The White House has issued a statement defending Donald Trump’s decision to commute the prison sentence of former private equity executive David Gentile. Gentile was released after serving less than two weeks of a seven-year sentence for a $1.6 billion fraud scheme. The Biden administration claims it could not tie any fraudulent representations to Gentile and views the case as an example of justice being weaponized. Despite the commutation, Gentile’s conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and securities fraud remains in place.
Read More
Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev has been replaced by Andrey Fedyaev on SpaceX’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, due to allegations of photographing confidential SpaceX materials in California, potentially violating US export control rules. Artemyev reportedly took pictures of SpaceX engines and internal materials on his phone and removed them from the site, leading to his removal from training. Roscosmos officially cited a job transfer as the reason for the change, while the Crew-12 mission, using a Crew Dragon spacecraft, is scheduled for launch on February 15, 2026. SpaceX and NASA have not commented publicly on the reported investigation, which carries significant legal and diplomatic implications.
Read More
Nearly 100 former lawmakers call on House to ban stock trading by members of Congress, and it’s certainly a topic that’s sparking a lot of discussion. The very fact that this many former members are speaking out says something, doesn’t it? It feels like a late realization, a collective “hindsight is 20/20” moment. It’s a bit of a cliché, the “I got mine, now pull up the ladder” mentality, but there’s a definite whiff of that in the air. These are people who, by virtue of having been “former,” are no longer directly benefiting from the system they’re criticizing. It’s easy to advocate for change when you’re not personally affected by it anymore.… Continue reading
Hegseth’s book reveals a disdain for military regulations, particularly those he believed hindered combat effectiveness. He is quoted as telling his platoon to disregard certain rules of engagement, prioritizing the elimination of perceived threats. The author frequently criticizes what he perceives as excessive concern for international opinion, prioritizing victory above all else. Hegseth’s admiration for his commander, Colonel Michael Steele, who faced reprimand for allegedly ordering the killing of military-aged males, is evident.
Read More
The FDA has recently approved a new type of eyeglass lens designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children aged 6 to 12. These specialized lenses, known as Essilor Stellest, have been shown in studies to reduce myopia progression by 70% after two years. The lenses utilize 11 concentric rings with tiny dots to refocus light on the retina, potentially slowing the eye’s elongation. Although the retail price is $450, most major U.S. vision insurance providers are expected to cover the lenses.
Read More
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s visit to Dublin included a standing ovation and meetings with Irish leaders, coinciding with renewed talks between Putin and Trump’s special envoy. Zelenskyy downplayed expectations for a swift end to the conflict, emphasizing the need for robust security guarantees from the U.S. and European allies. He views any agreement without these guarantees as unrealistic, seeking to prevent future Russian invasions. Ireland’s leaders also stressed the need for Russia to bear the financial burden of Ukraine’s reconstruction, advocating for utilizing frozen Russian funds.
Read More
Pope Leo has cautioned President Trump against using military force to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Instead, the Pope has suggested pursuing dialogue or economic pressure for regime change. The Pope criticized the mixed signals emanating from the U.S. regarding the situation, highlighting the inconsistency in messaging. Trump’s actions, including airspace closures and military deployments, have fueled speculation about an imminent strike, despite Maduro denying the accusations and denouncing the threats.
Read More
NATO is considering a shift toward a more aggressive stance against Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, potentially including “preemptive” cyber or sabotage operations, according to NATO’s military committee chairman. This evaluation comes amidst rising tensions and a series of Russian-linked incidents, such as cyberattacks, information operations, and targeting of critical infrastructure. Russia has responded by accusing NATO of escalating tensions. Experts note Russia’s history of aggression and the need for a strong response to deter further actions.
Read More
Following a student’s submission of a paper labeling transgender people as “demonic” and gender roles as “Biblically ordained,” the University of Oklahoma placed a trans graduate instructor on administrative leave. The instructor, who graded the paper with a zero for failing to meet academic criteria, received backlash from the student and right-wing media outlets. The university, after receiving a religious discrimination complaint, initiated a review process, supported by a statement from Governor Kevin Stitt. This has escalated the situation into a statewide debate concerning LGBTQ+ inclusion and the boundaries of academic freedom.
Read More
House Democrat eyes articles of impeachment against Hegseth, and the prospect is causing quite a stir, wouldn’t you say? It’s a move that’s bound to ignite a firestorm of debate, even if the eventual outcome seems predictable. The core of this discussion centers on the idea of holding individuals accountable, specifically concerning alleged war crimes and other serious offenses.
The motivation behind such a push, at least from this perspective, appears to be about forcing Republicans to publicly declare their stance. The idea is to put them on the record: are they okay with the conduct in question? It’s a strategy aimed at exposing what’s perceived as the GOP’s true colors, their values, and their priorities.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood