Author: Rana McCallister

A Kansas National Guard member is in federal custody after authorities say he tried to provide Russia with a specialized aviation radio that cannot be exported without a U.S. government license. The alleged incident raised immediate export-control and national security concerns and prompted a federal response. This article explains what happened, why export controls matter, and what the legal and security implications could be. Officials say a member of the Kansas National Guard attempted to transfer a special aviation radio that is tightly controlled for export. The device “can’t be exported without a U.S. government license,” according to authorities, and…

When Congress cobbles together a temporary deal to reopen the government, the next fight is keeping it funded for the rest of the fiscal year. This article looks at the tools lawmakers use, the stakes for taxpayers, and the practical choices Republicans can press to control spending and defend priorities through Sept. 30. Short-term spending measures, known as continuing resolutions, are the most common fix after a shutdown scare. A CR buys time but rarely solves the root problem: unchecked spending levels baked into larger bills. Republicans should push to use that breathing space to force targeted votes on big-ticket…

The aircraft made a first flight last week over the southern California desert just after sunrise, and the milestone could mark the start of a quieter era for supersonic travel. Engineers tested a jet built specifically to reduce noise and tame the sonic signature that once limited overland supersonic operations. The takeoff and cruise were aimed at proving new shapes, engine placements, and flight profiles that promise to change what regulators and communities will tolerate. The company behind the jet has spent years focusing on noise as the central technical and social barrier to supersonic service over populated areas. Instead…

The Heritage Foundation found itself scrambling after its president defended Tucker Carlson’s warm interview with a young far-right influencer, a move that set off a significant dispute across the conservative movement. This article examines what happened, why it mattered to donors and staff, and how the episode exposed tensions about tone, strategy, and the limits of free speech within conservative institutions. The controversy began when the foundation’s leader publicly backed Carlson’s interview, framing it as open conversation rather than endorsement of every view expressed. That defense quickly touched a raw nerve among donors and some staff who feared association with…

Former President Barack Obama returned to the campaign trail Saturday to boost Democratic candidates in Virginia and New Jersey, aiming to drive turnout ahead of Tuesday’s off-year elections. His appearances were framed as a final push to energize voters and steer momentum in closely watched races. Republicans see this as a sign Democrats are nervous and trying to mobilize their base one last time. Obama showing up on the stump sends a clear message: Democrats believe high-profile star power can still change the math on Election Day. From a Republican viewpoint, that is an admission that the candidates on the…

President Trump warned that the United States could deploy military forces to Nigeria and cut off foreign aid if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.” This article examines that threat, what it signals about U.S. priorities, and the practical and political consequences of using military pressure and aid leverage to defend religious minorities abroad. The core of the message is straightforward and uncompromising: protect vulnerable religious communities or face consequences. From a Republican perspective, this is consistent with a foreign policy that puts American principles and national interests first, while signaling that tolerance for targeted violence…

On Halloween Friday a large crowd gathered at Navy Yard, and authorities say the scene included hundreds of juveniles. Tensions rose as groups converged, and law enforcement stepped in, resulting in arrests. City officials reported that one 18-year-old man and four juvenile boys were arrested for alleged disorderly conduct. The evening drew a big turnout, with many young people arriving in waves around prime trick-or-treat and party hours. By accounts from witnesses, the group atmosphere shifted from festive to chaotic in spots, which is when officers moved to restore order. Local streets and public spaces that are usually busy for…

Baltimore County’s recent decision to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and its removal from ICE’s sanctuary jurisdictions list marks a clear change in local policy. The move shifts the county into a space where federal and local enforcement can coordinate more closely, and it raises questions about public safety, local control, and the role of state and federal government. From a Republican perspective, this is a welcome step toward restoring rule-of-law priorities and sensible cooperation between agencies. The practical effects will depend on how that cooperation is implemented on the ground. Baltimore County is off the U.S. Immigration and Customs…

The U.S. bishops’ recent remark about interfaith relations has stirred debate about faith, honesty, and public policy. This piece looks at the USCCB statement, the tensions it exposes between religious conviction and polite pluralism, and what those tensions mean from a Republican perspective. It argues for frank engagement with theological differences while insisting on civility and the rule of law in public life. “Islam’s inherent disdain for non-Muslims must not intrude on the pieties of interfaith harmony, according to the USCCB.” That line landed like a stone in calm water because it refuses to paper over differences, and because it…

Burglars targeted a storage site tied to the Oakland Museum of California this month, making off with a number of historic artifacts and assorted items. The breach has left museum staff scrambling to catalog losses and work with law enforcement while the community questions how priceless pieces could vanish. This article lays out what we know about the theft, the likely impacts on collections and scholarship, and what the incident suggests about museum security for stored holdings. The incident involved a break-in at the museum’s storage facility, where dozens of objects that aren’t on public display are kept for research…