Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service (NWS) for its failure to accurately forecast the catastrophic flooding that has resulted in numerous deaths. The NWS faced staffing shortages following cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite these challenges, the original forecast underestimated the rainfall, leading to heavy flooding along the Guadalupe River. This has led to significant loss of life and the current president has also noted the impact of the event.
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In response to the Trump administration’s withholding of federal funds, primarily in blue states, Democratic legislators are proposing bills to allow states to withhold federal payments in return. These novel bills, introduced in multiple states, target instances where the federal government is deemed delinquent in its funding obligations. While these measures face legal challenges due to the supremacy clause, they represent state-level efforts to counter what is seen as an overreach by the Trump administration. Legal experts note that the financial imbalance between federal and state funding could limit the bills’ effectiveness and potentially lead to further retaliation. Despite these hurdles, some lawmakers see the bills as a necessary assertive response to the federal government’s actions.
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A federal judge recently released the written details of a ruling that rebuked the Trump administration’s cancellation of National Institutes of Health grants, deeming the action illegal. Despite limitations imposed by subsequent Supreme Court decisions, the court maintains that the government’s actions were arbitrary and capricious. The ruling highlights that the government failed to establish a clear justification for the grant cancellations, leading to officials canceling grants without evaluating their scientific merit. This lack of clear policy and subsequent attempts to retroactively justify the actions prompted several officials to resign.
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According to a Guardian investigation, the Trump administration’s actions are dismantling the National Science Foundation (NSF), potentially jeopardizing US economic growth and innovation. Political interference, including the involvement of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), is undermining the NSF’s peer-review process and causing significant disruptions. Program officers report that applications are being rejected or delayed without explanation, especially those involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or climate change, which may lead to a loss of scientific talent and a decline in the quality of research. Furthermore, significant budget cuts and staff reductions across the NSF and related agencies, such as the USGS, threaten scientific progress and the US’s ability to compete globally.
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Speaking at AMU’s astrophysics lab, President Eric Berton drew parallels between the current situation and the flight of European academics during the Nazi era, advocating for a “scientific refugee” status. Several academics, including a climate scientist named James and his wife, applied for positions, citing concerns about targeted research areas and potential funding cuts under the Trump administration. These researchers, who requested anonymity, expressed deep worry about the future of academic research. Despite not considering themselves “refugees”, the applicants were motivated by the shifting political climate in the United States.
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The original article discusses the foundational principles of American democracy, highlighting the rights of the people against government overreach, as established by the Declaration of Independence. It contrasts these principles with the actions of the Trump administration and the current Supreme Court, arguing that the latter are undermining these foundational rights. Specifically, the article points to decisions that seemingly reward governmental lawlessness and the erosion of checks and balances. The author ultimately concludes that the Republican Supreme Court and the Trump administration are enabling the powerful to trample on the rights of the weak.
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The Trump administration has weaponized ICE, utilizing aggressive tactics and promoting mass deportations while simultaneously discouraging any accountability for the agency’s actions. Efforts to monitor ICE, like the ICEBlock app, are met with condemnation and accusations of endangering officers, despite the fact that information about ICE is already public. The administration falsely portrays ICE officers as victims to justify their operations, which frequently target immigrants, including those without criminal records. This framing ignores the real danger faced by immigrants, as evidenced by the deaths occurring in ICE custody and along the border, while simultaneously protecting ICE agents from individual responsibility for their actions.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, detailed severe abuse in the country’s infamous CECOT prison in new court documents. He reported experiencing beatings, sleep deprivation, and psychological torture, including threats from officials. Despite a 2019 order barring his deportation due to potential gang persecution, the administration deported him, later attributing it to an “administrative error.” Abrego Garcia’s account of his ordeal, including witnessing violence and rapid weight loss, has been added to a lawsuit against the Trump administration.
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The Trump administration’s suspension of military supplies to Ukraine extends to weapons already stored in Poland. According to the Wall Street Journal, these withheld shipments include critical assets like Patriot missiles, Stinger systems, and various air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. While the Pentagon assures this isn’t a complete aid cessation, it’s offering alternative support plans that aim to align with the President’s objective of concluding the conflict.
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During a live broadcast on Fox Business, Maria Bartiromo expressed visible shock upon receiving the ADP jobs report for June. Expectations were for a gain of 95,000 jobs, however, the report revealed a loss of 33,000 jobs in the private sector. This decline, marking the first monthly job loss in over two years, directly challenges the economic narrative promoted by the Trump administration. The job losses primarily occurred in business services, health, and education sectors, which could possibly be attributed to Trump’s policy decisions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker