A White House office, the National Design Studio (NDS), staffed largely by veterans of Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” (Doge), has been rebuilding sensitive federal websites, including those for passport applications, voter registration, and prescription drug pricing. Critics argue these actions may violate federal law, particularly concerning privacy and transparency. The NDS has also reportedly developed or redeveloped White House-controlled versions of services legally assigned to other agencies, such as a passport application portal and a copy of the voter registration site vote.gov, bypassing established accountability systems. Furthermore, the studio’s websites have employed commercial visitor-tracking software configured to evade privacy tools, and its spending and vendor arrangements are not publicly disclosed.
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The Supreme Court has ruled that a federal law banning individuals who use illegal drugs from possessing firearms is unconstitutionally overbroad when applied to a marijuana user who is not an addict or demonstrably dangerous. In its decision, the Court found that the historical laws cited by the government to justify the ban, which targeted “habitual drunkards,” were too different from the broad modern restriction on regular drug users. This narrow ruling leaves room for the government to disarm individuals who are addicted or actively intoxicated, but it limits the ability to disarm regular drug users based solely on their usage.
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The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts has approved a design for a new commemorative gold coin featuring President Trump’s portrait on one side, a move that departs from a long-standing federal law prohibiting living individuals from appearing on U.S. coinage. This decision also breaks a tradition dating back to the nation’s founding. The Trump administration asserts the Treasury Department possesses the necessary authority for this exception.
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Michigan Senate Democrats are proposing a three-bill package aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the state. The legislation seeks to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, except under specific circumstances like a court order or imminent public safety threat. Additionally, the bills would prevent local and state police from sharing identifying information with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes without a warrant. While the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the bills, a vote was not taken, and the package’s passage is uncertain given the Republican-controlled House. The sponsors believe these measures are crucial to protect resident privacy and ensure accountability.
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It’s been a decade since the Bundy family’s armed standoff with federal agents over disputed rangeland, and yet their cattle are still grazing freely. The sense of entitlement and defiance displayed by Cliven Bundy and his supporters is astonishing. The fact that they continue to utilize public land for their own benefit without consequence is a testament to the government’s inability to enforce the law.
Despite multiple attempts to hold the Bundys accountable for their actions, they remain unchecked and defiant. It’s frustrating to see individuals who claim to be patriots blatantly ignore the rules and regulations that apply to everyone else.… Continue reading
Greg Abbott declares Texas Law above United States Law, refuses to comply with Supreme Court decision
As an avid follower of current events and a concerned Texan, I find it deeply troubling that our governor, Greg Abbott, has made the audacious declaration that Texas law stands above United States law. This bold move not only challenges the principles of our federal system but also undermines the authority and integrity of the Supreme Court, which is supposed to be the final arbiter of legal disputes in our country.
It seems that in recent years, being a Republican has unfortunately become synonymous with thinking one is above the law.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker
Michigan Considers Banning ICE Agents from Churches, Schools
Michigan Senate Democrats are proposing a three-bill package aimed at restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities within the state. The legislation seeks to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks and conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals, and schools, except under specific circumstances like a court order or imminent public safety threat. Additionally, the bills would prevent local and state police from sharing identifying information with ICE for immigration enforcement purposes without a warrant. While the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee heard testimony on the bills, a vote was not taken, and the package’s passage is uncertain given the Republican-controlled House. The sponsors believe these measures are crucial to protect resident privacy and ensure accountability.
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