During a rally in Iowa, former President Donald Trump used the term “Shylocks,” a word considered an antisemitic slur, while discussing bankers. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) responded, calling Trump’s use of the term “very troubling and irresponsible” and highlighting its association with harmful stereotypes about Jewish people. This incident sparked backlash online, with some figures calling for the ADL to condemn the statement. Trump, when asked about the comment, stated he was unaware of the term’s negative connotations.
Read More
President Trump signed an executive order directing the National Park Service to increase entry and recreation pass fees for non-U.S. residents to fund park improvements. This directive also instructs the Interior Department to provide preferential treatment to U.S. residents regarding recreational access rules, including permitting. Simultaneously, the order revoked a 2017 memorandum promoting diversity and inclusion in national parks and established the “Make America Beautiful Again” Commission. These actions coincide with the administration’s efforts to reduce National Park Service staff and budget, as the Interior Department proposed cutting over $1 billion to the Park Service.
Read More
The House of Representatives approved a controversial bill, referred to as “the one big ugly bill,” following heated debate. Representative Don Beyer cited scripture to highlight the bill’s detrimental impact on vulnerable populations, specifically criticizing its cuts to food, healthcare, and support for the poor. Despite these moral concerns and clear warnings from Democrats, the bill passed with a narrow 218-214 vote. This decision by the GOP has been widely criticized as a betrayal of both moral principles and economic rationale.
Read More
Florida Democratic lawmakers were denied entry to the Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention facility despite claiming legal authority for a site visit. Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried questioned what the DeSantis administration was hiding, as the facility is taxpayer-funded and lawmakers have a right to inspect it. The lawmakers expressed concerns about the conditions for detainees before the visit. The facility, built in the Everglades, began housing detainees and is projected to accommodate thousands when fully operational.
Read More
The Defense Department recently halted a U.S. weapons shipment to Ukraine, citing concerns about low stockpiles, despite an analysis by senior military officers concluding the aid package would not jeopardize American military ammunition supplies. This decision was made unilaterally by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, surprising the State Department, members of Congress, and allies. Lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration, examining if the delayed shipment violated legislation mandating security assistance for Ukraine. Some believe the Pentagon is using readiness as an excuse to halt aid.
Read More
Following a recent hour-long phone call between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin, Trump reported that no progress was made regarding ending the war in Ukraine. The call, the sixth between the two leaders since January, focused on the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East. Putin, according to a Kremlin aide, indicated Russia would continue pursuing its goals in the war. This comes as Russia intensifies attacks, and the U.S. paused weapons shipments, while Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized the need for direct talks between national leaders to achieve peace.
Read More
US military says 200 Marines being sent to support ICE in Florida.
Wow, the news that 200 Marines are being deployed to support ICE in Florida is definitely stirring up a lot of strong reactions. It’s hard to ignore the immediate questions that come to mind: Why? What exactly is the role they’ll be playing? And perhaps most importantly, what are the implications of blurring the lines between the military and civilian law enforcement? The initial reaction seems to be a mix of disbelief, concern, and outright anger. It’s understandable, really.
Their roles will focus on administrative and logistical tasks.
It’s important to note that, officially, these Marines are being assigned to administrative and logistical tasks.… Continue reading
Federal officials announced that former middleweight boxing champion Julio César Chávez Jr. was arrested for overstaying his visa and providing false information on a green card application, leading to his deportation to Mexico. The arrest occurred days after his recent match against Jake Paul, despite the Department of Homeland Security determining he should have been arrested before the fight. Chávez also faces an active arrest warrant in Mexico related to organized crime, specifically the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The boxer’s attorney has stated the allegations are outrageous.
Read More
During a visit to Denmark, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an agreement with several American companies for the joint production of drones. The agreement focuses on various drone types, including interceptor drones, reconnaissance quadcopters, and attack UAVs, with production expected to reach hundreds of thousands this year and increase further in the next. The collaboration will involve American company Swift Beat and grant some Ukrainian manufacturers access to the technologies. This partnership aims to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in intercepting enemy drones and missiles.
Read More
Following recent U.S. strikes on its nuclear program, Iran will not retaliate further and is open to negotiations with Washington, according to a senior government official. However, Iran will continue uranium enrichment despite the attacks, emphasizing their long-standing position. The U.S. strikes, which included the use of “bunker buster bombs” on key Iranian sites, followed an earlier Israeli attack and Iranian missile responses. Despite the tension, a fragile ceasefire is currently in place.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood