Treasury Secretary Slams Warren Over $20B Argentina Deal—Invokes Perón

October 23, 2025

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Donald Trump administration’s decision to offer a $20 billion currency‑swap line to Argentina, responding sharply to criticism from Elizabeth Warren. Bessent accused Warren of holding “Peronist views,” referencing the ideology of former Argentinian leader Juan Perón, in his letter to the Senate Banking Committee.

Warren had urged the Treasury to explain why it was extending fresh financial support at a time when the U.S. government was facing a shutdown and domestic priorities went unmet. She introduced the “No Argentina Bailout Act” aiming to block the Treasury’s use of the Exchange Stabilization Fund for Argentina.

In his rebuttal, Bessent argued that the swap line was part of “mission‑critical efforts necessary to the discharge of the President’s constitutional duties — including national security and global financial stability.” He asserted that Warren’s critique stemmed from her preference for big‑government economic controls.

Yale Invites Former Israeli PM and Palestinian Leader for Peace Debate — Campus Tensions Rise

October 23, 2025

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al‑Qudwa faced off in a high-profile debate at Yale University on October 22, drawing national attention to the ongoing ideological divide on U.S. campuses. Hosted by the Yale Political Union, the event focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and featured proposals rooted in a “land-for-peace” framework, including a return to the pre-1967 borders.

Olmert, who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2009, represented the Israeli side. Al-Qudwa, the nephew of Yasser Arafat and former UN ambassador, spoke on behalf of the Palestinian perspective. Their appearance followed the release of a joint peace plan promoting a two-state solution and controversial territorial concessions.

The debate came as campus tensions over Israel and the Gaza conflict continue to escalate nationwide. At Yale, the event drew a packed audience and prompted strong reactions from students on both sides. While some praised the opportunity for civil discourse, others criticized the inclusion of leaders they viewed as politically controversial.

The Yale Political Union, America’s oldest collegiate debating society, has long hosted major political figures. This event, however, underscored how the Israel-Palestine issue remains one of the most polarizing topics on college campuses.

Fired for Being White: HBCU Hit with Explosive Discrimination Lawsuit

October 23, 2025

Courtroom Gavel Flag — (Bermix Studio/Unsplash)

A tenured white professor at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the historically Black university of race‑based discrimination and wrongful termination. Donna Satterlee, who taught human ecology and child development for over two decades, claims she was denied promotion and then terminated for reasons she says were rooted in racial bias.

Satterlee’s complaint, filed in July 2025, alleges harassment, disparate treatment, and a pattern of anti‑white bias within UMES’ administration. She alleges that university leadership placed a “preference for African‑Americans in hiring of faculty and staff” while exhibiting “marked bias against Caucasian and Asian citizens.”

Key allegations include claims that Satterlee received unanimous departmental support for promotion, but the university denied advancement despite a rating of 82.2 out of 100 (with 70 required). She asserts that Black faculty with comparable or lesser credentials received higher pay and more favorable treatment.

The lawsuit further states that after she raised concerns about the unequal treatment and workplace conditions — including mold in her office and sticky classroom floors purportedly unattended for her — UMES initiated a termination investigation based on vague “bullying” allegations made by her chair. Satterlee calls the investigation violative of tenure due‑process protections.

Satterlee seeks reinstatement as a full professor, punitive damages, and a court order compelling UMES to revise its equal employment opportunity policies to ensure all employees are treated fairly regardless of race.

Campus Clash: Tulane Pauses Recognition of TPUSA Chapter Revival

October 23, 2025

Ed Rollins PAC — U.S. Flagpole (Christopher Burns/Unsplash)

Tulane University has temporarily halted the approval process for a proposed revival of its chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). The university announced on October 20, 2025, that it will “pause new applications for Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs)” while it conducts a comprehensive review of existing groups and their compliance with institutional policies.

The application to reestablish the TPUSA chapter came just one day prior to the announcement. Students involved argue the timing suggests a deliberate delay. “I feel like it’s very obvious that they’re trying to stall us,” one student leader said. The university’s statement cited a review aligned with its Non‑Discrimination Policy, Title VI and Title IX protections, and a “shared commitment to equitable student participation.”

The move comes amid growing concerns from conservative students about ideological bias on campuses. RSOs affiliated with national organizations often encounter extra scrutiny, and delaying recognition can limit those groups’ access to funding, meeting space, and campus platforms. At Tulane, only roughly 10 % of students reportedly registered as Republicans, raising questions about how much ideological diversity is tolerated.

The implications could extend beyond Tulane. Other campuses may adopt similar “pauses” under the guise of review, potentially creating a chilling effect on groups aligned with conservative or Christian principles.

New MAHA Guidelines Could Melt Fears About Unsaturated Fats

October 23, 2025

Meat Food Cooking — Sliced Meat (José Ignacio Pompé/Unsplash)

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative is steering U.S. dietary policy toward a reshaped view of fats, suggesting that long‑assumed dangers of saturated fats may be overstated. A recent report argues that very‑long‑chain saturated fatty acids found in nuts and dairy behave more like beneficial omega‑3s and do not clearly raise cardiovascular risk—challenging decades of conventional guidance.

Federal dietary recommendations have long urged Americans to limit saturated fats to under 10 % of daily calories. The MAHA‑aligned shift gives greater credence to full‑fat dairy, red meat and natural animal fats as acceptable components of a healthy diet and downplays blanket bans on saturated fats. The push comes amid growing research showing mixed outcomes for saturated‑fat restriction and cardiovascular disease outcomes.

A 3,000‑participant study spanning 20 years revealed that certain very‑long‑chain saturated fatty acids were associated with slower cognitive decline and behaved similarly to omega‑3s in brain health. A separate 2025 meta‑analysis of more than 13,000 participants found no significant reduction in heart‑disease risk when saturated fats were cut—contradicting long‑held guidelines. The MAHA strategy underscores the point that dietary patterns—not just individual nutrients—matter most.

Minority Contracting Scheme Under Federal Scrutiny

October 23, 2025

US Dollars Money — U.S. Money (Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a sweeping investigation into a federal contracting fraud scheme involving minority-owned business preferences. Undercover footage released by journalist James O’Keefe shows executives admitting to subcontracting nearly all of the work while using minority-owned companies as pass-through entities to secure lucrative no-bid federal contracts.

The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, designed to support disadvantaged small businesses, is now the center of a growing scandal. On October 21, the SBA confirmed it is investigating ATI Government Solutions and the Susanville Indian Rancheria after footage captured ATI’s contract manager stating, “We only do 20%. The rest goes to subs. And remember, there’s no competition.” The SBA labeled the practice “institutionalized abuse.”

The 8(a) program gives preferential treatment in federal contracting to firms owned by minorities or other disadvantaged individuals. These firms are eligible for set-aside contracts without competitive bidding. However, federal law requires that the certified firm perform at least 51% of the work. The video footage suggests that ATI and its affiliates may have violated this requirement, using minority-owned firms merely as shells to channel taxpayer dollars to third-party contractors.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler ordered a full audit of the 8(a) program earlier this year, covering 15 years of federal contracts. This action followed a separate bribery case involving USAID, where the Department of Justice found similar abuse of minority contract preferences. In response, the SBA revoked USAID’s authority to independently issue 8(a) contracts.

The audit focuses on large-dollar, limited-competition contracts — many of which raise red flags for potential abuse. The investigation highlights deep-rooted issues in how federal agencies manage minority contracting goals. Abuse of these programs not only violates federal law but undermines trust in the fair distribution of federal resources.

Military Families Slammed by Shutdown, PCS Orders Frozen

October 22, 2025

leadership — Military helmet (israel palacio/Unsplash)

Military families are facing growing uncertainty as the government shutdown drags on, freezing salaries, halting permanent change of station (PCS) orders, and threatening to delay healthcare payments under TRICARE. While President Donald Trump ordered that service members be paid on October 15, USA Today reports that the October 31 paycheck is now at risk without congressional action.

The Army recently lifted a PCS order freeze for most soldiers—but not all. Hundreds of families remain in limbo due to suspended orders issued before October 1 that require long-term storage, typically for overseas assignments. Many had already packed, scheduled shipments, or vacated homes when the orders were halted.

Col. Rachel Sullivan, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, acknowledged the strain on families, saying the delays have caused “a significant amount of stress.” The disruption has thrown relocation plans into disarray and left families questioning when or where they’ll be reassigned.

At the same time, TRICARE issued a warning that, while current care and prescriptions remain available, it may not be able to process or pay claims received after October 1 until funding resumes. Some healthcare providers are already feeling the financial squeeze as reimbursement delays pile up, according to Breitbart News.

The shutdown also impacted military children. On October 1, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) suspended extracurricular activities for over 67,000 students. The decision was reversed a week later, but the temporary halt highlighted the far-reaching effects on military life.

Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson blamed Democrats for the shutdown. “Our military doesn’t get to shut down—but Chuck Schumer and the Democrats did,” Wilson said. “They are playing political games to fund healthcare for illegals while our soldiers… continue to stand post around the world.”

Nevada Nuclear Site Shutdown Sparks Security Fears

October 22, 2025

All 68 federal employees at the Nevada National Security Site have been furloughed due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed Monday. The move marks the first mass furlough in the 23-year history of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), raising serious concerns about national security and workforce retention.

The NNSA, responsible for securing and modernizing the U.S. nuclear stockpile, has furloughed 1,400 federal employees across its operations, leaving only 400 still on the job nationwide. In Nevada, over 3,000 contracted workers remain—at least for now. Contractors cannot legally be furloughed, but they will begin missing paychecks once funds dry up at the end of the month.

“These are jobs of great gravity,” said Wright. “We need to maintain our nuclear stockpile, have our adversaries confident that we have our stuff together.” He warned that a prolonged shutdown could drive skilled workers to find new jobs, weakening the national security workforce.

The site, located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, plays a vital role in nuclear transportation, security, modernization, and defense against terrorist misuse. Without federal staff, its operations are significantly hampered.

Wright said the Department of Energy “did some gymnastics” to keep contract pay flowing temporarily but stressed the situation is unsustainable. Across the DOE, 59% of employees have already been furloughed.

Congress remains deadlocked. Despite 11 Republican-led attempts to pass a continuing resolution, Democrats continue to hold out for renewed health care tax credits. The latest vote failed 50–43, with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) crossing the aisle in support. Her colleague, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), voted no.

Wright praised Cortez Masto and urged Rosen to join efforts to reopen the government: “I plead to Sen. Rosen… move her vote from ‘abstain’ to in favor of continuing the funding.”

Spokane Police Chief Blocked FBI After Protest Arrests, Citing State Law

October 22, 2025

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall issued a directive in June barring his department from cooperating with the FBI after officers arrested dozens during immigration-related protests. Internal police records obtained by The Center Square show that Hall also ordered felony charges to bypass the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office and instead be routed to the Washington Attorney General—a move prosecutors now say was illegal.

The June 11 protests, led by former City Council President Ben Stuckart and other activists, targeted a Department of Homeland Security van transporting a migrant. Protesters slashed the van’s tires and blocked agents from leaving the property. At least two individuals allegedly assaulted federal officers, triggering a federal investigation.

Hall later claimed his order to withhold reports, bodycam footage, and seized phones from the FBI was merely to ensure compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, a state law limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. However, Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam strongly disagreed, calling the move unlawful and saying the FBI investigation had nothing to do with immigration enforcement but rather criminal activity—including assault, unlawful imprisonment, and conspiracy.

Officer Tim Schwering, who was handling the case, described Hall’s directive as “a potential unlawful order” and noted it was unprecedented in his career. Schwering and his superiors continued the investigation under state law, and the order was eventually rescinded on June 19. The FBI arrested nine people, including Stuckart, less than a month later.

Records also show Mayor Lisa Brown was in communication with Stuckart during the protest and contacted the state attorney general to discuss “legal assistance.” Brown later called the federal arrests “politically motivated.”

Critics now warn that political interference in law enforcement could cost Spokane federal funding, especially under the Trump administration.

Pritzker Nonprofit Bill Veto Sparks Fierce Pushback

October 22, 2025

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is pushing back after Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed legislation aimed at helping nonprofits access state-managed investment tools. Senate Bill 246, approved by both legislative chambers earlier this year, would have created a nonprofit investment pool and payment system through the treasurer’s office.

Pritzker vetoed the bill this summer, citing concerns that “fringe and extremist groups” could exploit state services under the legislation. “Though SB 246 is well-intended… it would unfortunately also allow Illinois’ financial investments to be used to benefit fringe and extremist groups,” the governor wrote.

Despite the veto, Frerichs remains determined. Speaking at an LGBTQ+ History Month event in Chicago, he told The Center Square that talks are ongoing with lawmakers and the governor’s office. “We’re working with legislative leaders and with the governor… either with an override or working together next spring,” he said.

State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) sponsored the legislation, which received majority support in both chambers. But overriding a Pritzker veto remains a rare event in Illinois politics.

Pritzker has funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into campaign funds for state Democrats, making lawmakers cautious about opposing his decisions. Still, Frerichs says the bill’s benefits to nonprofits outweigh political concerns.

“We think that when we get this legislation passed, we help them earn more money… helping the hungry, the homeless, give people access to skills they need,” Frerichs said.

Recent history shows only two successful overrides of Pritzker vetoes—one in 2020 for a tax exemption on aircraft parts, and another in 2021 related to ambulance service funding.