Navajo Transitional Energy Co. (NTEC) submitted a bid of $186,000 for a federal coal lease in southeastern Montana, marking the largest U.S. coal sale in over a decade. The offer, equating to one-tenth of a penny per ton, highlights coal’s decreasing value despite efforts to increase its mining and burning. While the sale occurred near NTEC’s Spring Creek mine, which faces declining domestic demand as power plants retire, the lease is located in the Powder River Basin. The future demand for this coal is uncertain, especially since many plants have chosen alternatives such as natural gas, wind, and solar.
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Dr. David S. Glosser, Stephen Miller’s uncle, has publicly criticized his nephew, including agreeing with a commenter who called Miller a “depraved fiend.” Glosser has previously accused Miller of white nationalism and using propaganda tactics. His posts, which condemn both Miller and President Trump, resurfaced after Miller’s cousin, Alisa Kasmer, posted a viral message severing ties with the White House aide and calling him “the face of evil.” Kasmer, who had once loved her cousin, detailed how her family has suffered under Miller’s influence. Glosser characterized Miller as an “immigration hypocrite” because of his opposition to accepting refugees, given his own family’s history.
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North Korea is currently supplying Russia with a significant portion of its ammunition needs, estimated at 35-50% monthly, which equates to 200,000–260,000 shells of 152 mm and 122 mm caliber. Additionally, Pyongyang has provided launchers and short-range ballistic missiles to be used in the ongoing conflict. Russia and North Korea are utilizing the war in Ukraine as a testing ground for weapons systems, including upgraded anti-tank missiles and heavy MLRS. Furthermore, a substantial number of North Korean troops, including specialized personnel, have been deployed to Russia, and North Korean labor migrants are being utilized to offset workforce shortages.
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Following a controversial ruling, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by President Trump, faced scrutiny after granting a temporary restraining order against the deployment of National Guard troops in Oregon. During an emergency hearing, Judge Immergut questioned the federal government’s actions, accusing them of circumventing her order by mobilizing troops from Texas after initially moving them from California. This prompted criticism from White House officials, who argued the President’s authority as commander-in-chief superseded the judge’s ruling, claiming the deployment was necessary to defend federal officers and maintain order. Legal analysts suggest the situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch.
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Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks stated at a meeting with Johnson County Republicans that she would hold town hall meetings “when hell freezes over.” This response came amidst scrutiny over her and other House Republicans’ reluctance to hold public town halls after promising to do so. Miller-Meeks cited criticism over her votes on Medicaid cuts and the GOP’s government funding bill as reasons for avoiding the public forums. She defended her accessibility, noting her frequent public appearances and willingness to answer questions in various settings while accusing Democrats of trying to incite public confrontations.
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During a protest at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland, 84-year-old Richard Eckman, a Vietnam War veteran, and his wife Laurie Eckman, also 84, were reportedly charged and knocked to the ground by federal agents. The Eckmans, who were peacefully protesting, stated that the agents rushed at them without any apparent provocation. According to Laurie Eckman, she was also hit by a projectile, resulting in a concussion. Several witnesses and the Eckmans themselves expressed shock at the agents’ behavior, emphasizing that the protesters were peaceful and not affiliated with any groups known for violence.
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On Monday evening, the air traffic control tower at Burbank Airport was unmanned due to the increasing number of air traffic controllers calling out sick amidst the government shutdown. The FAA anticipates the tower will be without controllers until 10 p.m., with Southern California TRACON taking over air traffic duties remotely. Although officials hope for minimal impact, delays and cancellations are expected as the shutdown continues, potentially leading to staffing shortages and longer security lines. This situation mirrors the 2018-2019 shutdown, where similar issues occurred, and could worsen as unpaid workers face financial strain.
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Another prominent Russian figure, Vyacheslav Leontyev, the 87-year-old former head of the Pravda publishing house, has died after falling from a window in Moscow. Leontyev’s death, occurring on Saturday evening, is under investigation by police, with possibilities including accident, suicide, or foul play. His passing adds to a concerning pattern of high-profile deaths in Russia, with several other business leaders and officials also dying in similar circumstances in recent years. These incidents have raised suspicions, particularly given the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential connections to the Russian elite.
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Stephen Miller, a key figure in shaping the Trump administration’s agenda, frequently frames American politics as a battle against “leftwing terrorism,” accusing Democrats, judges, and the media of shielding such threats. This rhetoric, as seen in Miller’s response to an unfavorable judicial ruling, reflects a broader pattern of labeling any opposition to Trump as illegitimate. Miller and Trump view dissent as a form of rebellion, utilizing events like the murder of Charlie Kirk or protests against ICE to justify the use of state power to suppress their political opponents. This strategy underscores a post-liberal approach that rejects neutral standards of conduct, justifying Trump’s actions while deeming any opposition as evil.
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Louisiana Republican, Johnson, asserted that Republicans are the primary party focused on improving healthcare, working tirelessly to find solutions. Johnson believes a significant portion of President Trump’s recent budget bill will address healthcare concerns. He further stated the need for improved quality and increased access to care, anticipating active debate and the development of new ideas on the issue within the coming months.
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John Q. Hosedrinker