President Trump’s administration has escalated its anti-narcotics campaign by authorizing missile strikes against Venezuelan vessels allegedly tied to drug trafficking, invoking new executive powers that classify cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” While officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio argue the strikes were justified under a declared national emergency, critics contend that the administration has blurred the line between law enforcement and military action, raising fears of unchecked executive authority. The operation signals a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, redefining terrorism to include criminal networks and setting a precedent that could expand presidential war powers far beyond traditional threats.
Read MoreThe recent murders of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte and popular political personality Charlie Kirk have resulted in heightened questions about the prioritization of public safety in America. These two stories have largely developed state and national politicians’ stances around how our nation needs to handle crime moving forward, resulting in fierce party-line attacks. In North Carolina specifically, politicians such as Governor Josh Stein and House Representative Tim Moore have clashed on the most effective ways to prevent and mitigate violent crime. These ideological confrontations can stifle legislative progress, and must be reconciled to the extent possible for any significant progress to be made.
Read MoreOn Friday, September 26, the United States State Department announced it would cancel Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa. This decision came after Petro, who was in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, participated in a protest against the war in Gaza.
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