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kansas Jayhawks Poised for rebound Season with fresh talent

The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team is looking to rebound after multiple disappointing seasons, fueled by the arrival of superstar freshman Darryn Peterson. While not ranked #1 in preseason polls like the past two years, the Jayhawks find themselves at No. 5 in The Athletic’s Big 12 preseason rankings.

Analysts acknowledge that the previous two years’ high preseason rankings were based on faith in Bill Self’s track record adn potential stars who didn’t deliver, especially with spacing issues due to a lack of outside shooting. This year,Kansas boasts a refreshed roster with a different focus.

Alongside Peterson, returning center Flory Bidunga is expected to be a defensive anchor.Transfers Melvin Council jr. (St. Bonaventure) and Tre White (Illinois) will provide defence and athleticism, while Loyola Chicago transfer Jayden Dawson, and freshman Kohl Rosario will offer much needed 3-point shooting.

The key to Kansas’ success will likely depend on Bidunga’s continued development and the effectiveness of their new offensive spacing. Coach Self has compared Rosario’s potential, highlighting the importance of his shooting ability for the team’s overall performance.

What specific aspects of Hunter Dickinson’s skillset does The Athletic highlight as most impactful for Kansas?

Kansas Basketball’s Preseason Position in The Athletic’s Big 12 Rankings Unveiled

Where The Athletic places the Jayhawks

The Athletic has released it’s preseason Big 12 basketball rankings, and the Kansas Jayhawks find themselves at No. 2, trailing only the Houston Cougars. This placement reflects a cautious optimism surrounding Bill Self’s squad, acknowledging both returning talent and the challenges of a competitive conference. The rankings,published October 2nd,2025,position Kansas as a strong contender for the Big 12 Championship and a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Key Factors Influencing The Athletic’s Ranking

Several factors contributed to kansas’s No. 2 ranking. These include:

* Hunter Dickinson’s Impact: The transfer of Hunter Dickinson from Michigan is widely seen as a game-changer. His size, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess immediately elevate Kansas’s frontcourt. Dickinson is expected to be a dominant force in the Big 12.

* Returning Core: While losing key players like Gradey Dick to the NBA, Kansas retains a solid core of experienced players, including Dajuan Harris Jr. and Kevin McCullar Jr. Their leadership and familiarity with Bill Self’s system are invaluable.

* Freshman Talent: the Jayhawks boast a highly-rated recruiting class, with several freshmen poised to make an immediate impact. Elmarko Jackson and jamari McDowell are names to watch, potentially providing crucial depth and athleticism.

* Bill Self’s Coaching: Bill Self remains one of the most respected and successful coaches in college basketball. His ability to develop players and implement effective game plans is a meaningful advantage for Kansas.

* Conference Strength: The Big 12 is projected to be exceptionally strong this season, with multiple teams capable of making deep tournament runs. this elevated competition influences the rankings, making a top-two placement even more remarkable.

Breakdown of The Athletic’s Top 5 Big 12 Teams

Here’s a rapid look at the top five teams as ranked by The Athletic:

1. Houston Cougars
2. Kansas Jayhawks
3. Texas Longhorns
4. Baylor Bears
5. TCU Horned Frogs

This ranking highlights the perceived depth and competitiveness of the Big 12, with several programs vying for conference supremacy. Analysts at The Athletic cite Houston’s experienced roster and proven coaching as reasons for their top spot.Texas’s recruiting haul and Baylor’s consistent performance also contribute to their high rankings.

Kansas’s Path to a Big 12 Title: Key Matchups

Several key matchups will likely determine Kansas’s fate in the Big 12.

* vs. Houston (January 18th & February 22nd): these two games will be crucial tests for Kansas. Winning at least one of these contests is vital for challenging Houston for the conference title.

* vs. Texas (January 25th & March 1st): The rivalry with Texas is always intense. These games will have significant implications for both teams’ tournament seeding.

* vs.Baylor (February 8th & February 26th): Baylor’s consistent success makes them a dangerous opponent.Kansas will need to bring their A-game to secure victories against the Bears.

* vs. TCU (January 11th & February 15th): TCU has emerged as a consistent threat in the big 12. These games will test Kansas’s ability to handle a physical, aggressive opponent.

Impact of Dickinson’s Arrival on Kansas’s Offense & Defense

Hunter Dickinson’s presence fundamentally alters Kansas’s offensive and defensive strategies.

* Offensive Versatility: Dickinson provides a reliable post scoring option,opening up opportunities for perimeter shooters like Kevin McCullar Jr. and Nick Timberlake. His passing ability also adds another dimension to the Jayhawks’ offense.

* Defensive Anchor: Dickinson’s size and strength will anchor the interior defense, deterring drives and protecting the rim. This will allow Kansas to be more aggressive on the perimeter.

* **Rebounding Dominance

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Trump governance Declares “Non-International Armed Conflict” with drug Cartels, Initiating Controversial Strikes

WASHINGTON – In a dramatic escalation of the fight against drug trafficking, the Trump Administration has officially declared a “non-international armed conflict” with certain drug cartels, justifying recent military strikes against suspected drug traffickers in international waters. The move, outlined in a document reviewed by Reuters, has ignited a firestorm of legal debate and raised concerns about the scope of presidential power.

The decision comes after the U.S. military has destroyed at least three suspected drug boats in the past month, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals. Critics argue these actions represent a meaningful overreach of executive authority, emphasizing that law enforcement, rather than the military, should be handling drug interdiction. The administration, however, maintains these strikes are necessary to curtail the flow of illicit narcotics into the United states and to protect American lives.

Legal Justification Under Scrutiny

The notification to Congress asserts that the actions of these designated drug cartels constitute an “armed attack against the United States.” This determination allows the administration to invoke the laws of armed conflict, permitting the use of lethal force against “unlawful combatants.”

though, former military lawyers and legal experts are openly questioning the validity of this justification. Critics point out that the customary understanding of “armed attack” necessitates a state actor, and applying the term to non-state groups like drug cartels stretches the definition to a breaking point.

“Applying a new label to an old problem does not transform the problem itself – nor does it grant the U.S. president or the U.S. military expanded legal authority to kill civilians,” argued Mark Nevitt, a former Navy lawyer and currently an Associate Professor at Emory University school of Law.

The administration’s argument rests heavily on its earlier designation of these cartels as terrorist organizations. But even with this designation, legal scholars argue the standard for using military force remains exceedingly high. the question centers around whether drug trafficking, while devastating, equates to an act of war justifying lethal military intervention.

Further complicating matters is the choice of agency tasked with carrying out these strikes. Experts are questioning why the Coast Guard, traditionally responsible for maritime law enforcement, wasn’t utilized. The use of the military, they contend, raises profound questions about due process and the appropriate submission of force.

escalation Fears: Land-Based Operations?

The situation is further complicated by President Trump’s recent statements suggesting consideration of attacks against drug cartels operating “coming by land” in Venezuela. This prospect has fueled anxieties about potential military intervention in a sovereign nation, and the possibility of escalating regional instability.

The White House has argued that the existing strategy is already yielding results. During a gathering of generals and admirals at Quantico,Virginia,President Trump defended the strikes by stating that each intercepted vessel carried enough narcotics to “kill 25,000 people.” this rhetoric highlights the administration’s focus on the human cost of the opioid crisis and its determination to disrupt the supply chain at its source.

“These are people who are poisoning our contry,” Trump reportedly said. “We have to stop them. They’re criminals, they’re terrorists, and we have to treat them as such.”

Congressional Concerns and Oversight

The administration briefed lawmakers on the legal basis for these strikes, but concerns remain on Capitol Hill. Senator Jack Reed, a ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has voiced his apprehension.

“This is a very serious step with perhaps far-reaching consequences,” Reed stated. “Congress must be fully informed and have a meaningful role in overseeing any military actions taken against drug cartels.”

The lack of openness surrounding the decision-making process has also drawn criticism. Critics argue that the administration should have sought congressional authorization before initiating lethal military operations. Without such authorization, they fear a hazardous precedent is being set, potentially eroding civilian control over the military and expanding the scope of executive power.

International Implications

The unilateral actions taken by the U.S. government also raise complex international law issues. Attacking suspected drug traffickers in the territorial waters of othre nations without thier explicit consent could be construed as a violation of sovereignty. This could strain relationships with key partners in the region and potentially undermine international cooperation on counter-narcotics efforts.

Furthermore, the legal justification for these strikes could be interpreted by other nations as a green light for similar actions against perceived threats within their borders.This could lead to a destabilizing cycle of escalating conflict and unilateral intervention.

The Road Ahead

The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of this controversial policy. Congress is likely to demand more facts from the administration and potentially initiate investigations into the legal basis for the strikes. The courts may also be called upon to weigh in, clarifying the limits of presidential authority in the context of counter-narcotics operations.

The administration’s decision to label drug cartels as combatants and authorize military strikes represents a significant shift in U.S.drug policy. While proponents argue it’s a necessary step to combat the opioid crisis, opponents fear it will escalate conflict, undermine international law, and erode fundamental principles of due process. The debate surrounding this issue is likely to continue for months to come, with potentially profound implications for both domestic and foreign policy.

Key Takeaways

* The trump administration has declared a “non-international armed conflict” with certain drug cartels.
* The move justifies recent military strikes against suspected drug traffickers.
* Legal experts are questioning the validity of the administration’s legal justification.
* Concerns exist about potential escalation, including land-based operations in Venezuela.
* Congress is demanding oversight and greater transparency.
* The policy raises significant international law implications.

How might the request of previous authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) frameworks to drug cartels redefine the scope of presidential power in foreign policy?

Trump Declares U.S.at War with Drug Cartels: Congressional Document Reveals New Strategy

The Shift in U.S. Policy: A Declaration of War?

A recently surfaced Congressional document confirms reports that former President Trump has “persistent” the United States is now engaged in a war with Mexican drug cartels. This dramatic escalation in U.S. policy, first indicated by Trump’s public statements, raises meaningful legal and geopolitical questions. the core of the strategy, as outlined in the document, centers around authorizing military force against these organizations, a move previously reserved for state-sponsored terrorist groups. This represents a substantial departure from traditional law enforcement approaches to drug trafficking and border security.

Legal ramifications and Presidential authority

The legality of such a declaration is already under intense scrutiny.Experts question whether a president can unilaterally declare war against non-state actors like drug cartels without explicit congressional authorization.

* War Powers Resolution: The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is central to this debate. It aims to limit the President’s power to commit the U.S. to an armed conflict without the consent of Congress.

* Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF): Previous AUMFs have been used to justify military action against terrorist organizations. Applying this framework to drug cartels is a novel and controversial interpretation.

* Potential for Escalation: Critics warn that declaring war could escalate violence along the U.S.-Mexico border and destabilize the region. The implications for U.S.-Mexico relations are considerable.

According to the New York Times report published today, October 2nd, 2025, Trump’s claim that he can and has put the country into a literal state of war against drug cartels is particularly vital from a legal standpoint. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/02/us/politics/trump-drug-cartels-war.html

Key Components of the New Strategy

The Congressional document details several key components of the proposed strategy:

1. Expanded Military Operations: Increased deployment of U.S. special forces and intelligence assets to Mexico, operating with the consent (or despite the lack of consent) of the mexican government.
2. Targeted Sanctions: Aggressive economic sanctions against individuals and businesses linked to drug cartels, including those facilitating money laundering.
3. Enhanced Border Security: Further fortification of the U.S.-Mexico border, including increased surveillance technology and personnel. This builds upon existing border wall initiatives.
4. Disruption of Supply Chains: Efforts to disrupt the flow of precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl and other illicit drugs.
5. Collaboration with Mexican Authorities (conditional): The document suggests a willingness to cooperate with Mexican authorities, but only if they demonstrate a commitment to dismantling the cartels.

The Fentanyl Crisis: A Driving force Behind the Policy Shift

The escalating fentanyl crisis is widely cited as the primary driver behind this dramatic policy shift. Over 70,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023, largely attributed to fentanyl smuggled from Mexico. The Trump administration argues that traditional law enforcement methods have proven insufficient to address the scale of the problem.

* Fentanyl Precursors: The majority of fentanyl precursors originate in China,highlighting the need for international cooperation to stem the flow of these chemicals.

* Cartel Profits: Drug cartels are estimated to generate billions of dollars in revenue from fentanyl trafficking, fueling violence and corruption.

* Public Health Emergency: The fentanyl crisis is considered a major public health emergency, demanding a comprehensive and aggressive response.

Ancient Precedents and Comparisons

While unprecedented in its scope, this declaration draws parallels to past U.S. interventions in the “War on Drugs.”

* Operation Intercept (1969): A similar attempt to block the flow of drugs across the border,which proved largely ineffective and strained U.S.-Mexico relations.

* Plan Colombia (1999): A U.S.-funded initiative to combat drug trafficking in Colombia, which had mixed results.

* Militarization of the Drug War: The increasing militarization of drug enforcement efforts over the past several decades, raising concerns about civil liberties and police brutality.

Potential Impacts on International Relations

The unilateral declaration of war against drug cartels could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. foreign policy.

* Mexico’s Sovereignty: The Mexican government has consistently asserted its sovereignty and opposed any foreign military intervention on its territory.

* Regional Instability: Escalated violence could destabilize the region, potentially leading to a humanitarian crisis.

* Strain on Alliances: the policy could strain relationships with allies who advocate for a more diplomatic approach to drug control.

* Impact on Trade: Potential disruptions to trade and economic relations between the U.S. and Mexico. The USMCA trade agreement could