Brooke Teegarden uses a fake social media persona to engage with far-right men and subtly challenge their beliefs, often covertly introducing feminist and liberal ideas through flirtation and conversation. Her account, @theletsnotdate, has gained over 200,000 followers and has been effective in encouraging some men to question their ideologies. Her tactics include posing as an attractive, sympathetic ally and occasionally fabricating scenarios to prompt reflection on their views, with the aim of reducing polarization and fostering empathy. Despite controversy over her methods, Teegarden sees her approach as a form of activism that emphasizes understanding and connection as tools for ideological change.
Team USA men's hockey won gold at the Milan Olympics for the first time since 1980, with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck making 41 saves, including a crucial stop on Devon Toews’ shot. Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth, a former "Secretary of War," praised Hellebuyck by calling him the "Secretary of Defense" for his performance. The victory was part of a historic medal haul for the U.S., which finished with 33 medals and a record 12 golds.
Twin Cities musicians have released a protest song titled "They Lie" to raise funds for the ACLU of Minnesota, inspired by events surrounding the death of Alex Pretti and addressing issues related to immigration enforcement. The song was written by Katy Vernon as an emotional response to local tragedies and produced with the help of Kevin Bowe. A music video featuring footage from protests and memorials was created by Jason Chaffee. Proceeds from sales of the single will support the ACLU's efforts in the state.
Harmeet Dhillon admitted that she did not thoroughly investigate Don Lemon prior to pursuing him, revealing a lack of preparation. The DOJ has requested delays in their case due to technical issues and the large volume of discovery, but critics argue that these delays are unnecessary and that the government rushed to charge without comprehensive investigation. The defense dismisses the complexity claims and emphasizes that the government has not demonstrated adequate evidence to support certain charges, raising concerns about the prosecution's preparedness and approach.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserts that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has initiated World War III and emphasizes that Ukraine aims to reclaim all its territory, viewing victory as securing independence and justice. Zelensky rejects territorial concessions as a basis for ceasefire, citing concerns over societal division and ongoing threats from Russia, and highlights the importance of military and economic pressure to counter Russian advances. He also discusses the need for long-term security guarantees from the U.S. and European allies before considering future elections or armament licenses, and remains committed to resisting Russian aggression despite the prolonged conflict.
During the Winter Olympics, critics expressed discomfort with patriotic displays, citing concerns about national shame and discontent with U.S. government actions. In response, many Americans, including GOP lawmakers and sports fans, defended patriotism, highlighting Olympic victories and emphasizing national pride. CNN and NY Mag commentators speculated that the U.S. might become the "global villain" at the 2026 Winter Olympics, amid ongoing debates over patriotism and national identity.
JPMorgan Chase closed over 50 accounts belonging to President Donald Trump and related entities following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, as revealed in court documents related to Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against the bank. The bank stated that account closures were due to legal or regulatory risks and not political reasons, despite assertions in the lawsuit. The case has been filed in Florida but the bank seeks to move it to New York.
Ebba Andersson won the women’s 50-kilometer cross-country ski race at Milan Cortina, turning her previous Olympic disappointment into redemption. Norway’s Heidi Weng took silver and Switzerland’s Nadja Kaelin bronze, while American Jessie Diggins, in her final Olympics, finished fifth after a grueling race. Andersson’s victory marked Sweden’s fifth cross-country gold of the Games, amid a series of challenges faced by Swedish teammates due to illness.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. admitted in a court filing that it closed bank accounts linked to President Donald Trump and his businesses after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, a key issue in Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against the bank. Trump’s attorneys claim this constitutes unlawful debanking influenced by the Biden administration and argue it caused him significant financial harm. The case raises broader questions about the practice of debanking and its political implications.
The article discusses a conversation prompted by a caller questioning when America was "great," revealing that the phrase often references a nostalgic and exclusionary past rooted in racist and elite power structures. It highlights how the "good old days" favored a narrow white male dominance while marginalizing others, and emphasizes that white supremacy has historically been used to divide working people and sustain economic exploitation. The discussion underscores the importance of confronting this history honestly and fostering solidarity across race and class to promote genuine progress.
California Governor Gavin Newsom defended the state's economic growth and industry dominance amid concerns about affordability, acknowledging housing challenges and recent reforms aimed at addressing the housing crisis. He highlighted efforts such as increased minimum wages, childcare subsidies, and paid family leave, while noting California's high cost of living, which is 11% above the national average. Critics, including a couple who left California for Nashville due to high costs, question the state's affordability, a topic likely to be scrutinized if Newsom seeks the 2028 presidential nomination.
Stephen Colbert stated that CBS pulled his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico due to fears it might violate FCC equal-time rules under a guidance from the Trump administration. CBS disputed this, saying their attorneys merely provided legal guidance on the matter. Talarico and other candidates are participating in heated Texas primary races, with early voting beginning amid political tensions.
