Putin's demands to Ukraine underscore a position the West has always suspected: no compromise

Army brass is pushing back against congressional scrutiny over their decision to allocate up to $45 million for a parade as part of the Army’s 250th-anniversary bash. They argue the spectacle isn’t just pomp—it’s a recruitment tool, meant to drum up interest in joining the ranks. Critics, though, are questioning whether that’s the best use of funds.

Editor’s Note: At a time when military budgets are under the microscope, this debate highlights the tension between tradition, public image, and fiscal responsibility. Is a flashy parade worth the price tag if it actually brings in new soldiers? Or does it look tone-deaf when other priorities (like equipment or soldier pay) are competing for dollars? It’s a classic clash of symbolism versus practicality.

President Trump has reinstated a controversial travel ban, this time targeting 12 countries with a full ban and imposing more limited restrictions on seven others. The list includes nations like Iran, Haiti, and Afghanistan, echoing a policy that sparked major backlash during his first term.

Editor’s Note: This move reignites a heated debate over national security versus discrimination, affecting thousands of travelers and immigrants. It’s a flashback to Trump’s earlier presidency, raising questions about fairness, diplomacy, and whether blanket bans are the right approach—especially during a global pandemic when travel is already complicated.

A tragic accident at a California private school claimed the life of a 15-year-old student after he was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot, pinning him between two cars. Police are investigating the incident, which has left the community in shock.

Editor’s Note: This heartbreaking story underscores the need for better safety measures in school zones, especially in high-traffic areas like parking lots. It’s a grim reminder of how quickly everyday spaces can turn dangerous, sparking conversations about supervision and driver awareness around schools.

Boeing has struck a $1.1 billion deal with the US government to avoid criminal prosecution over the two 737 Max crashes that killed 346 people. But a lawyer representing some of the victims' families is slamming the agreement as "morally repugnant," arguing it lets the company off too lightly for tragedies linked to its flawed design and oversight failures.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s about whether corporations face real consequences for deadly mistakes. Families are furious because the deal feels like a slap on the wrist for Boeing, while they’re left grappling with irreplaceable losses. It raises tough questions about justice, corporate power, and whether financial penalties alone can ever be enough when lives are at stake.

The heyday of ultra-cheap shopping on Shein and Temu in the U.S. might be winding down. New data shows a sharp drop in American demand for these Chinese e-commerce platforms, thanks to Trump-era tariffs and the closing of a sneaky trade loophole—called de minimis—that let small, cheap packages slip into the country duty-free.

Editor’s Note: For bargain hunters, this could mean fewer dirt-cheap hauls from these apps. But it’s also a sign of shifting trade policies—Washington’s cracking down on loopholes that gave Chinese retailers an edge, which could reshape how we shop online (and what we pay). If you’ve noticed your Temu cart getting pricier, this is why.