Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) irritated members of his own party by complaining about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) move to force a clerk to read President Donald Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill in its entirety — and then complaining that the extra time spent on Capitol Hill had resulted in him missing out on a family vacation. Schumer forced the move on Saturday, saying, “I will object to Republicans moving forward on their Big, Ugly Bill without reading it on the Senate floor. Republicans won’t tell America what’s in the bill. So Democrats are forcing it to be read start to finish on the floor. We will be here all night if that’s what it takes to read it.” Fetterman made it clear that he was unhappy with the move from the start, saying, “It’s not like it’s pathetic to force the clerk to read it or anything.” Fetterman not really happy with Dems forcing the clerk to read the bill: “it’s not like it’s pathetic to force the clerk to read it or anything” — Burgess Everett (@burgessev) June 28, 2025 The delay apparently put the Pennsylvania senator off his family vacation at the beach, another development that left him none too pleased. “Oh my God, I just want to go home,” the Pennsylvania Democrat told reporters on Monday. “I’ve already missed our entire trip to the beach, my family’s going to be back before we do … I’m going to vote no. There’s no drama that — we know [how] the votes are going to go. The only interesting votes are going to be on the margins, whether that’s Collins or Johnson, but all the Democrats, we all know how that’s going to go … I don’t think it’s really helpful to put people here until some ungodly hour.” JULY 4 SALE: Get Six Months Of DW+ Free ? SENATOR JOHN FETTERMAN (D-PA) FUMES over extended voting on the Big Bill: “Oh my God, I just want to go home.” “I’ve already I’ve missed our entire trip to the beach…I don’t think it’s really helpful to put people here till some ungodly hour.”pic.twitter.com/37nFBMtTLV — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 30, 2025 Critics then turned on Fetterman, complaining that he was so worried about a family vacation that he didn’t care about working for the people who elected him. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) said, “There is always dignity in fighting for the American people. We should be here fighting for the American people. I don’t care if it takes a month.” JUST NOW: Mark Kelly speaks on John Fetterman’s comments: “There is always dignity in fighting for the American people. We should be here fighting for the American people. I don’t care if it takes a month” pic.twitter.com/f74g2yJXle — Marco Foster (@MarcoFoster_) June 30, 2025 Criticisms aside, Fetterman is likely correct in his assessment that it will be the fringe votes that drive whether or not the One Big, Beautiful Bill makes it across the finish line.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell ripped into legacy media on Sunday, accusing outlets of fueling the “Iranian propaganda machine” because they were so desperate to smear President Donald Trump that they were willing to accept any collateral damage that followed — even if the majority of the damage landed on American service members. Parnell showcased a headline from The Washington Post that cast doubt on the success of the recent strikes carried out by American service members against Iranian nuclear sites — strikes that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump, backed by multiple intelligence sources, had declared to be unqualified successes. “The mainstream media is engaging in a weaponized smear campaign against America & our incredible troops. The Fake News are knowingly using incomplete, out-of-context & flat-out false intelligence ‘assessments’ to seemingly do the bidding of the Iranian propaganda machine,” Parnell posted along with a screenshot of The Washington Post’s story. “This isn’t journalism, it’s political activism.” The mainstream media is engaging in a weaponized smear campaign against America & our incredible troops. The Fake News are knowingly using incomplete, out-of-context & flat-out false intelligence “assessments” to seemingly do the bidding of the Iranian propaganda machine. This… pic.twitter.com/fIAScWp4x7 — Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellUSA) June 29, 2025 The screenshot he shared read, “Breaking News: U.S. intelligence obtained private communication among Iranian officials, discussing this month’s military strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and remarking that the attack was less devastating than they expected.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a similar tone at the press conference he held late last week, sharing detailed information about the strikes and whether or not the intended targets had been “obliterated” before he turned on the media. JULY 4 SALE: Get Six Months Of DW+ Free “You, and I mean specifically you, the press corps, because you cheer against Trump so hard, like in your DNA and in your blood, to cheer against Trump. You want him not to be successful so bad, you have to cheer against the efficacy of the strikes,” Hegseth said. “You have to hope they were not effective. Let’s take half-truths, spun information, leaked information, and then spin it, spin it in every way we can to try to cause doubt and manipulate the public mind over whether or not our brave pilots were successful.” “Time and time again, classified information is leaked or peddled for political purposes to try to make the president look bad. And what’s really happening is you’re undermining the success of incredible B-2 pilots and incredible F-35 pilots and incredible refuelers and incredible air defenders who accomplished their mission, set back a nuclear program in ways that other presidents would have dreamed,” he continued.

Trump administration border czar Tom Homan blasted an app that tracks ICE agents, as well as CNN for promoting the app, calling the network disgusting while adding, “It’s only a matter of time before ICE officers are going to be ambushed by some nut.” The app, called ICEBlock, tracks the locations of ICE agents, asking its users to pinpoint where ICE agents are. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “It’s unacceptable that a major network would promote such an app that is encouraging violence against officers who are trying to keep our country safe.” Earlier on Monday, CNN anchor John Berman stated, “As the Trump administration steps up ICE raids and mass deportations, one tech developer is pushing back with an app designed to track ICE activity in real time. It’s called ICEBlock and it’s controversial, to say the least.” He asked CNN’s Clare Duffy how the app worked. “I talked with Joshua Aaron, who is the longtime tech worker who developed this platform, and he said he really wants it to be an early warning system for people about the location of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers,” Duffy replied. “So he says he does not want people interfering with those officers’ activity, but he does want people to be able to avoid them altogether if they want. So you open the app — it looks like a map — and users can tap the map to report an ICE sighting in their area. And then everybody who uses the platform within five miles of that sighting will get a push alert. This is a free iPhone app. It is anonymous.” Asked about the app and CNN’s reporting by Fox News’ Lawrence Jones, Homan replied,  “It’s simply disgusting, and any network that covers that is disgusting as well. So I’m hoping DOJ steps in here and see if they crossed that line, impeding federal law enforcement officers. … Assaults against ICE is (sic) up over 500%.” “Now you got an app that’s going to tell where ICE operatives are going to be,” he continued. “It’s only a matter of time before ICE officers are going to be ambushed by some nut, like what happened in LA, throwing a Molotov cocktail, throwing bricks at these officers. This is just disgusting at every level, so I hope DOJ dives in this deeply, because ICE is concentrating on public safety threats and national security threats. This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This shouldn’t be an issue anybody is against. They’re already in a dangerous job going after the worst of the worst. These guys are putting their lives on the line every day going after the worst of the worst, and a national security threat, and this app makes it much more dangerous. It’s incredible that those who enforce law, all of a sudden they’re the bad guys, the ones who break the law, they’re victims. It’s disgusting.” .@RealTomHoman slams a new app that tracks @ICEgov agents as 'DISGUSTING!' pic.twitter.com/eKnfqTPKuZ — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 30, 2025 Related: ICE Officials Slam CNN For Promoting App That Helps Illegals Dodge Federal Agents

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Air travel is often seen as a symbol of freedom and prosperity. But while it represents convenience for some, for the planet’s climate, it comes at a steep price. Aviation accounts for more than two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—and that footprint is growing. Now, new research suggests a surprisingly simple fix that could make a big difference: taxing airline tickets. According to a recent study by Dutch consultancy CE Delft, a modest levy on airline tickets could raise over €100 billion ($107 billion) annually. Commissioned by the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, the report outlines a tiered tax plan starting at just €10 ($11) for short-haul economy flights and scaling up to €120 ($129) for long-haul business-class travel. Even a fuel-based tax model, slightly less lucrative, would still generate around €84 billion ($90 billion) per year. A fairer way to fly What makes the proposal particularly compelling is its equity-focused design. Only a fraction of the global population flies regularly. In fact, just 1 percent of people are responsible for over half of aviation’s emissions. Meanwhile, many countries still allow airlines to pay little to no tax on fuel, unlike drivers who often pay significant petrol taxes. Laurence Tubiana, co-chair of the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force, sees this as a chance to course-correct. “We can redress the balance with a modest extra contribution from those with the greatest means,” she explained, “without raising prices for the vast majority who work hard all year to enjoy an occasional holiday.” Polling supports the idea. Surveys conducted by Oxfam and Greenpeace in 13 countries show that roughly three-quarters of respondents believe wealthy air passengers should pay more tax. Support for a separate tax on private jets is also high. Fueling climate justice The proposed flight tax wouldn’t just serve as a deterrent to emissions—it would fill a major gap in climate finance. At COP29 in Azerbaijan, countries agreed on a goal: by 2035, at least $1.3 trillion must be mobilized annually to help developing nations deal with climate impacts. Of that, $300 billion should come directly from wealthy countries. However, many experts worry that this commitment will fall short without bold new funding strategies. France, Kenya, and Barbados are already leading the call for international levies on aviation, shipping, and fossil fuels. These so-called global solidarity levies could provide a sustainable revenue stream to support the most climate-vulnerable regions. Chiara Liguori, a senior policy adviser at Oxfam, emphasized the urgency: “Fairer taxes on polluting industries around the world could help avoid more deaths, providing immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in a fast, fair transition to renewables.” As climate talks continue, who will pay? World leaders are now gathering in Bonn to prepare for COP30 in Brazil. Civil society organizations are urging negotiators not to let climate finance fall off the agenda. With global temperatures rising and extreme weather escalating, the need for actionable funding solutions has never been greater. The idea of a flight tax may not be new, but this latest study shows it could be one of the most practical, scalable, and publicly supported ways to bring climate justice closer to takeoff.The post Could a flight tax help fix the climate finance gap? first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Insects are facing a crisis. Their populations are dropping at alarming rates, even in pristine nature reserves. That’s bad news not only for bugs but also for the birds, bats, amphibians, and ecosystems that depend on them. The good news is that you can help. These 25 actions are small, accessible, science-backed, and they’ll make a real difference. Whether you live in a city apartment or have a backyard to play with, there’s something here for everyone. 1. Turn out the lights It’s not just moths fluttering around your porch light; outdoor lighting can spell doom for a third of the insects trapped in its glow. Constant artificial light disrupts insect behavior, reproduction, and even how they eat. “Once you turn off a light, it is gone. You don’t have to clean up like with most pollutants,” says behavioral ecologist Brett Seymoure. Try motion sensors, lower-wattage bulbs, or simply turning off outdoor lights when not needed. You’ll reduce light pollution, protect insect life, and save on your energy bill. 2. Plant native species Local insects have evolved alongside local plants, forming intricate relationships over generations. Some bees, for instance, will only visit one specific flower species. By planting natives instead of exotics, you’re creating a natural buffet for your local pollinators. Bonus: native plants are usually hardier and require less water and maintenance, so they’re better for your garden too. 3. Swap moth bombs for tiny wasps Clothes moths nibbling your sweaters? Instead of blasting your closet with toxic insecticides, try using microscopic parasitic wasps. These almost-invisible allies lay eggs in moth larvae and disappear when their job is done. Museums and historic homes use them to protect priceless textiles. Your wool cardigan deserves the same. 4. Start composting Compost heaps are warm, damp, and full of decomposing matter: paradise for many insects. Over time, compost boosts soil fertility, attracting beneficial bugs that support plant growth. Even if you don’t garden, you can join local composting programs or start a countertop system. You’re not just cutting food waste, you’re creating a microhabitat. 5. Provide fresh water (the right way) In a warming world, drought hits bugs hard. Help them hydrate by placing shallow bowls of water in your garden or balcony. Add pebbles or corks so bees don’t drown. Research shows bees prefer slightly murky water because it’s richer in nutrients. So don’t worry if your bee bath isn’t sparkling clean. 6. Leave the leaves Raking your yard might feel tidy, but fallen leaves are vital insect real estate. Caterpillars, beetles, and even fireflies overwinter in leaf litter. Studies show removing leaves cuts moth and butterfly populations almost in half. Leave them be and let your garden thrive. 7. Create a balcony or window garden No yard? No problem. A sunny windowsill or balcony with native flowering plants can be a lifeline for traveling pollinators. A single blooming pot can provide nectar and rest for butterflies or bees in urban jungles. It’s small-scale habitat restoration and it looks beautiful too. 8. Use medications responsibly You might not link your antibiotics to insect decline, but everything flushed into the water system eventually ends up in nature. Medications can alter aquatic ecosystems and affect pollinators. Always take meds as prescribed, and never flush them down the toilet. Use pharmacy take-back programs instead. 9. Build a butterfly bank A butterfly bank is a raised patch of earth with wild plants and varied sun exposure. It’s essentially a cozy refuge for butterflies to lay eggs, feed, and rest. Some species are extremely picky and need exact plant matches. If you’ve got the space, building one is a brilliant way to help butterflies beat the heat and survive unpredictable weather. 10. Rethink flea treatments Many flea treatments for pets contain chemicals like imidacloprid, which are devastating to insects and leach into waterways. One monthly treatment can kill millions of bees. If you must treat your pet, don’t let them swim in natural water sources for at least a month after. Better yet, look into non-chemical flea solutions like grooming and natural repellents. 11. Try the 3 x 3 x 3 planting rule Not sure how to start your pollinator garden? Pick three native plant species that flower in spring, summer, and fall, then plant each group in clusters. This strategy ensures year-round food for pollinators and makes it easier for them to locate nectar sources. It’s a foolproof way to get started. 12. Prioritize keystone plants Not all native plants are equal. Keystone plants support dozens or even hundreds of insect species. In North America, oaks, cherries, and birches are top performers. These plants anchor ecosystems and feed caterpillars that, in turn, feed birds. Plant them, and you’re building a food web from the ground up. 13. Sprinkle some gravel Most bees don’t live in hives, they actually nest in the ground. A thin layer of gravel or flat stones helps solitary bees dig and nest. Australian studies show bee populations increase when gravel is added. Contact a local bee conservation group to learn which setups best suit your area. 14. Eat organic when possible Pesticides and herbicides used in conventional farming are among the top causes of insect decline. Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, giving insects a fighting chance. Even one organic purchase a week supports cleaner agriculture. It adds up. 15. Choose plastic-free fabrics Your polyester sweater might shed hundreds of thousands of microplastic fibers per wash, and those end up in waterways. These particles are toxic to insects. Try switching to natural fabrics like wool, silk, linen, or organic cotton when possible. Every garment choice can make a ripple. 16. Cut overall plastic use From packaging to kitchenware, plastics break down into microplastics that pollute ecosystems. Reduce plastic use in all areas by buying in bulk, skipping bottled water, and carrying reusable bags. Each plastic-free swap protects insect habitats. 17. Let things rot Decomposition is part of life, and vital for insects. Rotting logs, fallen branches, and even dead animals feed a rich variety of invertebrates. If it’s safe, let dead wood lie. Think of it as leaving snacks and shelter out for nature’s cleanup crew. 18. Weed by hand Ditch the glyphosate. This common herbicide damages insect immunity and decimates soil biodiversity. Pulling weeds manually or using vinegar-based solutions is safer and connects you with your garden. Plus, it’s a surprisingly good workout. 19. Make shade Too much sun can literally fry insects, so your local bugs would appreciate a few shade patches. Shade helps them regulate temperature and survive heatwaves. Whether it’s planting a tree, putting up a trellis, or installing a shade sail, you’re giving bugs a breather from climate stress. 20. Skip the lawnmower—or mow less Lawns are ecological deserts. Letting grasses grow allows wildflowers to flourish and insects to move in. Even mowing once every two weeks instead of weekly can boost biodiversity. If you can, then maybe consider converting a section of your yard into a wildflower haven. 21. Sow wildflower seeds Turn that weedy patch or empty roadside strip into an insect oasis. Native wildflowers support bees, butterflies, and beetles. You can even DIY a seed shaker using a spice jar and sow while you stroll. It’s easy, cheap, and deeply rewarding. 22. Join a citizen science count We can’t protect what we don’t understand. Join local butterfly or bug counts; some take just 15 minutes. These community-led surveys provide critical data to researchers and influence conservation decisions. Your backyard could hold the next big discovery. 23. Report invasive species Invasive species like the Asian hornet can wipe out entire local insect populations in the UK. Learn what threats are active in your area and report sightings through apps or websites. You’ll help stop them before they take hold. 24. Support owls and bats Bats and insectivorous owls control pests naturally. When they disappear, farmers reach for chemical alternatives. You can help by installing bat boxes, preserving old trees, and keeping lights low at night. More bats = fewer pesticides. 25. Cut your carbon footprint Climate change is now the biggest threat to insects. Reducing fossil fuel use by walking, biking, flying less, or insulating your home can help mitigate this existential crisis. Every ton of carbon you save protects countless tiny lives.The post 25 easy and effective ways to help protect insects—starting today first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

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One thing that we NEVER get tired of is different ways to eat potatoes. So we got real excited when we found this recipe for crusty fondant potatoes with butter and stock. These potatoes are beyond delicious and make a great fancy-looking side dish. Here’s how you can make them at home! Ingredients: 2 tablespoons... The post Place cut potatoes in a frying pan for a meal that will have your family begging for more appeared first on Shareably.