Child at California day camp killed by falling tree branch; others injured

A Canadian police official sparked controversy by suggesting that holding "traditional values" could be a warning sign of potential extremism, following recent arrests in Quebec. The comments faced swift backlash, prompting the official to walk back the statement—but not before igniting a debate about how authorities identify radicalization and whether such labels risk stigmatizing ordinary beliefs.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about policing—it taps into bigger questions about where society draws the line between personal beliefs and genuine threats. If authorities conflate conservatism with extremism, it could erode trust in law enforcement while muddying efforts to tackle actual radicalization. The pushback shows how delicate these conversations are, especially in a polarized world.

Former President Donald Trump is doubling down on his trade policy playbook, signaling plans for sweeping tariffs if he returns to office—despite concerns they could worsen inflation. In an interview with NBC, he also touched on sending Patriot missiles to NATO allies for Ukraine and pitching his economic agenda, which he calls a "big, beautiful bill."

Editor’s Note: Tariffs might sound like wonky economics, but they directly impact prices on everything from groceries to gas. Trump’s push for more—while dismissing inflation risks—could set up a major economic clash. Add in his NATO-Ukraine comments, and it’s a preview of how his second-term policies might shake up global markets and alliances.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss a fresh proposal for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Rubio, who doubles as Trump’s national security adviser, mentioned that Lavrov brought new ideas to the table during their nearly hour-long talk. While details are still vague, the conversation suggests both sides might be testing the waters for possible peace negotiations.

Editor’s Note: High-level talks like this are rare given the current tensions, so even a hint of progress—or just dialogue—is noteworthy. It doesn’t mean a deal is imminent, but it’s a sign that behind-the-scenes discussions are happening, which could shape future moves in the war. For Ukrainians and global observers, any shift in diplomatic tone is worth watching closely.

President Trump is putting pressure on fellow Republicans to back a $9 billion spending cut package that targets foreign aid and public broadcasting (including PBS and NPR). He’s warning that he won’t support any GOP lawmakers who oppose the plan, specifically calling out the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as a priority for defunding.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a power play. Trump’s ultimatum forces Republicans to choose between loyalty to his agenda and potential backlash from constituents who rely on or support public broadcasting. It also reignites the long-standing debate over federal funding for media, which conservatives often argue has a liberal bias. If the cuts go through, it could reshape the future of NPR and PBS, which rely partly on government money.

A federal judge is considering whether to block former President Trump’s efforts to challenge birthright citizenship, even though the Supreme Court has already weighed in on the issue. Meanwhile, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is calling out Democrats and climate activists for being too soft on the fossil fuel industry, accusing it of running a massive propaganda campaign to deny climate change.