WendyMcElroy.com

Media. From Reuters: ABC Files to Renew Licenses but Calls FCC Order Unlawful. Local stations also say process is a First Amendment violation. [Ed: FCC decided to renew the licenses 1 year early, which is being called a violation of free speech. Clearly harassment or preparation for legal action.] From Townhall: CNN Host Slams Democrats for Their Years-long Efforts to Conceal Biden's Cognitive Decline [Ed: the anchor should look in the mirror first. A lot of discussion of Biden's 'condition' is likely since Jill's memoir will be published soon. This is a book tour.] From Zero Hedge: Canadian Government Is Crushing Indie Media With Two Sneaky Policies. Canadian officials are suppressing citizen journalists through backdoor regulation and indirect censorship...

From the DoDo: Shelter Dog On Euthanasia List Begs Volunteer To Take Her Home Forever. “I couldn’t stop thinking about her …”

From the Babylon Bee: Jill Biden Explains She Thought Joe Had A Stroke During Debate, Which Is Why She Left Him Up There To Die

Immigration, Legal and 'Ill'. From the Post Millennial: Trump admin launches aliens.gov website to celebrate arrests of illegal immigrants: 'They walk among us' AND DOJ sues several sanctuary states for blocking DHS, federal agencies from obtaining undercover license plates to hinder ICE operations. From Reason: DHS Directs ICE To Crack Down on Allegedly Fraudulent Asylum Claims. It's President Donald Trump's latest attempt to restrict a form of humanitarian relief sought by millions.

From CBS: California Sues Owner of Former 23andMe. Filing says company played down hack exposing millions' immutable genetic profiles. [Ed: I never used this or similar businesses because I never believed for one second that the info would be private.]

From Armageddon Prose: Larry Fink Demands Access to Americans’ Savings, Pension Funds to Bankroll AI "If you don’t give him all of your retirement money to build his Panoptican Death Machine, Fink explains, Chinese communist robots will rape your daughter… or something." [Ed: Fink is the CEO of BlackRock.]

Everyday Finances. From Axios: Sticker Shock for New Cars Is Keeping Buyers Away. High price tags, gas prices, interest rates has pushed potential purchasers out of the market. From Zero Hedge: Consumers Face Fiscal-Cliff As Tax-Refund Sugar-High Fades. "Over the weekend, the FT flagged risks of a potential 'fiscal cliff' for consumers in the ..." [Ed: to finish the headline's sentence "...second half of 2026, as excess cash buffers from refunds begin to fade."] From Mish Talk: Inflation Expectations Surge in Two Distinct Consumer Confidence Surveys

From AOL: Senior Saint Bernard Riding in Dad’s Motorbike Sidecar Is Melting Hearts

From BBC: Russian Drone Slams Into Romanian Apartment Block. NATO chief warns that alliance 'stands ready to defend every inch' of territory. [Ed: I believe this is the first Russian 'attack' on Romania. Dangerous, even if accidental.]

Iran. From Zero Hedge: Vance Says Trump Not Ready To Approve Iran Deal, Citing Distance On Nuclear Issue. Follows a day of positive headlines on US-Iran reaching MOU understanding, pending Trump approval... [Ed: MOU=Memorandum of Understanding.] From Naked Capitalism: Iran War: New Reports of Agreement on Memo of Understanding Effectively Shot Down by Bessent as He Also Repeats Threats Against Oman; Israel Attacks Beirut; More Warnings of Energy Price Cliff Plus Claim Trump Made Illegal Below-Market SPR Sales. From Mish Talk: Hello. We Are Again Discussing the Terms of Trump’s Surrender to Iran.

UPDATE. From Zero Hedge: Both Sides Agree Iran Deal 'Close' But Not Finalized, As Trump Promises 'Final Determination' Soon. ...still certain matters being debated including the unfreezing of funds for the Iranians.

Blue Origins. Explosion. From AP: Blue Origin Rocket Explodes During Test on Launch Pad. Officials say there's no threat due to fumes or hazardous substances. From Zero Hedge: Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket Explodes On Florida Launchpad. "...a major setback to the Jeff Bezos-backed firm in its efforts to challenge a dominant SpaceX."

From Reason: Should You Be Allowed To Sell a Kidney? Economist Explains 'Repugnant Markets'. Alvin Roth, Nobel Memorial Prize–winning economist, wants us to think more about how controversial freedoms can become commonplace. [Ed: yes, of course you should.]

Israel. From Antiwar: Self-Engineered Decay: Why Israel’s Political Collapse Cannot Be Separated from Its War Crimes "...the unanimous 110-0 vote to dissolve the Knesset on May 20 appears to be an earth-shattering event.] AND The Intractable Search for Peace in Gaza. [Ed: I am increasingly antiIsrael and I remain vigilante about discerning between Israel and Jews. They are distinct categories. The sins of one do not fall on the whole race.] From the Cradle: Netanyahu directs army to occupy 70 percent of Gaza.

From Lew Rockwell: The Permanent War Government: Who’s Really Calling the Shots in Washington?

From the BBC: How a 'hero' dog's bark saved her owner's life

Ukraine-Russia. From Moon of Alabama: The Ukraine Conflict End State? – by English Outsider. From Simolicius: Russian Officials Walk-Back Threats of 'Systematic' Devastation of Kiev 'Decision-Making Centers'?

From Reuters: Kenyan high court suspends plan for US Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya. [Ed: a blessing in disguise for the U.S. This plan was rousing a lot of criticism.]

NATO. From France 24: NATO condemns ‘Russia’s recklessness’ after drone hit apartment building in Romania. [Ed: NATO is itching to enter a conflict to regain its relevancy.] From Thomas Fazi: One step away from the brink: NATO’s march towards all-out war with Russia. From Euractiv: In Latvia’s pine forests, NATO’s drone future takes shape. How a remote military range is becoming central to NATO innovation

From Rocky Kanata: I Promised Him I’d Come Back

Manmdani's Warning to Landlords. From News.com.au: NYC mayor puts landlords on notice with ‘aggressive’ crackdown. A bombshell new housing plan looks set to drop the hammer on landlords and hand more power to renters in a stunning move. [Ed: blatant confiscation.] From FOX Business News: Business leader sounds alarm over Mamdani’s NYC housing proposal. Partnership for New York City president warns developers are 'better off in other cities' with less regulation

From Best Friends: One Smart Cookie of a Dog.

Hunger Strike at NJ ICE. From Townhall: There Is a Hunger Strike at a New Jersey ICE Detention Facility. Here's Tom Homan's Response. From AP News: Lawmakers Find Detainees in 'Inhumane' Conditions. Homeland Security denies any poor treatment. [Ed: I do not believe either side, although someone may be telling the truth.] From the Post Millennial: DHS Sec Markwayne Mullin calls out Sen Corey Booker over false claims Delaney Hall detainees are on a hunger strike—illegal aliens are instead demanding ethnic food. [Ed: I have no idea what to believe.]

From Reason: How the Billionaire Tax Could Make California Poorer. One upcoming ballot measure would expand the state's taxing power. A lesser-known measure would limit it. Which will win? [Ed: the 2nd one is called the Retirement and Personal Savings Protection Act,]

Anti-Weaponization Fund. From DOJ Office of Public Affairs: Justice Department Announces Anti-Weaponization Fund. [Ed: interesting head-on conflict coming.] From CNN: Trump’s ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’ hit with another legal challenge. [Ed: and the conflist has arrived.] From the Guardian: Newsom to impose 100% tax on California payees of Trump’s $1.8bn fund. State’s governor looks to thwart US president’s plan to divert money to allies, including January 6 rioters. From NBC: Proposed bill would tax New Yorkers who tap ‘anti-weaponization’ fund at 100%. “If you storm the Capitol and you take from this slush fund, too bad we’re taking it,” state Assemblyman Alex Bores said. From USA Today: 35 Ex-Judges Ask Court If Trump's IRS Deal Was Fraud. Filing urges reopening president's lawsuit. [Ed: the IRS settlement was used to create the anti-weaponsization fund.]

From the Good News Network: Biologists Clone Wild Yaks to Save Golden Subspecies Numbering Fewer Than 300 in First of its Kind Effort

From Dog Express: Lost For A Week, Rescued From The Sky: Dog Survives New Zealand Wilderness Ordeal

From Gateway Pundit: MASSIVE FRAUD PROBE: HHS Auditing All 50 States Following Shocking, Nationwide Explosion in Medicaid Autism Billing — Taxpayer Dollars Drained by ‘Bad Actors’. [Ed: not a source I usually quote, but good interanla links.]

From NBC: Former CIA officer accused of stealing 300 gold bars, sources say. The longtime senior officer was also accused of lying about his background for nearly two decades, according to court documents. "...roughly 300 gold bars worth more than $40 million, along with approximately $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches, mostly Rolexes." [Ed: a humble civil servant.]

From NRA-ILA: NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Maryland’s Glock Ban. [Ed: if it goes to SCOTUS, it will almost certainly be struck down.]

From Dogman Ray: Salty & Roselle, Hero Dogs of the Twin Towers.

From the National Post: Canada spent $722M on health care for asylum seekers in 2024-25: PBO. Parliamentary Budget Office report finds 74,000 'failed claimants' still receiving full benefits of temporary federal healthcare program, a third of who wanted on removal orders. [Ed: and people wonder why taxes are so high.]

From Reason: Thomas and Alito Take a Regrettable Position in a Qualified Immunity Case. The two judicial conservatives continue to disappoint criminal justice reform advocates. [Ed: please note, I have not looked at the details of this case. Sounds intriguing but who has time?]

Iran. From Newser: Iran Deal Reportedly Awaits Trump's Approval. Multiple outlets say negotiators hammered out a 60-day truce deal days ago. [Ed: 3 outlets say negotiators have hammered out a 60-day "memorandum of understanding" to open the Strait of Hormuz, extend the ceasefire, and lay the groundwork for more detailed talks on issues such as Iran's nuclear program.]

The Coming Election. From Reuters: Trump Wins a Legal Battle Over Mail-in Voting. President wants states to compile list and limit those eligible. [Ed: any step toward transparency, accountability, etc. helps the GOP. The Democrats, IMO, absolutely stole the next to last election.]

From NPR: Biden Sues Justice Department. Case involves interviews with ghostwriter that were later tied to special counsel probe. [Ed: Biden wants to stop the release of audio and transcripts of the interviews.] From FOX News: Trump lashes out at Biden over suing DOJ to hide interview audio files. Biden's lawyers filed suit in Washington federal court to prevent audio and transcripts from reaching Congress.

From CBS News: Pet dog survives mountain lion attack outside its Glendora home. [Ed: saved by its owner.].

From the AP: SCOTUS Halts Immigration Judges' Free Speech Lawsuit. Supreme Court sides with Trump, tweaks lower court for responding to 'political controversies of the day'

From NASA: NASA Details Its Plan for Permanent Moon Base. Agency details phased moon base plan with private contractors. [Ed: private companies will be integral but not in charge.]From CNBC: NASA moon base plans spark rally across space stocks.

GOP=Trump Party. From Politico: Al Green Ousted in Houston's Democratic House Runoff. Longtime Trump antagonist loses to Christian Menefee after redistricting upheaval. [Ed: ousted largely as a result of redistricting. And you wondered why the Dems hated redistricting so much...at least, when done by the GOP. BTW, Green was one of the most repulsive people in Congress.] From the Post Millennial: Of the 118 candidates so far across governor, US House, and US Senate races Trump has endorsed, all of them have won their primaries.

Iran Negotiations. From Times of India: Trump's New Mideast Strategy Appears to Be a Longshot. President links Iran cease-fire to expanded Abraham Accords with Israel. [Ed: Trump is a tough enough negotiator to add this requirement merely in order to drop it in a quid pro quo.] From Naked Capitalism: Iran War: Negotiations Deadlocked on Fundamental Issues as Media Keeps Up Happy Talk; Iran Promises Retaliation as US Still Coiled to Strike. From Al Jazeera: Iran war live: Trump says no one will control Strait of Hormuz

From Reason: A Flawed Minimum Wage Study Shows How Bad Stats Get Turned Into Policy Gospel. A 2024 paper claimed higher minimum wages don't kill jobs. It was statistically significant—and almost certainly misleading. A 2024 paper claimed higher minimum wages don't kill jobs. It was statistically significant—and almost certainly misleading.

From Dog Heirs: Dog Crawls Under Fence To Visit Neighbors Looking For Love And Affection

From Reuters: US Will Send Ebola-Exposed Citizens to Kenya: Sources. Critics warn overseas care may offer lower-quality Ebola treatment. [Ed: it looks to be a US founded and US staffed facility in Kenya. But this is a sharp change in US medical policy.]

Big Picture Economics. From Quote the Raven: For Those Who Refuse To Leave The Market. At these highs, one distinction could matter a lot more than people think. [Ed: a must read for those who refuse to leave.] From Zero Hedge: "Removed Without Warning": Ex-BP Chairman Blasts Abrupt Ouster As Wall Street Gets Spooked. "I dispute entirely the characterization of my conduct and I will not allow a false narrative to go unchallenged." AND EU Packaging Rules Create Another Bureaucratic Monster. In August, a new EU packaging regulation will come into force. A costly and cumbersome compliance regime comes with it. It increasingly appears that nothing can stop Brussels’ bureaucratization machine anymore. [Ed: these new rules constitute high transaction costs that skim the profit or the advantage off of trade.]

From Euronews: Trump Board of Peace's official Gaza reconstruction fund is empty, source says. The board is unambiguously led not just by the United States but by Trump personally, who holds the final say and can remain in charge past his presidency. [Ed: it was always just show and mirrors.]

From the {Post Millennial: Democrat darling streamer Hasan Piker names Roy Singham as backer of far-left protests after federal subpoena

From Zero Hedge: Germany's Tax Revenue Collapse Signals Fiscal And Industrial Breakdown. The tax party of Germany’s welfare-state engineers is over. [Ed: if Germany goes down, then all of Europe does as well.]

Ukraine-Russia. From Zero Hedge: Putin Authorizes Debt Relief To Lure New Ukraine War Recruits. Wipes clean up to $140,000... [Ed: innovative.] From YuriPodolyaka at X: Fascinating analysis from an insider. From Partisan Girl at X: Zelensky’s associate Mindich has fled Ukraine to Israel with a collection of 800 kg of gold bullion. [Ed: surprise. The best reporting is not from the mainstream media.] From Southfront Press: Geran-2 Drones Are Now Precise Enough To Hit Drone Boats

From Big Think: What anxiety is really trying to tell you. Anxiety feels like a malfunction. Evolutionarily speaking, it's one of your most sophisticated features. [Ed: a must read.]

From Daily BB News: There’s only one way to save a dog that has already given up on life

From Reason: High Liquor Taxes and a Home Distillation Ban Guarantee a Thriving Booze Black Market AND How Moral Panic Creates Black Markets. Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin E. Roth discusses the moral limits of markets, how bans create black markets, and why harm reduction often works better than prohibition. ]Ed: Sam Konkin would have loved these.]

From the Telegraph: “The haul included high-end watches, bracelets, rings and pendants which were found inside José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero’s safe this week. "A police raid which found £40,000 of luxury jewellery in the office of Spain’s former prime minister has deepened the corruption scandal engulfing the government of Pedro Sánchez. [Ed: both are members of the far left socialist party.] UPDATE. From DW: Spain: Police raid HQ of PM's Socialist party in graft probe. [Ed: Sanchez depends on a coalition gov. It is not clear whether his allies will remain so.]

Antisemitism. From the Post Millennial: Violent Portland suspect freed without bail allegedly smashes officer's face with softball-sized rock one day later AND Texas Dem who said she's 'against Zionist Jews,' called to 'put them into a prison,' loses House runoff. [Ed: I never thought I'd see the rise of antisemitism in N. America.]

Redistricting in U.S. From the Independent: How the redistricting battle is taking shape ahead of midterms. This extensive redistricting effort, which is still unfolding, could significantly alter the political landscape. [Ed: well, the last redistricting was done by the Dems and was according to racial standards, which benefited them. Surprise, surprise.] From Politico: Florida judge refuses to block new congressional map that could net 4 seats for GOP. The decision doesn’t end the legal battle, but it greatly increases the likelihood that the map will be in place for the 2026 midterms.

From the Hill: Mullin ‘drawing up plans’ to halt international flight processing in ‘sanctuary cities’. [Ed: well, custom and immigration officers are federal employees. Of course, airlines will refuse to fly into those airports.]

From Best Friends: Escape artist dog finds her zen.

Israel. From Ethan Levins on X: Israel has begun carpet bombing Tyre, Lebanon. [Ed: pop. is about 150,000.] From the BBC: Israel strikes Tyre after ordering evacuation of south Lebanon city.

From Victory Girls Blog: Can Spencer Pratt Get Elected In Los Angeles? The Los Angeles mayoral race is now in viral territory thanks to Spencer Pratt, and Democrats have no clue how to stop him. [Ed: I think he will be elected.]

From Fast Company: Dog Complex: Analyzing Freud’s Relationship With His Pets. For all of his work interpreting human consciousness, the famed psychologist rarely delved into our obsession with pets.

AI and the Pope. From Reuters: Pope Leo Makes Plea to the World on AI. Pontiff's first papal encyclical draws comparison to the Tower of Babel. [Ed: calling for more gov. regulation. This Pope really oversteps his job description.] From Politico: Silicon Valley takes its AI pitch to the pope. As Leo XIV prepares his first encyclical, technology firms and Western diplomats have worked to make their case inside the Vatican.

From Zero Hedge: Brussels Eyes Wealth Taxes As Europe’s Fiscal Crisis Spirals. "Brussels is lending support to advocates of a wealth tax with a half-baked study. Capital gains, private wealth, and even emigrants are now falling onto the radar of the European tax authorities."

From Video Rebel's Blog: The War in the Mideast is Over If We Want It. [Ed: I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this analysis, but it is certainly interesting.]

Ebola. From the Guardian: Ebola Outbreak Is Becoming 'Overwhelming'. Conflict, underfunded clinics hinder response in Congo. [Ed: as I mentioned yesterday, this would cause patients to flee into the general population and other to think twice about going in the first place.] From Zero Hedge: CDC Adds Another Airport For Screening Of Travelers Who Might Have Ebola. People traveling from Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan can go to Atlanta or Houston, in addition to Virginia...

From Reason: Ayn Rand Is Alive in Ankara. Objectivism in Turkey has risen and fallen in recent decades, but is newly rejuvenated. [Ed: this delights me.]

Graham Platner. From the New York Post: Lefty Senate candidate Graham Platner makes unthinkable gaffe, flubs Bernie Sanders’ name twice in fiery ‘Fight the Oligarchy’ rally. [Ed: called him Standers.] From Mediaite: Red Sox Network Pulls Graham Platner Ad From Airwaves [Ed: bashes team ownership in the spot.] From WFIN: Platner doesn’t apologize to Purple Heart recipient, voters when confronted on post mocking soldier. [Ed: I don't think this fellow will be elected. The Dems should not be backing him.]

From Indian Express: Pregnant dog saves people from fire at Russian health centre, suffers severe burns in the process. The dog, Matilda, barked loudly to alert the four residents, who were evacuated in the nick of time from the burning wooden building by firefighters and taken away in ambulances.

Coming Elections. From AP: Paxton Scores Huge Win in Texas. He easily defeats Sen. John Cornyn in GOP primary after Trump endorsement. [Ed: it chokes me to admit it, but...the power of a Trump endorsement.]

AI. From Tony Seruga on X: How The Deep State Weaponizes AI To Control The Narrative. No more paper trails, subpoenas, or exposed biases - just seamless manipulation... [Ed: well, this also benefits the individual who wants privacy.]

Crypto & Digital Currency & Fiat. From the International Man: The Iran War Could Trigger Gold's Return as Money. AND Fear Is Not an Investment Strategy [Ed: Doug and his associates are the most savvy source of finance info around, IMO.] From Thomas Kolbe: The Digital Euro As Europe's Backdoor Capital Control System. Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel dismissed criticism and concerns surrounding the digital euro. [Ed: it is important to know the difference between crypto (freedom) and digital currency (possible state control).]

From Reuters: SCOTUS Delivers Big Setback to Meta. Court says Vermont's social media addiction lawsuit against company can proceed.

From Paw Nations: Adorable Pekingese Is ‘Employee of the Month’ at This UK Shop, and We Can See Why

Iran War. From Zero Hedge: Iran Vows 'Swift, Decisive' Revenge After Overnight US Port Attack, As Sides Seek Deal Allowing Each To 'Sell Their Narrative'. ...while Rubio signals optimism on peace deal in 'days'.

From Common Dreams: 'Giant Turd': Progressive Dems Continue To Rage At DNC 2024 Autopsy. Never once do they stop & ask whether the thing they're selling is bullshit...

Now if only the dogs were piddling on it...

And, yet, they never consider eliminating welfare programs