Posts by jookco

President Trump celebrated the Dow Jones Industrial Average topping 50,000 on Feb. 6, 2026, and publicly challenged experts who had doubted the milestone. Markets surged more than 1,200 points as chip and tech stocks—led by Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom—rallied on hopes of lower interest rates and massive corporate AI spending. The Dow closed above 50,000 for the first time after intraday trading crossed the threshold. Trump posted a congratulatory message on his social platform and framed the advance as vindication of his economic policies, pointing to tariffs and deregulation as drivers of the record close. (washingtonpost.com)

On March 14, 2025, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit stayed a Maryland district court’s nationwide preliminary injunction and allowed enforcement of President Trump’s Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, which direct federal agencies and contractors to end or restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The orders, issued January 20, 2025, had been enjoined on First and Fifth Amendment and vagueness grounds; the appeals panel said the orders are not facially unconstitutional and permitted enforcement while legal challenges from Baltimore and civil‑rights groups proceed, cautioning that overbroad agency actions could raise constitutional concerns. (apnews.com)

An appeals court on March 14, 2025 stayed a Maryland district judge’s nationwide injunction that had blocked key provisions of President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), allowing agencies to resume enforcement while the appeal proceeds. (ballardspahr.com) The orders—Executive Orders 14151 and 14173—had been enjoined by U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson on February 21. (huschblackwell.com) The reinstated provisions permit agencies to end “equity‑related” grants and contracts, require contractors and grantees to certify compliance with federal anti‑discrimination law, and could enable enforcement actions tied to false certifications. (mcguirewoods.com) Legal challenges continue and the appeals court ordered expedited briefing pending further decision. (mcguirewoods.com)

Conservative leaders are pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring the Save America Act to the floor after Republicans reintroduced the bill, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration and add a photo‑ID mandate at the ballot box. (roy.house.gov) Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. Mike Lee advanced the measure and House conservatives say the House will vote next week; President Trump has publicly urged passage. (justthenews.com) Proponents propose using a “standing” or “talking” filibuster to bypass the 60‑vote cloture hurdle, while Democrats including Sen. Chuck Schumer vow to block the bill as discriminatory. (newsmax.com)

Ghislaine Maxwell is scheduled to be deposed virtually before the House Oversight Committee on February 9, 2026, under a subpoena tied to the congressional probe of Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell, convicted in 2021 of sex‑trafficking and serving a 20‑year federal sentence, has sought immunity and previously conditioned cooperation; her lawyer says she will likely invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer. Lawmakers hope she will disclose information about Epstein’s 2007 non‑prosecution agreement, his death, and alleged associates — including speculation about powerful figures — but committee leaders say immunity won’t be granted. The session is expected to draw national attention. (axios.com)

Allegations surfaced that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez’s congressional office hosted a February webinar—featuring the Immigrant Defense Project—offering “know your rights” guidance to migrants about ICE encounters, including advising not to open doors without a judicial warrant and to remain silent. Former ICE official Tom Homan criticized the event, saying he asked the Justice Department to evaluate whether it impeded enforcement. Supporters say it was legal rights education; no DOJ charges were reported. Broader claims that AOC planned or coordinated militant “de‑arrest” trainings or celebrated activists ripping detainees from ICE custody are circulating online but lack credible, verified evidence as of now. (foxnews.com)

Federal authorities arrested Kyle Wagner, 37, of Minneapolis, on February 5, 2026, and charged him with federal threat and cyberstalking after prosecutors say he posted videos and comments in January urging followers to assault, dox and kill U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The complaint alleges Wagner called agents “Gestapo” and “murderers,” urged armed confrontations, and published personal information for a pro‑ICE individual in Michigan. Photos show Wagner wearing an “I’M ANTIFA!” sweatshirt at arrest. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the arrest on X and DOJ officials emphasized the charges are being pursued as federal crimes earlier this week. (apnews.com)