Prologue Journal – Page 131 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Ukrainian lawmaker slams US military aid suspension ‘disaster’

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Rostislav Pavlenko added that it is necessary to find out what is going on as soon as possible before the situation “worsens in the usual way for Ukrainian history” https://tass.com/world/1922147

Hong Kong court rejects challenge of election law over inciting blank votes in 2021 legislative race

Hong Kong Free Press A Hong Kong court has dismissed an appeal by a former student leader challenging the city’s election law after he was handed a suspended sentence for inciting blank or invalid votes in the 2021 legislative election. Former Chinese University of Hong Kong students’ union leader Jacky So appeared in court on…

In One Swing District, Guarded Optimism After Trump’s First Six Weeks

New York Times With President Trump set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, many voters in Arizona’s divided First Congressional District remain hopeful for his new term, even amid partisan rancor. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/trump-arizona-swing-voters.html

Supreme Court to Consider Mexico’s Lawsuit Against U.S. Gun Makers

New York Times The justices will hear arguments in a $10 billion lawsuit by the Mexican government that claims gun makers are complicit in supplying drug cartels. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/supreme-court-mexico-argument-guns.html

As Gaza Crisis Deepens, Arab Leaders Are to Meet to Form a Plan

New York Times Trying to counter President Trump’s proposal to “clean out” Gaza, Arab leaders plan to meet in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss their own vision for the Palestinian territories. But they face an uphill climb. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/world/middleeast/gaza-arab-leaders-meeting.html

Mardi Gras 2025: Joy and Jitters for New Orleans

New York Times There was never any question that Mardi Gras would go forward after the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans. But some revelers felt at least a hint of trepidation. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/mardi-gras-new-orleans.html

Hegseth’s Plans to Reshape the Military Start With Cuts

New York Times At the same time, Republican lawmakers are aiming to add more than $100 billion to the Pentagon’s proposed budget, which would push military spending close to $1 trillion a year. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/hegseth-military-cuts.html

Here’s What to Watch For in Trump’s Speech to Congress

New York Times Presidents typically use these speeches to promote their accomplishments and lay out their plans. President Trump is expected to touch on Ukraine and government cuts. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/us/politics/trump-speech-what-to-watch.html

Trump and Congress — in Four Speeches

New York Times On Tuesday, President Trump will address a deeply divided Congress, whose legislative authority is now being tested by his aggressive executive orders. We look back at his evolving relationship with Congress through the speeches he gave during his first term. https://www.nytimes.com/video/us/politics/100000010011996/trump-speeches-congress-state-of-union.html

A Russia-Friendly Region in Bosnia Cheers Trump’s Return

New York Times Many ethnic Serbs in what was once Yugoslavia have long chafed at Washington’s foreign policy. ‘Trump’s America is different,’ said a former leader of a Serb enclave in Bosnia. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/04/world/europe/russia-trump-bosnia.html