A Christian pastor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been fired from his post at a local public library when he resisted orders to lie about a coworker's gender.
The issue was that Luke Ash, pastor of Stevendale Baptist Church, was dismissed when he declined to address a woman as "he."
The Washington Stand reported, "The firing occurred despite a growing legal precedent supporting the free speech rights of those who say they cannot be forced to utter language that they believe is wrong."
The report explained Ash had a conversation with a coworker at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library about another worker, who was in training, and was told the woman wanted to be called "he."
"Ash continued to use biologically accurate pronouns in reference to her. When Ash's coworker attempted to 'correct' him into using the individual's preferred pronouns, the pastor declined to use them," the report said.
He first was reprimanded by his supervisor for not lying, then fired.
Such forced language fights have erupted over and over in recent years as the LGBT ideology, specifically transgenderism, ardently was promoted by the administration of Joe Biden. The ideology itself is based on a falsehood, as being male or female is embedded in the human body to the DNA level and doesn't change.
However, such speech restrictions and demands have been found to violate free speech protections of the Constitution.
The Washington Stand noted that another case involved Peter Vlaming, a high school teacher in West Point, Virginia who was fired in 2018 for refusing to refer to a student with trans pronouns.
He sued the public school district and won, eventually settling for $575,000 from the district.
Ash has explained there were "several things" in the library that made it clear it was not welcoming of Christians or conservatives.
On "Washington Watch" with Tony Perkins, he said, "There's a difference between telling me what I can't say and then telling me what I have to say, and so that was the line for me at that point."
He said, "I'm not going to lie. I cannot do it. I will not do it."
He noted, of the library atmosphere, "They think it's a sin to 'ban' books, and if you talk about banning books, putting a book on a list, then that's well within their wheelhouse to call you a Nazi or whatever. But they're absolutely limiting access to books by which books they decide to purchase for the library or even on the promotion of [the] books displayed. So there's a continuum of access. It's not just about banning a book on a piece of paper. If you can pretend that that book doesn't exist, that's even more effective."
Ken Langone, co-founder of The Home Depot, has returned to supporting President Donald Trump after previously criticizing his tariffs, The New York Post reported. Now, the billionaire GOP donor is singing Trump's praises and is optimistic about the direction of the country.
Langone appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday. The chairman of the NYU Langone Health board of trustees said Trump was not happy with him after he called Trump's tariffs "bullsh---" in April.
Prior to the election, Langone said he worried that Trump would "engage in retribution" if he retook the White House. Langone is backing down on all of it and says Trump's "big, beautiful" bill will "trigger significant economic growth, that we might see tax revenues going up from the profitability."
Winning Him Over
Like many Republicans who were skeptical that Trump could pull out a victory after 2020, Langone openly criticized him. Now appears that the president’s success is winning him over.
“If I tell you how bullish I was, you wouldn't believe it. I have never been more excited about the future of America than I am right now, right this moment, for a lot of reasons,” Langone told hosts Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin.
“Number one. Like it or not, this guy is getting things done,” the 89-year-old billionaire said.
Langone said that Trump was upset by comments he makes about the president using the White House to get back at his enemies. “I'm happy to say I'm comfortable he's not doing that,” Langone said.
“He's acting presidential. I'm impressed with the people he's got around him,” Langone noted, including Kevin Warsh, former Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the United States, who backs the Trump agenda.
On the Upswing
Many of the dire predictions made about the Trump agenda have failed to materialize. In fact, the markets have been on the upswing even amid Trump’s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs.
“I was worried about inflation and I was worried about the deficit. I think there's a lot of merit to the notion that it's going to trigger such significant economic growth, that we might see tax revenues going up through the profitability bracket,” Langone predicted.
“And the other last thing is you can't keep America down. Don't forget that we're the greatest country on earth, and we'll always will be,” Langone said before mentioning he would be turning 90 in September.
Aside from the positive economic news, Langone also praised Trump for reportedly striking Iran’s nuclear program and knocking it out. He said it signaled to the world “that America’s here and when our interests are at risk we’re going to do something about it.”
Trump is by no means a perfect leader, but Langone is correct that he’s moving America in the right direction. It was a bold move for him to criticize Trump before the election, but it’s an even more courageous thing to publicly admit he was wrong in that.
Steak 'n Shake has announced it will soon sell Coca-Cola made with cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, Breitbart reported. This is in line with the wishes of President Donald Trump and the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The Make America Healthy Again agenda has notched another win with this announcement. Steak 'n Shake had previously announced it was switching from seed oils to beef tallow earlier this year and is now focusing on the soda it serves.
"Starting August 1, Steak n Shake will offer Coca-Cola with real cane sugar in glass bottles," the company posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. America deserves the best! We continue on our MAHA journey…"
Starting August 1, Steak n Shake will offer Coca-Cola with real cane sugar in glass bottles.
Trump campaigned on his "MAHA" movement, spearheaded by Kennedy, and now he's following through. The president announced Wednesday on his Truth Social account that he had persuaded Coca-Cola to switch to sugar in its signature product.
"I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Trump boasted. "I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola," the president added.
"This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!" Trump wrote. Meanwhile, Kennedy is busy implementing the agenda in other parts of the food industry.
He has succeeded in getting companies like Kraft Heinz, Nestle, and J.M. Smucker Co. to commit to removing food dyes, along with about 35% of the industry. Kennedy stressed this is in addition to the 35% of the food supply that is organic and thus already dye-free.
The International Dairy Foods Association has also agreed to remove food dyes from ice creams. "Since we came in about five and a half months ago and started talking about eliminating dyes and other bad chemicals from our food, we’ve had this extraordinary response from the industry," Kennedy said earlier this week.
Holding Out
Amid the good news about the voluntary action is the reality that some companies, such as MARS, are pushing back. According to Fox Business News, the candy giant is resisting the movement.
This comes after a 2016 pledge the company made "to remove all artificial colors from its human food portfolio globally." MARS has backtracked, citing its customer data that suggested that treats like candy are less of a concern to customers.
"We are aware of the administration’s request, and our technical experts are exploring alternatives that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements, and consumer preferences. At this time, we have not yet identified fully effective solutions and believe it is premature to make commitments until we are certain they can be fulfilled," a company spokesperson to Fox News Digital.
"We will continue our efforts and anticipate being able to offer consumers more choice in the near future. Meanwhile, it is important to underline that all of our products continue to be safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities," the spokesperson added.
Regardless of what MARS has to say, the fact that any of these companies would voluntarily do this is something I never expected. Consumer demand and a little bit of government pressure were all it took to help make America healthy again indeed.
While ringing the bell to open the New York Stock Exchange and launch the IPO of his latest business venture, "GrabAGun," Donald Trump Jr. said he thinks there would be an exodus out of New York City if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor later this year.
Mamdani has said he would raise taxes on the rich and has espoused ideas like defunding police and living in communes rather than owning property.
Marketing campaign
"If what possibly could happen in November happens, I mean, it's scary and, you know, perhaps that's what New York needs," Trump Jr. told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
"Maybe it has to fail to be able to come back, to be able to, you know, put the nail in the coffin of these ideas that have failed so many times around the world."
Trump Jr. predicted that more people would move from New York to Florida, continuing an exodus that has been going on since the pandemic in 2020.
"In New York, I think the stat I remembered, it was from like 10 years ago, but it was something like 18,000 people pay 80% of New York City’s city tax," Trump Jr. said. "Well, those people are all very mobile. They can go wherever they want. This new mayor could possibly be the greatest marketing campaign for Florida ever to exist."
"Scary notion"
Most Republicans and many Democrats are alarmed at the possibility of Mamdani being mayor, but it seems almost like Trump Jr. is wishing for it.
He seems to think that New York needs to fall in order to be rebuilt and to swing back pendulum-like to more conservative policies that actually work.
Trump continued, "But what happens to New York then? And as a lifelong New Yorker, as someone who grew up here, someone who changed the skyline here with my father for many years before he got into politics, that's a scary notion, but perhaps it's exactly what America needs. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom, and I think if this communist mayor gets elected, rock bottom is what New York's going to see."
"Wrong politics"
Trump Jr.'s partner in GrabAGun, Omeed Malik, compared Mamdani to progressive former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was generally regarded as a failure.
"If you didn't see it on the writing on the wall with de Blasio I don't know what to tell you," Malik said. "I definitely don't want those people in Florida because if you haven't already moved out of here you've got the wrong politics."
President Donald Trump said earlier this month that if Mamdani gets elected, New York will "never be the same."
Current Mayor Eric Adams and former Mayor Andrew Cuomo are both running as independents, but they will likely split the vote if they both stay in the race and give the edge to Mamdani.
If all of Mamdani's detractors unite around one candidate, however, he will be easily defeated.
Scott Jennings, a seasoned political strategist and CNN contributor, has hinted that he may mount a bid for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell's soon-to-be-vacant seat, contingent largely on President Donald Trump's support, as Just the News reports.
Jennings disclosed during an interview on Real America's Voice that his decision to run hinges on Trump's endorsement, emphasizing the president's pivotal influence in Kentucky politics.
The commentator has built a substantial political reputation, previously serving as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and actively supporting several GOP candidates, reflecting strong ties within the Republican Party.
Jennings weighs run
McConnell's announcement that he would not seek reelection next year has opened the field for his Senate seat, attracting multiple contenders. Currently, the race includes Rep. Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris.
Jennings acknowledged his connections to all three candidates, stating his past support for them and expressing confidence in the Republican Party's ability to retain the seat. "There’s three people in the race, I know them all, like them all," he remarked.
His longstanding involvement with these political figures showcases Jennings's influential role within Kentucky's political landscape.
Trump's influence in Kentucky looms large
Highlighting the heavy influence of Trump in state politics, Jennings likened politics to a team sport with the president acting as the "head coach." This metaphor underscores how Trump’s decisions are crucial to his own potential candidacy.
"I do think politics is a team sport, and I think Trump’s the head coach," Jennings explained, validating the necessity to align with Trump's directives to succeed in the political environment of Kentucky, a state that heavily favors Trump.
He elaborated on this perspective by sharing how aligning with Trump could impact his decision to run, emphasizing the strategic importance of Trump’s endorsement in his political aspirations.
Contemplation continues
Jennings has been publicly considering a run for several months, keeping the political community engaged and speculative about his final decision. This strategic uncertainty serves to maintain interest in his potential candidacy.
When questioned directly about the possibility of running if Trump were to endorse him, Jennings carefully noted, "I pay very close attention to everything the president says," highlighting his readiness to follow Trump's cues.
This interaction reflects a careful balancing act between his personal political ambitions and the broader strategic landscape shaped by Trump's influence in Kentucky.
Political calculus persists
While Jennings navigates the political landscape of Kentucky, his potential candidacy remains a focal point of intrigue. His connections, experiences, and strategic compliments from significant GOP figures position him as a strong candidate if he chooses to run.
Whether or not Jennings decides to contend for the Senate seat, his maneuvers suggest a thorough strategic analysis, weighing the potential gains against the complexities of aligning with Trump's dynamic leadership style.
As political observers watch closely, Jennings' decision-making process serves as a case study in the intertwining influences of personal ambitions and party dynamics in high-stakes political races.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is calling for "maximum transparency" on the topic of Jeffrey Epstein as President Donald Trump tries to quell fury among his supporters over the Justice Department's handling of the case.
Trump has sharply criticized members of his base who remain fixated on the case, calling them "weaklings" who are helping Democrats push a "hoax."
The drama erupted after the DOJ officially concluded that Epstein, a notorious pedophile and wealthy financier, did not keep a secret client list and that he died by suicide in his prison cell.
With the MAGA movement in an uproar, Johnson is considering a legislative measure mandating the release of additional information in a way that protects the identities of victims, The Hillreported. That would differ from a Democratic amendment that Republicans shot down, which called for the full release of the materials.
“The House Republicans are for transparency and they’re looking for a way to say that,” Johnson told The Hill.
Bondi takes action
After several days of dismissing the controversy, Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek the release of grand jury materials from a court in New York.
"Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent Grand Jury testimony, subject to Court approval. This SCAM, perpetuated by the Democrats, should end, right now!" Trump wrote.
WSJ enters the fray
Trump sued the Wall Street Journal on Friday after it published a purported "birthday letter" from Trump to Epstein that included what was intended to represent a dialogue between the two men as well as a drawing of a nude woman.
The alleged birthday message concludes: “Happy Birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret."
Trump said that the letter is fake and clearly not written in his style. Some say that the Wall Street Journal, with its decision to publish the story, may have partially defused the divide between Trump and some of his supporters, many of whom see the Journal's report as part of an old playbook to smear Trump with outlandish claims.
“If there was a ‘smoking gun’ on Epstein, why didn’t the Dems, who controlled the ‘files’ for four years, and had Garland and Comey in charge, use it? BECAUSE THEY HAD NOTHING!!!” Trump wrote Friday.
Johnson echoed Trump's response to the Wall Street Journal's "absurd" reporting.
“The president and I talked about that ridiculous allegation this morning. He said it’s patently absurd. He’s never drawn such a picture. He’s never thought of drawing such a picture. And he said, ‘Did you see the language of this bogus supposed communication?’” Johnson said.
Six months after his triumphant return to Washington, President Donald Trump is racking up victories left and right as Republicans fall in line behind his MAGA agenda.
No less than the left-wing Politicoconceded that Trump "keeps steamrolling Congress" in his historic push to remake the political order.
Trump dominates Congress
Trump secured a landmark achievement this month with the enactment of the "Big, Beautiful Bill," which fully funds his border wall and expands ICE into the largest law enforcement agency in the country.
Most GOP critics of Trump's mega bill set aside their concerns about its cost and voted to pass it before Trump's July 4th deadline.
A last-minute threat from budget hawks fell apart in a matter of hours after Trump put pressure on "grandstanders" in the House GOP. It remains unclear what, if any, concessions Trump offered to hard-right Republicans to win their support.
Trump has continued to face pushback from some Republicans concerned about cuts to government programs that form part of the safety net in rural America. But most in the party have signed on to Trump's sweeping legislative reforms, which have passed along party lines and with little time spent standing on ceremony.
For instance, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted Thursday to advance Trump's former defense lawyer, Emil Bove, to serve as a federal judge. Democrats stormed out in anger as Republicans ignored their objections concerning Bove, who was the subject of a whistleblower complaint.
Another big win
The new dynamic on Capitol Hill is a dramatic shift from Trump's first term, when he had yet to dominate the GOP establishment and was often forced to use the executive pen to advance his priorities.
Trump still has a handful of diehard critics in the GOP, such as Rep. Thomas Massie (KY), the only Republican in the House to vote twice against Trump's mega bill. Massie is also stoking drama over the Epstein files, a controversy Trump has blasted as a distraction and a "hoax" to discredit his achievements.
Beyond the Capitol, Trump has put pressure on influential institutions aligned with the left, winning concessions from prominent universities and news organizations.
Critics of Trump's take-no-prisoners approach say he is stifling dissent, but to many on the right, the new situation is a marked improvement after years of broken promises from "RINOS" in Congress.
Indeed, under Trump's leadership, the GOP is unified and delivering major reforms that eluded the party for years.
Recissions package passes
Trump secured another victory Friday as House Republicans passed his $9 billion rescissions package, which cancels spending on foreign aid and left-leaning public broadcasters like NPR.
"REPUBLICANS HAVE TRIED DOING THIS FOR 40 YEARS, AND FAILED….BUT NO MORE," he wrote. "THIS IS BIG!!!"
President Donald Trump has cut off $4 billion in federal funding for California's high-speed "train to nowhere," sparking a furious response from the state's Democrat governor, Gavin Newsom.
The Trump administration says California has breached the contract the federal government reached when it initially agreed to help build the high-speed rail project, which was first approved by voters in 2008.
“The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated, and NEVER DELIVERED."
"Train to nowhere"
The original plan was to build an 800-mile track connecting the state's two biggest cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, by 2020.
Newsom later downsized that ambitious vision to a 171-mile stretch of the Central Valley. The California High-Speed Rail Authority now hopes to connect Merced and Bakersfield by 2033, but a 300-page compliance review by the Federal Railroad Administration determined that even that small portion of the original plan is underfunded and has "no viable path" to completion.
Calling the bullet train saga a “story of broken promises," the administration pointed to ballooning costs -- from roughly $33 billion in the beginning to $135 billion -- and repeated delays that have slowed progress to a standstill. To date, not a single track of rail has been laid down.
“After over a decade of failures, CHSRA’s mismanagement and incompetence has proven it cannot build its train to nowhere on time or on budget,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “It’s time for this boondoggle to die.”
The federal government's $4 billion share accounts for about a quarter of the total funding. The total projected cost would pay for roundtrip flights for every resident of San Francisco and L.A., Duffy said.
Newsom furious
The governor, who took office in 2019, has repeatedly sparred with Trump over California's left-wing policies.
Trump last month signed a resolution that blocks California from implementing its first-in-the-nation ban on gas-powered cars.
Newsom is now suing to block Trump from canceling the federal government's share of bullet train funding, calling it a "heartless" act of retaliation that will hurt residents of the Central Valley, one of the state's poorest regions.
“Trump’s termination of federal grants for California high-speed rail reeks of politics. It’s yet another political stunt to punish California. In reality, this is just a heartless attack on the Central Valley that will put real jobs and livelihoods on the line. We’re suing to stop Trump from derailing America’s only high-speed rail actively under construction," Newsom said.
California authorities have defended the slow progress, citing over 50 structures built, including viaducts, bridges, and overpasses.
But skepticism is widespread, with Democratic Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan telling a recent budget hearing that her constituents "overwhelmingly believe” the state has been reckless with its spending on the project.
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump hinted at dismissing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, which may trigger legal and financial turbulence.The potential firing of Powell by President Trump after his repeated criticism could create significant unrest in market dynamics and governmental operations.
During a recent gathering at the White House, specifically last Tuesday evening, President Trump conveyed his thoughts to a group of Republican lawmakers. He expressed his inclination towards firing Powell, citing dissatisfaction with his performance.
Initial Market Reactions and Presidential Backtracking
The news of Trump's possible action against Powell had an immediate negative impact on financial markets. By Wednesday morning, noticeable declines were observed in both the stock market and the dollar's value.
In response to swirling rumors and the market’s reaction, Trump addressed the media in the Oval Office. While he criticized Powell's handling of his duties, he toned down the urgency of firing him anytime soon.
Trump outlined his thoughts about a potential timeline, stating that changes could be expected in about eight months, which could align with the appointment of a new chair if he decided to proceed with Powell's dismissal.
Fraud Concerns Over Fed Renovations Introduced
Trump acknowledged that while firing Powell was not off the table, it was "highly unlikely" unless absolutely necessary. He linked this necessity to potential fraud concerns related to ongoing renovation projects at the Fed’s headquarters, which have encountered financial overruns.
These concerns about the renovation costs were echoed by other Trump administration officials who hinted such grounds could be plausible for Powell's dismissal. The renovation project became a focal point of contention within the administration.
By law, the Federal Reserve Chairman can only be removed from office for cause, making any decision to fire Powell legally complicated and unprecedented in recent history.
Legislative Response and Financial Uncertainty
Following Trump’s hints at firing, the lawmakers present at the meeting reportedly agreed with his point of view, possibly foreseeing a shift in economic leadership that aligns more closely with the administration's financial strategies.
The president, when pressed by reporters in the Oval Office, candidly criticized Powell, saying, "He’s doing a lousy job," but he suggested firing him was not immediately forthcoming.
Trump’s remarks reflect both a direct challenge to Powell’s authority as well as an indicator of ongoing tensions between the administration and federal monetary policymakers.
The Balance of Power and Economic Oversight
This situation has put a spotlight on the delicate balance between the U.S. government's executive branch and its independent financial institutions, such as the Federal Reserve. The unfolding events could very well dictate future economic policy and leadership.
The potential eight-month timeline till a new chairman might be considered indicates a strategic approach by Trump to reshape the Fed closer to his administration’s economic policies and perspectives.
As the situation evolves, all eyes will remain on the White House and the Federal Reserve for any developments that might affect not only U.S. financial markets but also global economic stability.
Trump said the soft drink giant has agreed to use cane sugar, replacing the high-fructose corn syrup that has been used as a sweetener since the 1980s.
"I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Trump wrote.
"I’d like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola. This will be a very good move by them — You’ll see. It’s just better!"
Original Coke is back?
High-fructose corn syrup is widely used in processed foods that Americans eat, including soft drinks, snacks, and fast food. It is the second ingredient in Coke, after carbonated water.
Health and wellness enthusiasts, including Trump's Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have criticized the high amount of high-fructose corn syrup and sugar in Americans' diet.
Medical research has found that the negative health effects of table sugar and corn syrup are substantially similar when either is consumed in excess.
While the health benefits of switching sweeteners may be insignificant, some prefer the taste of original Coke. Trump is famously fond of Diet Coke, which uses the artificial sweetener aspartame.
"We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand. More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon," Coca-Cola said.
Economic impacts
Changing sweeteners could have impacts on the economy. Corn syrup is cheaper than sugarcane because of corn subsidies in the United States, which produces more corn than any country in the world. For sugar, the U.S. relies on imports to supplement domestic production in states like Florida, where the industry is known as "Big Sugar."
Trump's Coke announcement was not well-received by the corn industry.
"Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit," Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode said.
The Coke in some countries, including Mexico, still uses cane sugar. Customers in the U.S. can buy "Mexican Coke," which comes in the classic glass bottle.
The CEO of Coke, James Quincey, previously said in April that "we continue to make progress on sugar reduction in our beverages."
He explained the company had changed recipes and shifted marketing strategies to "boost awareness" of other Coke products.
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