Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a figure whose liberal shift during his tenure sparked conservative outrage, died Thursday at age 85.

Souter's passing in New Hampshire, announced by the Supreme Court, marks the end of a judicial career that reshaped key precedential rulings, as The Hill reports, and though the former justice's demise was said to have occurred peacefully at his New Hampshire home, the Supreme Court itself provided no cause of death.

Born in New England, Souter’s early career reflected traditional values of hard work. A Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Law graduate, he began in private practice. Souter later served as a prosecutor in New Hampshire’s attorney general’s office.

Rising through the ranks in New Hampshire

Souter’s ascent in public service was steady. By 1976, he became New Hampshire’s state attorney general. Two years later, he joined the ranks of state court judges, laying the groundwork for higher judicial roles.

In the 1980s, Souter served on the New Hampshire Supreme Court. His reputation for diligence earned him an appointment to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This role preceded his nomination to the nation’s highest court.

Former President George H. W. Bush appointed Souter to the Supreme Court in 1990. Initially viewed as a conservative pick, Souter soon disappointed many on the right. His alignment with the court’s liberal wing became a flashpoint for critics.

Leftward shift emerges

Within two years, Souter joined a coalition upholding the core abortion holding in Roe v. Wade. This decision affirmed a constitutional right to abortion, infuriating conservatives. The phrase “No More Souters” became a Republican rallying cry.

Souter consistently sided with liberals on major issues. He supported affirmative action and took progressive stances on religious matters. His votes often clashed with traditionalist views, drawing criticism from working-class conservatives.

In the pivotal 2000 Bush v. Gore case, Souter was among four dissenters. He believed the majority’s ruling, which secured George W. Bush’s election win, was “crudely partisan.” This decision nearly prompted his resignation from the high court.

Early resignation chosen

Despite his frustration, Souter remained on the court until 2009. He retired at 69, an unusually young age for a justice. His departure reflected a desire to escape Washington’s elitist circles.

After retiring, Souter returned to New England’s quieter lifestyle. He never married and maintained a low profile. Public appearances were rare, aligning with Souter's preference for privacy over celebrity.

Souter continued judicial work, hearing cases on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. His commitment to public service persisted despite his retreat from the national stage. This work showcased his dedication to law over personal fame.

Warning against "civic ignorance"

In 2012, Souter spoke out about a growing danger. “I don’t believe there is any problem of American politics in American public life which is more significant today than the pervasive civic ignorance of the Constitution,” he said. His words urged Americans to reclaim knowledge of their founding principles.

Current Chief Justice John Roberts praised Souter’s legacy. “Justice David Souter served our Court with great distinction for nearly twenty years,” Roberts said. “He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service.”

Roberts also noted Souter’s post-retirement contributions. “After retiring to his beloved New Hampshire in 2009, he continued to render significant service to our branch,” Roberts said. Souter’s death leaves a void in judicial circles, but his liberal shift remains a cautionary tale for conservatives.

President Donald Trump’s bold vision to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America gained traction Thursday as House Republicans passed a historic bill. This move, rooted in national pride, aims to assert America’s sovereignty over a vital waterway.

According to Fox13, the House, led by Republicans, approved the bill with a tight 211-206 vote, directing federal agencies to update maps and documents with the new name.

This action followed Trump’s executive order, signed on his first day in office, to rename the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation reflects a broader push to restore American strength and cultural dominance.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a staunch Trump ally, sponsored the bill, emphasizing its role in fostering national pride.

Promoting American Identity

House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain of Michigan championed the bill, arguing that American taxpayers, who fund the Gulf’s protection, deserve a name that reflects their contribution. “It’s only right that it’s named appropriately,” McClain said.

The Gulf of Mexico, named for over 400 years, borders both the United States and Mexico. Trump’s executive order applies solely within U.S. jurisdiction, meaning Mexico and international bodies are not obligated to adopt the new name.

This limitation highlights the bill’s symbolic yet defiant stance against globalist overreach.

GOP leadership promoted the legislation at a news conference earlier in the week, framing it as a strategic move. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., noted America’s economic and cultural influence over the Gulf, saying the bill “recognizes the strategic influence America has over this geography.” Her words reflect a rejection of elitist narratives that downplay American exceptionalism.

Democrats Push Back

Democrats, predictably, dismissed the bill as frivolous, clinging to their obsession with progressive talking points. New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House’s top Democrat, called it a “silly, small-minded and sycophantic piece of legislation.” Such criticism reveals the left’s disconnect from the heartland’s values.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., mocked the bill as “inane and embarrassing,” decrying the use of taxpayer resources. “It’s very existence… is worth considering,” she said, implying Republicans are wasting time. Her remarks ignore the cultural significance of reclaiming America’s identity.

Rep. George Latimer, D-N.Y., argued that Congress should focus on lowering grocery bills instead of renaming bodies of water. “No one is clamoring for a newly named body of water,” he said. This claim dismisses the pride many Americans feel in seeing their nation’s name elevated.

Uncertainty In Senate

The bill’s future in the Senate remains uncertain, as it faces potential resistance from Democrats and moderate Republicans. Its passage would require significant political capital, given the polarized climate. Still, supporters see it as a stand for American pride against globalist erosion.

The renaming effort, while symbolic, carries weight for those who prioritize faith, family, and nation. It reflects a broader movement to reject woke ideology and restore America’s cultural and economic strength.

Greene called it “one of the most important things we can do this Congress.”

The Gulf of America remains a vision for now, but its momentum signals a resurgent patriotism. House Republicans have taken a bold step, even if the name change is not yet recognized abroad. This fight is about more than a name—it’s about reclaiming America’s soul.

The Supreme Court has delivered a decisive victory for traditional values by allowing President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military. On May 6, 2025, the court paused a federal judge’s order that had blocked the Department of Defense policy, reinstating a measure rooted in military readiness and common sense. This ruling reaffirms the administration’s commitment to prioritizing national security over progressive ideology.

As reported by SCOTUS blog, the decision enables the Trump administration to enforce a policy barring those with gender dysphoria from military service. Gender dysphoria, the psychological distress from a mismatch between one’s assigned sex and gender identity, was deemed incompatible with the rigorous demands of military life. This marks a return to standards that value unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.

In 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order permitting transgender troops to serve openly, a move many saw as pandering to woke activists. On January 20, 2025, President Trump revoked that order, directing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to reinstate the ban. The Department of Defense followed through on February 26, 2025, disqualifying individuals with gender dysphoria or those who had undergone related medical interventions.

Challenging the Transgender Ban

Seven transgender service members, one aspiring recruit, and a nonprofit representing them challenged the policy in federal court. The lead plaintiff, Commander Emily Shilling, a naval aviator, claimed the Navy had invested roughly $20 million in her training. Their lawsuit argued the ban disrupted the status quo and threatened to end distinguished careers.

U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle in Washington state ruled against the ban, calling it a “de facto blanket ban on transgender service.” He argued it violated the Constitution’s equal protection guarantee. Settle’s nationwide injunction temporarily halted the policy, siding with progressive ideals over military pragmatism.

The Trump administration sought to overturn Settle’s ruling, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit refused to freeze the injunction during the appeal. Undeterred, the administration appealed to the Supreme Court on April 24, 2025. The government argued the military should not be forced to maintain a policy detrimental to readiness.

Supreme Court’s Decisive Ruling

The Supreme Court’s unsigned order on May 6, 2025, granted the administration’s request, allowing the ban to take effect. This paused Settle’s injunction while the case proceeds in the 9th Circuit and potentially returns to the Supreme Court. The ruling reflects a judiciary unwilling to bow to radical agendas that undermine national interests.

The Department of Defense justified the policy, stating that gender dysphoria’s medical and mental health demands conflict with military standards. The administration echoed this, telling the Supreme Court the military needed freedom to prioritize readiness. These arguments resonate with Americans who value a strong, focused fighting force.

The court’s three Democratic appointees—Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson—dissented, indicating they would have denied the request. They offered no explanation, a silence that underscores their alignment with progressive orthodoxy. The majority, however, chose practicality over ideology.

Impact on Military Readiness

The challengers claimed the ban would discharge thousands of transgender service members, disrupting units. Yet, the military’s primary duty is to protect the nation, not to accommodate individual identities. The policy ensures that only those meeting the highest standards serve, safeguarding America’s security.

Commander Shilling’s case highlights the tension between personal aspirations and collective needs. While her service is notable, the military cannot bend its standards to fit individual circumstances. The $20 million investment in her training underscores the need for policies that prevent such conflicts from arising.

The Supreme Court’s decision aligns with the values of hardworking Americans who reject woke experiments in critical institutions. It restores a policy grounded in the reality of military demands, not the whims of cultural elites. Faith in a strong, unified military is central to national pride.

Looking Ahead for America

As the case moves through the 9th Circuit, the ban remains in effect, a win for sovereignty and common sense. The Supreme Court’s refusal to explain its ruling mirrors its approach in emergency appeals, focusing on action over rhetoric. This clarity strengthens public trust in the judiciary.

The ruling counters globalist trends that weaken national institutions under the guise of inclusivity. It prioritizes the working-class men and women who depend on a robust military for safety. Small businesses, too, benefit from a stable, secure nation free from ideological overreach.

President Trump’s leadership in restoring this ban reflects a broader fight to reclaim American strength. The Supreme Court’s support signals a judiciary ready to uphold traditional values. For families across the nation, this is a step toward a future where faith, duty, and country prevail.

A startling encounter unfolded in South Beach, Florida, when a Secret Service agent forcefully removed a man who got too close to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. On May 4, 2025, the couple was leaving a high-profile event when the incident sparked heated online debate. The video, which quickly went viral, captured the raw intensity of the moment.

According to Daily Mail, as Ivanka and Jared exited Carbone Beach, a throng of onlookers surrounded them. The couple, hand in hand, navigated the crowd after attending an exclusive Florida Miami Race Week event. The three-night dinner club, sponsored by American Express, drew elites like NFL stars Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.

An unidentified man in khaki shorts and a black t-shirt emerged from the crowd, clutching a Manila envelope. He tried to walk alongside Ivanka and Jared, ignoring the security detail. His persistence set the stage for a swift response from their protector.

Agent’s Decisive Action

A Secret Service agent, clad in a blue button-down and black jeans, first nudged the man gently. When the man touched the agent, the response escalated—two hands shoved him back with force. Bystanders screamed, and Ivanka glanced back, visibly rattled.

The agent wasted no time, ushering Ivanka and Jared into a waiting SUV. The incident, caught on video by Miami Beach Experience, spread like wildfire online. It showcased the high-stakes reality of protecting public figures in unpredictable settings.

The Secret Service explained the man had breached a safe perimeter during a protective operation. “A special agent immediately intervened, physically redirecting the individual,” the agency told DailyMail.com. They stressed the need for the public to maintain distance to ensure safety.

Public Reaction Splits

Online reactions revealed a divided public. Some praised the agent’s quick action, noting the ever-present threats to prominent figures like Ivanka, whose father has faced assassination attempts. One Instagram user commented, “Security set his acceptable safety perimeter.”

Others, however, called the shove excessive, arguing the agent could have handled it with words. “Respectfully asked the man to step aside,” one critic suggested. Another labeled the push as “assault,” igniting debates about law enforcement conduct.

The viral video fueled speculation about the agent’s mindset. One reporter suggested worktime stress, particularly among agents on Vice President JD Vance’s detail, might explain the forceful reaction. Yet, no evidence confirmed the agent’s specific assignment.

Event’s Elite Atmosphere

The backdrop was Carbone Beach, a lavish event with 400 guests per night and $3,000 tickets. A performance by Jelly Roll added to the star-studded allure. Ivanka, in a gold Andrea Almeida gown, and Jared, in a velvet jacket, embodied the evening’s glamour.

The couple’s exit was meant to be seamless, but the crowd’s intensity disrupted their departure. The unidentified man’s bold approach heightened the chaos. His Manila envelope raised questions, though its contents remain unknown.

Supporters of the agent emphasized the need for vigilance. “You don’t know if the old guy was a threat,” one viewer wrote, referencing past attacks on Ivanka’s father. They argued that security must act decisively in such high-risk moments.

Broader Implications Raised

Critics, however, saw the incident as part of a troubling trend. They questioned whether Secret Service agents, stretched by long hours, are resorting to overly aggressive tactics. The debate underscored tensions between public safety and personal freedoms.

The Secret Service’s statement urged the public to respect operational boundaries. “Adequate space ensures agents can respond swiftly,” they noted, highlighting the delicate balance of their mission. No further details about the man or potential charges were released.

For Ivanka and Jared, the incident was a stark reminder of their constant scrutiny. As they sped away in the SUV, the online firestorm was just beginning. The video’s spread ensured this fleeting moment would linger in public discourse, exposing the raw divide in how Americans view security and authority.

President Donald Trump has ignited a bold plan to restore order by reopening Alcatraz prison. On Sunday evening, he announced via Truth Social his directive to rebuild and expand the infamous San Francisco facility. The move targets America’s most dangerous criminals, signaling a return to tougher law enforcement.

As reported by Fox News, Trump’s initiative aims to house the nation’s most violent offenders in a revamped Alcatraz. The announcement tasks the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security with overseeing the project. 

The president’s vision emphasizes a no-nonsense approach to crime. He declared that America will no longer tolerate “serial offenders” who wreak havoc. His words reflect a deep frustration with soft-on-crime policies that have left communities vulnerable.

Alcatraz: A Historic Stronghold

Alcatraz, located on a 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay, first opened as a federal prison in 1934. Its remote location, 1.25 miles from shore, made it nearly escape-proof. The prison’s reputation as an impenetrable fortress looms large in American history.

Over its 29-year operation, Alcatraz housed notorious figures like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger. Other infamous inmates included George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

Despite its formidable reputation, Alcatraz saw 14 documented escape attempts. The most famous occurred on June 11, 1962, when John and Clarence Anglin, alongside Frank Morris, made a daring break. Their attempt, later immortalized in the film “Escape from Alcatraz,” captivated the nation.

The 1962 Escape Legacy

The 1962 escapees chiseled a route from their cells and crafted papier-mâché heads to fool guards. The FBI later concluded they likely drowned in the treacherous bay waters. This dramatic episode cemented Alcatraz’s mystique as an inescapable prison.

A final escape attempt, six months after the 1962 breakout, inspired the swimming route of the “Escape from Alcatraz” triathlon.

Alcatraz closed in 1963 due to its high operational costs compared to mainland facilities. Since then, the island has become a National Park Service tourist attraction. Visitors flock to see the remnants of a prison that once held America’s most feared criminals.

Trump’s Call For Justice

Trump’s announcement signals a return to the era when, as he put it, the nation did not hesitate to lock up dangerous criminals. He criticized judges and policies that allow repeat offenders to roam free. His rhetoric resonates with Americans tired of rising crime rates.

The president vowed that Alcatraz’s reopening will symbolize “law, order, and justice.”

Trump’s plan rejects the progressive notion that coddling criminals leads to reform. He argued that vicious offenders contribute only “misery and suffering” to society.

A Symbol Of Strength

The rebuilt Alcatraz, as envisioned by Trump, will be substantially enlarged to accommodate more inmates. This expansion reflects a commitment to removing violent threats from communities. It also sends a clear message to would-be criminals: lawlessness will not be tolerated.

By reviving Alcatraz, Trump aims to restore faith in a justice system many see as broken. He emphasized that America will no longer be “held hostage” to thugs and illegal entrants.

The reopening of Alcatraz stands as a defiant rebuke to elitist institutions that downplay crime’s impact. Trump’s directive, with its focus on protecting the law-abiding, could redefine how America confronts its most ruthless offenders. As he declared, this move will help “make America great again.”

Donald Trump's tariffs against Canada and Mexico begin this weekend. While signing executive orders, the president announced that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would start on Saturday. Additionally, when asked about tariffs on oil from the two countries, Trump replied, "We may or may not ... We're going to make that determination probably tonight." He said oil tariffs would be decided on "whether the price of oil charged by the two trading partners is fair." Read more.

  • A ban on handgun sales to adults under age 21 is unconstitutional, ruled the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. The Biden Department of Justice defended the ban, specifically preventing 18-20 year-olds from purchasing handguns in Louisiana. The court struck the ban down in a blow to both the former president and anti-gun groups. Read more.
  • California Democrats halt Gavin Newsom's attempt to 'Trump Proof' state. Democrats wanted to spend "$25 million ... [to] bankroll lawsuits against Trump's policies, while the other $25 million would bankroll nonprofit legal services, including deportation defenses for illegal immigrants." It appeared Democrats panicked and canceled a vote after Republicans set up amendments that would prevent money from being used on illegal immigrants with criminal convictions. Read more.
  • Two other flights aborted landings at Reagan National Airport because of helicopters. In the week leading up to the tragic trash over the Potomac, at least two domestic flights had to abort landings because of military helicopters in the landing path. This news was unveiled while new scrutiny focused on military aircraft flying in commercial flight lanes. Read more.

U.S. News: 

  • Trump's FCC head is targeting NPR and PBS for investigation. Congress is gearing up for a potential vote on defunding. Read more.
  • Kash Patel says the FBI will end 'targeting' Christians. Patel said the Biden-era policy would end. Read more.
  • A woman who got a J6 pardon was sentenced to 10 years in jail after pleading guilty for a wrong-way crash that killed a mother of two. Read more.
  • Trump's appearance on Joe Rogan 'traumatized' Kamala Harris. A new book revealed behind-the-scenes of the Harris campaign. Read more.
  • L.A. Sherriff Misused Confidential Database To Run Concealed Carry Background Checks. An investigation leaves C.A. officials scrambling. Read more.
  • Anti-Israel groups dump cement in the sewage system of Columbia University. Students got the idea from speakers invited on campus. Read more.

Pop Culture News

  • Paramount is in talks to settle with Donald Trump over the '60 Minutes' lawsuit. Trump sued for $10 million after the network aired an 'edited interview' with Kamala Harris. Read more.
  • Matthew McConaughey wants Texas to be a new Hollywood. In a star-studded ad, McConaughey called on Texas to create tax incentives for filmmakers. Read more.
  • NBA Star busted in an illegal gambling scheme. Investigators allege Terry Rozier manipulated his play to impact bets he made. Read more.

What I'm reading...

  • How Obama, Biden crackdowns spurred 'debanking' fiasco. Charles Gasparino lays out how debanking of conservative began. Read more.
  • Public Schools Are Spending Billions To Fight Campus Culture Wars. Emma Camp lays out how public schools are spending billions on liberal causes. Read more.

A Black Hawk helicopter crashed into an American Airlines flight at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. From what we know, 60 passengers and four crew members were with American Airlines, and three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. No survivors are expected. It is the first domestic airline crash in the United States since Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed in 2009, and likely the deadliest crash on American soil since 2001. Follow developing updates here.

  • Former Senator Bob Menendez got an 11-year jail sentence after being found guilty of all 16 counts for accepting bribes from Egypt and Qatar. The former high-ranking Senate Democrat claims he will appeal and maintains his innocence. He's started praising Donald Trump, claiming he is "right" about the justice system. Observers see this as Menendez angling for a pardon. Read more.
  • Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. It's the first piece of legislation he's signed since entering office. The law directs ICE to detain illegal immigrants who are arrested or charged with theft-related crimes or those accused of assaulting police. The bill also allows states to sue DHS for harm to their citizens due to illegal immigration failures by the federal government. It passed with wide bipartisan support, and Democrats like John Fetterman attended the signing. Read more.
  • The largest federal contractor for immigration was busted. The Acacia Center for Justice receives $769 million in federal immigration contracts that provide lawyers for unaccompanied adults and children in the court system. The group claims "no immigrant should be detained" and opposes the use of police to detain illegal aliens. That places the group at direct odds with the current administration's objectives. Read more.

U.S. News: 

  • The House plans to buy back the Panama Canal. In a leaked memo, House Republicans lay out their plan to get the canal backRead more.
  • Meta is paying Trump a $25 million settlement for shutting his accounts on Facebook and Instagram after January 6. Read more.
  • A man whose protests consisted of Quran burning is dead. He was shot dead in Sweden in what authorities say could involve "foreign powers." Read more.
  • Donald Trump is sending criminal illegal aliens to Guantanamo Bay. The plan is for the prison to take on 30,000 migrants. Read more.
  • Idaho asks the Supreme Court to revisit its gay marriage ruling. The Idaho House passed a measure requesting the highest court to revisit it. Read more.
  • FEMA homes sit empty in North Carolina despite housing needs. Over 2,700 families remain homeless in the region. Read more.

Pop Culture News

  • Netflix is rebooting 'Little House On the Prairie.' It's the focus for the streaming giant because the original is one of the most viewed titles in the Peacock library. Read more.
  • Hollywood producer David Pearce is charged with murder. Prosecutors allege he drugged and killed two women in L.A. Read more.

What I'm reading...

  • How I'll Rebuild Public Trust in the FBI. Kash Patel has an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal laying out his vision as Trump's FBI pick. Read it here.
  • What Happened When DEI Came to the Military? An investigation shows how veterans were whistleblowers against Biden's regulations. Read it here.

Trump is making federal workers an offer they can't refuse. In an email blast to all 2+ million federal workers, Trump offers buyouts to workers who don't return to the office. The White House believes that between 5-10% of workers will accept it, and it could save taxpayers around $100 billion a year. The move is similar to Elon Musk's downsizing of Twitter after he bought it. Read more.

  • An "outage" locked down federal government websites across the country. The outage prevented Medicaid payments and more. Democrats quickly blamed Trump's new executive order freezing grants. The problem with that is Trump's executive order explicitly made carveouts for Medicaid and other sites impacted by the "outage." Your's truly made Democrats mad by suggesting liberal government workers engaged in malicious compliance and shut down these websites. As of press, no one can explain why the sites mysteriously went down yesterday. A federal judge has also temporarily paused Trump's order. Read more.
  • RFK Jr. gets his hearing today in the Senate. As a result, the Kennedy clan is livid. JFK's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, released a statement blasting her cousin as a "predator" and "unqualified" for the HHS role. The Kennedys were fine when Obama floated RFK Jr. for positions in his administration in 2008. Read more.
  • Trump wants to deport Hamas supporters on college campuses. The latest order "calls for the deportation of resident aliens — including students with visas — who broke laws as part of anti-Israel protests following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks." Read more.

U.S. News: 

  • Fox News got an exclusive look at the military deportation flights. The network witnessed a C-17 military plane headed for Ecuador. Read more.
  • Trump's Transportation Secretary reversed Biden's vehicle rules, which effectively banned gas cars by 2030. The move comes as electric vehicle sales have plummeted. Read more.
  • Senate Democrats blocked sanctions against the ICC for its antisemitic stance towards Israel. Read more.
  • Denmark is increasing military spending and trying to thwart Donald Trump's overtures to purchase Greenland. Read more.
  • U.S. children continue losing ground in reading and other subjects. The loss experienced in 2020 has not been fixed. Read more.
  • Dramatic video showed an F-35 crashing in a fiery explosion in Alaska. The pilot ejected and was safe. Read more.
  • After blizzard conditions, the Deep South now faces tornadoesRead more.

Pop Culture News

  • Fox set a record after selling Super Bowl ad spots for $8 million. Sources say the network has sold at least 10 ad spots at that price level. Read more.
  • Anthony Mackie is backtracking after his Captain America comments, now saying he's a "Proud American." Read more.

What I'm reading...

  • What It Will Take to Create an 'Iron Dome for America.' Jim Geraghty at National Review explores how the U.S. can fulfill Trump's latest promise. Read more.
  • Caroline Kennedy is Why I Am No Longer a Democrat. Sasha Stone brings the heat and receipts. Read more.
  • The USA vs China AI race may define Trump's second term. A sobering deep dive. Read more.

China triggered a meltdown in the artificial intelligence arms race. Monday's big sell-off in markets was driven by China's release of its Artificial Intelligence platform, DeepSeek. Many call this a modern "Sputnik" moment for U.S. tech because China is undermining America's perceived lead in artificial intelligence. President Trump referred to the situation as a "wake-up call." Nvidia, an AI industry leader, lost nearly $600 billion valuation in the panicked sell-off. The world waits for America's response. Read more.

  • Senate Democrats were stunned by the retirement of Michigan Senator Gary Peters. The ink on that announcement had not even dried before former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg floated he was considering running for the seat in 2026. Donald Trump won Michigan in 2024, but Republicans narrowly lost the Senate race. This will be a hotly contested race in the upcoming midterms. Read more.
  • Donald Trump ordered a freeze on all federal grants and loans. The White House says they are examining all federal spending. In a memo on the move, a Trump official said, "Marxist equity ... green new deal social engineering policies [are] a waste of taxpayer dollars." Democrats fired back that Congress had already approved the funding, likely setting up another legal battle. Read more.
  • Microsoft is in talks to purchase TikTok. Trump announced a potential deal as the White House looks for a way to keep TikTok viable in the United States and prevent a shutdown. Other possible partners for a deal include Oracle. Microsoft already owns LinkedIn. China has rebuffed any attempts to loosen its grip on TikTok so far. Read more.

U.S. News: 

  • Today is the 39th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion. People published memories of the day. Read more.
  • Google Maps is renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for U.S. users. The leader in map services will also alter other names issued by Trump's executive orders. Read more.
  • A J6 man pardoned by Trump was shot and killed by Indiana police during a traffic stop. Police claim he was resisting arrest. Read more.
  • ICE raids are hitting New York as illegal immigrants with outstanding warrants for violent crimes are targeted. Read more.
  • Earthquakes shook both sides of the continental U.S. Scientists registered a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Boise, Idaho. A few hours earlier, Maine and the Northeast got shaken by a 3.8 earthquake. Read more.
  • Hawaii's Kilauea volcano began a 7th eruption episode, pouring "toxic gas" and "Pele's hair" hundreds of feet into the sky. The volcano started these eruptions in December. Read more.

Pop Culture News

  • CNN's Jim Acosta is leaving the network. The journalist made his name opposing Trump during his first term. Read more.
  • Anthony Mackie angered Marvel fans after saying the new Captain America 'represents a lot of different things,' but America isn't one of them. Read more.

What I'm reading...

  • Young Voters Didn't Want All the Abortion Harris Was Selling. Kristian Hawkins does a deep dive into the data. Read more.
  • Trump's Fight Against Online Censorship Quickly Goes Global. Ending BigTech censorship is just getting started. Read more.

It is Holocaust Remembrance Day, the 80th anniversary of the dreaded Auschwitz camps being liberated. World leaders are gathering along with the few remaining survivors of the death camps to commemorate the event. Notably missing is Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, who is barred from attending by the International Criminal Court claiming authority to arrest him. It's a stark reminder that the more things change in Europe, their treatment of Jews has not. Read more.

  • Donald Trump fought and won a trade war over the weekend. Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, opposed Trump sending deportation flights via military planes to the country. Trump responded by saying they could either accept the deportation flights or he would hammer Colombia with various tariffs and other measures. Petro relented, allowed the flights, and even offered his personal presidential plane to move the illegal migrants. Read more.
  • House Democrats paid psychologists to talk to them about coping with Donald Trump. This is not a joke or a Babylon Bee headline. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) brought two social psychologists to a Democratic Party retreat. The psychologists counseled "Democrats about how to approach conflict and effectively combat what Raskin described as 'authoritarian styles of speech.' Another attendee said Judiciary Democrats were also advised to avoid devolving into partisan mud-slinging." Check out the full report here.
  • MAGA goes to Washington. The new Trump administration is moving swiftly to lock down federal agencies and kick out the "deep state." Axios describes it as "Trump's bureaucracy goes to war." Trump's appointees are looking to lock in gains, while career officials are fighting back. Read more.

U.S. News: 

  • Joe Biden commuted the sentences of murderers. We're learning that now as people examine the thousands of pardons he issued. Read more.
  • TikTok is in talks to be bought by U.S. investors. The negotiations, through the White House, would have Oracle and other investors take over. Read more.
  • 'Target' is rolling back its DEI initiatives. After years of angering right-wing shoppers with various far-left initiatives, the company is ending its three-year DEI goals and more. Read more.
  • A massive study of Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs finds health benefits beyond weight loss. The study found decreases in a wide array of diseases. Read more.
  • U.S. tech companies hit a 'Sputnik' moment. China released an artificial intelligence program that allegedly outperforms everything in America. That's triggered a meltdown in U.S. markets. Read more.

Pop Culture News

  • Bill Murray admits he's 'lazy' when finding work. He also says he's now relating to all his characters, who are self-destructive. Read more.
  • Dr. Phil tagged along for ICE raids in Chicago. He was shocked by what they found and how things went down. Read more.

What I'm reading...

  • The Fight to Define 'America First' Foreign Policy. Eli Lake's must-read piece lays out the fights ahead of Pete Hegseth and the new administration. Read more.
  • Yes, reshoring American industry is possible. Noah Smith, a liberal writer, makes a thorough case that Democrats and Republicans should bring manufacturing back to America. Read more.

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