In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump announced the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations of mortgage fraud as the cause. This action marks the first time a president has fired a central bank governor in the Fed’s history, raising questions about the legality and implications of such a decision. The dismissal has sparked concern over the Fed’s independence, as Trump has previously criticized the central bank’s interest rate decisions, potentially aiming to exert political influence over monetary policy. The firing’s legality is uncertain, as the law only allows removal “for cause”, a term whose boundaries are undefined, but the move has already impacted the US dollar index, which dropped in value following the announcement.
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Dustin Walker, 34, has been arrested and charged with child sexual abuse after DNA tests confirmed he is the father of his 11-year-old stepdaughter’s newborn. Initially charged with child neglect, the charges were amended after the DNA results. Cherie Walker, 33, the child’s mother, was charged with enabling child sexual abuse, along with six counts of felony child neglect, for the newborn and five other children that they share, due to unsanitary living conditions. The children have been removed from the home, and the couple’s bond was set at $100,000 each.
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During an executive order signing, President Trump appeared confused, referring to an imaginary governor named “Kristi Whitman” and then seemingly self-correcting to “Kristi Whitmer,” which could have been a reference to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Trump also discussed topics related to the Great Lakes and the potential threat of carp. The President’s verbal miscues continued as he also appeared to confuse several other people’s names, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and even forgetting the names of people standing right behind him. These incidents are part of a pattern of verbal stumbles by the President, including the mistaken references to Russia and other past gaffes.
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A federal judge has temporarily blocked the US government from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia after he was taken into custody. The government, which had previously mistakenly deported him to El Salvador and subsequently charged him with human trafficking, now intends to deport him to Uganda after he refused a plea deal. The judge expressed concerns about deporting him to a country with no connections, pending a hearing and questioning the government’s ability to ensure his safety in Uganda. Additional court orders were in effect that forbid his deportation from the continental US until Wednesday afternoon.
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During a recent public spat with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, President Trump remarked that Pritzker “ought to spend more time at the gym.” This comment, aimed at a Democrat who has criticized Trump’s attempts to deploy troops in other cities, is not the first time the president has commented on Pritzker’s weight. In light of these remarks, social media users and Pritzker himself, have been quick to point out that the president’s health has also been under scrutiny. Trump’s height and weight have fluctuated throughout his recent booking documents, and social media users have since responded to the comments with unflattering photos and comparisons.
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Despite a Supreme Court ruling protecting flag burning as free speech, President Trump has issued an order directing the Department of Justice to prosecute anyone who desecrates the American flag, seeking to overturn the 1989 decision. The order aims to criminalize flag burning, potentially leading to a year of incarceration, contradicting the First Amendment. This directive also instructs the Secretary of State to deny visas and other benefits to foreign nationals who desecrate the flag, further restricting free speech. Legal experts have criticized the order, asserting that it cannot override the First Amendment’s protections for symbolic speech, even if offensive.
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A recent YouGov/Economist poll reveals a significant increase in strong disapproval of President Trump’s second term. The poll found that 47% of respondents strongly disapprove, compared to 23% who strongly approve, marking an 11-point increase in strong disapproval since the beginning of his term. Democrats displayed even stronger negative sentiment, with 83% strongly disapproving, while a little over half of Republican supporters strongly approved. Overall approval ratings for Trump stand at 40%, with 56% disapproval, and historical data indicates that his approval ratings are lower than those of other modern presidents at this point in their second terms.
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Amidst criticism of his administration’s actions, President Trump addressed concerns, stating that “a lot of people are saying, ‘Maybe we like a dictator.'” He also reiterated his intention to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago and signed executive orders against cashless bail and regarding flag burning. These actions have drawn criticism, with some comparing them to measures seen in countries under dictatorships, and warnings that these actions will only serve to benefit the predatory bail industry. The executive orders also included consequences for jurisdictions that maintain cashless bail systems. Public figures such as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed their concerns regarding the orders as well.
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DNC chair: Democrats can’t be ‘the only party that plays by the rules anymore’. The realization that Democrats can’t be the sole party adhering to the rules anymore seems to have finally sunk in. It’s a sentiment echoing throughout the political sphere, reflecting a frustration built up over years. It’s not about breaking laws; it’s about recognizing that the current system often allows for blatant manipulation and exploitation of those rules. The focus now needs to shift toward actively fighting for a fair playing field, even if that means adopting tactics previously shunned.
DNC chair: Democrats can’t be ‘the only party that plays by the rules anymore’.… Continue reading
Ukraine has gained the ability to independently launch deep strikes into Russia, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This shift moves away from the prior reliance on US-provided weapons like the ATACMS, which required Washington’s approval. Ukraine’s development of domestically produced long-range missiles, such as the Neptune and the Flamingo, has contributed to this new capability. The Flamingo, with a range of 1,800 miles, could potentially threaten key Russian military facilities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump’s “Senior Moment”: Confuses Governors, Raises Dementia Concerns
During an executive order signing, President Trump appeared confused, referring to an imaginary governor named “Kristi Whitman” and then seemingly self-correcting to “Kristi Whitmer,” which could have been a reference to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Trump also discussed topics related to the Great Lakes and the potential threat of carp. The President’s verbal miscues continued as he also appeared to confuse several other people’s names, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and even forgetting the names of people standing right behind him. These incidents are part of a pattern of verbal stumbles by the President, including the mistaken references to Russia and other past gaffes.
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