Trump Deploys Troops to Portland Amid Rising Tensions
President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy troops to Portland, Oregon, stating he would authorize “full force, if necessary,” against what he termed “domestic terrorists.” This decision expands a controversial trend of military presence in U.S. cities. The announcement came via social media on Saturday, with the White House not providing immediate details regarding the timeline or the specific troops involved. Local leaders in Portland, including the city’s mayor and the governor, have expressed opposition, asserting there is no need for military intervention or any national security threats in the area.
In a separate legal matter, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to uphold his order on birthright citizenship. This order stipulates that children born in the U.S. to parents who are undocumented or temporarily present are not considered American citizens. The administration’s appeal, confirmed on Saturday, could lead to a ruling by early summer regarding the constitutionality of these citizenship restrictions. Lower courts have blocked these measures from taking effect thus far, and the administration is not requesting the court to allow the restrictions to be enforced before a decision is made.
Internationally, violence in the Gaza Strip has escalated, with Israeli airstrikes and gunfire resulting in at least 57 fatalities, according to local health officials. The attacks occurred amid growing calls for a ceasefire, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed, stating that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is critical, with hospitals nearing collapse due to shortages of medicine and supplies.
On the diplomatic front, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, yet warned that any aggression against his country would evoke a “decisive response.” His remarks came as tensions have risen following unauthorized flights into NATO airspace, attributed to Russia. Lavrov claimed that Russian aircraft did not enter Estonian airspace, countering accusations and asserting that incidents involving drones were misattributed.
In the United States, tensions between Washington and Colombia escalated following the State Department’s decision to revoke President Gustavo Petro‘s visa. This action followed Petro’s remarks at a protest during the U.N. General Assembly, where he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders from President Trump. The State Department labeled his comments as “reckless and incendiary.” Petro, who recently returned to Colombia, dismissed the visa revocation, citing his European citizenship.
In another incident, a tragic stampede at a political rally in southern India resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people and left 40 others injured. The incident occurred during a gathering for a popular actor-turned-politician in Tamil Nadu. The state’s health minister reported that most victims had succumbed to injuries by the time they arrived at hospitals.
In legal news, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has reached an agreement to settle a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems. The settlement, confirmed through a federal court filing, will lead to the permanent dismissal of the case against Giuliani, who had previously made unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.
Lastly, a notable theft occurred at the Westland Distillery in Washington, where thieves made off with 12,000 bottles of craft whiskey valued at nearly $1 million. The Skagit Valley Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, which involved the use of fraudulent documents to retrieve the shipment.
In health news, some individuals have taken to taping their mouths shut at night, believing it improves sleep quality. However, medical professionals advise against this practice due to potential risks, including the exacerbation of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Dr. Kimberly Hutchison from Oregon Health & Science University cautioned against the dangers, suggesting safer alternatives to address sleep issues.
