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Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz Clash Over Israel as Accusations of Anti-Semitism Erupt on Air

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Tucker Carlson debates Ted Cruz on Israel and anti-Semitism
Tucker Carlson and Ted Cruz spar over Israel and accusations of anti-Semitism

THND Staff, 11:45 PM, June 18, 2025 (EST)

In a fiery exchange that lit up political circles, Tucker Carlson confronted Senator Ted Cruz after Cruz implied Carlson’s critical questions about U.S. support for Israel stemmed from anti-Semitic motives.

The tension exploded on Carlson’s show when he addressed Cruz’s remarked –

“It’s interesting you’re trying to derail my questions by calling me an anti-Semite.” When Cruz denied saying it outright, Tucker snapped back, “Of course you are. And rather than be honorable enough to say it right to my face, you are, in a sleazy, feline way, implying it.”

Cruz didn’t back down either. He later remarked, “If you’re not an anti-Semite, give me another reason why the obsession is Israel.”

Carlson firmly rejected the claim, stating, “I am in no sense obsessed with Israel. We are on the brink of war with Iran, and so these are valid questions. That does not make me an anti-Semite. And shame on you for suggesting otherwise.”

The exchange has reignited debate on how criticism of Israel is framed in U.S. politics, and whether challenging America’s foreign alliances automatically invites identity-based backlash.

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Carlson insists the focus should remain on preventing another conflict — not labeling legitimate inquiry as hate.

MacBook M3 vs M4: A Comparison before you buy

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Apple MacBook Air (M4 chip) open on a desk, illustrating portability and performance.
The MacBook Air (15-inch) with Apple’s M4 chip delivers top-end performance in a sleek, lightweight design suitable for video editing and design.

Apple’s latest MacBooks use its in-house Apple Silicon chips. The M3 series arrived in 2023–2024 as an upgrade over M1/M2, and the M4 series launched in late 2024–2025 with further gains. Broadly speaking, the M4 chips are built on an enhanced 3 nm process with up to 28 billion transistors and up to 10 CPU cores (4 performance + 6 efficiency), compared to 25B transistors and 8 cores (4+4) in M3. Both chips use unified RAM (LPDDR5 vs faster LPDDR5X) and a powerful Neural Engine (M4’s is 16-core, 38 TOPS vs M3’s 16-core, 18 TOPS). These changes translate to roughly 25–30% faster CPU performance and ~20% better GPU performance for M4 over M3. In practice, top reviewers note that an M4-powered MacBook handles demanding tasks — like video rendering or complex code compilation — more snappily than its M3 predecessor.

Technical Specifications

Apple Silicon M3 vs M4 chips (base configurations) differ in key ways:

  • CPU Cores: M3 chips have 8 cores (4 high‑performance + 4 efficiency), while M4 chips can have up to 10 cores (4+6). The extra efficiency cores and higher clock speeds (e.g. 4.3 GHz vs 4.05 GHz) give M4 a 25%–30% multi‑core boost in benchmarks.

  • GPU Cores: Both base M3 and M4 Air chips use a 10‑core GPU. Higher-end variants (Pro/Max chips) expand to 14, 18, or more GPU cores. Importantly, Apple’s new GPU architecture in M4 is more power-efficient. In cross-platform tests (e.g. Wildlife Extreme), a 40‑core M4 Max nearly ties an NVIDIA RTX 4090 and is ~19% faster than the same‐core M3 Max.

  • Memory: M3 uses LPDDR5 RAM (up to 24 GB on Air, up to 32 GB on Pro), whereas M4 uses faster LPDDR5X memory with ~20% greater bandwidth. All M4 base MacBooks now include 16 GB RAM as standard (up from 8 GB on some M3 Air models).

  • Neural Engine: Both have a 16‑core Neural Engine, but M4’s is much faster (~38 TOPS vs ~18 TOPS). This greatly enhances on‑device AI tasks and future “Apple Intelligence” features, even if most users won’t notice it day-to-day.

  • Media Engines: Both chips accelerate video codecs (including H.264/H.265 and AV1). In practice, M4’s higher memory bandwidth (120 vs 100 GB/s) means faster video encoding/decoding. For example, benchmarks show the 14″ M4 Pro exports 4K video in Adobe Premiere significantly faster than the M3 Pro it replaces.

In summary, the M4 series brings modest but meaningful gains: higher core counts, a bigger Neural Engine, and a ~25% CPU/GPU uplift over M3. Tech reviewers note that an M4 MacBook can feel noticeably snappier under heavy loads (video render, 3D renders, etc.), though everyday app launch times are already very fast on M3.

Performance Benchmarks

Independent tests confirm the generational leap. In Geekbench 6 scores, for example, an M4 chip scores ~25% higher than an M3 in single-core and ~30% higher in multi-core tests. GPU benchmarks are similar: a MacRumors test shows M4’s GPU ~21% faster than M3’s. In content creation workloads, reviewers report that M4 MacBooks break performance records for Apple laptops. For instance, in the PugetBench Premiere Pro suite, a base M4 Pro 14″ now matches the peak performance of last year’s highest-end M3 Max 16″. Other tests (Blender 3D, DaVinci Resolve) show M4 Pro chips surpassing the fastest M3 chips, indicating substantially improved GPU and media-engine throughput.

That said, some reviewers caution that real-world gains depend on the task. Light editing and coding see smaller benefits (since even M3 was already fast), whereas heavy multi-threaded or graphics tasks get the biggest boost. Wired Magazine observed, “[M4 Pro] pushes the performance envelope” but notes that if you’re already on an M3 Mac, the day‑to‑day difference might not always feel dramatic. In short, M4 MacBooks deliver top-tier speeds, making them ideal for professional video editing, 3D work, and large code compilations that strain lesser machines.

Real-World Creative Apps

Video Editing (Final Cut Pro, Premiere): Both Final Cut and Premiere leverage Apple silicon well. The new M4 MacBook Pros cut rendering and export times significantly. One reviewer notes the M4 Pro 14″ “is a significantly better laptop for video editing than the M3 Pro 12‑core it replaces”. In custom export tests, the M4 Max (16‑core) blew away the M3 Max: it completed a 4K export far faster thanks to twice the memory bandwidth and two media engines. Even the M4 Pro 14″ (with one media engine) outpaced expectations, narrowing the gap to its higher-end siblings. In practice, editors will notice fewer dropped frames and quicker exports on M4 machines.

Graphics & Photo (Photoshop, Blender): The higher GPU performance benefits 3D renders and image processing. A 3D render that took 2m 27s on M3 Pro, for example, might finish ~30% sooner on an M4 Pro. CreativeBloq’s testing shows that the M4 Air achieves 100% of DCI‑P3 gamut and even brighter peak brightness than spec, helping color work. Photo editing apps like Lightroom/Photoshop will run smoother; even the base M4 Air can handle batches of RAW conversions quickly.

Coding (Xcode, Terminal): Developers will see mild-to-moderate gains. Medium’s benchmarks (M3 vs M3 Pro) showed ~23% faster build times on Pro chips. Extrapolating, an M4 Pro should compile code even faster. Realistically, compilation and multi‑task workloads (like running simulators or containers) run noticeably quicker on M4, thanks to extra efficiency cores and memory bandwidth. Everyday coding, web browsing, and terminal use feel instant on either chip, but an M4 MacBook Air is now effectively “as fast as an M3 Pro” for many lighter coding workflows.

Audio (Logic Pro, etc.): In digital audio workstations like Logic Pro, chip counts matter for track counts and plug‑in effects. One test showed an M3 Pro handling ~10% more Logic tracks than an M3; the M4 Pro would take that further. Both chips have ample power for music production, but if you run hundreds of tracks or complex virtual instruments, the M4 Pro/Max provides more headroom. For most composers or podcasters, even the base M4 Air handles dozens of audio tracks easily.

Overall, experts agree that creative pros will benefit most from M4’s improvements. Video editors, 3D artists, and heavy multitaskers will see the largest workflow speedups. Photographers, designers, and developers will also appreciate the extra responsiveness, though the M3 Air was already a strong performer. As AppleInsider summarizes, “MacBook Pros with M4 chips… all enthuse about the performance” — though note that many found performance excellent on M3 as well.

Battery Life

Battery life remains outstanding on both generations. Apple claims up to 18 hours for MacBook Air models (light web/Apple TV usage) on both M3 and M4. CreativeBloq notes the M3 Air’s battery is “exceptional” and the M4 Air likewise “has enough juice for a full day’s use with some left over”. In practice, thin-and-light MacBook Airs regularly exceed a full workday of mixed use.

MacBook Pros push even further. The new M4 MacBook Pro base models are rated up to 24 hours of Apple TV playback (much longer in light tasks), beating the ~18–20 hours of M3 Pros. In fact, reviewers found the 14″ M4 Pro extended run times by 2–4 hours versus the M3 Pro. (Notably, the highest-end 16″ M4 Max saw a slight drop vs its predecessor.) Battery gains come from the efficiency of the new chip and sometimes a larger battery pack. All in all, if battery life is critical, both M3 and M4 MacBooks deliver “all‑day” use, with M4 models often stretching a bit further under identical workloads.

Display and Build Quality

Apple’s MacBook displays and hardware remain class-leading on both M3 and M4 machines. Key points:

  • Air vs Pro Screens: MacBook Air (13″ or 15″) has a Liquid Retina IPS panel (~2.8K on 15″) at 500‑nits typical brightness. Both M3 and M4 Airs use the same display tech. The Air’s 15″ screen was praised for excellent color (100% DCI-P3) and a sharp high-density resolution. The Air’s non‑Pro display lacks ProMotion (no 120 Hz), but colors and contrast are on par with many desktops.

    The MacBook Pro (14″/16″) features Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR mini‑LED display with extreme dynamic range. A major M4 update is much higher peak brightness. The base M4 models now reach 1000 nits SDR (vs 600 nits on M3 models), making them far brighter for HDR content and outdoor visibility. Apple also offers the first nano-texture anti‑glare option on M4 Pros. In short, the Pro’s display was already best-in-class, and M4 improves it further. Reviewers (even from PC backgrounds) agree: “There is simply no other laptop on the market” matching Apple’s color accuracy and HDR performance.

  • Build Quality: All M3/M4 MacBooks use the same aluminum unibody designs introduced with M1. The build is very solid, with a high-quality keyboard (scissor mechanism), large smooth trackpad, and sturdy chassis. CreativeBloq notes the M3 Air’s slab‑sided design is “stiffer, denser, and thinner” due to no fans. The keyboard feels “firm” with good travel. For the MacBook Pro, the build is similarly excellent, with reviewers praising the keyboard and overall construction (though some noted the arrow keys are small). In all cases, these laptops feel premium.

  • I/O and Ports: The MacBook Air M3 had two USB‑C/Thunderbolt 3 ports, a MagSafe 3 power port, and a headphone jack. The M4 Air upgrades those USB‑C ports to Thunderbolt 4 and adds better external display support. In fact, the M4 Air can now drive two external monitors at once (internal + two externals) without closing the lid. The M4 Air also retains MagSafe 3 and 3.5 mm audio.

    The MacBook Pro retains its richer port set: three Thunderbolt ports (TB4 on M3, TB4/TB5 on M4 Pro/Max), plus HDMI, SD card reader, MagSafe, and 3.5 mm audio. AppleInsider notes that the base M4 Pro 14″ still uses Thunderbolt 4, while M4 Pro/Max upgrades to Thunderbolt 5 for 3× faster I/O. Both generations support Wi‑Fi 6E (M3) or Wi‑Fi 7 (M4) and Bluetooth 5.3/5.4, though the day‑to‑day difference is minor.

  • Webcam and Audio: M4 MacBooks also improved the camera and microphones slightly. On M4 Pros, the 1080p webcam gained Apple’s Center Stage feature and better low‑light processing. Speaker and mic quality were already excellent; they remain so. Greg Benz emphasizes that the M4 Pros retain “really good speakers” and the same top-notch displays and acoustics from M3 models. In essence, M4 Macs bring refinements (brighter display, better camera) but do not change the premium hardware foundations laid by earlier Apple Silicon models.

Pricing and Availability

The MacBook Air and Pro lineups launched at similar price tiers for each generation, with M4 models occasionally seeing small adjustments:

  • MacBook Air: The M3 MacBook Air debuted in spring 2024, starting at $999 (13″) and $1,299 (15″) in the US. Apple’s M3 press release confirmed orders opened March 4, 2024. In early 2025, Apple introduced the M4 MacBook Air. CreativeBloq notes the M4 Air launched at a slightly lower price than the M3 model it replaced, while adding 16 GB RAM as standard. (Exact pricing depends on configuration, but M4 Air 13″ now starts around $1,099, and the new 15″ M4 Air around $1,299.) These prices, combined with often-available retailer deals, keep the Air models in the “premium-but-affordable” range.

  • MacBook Pro: The M3 Pro MacBook Pro (14″ and 16″) launched in late 2023 with entry prices around $1,999 (14″ base) and $2,499 (16″ base). The M4 MacBook Pro came out in November 2024 for pre-order, with similar tiers. A review lists UK prices of £2,499 for a 14″ M4 Pro base and up to £7,349 for a top-spec 16″ M4 Max (roughly $2,499–$6,500 in US dollars, depending on config). Thus, the M4 MacBook Pros target the same high-end market: expect roughly $2,000+ starting in the US, with fully maxed-out M4 Max 16″ units well over $6,000. Apple and resellers often run promotions (e.g. student discounts, trade-in deals) which can significantly lower these prices.

  • Release Timing:

    • M3 MacBook Air (13″/15″) – Announced March 2024, available beginning March 8, 2024.

    • M3 MacBook Pro 14″/16″ – Announced October 2023 (alongside iPads), shipping by November 2023.

    • M4 MacBook Pro 14″/16″ – Announced November 7, 2024, shipped around November 8, 2024.

    • M4 MacBook Air 13″/15″ – Announced March 2025, shipping by April 2025.

In summary, both generations of MacBooks are widely available through Apple Stores and resellers, with current models (M4) generally replacing the M3 units except for any remaining stock. The pricing is competitive within the Apple ecosystem: M4 shifts are sold at roughly the same or slightly reduced cost as M3 models, offering better specs for the same price (as with the M4 Air’s “price drop”).

Comparison Table

Specification MacBook Air (M3) MacBook Air (M4) MacBook Pro (M3) MacBook Pro (M4)
Chip (CPU) M3 (8-core: 4P+4E @ ~4.05 GHz) M4 (10-core: 4P+6E @ ~4.30 GHz) M3 Pro (10-core: 6P+4E) M4 Pro (10-core: 6P+4E)
GPU Cores 10-core integrated 10-core integrated 14-core (base M3 Pro) 14-core (base M4 Pro)
Max RAM 24 GB LPDDR5 32 GB LPDDR5X 32 GB LPDDR5 32 GB LPDDR5X
Neural Engine 16-core (18 TOPS) 16-core (38 TOPS) 16-core 16-core
Display 13.6″ or 15.3″ Liquid Retina, ~500 nits (P3)c same 13/15″ size, Liquid Retina, ~500 nits (P3) 14″/16″ mini-LED XDR, 600 nits SDR (typical) 14″/16″ mini-LED XDR, up to 1000 nits SDR (peak)
External Displays Supports 1 external (plus internal) Supports 2 external + internal Supports 1 (M3); Pro models: 2–3 Supports 2 (base M4); Pro: 3
Ports 2× Thunderbolt 3/USB‑C, MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm audio 2× Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3, audio 3× Thunderbolt (USB4/4) + HDMI + SD + MagSafe + audio 3× Thunderbolt (USB4/5) + HDMI + SD + MagSafe + audio
Battery Life ≈18 hours video playback ≈18 hours (claimed) ≈18–20 hours (video) Up to 24h video (base)
Weight/Size ~1.51 kg; 1.15 cm thick ~1.51 kg; 1.15 cm thick 14″: ~1.6 kg; 1.55 cm thick 14″: ~1.6 kg; 1.55 cm thick
Starting Price (USD) ~$999 (13″); ~$1,299 (15″) ~$1,099 (13″); ~$1,299 (15″) ~$1,999 (14″ base) ~$1,999 (14″ base)
Release (US) Mar 2024 Mar 2025 Oct 2023 Nov 2024

Key: P = performance core; E = efficiency core. Ports and display data are for base models (higher-end M3/M4 Max chips allow driving more monitors).

Conclusion

For creative professionals and developers, both M3 and M4 MacBooks are outstanding machines. The M4 generation delivers higher performance and brightness without compromising Apple’s legendary battery life and build quality. In practice:

  • If you’re buying new: The M4 MacBooks (Air or Pro) are the better choice for raw speed and future-proofing, especially for heavy video/graphics work. The M4 Air, in particular, offers Pro-level power in a thin fanless chassis (and even at a slightly lower price than the M3 Air). The new 14″ M4 Pro MacBook is a top pick for professional editing and development (as noted by CreativeBloq’s roundup).

  • If you have a recent M3 MacBook: Upgrading may be less urgent. While M4 is faster, M3 models are already very capable for most tasks. The deciding factor is your workload: only if you frequently max out your M3 (long renders, huge codebases, many audio tracks) will you feel a big difference. Otherwise, even M3 MacBooks handle creative apps smoothly.

  • Portability vs Power: The MacBook Air remains the best ultra-portable choice for most users. The new M4 Air shrinks the gap to the Pro: it can drive two monitors and packs M4 silicon in an even thinner, lighter body. But the MacBook Pro line still offers more ports, better thermal headroom (sustained speeds under load), and that amazing XDR display.

In short, Apple’s M4 updates are iterative but significant: they push performance and efficiency further, improving creative workflows. The MacBook Air (M4) and MacBook Pro (M4) together give creators “the best laptops” in Apple’s lineup, combining top-tier performance, exceptional battery life, and premium displays in each segment.

POTUS Pushes “Total and Complete Victory” to Deny Iran Nuclear Weapons

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President Trump speaking aboard Air Force One about Iran
President Trump addresses reporters aboard Air Force One, rejecting a ceasefire and calling for a “total and complete victory” over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

President Trump made a stunning declaration on Air Force One today, making clear his administration is pursuing “total and complete victory” over Iran—not merely a ceasefire or pause in hostilities. According to multiple sources, the president emphasized that “you know what the victory is: no nuclear weapon,” driving home his core objective in the escalating Middle East conflict.

Trump’s remarks follow a week of increased Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities—airstrikes the president publicly endorsed, refusing to push for a ceasefire suggested by other world leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron . Instead, he framed the situation as more than just diplomatic containment, but a mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear ambitions entirely.

A senior official on Air Force One said the White House views this conflict as a defining moment: “We’re not looking for a ceasefire. We’re looking for a real end”. At the same time, Trump warned Tehran residents to evacuate, stressing a desire to avoid civilian casualties amid intensifying tensions.

Despite U.S. intelligence assessments indicating Iran remains several years away from producing a nuclear weapon, Trump dismissed these findings, asserting the country must give up its nuclear aspirations entirely. The White House has increased military support for Israel and repositioned American forces in the region—but maintains it is not seeking long-term war, only decisive victory .

As global leaders urge restraint, Trump’s aggressive posture signals a pivotal shift: this is not a diplomatic skirmish—it’s a determined push to end Iran’s nuclear threat once and for all.

Iranian Lawmakers Burn US Flag in Parliament, Chant “Death to America”

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Iranian lawmakers burning a U.S. flag in Parliament
Iranian MPs ignite symbolic flames by burning the American flag during a fiery session.

– THND Staff, June 18, 2025, 10:50 PM (ET)

In a fiery display of political anger, Iranian lawmakers burned a paper version of the US flag inside their Parliament chamber, while chanting the infamous slogan, “Death to America.” The outburst reportedly followed growing tensions with the US and Israel over regional military activities and nuclear surveillance.

The dramatic incident, captured on video and circulated widely online, mirrors similar protests from earlier years, including 2018 and 2020. However, no current evidence supports viral claims that Iran’s Parliament threatened a nuclear strike against the US homeland.

While Iran’s “Death to America” chant has long been used as a form of political theater—criticizing US foreign policy rather than calling for actual violence—the visual impact of the flag-burning has drawn global concern. Iranian MPs argued the act was in response to perceived “imperial aggression” and support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and beyond.

Nuclear experts and analysts caution that the Iranian regime’s rhetoric often aims to stir nationalist emotion rather than signal direct military intent. As of now, no nuclear threats have been confirmed from credible intelligence sources, though tensions in the region remain dangerously high.

The Iranian Parliament protest underscores how volatile symbolism and extreme messaging continue to inflame public discourse. While the flag-burning event was symbolic, its timing—amid heightened conflict in the Middle East—adds fuel to already raging geopolitical flames.

Jury Reaches Verdict in Karen Read Trial After Hung Jury in First Trial

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Karen Read in courtroom awaiting verdict
Karen Read reacts as the verdict is read in her retrial in Dedham, Massachusetts.

THND Staff, June 18, 2025, 11:30 PM (ET)

The much-followed Karen Read trial ended Wednesday as jurors delivered their long-awaited verdict in Dedham, Massachusetts. This second criminal trial—following a mistrial in July 2024—brought renewed legal drama in the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe during a 2022 blizzard.

Charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while intoxicated, and leaving the scene, Read faced a jury of twelve people after a month of emotionally charged testimony. Prosecutors depicted a scorned and drunk Read who struck O’Keefe with her SUV, leaving him to die in the snow. They presented forensic and expert evidence to back their claims, while defense attorneys portrayed a schemed conspiracy. They argued no collision occurred, suggesting O’Keefe was beaten or attacked by a dog and then abandoned by others—but not by Read.

Karen Read in courtroom awaiting verdict
Karen Read reacts as the verdict is read in her retrial in Dedham, Massachusetts.

A key twist this time was that the lead investigator from the first trial was dismissed after sending derogatory messages about Read. The retrial also featured new attorneys on both sides. Defense counsel notably highlighted the alleged conspiracy and expert support arguing there was “no collision.” Prosecutors countered hotly, emphasizing eyewitness memories of Read saying, “I hit him,” and moments where she acknowledged potential impact in televised interviews.

Jurors debated for around 20 hours over four days, wrestling again with complex charges—especially manslaughter, which had stalled them the first time. Their verdict, unveiled today, could mean anything from full acquittal to conviction on all counts or even a partial ruling—leaving sentencing or further legal battles ahead.

Regardless, the conclusion of the Karen Read trial marks the end of a legal saga that captured public attention with its mixture of tragedy, corruption claims, and courtroom suspense. The community now awaits the judge’s next steps—whatever they may be.

Modi Government Unveils ₹3,000 FASTag Annual Pass for Private Vehicles: Big Relief for Commuters

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Indian highway toll booth with FASTag signage
FASTag-based annual toll pass launched for private vehicles, effective August 15

THND Staff, 18 June 2025, 4:00 PM ET

In a major move expected to benefit millions of Indian motorists, the Modi government has introduced a new FASTag-based annual pass priced at ₹3,000 for private vehicles. The scheme, aimed at reducing toll expenses and improving traffic efficiency, will roll out starting August 15, 2025.

Under this new system, private non-commercial vehicle owners can purchase an annual pass valid for either 200 highway trips or one full year, whichever is exhausted first. The pass will be linked to the vehicle’s existing FASTag, allowing seamless digital toll transactions across the National Highway network.

Officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways confirmed that this move is targeted at daily commuters, long-distance travelers, and regular highway users, especially those who were previously burdened by frequent toll deductions.

Sources say the idea was inspired by the success of monthly toll passes at certain booths, but this scheme offers much broader utility, covering all National Highways integrated under the FASTag ecosystem.

Transport analysts call this a “welcome step for middle-class families and working professionals,” especially for those living in satellite cities and commuting daily for work or family needs.

The government is also likely to launch an awareness campaign to guide users on how to enroll for the pass and monitor trip balances.

With fuel prices fluctuating and toll costs steadily rising, this new pass could ease financial pressure and also promote more predictable travel planning.

The scheme is not available for taxis, buses, or goods carriers, maintaining its focus on private, personal travel.

More details and registration instructions are expected to be published by NHAI in July.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Calls for Immigrant Responsibility: “Behave Like a Guest and Give Back to America”

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Arnold Schwarzenegger on The View discussing immigrant responsibility
Arnold Schwarzenegger emphasizes immigrant responsibility and community contribution during TV appearance

THND Staff, 18 June 2025, 2:30 PM CDT

Immigrant responsibility is the theme of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments on The View, where the former California governor, actor, and immigrant himself reminded newcomers:

“When you come to America, you’re a guest… you have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America.”

This focus on immigrant responsibility kicked off a lively discussion on legality, integration, and mutual respect.

Schwarzenegger began by celebrating America’s immigrant history but insisted that immigrant responsibility means entering through legal channels. “Those doing illegal things… are not smart,” he stated, analogizing respect for the system to cleaning up and making your bed as a house guest would

Shifting to contributions, he urged immigrants to give back, volunteering in schools, Special Olympics, or community programs for no pay—cementing the core of immigration responsibility.

Host reactions were swift: Whoopi Goldberg pointed out that “90% of the people who come here are trying to do the right thing,” while Sunny Hostin emphasized that immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans.

On ICE deportations, Schwarzenegger advocated for immigrant responsibility through comprehensive immigration reform. He called on Democrats and Republicans alike to work together for legal visa systems and enforceability rather than ideological scapegoating

Throughout the interview, Schwarzenegger repeated the phrase immigrant responsibility five times, tying legality, integration, and service into his vision for newcomers. His balanced tone—celebrating immigrants’ dreams while underscoring immigrant responsibility—sparked a national conversation on how to blend gratitude with accountability.

The History of U.S. Immigration: From Colonial Times to the Present

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Ellis Island immigrants waiting in line for inspection in the early 20th century
Newcomers to America await processing at Ellis Island, the gateway for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

The United States has long been considered a “nation of immigrants,” a place of refuge or opportunity for people worldwide. Yet attitudes toward newcomers have swung between openness and exclusion.

In the early 1600s, European colonists (Spanish in Florida; British in New England and Virginia; Dutch in New York; Swedes in Delaware) came seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity, while hundreds of thousands of Africans were brought as enslaved labor.

The first U.S. naturalization law (1790) reflected the era’s biases, allowing only “free white person[s] of good character” to become citizens. These early rules laid a foundation for immigration debates in the young republic.

19th-Century Immigration: Boom and Backlash

After independence, immigration surged. The Irish (many fleeing the 1840s potato famine) and Germans led a wave from 1820–1860.

Between 1820 and 1860, one-third of U.S. immigrants were Irish (mostly Catholic) and roughly 5 million were Germans, many settling in Midwestern farms and cities like Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

Other British and Northern Europeans continued to arrive as well. These newcomers filled labor needs (building canals, farms, factories), but they also met nativist hostility.

By 1849 the anti-immigrant Know-Nothing Party had formed in protest of increasing Irish and German Catholic immigration.

Meanwhile on the West Coast, a smaller but influential group of immigrants arrived. From the California Gold Rush onward, Chinese laborers came in significant numbers. They worked gold mines, built railroads (especially the Central Pacific), and filled other manual jobs. These achievements stoked resentment and by 1882 Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, the first U.S. law to ban immigration from a specific ethnic group. The Act barred most Chinese from entering the country and denied them citizenship. It “virtually ended Chinese immigration for nearly a century” and signaled a period of growing restriction.

The Great Immigration (1880–1920) and Ellis Island

. The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought the largest immigration wave in American history. Between 1880 and 1920, over 20 million immigrants arrived. Unlike earlier waves, most were from Southern and Eastern Europe – Italians (about 4 million), Jews (about 2 million), Poles, Russians, Greeks, and others – drawn by America’s industrial jobs. Many settled in growing cities and worked in factories, sweatshops, and mines. By 1907, U.S. immigration peaked at about 1.3 million in a single year.

A symbol of this era was Ellis Island, opened in January 1892 as the nation’s first federal immigration station. Between 1892 and 1954 over 12 million people were processed at Ellis Island, often standing in line to have their papers inspected. Newcomers packed New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other ports. They brought new languages, religions and cultures – from pizza and klezmer music to Orthodox churches and Yiddish theaters – reshaping American society. As one historian observes, these immigrants “helped transform American society and culture,” showing that diversity can be a national strength.

Major immigration waves and groups:

  • Colonial era: Europeans (English, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish) and enslaved Africans.

  • Early 19th century: Irish and Germans from Northern Europe.

  • Late 19th–early 20th century: Southern/Eastern Europeans (Italians, Jews, Poles, Russians, Greeks).

  • Post–1965 (modern era): Latin Americans (especially Mexico and Central America) and Asians (China, India, Philippines, etc.).

Immigration Laws and Public Sentiment

Throughout this history, U.S. immigration policy evolved under pressure from public sentiment. Key laws include:

  • Naturalization Act of 1790 – Limited citizenship to “free white” immigrants.

  • Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) – First law to bar a whole ethnic group; reflected anti-Chinese sentiment on the West Coast.

  • Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act) – Established strict national-origins quotas that heavily favored immigrants from Northern and Western Europe and sharply curtailed Southern/Eastern European entries.

  • Immigration and Nationality Act (1965) – Abolished national-origins quotas and instituted a preference system for families and skilled workers. It opened immigration from Asia and Latin America for the first time and capped Western Hemisphere migration.

  • Immigration Reform and Control Act (1986) – In response to growing undocumented migration, granted amnesty to many long-term unauthorized immigrants, strengthened border enforcement, and imposed employer sanctions for illegal hiring.

These policies often mirrored public attitudes. Late-19th-century nativism (backed by groups like the Immigration Restriction League) led to the 1924 quotas that slashed immigration and even authorized federal deportations of Mexicans during the Depression era. By contrast, the 1965 act reflected civil-rights era values, emphasizing family unity over ethnic origins. In 2002 and later, security concerns after 9/11 spurred stronger enforcement as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and laws like the Secure Fence Act underscored anxieties about borders.

The Impact of Immigration on Labor and Culture

Immigrants have been central to America’s economic growth. In the 19th century, they supplied the labor that built the nation’s infrastructure. For example, Chinese and Irish workers did the toughest work on the Transcontinental Railroad (completed in 1869): at one point about 90% of the Central Pacific’s workers were Chinese. More broadly, studies show that immigrants and their children were the majority of factory workers by 1920 – over half of all manufacturing labor in that year. Without this manpower, the U.S. industrial revolution (steel mills, railroads, textiles) would have been far slower.

Ellis Island immigrants waiting in line for inspection in the early 20th century
Newcomers to America await processing at Ellis Island, the gateway for millions of immigrants between 1892 and 1954.

Culturally, immigrants reshaped American life. They brought new foods, languages and traditions: for example, Italian-American and Irish-American heritage influenced music, cuisine and festivals across the country. Over time, many immigrant communities blended into an American “melting pot,” even as they preserved ethnic neighborhoods (Little Italy, Chinatown, etc.). The United States’ very identity – its folklore, religious diversity, and artistic expressions – has been enriched by successive waves of newcomers. As noted above, the “newcomers helped transform American society and culture”, demonstrating that diversity itself can be a source of national vitality.

Immigration also influenced politics and labor movements. Immigrant workers helped organize unions in factories and mines; immigrant voting blocs (e.g. Irish Catholics in cities, Mexicans in the Southwest) became political forces. At times, economic competition fueled backlash as labor leaders in the late 19th century argued that low-wage immigrants undercut American workers. But even so, business interests often relied on immigrant labor, making harsh restrictions politically difficult. By the mid-20th century the large untapped labor pool in the U.S. South began to fill some industrial jobs when immigration slowed.

Modern Immigration and Ongoing Debates

In recent decades, the profile of new immigrants changed again. After 1965, Latin Americans became the largest source – especially migrants from Mexico and Central America, along with a surge of Asians (from India, China, the Philippines, etc.). In 2022 foreign-born residents numbered about 46.2 million – roughly 13.9% of the U.S. population (up from 4.7% in 1970). Immigrants today include a mix of family-based migrants, skilled professionals (H‑1B visa holders in tech and medicine), and refugees from conflicts (e.g. Southeast Asians in the 1970s, Cubans in the 1980s). Meanwhile, unauthorized immigration (especially from Latin America) has been a polarizing issue, leading to occasional amnesty programs (1986) and stricter enforcement at the border.

Throughout American history, immigration has had a profound influence on national identity. The country’s culture, cuisine, languages, and labor force have all been shaped by the many peoples who arrived – willingly or forcibly – over the centuries. Each group brought its own traditions, adding to a pluralistic society. As one historian notes, despite tensions, America’s immigrants “demonstrated that diversity, as well as unity, is a source of national strength”. Immigration debates continue today, but the deep imprint of past waves is evident in every aspect of American life – from its cities to its values – reflecting a story of constant renewal and change.

Notes

  1. History.com Editors. “U.S. Immigration Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/immigration-united-states-timeline

  2. Library of Congress. “Immigration and Relocation in U.S. History.” https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/

  3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). “Overview of INS History.” https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/our-history/overview-of-ins-history

  4. National Archives. “Chinese Immigration and the Chinese Exclusion Acts.” https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/chinese-exclusion.html

  5. Migration Policy Institute. “U.S. Immigrant Population and Share over Time, 1850-Present.” https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/data-hub/charts/immigrant-population-over-time

  6. Pew Research Center. “Modern Immigration Wave Brings 59 Million to U.S., Driving Population Growth and Change Through 2065.” September 28, 2015. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2015/09/28/modern-immigration-wave/

  7. Lee, Erika. America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States. Basic Books, 2019.

  8. Daniels, Roger. Guarding the Golden Door: American Immigration Policy and Immigrants since 1882. Hill and Wang, 2004.

  9. Ngai, Mae M. Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America. Princeton University Press, 2004.

  10. U.S. Census Bureau. “Foreign-Born Population: 2022.” https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/demo/foreign-born/cps-2022.html

Trump Praised for ‘Restraint and Resolve’ by Vance and Huckabee Amid Israel-Iran Escalation

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Donald Trump with JD Vance and Mike Huckabee during Middle East briefing
Vice President JD Vance and Ambassador Mike Huckabee express unwavering support for President Trump’s handling of escalating Middle East tensions

THND Staff, 18 June 2025, 1:45 PM EST

As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, President Donald Trump has received outspoken support from two key figures in his administration: Vice President JD Vance and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

In a lengthy post on X, JD Vance addressed the growing public discourse around Iran’s nuclear activities, stating that Trump has been “amazingly consistent” for over a decade in opposing a nuclear Iran. Vance emphasized that the President has shown “remarkable restraint” in avoiding unnecessary military escalation while still maintaining pressure on Tehran’s uranium enrichment efforts.

He clarified distinctions between civilian nuclear energy and weapons-grade enrichment, pointing to Iran’s violation of IAEA protocols. “It’s still another thing,” he said, “to enrich uranium right up to weapons-grade while violating non-proliferation agreements.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador Huckabee offered his support in deeply spiritual and emotional terms, stating that Trump was “spared in Butler, PA to be the most consequential President in a century.” Huckabee declared, “Our flag will NOT come down,” as he affirmed his commitment to remain at the US Embassy in Israel despite missile strikes in Tel Aviv.

Donald Trump with JD Vance and Mike Huckabee during Middle East briefing
Vice President JD Vance and Ambassador Mike Huckabee express unwavering support for President Trump’s handling of escalating Middle East tensions

The US Embassy in Tel Aviv remains closed, citing minor damage from Iranian missile concussions and ongoing shelter-in-place orders. It has also announced it cannot currently assist US citizens in evacuating due to closed airports and seaports.

President Trump, speaking from Air Force One, signaled a strong stance: “I’m not asking for a ceasefire. I’m asking for something better—a real end.” The comments underline his strategy of pressure without full-scale entanglement, echoing his 2020 playbook on global conflict.

 

Boris Johnson Slams Labour’s ‘Betrayal’, Backs Bold New Campaign to Defend British Sovereignty

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Boris Johnson speaking on British sovereignty campaign
Boris Johnson accuses Labour of betraying Brexit in fiery campaign launch

THND Staff, 18 June 2025, 11:30 AM BST

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government, lending his full-throated support to the Stand for Our Sovereignty campaign—a movement aimed at “defending British independence from foreign influence.”

Speaking exclusively to GB News, Johnson accused Labour of “systematic betrayal” of the 2016 Brexit vote. “The British people voted to be a sovereign nation – and yet they are being systematically betrayed,” he declared.

Johnson sharply criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for ceding British powers to Brussels, accusing Labour of “capitulating to the French on fish,” and “selling out UK territories like Gibraltar and the Chagos Islands.”

In his words: “They’ve paid Mauritius £30bn to steal the Chagos Islands, and now Spanish guards demand Britons show passports to enter Gibraltar—our sovereign land.”

He added that Labour’s legal team, including Attorney General Lord Hermer, is “psychologically addicted to betraying the national interest.”

The campaign is gathering steam, with over 3,300 sign-ups in a week, backed by seven organizations and notable pro-Brexit groups such as the Campaign for an Independent Britain, UK Fisheries Campaign, and Conservative Post.

CIBUK Chairman Leigh Evans said: “Boris’s support has turbocharged this movement.” Meanwhile, Labor MP Barry Gardiner dismissed the allegations, saying sovereignty is not weakened by adhering to international law.

As the campaign prepares for a major expansion, social media videos and public engagement are being planned. The message is crystal clear:

British sovereignty is back in the headlines—and Boris is leading the charge.