Good evening, everyone. I hope you’re having a peaceful Saturday. I wish I had better news, but tonight, our country is facing deeply troubling developments. Right now, the Trump Administration is actively discussing deploying one of America’s most elite Army units — the same division that fought in Afghanistan and both World Wars — into Portland, Oregon, to confront U.S. citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.
At the same time, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has confirmed that the administration plans to federalize and deploy the National Guard to Chicago, just days after ICE agents used military-style tactics to detain families and zip-tie children.
This is not normal. This is not how democracy is supposed to work. We are witnessing the creeping militarization of our own cities — and it demands accountability, courage, and truth.
In moments like this, fearless journalism isn’t just important — it’s vital to preserving our democracy. I’m not afraid to tell you the truth, and I won’t stop. But independent journalism only survives because of readers like you.
If you believe in the power of truth and in holding those in power accountable, please subscribe today. Your support sustains this work — and it truly means the world.
With that, here’s what you missed:
Senior Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed deploying the elite 82nd Airborne Division to Portland to quell protests — a move raising legal and political concerns — according to leaked Signal messages showing candid planning conversations among top aides about using U.S. military forces domestically.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the Trump administration plans to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard troops against the state’s wishes, calling the move “outrageous and un-American,” as tensions rise over Trump’s broader use of military forces in U.S. cities like Portland under his anti-crime agenda.
The ongoing government shutdown has halted all extracurricular activities at military-base schools, leaving more than 67,000 students without sports, dances, or clubs — devastating high school seniors and families who say the cancellations are hurting college prospects and morale.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned immigrants not to attend next year’s Super Bowl, saying ICE agents “will be all over that place,” while also attacking the NFL for choosing Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny as halftime performer — remarks that drew contrast with the White House’s softer stance on enforcement plans.
Portland residents are pushing back against Trump’s portrayal of their city as “war ravaged,” showing through local activism, humor, and daily life that the city remains peaceful and vibrant — with locals organizing events like an “Emergency Naked Bike Ride” and emphasizing that Trump’s militarization narrative misrepresents Portland’s reality.
Israel launched new airstrikes on Gaza just hours after President Trump urged an end to the bombing, despite Hamas agreeing to release all Israeli hostages and engage in peace talks under Trump’s plan — leaving at least 54 dead as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen.
Former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was stabbed during an altercation in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday, police said; he is in stable condition and recovering in the hospital as investigators review footage of what they believe was an isolated incident.
A New York wildlife rehabilitator, Samantha Boyd, was charged with animal cruelty and endangering a vulnerable elderly person after authorities found more than 200 animals living in filthy, overcrowded conditions — along with a 95-year-old woman trapped amid debris — inside her Northport home.
Two girls were killed while “subway surfing” on a Brooklyn-bound New York City train, prompting officials to warn of the deadly trend — which has caused multiple teen deaths in recent years and sparked lawsuits blaming social media platforms for promoting the dangerous behavior.
Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš won the Czech parliamentary election, marking a political comeback likely to shift the country toward Hungary- and Slovakia-style skepticism of aid to Ukraine, as his ANO party captured 35% of the vote but fell short of a majority and will now seek coalition partners to form a new government.
Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones is under fire for 2022 text messages suggesting a GOP colleague “should be shot,” prompting bipartisan condemnation and calls for him to drop out; Jones has apologized and vowed to stay in the race amid growing scrutiny and concerns over violent political rhetoric.
See you in the morning.
— Aaron
