Pepper…and Salt

President Trump got tired of waiting for the new Air Force One planes to be completed, so he explored converting a used Qatar Airways jet as a quicker alternative. The idea raises logistical and security questions, but it shows his frustration with delays and his preference for fast solutions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a plane—it’s a peek into how Trump operates. He’s known for pushing back against bureaucracy, even when it comes to something as high-stakes as presidential travel. The story matters because it highlights the tension between traditional processes and a leader who prefers to cut through red tape, for better or worse.

This piece reflects on the bittersweet journey of aging LGBTQ+ individuals as World Pride concludes in Washington, D.C. It captures their memories of both struggle and progress—from the dark days of discrimination to the hard-won victories of equality—painting a poignant picture of how far the community has come, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

Editor’s Note: Pride isn’t just about celebration; it’s a living history lesson. For older gay and lesbian folks, this moment is a chance to reflect on decades of change—some painful, some triumphant. Their stories remind us that progress isn’t linear, and their experiences ground today’s activism in real, lived history. It’s a reminder to honor the past while pushing forward.

Five members of the Proud Boys—a far-right group known for its role in the January 6 Capitol riot—are suing the U.S. government, arguing their constitutional rights were violated during their prosecutions. They’re demanding hefty payouts, including $100 million in punitive damages, plus interest. The lawsuit, filed Friday, adds another layer to the legal fallout from the insurrection.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s a high-stakes challenge to how the government handles cases tied to January 6. If the lawsuit gains traction, it could embolden others to contest their charges, potentially reshaping accountability for the Capitol attack. For now, it keeps the debate over justice, free speech, and extremism in the spotlight.

A historian is calling out the ongoing spat between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, arguing that their feud isn’t just personal—it reflects the broader, harmful rhetoric of right-wing politics. Tristan Cabello from Johns Hopkins says both men use divisive language that targets marginalized groups, like immigrants, while reinforcing systems of power that benefit wealthy, white elites. Their clash, he suggests, isn’t just about ego—it’s a symptom of a deeper, more violent ideology.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just celebrity drama—it’s a window into how influential figures shape public debate. When powerful men like Trump and Musk trade barbs, they’re not just fighting each other; they’re amplifying ideas that can legitimize exclusion and inequality. Cabello’s take reminds us that political feuds aren’t neutral—they have real consequences for who gets heard and who gets hurt.

A senior Taliban leader announced over the weekend that Afghans who fled the country after the group took power in 2021 are welcome to return without fear of retaliation. The offer, framed as an amnesty, aims to bring back citizens who left amid the chaotic collapse of the U.S.-backed government.

Editor’s Note: This isn't the first time the Taliban have promised safety for returnees, but skepticism remains high given their track record. For displaced Afghans—many of whom faced persecution or worked with Western forces—this could be a tentative olive branch or an empty gesture. Either way, it signals the regime's desire to repopulate a country drained of skilled workers and professionals.