Thor Benson

U.S. President Joe Biden proposed a major tax increase on the fuel used for private jets on Monday in his latest budget request.

"The budget would gradually raise the tax on fuel used by private jets from about 22 cents per gallon now to $1.06 per gallon in five years," The Associated Press reports. "The Transportation Department says the increase would help stabilize funding for [the Federal Aviation Administration's] management of the national airspace, which is mostly paid by airline passengers."

"We should make private jets pay the real environmental and social costs of this indefensible form of luxury travel."...

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw got a large raise last year after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that devastated that community. Shaw's total compensation rose by 37% in 2023, which put it at over $13 million for the year.

The train derailment occurred in February of last year and exposed the community to toxic chemicals that caused a large fire. Though there were no human fatalities, the wreck sparked grave public health concerns andthe company has faced major criticisms for what have been described as lax safety practices. Jonathon Long, general chairman of the American Rail System Federation (ARSF) of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED), wrote about the problems with the rail company in a letter last year.

"I am writing to share with you the level of disregard that Norfolk Southern has for the safety of the railroad's workers, its track structure, and East Palestine and other American communities where NS operates," he wrote. “They gamble with your money, and you hold all the risk if they lose by putting a toxic train in the ditch in your community.”...

Donald Trump is claiming that presidents need “total immunity” from being indicted for criminal acts. This is a cornerstone of Trump’s defense against the federal election interference case against him. No matter if his actions as president “cross the line.”

Trump, of course, is no longer even president of the United States. But let’s accept Trump’s argument. Once one does, it’s only logical to conclude that President Joe Biden can do whatever he wants while he’s still in office.

And that’s why Biden should not wait or hesitate — and send Trump to Guantanamo Bay, precisely because Trump, who faces 91 felony counts across four criminal cases, is a grave threat to our nation and its security....

In 2008, Barack Obama defeated the late Sen. John McCain by waging a campaign of “hope and change.” He presented a positive vision for the future. He inspired millions of Americans and won the election by a large margin.

Here in 2024, President Joe Biden, arguably, isn’t seen as the most inspiring figure. He’s likable enough, but people don’t typically get too excited about him. That might seem like a problem for him this year as his approval rating remains quite low and he tries to secure a second term. Even Obama himself wants Biden to be more like Obama, with the Washington Post reporting that the former and current president engaged in an “animated” discussion about the state of Biden’s re-election campaign.

But luckily for Biden, he doesn’t need to channel his inner Barack to defeat Donald for the second time in four years....

Imagine it’s April 4, 2025, and Donald Trump is not in prison.

Trump is in the White House.

You wake up before dawn, and a wave of dread washes over you as you check your news app to see what’s going on. ...