President Trump signed an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” aiming to counter what it terms a biased rewriting of American history. The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, prohibiting funding for exhibits deemed divisive or inconsistent with federal policy, and mandates a review of monuments altered since 2020. Further, the order seeks to prevent the disparagement of Americans in historical displays. This action follows Trump’s recent takeover of the Kennedy Center, resulting in numerous high-profile cancellations.
Read More
During a visit to an Arctic naval base, Vladimir Putin declared his intention to “finish off” Ukraine, asserting Russian forces hold the strategic initiative. He dismissed the size of the British army as insignificant following the announcement of a British-French “reassurance force” for Ukraine. Putin also questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signing any peace agreement, suggesting future elections under external governance might be necessary. This comes as Britain and France, along with Germany, plan to send military chiefs to Ukraine to assess the feasibility of deploying the force, despite some disagreement among European allies.
Read More
The Senate’s recent decision to overturn a rule limiting bank overdraft fees to $5 is a move that has sparked considerable controversy. This action removes a crucial consumer protection, potentially leaving many vulnerable to significantly higher charges.
The rationale behind this decision remains unclear to many, especially given the potential impact on those already struggling financially. It’s difficult to understand how increasing overdraft fees benefits the general population, particularly low-income individuals and families who are disproportionately affected by these charges.
Many question how such a policy could be considered beneficial for the American populace. The argument that it somehow stimulates the economy lacks merit, as it primarily serves to enrich banks at the expense of their customers.… Continue reading
The current administration is revoking student visas without due process, targeting those who have voiced criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. This action, spearheaded by Senator Rubio, represents a chilling escalation beyond mere speech suppression. Rubio’s role, initially perceived as a moderating influence, has shifted to become a key enabler of the administration’s aggressive actions against legal immigrants and students. The administration’s disregard for court orders and due process aims to create a chilling effect, silencing dissent before legal challenges can fully address the injustice.
Read More
Approximately 600 Cleveland-Cliffs Dearborn Works employees, including hourly and salaried workers, will face layoffs beginning July 15th due to weak U.S. automotive production. The UAW Local 600, caught off guard by the announcement, describes the situation as chaotic and is scrambling to find alternative employment for its members. While supplemental pay will be provided, its limited nature necessitates a swift job search in a currently unfavorable hiring climate. The union plans to assist members in navigating the upcoming layoffs.
Read More
The US reneged on a previously agreed-upon mineral deal with Ukraine, a move that has sparked considerable outrage and concern. Instead of honoring the signed agreement, the US presented a drastically altered document. This new document expands the scope of US ownership, extending it to encompass Ukrainian roads, factories, ports, and pipelines.
This shift in terms represents a significant power grab, effectively turning a resource-focused deal into a broad-ranging claim on Ukrainian infrastructure. The implications are far-reaching, impacting Ukraine’s sovereignty and its future economic development.
Adding insult to injury, the US also imposed a 4% annual interest rate on the aid already provided to Ukraine since 2022.… Continue reading
Portugal has updated its travel advisory for the U.S., warning citizens that entry isn’t guaranteed even with proper documentation, mirroring advisories from other European nations. The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of truthful declarations regarding travel purpose and cautions against transiting through Canada or Mexico before returning to the U.S. Furthermore, Portugal advises non-binary citizens to use their assigned-at-birth gender on entry forms, reflecting U.S. policy changes. This follows recent high-profile incidents of U.S. border agents denying entry to travelers, raising concerns about stricter immigration enforcement.
Read More
Following a summit in Paris, a coalition of willing nations will establish deterrence forces in Ukraine, stationed in strategic areas away from the conflict’s frontlines, potentially near the Dnipro River. These forces, comprising personnel from multiple countries and encompassing land, air, and sea capabilities, will complement—not replace—both Ukrainian forces and potential future peacekeepers. France and Britain will lead military teams to Ukraine to plan the long-term strengthening of its armed forces. The deterrence force’s creation, initiated at Ukraine’s request, remains in its planning stages.
Read More
A new US draft deal proposes near-total American control over Ukraine’s critical minerals, energy assets, and related infrastructure. This significantly escalates previous demands, granting the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund sweeping authority. Ukrainian officials express concerns about the deal’s potential to compromise national sovereignty and increase dependence on the US. The proposal omits security guarantees for Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable. This contrasts sharply with earlier, less extensive proposals.
Read More
Forward bookings for flights from Canada to the U.S. have plummeted by over 70 percent since last year, with April experiencing the steepest decline at 76 percent. This significant drop, impacting the U.S. tourism sector which relies heavily on Canadian travelers, is attributed to growing anti-American sentiment fueled by President Trump’s trade policies and rhetoric. The resulting “buy Canadian” movement, coupled with updated Canadian travel advisories highlighting U.S. immigration concerns, contributes to the decline in tourism. Airlines are already reducing flight capacity, anticipating further impacts on the traditional “snowbird” travel market. This situation reflects the broader economic consequences of the U.S.-Canada trade dispute beyond direct tariff impacts.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood