congress

A handy guide to all Congress happenings on both sides of the aisle. Thank goodness for this political body that keeps Presidential power in check.

When Following the Rules Gets You Deported
It wasn’t a clerical error. It wasn’t a case of the “worst of the worst.” It was Moises Sotelo. A 54-year-old vineyard manager and owner in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. He’s been here since the early 1990s, is well-known and respected in his community, and was recently working to finalize his legal immigration status — under a program many Democrats touted as a “humane, orderly pathway.”
By Jeff Olen7 months ago in The Swamp
The United States' Democratic Backslide
On January 21st, 2025, Donald Trump began his second term as president. It was a day of mixed emotions throughout the nation. Some were elated, believing that problems would finally be fixed. For others, it was somber, their biggest fears a reality.
By caito7 months ago in The Swamp
Radio Free California: Resistance Handbook Introduction
[Opening Theme Music: static, shortwave tuning, faint siren wail in the background.] ANNOUNCER (calm, serious, resolute): This is Radio Free California.
By Jeff Olen7 months ago in The Swamp
💔 Tragedy Above Ahmedabad: Air India Flight 171 Crash
On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI‑171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner—suffered a catastrophic fate just 30 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, heading to London’s Gatwick. With 230 passengers and 12 crew onboard, the aircraft tragically plunged into the BJ Medical College hostel, claiming 241 lives and causing at least 28 ground fatalities among on-campus residents . A horrific scene: eyewitnesses described the impact as “like an earthquake,” followed by a deafening roar .
By GadgetGround7 months ago in The Swamp
Bitcoin vs Open Interest Should traders be worried by THIS divergence
The price action of Bitcoin has recently been scrutinized, but savvy traders are also paying attention to something even more telling: a significant divergence between open interest in Bitcoin and its price. The derivatives market may be sending a cautious signal while the spot market maintains its optimism. Analysts are concerned about this divergence, which raises the question of whether traders should be concerned. Understanding what open interest actually entails is essential before delving into its ramifications. The total number of unresolved derivative contracts in the futures and options markets is referred to as open interest. It shows how much activity and participation there is in the market. An increase in open interest typically suggests that new money is flowing into the market, which can reinforce a trend. A decline could indicate that traders are closing positions, which could indicate indecisiveness or exhaustion of the trend. The price of Bitcoin has been either steady or showing signs of rising, hovering in bullish territory above key support levels in recent weeks. However, open interest in Bitcoin futures has not followed suit. In fact, in several instances, open interest has dropped or stagnated while prices climbed—a classic divergence.
By GLOBAL NEWS7 months ago in The Swamp
It’s the Racism, Stupid
The Tea Party’s Legacy and the Rise of MAGA As I watched the “No Kings” protests unfold this Flag Day, I thought of how many opportunities we Americans had to stop the current fascist regime if only we’d had the courage to call out our festering racism earlier. Instead, the people who don’t think like the fascists but benefit from looking like the fascists didn’t hold them accountable. This is especially true for the eight years of Barack Obama's presidency, from 2008 through 2016. The election of the first Black president of the United States caused a tidal wave of white backlash that brought fascism to our shores.
By Kai Wilson7 months ago in The Swamp
No Kings Day
Two disparate scenes—one based on royal tradition and the other in defiant protest—are presented by the political and cultural landscapes of the United States and the United Kingdom in the middle of June 2025. While the United Kingdom observes "Trooping the Colour," a long-standing royal tradition that commemorates the monarch's official birthday, Americans get ready for "No Kings Day," a nationwide demonstration that reflects poorly on their democratic roots.
By Tousif Arafat7 months ago in The Swamp
When the Villains Make More Sense
We used to cheer for the government. Or at least that’s the version Hollywood kept feeding us. The formula was simple: America good, enemies bad. The threats were always external — aliens, terrorists, rogue hackers — while the brave agents of truth, justice, and democracy raced to protect the hallowed halls of power: the Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court. These weren’t just buildings; they were cinematic shorthand for freedom itself.
By Jeff Olen7 months ago in The Swamp
Flashpoint in the Middle East: The Israel-Iran Conflict Reignites Global Tensions
Jerusalem/Tel Aviv – June 2025 The world awoke to chaos today as Israel confirmed a series of targeted military strikes deep inside Iranian territory, reigniting fears of an all-out regional war. The conflict, decades in the making, escalated after what Israeli officials described as an "imminent Iranian threat" being neutralized through precision airstrikes launched from undisclosed bases. Tehran responded swiftly, launching drones and missiles toward Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, triggering air raid sirens and sending residents into bomb shelters.
By Saboor Brohi 7 months ago in The Swamp
Altcoin season could be near: Why June can see a 2021-style rally
**Altcoin Season Could Be Near: Why June Can See a 2021-Style Rally** Numerous analysts and investors are beginning to speculate that an altcoin season may be just around the corner as the cryptocurrency market continues to show signs of recovery. The month of June, historically a favorable period for crypto rallies, is shaping up to potentially mirror the explosive growth seen in 2021. The stage may be set for altcoins to take the lead as Bitcoin's strength and dominance plateau. ### What Is the Season for Altcoins? Altcoin season, or "alt season," refers to a period when alternative cryptocurrencies—those other than Bitcoin—outperform the leading digital asset. During this phase, investors rotate capital from Bitcoin into smaller market cap assets in pursuit of higher gains. This is a time when tokens like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and a number of smaller-cap projects saw huge returns in a short amount of time. Typically, altcoin seasons follow a strong Bitcoin rally as market participants look for the “next big thing.”
By GLOBAL NEWS7 months ago in The Swamp
Senator in the Crossfire: The Alex Padilla Incident That Shook Washington
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles on June 12, 2025, a press conference led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem turned into a historic and shocking moment that has since rippled through the political landscape of America. Senator Alex Padilla, one of California's most prominent voices in the U.S. Senate, was forcibly removed, handcuffed, and briefly detained during the event, triggering bipartisan outrage and sparking a nationwide conversation about democracy, power, and protest.
By Saboor Brohi 7 months ago in The Swamp
Burning Tomorrow to Fund Today
The larger debate over the House-passed HB1 budget has moved to the Senate where another opposing front is complicating the already contentious discussion. While Democratic opposition has remained steady, new resistance is emerging from Republicans over proposed cuts impacting programs designed to assist lower income and seniors that will have a dramatic impact on the constituents of some red state legislators.
By Lanny Newville7 months ago in The Swamp