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Jeff Sharlet Discusses 'Slow Civil War' at Boulder's Magic Mountain Talks

Jeff Sharlet Discusses 'Slow Civil War' at Boulder's Magic Mountain Talks

In June 2026, writer and professor Jeff Sharlet participated in a Magic Mountain Talk at Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boulder, Colorado. Alongside fellow writer and professor Nathan Schneider, Sharlet discussed what he terms America's 'slow civil war.' The conversation focused on the role of violence in the country's escalating political divisions. This event is part of a monthly series, Magic Mountain Talks, which aims to bring intellectual discussions from university campuses into a more casual public setting. The series, produced in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Center for Humanities and the Arts, features nationally known writers and thinkers engaging with the public on critical theory, politics, and aesthetics. The talks are free, and attendees are encouraged to participate in the discussions, fostering a conversational atmosphere rather than a performance. The organizers intentionally do not record the talks, emphasizing the unique, in-person experience for the local communit...

White House Criticizes Rosie O'Donnell Following Jokes About President Trump's Aide

White House Criticizes Rosie O'Donnell Following Jokes About President Trump's Aide

The White House has issued a strong rebuke against comedian Rosie O'Donnell, labeling her a 'total slob' after she made jokes on late-night television concerning Natalie Harp, President Trump's executive assistant. During her guest-hosting stint on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', O'Donnell quipped that Harp tucks President Trump into bed at night. This comment comes amidst increased media scrutiny regarding Harp's proximity to the President. O'Donnell's remarks are part of a series of jabs she has directed at President Trump throughout her week-long guest-hosting role, including referring to him as 'Mango Mussolini' and performing a satirical rendition of 'Danny Boy' aimed at his political standing. The feud between O'Donnell and President Trump dates back to 2006 and intensified during his 2015 presidential campaign.

Former Ludlow Council Member Sues City and Officials for Alleged Rights Violations

Former Ludlow Council Member Sues City and Officials for Alleged Rights Violations

Former Ludlow City Council Member Lori Davenport has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky’s Northern Division against the city of Ludlow, Mayor Sarah Thompson, City Council Member Julia Terry Navarre, Ludlow Police Officer Justin Edwards, Ludlow Police Chief Bartholomew Beck, and attorney Patrick Grote. Davenport alleges retaliation for constitutionally protected speech, false arrest, and malicious prosecution, claiming violations of her First and Fourth Amendment rights. The lawsuit stems from her arrest at a city council meeting approximately a year ago. Initially charged with obstructing governmental operations, the charge was later amended to disrupting meetings and processions before ultimately being dropped. The complaint states that Davenport had complied with directions to leave the meeting, arguing that a person walking out is not obstructing it. Jeff Mando, representing all defendants except Grote, stated that they believe there was probable cause for Davenport'...

White House Blasts Rosie O'Donnell as 'Nasty Woman' and 'Total Slob' Following 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Hosting

White House Blasts Rosie O'Donnell as 'Nasty Woman' and 'Total Slob' Following 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Hosting

The White House has issued a strong rebuke against Rosie O'Donnell after her guest-hosting stint on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' during which she repeatedly criticized President Trump. In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, a White House spokesperson referred to O'Donnell as 'a nasty woman and a total slob whose brain has been completely destroyed by Trump Derangement Syndrome.' O'Donnell's representative declined to comment on the White House's statement. Throughout her time filling in for Kimmel, O'Donnell made numerous jokes at President Trump's expense, including a revised version of the song 'Danny Boy' titled 'Donny Boy,' which mocked his policies, appearance, and poll numbers. She also stated that she had been living in Ireland for two years due to 'Mango Mussolini' and expressed support for Kimmel's use of the First Amendment.

Resident Appeal Halts Lexington High School Construction, Adding Millions to Project Cost

Resident Appeal Halts Lexington High School Construction, Adding Millions to Project Cost

A group of 12 Lexington residents has filed an appeal with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), challenging the current design of the new Lexington High School due to its impact on wetlands. This appeal has led to a halt in all site work and construction on or near wetlands until MassDEP issues a decision. Kathleen Lenihan, Chair of the School Building Committee (SBC), stated that this delay has already added at least $1 million to the project's cost. The appeal, led by Jim Williams, argues that the SBC did not adequately consider alternative plans that would avoid building on wetlands, as required by state law. Williams contends that the town must either find a way to build the school without altering wetlands or provide a clear explanation for why no such alternatives exist. MassDEP has responded by scheduling a site visit for August 27 to assess the situation. The project team, including Jamie Meiser from Turner Construction, confirmed that work is restricted to non-wetlan...

Tulsi Gabbard's Family Life Emphasizes Hawaiian Heritage and Public Service Values

Tulsi Gabbard's Family Life Emphasizes Hawaiian Heritage and Public Service Values

Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Congresswoman and presidential candidate, maintains a personal life deeply rooted in family values, cultural heritage, and generational bonds. Her family, including her two children, Launago 'Lago' Gabbard (born 2005) and Kai Gabbard (born 2011), and extended kin, forms a cornerstone of stability. Lago, currently a high school senior, has shown an early interest in public affairs and community service, influenced by family discussions about service and his mother's experiences in the U.S. Navy. He participates in youth leadership programs and volunteers at local veteran outreach centers. Kai, the younger child, is more introspective, expressing himself through music and visual arts, with an upbringing that emphasizes emotional expression and mental well-being. The Gabbard family lineage includes generations of military service, with her father, a U.S. Army officer, being a significant influence. Family traditions, such as regular reunions and an annual 'Family Day' on Oahu, rei...

Jackson City Council Tables Skating Rink Request Over Planning Board Representation Concerns

Jackson City Council Tables Skating Rink Request Over Planning Board Representation Concerns

The Jackson City Council has tabled a request for a use permit that would allow Terrance Brent to operate Nostalgics Skate Center at 540 Raymond Rd. The decision came after Council President Vernon Hartley raised concerns that the city's Planning Board approved the measure without adequate representation from his ward, Ward 5. Hartley argued that the lack of representation meant residents in his ward were not heard, preventing them from voicing opposition or discussing the item fully with the Planning Board. The Planning Board is an appointed body responsible for making zoning recommendations to the City Council. Despite the Planning Board's unanimous approval of the request, Hartley insisted on tabling the matter until Ward 5 has proper representation on the board. Other council members, such as Ward Four Councilman Brian Grizzell, cautioned that tabling the request could lead to litigation, while Ward Six Councilwoman LaShia Brown-Thomas opposed the delay, stating that business owners should not be penal...

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to speak at Sarasota town hall

Civil rights icon Ruby Bridges to speak at Sarasota town hall

IN BRIEF: A. Jean Battie scholarships; Sarasota Chorus of the Keys scholarships; Women's Resource Center leadership training; Lake Club fundraiser.

Asheville Citizen-Times

AI could reshape North Carolina’s grid — and its communities

AI could reshape North Carolina’s grid — and its communities

Advocates across North Carolina are pressing the state to confront the human and financial costs of data-center growth.

Detroit Free Press

Developers challenge Gibraltar's data center moratorium in court

Developers challenge Gibraltar's data center moratorium in court

A moratorium is one of the few tools local governments have to block unwanted developments that qualify under a municipality's normal zoning rules.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Redefines Data Center Development Terms Amid Community Concerns

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Redefines Data Center Development Terms Amid Community Concerns

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has issued Executive Order 2026-05, significantly altering the terms for data center development in the state. This order removes data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program, making them ineligible for expedited review. Previously, in June 2025, Governor Shapiro had announced a $20 billion investment by Amazon in cloud-computing and artificial intelligence campuses across Pennsylvania, touting it as the largest private-sector investment in the state's history and positioning Pennsylvania as a major AI hub. The new executive order does not prohibit data center construction but establishes a more demanding framework for state permits, focusing on energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, workforce development, and environmental protection. Developers opting into the Commonwealth’s GRID framework must make legally binding commitments, including covering the full cost of additional infrastructure and engaging with local residents. Projects decli...

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore Resigns Early, Creating Vacancy Amidst Election Year

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore Resigns Early, Creating Vacancy Amidst Election Year

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore, a veteran Republican utility regulator, is resigning from her position effective September 4, ahead of the completion of her term. Pridemore had previously announced in February that she would not seek re-election to the panel, which is responsible for setting rates and profits for Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light. Her early departure creates a temporary vacancy that Governor Brian Kemp will need to fill. This resignation occurs during a tense election year, marked by increased public scrutiny over data centers and rising electricity bills in Georgia.