The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard in Illinois, while allowing federalization to remain in place. This decision follows the Trump administration’s appeal of a previous ruling that temporarily halted the deployment of troops. The action comes as President Trump considers using the Insurrection Act and has faced pushback from Democratic leaders in Illinois and Oregon, who are challenging the deployment of National Guard troops in their states through ongoing litigation. Furthermore, a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel in California is currently reviewing a similar case involving the deployment of National Guard troops in Oregon.
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Leaked images reveal a potential ambitious construction project: a triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery. The model on display in the Oval Office closely resembled the Arc de Triomphe, hinting at a design inspired by Napoleon’s monument. The “Donald Trump for President” Facebook page previously shared a drawing of the arch, connecting it to the 250th anniversary of US independence. This project aligns with Trump’s recent focus on renovation and architectural projects, including changes to the Oval Office and ongoing work at the White House.
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The Department of Education eliminated the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in a wave of layoffs, impacting nearly all staff administering federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The union representing the agency’s employees stated that these firings harm K-12 students and schools. These terminations are part of the Trump administration’s strategy to pressure congressional Democrats to end the ongoing government shutdown, with over 460 Education Department employees laid off. The Education Secretary has suggested that oversight of IDEA funding could be better positioned in the Department of Health and Human Services, though it would require an act of Congress.
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In a memo released on Friday, President Trump’s physician summarized his visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which included a Covid vaccine booster and a flu shot. The check-up was described as a “scheduled follow-up” and part of his “ongoing health maintenance plan,” including advanced imaging and laboratory testing. The physician reported that Trump, at age 79, remains in “exceptional health” with “stable metabolic, hematologic, and cardiac parameters” and a cardiac age estimated to be 14 years younger than his actual age. This visit occurred amid updated CDC guidelines limiting Covid vaccine recommendations and after rumors about Trump’s health.
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The Trump administration has eliminated at least 4,100 federal government workers during the current shutdown, with potential for further layoffs across various agencies. Major cuts occurred in departments like Health and Human Services and the Treasury, as detailed in court filings. The administration cited the Democrats’ role in the budget standoff as the reason for the reductions, and the Department of Justice indicated that other agencies are considering more layoffs. Federal-sector unions are suing the White House Office of Management and Budget over the terminations, arguing that the layoffs violate federal law.
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President Donald Trump and his administration have been portraying Portland, Oregon, as a city consumed by lawlessness, a depiction refuted by local residents and elected officials. Trump has made false claims about widespread fires and businesses being rebuilt with plywood, contradicting the reality of peaceful protests and daily life. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Portland officials of covering up the alleged chaos, drawing ridicule and counter-evidence from Senator Ron Wyden and City Council member Angelita Morillo. Residents have also documented the city’s normalcy, challenging the administration’s narrative.
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President Donald Trump underwent a “routine yearly checkup” at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, with his physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, reporting “exceptional” health and a cardiac age significantly younger than his actual age. The examination, described as a preventive health assessment, occurred following months of speculation about the president’s health, despite reports of a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency and past medical history, including high cholesterol and diverticulosis. While the official report highlighted positive findings, it did not address previous visible symptoms. Trump also received his annual influenza jab and an updated COVID-19 booster vaccination, a topic of prior controversy.
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The Trump administration has initiated an agreement with Eswatini, an absolute monarchy, to deport individuals from various countries to its prisons. This arrangement, which includes a $5.1 million payment, allows the U.S. to send detainees, even those with no prior ties to Eswatini, without proper due process. Despite the legal challenges and questionable human rights record of Eswatini, this practice continues to be implemented by the U.S. as demonstrated by the deportations to Eswatini, and South Sudan. Lawyers representing the detainees are facing significant obstacles in accessing and communicating with their clients, raising serious concerns about the legality and ethics of these deportations.
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A right-wing news outlet recently “unmasked” a protester named Seth Todd, who has been demonstrating against the Trump administration’s actions in Portland, Oregon while wearing a frog costume. Todd explained that his motivations stem from a desire to protect his community from inhumane treatment and to challenge the administration’s narrative of Portland being “war-ravaged.” Other Portland residents have also employed costumes to confront ICE agents, and another demonstrator believes that using humor and absurdity undermines the administration’s fear-mongering tactics. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, federal agents have used force, including pepper spray, against the demonstrators.
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Following the indictment of one of his opponents, Donald Trump inadvertently fueled a surge in fundraising for New York Attorney General Letitia James. James’ political operation reported receiving over $567,000 from more than 24,000 donors in the 24 hours after the indictment was announced. National and New York Democrats, led by Zohran Mamdani, quickly rallied to support James, denouncing the indictment as politically motivated. Amidst the unfolding events, a rivalry between James and Andrew Cuomo was revisited, with Cuomo criticizing the investigation and James’ allies denouncing his actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker