Administration Failures

Policy failures, pandemic mismanagement, economic blunders, and general incompetence.

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Whitcomb: Anxious Armed America; How Brazil Escaped; Balcony Solar Redux

Whitcomb: Anxious Armed America; How Brazil Escaped; Balcony Solar Redux

The article discusses the prevalence of gun violence in the U.S., highlighting how easy access to firearms, particularly in Red States, contributes to high death tolls from mass shootings and the challenges in regulating gun sales. It compares the U.S. to Brazil, which has managed to prevent a right-wing dictatorship despite historical and contemporary threats. Additionally, the piece touches on regional energy independence issues in New England, emphasizing the potential of small-scale solar power and nuclear energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The author also reflects on personal experiences with illness and historical aspects of American industry and family dynamics.

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Armed man killed by authorities trying to enter Trump Mar-a-Lago club - CNBC

Armed man killed by authorities trying to enter Trump Mar-a-Lago club - CNBC

A man in his early 20s carrying a shotgun and a gas canister was shot and killed by Secret Service agents and a sheriff's deputy after attempting to breach the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago in Florida early Sunday morning. President Donald Trump was not at the club at the time, as he was at the White House. The FBI is investigating the incident, which authorities described as an attempt to intrude with a firearm and hazardous materials.

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DHS suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry amid partial government shutdown - CNN

DHS suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry amid partial government shutdown - CNN

The Department of Homeland Security initially announced the suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs amid a partial government shutdown but later retracted the suspension, allowing continued operation of these trusted traveler programs. The DHS stated that staffing adjustments would be made on a case-by-case basis, though the suspension did impact some services and prompted longer wait times at security and customs. The programs, which are funded by member fees, serve over 40 million travelers annually and are among the first nationwide shutdown-related disruptions to their benefits.

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The Mercury's Sound Off for Saturday, February 21

The Mercury's Sound Off for Saturday, February 21

The "Sound Off" forum features diverse opinions from Mercury readers on current issues, including concerns about driving habits, political statements, immigration policies, environmental regulations, and recent legislative actions. Contributors express views on topics such as the impact of new laws, political rhetoric, climate change policies, and social issues, reflecting a range of perspectives from different political and social viewpoints. The forum allows readers to share brief, opinionated comments on the day's news.

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SCOTUS rules Trump's tariffs are illegal — but the fight is far from over | The Verge

SCOTUS rules Trump's tariffs are illegal — but the fight is far from over | The Verge

The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that some of Donald Trump's tariffs on imports, specifically those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, are illegal, but other tariffs remain unaffected. The decision raises questions about the return of tariffs and refunds to importers, with potential refunds estimated at $120 billion, though consumers may not receive repayment. Despite the ruling, the Trump administration plans to continue imposing tariffs, maintaining a high-tariff environment, which could impact businesses and consumers with ongoing uncertainty.

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211. Making Sense of the Tariffs Ruling - by Steve Vladeck

211. Making Sense of the Tariffs Ruling - by Steve Vladeck

The Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump declared that tariffs imposed by President Trump were unlawful because Congress had not authorized them under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The ruling emphasizes that IEEPA does not permit tariffs even in emergencies and reflects the Court’s refusal to broadly extend executive power in this context. The decision was viewed as a clear repudiation of Trump’s claimed authority rather than a shift in the Court’s overall stance on presidential power, and it leaves unresolved questions about the appropriate remedies and future procedural steps.

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Georgia State Election Board declines to seize control of Fulton County elections, for now

Georgia State Election Board declines to seize control of Fulton County elections, for now

The Georgia State Election Board decided not to seize control of Fulton County's elections following a recent FBI raid and seizure of election documents, though one member indicated future intervention remains possible pending further developments. The raid involved about 700 boxes of records and was related to allegations of election irregularities, which have been widely debunked. Meanwhile, a lawsuit by Fulton County officials seeking the return of the seized documents is scheduled for next Friday, and the board has also taken steps to access the records once returned, amid ongoing political discussions and calls for state intervention.

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White House scrambles after tariff loss as Trump unloads on Supreme Court - NBC News

White House scrambles after tariff loss as Trump unloads on Supreme Court - NBC News

President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his tariffs, blaming the court and promising to implement a temporary 10% global tariff under alternate legal powers. He criticized the justices he appointed, particularly Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, and indicated plans to pursue tariffs through other legal means despite the court ruling. Trump’s administration is scrambling to compensate for the setback, with some allies suggesting that backing down could improve midterm prospects, while others emphasize continuing efforts to pursue broader tariff policies.

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