I want to start this afternoon by saying thank you. Earlier, I shared the threats made against me and my family. The support you’ve shown—your messages, encouragement, and solidarity—has meant more than I can say. I’m taking the steps needed to keep my loved ones and myself safe, and your backing makes that possible.
Your presence, your words, and your subscriptions give me the strength to continue. I won’t be silenced or intimidated. If you believe in this work and what it stands for, please consider subscribing. Your support keeps it going—fearlessly and independently.
Now, let’s get to the news:
U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced today that he will grant a full and unconditional pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, who were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, a vocal Trump supporter who spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, had been actively campaigning for their pardon.
Trump pardoned Paul Walczak, a convicted tax cheat, after his mother’s political support played a key role in the decision. Her pardon application highlighted her fundraising efforts for Trump, including attending a $1 million dinner and ties to a scheme involving a Biden family diary, according to The New York Times.
Another federal judge has struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting a law firm, calling it an act of political retribution. In a pointed rebuke, the judge emphasized—using two exclamation marks in the introduction—that the order defies the principles laid out by the Founding Fathers.
In response to Trump’s claim that Putin is “playing with fire,” Russian official Dmitry Medvedev warned, “I only know of one really bad thing — World War III.” The remark underscores rising tensions and escalating rhetoric between the U.S. president and Russian leadership.
Trump is weighing new sanctions on Russia amid growing frustration with President Putin. The move signals escalating tensions between the two leaders despite their previously warmer relations.
Russian state media appears to be mocking President Trump, signaling a shift in tone from its previously favorable coverage.
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's effort to halt New York City's congestion tolling plan. The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, who was appointed by Trump.
Trump is once again threatening Canada, claiming the country is “considering the offer” to be annexed by the United States. The statement has sparked backlash and raised concerns about diplomatic stability between the two nations.
After delivering the commencement address at West Point, Trump did not shake hands with graduates, breaking a long-standing tradition upheld by Presidents Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton. In contrast, President Biden spent over an hour last year personally congratulating each graduate with a handshake.
Multiple people were reportedly shot Tuesday at the Brass Mill Center mall in Waterbury, prompting a police response and an ongoing investigation. Authorities have confirmed multiple victims but no fatalities, and are urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to respond.
The Missouri Supreme Court has ordered a Kansas City judge to lift two rulings that had allowed abortions to resume while a challenge to the state’s near-total ban moved toward trial. These rulings followed the passage of Amendment 3, which added abortion rights to the state constitution and prompted a lawsuit from Planned Parenthood.
Trump has asked the Supreme Court to ease restrictions on deporting migrants to South Sudan and other third-party countries. The move is part of his broader push to expand executive authority over immigration enforcement.
Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Alabama gubernatorial election. The former Auburn University football coach made the announcement on Fox News' "The Will Cain Show" and at Byron's Smokehouse in Auburn, the same location where he launched his Senate campaign.
King Charles concluded his speech to Parliament with a tribute to a “strong and free” Canada, prompting applause from lawmakers. The remarks come amid rising tensions and recent annexation threats from President Trump.
The FBI is intensifying its investigations into three high-profile, unresolved cases: the 2023 discovery of cocaine at the White House, the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court's draft opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, and the 2021 placement of pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
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