeted it. By March 11, the battle for control of this critical road was in full force. A soldier identified as "Maksym" reported receiving an order for an "organized retreat" but noted that Russia had amassed a formidable force, including "large numbers of North Korean soldiers." Military analysts estimated that Russia had deployed around 70,000 troops to Kursk, including 12,000 North Koreans. Additionally, Russia had sent its most advanced drone units to the battlefield, employing kamikaze and first-person-view (FPV) drones to dominate logistics routes. Some of these drones were connected via fiber-optic cables, making them impervious to electronic countermeasures. Maksym described the resulting devastation, saying that "the enemy managed to destroy dozens of units of equipment," leading to massive congestion along supply routes. Another soldier, "Anton," described the situation as "catastrophic." Serving at the Kursk front headquarters, he confirmed that Ukrainian forces had lost their drone advantage, while Russian air strikes and troop numbers overwhelmed defenses. "Our logistics no longer work – organized deliveries of weapons, ammunition, food, and water are no longer possible," Anton said. He managed to flee Sudzha on foot under the cover of darkness but recalled barely surviving. "We almost died several times. Drones are in the sky all the time." Anton predicted that Ukraine's foothold in Kursk would soon be lost. "From a military point of view, the Kursk direction has exhausted itself. There is no point in keeping it any more," he concluded. Ukraine had committed approximately 12,000 troops to the Kursk offensive, among them some of its most highly trained forces equipped with Western-supplied tanks and armored vehicles. However, by March 11-12, as the withdrawal continued, the scene became even grimmer. A fourth soldier, "Dmytro," likened the retreat to "a scene from a horror movie." "The roads are littered with hundreds of destroyed cars, armored vehicles, and ATVs. There are a lot of wounded and dead," he recounted. Ukrainian vehicles attempting to flee were hunted by multiple drones, with soldiers forced to abandon their equipment and retreat on foot. Dmytro himself narrowly escaped when the car he was traveling in got stuck. As he and his comrades attempted to free it, they were attacked by an FPV drone. Though the drone missed the vehicle, it wounded one of his fellow soldiers. They were forced to hide in a forest for two hours before rescue arrived. Many Ukrainian troops were left with no choice but to walk 15 to 20 kilometers to safety. What had initially been a "difficult and critical" situation quickly turned "catastrophic," Dmytro said. On March 14, his final message was bleak: "Everything is finished in the Kursk region... the operation was not successful." According to Dmytro’s estimates, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers had lost their lives since the offensive into Russia began in August. As the dust settles on the failed campaign, the loss of Kursk marks another devastating chapter in the ongoing war. Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-18

Iranian authorities have intensified their efforts to enforce the country’s mandatory hijab laws using advanced digital surveillance, including drones, facial recognition, and mobile applications, according to a recent United Nations report. The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has described the crackdown as a pattern of “state-sponsored vigilantism,” where both security forces and civilians play a role in monitoring and punishing women who fail to comply. The report reveals that drones are being used to track women’s adherence to hijab laws in public areas, including Tehran and southern provinces. Additionally, facial recognition software has been installed at Amirkabir University in Tehran to monitor female students. These measures are part of a broader state effort to suppress dissent, particularly targeting women. The findings follow last year’s UN determination that Iran’s government was responsible for the “physical violence” that led to the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman. Witnesses reported that Amini was severely beaten by the morality police before she died in custody, though Iranian authorities attributed her death to “sudden heart failure.” Her death sparked massive protests that persist despite threats of arrest and imprisonment. A woman who sustained multiple fractures during police action against protesters described the feeling of constant surveillance. “Our situation remains the same. We are living in a prison, being watched throughout the day and night. It feels like being naked despite wearing a hijab, as drones, cameras, and other surveillance technologies are tracking our every moment,” she told The Telegraph, requesting anonymity due to fear of reprisals. One of the most significant tools in this surveillance network is a government-backed mobile application called Nazer, meaning “to watch.” Initially designed to report women for dress code violations in private vehicles, its scope was expanded in September 2024 to include taxis, ambulances, and public transport. When a violation is reported, authorities receive a real-time alert containing details such as the vehicle’s license plate number. The owner is then notified via text message, and repeat offenders risk having their vehicles confiscated. “They take away our cars and penalize us for showing dissent. We could not use our cars,” the woman added. These measures fall under Iran’s Noor (Enlightenment) plan, launched in April 2024 at the request of the judiciary. Under this initiative, police officers are deployed nationwide to target women accused of “promoting social anomalies” by appearing in public without a hijab. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also mobilized civilian enforcers, known as “ambassadors of kindness,” to monitor compliance in markets, parks, and public transportation. According to the UN report, at least 618 women have been detained under this program, with many facing legal action based on photographic evidence and security reports. Punishments range from fines to harsher sentences. “For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fueled the protests in 2022. The criminalization, surveillance, and continued repression of protesters, families of victims, and survivors—particularly women and girls—is deeply worrying,” said Sara Hossain, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. The crackdown has also included corporal punishment. On November 23, Roshnak Alishah was lashed 14 times after being convicted of “disturbing public chastity.” She had previously been arrested for posting a video of herself without a hijab while confronting a man who had harassed her. Similarly, in March, well-known Iranian singer Mehdi Yarrahi was flogged 74 times for releasing a song critical of the mandatory hijab. Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament has been working to implement even stricter hijab laws under the Hijab and Chastity bill. If passed, women could face up to 10 years in prison or fines as high as $12,000 (£9,000) for failing to comply. The bill would also expand the power of security forces and private citizens to enforce hijab rules. While its implementation, originally scheduled for December 2024, has been temporarily suspended by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, human rights groups fear the delay is only procedural and that the government will ultimately push forward with harsher restrictions. Beyond digital surveillance, authorities have introduced so-called “clinics” where young girls caught without a hijab would undergo “scientific and psychological treatment” to correct their behavior. The UN report also sheds light on severe abuses within Iran’s judicial system, describing it as lacking independence and often persecuting victims of state violence. In addition to detailing cases of extrajudicial killings, including the execution of three child protesters, the report documents instances where authorities falsely labeled killings as suicides. One of the most harrowing findings concerns sexual violence in detention. A female detainee recounted being subjected to brutal beatings, two staged executions, and multiple sexual assaults, including gang rape, during her imprisonment in 2023. “One day, like my friends, I’ll leave this doomed country and never return. Iranian women are brave and fighting every day, but a change seems impossible because they don’t care about women. They have guns and no mercy, we are unarmed and powerless,” said one protester. The UN’s findings will be formally presented to the Human Rights Council on March 18. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-18

"Giving up is not acceptable,” Bernie Sanders declared passionately at Lincoln High School in Warren, Michigan, as thousands of people gathered to hear him speak. The crowd spilled out of the gymnasium and into the parking lot, evidence of the veteran senator’s enduring appeal. Yet despite his ability to draw a crowd, the 83-year-old Sanders will not be the one to lead the Democratic Party back to power. The party remains divided and in search of a new direction. In the absence of a unified Democratic effort, Sanders’ “Stop Oligarchy Tour” brought 9,000 people to a district of suburban Detroit that had voted for President Trump. “Let us never forget that real change…only occurs when ordinary people stand up against oppression and injustice and fight back,” Sanders told them. His calls for electoral funding reform, universal healthcare, free college tuition, and a higher minimum wage were met with applause. But the larger question loomed: Who will lead the Democrats in the years ahead? The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has launched its own response, organizing town halls in nine vulnerable Republican districts, including Sanders’ chosen Michigan district. These efforts are an attempt to counter a Republican strategy that has seen GOP leaders limit public meetings due to viral confrontations with angry constituents over budget cuts. Yet many Democrats believe that rallies alone are not enough. “There are a lot of folks looking for some sort of leadership,” said George Chapp, chairman of the Democratic Party in blue-collar Warren, Michigan. “Rallies are nice… but the changes that are taking place by Republicans and by Trump, they’re not having rallies doing this. They’re just doing it. So we have to think much differently, act much more creatively than we have in the past.” Chapp and other activists had warned the party that Republicans had begun voter outreach in Michigan well ahead of the last election. But no serious Democratic counter-effort emerged. “Everything that’s happening right now on the Republican side, that was not done in a vacuum. It’s very methodically planned,” Chapp said. “Our work in opposition and our work in challenging what is happening has to be equally methodical.” His team is already preparing legal challenges to expected Republican cuts to public services, including education funding. For now, the Democratic Party remains fractured, with multiple factions vying for influence. The progressive wing, which Sanders helped define, is represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has joined him on his tour. Meanwhile, the moderate, pragmatic faction features leaders like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is preparing to unveil alternative solutions to Trump’s policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom is positioning himself as a pragmatic progressive, while figures such as Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear all represent centrist leadership options. Each is expected to enter the crowded race for the 2028 Democratic nomination. One uncertain figure is Kamala Harris, who failed to secure victory after stepping in for Joe Biden in 2024. She is reportedly writing a book about her campaign experience, and its content may determine her future. “She gets a payday either way, but only [a book that reinvents her] gets her a second shot at the presidency,” said Keith Urbahn, head of the literary agency Javelin. In the meantime, Newsom appears eager to distance himself from his progressive past. He has launched a podcast and even invited right-wing figures Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon to discuss political issues. “Gavin Newsom is trying to pivot away from the culture wars, an area where Democrats have been shooting themselves in the foot,” said Steven Greene, a political science professor at North Carolina State University. In a surprising move, Newsom even agreed with Kirk that it was “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to compete in female sports. His statements have drawn outrage from progressives. “There are kids waking up today in California with this news thinking that their governor hates them, and rightly so,” said Pramila Jayapal, leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Others, like Ro Khanna, a congressman for Silicon Valley, are advocating for an economic-focused approach, urging Democrats to admit that globalized trade policies have “shafted the working and middle class.” Among the centrists, Whitmer has sought common ground with Trump, saying she is willing to work with his administration on bringing jobs to Michigan. “I’m not looking for fights, but I won’t back down from them either,” she said. Meanwhile, Shapiro is using his passion for sports to connect with voters, serving as a guest commentator for college basketball games to appeal to young male voters drifting toward Trump. Beshear, a leading centrist, has openly criticized Newsom for giving Bannon a platform. “Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger… I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform ever, anywhere,” he said. Rahm Emanuel, Biden’s former ambassador to Japan, has taken a different approach, appearing on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher and joking about the Democratic Party’s struggles with identity politics. His remarks highlight a broader challenge for the party—how to navigate the culture wars without alienating key voter blocs. Some Democratic strategists believe the party should avoid direct confrontation with Trump and let him self-destruct. “Play dead,” advised James Carville, a veteran political strategist. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed this sentiment: “We’re not going to swing at every pitch.” Others, like former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, remain optimistic that the political tide will turn. “The stuff Trump’s doing is crazy… Trump’s going to drive this economy into a ditch. We’ve just got to come out with our positive message… and we’ll be fine.” However, grassroots activists like Chapp reject complacency. “I will tell you verbatim what I have told my membership: the cavalry is not coming. Do not expect a white knight on a white horse. It is not coming. It is us. So that’s why… until we see things emerge at the federal level, we at the local level have to take matters into our own hands.” As the Democrats search for their next leader, the battle for the party’s future is already well underway. Based on a report by The Times 2025-03-18

President Donald Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as he pushes to end the war in Ukraine. The U.S. leader disclosed the upcoming conversation to reporters while flying from Florida to Washington on Air Force One on Sunday evening. “We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday. I will be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday,” Trump said. “A lot of work’s been done over the weekend. We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.” Although Russia failed in its initial goal to topple Ukraine with its invasion three years ago, it still controls large swaths of the country. Trump said land and power plants are part of the conversation around bringing the war to a close. “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” he said. Trump described it as “dividing up certain assets.” Based on a report by AP News 2025-03-17