The U.S. Secret Service requested an increase in the Little Miami River’s water level last week for a kayaking trip Vice-President JD Vance took with his family, citing the need to ensure the safe operation of watercraft and emergency personnel. The Army Corps of Engineers temporarily increased outflows from Caesar Creek Lake to accommodate the request, which it said met operational criteria. Vance’s spokesperson stated the vice-president was unaware of the water level manipulation. This incident drew criticism, with comparisons made to a similar situation involving Al Gore and raising questions about taxpayer expense and fairness, and caused additional scrutiny due to similar actions on a previous trip.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to reports that former US President Donald Trump had ordered military action against Latin American drug cartels, asserting that there would be “no invasion of Mexico.” Sheinbaum’s statement followed reports of a directive signed by Trump authorizing military force against cartels, some of which his administration had designated as terrorist organizations. The New York Times reported that this directive would allow for military operations on foreign soil. The Pentagon has yet to comment on the order.
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The House Oversight Committee is investigating the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, issuing subpoenas for documents and testimony from officials and Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Democrats are now pushing for the inclusion of survivors of Epstein’s abuse to testify, citing concerns that the Trump administration attempted to silence them. The investigation was prompted by public outcry following the Justice Department’s refusal to release more information and allegations of Trump’s involvement with Epstein. With survivors of Epstein’s abuse expressing support for more transparency in the case, it remains unclear whether they will be granted the opportunity to testify.
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The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA after the Department of Justice accused the university of civil rights violations, including antisemitism. This action follows similar moves against other universities, such as Brown and Columbia, where the administration has paused or frozen federal funding over allegations of discrimination. UCLA is under scrutiny for its handling of protests related to the Israel-Hamas war and is the first public university to be targeted by the federal government. The university, which has already reached a $6 million settlement with Jewish students over the issue, is reviewing a document from the Department of Justice regarding the settlement request.
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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has updated its impeachment display to include President Donald Trump’s impeachments after initially removing a temporary placard. The updated display, unveiled following reports of White House pressure, now reflects all presidential impeachments. The revisions include minor alterations to the text, such as the addition of the word “alleged.” The museum has stated that the initial removal was for a more permanent update. Despite the changes, some visitors and public figures expressed concern over the potential for political interference in the museum’s exhibits.
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The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA after a DOJ investigation found the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The proposed agreement includes a resolution monitor, a senior administrator to ensure compliance, and revised protest policies, including a ban on overnight demonstrations. Furthermore, the settlement would require UCLA to end race- and ethnicity-based scholarships and halt gender-affirming care at its hospital and medical school. This follows the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protests and the freezing of approximately $584 million in funding and grants to the college.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a CNN report on X profiling Douglas Wilson, a self-described Christian nationalist pastor, and his movement which promotes a patriarchal society. The report details Wilson’s views on women’s roles, including their submission to men and the belief that they should not vote, which led to backlash on social media. Criticism has been leveled at Hegseth for promoting these controversial viewpoints, with many users expressing concern over the implications of his endorsement. The report also highlighted Wilson’s stance on same-sex marriage and his perspective on slavery, adding further fuel to the controversy.
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Negotiations between Washington and Moscow are underway to secure a deal that would end the war in Ukraine by solidifying Russia’s control over the occupied territories. US and Russian officials are reportedly aiming for an agreement to present at a potential summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, possibly as soon as next week. The US is also actively seeking support for this deal from Ukraine and its European allies, although its acceptance is uncertain. The details of the agreement remain undisclosed at this time.
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Russia hunting a 13-year-old Ukrainian boy with a drone in Kherson is a horrifying reality, highlighting the brutal nature of this conflict. It’s a stark reminder that this war isn’t just about military strategy and territorial gains; it’s about the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, including children. The thought of a child being hunted like prey is beyond comprehension, and it underscores the depths of depravity that this war has reached. It’s a tragedy that cuts deep, especially for anyone with children, and it’s hard to imagine the fear and desperation this young boy must be experiencing. It really makes you question the kind of human being who would order such an act, and the soldiers carrying it out.… Continue reading
New data from the CDC reveals a slight decline in kindergarten vaccination rates across the U.S. for the 2024-2025 school year, with rates ranging from 92.1% to 92.5% depending on the vaccine. Colorado mirrors this trend, with MMR vaccination rates for kindergartners at 88%, a decrease from 88.3% the previous year, and significantly lower than the 91% rate from five years prior. Public health officials express concern, emphasizing the impact of declining rates on herd immunity and the increased risk of outbreaks, while pediatricians encourage open communication and trust between doctors and parents.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood