The U.S. Supreme Court Monday voided a lower court’s order for Alabama to use a recent congressional map with two majority-black congressional districts, paving the way for the state to drop one of the two districts ahead of the midterm elections.
The Court ruled that it “unceremoniously discard[ed]” the District Court order that barred Alabama from using a 2023 congressional map on the basis that the map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
The ruling follows the Court’s decision in the case involving Louisiana, in which the Court’s reinterpretation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act informed its May 4 ruling that a largely black U.S. House district in Louisiana was an unconstitutional race-based gerrymander.
Alabama had argued that their case mirrored Louisiana’s and that they wanted the same outcome, adding that their goal was to prioritize policy and not racial considerations, SCOTUSblog reported.
The District Court had ruled “that Alabama violated the Fourteenth Amendment by intentionally diluting the votes of Black voters in Alabama,” the dissenting justices wrote in part.
“That constitutional finding of intentional discrimination is independent of, and unaffected by, any of the legal issues discussed in” the Louisiana case, they further argued.
That the Court threw out the lower court’s order was, therefore, “inappropriate and will cause only confusion as Alabamians begin to vote in the elections scheduled for next week,” according to the dissenting justices, who were referring to the May 19 primaries.
Alabama Republicans hailed the ruling, with the state’s Republican House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter calling the decision “a massive victory not just for Alabama, but for conservatives across the country,” the Associated Press (AP) reported.
The NAACP National President Derrick Johnson slammed the ruling as “a return to Jim Crow,” according to the outlet.
“[A]nybody who is alarmed by these developments — as everybody should be — better be making a plan to vote in November to put an end to this madness while we still can,” Johnson said.
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On May 12, 2026, President Trump is on his way to China to meet with China's President.
Before he boarded the aircraft, President Trump briefly answered reporters' questions. Let's remember that President Trump is on his way to CHINA to meet with President Xi. So what do you think the propaganda media asked about? Let's take their questions, rearrange them into categories, and end with the questions about China:
LOONY LEFT IN THE MILITARY
The propaganda media asked if President Trump was comfortable with people serving in the military if they personally oppose the Iran war or you? President Trump responded that it doesn't mean I'm happy about it, but I live with a lot of different things I'm not happy about.
AFRICA DAY
The propaganda media asked if President Trump would do something special for Africa Day, May 25th, like an interview to speak about the President's views. The question was ignored as he moved on to the next reporter yelling at him.
NATO/OPEC
The propaganda media asked What is more broken NATO or OPEC? On OPEC President Trump responded that OPEC is having some difficulty right now but that has nothing to do with me. On NATO he said they were not there when we wanted them and that was disappointing, while reiterating that we don't need them.
STATE TAX ON GASOLINE
The propaganda media asked if state governors should drop state taxes on oil, would you ask them to do that? President Trump responded that dropping state taxes on oil would be a great idea.
INFLATION
The propaganda media asked Are your policies not working? The reporter prefaced the question by stating that inflation is at its highest level in 3 years. President Trump explained that his policies were working incredibly because just before the Iranian conflict started inflation was at 1.7%. But, a choice had to be made between letting Iran have a nuclear weapon or suffering a spike in inflation for a short time. Then he said:
3:41 If you want to do that, then you're a stupid person, and you happen to be. I mean, I know you very well.
Before continuing by saying that even though the stock market was predicted to fall a few points, it did not. In fact, it gained.
The propaganda media asked about the pressure on Americans and prices right now? As the President was attempting to answer the reporter's question, the reporter kept interrupting prompting the President to comment:
15:31 Are you . . . Are you listening to me?
Which got the reporter to stop interrupting, so he could answer that Americans understand that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. He explained that when the conflict with Iran is over, the price of oil will drop and the stock market will go through the roof.
FDA COMMISSIONER
The propaganda media asked Did you ask Marty McCary to resign, sir, or did you fire? To which President Trump explained that McCary's resignation was for personal reasons and his assistant will step in to run the FDA.
BALLROOM
The propaganda media asked How's that different than your ballroom? So what happened is uh we have a ballroom that's under budget and because of need, the size has doubled. The reporter was interrupting him so he said
6:31 I doubled the size of it. You dumb person. Double the size. You are You are not a smart person.
Then continued to explain the ballroom, even though they doubled the size, was on budget, under budget, and ahead of schedule. When completed it will be appropriate for the white house.
ELECTIONS/REDISTRICTING
The propaganda media asked Would you send the National Guard or ICE to voting locations in November? To which President Trump explained that he would do anything necessary to have honest elections. We have to have honest elections.
The propaganda media asked to voters who are confused about the changing maps, the changing dates, and to African-Americans concerned that this is going to draw black members of Congress off the map what do you say? President Trump responded that dumocrats (because they are dumb) redistricted for years, now it's the turn of the Republicans. We want fair voting. We want fair elections. The Democrats have been cheating on elections for many years and all we're doing is winning.
CUBA
The propaganda media asked Does the president of Cuba have his days numbered? To which President Trump responded that it's a failed nation, they are not doing well; but, he would talk about Cuba at the right time (implying that asking about Cuba when he's on his way to China is not the right time).
VENUEZELA
The propaganda media stated some Venezuelans are concerned that there are some political prisoners still in their prisons, then asked Would you do something about that? President Trump responded that we would work with Venezuela's new government to get all the political prisoners out of prison. A lot of those political prisoners have already been released and the Trump Administration is working with Venezuela to release the rest.
UK
Mark Stone from Sky News Australia asked what advice President Trump has for the UK Prime Minister. President Trump responded that his advice has always been for the UK to open their oil rigs in the North Sea that they are not using. And then for the UK to get tough on immigration.
Mark Stone then followed up with Should he stay or go? President Trump explained that whether the Prime Minister stays or goes is up to him. President Trump said he has already told the Prime Minister that the UK is getting killed on energy. The pressure for the Prime Minister to go is coming from his opposition.
UKRAINE
The propaganda media asked Will you be able to talk about the end of the war in Ukraine? To which President Trump replied that he thought the end of the war in Ukraine is very close.
RUSSIA
The propaganda media asked Has there been any understanding between you and Putin that Russia should get entire Donetsk? President Trump unequivocally answered NO.
The propaganda media asked You have a standing invitation to travel to Russia. Do you think it might happen this year? President Trump answered that he will do whatever is necessary. He reminded the reporter that he has already settled 8 wars and he thinks the Russia-Ukraine war is close to a settlement.
The propaganda media asked Are you ready to extend a waiver on sanctioned Russian oil to ease the global crude prices? President Trump responded that as soon as the conflict with Iran is over, gas prices will drop. That inflation, while high, is still lower than it was under the autopen administration.
IRAN
The propaganda media yelled Iran. President Trump explained (multiple times throughout the 17 minutes of questions) that Iran's military is gone, wiped out. They will make a deal and he will make sure that deal is good for both the American people and the Iranian people.
The propaganda media asked Are you reconsidering the Pakistanis as mediators? President Trump answered NO. Both the Field Marshall and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great during the peace negotiations.
The propaganda media asked What is going to be your red line to end to end the ceasefire for you? What will it take to pull the plug? President Trump responded that he is thinking about that. The blockade is very effective. However, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. And Iran knows that is a non-negotiable point for any peace agreement. Iran is currently playing games and President Trump does not play games.
The propaganda media asked just to clarify, did you say did you say earlier that the only thing that matters to you when it comes to Iran is a nuclear weapon? You're not considering the financial impact of this war on Americans? President Trump replied that the most important thing is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. We will recover from this short-term inflation but no one is safe if Iran has a nuclear weapon.
CHINA/IRAN
The propaganda media asked What is your message to President Xi as it relates to the Iran war? President Trump said they would have a long talk about the conflict in Iran. China gets a lot of their oil from the area that is currently blockaded. However, he thinks the trip will be exciting and that a lot of good things will happen.
The propaganda media asked Do you think he (President Xi) needs to intervene at all with the Iranian help in any way? President Trump responded to this with a resounding NO. We don't need help with Iran. Their navy is gone, their air force is gone, every element of their war machine is gone. We are going to win.
The propaganda media asked Is President Xi the person to bring it (the ceasefire) back to life, it's on life support? President Trump sidestepped this question by stating he would have a great meeting with President Xi in China.
The propaganda media asked Do you think he's (President Xi) got what it takes to convince the Iranians? President Trump is sure that President Xi will do whatever he can.
The propaganda media followed up with Do you think President Xi can help and contribute to a deal with Iran? President Trump answered he could. But added that he thinks we don't need help finishing Iran.
The propaganda media asked Will China negotiating with Iran? Mr. President, to what extent are Americans financial situations motivating you to make a deal? President Trump answered that the only thing that matters with Iran is that they cannot have a nuclear weapon. He stated that he does not include American financial situations when he thinks about ending the conflict with Iran. The only thing that matters is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
And finally, questions about the visit to CHINA!
The propaganda media asked message sir to the Chinese people as you embark on this summit? President Trump replied that he is looking forward to a great relationship with China for many decades to come. President Xi will be coming to the US towards the end of 2026, so that will be exciting. President Trump lamented that the ballroom will not be ready when that happens.
The propaganda media asked do you believe your visit to China will impact of international economy and price of oil? President Trump predicted it's going to be positive. They will have a very good meeting. It's going to be great.
The propaganda media asked what is the ultimate goal of your trip to China? President Trump said:
I think more than anything else we have massive relationship with China with the two superpowers. We we're the strongest nation on earth in terms of military. China's considered. Who knows? I mean, who knows? But we are. There's nobody even to come close. And you see that whether it's Venezuela or whether it's Iran. Iran's military is decimated. I have a great relationship with President Xi and I think it's going to remain that way. We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn't say Iran is one of them to be honest with you because we have Iran very much under control. We're either going to make a deal or they're going to be decimated. So one way or the other we win. What about we're going to be talking with President Xi about a lot of different things. I would say more than anything else will be trade.
It never ceases to amaze me how the propaganda media does not care WHY they are at a press conference as long as they get to ask their biased questions pushing their biased agenda. Instead of asking about the purpose at hand (in this case the China visit), they want to cover 15 other topics instead.
On May 12, 2026, the Office of the First Lady published the statement First Lady Melania Trump’s 10 Achievements Transforming Outcomes for Foster Youth Since the Signing the Fostering the Future Executive Order 180 Days Ago which just happens to coincide with National Foster Care Month. Mrs Trump has been instrumental in 1) establishing the Fostering the Future Fund, 2) creating a new Fostering the Future Digital Platform, 3) investing in the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Program, 4) championing new Foster Care Legislation, 5) protecting social security benefits earned for foster youth, 6) expanding access to family are in 19 states through Fostering the Future aligned partnerships, 7) enhancing benefits to Support Foster and Adoptive Families, 8) leveraging faith partners to help youth access more housing options, 9) launching a child welfare technology incubator, and 10) increasing transparency through a new data dashboard. In addition, Mrs Trump has worked with HHS, HUD, Department of the Treasury, Dept of Ed, and OPM to provide more pathways for young people leaving foster care. The statement concludes:
As the Trump Administration continues to implement the Fostering the Future Executive Order championed by First Lady Melania Trump, these efforts remain guided by a single, unifying goal: delivering lasting, meaningful change for young people with experience in foster care and families across America.
Neither chamber of Congress has addressed the SAVE America Act that We The People (and taxpaying citizens) want passed. I hope every congress member who voted against, or is working to sabotage this legislation is voted out of office come November!
The SENATE convened at 10am and adjourned at 6:28pm. Next meeting is 10am on May 13, 2026. They held 2 votes:
Vote # 116 (51-45) - Confirmed On the Nomination - PN855-2 Kevin Warsh, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of fourteen years from February 1, 2026.
Vote # 117 (51-45) - Agreed to On the Cloture Motion - PN855-1 Kevin Warsh, of Florida, to be Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of four years. This simply means that they have agreed to hold a vote to confirm the nomination. My guess is that an actual confirmation vote will be held tomorrow when they next meet
The HOUSE convened at noon and adjourned at 9:36pm. Next meeting is 10am on May 13, 2026.
House Representatives discussed 10 bills:
HR1251 Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish-American community (since when is it the job of politicians to "educate" the public? I don't remember seeing that in the US Constitution or Bill of Rights - in fact, the 1st Amendment guarantees freedom of religion which means don't shove someone else's religion down my throat!)
HR1252 Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
HR1259 Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President should prioritize securing the release of Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Dr. Gulshan Abbas, and Jimmy Lai detained by the People's Republic of China during future engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping (i.e., they want to tell the President how to conduct foreign affairs)
* HR2071 Save Our Shrimpers Act (instead of SAVE AMERICA only save shrimpers)
HR2267 NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) Data Reporting Act of 2025
* HR2853 Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025
Declare that Defendants’ commencement and continued execution of the Reflecting Pool basin resurfacing without initiating and completing the Section 106 consultation process required by 54 U.S.C. § 306108 and 36 C.F.R. Part 800 violates the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act;
Set aside any authorization, determination, or agency decision approving or implementing the Reflecting Pool basin resurfacing that was issued without completion of the Section 106 and NEPA process;
Temporarily, preliminarily, and permanently enjoin Defendants from taking any further steps to alter the Reflecting Pool until Defendants have completed a lawful Section 106 consultation process as prescribed by 36 C.F.R. Part 800 and a NEPA review prescribed by 42 U.S.C. § 4336;
Issue a temporary stay of agency action and such other appropriate relief as necessary, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 705; require Defendants to formally initiate the Section 106 and NEPA review process before any further physical alteration of the Reflecting Pool basin proceeds;
Require Defendants to restore the historic elements of the Reflecting Pool;
Award Plaintiffs their costs, expenses, and reasonable attorneys’ fees pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2412(b) and other applicable law; and
Grant such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.
In addition, the plaintiffs filed for a restraining order to stop the restoration of the Reflecting Pool:
Without awaiting response from Defendants, a temporary restraining order immediately halting the resurfacing of the Reflecting Pool basin;
An order directing Defendants to file any brief in opposition to this motion on or before Monday, May 18, with oral argument scheduled as expeditiously as possible thereafter; and
A preliminary injunction enjoining Defendants from adding paint or resurfacing the Reflecting Pool basin until further order of the Court.
And with the restraining order, they included a document for the judge to sign to implement their demanded restraining order. The judge doesn't have to review anything, the judge only needs to sign what is presented as part of the request for the restraining order.
This suit is brought by the Washington Litigation Group based in Washington DC; however, one of the attorneys, Alexander Kristofcak D.D.C. Bar No. NY0717, (who happens to be listed first) is only admitted to serve in California and New York, so there is a special note that he is practicing in DC under the supervision of DC Bar members (I'm guessing the other 2 attorneys listed in the filing: Joseph Mead D.C. Bar No. 1740771 and Nathaniel A.G. Zelinsky D.C. Bar No. 1724093).
Basically, the lawsuit says the original Reflecting Pool was colored grey, so how dare they change it to blue. Do you think when the pool was first created that if the creators had the opportunity to make the surface of the pool blue like water they would have? I think so. But they did not have the industrial capability back then to do it in a lasting way, so they stuck with the industrial grey.
Of course, they filed this in the activist DC courts, so you know a restraining order will be issued.
. . . the work is almost complete! And the restoration has moved so quickly the lawsuits have not yet hit the court system!
But now that the process is almost completed, a lawsuit has entered the court system. However, my prediction of filing to stop the work due to both the competitive bidding process and the approval process are borne out in the lawsuit demands. I hope President Trump can speed up the restoration process so that the job is completed before the restraining order can be issued!
Although I already wrote about Benjamin Franklin as a Patriot of the Day in my August 1, 2025 ANP Article, the White House has published a new video: The Story of America: Benjamin Franklin as part of its America250 series. This video enhances what I chose to include in my profile of Benjamin Franklin. Here is the transcript of the video below:
There's something about Benjamin Franklin that embodies the soul of America. He's a window into the American mind. It's not a stretch to call him a lawgiver in the ancient sense of one who helps to shape the character of a people and their habits. He preached a model of the self-made individual and he lived that story himself. His life from his birth in 1706 to his death in 1790 spanned the formation of the American nation as we know it. His self-described rags to rich's story begins in Puritan Boston. At the age of 12, he's indentured as a servant to his brother James whose a printer the New England current, a radical paper for the time. He anonymously penned the silence do good essays. He would slip them under the door of the print shop and those essays demonstrated his genius and keen insight into different character types.
He was impious and funny. In one letter, Silence describes losing her father who comes above deck to praise God for his safe travel across the Atlantic Ocean. And he's suddenly washed overboard by a huge wave. Franklin was stubborn and even a troublemaker. He liked to argue, to embarrass others in disputes and especially over religion and politics. And he mocked the Puritan establishment. But Ben's genius cost him both with the authorities and his brother, who placed Ben in charge of the paper when he was jailed for his politics. James was abusive and often beat his younger brother. And Franklin ran away, breaking the terms. As he puts it in the autobiography, he found himself in New York, nearly 300 miles from home, a boy of 17, but without the least recommendation or knowledge of any person in the place, and with very little money in his pocket. And so hungry and exhausted, he traveled to Philadelphia. And there he buys three bread rolls and he cuts an iconic figure. He's walking down Market Street, eating one of those bread rolls with another tucked under each arm.
As an 18-year-old, he embarked on a trip to London to acquire printing materials. But he found himself betrayed without credit and stranded. And while he learned much in London, Franklin was unsettled with the elements of his life. He records them as errata in his autobiography. He asked how he could be truly happy and achieve the greatest perfection possible.
At the age of 20, he wrote a plan of conduct on his voyage home to guide his future behavior with the goal of becoming, as he says, both good and great, both happy and esteemed in society. Calls it the favor of God and man. Ambition, he concluded, must be educated by a steady resolution to both industry and frugality. It required a material basis. And so rather than war against human nature, Franklin sought to cultivate it as one would a garden. And he gives the same example for Philadelphia, which he compares to a garden.
After acquiring the Pennsylvania Gazette, one of only two papers in the city, he launched the successful Poor Richard's Almanac. He included famous sayings to educate his readers, such as early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. To succeed in this new world, different virtues would be needed. And Franklin constructed a list of ancient Christian and commercial virtues. He combined them. And then he also added a method to achieve them. But importantly, he couldn't do it all alone. Humans, he wrote, were social creatures, both naturally selfish as well as benevolent. And the self-interested desires for profit and praise could be channeled into public projects that benefited everyone.
He helped to found the Junto, a group of young citizens who met to discuss philosophy, morals, and public improvement. They would present papers before everyone at their meetings. Thus, Franklin embodies another American ideal of civic associations, which forms the foundation of self-government and republican habits. He helped to initiate a a vibrant civil society, a subscription library, a fire brigade, a fire insurance company, the academy, a hospital, and a militia. He also embodies the American love affair with science. When he achieved leisure and retired early, Franklin turned to the study of the natural world, including what he called electrical fluid, famous kite experiment with lightning. His experiments introduced terms like battery and positive and negative charges that we use today.
But Franklin always insisted that questions of truth be connected with the human good. For example, knowledge of air flow to create a superior stove, the Franklin stove for heating homes. Knowledge of electricity to create lightning rods to prevent fires and death. Knowledge of the Gulf Stream to expedite travel across the Atlantic. His ideas about government included all the elements of the future American Republic. John Adams said that after reading Franklin's 1751 observations on the increase of mankind, he knew that separation from Britain was inevitable. James Madison said that Franklin's 1754 letters to William Shirley comprised the quote germ of American federalism. Franklin is including essays describing the separation of powers, the lawmaking authority, delegation doctrine.
In 1747 during King George's war, Franklin was in his 40s at the time. He applied his views of social contract to found the association. It was an extralegal militia to defend Pennsylvania from French pirates and hostile Indian tribes. Franklin was a soldier. We often don't think of him that way.
In 1751, Franklin was elected to the assembly. He sat on all of its standing committees. He drafted bills and responses to the governor during the tumultuous French and Indian War. Recognized for his genius, he became the leader of the popular party that disputed with the Pennsylvania proprietors over the rights of the legislature. He insisted on equality, that the laws must be for the good of the whole, as the foundation for justice was the good of the whole as opposed to the interest of a few. Under a new militia bill, Franklin was elected a colonel by the soldiers themselves and he led an expedition to build forts on the frontier.
In 1757, Franklin was sent by the assembly to England. There he's involved in the attempt to repeal the proprietary charter and to replace it with the royal charter. He thought he was entering the last act of his life, 1756, and he had reason to be ambitious. He had been made the deputy postmaster general of British North America and he aspired to be governor over a new colony in Ohio. But his mission to make Pennsylvania a royal colony faded in relief to growing quarrels over taxation with parliament. And Franklin wrote volumes of articles to defend the colonial rights to consent to tax measures.
And so from 1768 to 1770, he was appointed agent for Georgia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. He would always be an outsider in the British aristocratic society. And it all came to a head in 1773. Having secretly obtained letters from Governor Thomas Hutcherson of Massachusetts, he wanted to blame the imperial disputes on Hutcherson. Franklin sent them to leaders in the Massachusetts Assembly. But when the letters created a scandal, he had to admit that he had sent them. And so in the cockpit where Henry VIII had watched cock fights, Franklin was mocked for a solid hour by Solicitor General Alexander Wedderburn, very witty. And he did this in front of all of the British lords. And so Franklin stood there stone-faced, silent, refusing to respond. And so Franklin's career in Britain was over. He lost his position as postmaster and he returned to Pennsylvania in 1775. But he displayed another American characteristic. He reinvented himself.
Removing himself from public business for about a month, he met with those with whom he had been closest. Joseph Galloway in the Pennsylvania Assembly and his own son William who was governor of New Jersey and the three stayed up late drinking and Franklin then openly announced he was for independence. Neither agreed and it would be the end of their relationships. As a Tory, William encouraged acts of terror against Patriot Towns and Benjamin refused to intervene to release him from prison, his own son. Now Franklin took every opportunity he could to further the break between the two nations. He reorganized the postal system. This is all at the age of 70 and served on committees that oversaw petitions to the king, the manufacturer of salt peter for gunpowder, the printing of paper currency, colonial arms and defenses, Indian affairs, foreign affairs. Franklin drafted the Articles of Confederation. He was also reelected to the Pennsylvania Assembly. He was president of its constitutional convention, probably the most radical of all the new state constitutions, the 1776 constitution that had unicameral legislature. His eyes were so tired he could hardly write at night and eventually he resigned from several of those committees.
But in February 1776, he traveled on a failed, frozen mission to entice Canada to revolt with the colonies. He assumed he would die on the journey. It was Franklin's international reputation as a natural philosopher that proved most useful for American diplomacy. He gained access to leading men in foreign nations, Spain, Holland, France, to secretly fund the war. In June 1776, his French friend Jacques Barbeu-Dubourg secured a shipment of arms. The United States was caught between a rock and a hard place. It must declare independence to receive aid from France, but it must receive aid to declare independence. And Franklin was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. Franklin made some key changes to Jefferson's draft. He changed the words sacred and inviable. We hold these truths to be self-evident, Franklin added. He changed Jefferson's words, reduced them to arbitrary power to reduce them under absolute desperatism.
And in his final key role, he accepted the mission to France. Franklin returned home in 1785. His last years were in public service as much as he wanted to retire. He was elected to three consecutive terms as governor and was a delegate to the 1787 constitutional convention. He endorsed the new constitution not as a perfect document but perhaps as the best that the founders were able. And finally, he made a motion, which was not passed, for the clergy, the clergy of the city of Philadelphia to lead the remaining sessions in prayer, lest the founders become, he says, like the builders of Babel. He said that during the revolution, the same men had prayed for unity, but now they mistakenly thought they could found a nation without divine aid. And it was a comment on the necessity of a pre-political faith and loyalty, a common belief that binds a people together and transcends their partisan interests.
Finally, Franklin agreed to be president of the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery. Its 1790 petition brought heated debate in Congress. For a man who would own slaves and servants, it was a fitting end to a life that embodied Republican ideals of equality, liberty, and self-reliance.
Franklin was a true genius, a self-made man, a fervent Republican, and a man instrumental to the founding of the nation he so dearly loved.
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
On May 11, 2026, President Trump signed the Proclamation Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2026 paying tribute to those in law enforcement who devote their lives to safeguarding our communities as well as pay tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty protecting their communities. The President and his Administration stand resolutely beside the families of those who lost their lives or have been injured while performing service to their community. President Trump and his Administration pledge to continue to support those who wear the badge. President Trump writes:
On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, we solemnly commemorate the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty across our Nation. Throughout Police Week, we honor the sacrifices of our law enforcement community and the families who stand beside them. United in gratitude, we recommit ourselves to supporting those who keep the peace in our neighborhoods, and we offer our heartfelt appreciation for the service they render to community and country. Their steady presence brings calm to our streets, their dedication preserves the order that allows our Nation to flourish, and their unwavering vigilance is the reason families across America can rest under the promise of a safer tomorrow.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 10 through May 16, 2026, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on the Governors of the States and Territories and officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
On May 11, 2026, the White House published the Presidential Message on National Salvation Army Week commending the men and women who do impactful work through the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army was established in 1865 providing meals, shelter, security, and purpose to the weary who are trying to rebuild their lives (usually from hardship and/or addiction). President Trump writes:
Their work is a living testament to our Nation’s enduring traditions of generosity, goodwill, and volunteerism. For 250 years, our Nation has been defined by an unyielding spirit of sacrifice and service that has always called ordinary Americans to do extraordinary things for one another. During National Salvation Army Week, we carry that proud mission forward and pledge to always be a Nation devoted to “Doing the Most Good.”
I do want to point out that as I was searching for an appropriate video about the Salvation Army I excluded many of the videos I found because the Salvation Army has gone fully woke over the last few years.
On May 10, 2026, the White House published the Presidential Message on Mother’s Day which is a summary of the speech he gave at the Angel and Gold Star Mother's Day event in the Rose Garden on May 8, 2026 (discussed in my May 9, 2026 ANP Article). His message celebrates the women whose unconditional love steadies us through every season of life. He points out that mothers have a huge effect on who we become as adults. Mothers cultivate our strength, unlock our talents, and encourage us to reach higher than we ever thought possible. President Trump points out that mothers do more than raising strong families and wonderful children, they also have their own goals and ambitions. Many working mothers are in the Trump Administration and President Trump fully supports policies that allow mothers to be in the workforce without their families suffering because their moms work. President Trump writes:
Throughout every chapter of our national story, resilient mothers have defended our most cherished values and shaped the very fabric of our Republic. As we celebrate Mother’s Day and 250 years of independence, we honor every mother who has faithfully passed the flame of American values to the next generation. We especially pay tribute to the Gold Star Mothers whose children gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Above all, we treasure the mothers who teach us to honor our traditions, respect our great American Flag, and uphold the founding ideals that sustain our glorious way of life.
On May 11, 2026, the White House published the release President Trump Honors America’s Moms with New Support for Families where he announced new initiatives that will lower costs and expand access to fertility care while delivering support to mothers across America. New and expectant mothers can access Moms.gov where they can find essential resources as well as major childcare reforms that expand provider choice, empower stay-at-home parents, and increase access to resources. In addition, the website provides nutritional information, info on Trump Accounts (discussed in my July 16, 2025, August 30, 2025, and December 3, 2025 ANP Articles), and a link to TrumpRx (discussed in my February 7, 2026 and May 6, 2026 ANP Articles)
On May 11, 2026, President Trump hosted the 2026 National Football Champions, Indiana University, a team that was undefeated this season culminating with their first win at the 2026 National Football Champions. The team presented President Trump with a "47" Jersey, helmet, and football signed by the coach and team members. They also told President Trump he could keep their trophy. They started with speeches in the Rose Garden and ended with a tour of the Oval Office. The video below is a recap of their visit. You can watch the entire speech with presentations here.
It is becoming increasingly frustrating to see both chambers of Congress blatantly ignoring the Will of the Citizens of the United States of America for whom they are supposed to work! I hope more states follow the path blazed by Indiana and primary out all the current members of Congress who act against the Will of We The People (especially on 80/20 and 90/10 issues!).
The SENATE convened at 3pm and adjourned at 7:23pm. Next meeting is 10am on May 12, 2026. The Senate voted on 2 bills:
Vote # 114 (46-45) - Agreed to On the Resolution - SR690
SR690 - An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar was introduced by John Thune (R-SD) on April 27, 2026. The bill had no cosponsors. The purpose of the bill was to combine certain Presidential Nominees into one bill. The consolidation bill passed 46 to 45 with 9 members not voting.
Vote # 115 (49-44) - Agreed to On the Cloture Motion - PN855-2
PN855-2 - Kevin Warsh - Federal Reserve System was received from the President on March 4, 2026. This bill assigns Kevin Warsh, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for a term of fourteen years from February 1, 2026. The bill passed 49 to 44 with 7 members not voting.
They STILL HAVE NOT addressed the SAVE America Act that We The People WANT to have passed and sent to the President for signature so it will become law.
The HOUSE convened at 10:30am and adjourned at 10:33am. Next meeting is Noon on May 12, 2026. The House did no We The People business today.
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities.
Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan.
The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs. After the rulemaking is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein.
Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.
This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods.
The bill also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this bill, effective as of the date they expire.
On May 11, 2026, the White House published Nominations and Withdrawal Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS:
Francis Brooke, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
Cameron Hamilton, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
Brendan Hanrahan, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs).
Karen Jean Hedlund, of New York, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2030.
Kari Lake, of Arizona, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Jamaica.
Douglas Mastriano, of Pennsylvania, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic.
Brett Matsumoto, of Maryland, to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, for a term of four years.
Douglas Ralph, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2028.
Barbera Thornhill, of North Carolina, to be Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, with the rank of Ambassador at Large.
Nicole Saphier, of New Jersey, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, subject to qualifications therefor as provided by law and regulations, and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service for a term of four years.
David Cummins, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration for a term of five years.
Heidi Semann, of Missouri, to be Inspector General, Department of Education.
John Crews, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Credit Union Administration Board for a term expiring August 2, 2031.
WITHDRAWAL:
Casey Means, of California, to be Medical Director in the Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, subject to qualifications therefor as provided by law and regulations, and to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Service for a term of four years.
138 Presidential Orders, Memoranda, Determinations, Permits, and Notices
On May 11, 2026, the FR published the Presidential Notice Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Yemen which was signed May 7, 2026 and sent straight to the FR for publication. This Notice extends EO 13611 of May 16, 2012 for an additional year because Yemen's Houthis (Ansar Allah) continue to threaten peace, security, and stability of the area.
After the outbreak of the Revolutionary War at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April, American forces urgently needed to strengthen their firepower to break the British grip on Boston and secure their position in New England. Answering the call to freedom, the legendary Green Mountain Boys—a militia from the New Hampshire Grants of present-day Vermont—set out on a daring mission to seize Fort Ticonderoga, a vulnerable British outpost in the Colony of New York that commanded a vital waterway and held a massive arsenal of artillery and cannons.
In the early morning hours of May 10, this bold force of revolutionaries, under the joint command of the famed patriot Ethan Allen and the later treacherous Benedict Arnold, launched a surprise attack on the British garrison. Catching the Redcoats off guard as they slept, the patriots seized the fort without firing a single shot, forcing the unprepared British soldiers to surrender with little resistance—marking the first major victory of the Revolutionary War.
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga proved to be an early turning point in the American Revolution. Colonial forces gained critical ammunition, cannons, and mortars, which Colonel Henry Knox famously hauled hundreds of miles across unforgiving terrain to Boston by January of 1776—empowering the Continental Army to force a British retreat and cementing New England as an American stronghold. The courage, ingenuity, and resolve of the patriots who stormed Fort Ticonderoga defined the fighting spirit that would ultimately drive our Nation to victory and secure our long-awaited independence.
On the 251st anniversary of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, we honor the heroes who struck a decisive blow against British forces and earned their place in history as American legends. And as we celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, we recommit ourselves to preserving the liberty that they fought fearlessly to secure, and we pledge to ensure that the blessings of freedom remain the inheritance of generations to come.
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
