Tragic Weekend Offers Stark Reminder of World on Edge

Former President Donald Trump has faced backlash for his comments regarding the death of director Rob Reiner, stating that Reiner had 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' This statement has drawn condemnation from both Republican and Democratic politicians, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding public figures' responses to death.

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating fentanyl as a 'weapon of mass destruction,' reflecting his administration's ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling in the United States. This label is part of a broader trend of using militarized language to address the opioid crisis and drug trafficking issues.

The remaining California National Guard troops under federal command were ordered to leave Los Angeles, following a federal judge's ruling that control of these forces must revert to Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision comes as appellate courts continue to evaluate challenges to former President Trump's authority over the deployment.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a deal to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is now 'closer than ever' following recent talks in Berlin with European leaders. The discussions focused on providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine amid its ongoing tensions with Russia.

Current tensions within Donald Trump's coalition indicate a significant division in the MAGA world as the next presidential election approaches, suggesting that competition to succeed Trump is already underway. This division reflects broader ideological rifts and differing priorities among his supporters.

Ford announced a $19.5 billion writedown and the discontinuation of several electric vehicle models, including the F-150 Lightning, as it shifts focus towards gas and hybrid vehicles amid declining demand for EVs and the impact of Trump administration policies.

Hong Kong's High Court has convicted 78-year-old media mogul and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai in a landmark trial, potentially facing a life sentence for national security offenses, including collusion with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. The trial was conducted without a jury, raising significant concerns about judicial independence in Hong Kong.

European leaders proposed a US-backed force as part of robust security guarantees for Ukraine during talks in Berlin, aiming to prevent further Russian aggression following the 2022 invasion. Ukrainian President Zelensky noted progress in discussions with US envoys, despite ongoing challenges regarding territorial concessions.