The Trump Justice Department is reportedly investigating the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for potential manipulation of crime data, as confirmed by sources and a social media post from the former president. This investigation, spearheaded by the U.S. attorney’s office in D.C., follows reports of an MPD commander being placed on leave amidst accusations of downgrading crime offenses. The probe marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the city and the Trump administration, which has previously criticized D.C.’s leadership for allegedly failing to address rising crime rates, despite city officials and public statistics showing a decrease in violent crime.
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Musician Jack White criticized the Trump administration’s opulent redesign of the Oval Office on Instagram, calling it “vulgar” and comparing it to a “professional wrestler’s dressing room.” In response, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed White as a “washed up, has-been loser” and criticized his lack of appreciation for the office’s significance. This spat is the latest in a series of anti-Trump statements from White. The Oval Office’s new look features gold accents and other opulent additions mirroring the decor of Trump’s Florida resort, a design choice Trump himself proudly boasts.
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Dozens of Microsoft employees recently occupied the company’s east campus in Redmond, Washington, protesting the alleged use of Microsoft software by the Israeli military in Gaza and for surveillance of Palestinians. The “No Azure for Genocide” group organized the demonstration, demanding Microsoft divest from Israel and accusing the company of enabling genocide. The protest was prompted by a lack of response from Microsoft and the recent revelation that the company’s Azure software is allegedly used to store mass surveillance data collected from Palestinians’ phone calls. After two hours of protest, the demonstrators were told to leave, with police threatening arrest for trespassing.
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Jil McIntosh is a seasoned freelance writer with over 35 years of experience, currently contributing to Driving.ca since 2016. Her expertise spans new-vehicle reviews, automotive technology, and a passion for antique cars, with a specialization in “How It Works” columns. McIntosh is a voting member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and a juror for the Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. Throughout her career, she has written for numerous publications and has received several accolades, including the AJAC Journalist of the Year award in 2016.
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According to CNN data analyst Harry Enten, Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is the most unpopular piece of legislation passed by Congress in decades, polling significantly worse than even the Affordable Care Act. Polling data from various news outlets shows the bill with a net favorability ranging from -10 to -22 points, with independent voters holding particularly negative views. This unpopularity poses a challenge for Republicans, especially with the upcoming elections, as the administration attempts to promote the bill and even considers renaming it to improve its public perception.
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Governor Cuomo expressed confidence in minimizing the impact of Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa’s vote, suggesting it would be seen as wasted, as both Trump and leading Republicans would prioritize stopping Maya Wiley. Cuomo hinted at potential cooperation with Trump, noting the former president’s desire for “redemption” in New York, referencing Trump’s rejection by the state’s voters. While avoiding a direct answer, Cuomo implied communication with the White House, referencing a prior relationship with the president.
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Yosemite National Park ranger Shannon “SJ” Joslin was fired after hanging a large transgender pride flag on El Capitan in protest of policies targeting transgender people under the Trump administration. Park officials are working with the Justice Department to pursue administrative action against several park employees and possible criminal charges against visitors who violated demonstration restrictions. The new restrictions, which prohibit banners larger than 15 square feet in wilderness areas, were put in place shortly after the flag display. Joslin’s supporters claim the firing is unjust, while park officials defend the regulations, stating the priority is the protection of park resources and visitor experience.
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A federal judge has mandated that Mississippi redraw its Supreme Court electoral map due to its detrimental impact on the voting power of Black residents. The court found the current map, in place since 1987, violated the Voting Rights Act by splitting the Delta region, a historically Black area, and diminishing its influence. This ruling, supported by the ACLU, highlights a historic injustice and will necessitate the Mississippi Legislature to create a new map before future elections. It may serve as a precedent for challenging similar maps nationwide, emphasizing the importance of fair representation and equal voting rights for all Mississippians.
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After 11 years, Target CEO Brian Cornell is stepping down amidst declining sales and controversy, with Michael Fiddelke, the current COO, set to take over in 2026. Cornell, who will become executive chairman, previously revitalized Target, but the company has faced a downturn due to strategic missteps, including the retreat of its DEI programs which caused customer backlash. Target’s sales have fallen for three consecutive quarters, and the company has struggled with a shopper slowdown, increased tariffs, and competition from other retailers. Analysts are divided on whether the new leadership can resolve the issues.
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The diplomatic relationship between Israel and France has reached a crisis point following France’s announcement to recognize a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused French President Emmanuel Macron of fomenting antisemitism, citing a surge of antisemitic acts in France after the announcement. The French presidency responded by calling Netanyahu’s allegation “abject” and “erroneous,” emphasizing France’s commitment to protecting its Jewish citizens. This disagreement is part of a broader trend, as numerous nations have moved toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move that has drawn criticism from Israel.
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John Q. Hosedrinker