The article alleges that Donald Trump’s actions, including his attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board and his cabinet appointments, reflect a pattern of targeting diverse voices. Critics argue that these actions, along with his history of racially charged statements and policies, are indicative of a man who is bringing white nationalist views into the mainstream. The firing of Cook, the first Black woman on the board, is seen as part of a broader effort to undermine independent institutions and implement policies aligned with his political agenda. While Trump denies accusations of racism, his critics suggest his actions, including the removal of other prominent Black leaders, speak louder than words.
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Wildlife crime crackdowns across the globe are teetering on the brink of collapse due to significant reductions in US funding. This reliance on a single nation, geographically distant from many of the affected areas, highlights a concerning vulnerability in international conservation efforts. The sheer scale of the problem becomes apparent when considering the vast sums involved. Millions, even billions, are needed to combat poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction, and a significant portion of this funding has traditionally come from the United States.
The current situation prompts serious questions about the priorities of nations with significant resources. While colossal sums are spent on ventures like space exploration – even in the face of setbacks like costly rocket failures – relatively smaller investments in crucial wildlife protection programs are seemingly easily cut.… Continue reading
The UN Ocean Conference in Nice secured enough ratifications for the High Seas Treaty to enter into force, a significant step towards protecting international waters. President Macron also urged a moratorium on deep-sea mining, citing its destructive potential for biodiversity, echoing concerns raised by other world leaders like Brazil’s President Lula. The conference highlighted the disparity between stated conservation goals and the actual level of ocean protection, emphasizing the need for stronger multilateral action. This urgency is underscored by the relatively low percentage of ocean currently protected from harmful activities.
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A decades-long study in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste conservation area reveals a dramatic decline in insect populations, particularly moths, as evidenced by significantly reduced numbers in light trap surveys conducted over the same period and location. This alarming trend, also observed globally, affects even protected areas, suggesting a “new era” of ecological collapse driven by factors beyond localized human impact. Scientists attribute these declines, in part, to climate change disrupting the finely tuned synchronicity of the forest ecosystem, impacting insect life cycles and causing widespread desynchronization among species. The resulting loss of insects has cascading effects throughout the food web, impacting insectivorous birds and other animals, and highlighting climate change as an increasingly dominant force in biodiversity loss.
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At West Point’s 2025 graduation, President Trump delivered a lengthy speech deviating significantly from its intended focus. He used the address to celebrate his administration’s dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the military and to boast about his crackdown on immigration. The speech also included tangential anecdotes about golf, real estate, and comparisons to Al Capone, highlighting his perceived persecution. Trump’s departure from the stage via a staircase, rather than the ramp that previously sparked controversy, concluded the event.
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A record-breaking 84% of the world’s coral reefs are experiencing severe bleaching, exceeding the previous record of 66% in 2014-17. This unprecedented event, driven by rising ocean temperatures linked to record-high global temperatures in 2024, threatens the biodiversity and ecological services provided by coral reefs. Scientists warn that continued inaction on greenhouse gas emissions will lead to further devastation, emphasizing the urgent need for emission reduction as the most effective solution. While conservation efforts are underway, these are considered insufficient without addressing the root cause of climate change.
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Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, inspired by Colossal Biosciences’ successful creation of dire wolf puppies through genetic engineering, is reconsidering the Endangered Species Act’s list. He envisions “de-extinction” technology as a tool to remove species from the list, ultimately aiming to eliminate the need for it entirely. Burgum views this innovative approach as crucial for advancing wildlife conservation and strengthening biodiversity. This technology’s potential to revive extinct animals like the Dodo and Tasmanian tiger offers a new frontier in species preservation.
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Following a recent executive order halting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the U.S. Marine Band was compelled to cancel a scheduled concert showcasing student musicians of color. This cancellation prompted a swift and supportive response from veterans who volunteered their time to mentor the affected students. The planned performance, highlighting the talents of young musicians, was ultimately prevented by the new policy. The veterans’ intervention underscores the community’s commitment to supporting these aspiring artists despite the setback.
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The US Department of Defense webpage honoring Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers, the highest-ranking African American to receive the award, has been removed. The URL was altered to include “DEI,” short for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, following a recent appeals court decision lifting a block on executive orders aiming to end federal DEI programs. A Google cache shows the page previously highlighted Rogers’s service and commitment to racial and gender equality. The Department of Defense has not yet commented on the removal.
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Arlington National Cemetery recently removed dozens of web pages detailing the gravesites of prominent Black, Hispanic, and female service members, along with educational materials on Medal of Honor recipients. Cemetery officials cited compliance with recent Pentagon orders targeting race and gender-related language as the reason for the removal. This included the elimination of several “Notable Graves” lists and lesson plans, some of which highlighted the stories of individuals whose Medals of Honor were awarded after initial denials based on race. While some materials remain accessible through indirect links, the overall effect is a significant reduction in publicly available information about the diverse history represented within the cemetery.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood