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Japan’s navy gets an upgrade (4/29/2024)
Following their defeat in World War II, the people of Japan pursued a largely pacifist foreign policy. Today, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and with near-daily news regarding China’s threatening activities throughout the greater Pacific, the Japanese are reinvesting in military defense and reaffirming their alliances with Pacific partners like Australia and the United States. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan looks at recent developments in Japanese naval capabilities and concludes that the Japanese navy is rapidly gearing up. Crucially, Zeihan observes, the Japanese people themselves are beginning to awaken …
Following their defeat in World War II, the people of Japan pursued a largely pacifist foreign policy. Today, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and with near-daily news regarding China’s threatening activities throughout the greater Pacific, the Japanese are reinvesting in military defense and reaffirming their alliances with Pacific partners like Australia and the United States. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan looks at recent developments in Japanese naval capabilities and concludes that the Japanese navy is rapidly gearing up. Crucially, Zeihan observes, the Japanese people themselves are beginning to awaken …
Will MAGA GOP remove Speaker Johnson? (4/29/2024)
The Republican Party’s public split between pro-MAGA and anti-MAGA camps now threatens to oust yet another speaker of the House, six months after the historic ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy last October. This time, it’s Speaker Mike Johnson’s job at stake, and the key issue at hand is the defense of Ukraine. Straight Arrow News contributor David Pakman dives into the issues surrounding the GOP schism, where Trump stands on the possible ousting of yet another House speaker, and how Trump’s criminal trials may or may not impact any of …
The Republican Party’s public split between pro-MAGA and anti-MAGA camps now threatens to oust yet another speaker of the House, six months after the historic ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy last October. This time, it’s Speaker Mike Johnson’s job at stake, and the key issue at hand is the defense of Ukraine. Straight Arrow News contributor David Pakman dives into the issues surrounding the GOP schism, where Trump stands on the possible ousting of yet another House speaker, and how Trump’s criminal trials may or may not impact any of …
Musk visits Beijing as Tesla’s China-made cars clear data security hurdles (4/29/2024)
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unexpectedly visited Beijing, coinciding with the city’s first major auto show in four years. During his visit, Musk met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This meeting follows Tesla’s announcement that local Chinese authorities have lifted restrictions on its cars after they passed China’s data security standards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9wKf5TolWQ Tesla is also partnering with a Chinese tech giant Baidu to use its mapping and navigation technology, enabling data collection on China’s public roads for its Full Self-Driving feature. These developments come amid broader concerns over data privacy and international security related to …
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unexpectedly visited Beijing, coinciding with the city’s first major auto show in four years. During his visit, Musk met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This meeting follows Tesla’s announcement that local Chinese authorities have lifted restrictions on its cars after they passed China’s data security standards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9wKf5TolWQ Tesla is also partnering with a Chinese tech giant Baidu to use its mapping and navigation technology, enabling data collection on China’s public roads for its Full Self-Driving feature. These developments come amid broader concerns over data privacy and international security related to …
Trump holds private meeting with former GOP rival DeSantis (4/29/2024)
Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, met privately for breakfast in Miami on Sunday, April 29, to discuss raising funds for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The meeting, first reported by The Washington Post, was reportedly arranged by real estate chairman Steven Witkoff. The talks between the presumptive Republican nominee and his one-time rival lasted several hours and were described as “friendly.” https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1749159384112845285 This encounter comes just weeks after NBC News reported DeSantis pledged to donors during a private event that he’ll assist in fundraising efforts for Trump’s …
Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, met privately for breakfast in Miami on Sunday, April 29, to discuss raising funds for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The meeting, first reported by The Washington Post, was reportedly arranged by real estate chairman Steven Witkoff. The talks between the presumptive Republican nominee and his one-time rival lasted several hours and were described as “friendly.” https://twitter.com/RonDeSantis/status/1749159384112845285 This encounter comes just weeks after NBC News reported DeSantis pledged to donors during a private event that he’ll assist in fundraising efforts for Trump’s …
Several dead after tornadoes sweep through Midwest (4/29/2024)
Several people, including an infant, are dead after tornadoes sweep through the Midwest. Also, demonstrations by dueling groups turn physical on the campus of UCLA. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, April 29, 2024. Several dead after tornadoes sweep through Midwest At least four people, including a young child, are dead after tornadoes swept through Oklahoma on Sunday, April 28 — part of a series of severe weather events affecting several Midwestern states. On Friday, April 26, a tornado damaged dozens of homes and buildings in …
Several people, including an infant, are dead after tornadoes sweep through the Midwest. Also, demonstrations by dueling groups turn physical on the campus of UCLA. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, April 29, 2024. Several dead after tornadoes sweep through Midwest At least four people, including a young child, are dead after tornadoes swept through Oklahoma on Sunday, April 28 — part of a series of severe weather events affecting several Midwestern states. On Friday, April 26, a tornado damaged dozens of homes and buildings in …
Biden uses NFL draft ad to try to connect with young voters (4/26/2024)
April marks the month of the 2024 NFL draft, a time to check out the future stars of your favorite teams, escape from the daily grind, and most importantly, break free of politics and ads — except one. Joe Biden’s campaign is running a 20-second ad that shows President Biden smiling with the Kansas City Chiefs. The ad also features a 2020 clip of Donald Trump saying, “Nobody cares about football.” The ad ends by urging viewers to “make the right pick in November.” https://twitter.com/BidenHQ/status/1783618231766311220 The Biden campaign also posted …
April marks the month of the 2024 NFL draft, a time to check out the future stars of your favorite teams, escape from the daily grind, and most importantly, break free of politics and ads — except one. Joe Biden’s campaign is running a 20-second ad that shows President Biden smiling with the Kansas City Chiefs. The ad also features a 2020 clip of Donald Trump saying, “Nobody cares about football.” The ad ends by urging viewers to “make the right pick in November.” https://twitter.com/BidenHQ/status/1783618231766311220 The Biden campaign also posted …
Powering pot: Energy for US cannabis industry could electrify 13.5M homes (4/26/2024)
In recent years, the burgeoning cannabis industry in the United States has become responsible for a significant amount of energy consumption. The electricity required nationwide for cannabis cultivation is equivalent to powering roughly 13.5 million homes, constituting about 1% of the entire country’s annual energy usage. With the industry expected to expand further, experts project that this demand could surge to 3% by 2035. Utility providers have issued warnings about the escalating energy needs of cannabis growers, cautioning that they could eventually demand as much power as a small city. …
In recent years, the burgeoning cannabis industry in the United States has become responsible for a significant amount of energy consumption. The electricity required nationwide for cannabis cultivation is equivalent to powering roughly 13.5 million homes, constituting about 1% of the entire country’s annual energy usage. With the industry expected to expand further, experts project that this demand could surge to 3% by 2035. Utility providers have issued warnings about the escalating energy needs of cannabis growers, cautioning that they could eventually demand as much power as a small city. …
Trump vs. Fed: Allies plan for Trump to have more control over interest rates (4/26/2024)
An exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Donald Trump’s allies are drawing up plans to dull the Federal Reserve’s independence if the former president wins another term. Trump repeatedly clashed with the central bank during his four years in the White House. According to the Journal, these allies think the president should be consulted on interest-rate decisions and have the power to oust Jerome Powell before his term as Fed chair expires in May 2026. The central bank is designed to be politically independent, removed from the influence …
An exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Donald Trump’s allies are drawing up plans to dull the Federal Reserve’s independence if the former president wins another term. Trump repeatedly clashed with the central bank during his four years in the White House. According to the Journal, these allies think the president should be consulted on interest-rate decisions and have the power to oust Jerome Powell before his term as Fed chair expires in May 2026. The central bank is designed to be politically independent, removed from the influence …
FDA: Bird flu found in 1/5 commercial milk samples, suggests greater spread (4/26/2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday, April 25, that one in five commercial milk samples tested in a nationwide survey contained particles of the H5N1 virus. The announcement suggests that the outbreak of bird flu might have deeply penetrated the dairy industry across the United States. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, said that the finding is significant, stating that the virus appears to have “saturated” dairy cattle through the country. Samuel Alcaine, an associate professor of food science at …
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Thursday, April 25, that one in five commercial milk samples tested in a nationwide survey contained particles of the H5N1 virus. The announcement suggests that the outbreak of bird flu might have deeply penetrated the dairy industry across the United States. Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, said that the finding is significant, stating that the virus appears to have “saturated” dairy cattle through the country. Samuel Alcaine, an associate professor of food science at …
China permanently deploys warships to second overseas base (4/26/2024)
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the official name of the Chinese naval forces, can now permanently operate from a second overseas base. Satellite imagery shows China has a pair of warships that have been docked in Cambodia for months. https://twitter.com/CSIS/status/1781321905342910466 Straight Arrow News previously reported on Cambodia giving China exclusive access to operate out of the Ream Naval Station. Even though the Cambodian constitution prohibits foreign military powers from operating permanently within the country, the Cambodian government started letting the Chinese make improvements to the pier at Ream a …
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the official name of the Chinese naval forces, can now permanently operate from a second overseas base. Satellite imagery shows China has a pair of warships that have been docked in Cambodia for months. https://twitter.com/CSIS/status/1781321905342910466 Straight Arrow News previously reported on Cambodia giving China exclusive access to operate out of the Ream Naval Station. Even though the Cambodian constitution prohibits foreign military powers from operating permanently within the country, the Cambodian government started letting the Chinese make improvements to the pier at Ream a …
France in need of air defense for Paris 2024 Games, asks Greece for help (4/26/2024)
Athens is facing an unprecedented request from France as preparations for the Paris Olympic Games unfold. French authorities formally asked to borrow a Greek air defense system for the 2024 Games. According to reports from the Greek daily newspaper “Kathimerini,” the French specifically requested the transfer of a Crotale short-range surface-to-air missile system from the Greek air force. The outlet first reported the story on Thursday, April 25. These talks began last November between France and Greece, yet progress has been slow or nonexistent since then. France argues that as …
Athens is facing an unprecedented request from France as preparations for the Paris Olympic Games unfold. French authorities formally asked to borrow a Greek air defense system for the 2024 Games. According to reports from the Greek daily newspaper “Kathimerini,” the French specifically requested the transfer of a Crotale short-range surface-to-air missile system from the Greek air force. The outlet first reported the story on Thursday, April 25. These talks began last November between France and Greece, yet progress has been slow or nonexistent since then. France argues that as …
US troops begin building pier Gaza aid just days after mortar attack (4/26/2024)
United States troops started the construction of a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians residing in the enclave. The project started days after Gaza militants fired mortar shells toward the construction site. President Joe Biden announced the decision to establish the maritime pier during his State of the Union address in March. The pier announcement came as United Nations officials had warned of an impending famine in Gaza. Officials described the situation as “almost inevitable” with life “draining out of Gaza at a …
United States troops started the construction of a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians residing in the enclave. The project started days after Gaza militants fired mortar shells toward the construction site. President Joe Biden announced the decision to establish the maritime pier during his State of the Union address in March. The pier announcement came as United Nations officials had warned of an impending famine in Gaza. Officials described the situation as “almost inevitable” with life “draining out of Gaza at a …
New CISA cybersecurity measures to fight ransomware raise privacy concerns (4/26/2024)
Ransomware attacks are causing significant damage to organizations of all sizes, exploiting unknown vulnerabilities. To combat this, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of the Department of Homeland Security, has initiated the Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot. This program notifies organizations about potential ransomware threats, potentially preventing millions in damages. For example, UnitedHealth Group, suffered a ransomware attack earlier this year, resulting in nationwide health care service outages and costing the company $872 million. The attackers allegedly stole 6 terabytes of patient data and demanded a $22 million …
Ransomware attacks are causing significant damage to organizations of all sizes, exploiting unknown vulnerabilities. To combat this, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a division of the Department of Homeland Security, has initiated the Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot. This program notifies organizations about potential ransomware threats, potentially preventing millions in damages. For example, UnitedHealth Group, suffered a ransomware attack earlier this year, resulting in nationwide health care service outages and costing the company $872 million. The attackers allegedly stole 6 terabytes of patient data and demanded a $22 million …
How Mexican president’s cheery claims about drug cartels denies reality (4/26/2024)
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that the country’s violent criminal gangs and drug cartels are “respectful people” who “respect the citizenry.” The president added that they mostly just kill each other. The Mexican president’s claims are at odds with the reality of millions of Mexicans who live in areas dominated by drug cartels and violent criminal gangs. The cartels routinely demand protection payments from local residents and they kill or kidnap the citizens if they refuse to pay the protection payment. On Thursday, April 25, a reporter asked President …
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that the country’s violent criminal gangs and drug cartels are “respectful people” who “respect the citizenry.” The president added that they mostly just kill each other. The Mexican president’s claims are at odds with the reality of millions of Mexicans who live in areas dominated by drug cartels and violent criminal gangs. The cartels routinely demand protection payments from local residents and they kill or kidnap the citizens if they refuse to pay the protection payment. On Thursday, April 25, a reporter asked President …
San Diego official warns city is ‘new epicenter’ of immigration crisis (4/26/2024)
A San Diego city official has labeled the city as the “new epicenter” for the border crisis, citing a surge in illegal crossings and migrants’ arrivals by boat. San Diego District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond criticized California’s policies, saying that the states actions have contributed to the crisis. https://twitter.com/jim_desmond/status/1783535859805090035 “San Diego is the new epicenter for migrants and illegal immigration,” Desmond said on X, formerly Twitter. He highlighted a significant increase in illegal crossings, causing San Diego to lead all nine southern border sectors in April — a situation reportedly …
A San Diego city official has labeled the city as the “new epicenter” for the border crisis, citing a surge in illegal crossings and migrants’ arrivals by boat. San Diego District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond criticized California’s policies, saying that the states actions have contributed to the crisis. https://twitter.com/jim_desmond/status/1783535859805090035 “San Diego is the new epicenter for migrants and illegal immigration,” Desmond said on X, formerly Twitter. He highlighted a significant increase in illegal crossings, causing San Diego to lead all nine southern border sectors in April — a situation reportedly …
How could RFK Jr. impact 2024 election? (4/26/2024)
Many Americans speculated about how a potential RFK, Jr. campaign might impact the 2024 elections. While RFK is neither a Democrat nor a Republican, many of his positions favor Donald Trump’s base over Joe Biden’s, particularly his various conspiracy theories on a wide range of subjects. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan says that GOP members cannot win any election if they become even more divided — that is, if they divide themselves between Trump and RFK. As it is, Zeihan adds, Trump will already need to win over true …
Many Americans speculated about how a potential RFK, Jr. campaign might impact the 2024 elections. While RFK is neither a Democrat nor a Republican, many of his positions favor Donald Trump’s base over Joe Biden’s, particularly his various conspiracy theories on a wide range of subjects. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan says that GOP members cannot win any election if they become even more divided — that is, if they divide themselves between Trump and RFK. As it is, Zeihan adds, Trump will already need to win over true …
House Speaker Johnson’s foreign aid bill shows a focused GOP (4/26/2024)
Following months of deliberation regarding U.S. assistance to its allies, the Senate approved a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spearheaded the approval of this wartime funding amidst renewed calls from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for him to resign. Straight Arrow News contributor Star Parker asserts that this is not the time for Republican infighting. Parker commends Speaker Johnson’s effectiveness in navigating the passage of the aid package and urges Republican lawmakers to stay focused and united. Israel is one of …
Following months of deliberation regarding U.S. assistance to its allies, the Senate approved a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson spearheaded the approval of this wartime funding amidst renewed calls from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., for him to resign. Straight Arrow News contributor Star Parker asserts that this is not the time for Republican infighting. Parker commends Speaker Johnson’s effectiveness in navigating the passage of the aid package and urges Republican lawmakers to stay focused and united. Israel is one of …
Trump’s own behavior betrays his guilt (4/26/2024)
Donald Trump recently summoned his supporters to show up and disrupt the criminal proceedings against him in court. Although few supporters actually showed up to defend the former president, the call reminded some Americans of his rhetoric surrounding Jan. 6, 2021. Straight Arrow News contributor Dr. Rashad Richey argues that Trump is revealing himself as a man who is clearly guilty of the accusations against him, and warns that those who continue to support him are now pursuing an agenda of lawlessness, anarchy and chaos. So let’s consider what’s happening …
Donald Trump recently summoned his supporters to show up and disrupt the criminal proceedings against him in court. Although few supporters actually showed up to defend the former president, the call reminded some Americans of his rhetoric surrounding Jan. 6, 2021. Straight Arrow News contributor Dr. Rashad Richey argues that Trump is revealing himself as a man who is clearly guilty of the accusations against him, and warns that those who continue to support him are now pursuing an agenda of lawlessness, anarchy and chaos. So let’s consider what’s happening …
Kim Kardashian attends White House meeting on criminal justice reform (4/26/2024)
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform at the White House on Thursday, April 25, attended by recently pardoned former inmates and reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian. During the meeting, Harris announced the finalization of changes to a Small Business Administration rule, which will remove most restrictions based on a person’s criminal record. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9ImFEsR6s Harris thanked Kardashian for her advocacy and using her platform to promote second chances. Kardashian — who became an activist for criminal reform during the Trump administration — discussed the …
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform at the White House on Thursday, April 25, attended by recently pardoned former inmates and reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian. During the meeting, Harris announced the finalization of changes to a Small Business Administration rule, which will remove most restrictions based on a person’s criminal record. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM9ImFEsR6s Harris thanked Kardashian for her advocacy and using her platform to promote second chances. Kardashian — who became an activist for criminal reform during the Trump administration — discussed the …
José Andrés honors World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza (4/26/2024)
At a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, April 25, celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, gave an emotional tribute to seven aid workers killed in a Gaza airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces earlier this month. Israeli military officials acknowledged the airstrike was a mistake and have disciplined those involved. Andrés has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmqZcKN5t_E He expressed hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its global humanitarian efforts, honoring the spirit and dedication of the lost aid workers. The service highlighted …
At a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, April 25, celebrity chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, gave an emotional tribute to seven aid workers killed in a Gaza airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces earlier this month. Israeli military officials acknowledged the airstrike was a mistake and have disciplined those involved. Andrés has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmqZcKN5t_E He expressed hope that World Central Kitchen will continue its global humanitarian efforts, honoring the spirit and dedication of the lost aid workers. The service highlighted …
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