December 22, 2025
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Welcome to the news for independent thinkers
Leading the News . . .
Charlie Kirk's Empire Is Lining Up Behind a JD Vance Presidential Bid . . . After Charlie Kirk's killing, Turning Point USA is transforming grief into political machinery. His widow, Erika Kirk, used the group's first major post-tragedy gathering to rally support for JD Vance as the next president. With Vance closing the conference, organizers are already laying ground troops across Iowa, signaling that 2028 planning is no longer theoretical—it's operational. Wall Street Journal
Trump likely did not appear at Turning Point's big event this week because they wanted the spotlight on Vance. I've seen some reports that Marco Rubio will not oppose Vance in the primaries — the two have very good relations‚ as well as suggestions that a Vance-Rubio ticket is a possibility.
Politics
Vance repudiates Ben Shapiro for criticism of Carlson, Bannon, and Owens . . . Vice President J.D. Vance used his AmericaFest finale to cool a brewing conservative food fight, warning that cancel mobs and purity tests shrink coalitions. Without naming names, he undercut Ben Shapiro for blasting figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Steve Bannon. Vance argued Donald Trump built power by expanding, not exiling, the right. Daily Caller
But he says Nick Fuentes can "eat s--t"
Vance dodges one fault line roiling MAGA . . . At Turning Point USA's year-end bash, JD Vance carefully avoided the word splintering the base: Israel. Pressure is mounting for him to denounce fringe agitator Nick Fuentes and distance himself from ally Tucker Carlson, whose rhetoric has fueled internal warfare. The silence underscores growing tension inside Donald Trump's coalition—and how explosive it's becoming. Washington Post
Cruz weighs 2028 run amid party unease . . . Sen. Ted Cruz is quietly testing the waters for 2028. In a private meeting near Union Station, ally Morton Klein warned him that antisemitism and Israel-bashing are spreading on the right. Cruz, already delivering speeches against the trend, acknowledged growing calls for a presidential run—signaling ambition as the GOP wrestles with its identity. Washington Post
Pop rebel breaks ranks for Trump . . . Rap superstar Nicki Minaj stunned the political crowd at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest by openly praising Donald Trump and JD Vance. Minaj credited the administration with restoring pride, hope, and moral clarity, saying Trump's leadership proves the bad guys can be beaten without surrendering integrity. In a culture where celebrities toe the party line, Minaj chose defiance—and applause followed. Breitbart
Colorado governor accuses Trump of playing 'political games' after FEMA denies disaster requests . . . Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is lashing out after the Trump administration rejected his requests for federal disaster aid tied to wildfires, mudslides, and flooding. FEMA sent denial letters over the weekend, prompting Polis to accuse Donald Trumpof political gamesmanship. The state plans to appeal, but the episode highlights how disaster relief can stall when Washington's priorities collide.
5 Ways Trump Put Pressure on 'Rampant Fraud' in Minnesota This Week
Culture
CBS yanks migrant prison exposé as newsroom turmoil erupts . . . 60 Minutes abruptly shelved a report on Venezuelan migrants jailed at El Salvador's brutal CECOT prison just hours before airtime, citing vague reporting needs. The pull comes amid upheaval at CBS News under new chief Bari Weiss. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi accused leadership of spiking the story, fueling claims of internal censorship. New York Post
The likely backstory is that Weiss has decided to put an end to liberal hit pieces that lack proper context. 60 Minutes has been doing that for at least half a century. Sharyn Alfonsi can go work for CNN.
Canada's quiet culture of death creeps south . . . Canada's euthanasia regime has exploded since its 2016 launch, with more than 75,000 deaths now counted under the banner of compassion. What began as an option for the terminally ill has morphed into state-sanctioned suicide for anyone with a serious condition. With abortion unrestricted and plans underway to include mental illness by 2027, Ottawa is normalizing death—and exporting the idea just across America's border. Daily Signal
National Security
Pentagon wants ethics inquiry on Rep. Vindman's Ukraine business deals . . . The Pentagon is pushing for an ethics probe into Rep. Eugene Vindman after he and his brother quietly pursued Ukraine-related defense deals while cashing in on taxpayer-backed work. As Eugene helped run a State Department-funded inquiry into Russian war crimes, both brothers were simultaneously courting contracts with U.S. defense firms and Ukrainian officials. Just the News
International
Trump presses peace as reality intrudes . . . The White House is reportedly warning Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a peace deal by Christmas, with Donald Trumpbluntly telling Kyiv to play ball and mocking Europe as all talk. But the pressure misses the real obstacle: Vladimir Putinhas no incentive to stop. With manpower, weapons, and time, Moscow believes it's winning—and winners don't rush to compromise. Rebekah Koffler for The Telegraph
Lindsey Graham sounds alarm: 'Hamas is not disarming'
Greenland bristles as Trump stirs takeover talk . . . Denmark and Greenland pushed back hard after Donald Trump named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland. Leaders in Copenhagen and Nuuk insisted the U.S. will not seize the vast Arctic territory and demanded respect for Danish sovereignty. Denmark's foreign minister is now moving to summon the U.S. ambassador, signaling fresh strain inside NATO's ranks. Associated Press
You should also know
Conan O'Brien stopped guests from calling 911 on Nick Reiner during fight with dad Rob at party . . . Comedian Conan O'Brien reportedly blocked a 911 call during a volatile confrontation involving Nick Reiner at his holiday party—just hours before Nick's parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Brentwood home. Guests say the argument grew heated enough to prompt concern, but police were never called. The missed intervention now looms over a shocking double death. New York Post
Wire standout dies at 46 . . . Actor James Ransone, best known for playing Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire, has died at 46. Authorities say Ransone died by suicide in Los Angeles. His career spanned gritty television and mainstream film, with roles in It: Chapter Two, The Black Phone, and series including Bosch. Associated Press
Guilty Pleasures
A Chinese engineer with more than a decade on the job was fired after his employer tracked what it called excessive bathroom use—and won in court. Surveillance footage showed 14 marathon restroom breaks in one month, including one lasting four hours. The company argued the absences crippled productivity, while the worker cried unfair dismissal. Odditycentral
Surveillance footage? Anyway, I never let my staff at my day job take longer than two-hour bathroom breaks. I'm not stupid.
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