By Logan Andrew Editor-In-Chief
April 27, 2025 — From mounting tensions abroad to legal crackdowns at home, this week was anything but quiet. Here’s a look at some of the biggest national stories making headlines.
🇺🇸 A Judge’s Arrest Sparks National Debate
On Friday, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, accusing her of obstructing justice by helping an undocumented immigrant evade capture. The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, many of whom are calling it a dangerous escalation in what they describe as an increasingly authoritarian environment.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi came under fire after rescinding Obama-era policies designed to protect journalists from government subpoenas. Free press advocates warn that this rollback could have chilling effects on investigative journalism during an already tense political climate.
📈 Markets Rattle as New Tariffs Shake the Global Economy
Wall Street had another rollercoaster week after President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on imported goods earlier this month. Economists warned that the ripple effects are already being felt: major corporations from energy to telecom reported rising costs and supply chain disruptions on their quarterly earnings calls.
By week's end, the S&P 500 dipped again, and gold prices soared to a new record of $3,500.10 per ounce — a clear signal that investors are seeking safer ground amid economic uncertainty.
🌎 Foreign Policy Fires Keep Burning
The war in Ukraine hit closer to home after it was revealed that an American citizen, Michael Alexander Gloss — son of CIA Deputy Director Juliane Gallina — was killed fighting on behalf of Russian forces. The revelation sent shockwaves through Washington, raising difficult questions about disinformation, radicalization, and American security.
Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but no significant breakthroughs were reported. Across the globe, tensions also rose between the U.S. and China after President Trump claimed to be in active negotiations over tariffs — a claim that Beijing flatly denied.
⚖️ Civil Rights and University Funding Under the Microscope
Former Congressman George Santos finally saw the inside of a courtroom for all the wrong reasons. He was sentenced to seven years in prison this week for a sweeping campaign fraud scheme that prosecutors called “an assault on the public trust.”
In California, UC Berkeley found itself in the crosshairs after the Department of Education opened a new investigation into its foreign funding sources. Critics called the move politically motivated and warned of broader attempts to undermine academic freedom at public institutions.
✊ Protest Movements Grow Louder
In cities across the country, thousands gathered under the "Hands Off" banner to protest what they see as attacks on constitutional rights, cultural institutions, and the press. While the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, organizers vowed that this was "just the beginning" of a renewed push for democratic reforms heading into the summer.
Quick Hits:
- Smithsonian Shake-up: The administration ordered the removal of select exhibits from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, reigniting debates over historical erasure.
- Iran Relations: President Trump floated the idea of direct talks with Iran’s leadership amid stalled nuclear negotiations.
- Weather in Bucyrus, Ohio: A chilly but sunny end to the weekend, with highs near 64°F.
