Dozens of former US Department of Justice attorneys have detailed the politicization of federal law enforcement during Donald Trump’s second term. The attorneys reported directives to investigate Trump’s political opponents, drop investigations, and mass pardons, including those who participated in the January 6th Capitol riot. This politicization extended to executive orders targeting law firms and investigations with predetermined outcomes, and the use of pardons for political allies. Additionally, there have been efforts to relax gift-acceptance rules, and misuse of government resources for personal gain.
Read More
Following controversy surrounding the use of a government jet to visit his girlfriend, Wilkins, Patel has taken steps to increase her security and deflect criticism. He has defended his actions, framing criticism of Wilkins as an attack and emphasizing his commitment to family. This comes amid scrutiny from lawmakers regarding reimbursement for personal trips and indications of disapproval from within the bureau over Patel’s use of government resources. His actions have raised further questions about his judgment and the use of public funds.
Read More
Ursula von der Leyen has urged EU countries to agree by December on a plan to provide Ukraine with €135.7 billion in military and financial aid over the next two years. The European Commission President outlined three potential options, including voluntary member state contributions, joint debt at the EU level, and a reparations loan based on Russia’s frozen assets. While the first two options would increase the fiscal burden, the reparations loan faces legal complexities and concerns about perceptions of confiscation, especially regarding a large sum held in Belgium. Von der Leyen stresses the urgency of a decision, as the EU leaders will meet in December, and suggests that the options can be combined or used sequentially to avoid aid disruption.
Read More
In 2026, the standard Medicare Part B premium will rise to $202.90 per month, a $17.90 increase from the previous year. This marks the second-largest dollar increase in Part B premiums on record. As Part B covers essential medical services, this increase may impact Social Security beneficiaries, as premiums are often deducted from their monthly checks. This continued rise in costs could be perceived as a burden for retirees.
Read More
Donald Trump’s pardon of cryptocurrency firm Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who had pleaded guilty to money-laundering, has sparked controversy due to Zhao’s financial ties to the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. The pardon occurred months after Binance partnered with World Liberty Financial in a $2 billion deal, prompting former U.S. Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer to call the pardon “corruption” on 60 Minutes, citing unprecedented influence of money. Experts like Harvard’s Lawrence Lessig suggest the currency selection was intended to benefit Trump, noting Zhao’s potential control over World Liberty Financial’s success, while the White House defends the pardon as an exercise of Trump’s constitutional authority.
Read More
NATO Document Warns Russia is Advancing New Nuclear-Capable Weapons
The recent emergence of a NATO document suggesting Russia is developing new nuclear-capable weapons certainly sparks a lot of thought. It brings to mind a certain historical playbook, doesn’t it? The one where a struggling military, unable to deliver conventional victories, resorts to the seemingly ultimate power of nuclear or “super weapons.” It’s a bit like the desperate measures seen in the final days of certain regimes, clutching at straws, pouring resources into fantastical, yet ultimately futile, projects. And really, let’s be honest, whether it’s a new nuke or one from the Cold War era, the destructive potential is still utterly terrifying.… Continue reading
The Rome Police Department in Georgia has announced it is investigating assassination threats made against U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family. The threats were received via email and initially filtered into a junk mail folder before being discovered. This comes after former President Donald Trump downplayed the severity of the threats. The pair have publicly split over policy disagreements, including the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the government shutdown.
Read More
Zelenskyy and Macron sign defense procurement deal as Paris visit opens door to Rafale jets, and this is a really significant moment, isn’t it? It signifies not just a financial transaction, but a deepening of the commitment between France and Ukraine. This isn’t just about handing over aid; it’s about establishing a framework for long-term security. It’s about ensuring Ukraine has the tools it needs to defend itself now, and in the years to come. This is a crucial step towards Ukraine building a capable and sustainable military force, independent of continual infusions of aid.
The specific details of the procurement deal are, of course, the key.… Continue reading
President Trump has recently reversed course on his previous tariff policies by removing tariffs on over 200 agricultural staples, including beef and coffee, a move celebrated by some of his supporters. This decision follows the initial imposition of tariffs on food products in April, a move that was praised for its support of American food production. The change has prompted criticism and irony, as it contrasts with Trump’s historical support for tariffs. The decision to lower tariffs comes as Americans are dealing with increased food costs, with prices of staples like coffee and beef rising significantly in recent months, potentially influenced by recent Democratic wins on the topic of affordability.
Read More
Recent reports indicate growing anxiety within President Trump’s circles, with advisors expressing concern that he is alienating crucial voters. Republicans are reportedly warning the White House about potential trouble for the GOP in the upcoming midterm elections. Furthermore, Trump’s focus has seemingly shifted towards the Jeffrey Epstein case, as he ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s connections to Democrats, utilizing the Justice Department. Analyst Michael Cohen explains how the Epstein situation is impacting Trump, leading to the fracturing of the MAGA coalition and the likely impact on the midterms.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood