Sixty-four-year-old Emily Feiner, an independent voter, was forcibly removed from Representative Mike Lawler’s town hall for questioning his response to the Trump administration’s actions. This incident, captured on video and widely shared, highlights a pattern of Republican lawmakers employing forceful measures to silence constituent dissent. Feiner’s removal, along with others at the event, underscores concerns about restrictions on democratic participation and the increasing suppression of accountability. Similar incidents at other Republican town halls across the country further support this trend.
Read More
In his first interview since leaving office, former President Biden expressed strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s actions and rhetoric, particularly concerning America’s allies and the potential unraveling of the Atlantic Alliance. Biden highlighted Trump’s frequent mentions of him as a political tactic and criticized Trump’s approach to international relations, deeming it detrimental to global stability and democratic values. He expressed grave concerns about the weakening of NATO and the impact of Trump’s policies on America’s standing in the world. Biden emphasized the importance of the Atlantic Alliance in maintaining peace and freedom, viewing its potential demise as a catastrophic historical shift. He also defended his administration’s support for Ukraine, arguing that providing sufficient aid while avoiding a direct military confrontation with Russia was the right course of action.
Read More
House Republicans face internal division over a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America,” with Rep. Don Bacon leading opposition citing the measure’s perceived frivolity. The bill, authored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, necessitates federal agencies to update maps and documents accordingly. Despite GOP leadership expressing confidence in passage, the bill’s success hinges on minimal defections within the party given anticipated Democratic opposition. The White House’s involvement in a related dispute with the Associated Press further complicates the issue.
Read More
A declassified intelligence memo confirms that U.S. intelligence agencies contradicted President Trump’s claim linking Venezuelan President Maduro to the criminal gang Tren de Aragua, a claim used to justify deporting Venezuelan migrants to a Salvadoran prison. The memo revealed that while Venezuela’s environment enables the gang’s operations, there’s no evidence of direct Maduro control or policy of cooperation. This contradicts Trump’s assertion, prompting a Justice Department investigation into the leak of allegedly inaccurate information. The memo’s release highlights the discrepancy between the administration’s justification and intelligence findings, underscoring the importance of transparency in government actions.
Read More
Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Jeff Merkley are urging the U.S. Office of Government Ethics to investigate a deal between a UAE investment firm, Binance, and World Liberty Financial, a Trump-affiliated cryptocurrency company. This deal, potentially enriching the Trump family and Steve Witkoff, raises serious national security concerns due to its potential for conflicts of interest and foreign influence. The senators argue the arrangement could violate the Constitution and create opportunities for quid pro quo exchanges that jeopardize national security. Their letter highlights the substantial financial benefits for the Trump family and the inherent risks associated with this complex transaction.
Read More
The Trump administration plans to deport immigrants to Libya, utilizing a U.S. military aircraft. This action represents a significant escalation of the administration’s deportation program, which faces considerable legal opposition. The deportees’ nationalities remain unconfirmed, but the flight is expected to depart imminently. This decision is controversial, given Libya’s ongoing conflict and reports of dire conditions in its migrant detention facilities.
Read More
During a meeting, President Trump firmly refused to reduce tariffs on Canadian goods, citing unfair treatment by Canada and falsely claiming a massive US subsidy to Canada. While acknowledging Canada’s significant purchasing power of US goods, Trump’s tariffs, impacting various sectors, are harming both nations. Prime Minister Carney countered that Canada will not become a US state, while urging a dialogue to lower tariffs. Despite Trump’s openness to future negotiations, a trade deal was not reached.
Read More
Following negotiations mediated by Oman, the US will cease its air strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. This decision comes after the Houthis reportedly informed the US administration of their desire to end hostilities and halt attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The agreement ensures freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of commercial shipping through the crucial waterway. This de-escalation follows months of increased US airstrikes and Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.
Read More
Oklahoma’s new 2025-2026 high school social studies standards mandate the study of alleged “discrepancies” in the 2020 presidential election results. These discrepancies, presented as factual, include claims repeatedly debunked by Snopes, such as issues with mail-in ballots and sudden vote counts. The standards’ adoption, despite lacking awareness from some board members, followed a legislative inaction deadline. This curriculum also includes the teaching of unsubstantiated claims regarding COVID-19’s origins and the Biden administration’s performance.
Read More
Judge Jamal Whitehead ordered the Trump administration to admit approximately 12,000 refugees, rejecting the administration’s narrow interpretation of a 9th Circuit appeals court ruling. The administration argued for admitting only 160 refugees, a claim the judge deemed a misrepresentation of the court’s decision. This order stems from a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s suspension of the refugee admissions program, which the judge initially blocked as a nullification of congressional authority. The 9th Circuit partially stayed the initial block, but mandated processing for those with pre-existing travel plans.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker