In a recent podcast, a candidate suggested a program to address the prescription drug epidemic, proposing wellness farms where individuals, including “every Black kid” on psychiatric medication like Adderall, SSRIs, and benzos, could be “re-parented.” This initiative, intended to remove children from environments with screens and cell phones, has drawn criticism for its implication of separating Black children from their families. The candidate’s subsequent denial of making these statements during a congressional hearing, despite clear audio evidence to the contrary, has also raised significant concerns.
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The federal judge overseeing the White House ballroom construction has issued a revised order, permitting below-ground work and essential security-related above-ground construction. However, the order specifically prevents above-ground construction that would finalize the size and scale of the controversial ballroom. The Trump administration has appealed this decision, while the judge maintains that national security concerns do not justify proceeding with potentially unlawful activity.
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The Republican-controlled House narrowly rejected a resolution that would have directed President Donald Trump to end military hostilities against Iran. The vote, largely along party lines, saw 213 Republicans opposing the measure and only one, Rep. Thomas Massie, voting in favor, while one Democrat voted against it. This outcome aligns with Speaker Mike Johnson’s stance, who defended the President’s actions and characterized Iran as a leading sponsor of terrorism. The rejection follows a similar vote in the Senate and occurs amidst public disapproval of the war and rising economic concerns, including increased gas prices, which could impact future votes on war powers.
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A new analysis reveals that 88 of the largest U.S. corporations paid no federal corporate income taxes in 2025, despite earning over $105 billion in pretax income. This trend, exacerbated by recent tax cuts, means these profitable companies would have otherwise contributed approximately $22.1 billion to federal income taxes. The report highlights systemic issues within the corporate tax code, with provisions like accelerated depreciation and various tax credits enabling significant avoidance across diverse industries. While the full extent of corporate tax avoidance remains partially obscured due to non-public tax returns, these findings underscore a substantial reduction in tax contributions from major American businesses.
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Despite a significant Republican advantage in the district, substantial campaign spending, and direct endorsements from former President Trump, the Democratic candidate secured a surprise victory in the recent Texas state Senate special election. Trump’s involvement, including public appeals for support, was evident in the days leading up to the vote. However, following the unexpected loss, the former president publicly disavowed any knowledge of or involvement in the race, attempting to distance himself from the outcome. This incident echoes a pattern of downplaying significant political events, as observed in subsequent reporting.
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Despite unspecified security concerns that led to Erika Kirk’s cancellation of a co-appearance, the U.S. Secret Service deemed the Turning Point USA rally at the University of Georgia free of credible threats. While Kirk cited receiving serious threats, federal authorities indicated they were not tracking any specific or actionable threats tied to the event or its protectee. The Vice President, after being briefed by his security detail, proceeded with the rally, assuring attendees that the venue remained secure. Kirk’s absence will continue for subsequent rallies on the tour.
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The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that transgender residents have the right to update their legal documents to accurately reflect their gender identities. This decision upholds a preliminary injunction against SB 458, a law that had restricted the ability of transgender individuals to obtain identification consistent with their gender. The court found that denying accurate identification constitutes sex discrimination and prevents transgender Montanans from fully participating in public life. The ruling affirms that the Montana Constitution protects the human dignity and equal protection of all its residents, including transgender individuals.
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A federal appeals court in Minnesota has ruled in favor of trans athletes, upholding a bylaw that allows students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity. The court determined that the group challenging the bylaw failed to demonstrate a private right of action, meaning they could not prove their rights were violated. Furthermore, the ruling clarified that executive orders, such as those issued by Donald Trump, do not constitute settled law and cannot independently establish violations of Title IX. The court acknowledged that the application of Title IX to transgender athletes remains an open legal question, likely to be addressed by the Supreme Court.
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A potential nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department full time could test a key Republican senator’s stated red line against supporting officials who have excused violence by US Capitol rioters. Senator Thom Tillis has pledged to vote against any nominees who have justified violence against police officers during the January 6th riot, stating that such a nominee would be “dead on arrival.” While Tillis has supported Blanche in his current role, he remains focused on examining Blanche’s background for any evidence of excusing the events of January 6th. The Justice Department’s recent move to throw out convictions against members of extremist groups involved in planning the Capitol riot may further complicate Blanche’s prospects.
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The Trump administration will launch a system next Monday to issue refunds for $166 billion in tariffs previously deemed unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has developed the CAPE system, which will consolidate refunds for importers into a single electronic payment, including interest where applicable. This system aims to streamline the refund process for over 56,000 importers who had already completed the initial steps to receive reimbursement for tariffs struck down as an overreach of presidential authority.
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John Q. Hosedrinker