A new budget battle looms in Congress, threatening another government shutdown and pitting conservative values against Senate compromises. House GOP Faces Division Over Budget Mega-Bill As the government funding deadline approaches, the House GOP is entangled in internal conflicts over a key budget “mega-bill.” The proposed package, which integrates tax policy, immigration enforcement, and defense spending, has stalled due to pushback from the House Freedom Caucus. This hard-right faction objects to the Senate’s revisions and the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) projection of a $3.4 trillion deficit increase over the next decade. The GOP’s struggle is emblematic of a broader strategic challenge: achieving near-total unity in a narrowly divided House, while also satisfying Senate demands for bipartisan support. The Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold means that any final deal must include Democratic backing, a reality that has sparked frustration and resistance from conservative House members. Strategic Challenges in Avoiding a Shutdown The core dilemma for House Republicans lies in balancing conservative principles with the structural necessity of Senate approval. The Freedom Caucus, formed in 2015, has historically leveraged its influence to steer GOP leadership toward more conservative positions. However, the Senate’s requirement for bipartisan deals often leads to compromises that are unpalatable to this faction, increasing the risk of gridlock and government shutdowns. House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team are navigating these treacherous waters, trying to maintain conference unity while crafting a package that can pass the Senate. The involvement of the White House in lobbying House holdouts underscores the high stakes and limited intraparty leverage. Potential Outcomes and Implications As the legislative clock ticks, the House GOP’s path forward remains fraught with challenges. In the short term, the risk of missing appropriations deadlines looms large, potentially leading to reliance on stopgap measures that require Democratic support. This scenario could deepen internal fractures within the GOP and weaken the leadership’s bargaining power. Looking ahead, the persistent tension between House conservative demands and Senate constraints is likely to institutionalize bipartisan endgames for funding. This cycle of procedural leverage, late compromises, and shutdown brinkmanship may continue to plague congressional negotiations, impacting taxpayers, federal agencies, and key sectors like defense and energy. The broader economic implications are significant, as the CBO’s deficit projections complicate claims of fiscal restraint and may affect market perceptions of the U.S. fiscal outlook. Politically, repeated failures to pass rules and reliance on cross-party coalitions could influence electoral dynamics, particularly in swing districts. Sources: House narrowly approves Trump-aligned budget framework and outlines House-Senate differences/timing House GOP struggles to advance mega-bill; rule held open; HFC-led objections; CBO deficit estimate; Senate changes on immigration/clean energy; named members opposing/withholding Freedom Caucus background and 2023–2024 precedents: suspensions, rules fights, reliance on Democrats, Johnson-Schumer topline deal context GOP leaders seek White House help to sway HFC holdouts on rule passage “`

‘Keeping it going has been kind of remarkable'

'It’s a beautiful city'

After surviving cancer, and once again reinventing the blues, Ana Popovic’s intent on her latest record, 2025’s Dance to the Rhythm, is simple: “The message leads the way.” Popovic’s last record, Power, was about reestablishing herself as a force to be reckoned with after a period of uncertainty related to her health. Now that all of that is behind her, she’s feeling loud and proud. “I write for the stage,” she tells ClassicRockHistory.com. “I write with the excitement of how that particular song is gonna turn out live, and where in the set we’re gonna place it,” she says. “It’s The post Ana Popovic: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., announced his bid Tuesday to become the GOP nominee to fill the Senate seat to be vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.  Moore is an Alabama native and a graduate of the state’s land grant research university, Auburn, where he studied agricultural science. His public service began in college when he joined the ROTC program and was commissioned into the National Guard. Along with his wife, he founded a successful waste-disposal company in 1998. Moore served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018. The then-Alabama state legislator was one of the earliest elected officials to publicly endorse President Donald Trump during the latter’s 2016 presidential run, appearing on stage at a Trump rally in August 2015 in Mobile, Alabama. In an interview with The Daily Signal, Moore recalled that fateful day. “It was odd because we were on the south end of the stadium in an RV, and there was a guy from New York, they had said he had a less than 1% chance to get the nomination. There were 17 in the primary. In fact, he could not beat Hillary Clinton. That’s what the conventional wisdom was. And so we said a quick prayer and got a piece about endorsing a guy from New York City who had no chance of winning,” Moore recalled.  Moore and his daughter Kathleen would go on to both serve as delegates to the Republican National Convention in 2016. The Alabama congressman later said Trump’s team called him to encourage his bid for Congress. Moore was first successfully elected to a House seat in 2020. In the House, he has served on the Judiciary and Agriculture committees and has been a member of the Freedom Caucus and the fiscally conservative Republican Study Committee.  Moore told The Daily Signal that in order to address the housing crisis in the United States, regulations need to be cut to reduce the cost of building materials. The Alabama lawmaker also said Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should be fired, and that the government printing money contributes to inflation, which makes it harder for young families to buy things.  “We need to lower interest rates, because there are a lot of young people right now that started out 10, 12, maybe eight years ago, in a smaller house, but interest rates were 3%. Those families would like to move to a nicer place, and then that frees up a lot of that market for new … homebuyers, first-time homebuyers,” Moore explained.  Moore criticized the lack of transparency regarding the billions of dollars sent to Ukraine during its war against Russia. “We don’t know where it went, and that’s a problem for us. We’re just sending money to wars. It’s like so many things [the] government does. We just send more funding, but we don’t do any management or any oversight. And so President Trump’s leading the tip of the spear with oversight first, and I think managing the process. So that’s good for us,” he said. The congressman also emphasized the agricultural component of national security. “When I was in [the] military, two things you needed before you sent your troops out were beans and bullets. We talk a lot about bullets sometimes, but we don’t talk about national security and food. You’ve got to be able to provide for your own nation,” Moore explained.  Moore is the latest Republican to join a crowded primary field that also includes Alabama state Attorney General Steve Marshall, businessman Rodney Walker, and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson. In a statement to The Daily Signal, Hudson said, “I entered this race because the people of Alabama deserve a fighter who will stand as the tip of the spear and go to battle for them. I am that warrior. I’m not doing this to pad my resume or rub elbows with the suits in D.C. This is about service.” “I’m a former Navy SEAL, a sheriff’s deputy, and founder of a nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking. Whether it’s crisscrossing Alabama on the campaign trail or serving on the floor of the Senate, my guiding light will be my faith in Jesus Christ and the ethos they taught us in the SEALs: ‘I am never out of the fight, and I will not fail,’” Hudson continued.  Kyle Sweetser, who is seeking the Democrat nomination in the red state, told The Daily Signal that he hoped “to be able to give the folks of Alabama a real option on the Democratic side as someone that’s worked in and out of people’s houses in all kinds of communities and had conversations with people.” “I want to fight for the people of Alabama that have been forgotten,” Sweetser said. The post Alabama Congressman Announces Bid for Elevation to Senate appeared first on The Daily Signal.

When students return to Christiansburg High School for classes on Wednesday, they’ll find at least one large “open plan” gender-neutral and multiple-stall bathroom. Parents are raising the alarm. “I would have been mortified at that age,” Alecia Vaught, 49, who has two grandchildren at the southwestern Virginia school, told The Daily Signal about the bathroom situation. The Daily Signal obtained photos of signs with symbols depicting a woman, a man, a half-man/half-woman, and a wheelchair. While the individual stalls have higher walls to increase privacy, the gender-neutral open concept means that teen boys and girls will share a handwashing space in view from the hallway. While the architect in charge of the renovation plans defended the open bathroom as an attempt to prevent bullying and certain illicit activities, parents raised privacy concerns. A Facebook user posted a photo of the bathroom in a Christiansburg High School Alumni group. When approached for comment, the school district did not deny the gender-neutral sign in the photo or clarify the policy. Instead, Andrew Webb, communications coordinator at Montgomery County Public Schools, sent a photo of a sign that said “Gold Restroom.” Problems With the Bathroom Vaught, the grandmother, mentioned that teenage girls who are experiencing their first periods would find it extremely embarrassing to share an open space with boys. “Could you imagine just starting [your period] for the first time and not being able to get what you need?” she asked. Vaught also noted that while the stalls may hide girls from view, they would not block out sounds. “How would you feel coming out of the stall, washing your hands, and having to look at the boy or man who just heard you and is now right beside you at the sink? That is NOT OK!” she said. Such a plan would amount to “the complete invasion of privacy of our girls,” who “need to have a safe space they can go to pull themselves together if they’re stressed out, emotional, or upset. They need privacy to conduct their business or ask other girls for tampons or pads, and to be able to check their faces or fix their makeup in the mirror.” “School is stressful enough for teenagers, and young girls shouldn’t have to worry about boys and men watching them in their private spaces,” Vaught added. She predicted that the open model would lead to increased bullying, especially if “someone sees period blood on another students’ clothing.” “How could any of that not scar young girls for life?” Another parent who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed Vaught’s concerns about privacy during the girls’ periods. She also noted that “for ones who already have experienced trauma at the hands of a boy, they will potentially be reliving that trauma every time they’re in the bathroom.” The Open Plan Bathrooms Josh Bower, principal at Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, explained the concept in a June 6, 2023, meeting for the Montgomery County School Board. “We are showing that the toilet rooms for the student use are all going to be open plan,” he said. “The goal of the open plan is to reduce bullying.” “The bathroom is the highest level of anxiety a student has,” Bower added. “They don’t want to go to the restroom because of some of the nonsense that happens in there. When you’re doing your most private activities, the stalls go from floor to ceiling and they are completely private when you are doing your most private activities.” He presented a floor plan of the bathrooms, noting that the plan aims to reduce bullying, smoking, vaping, destruction, and vandalism. Open Plan Restrooms (Montgomery County Public Schools YouTube screenshot) “Students should have access to facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their consistently asserted gender identity or expression,” states the board’s official policy, adopted in August 2021. “Upon request, a single-user, gender-inclusive facility, or other non-stigmatizing alternatives should be made available to any student who seeks privacy.” The school district did not respond to The Daily Signal’s inquiry as to whether Christiansburg offers sex-segregated restrooms as an option for students seeking privacy. Federal Action on Bathrooms The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights found last month that five Northern Virginia school districts violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a law banning discrimination on the basis of sex in education. The office found that Alexandria City Public Schools, Arlington Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and Prince William County Public Schools violated the law by applying policies allowing boys and men to enter women’s spaces, if the boys and men claim a female gender identity. “It’s time for Northern Virginia’s experiment with radical gender ideology and unlawful discrimination to come to an end,” Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a statement on the finding. “The Trump administration will not sacrifice the safety, dignity, and innocence of America’s young women and girls at the altar of an anti-scientific illiberalism.” The Virginia Department of Education told The Daily Signal that local school divisions “set their own policies and procedures with their governing boards.” The state body cited the Office for Civil Rights’ actions, adding, “We trust all divisions in Virginia are reviewing local policies—including bathroom and locker room policies—to ensure alignment to Title IX and maintaining safe educational environments free from discrimination.” The post Boys and Girls to Share ‘Gender Neutral’ Open Bathroom in Virginia High School appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Border Collies are known for their intelligence, energy, and herding instincts. These traits make them incredible companions, but they also require specific care and attention. At DogingtonPost, we often receive questions about adopting Border Collie rescue dogs. This guide will help you decide if bringing a rescue Border Collie into your home is the right choice for you. What Makes Border Collies Unique? Unmatched Intelligence and Trainability Border Collies may be the smartest dogs, according to recent research from the University of Helsinki in Finland. Their exceptional brainpower allows them to master new commands quickly. This intelligence, however, comes with a caveat. Border Collies require constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Owners should provide puzzle toys, set up agility courses, and engage in advanced obedience training to keep their minds sharp. High Energy Levels and Exercise Needs Border Collies possess boundless energy. These dogs demand intense exercise daily. A simple walk around the block won’t suffice. Instead, try these high-energy activities: Frisbee or ball throwing sessions Long hikes or runs Agility training Herding exercises (even with balls if sheep aren’t available!) A lack of proper exercise can lead to anxiety, destruction, or behavioral issues in Border Collies. Potential adopters must honestly assess their ability to meet these rigorous exercise needs. Strong Herding Instincts The Border Collie’s herding instinct runs deep in their DNA. This trait often manifests in various ways within a home environment. They might attempt to herd children, other pets, or even passing cars. While this behavior may seem cute initially, it requires proper management and redirection. Training should focus on channeling this instinct into appropriate activities. Herding trials or courses (if available in your area) provide an excellent outlet. Alternatively, games that mimic herding, such as gathering toys into a specific area, can help satisfy this innate drive. Adaptability and Versatility Despite their specific needs, Border Collies show remarkable adaptability. These dogs excel in various roles beyond herding, including: Search and rescue operations Therapy work Competitive dog sports (agility, flyball, obedience) Detection work (drugs, explosives) Their versatility makes them valuable partners in numerous fields, showcasing their ability to learn and perform diverse tasks. The unique traits of Border Collies make them extraordinary companions for the right owners. However, these characteristics also present challenges that require careful consideration. In the next section, we’ll explore the benefits of adopting a rescue Border Collie, shedding light on how these remarkable dogs can enrich your life in unexpected ways. Why Rescue a Border Collie? A Second Chance at Life Every year, millions of cats and dogs end up in shelters or rescue organizations. Shelter Animals Count estimates that in 2024, 5.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across America. Adoption doesn’t just mean getting a new pet – it means saving a life. Many rescue Border Collies come from situations where owners abandoned or surrendered them due to their high energy levels or specific needs. A loving home provides these intelligent dogs the opportunity to thrive in an environment that understands and appreciates their unique qualities. Financial Benefits of Adoption Adopting a rescue Border Collie often costs less than purchasing from a breeder. The average adoption fee from a shelter ranges from $50 to $300, which typically includes initial vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and sometimes microchipping. In contrast, purchasing a Border Collie from a breeder can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000 (or more). Moreover, many rescue organizations provide ongoing support and resources for adopters. This support can include training advice, medical history, and sometimes even discounted veterinary care through partner clinics. The Advantage of Adult Dogs While puppies charm with their cuteness, adopting an adult Border Collie can offer significant advantages. Many rescue dogs already know basic house training and obedience skills. This knowledge can save you time and energy in the early training stages. Adult dogs also have established personalities. Rescue organizations often conduct thorough temperament assessments, allowing them to match you with a Border Collie that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you want a high-energy agility partner or a more laid-back companion, adopting an adult dog allows you to find the right match more easily. Rescue Border Collies often come with a known history, giving you insight into their health, behavior, and training needs. This information can prove invaluable in providing the best care and understanding any potential challenges you might face. Support for Rescue Organizations When you adopt a Border Collie from a rescue, you support the important work these organizations do. Your adoption fee helps cover the costs of caring for other dogs in need, including medical treatment, food, and shelter. Additionally, adopting frees up space and resources for the rescue to help more dogs in the future. As we consider the many benefits of rescuing a Border Collie, it’s important to also understand the potential challenges that come with adoption. Let’s explore some of the hurdles you might face and how to overcome them in the next section. Navigating Rescue Challenges Addressing Behavioral Quirks Rescue Border Collies often arrive with a history that shapes their behavior. Common issues include separation anxiety, resource guarding, excessive barking, and fear of specific objects or situations. These behaviors stem from past experiences and require patience to overcome. Professional dog trainers who specialize in rescue dogs can provide invaluable assistance. Studies have shown that dogs with high lifelong training scores perform better than novice dogs. To set your rescue Border Collie up for success: Establish a consistent routine from day one Use positive reinforcement techniques Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation Create a safe space where your dog can retreat when overwhelmed Unraveling Health Mysteries Rescue organizations provide medical care, but some health issues may remain unknown. To protect your new family member: Schedule a thorough vet check-up immediately after adoption Consider pet insurance to cover unexpected health issues Keep detailed records of any symptoms or behavioral changes Prepare for potential breed-specific health concerns (like hip dysplasia or eye problems) Easing the Transition Period The adjustment phase can challenge both you and your new Border Collie. Separation anxiety is the most common stand-alone behavioral diagnosis and the second most common behavioral problem for dogs. To smooth the transition: Create a quiet, low-stress environment for the first few days Introduce new experiences and people gradually Show patience with house training lapses – even well-trained dogs may have accidents in a new environment Stick to the diet provided by the rescue initially, transitioning slowly to new food if needed Every rescue Border Collie is unique. Some may settle in quickly, while others need more time and support. The key lies in patience, consistency, and love throughout the process. Final Thoughts Adopting a Border Collie rescue dog offers both rewards and challenges. These intelligent, energetic dogs provide unwavering loyalty and the potential for an incredible bond. You save a life and gain a devoted companion when you choose adoption, often at a lower cost than purchasing from a breeder. Border Collie rescue dogs require careful consideration of your lifestyle and ability to meet their high exercise and mental stimulation needs. They thrive with active owners who provide ample physical activity and engaging mental challenges. Unknown medical histories can lead to unexpected health concerns, and some dogs may have behavioral issues stemming from past experiences. We at DogingtonPost offer valuable resources for responsible dog ownership. You can find tips on selecting the right rescue organization and preparing for your new furry family member. Adopting a Border Collie rescue dog demands commitment, but it can become an incredibly fulfilling journey with patience, understanding, and love.

The Soviet States of Europe

CNN “journalists” have been tying themselves in knots recently as they tried to gaslight Americans with lies about how their Democratic Party supposedly didn’t gerrymander their states. There was yet another example of this narrative during Tuesday’s Inside Politics as senior reporter Aaron Blake falsely suggested that Democrats were in a bad spot in the gerrymander arms race because they selflessly hamstrung themselves. Referencing comments Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) made to CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday, host Dana Bash paraphrased his argument. “… Republicans having the advantage nationwide, with legislatures where they can -- if they want to continue this power play, gobble up more secure Republican seats. They can do that.” Adding: “And just one example, the one place, California, which we've been talking about, which has the potential, potential to add more Democratic seats, they don't have a lot to work with. Already there are 43 Democratic seats, there are only nine possibilities on the GOP side.” Of course, Bash left out the part where Abbott called out how blue states like California, New York, and Massachusetts had “already gerrymandered” as much as they could. But Blake had his own “very good reason” for why Democrats were going to have a hard time with pushing their gerrymandering efforts.     According to Blake, Democrats were so well meaning that they intentionally hamstrung their own ability to eliminate Republican representation: [A] lot of these blue states have instituted these redistricting commissions like we have in California. That if California wants to respond in kind, they need to get voters to sign off on basically allowing the Democrats to gerrymander. I mean, that's a very difficult proposition, no matter how Democrats are spinning this right now, and so Republicans are basically saying, look, if you want to go hard at this, we'll do that because we can win this battle and we can draw more seats than you. But those commissions weren’t as nonpartisan as Blake would like CNN viewers to believe. As New York Congressman Mike Lawler (R) told Tapper (linked above), New Jersey’s purportedly "independent redistricting commission" said “Republicans got to draw the map last time. So I'm going to give it to the Democrats.” Blake also lamented that Republicans had such strong representation around the country that they controlled much more of the state governments: Yeah. Look, I mean, this was a standoff that was perhaps inevitable in some ways, and there's a very good reason for that. It's because Republicans have superior control over this process, and so to the extent they were willing to get a little bit more Trump and a little bit more brutal in their political tactics, forcing this kind of a redistricting arms race was likely to accrue to their benefit. They control so many more districts across the country that's in part because they control more of the state governments cross country… When looking at Democratic states that limited Republican representation in Congress, five states stood out (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Rhode Island) in that the GOP made up a third or more of the electorate but held ZERO seats in the House. New Mexico was particularly egregious in that Republicans represented nearly half the electorate (44%), and yet they held zero of the three seats.     Tell us more Aaron about how selfless Democrats are in hampering their gerrymander ability. The transcript is below. Click "expand" to read: CNN’s Inside Politics August 12, 2025 12:23:11 p.m. Eastern (…) BASH: And what Governor Abbott said about Republicans having the advantage nationwide, with legislatures where they can -- if they want to continue this power play, gobble up more secure Republican seats. They can do that. And just one example, the one place, California, which we've been talking about, which has the potential, potential to add more Democratic seats, they don't have a lot to work with. Already there are 43 Democratic seats, there are only nine possibilities on the GOP side. AARON BLAKE: Yeah. Look, I mean, this was a standoff that was perhaps inevitable in some ways, and there's a very good reason for that. It's because Republicans have superior control over this process, and so to the extent they were willing to get a little bit more Trump and a little bit more brutal in their political tactics, forcing this kind of a redistricting arms race was likely to accrue to their benefit. They control so many more districts across the country that's in part because they control more of the state governments cross country, but it's also because a lot of these blue states have instituted these redistricting commissions like we have in California. That if California wants to respond in kind, they need to get voters to sign off on basically allowing the Democrats to gerrymander. I mean, that's a very difficult proposition, no matter how Democrats are spinning this right now, and so Republicans are basically saying, look, if you want to go hard at this, we'll do that because we can win this battle and we can draw more seats than you. (…)

While much of the liberal media coverage about President Trump’s federalizing of Washington D.C.’s police and deployment of the National Guard has been negative and dismissive of crime in the capital, CNN’s Kasie Hunt provided a welcome respite Tuesday as she spent nearly 11 minutes on The Arena thoroughly grilling D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb (D) over the city’s soft-on-crime policies about youth crime, truancy in schools, no-cash bail, and retail theft. She started with a basic question about why he’s been far more forceful in condemning President Trump’s move compared to Mayor Muriel Bowser. This drew a laughable answer: Hunt took that pat-on-the-back answer and pushed back. Incredibly, Schwalb doubled down: Following two attempts to have him answer whether he’ll sue the President, Hunt read two headlines to represent the level of depravity being committed on city streets by teens well below 18 years old: Schwalb’s answer was remarkable in its tone-deafness: Thankfully, Hunt didn’t do what’s often the case in legacy media by asking a tough question or two and then moving on. Hunt next shifted to an exhaustive work of investigative journalism by The Washington Post about the state of D.C. Public Schools. Notice Schwalb seemed completely unprepared to offer anything of substance: No-cash bail was next on Hunt’s hit list: “One other thing I wanted to ask you about is this cashless bail that the President brought up from the podium. Does that policy make it harder for D.C. officials to hold repeat offenders, people that the city knows have been behind previous crimes in the city? And do there need to be any changes to that policy?” Schwalb refused to offer any chance of common ground with the President, thus putting himself on par with those up in New York City: Showing the seriousness of the issue, Hunt pulled out yet another issue and perhaps the most glaring one to anyone who’s visited D.C.: retail theft. Hunt cited the desolate nature of CVS’s in the city as perhaps the worst example (click “expand”): HUNT: How do you look at the connection if — if you think there is one between violent crime and a perceived acceptability of petty crime? I don’t know if you’ve tried to buy a razor blade or some deodorant at a CVS in the District of Columbia lately, but it’s a lot harder than it used to be. They’re all under lock and key. There have been some CVS pharmacies that have closed in various parts of the city because this is such a problem. Would you like to see federal resources help fight petty crime to try to send a message? SCHWALB: I think that we’re ever additional resources can be brought to holding people accountable. We ought to look for ways to do that. I believe in respecting the law, laws matter, accountability matters and whether it’s a petty crime or a violent crime, people need to know that the rules matter and that they’re going to be fairly and uniformly enforced. And certainly, when we’re talking about communities and businesses that are adversely impacted by petty theft causing them, perhaps, as you suggest, to leave the neighborhoods, that has huge adverse impacts on people. So, my view is, if the federal government wants to assist and partner with the District of Columbia, we are welcome to it does not require a federal takeover or the kind of invocation of the Home Rule Act that, as I noted in the more than 50 years of our city, has never been invoked by any president. Hunt gave Schwalb a brief break by inviting him to explain “how” he “would...like to see the system here changed to allow D.C. officials to do more, to fight crime,” but closed with sound from the head of the D.C. Police Union lambasting those clinging to (possibly fudged) crime statistics as proof there’s little to see here (click “expand”): HUNT: And I’d like to play something that the D.C. Police union chairman had to say and just get you to respond to it, because I know we’ve — we’ve — we’ve been talking quite a bit about this. Let’s watch that and then we’ll talk to you. GREGGORY PEMBERTON [on FBN’s Varney & Co., 08/12/25]: Crime in the District is out of control and something needs to be done about it. This concept that crime is down is really an old trope. [SCREEN WIPE] Our rank and file officers know that we’re going call to call to call for armed carjacking, stabbings, robberies, shootings, homicides — ASHLEY WILLIAMS [on FBN’s Varney & Co., 08/12/25]: Oh! PEMBERTON [on FBN’s Varney & Co., 08/12/25]: — and the crime isn’t going anywhere. And so, we welcome the assistance And whether that’s federal agents or the National Guard, we’ll use it again. HUNT: Again, the police union chairman, what do you say to him? SCHWALB: Yeah. With due respect to Mr. Pemberton, I think his facts are wrong. I think his talking points are wrong. We know what’s happening in our city. We have more work to do. We need to all work together to reduce crime to a zero number, but we are going in the right direction, under local control, local policies, and local leadership, and we need to stay the course. To see the relevant CNN transcript from August 12, click here.