Michael Proctor laughs at Karen Read corruption allegations as he fights to get job back

California officials are taking a closer look at the state's financial ties to Amazon oil drilling after Indigenous leaders from Ecuador urged action. The push comes as Ecuador prepares to auction off 14 massive new oil blocks in 2026, threatening over 2 million hectares of rainforest—land that’s both ecologically vital and home to vulnerable Indigenous communities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about distant oil deals—it’s about accountability. California, a climate leader, invests public funds in ventures linked to Amazon destruction, while Indigenous groups bear the brunt of pollution and land loss. The story highlights the messy global web of money, power, and environmental harm—and whether states like California will walk the talk on climate justice.

Right-wing populist movements around the world—from LA to Paris—are increasingly directing their anger at major cities, seeing them as bastions of liberalism, immigration, and progressive policies. These urban centers, once conservative strongholds in some cases, have become cultural and political flashpoints, fueling resentment among populist leaders and their rural or suburban bases. The article suggests this backlash stems from a deeper sense of political and cultural defeat, as cities increasingly shape national agendas.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about policy disagreements—it’s a cultural war. Cities are where societal shifts often start, from climate action to diversity, and that’s triggering a fierce reaction from populists who see urban progress as a threat to their vision. The tension between cities and the right could define future elections, polarizing societies even further. If you’ve noticed politicians demonizing "coastal elites" or "urban decay," this is why.

California Governor Gavin Newsom fired back after a court ruled that former President Trump could take control of National Guard troops in Los Angeles during his presidency. Newsom’s sharp response—"Trump is not a king"—highlights his pushback against unchecked executive power, while the ruling itself clarifies that presidential actions aren’t immune from legal scrutiny.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who controls the National Guard—it’s a bigger fight over how much power a president should have. Newsom’s reaction taps into broader concerns about authoritarian overreach, and the court’s stance reinforces that even the White House isn’t above judicial review. For Californians (and anyone watching federal-state tensions), it’s a reminder that these legal battles have real-world consequences for who calls the shots in emergencies.

Former President Trump, who publicly acknowledged Juneteenth every year during his presidency—even before it was made a federal holiday—didn’t mention it at all this year. His silence stands out, especially since he’s been vocal about other issues lately.

Editor’s Note: Juneteenth is a major milestone in American history, marking the end of slavery. Trump’s past recognition of it gave him some bipartisan credibility, so his sudden silence raises questions—is it disinterest, a strategic pivot, or just an oversight? Either way, it’s a noticeable shift that could fuel criticism from opponents or concern among supporters who valued his previous acknowledgments.

A federal appeals court has sided with President Trump, allowing him to maintain control over California National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles. The ruling overturns a lower court’s decision that argued Trump overstepped his authority by federalizing state forces during protests.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about troop deployments—it’s a tug-of-war over presidential power and states’ rights. The court’s decision reinforces the president’s ability to federalize National Guard units, even if state leaders disagree. For Californians, it means Trump’s administration keeps calling the shots on these troops, at least for now. The broader implications? Another chapter in the debate over how far federal authority can stretch during civil unrest.