The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History removed references to Donald Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit display in July, citing a content review following pressure from the White House. A temporary label, added in September 2021 and including information about Trump’s impeachments, was removed and the display was returned to its 2008 appearance. This change aligns with broader concerns about political interference at the Smithsonian and efforts by the Trump administration to control its work. The Smithsonian stated a future exhibit will include all impeachments and that updating the current display would take time and funding.
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A U.S. Senate investigations subcommittee report revealed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), implemented by Elon Musk, wasted over $21 billion in its first six months. The report highlighted significant waste from mass layoffs of federal employees, resulting in $14.8 billion spent on early retirement packages and $6.1 billion on severance. Furthermore, DOGE’s funding freezes led to lost interest payments, spoiled goods, and cuts to programs that generated more revenue than they cost to operate. This included the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and public health research cuts. Long-term projections suggest that the DOGE initiatives could cost taxpayers significantly more in the future.
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The Senate, under GOP control, confirmed Joe Kent, a figure with documented ties to far-right extremism and conspiracy theories, as the new head of the National Counterterrorism Center. This decision, supported largely along party lines, faced strong opposition from Democrats who highlighted Kent’s history of promoting election falsehoods and his connections to extremist figures, including white nationalists and members of the Proud Boys. Kent, a former Green Beret, has been criticized for echoing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the January 6th Capitol attack. Furthermore, Kent was accused of attempting to manipulate intelligence assessments for political gain.
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Senators are poised to vote on a bill that would allow members of Congress and their staff to demand the removal of personal information from websites. This legislation, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ted Cruz, aims to enhance member security amidst rising political threats. However, watchdogs and media advocates express concerns that the bill could hinder journalistic efforts and limit accountability. They argue that despite the inclusion of a carve-out for journalists, the legislation may still empower Congress with censorship, potentially impacting public discourse.
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Ukraine’s drones roar deep into Russia — Penza military electronics plant in flames. Well, this is certainly a headline that grabs your attention, isn’t it? The idea of Ukrainian drones, reaching so far into Russian territory and targeting a key facility, is pretty significant. It speaks volumes about the capabilities that Ukraine has developed, and the lengths they’re willing to go to defend themselves and potentially, to disrupt Russia’s war machine. The report of a military electronics plant in Penza being ablaze is definitely a development that would, if confirmed, send ripples through both sides of the conflict.
Ukraine’s drones roar deep into Russia — Penza military electronics plant in flames.… Continue reading
President Trump is planning a significant Mar-a-Lago-style makeover for the East Wing, including the construction of a new ballroom, set to begin in September at an estimated cost of $200 million funded by the president and private donors. The new ballroom will be approximately 90,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the current White House, and will have a capacity of 650 people. The project will also relocate offices currently in the East Wing, and is the latest in a series of White House construction projects under Trump’s administration, following renovations like the Rose Garden’s overhaul and gold leafing in the Oval Office.
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President Trump announced a 90-day pause on increasing tariffs on Mexican goods, avoiding the threatened escalation to 30%. This extension allows time for a trade deal to be negotiated. During this period, Mexico will maintain existing tariffs, including 25% on fentanyl and auto imports and 50% on metal commodities. Additionally, Mexico has agreed to eliminate several non-tariff trade barriers. The extension highlights the significance of Mexico as a trading partner and the relationship between Trump and President Sheinbaum.
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Kerr County, Texas, lead emergency management official says he was asleep during deadly flooding, and it’s hard to know where to begin sorting through the fallout. The initial reaction is, well, surprise. Then, probably a healthy dose of anger. A lot of people are going to be asking some very pointed questions. The situation involves William “Dub” Thomas, the Kerr County Emergency Management Director since 2015, who has stated he was, in fact, asleep during the unfolding of a devastating flash flood.
Let’s be clear, everyone gets sick, right? It’s entirely understandable that he called out sick on July 3rd. We’ve all been there.… Continue reading
The recent killing of a collared lion named Blondie in Zimbabwe by a trophy hunter has sparked outrage, reminiscent of the 2015 Cecil the lion case. Blondie, part of an Oxford University study, was lured from a protected area and killed in a legal hunt with permits, despite the visible research collar. Zimbabwe’s National Parks defends the hunt, citing the revenue generated for conservation efforts, although others condemn trophy hunting practices. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over lion hunting, its ethics, and its impact on the vulnerable lion population across Africa.
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A comprehensive report, compiled by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa (OJAH), documents widespread sexual violence perpetrated by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers in Tigray. The research, based on medical records, health worker surveys, and interviews, reveals systematic attacks including mass rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, and sexual torture, targeting women and children. These atrocities were often intended to destroy the fertility of Tigrayan women. This report concludes that these acts constitute crimes against humanity and calls for international investigation into potential acts of genocide.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood