The Trump administration has removed Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days at National Parks for 2026. Instead, the Department of the Interior will celebrate additional former presidents’ birthdays and Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump’s birthday. This decision follows a broader focus on “America-first” policies and will impact which American holidays are celebrated in the park system. Critics express concern that the shift in fee-free days sends a troubling message about who the parks are for and a reduction in information about the nation’s struggle toward liberty and justice for all. The new fee-free days also include changes in park entry costs for non-U.S. residents.
Read More
The French navy responded to multiple drone incursions over a sensitive military site in Brittany, France. The Île Longue submarine base, which houses nuclear submarines critical to France’s defense, was targeted. Military officials reported the detection of five drones on Thursday night, prompting navy troops to open fire. The status of the drones, whether they were successfully downed, is currently unknown.
Read More
The Supreme Court has decided to review a case concerning birthright citizenship, a constitutional right dating back over a century. This review stems from a challenge to the established practice, potentially impacting the citizenship status of children born to migrants in the U.S. illegally or on temporary visas. The court’s decision will determine whether birthright citizenship is upheld or if it will be terminated. Oral arguments between the government and the plaintiffs, including immigrant parents and their children, will be scheduled in the coming months.
Read More
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited the presence of radios as justification for bombing two men in the Caribbean Sea, claiming they could have contacted cartels. However, lawmakers who viewed the video footage contradicted this account. Representative Jim Himes stated definitively that there was no radio, weaponry, or any other means of communication present. The only evidence found was the men clinging to debris.
Read More
Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November, the lowest in 16 months, due to a significant cool-down in population growth and the labor force. The economy added an unexpected 54,000 jobs, primarily in the private sector and among young people, though most of these gains were part-time. Alberta saw the largest employment gains, with several other provinces also contributing. Strong job growth coupled with increasing average hourly wages and recent economic data suggest the Bank of Canada is unlikely to cut interest rates anytime soon.
Read More
Speculation arose regarding President Trump’s health after a California Democrat pointed to potential links between his recent actions and symptoms of Alzheimer’s treatment. The representative cited Trump’s hand bruise, MRI, and fatigue as potential indicators of Leqembi usage, an Alzheimer’s drug. While the White House physician stated Trump’s October MRI results were normal, and the press secretary attributed the hand bruise to handshaking and aspirin, reports of the president’s fatigue and instances of dozing during public events have fueled these concerns. Trump has disputed the reports, citing his successful political and economic achievements.
Read More
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Brian Cole Jr., the individual charged with planting pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters before the January 6th Capitol riots, confessed to the FBI and expressed support for Donald Trump, as well as leanings toward anarchist ideologies. While the FBI has found no evidence of collusion with militant organizations or Trump supporters, the motive for the bombing remains unclear. Cole, who is being held by the government, has retained an attorney and is scheduled for a detention hearing. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges may be filed.
Read More
Germany’s parliament has approved a new voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Chancellor Merz’s aim to strengthen the nation’s military. Starting January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire to gauge their interest in joining the armed forces, with mandatory forms for men and voluntary ones for women. The move has sparked protests, as many young Germans oppose the new law, citing concerns about military training and the prospect of war. The Bundestag’s decision follows a trend among European countries to revamp military service, mirroring similar initiatives like France’s voluntary training program.
Read More
Michigan Democrat Shri Thanedar announced his intention to file two articles of impeachment against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The first article cites “murder and conspiracy to murder” regarding deadly strikes on alleged drug boats, while the second concerns the “reckless and unlawful mishandling of classified information” related to the “Signalgate” scandal. Thanedar’s move follows reports of at least 86 fatalities from these operations. The congressman believes Hegseth has engaged in unlawful activity and should be brought to justice.
Read More
According to sources, Brian Cole Jr., the man charged with planting pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC on January 5th, told the FBI he believed in election conspiracy theories. Cole is cooperating with the FBI and made his first court appearance, facing charges of transporting explosive devices and attempted malicious destruction. Cole’s motive has not been publicly cited by the FBI, but he did speak to the government for “more than four hours” before the court hearing. This occurred before the January 6th attack, which former Special Counsel Jack Smith found was inspired by the spread of false claims about the 2020 election.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker