WendyMcElroy.com

Upcoming Elections. From Politico: Meet the new power players raising massive money for the midterms. Campaign finance reports show how new industries are preparing to spend big on elections. From the Washington Examiner: Meet Tom Steyer, the new leading Democrat to be California’s next governor. [Ed: his platform is truly frightening. See yesterday's newsfeed.] From the Epoch Times: The Latest On The Redistricting Battles. State lawmakers in both parties from Florida to California have pushed for partisan redistricting in their states since August 2025.

From People: Couple Has Wedding on Pet Pit Bull's 10th Birthday, Includes Him in Every Moment.

From Mish Talk: Fury Over Electrical Bills Mounts. It’s Another Midterm Election Issue, [Ed: affordability is going to the the #1 issue.]

From the Hollywood Reporter: Layoffs Hit Disney: 1,000 Jobs Cut as Josh D’Amaro Unveils Streamlining Push. "Given the fast-moving pace of our industries, this requires us to constantly assess how to foster a more agile and technologically-enabled workforce to meet tomorrow's needs,"

Strait of Hormux, From Breitbart: France, UK to lead ‘defensive’ force for Hormuz, "... force would be entirely defensive and only deployed once lasting peace in the region was agreed." From CBC: Trump says blockade on Iran will continue despite reopening of Strait of Hormuz. Strait will be completely ?open for rest of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Iran's foreign minister says

From Hot Air: Without Warning, We Are This Much Closer to a Nightmare Wind Farm 'What If?' [Ed: hat tip to Brad who comments, Read the whole thing, because a lot of these projects are failing -- for lots of different reasons.]

From the Travel Tart: Sheep Dog Trials and Sheep Farming for Beginners. How to Herd Them!

Claude Mythos. From Schneier on Security: Mythos and Cybersecurity. [Ed: one of best commentary I've seen on subject.] From Countercurrents: Putting the Calamity Makers in Charge: Anthropic and Claude Mythos Preview. [Ed: a must read.] From Reuters: White House Plans To Give Federal Agencies Access To Claude Mythos, The A.I. Model Making Everyone Nervous. [Ed: nervous with cause.]

From VBL: Silver Institute: Silver Enters a Squeeze Regime. [Ed: a comprehensive picture of silver's likely future. And, no, I'm not making a financial recommendation.]

From the Epoch Times: The Trump administration confirmed on April 17 that it was working with the FBI to investigate the mysterious deaths and disappearances of ten U.S. scientists and government employees who had access to nuclear or aerospace material. [Ed: I don't know what to think of this one but I'm watching it.]

From People: Couple’s ‘Sassy’ Dog, the Household ‘Breadwinner,’ Is Helping Pay for Their More Than $65,000 Wedding. Shannon Edmondson, who created dachshund Wilson’s Instagram in 2023, plans to have her dog as her ring bearer at her 2028 wedding

Ilan Omar, From FOX News: Ilhan Omar's office says she's ‘not a millionaire’ after $30M filing revised down to under $100K: report. [Ed: I'm sure we'll be hearing more on this. For one thing, the Omars have publicly insulted Comer for asking questions.] From the Western Journal: Rep. Boebert Planning Motion to Expel Ilhan Omar from Congress Over Alleged Incestuous Marriage - 'That One's Mine... I Have Dibs'

Everyday Finances. From Hot Air: Prices Controls Will Deny Millions of Americans Credit Cards. [Ed: this could up-end the economy. There are so many possible tipping points out there.] From Reason: The Bipartisan War on Cheap Food. Republicans and Democrats preach about food affordability. Yet their policies continue to make it worse. From Cato Institute: Cato's New Handbook on Affordability. [Ed: free download.]

From Consortium News: Kuwait Holds American Journalist After Reporting On 'Friendly Fire' Shootdown Incident. ...harming national security & misusing his mobile phone...

Israel & Lebanon. From Zero Hedge: Trump Turns The Screws On Israel In Biggest Pressure Move To Reign In Bibi Yet. [Ed: the ceasefire with Iran hinges on Israel ceasing to bomb Lebanon.] From antiwar: The Collapse is Real – Lebanon Ceasefire Marks a Historic Strategic Defeat. [Ed: Iran and Lebanon have been disasters for Trump.]

Iran & U.S. From Moon of Alabama: War On Iran: – Ceasefire In Lebanon, – Hormuz Re-opened, – Talks To Continue. [Ed: Ahmed Shihab-Eldin.] AND War On Iran: – Trump Claims Victory, Lays Grounds To Resume Fighting From Zero Hedge: US Prepares To Board Iran-Linked Ships Globally Following Iranian Gunboat Attack On Tanker In Hormuz. [Ed: ...globally? I hope Trump doesn't follow thru on this one. It would officially be a World War.] AND Dramatic Audio: Indian Tanker Was Given Permission Before Being Fired On By IRGC, Delhi Summons Ambassador. Second vessel also subject of inbound projectiles...

From Zero Hedge: "Mamdani Mart" Exposes The Inefficiency Of Socialism In One Chart. Construction cost of about $3,000 per square foot!! [Ed: fascinating chart compares this to $ per sq ft. in NYC private grocery stores.]

From Doog Lover: Story of Dog Brothers Rowdy and Rigby Who Enjoy Loving Bunk Beds to Sleep Together Every Night

FIFA. From the AP: Trump Signs Extension of Surveillance Authority. Republican leaders couldn't get full FISA renewal approved [Ed: extended to April 30.]

From Psychology Today: Carfentanil Was an Elephant Sedative. Now It's a Human Drug Problem. Carfentanil is even more dangerous and deadly than fentanyl. From FOX 5 Atlanta: A chemical 100 times stronger than fentanyl is fueling US overdoses. [Ed: this is the first I'm hearing of this drug. I think it will catch a lot of people off-guard.]

It was a bonehead move by Trump, but no one was outraged when Obama similarly postered himself as Jesus.

BREAKING. From Zero Hedge: "Bit Of Chaos": Hormuz Shuts Agains As Ships Make U-Turn. "They are now turning back because the Revolutionary Guards are sending radio messages..."

From Daniel LaCalle: Mises, Rothbard, & Libertarian 'Just War' Theory In The 2026 Iran War

From Buzzfeed: This Man Was Willing To Sleep Outside In Freezing Temperatures To Avoid Being Separated From His Dog. But thanks to the kindness of local organizations in Indianapolis, Bernard Holland is getting back on his feet.

Housing. From The Mortgage Notes: Homes Today Vs. 1956 – What’s The Difference? [Ed: fascinating.] From National Review: Are Foreigners and Outsiders Stealing Our Housing? [Ed: answer is a good debunking of this myth.]

Trump's 2019 Impeachment. From Just the News: House Intel member says it's time to expunge Trump's 2019 impeachment, punish Judge Boasberg. "So-called whistleblower knew he didn't have the evidence. He used hearsay. He used poor intelligence ... but they covered it up," Rep. Claudia Tenney said. [Ed: the RussiaGate attempted coup is the worst political scandal I've ever seen. Yes, far worse than Watergate.]

From antiwar: House Narrowly Defeats Iran War Powers Resolution as Thousands More US Troops Head to Middle East. The bill failed in a vote of 213-214, with just one Democrat voting against it and one Republican supporting it

Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire. From antiwar: The Collapse is Real – Lebanon Ceasefire Marks a Historic Strategic Defeat. [Ed: more a surrender than a ceasefire.] From Son of the New American Revolution:k] War On Iran: – Ceasefire In Lebanon, – Hormuz Re-opened, – Talks To Continue,

Trump as Jesus Flap. From the BBC: Trump’s rift with Pope is playing out in public – it’s costing him valuable support. [Ed: it surprises me that Vance is entering this fray. It is a losing move for both of them.] From FOX News: From Iran to the fake Jesus image, Trump is facing a growing backlash for his inflammatory rhetoric.

From Waggington Post: Shelter Dog Moves Into New Home And Adorably Freaks Out When She Notices What’s In The Backyard

Gallego. From CBS News: GOP Rep. Luna accuses Sen. Ruben Gallego of misconduct; Gallego calls allegations "conspiracy theories" [Ed: who else are the Dems protecting?] AND Senator Ruben Gallego reacts to misconduct allegations. From Daily Mail: Bombshell records reveal Eric Swalwell and Ruben Gallego splurged campaign cash in Puerto Rico during island wedding

From the Cradle: Syria declares 'end of US mission' as last troops leave country. Forces loyal to self-appointed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa took over the the US's Qasrak Base in Hasakah Governorate on Thursday.

Upcoming Elections/Votes. From Jonathan Turley: “F**k It…Just Do It”: Carville Lays Out Democratic Plan to Add States and Pack the Court To Retain Power. Various AND Virginia is for Democrats: Spanberger Pushes Gerrymandered Map to Wipe Out Republican Districts. [Ed: by admitting she lied about everything she stood for before she was election, there is a real shadow over every Dem candidate who comes next.

From the DoDo: Abandoned Puppy Sprints Toward Study Abroad Student, Asking For Help. “She just ran out towards us like, ‘Hey! Could you help me?’”

U.S.-Iran. From Son of the New American Revolution: Donald Trump and Scott Bessent Destroy Any Chance to Negotiate an End to the War with Iran. [Ed: I have thought the same of some of the U.S. war rhetoric and calling Iranians "animals."] From Al Jazeera: Can Pakistan secure Iran-US nuclear compromise, as Trump says deal ‘close’? From Axios: Scoop: U.S. considers $20 billion cash-for-uranium deal with Iran

From Sunny Skyz: Woman With Dementia Thinks She’s Getting Married, So Her Daughter Throws Her A Bridal Shower.

From antiwar: US Dramatically Ramps Up Bombing Campaign Against Small Boats in the Waters of Latin America

AI. From Real Clear Politics: What AI Doesn't Know - And Why It Matters. Properly understood, AI supplements and does not replace human intelligence, knowledge, or understanding... [Ed: a sober assessment.] From Futurism: Usually, Young People Embrace New Technology. Gen Z’s Attitude Toward AI Should Worry the Entire Tech Industry. The AI industry has a major problem with young people. From Mish Talk: Which AI Models Have Any Sense of Humor and Sarcasm [Ed: recommended.]

From Hot Air: The Electric Bus Bust Mayhem Continues. [Ed: the official transportation in Kamalot.]

From Reason: 'The Rich Don't Pay Their Fair Share' and 4 Other Tax Myths That Won't Die. The United States has the most progressive income-tax system in the developed world.

Strait of Hormuz. From the North Shore News: Canadian and U.S. stocks soar, oil drops as Iran says Strait of Hormuz open. [Ed: would not have happened without the Lebanon ceasefire.]From the International Man: Hormuz Blockade, Fertilizer Shock, Food Crisis — What Most People Don’t See Coming AND Doug Casey on the Strait of Hormuz, the Dollar, and the Coming Energy Crisis

From Fortune: The Iran war’s fertilizer shock is hammering American farmers, and 70% can’t afford what they need for this year’s growing season.

From Wamiz: Shelter dog rushes to 16 YO when he realises something is wrong

Ukraine-Russia. From Simplicius. Serious Escalation: Russian MOD Implies Threatening Consequences Against Europe for Being Party to Conflict. It has slowly become increasingly apparent that Ukraine may be utilizing the airspace of NATO countries for its recent spate of strikes against Russia.

BREAKING. From FOX News: Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire, Trump announces. [Ed: already some reports of violations.] From the AP: Ceasefire Takes Effect After Flurry of Strikes. Displaced families begin moving back to southern Lebanon [Ed: God, I wish safety for them.] From the National: What are the terms of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire? Ceasefire begins at midnight, local time, on Friday and will last 10 days

Immigration. From Hot Air: Spain Just Opened Every Country in Europe to Islamist Migrants. [Ed: opened its borders and, as part of the European Schengen Zone, its borders with other countries are also open.] From the Post Millennial: California county refused to honor 529 ICE detainers in 2025. California's sanctuary laws prohibit local and state law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal authorities on immigration. [Ed: Santa Clara County.] From Center for Immigration Studies: The DIGNIDAD Act: Sweeping Amnesty and Expanded Legal Immigration

From Yahoo Life: Half-Blind Senior Dog Saves Family and Chickens From Bear, Earning Nickname the ‘Bear Slayer’

From Zero Hedge: China's Unitree Unveils Robot With "Human-Like Physique" That Can Outrun Most People. [Ed: saw a very impressive video of one such robot.]

Swalwell. From Bored Trash Panda: Everyone Knew Swalwell Had a ‘Women and Whiskey’ Problem: The View’s Alyssa Farah Griffin [WATCH]. [Ed: Pelosi et al are not going to get away with the "I knew nothing" routine.] From Slate: Consider the Dick Pic. Why can’t the nation’s most politically ambitious men stop sending unsolicited photos of their junk?

From the New York Post: Islanders fans rally behind jailed ‘cooler cop’ Erik Duran after launch of defense legal fund. [Ed: this case will have repercussions in NYC and, perhaps, across the U.S.]

Taxation. From Mises Institute: Tax Freedom Day Underestimates How Long You Work For The Government. "Americans don’t truly start working for themselves until June 5, over seven weeks later..." From the Daily Economy: Bootleggers, Baptists, and Others Who Benefit From Tax Complexity. Moral advocates and special interests engineer the tax code to reward those best equipped to navigate complex rules. [Ed: a must read.] From Reason: Trump's Illegal War in Iran Is Financed by Your Taxes. That's a Good Reason To Stop Paying Them. If Congress will not deploy the power of the purse to restrain a lawless administration and an illegal war, then it falls to the public to do so.

From the DoDo: Trader Joe's Employees Find Lost Dog — And Drop Everything To Help Her

Upcoming Elections. From KTLA5: Tom Steyer announces plan to jail ICE agents, calls agency a ‘violent extremist group’ [Ed: and he is the forerunner on the Dem side.]

From the Babylon Bee: Mamdani Says City-Run Supermarket Will Be Ready In 3 Years But Recommends Getting In Line For Bread Now. [Ed: I have to point out this is satire because reality and satire are blending these days.]

Trump's 2019 Impeachment. From CNN: DNI Tulsi Gabbard sends criminal referral over Trump’s 2019 impeachment to Justice Department. [Ed: referrals for undisclosed whistleblower and Inspector General involved. I suspect the whistleblower is former CIA analyst Eric Ciaramella who was named in the media as such.] From Forbes: Trump Floats Idea Of Reversing 2019 Impeachment—Again. [Ed: expunging an impeachment has never occurred and I don't know how it would occur.]

From Responsible Statecraft: Is the US prepping for a military operation in Cuba? Trump told reporters this week that ‘we may stop by' the island 'after we’re finished with’ the Iran war

From the Future of Freedom Foundation: Libertarians and Social Security

Iran War. From Moon of Alabama: War On Iran: – Closing The Red Sea. From the Middle East Eye: War on Iran 'can be over very soon' Trump says, as backchannel diplomacy resumes. The US president says neither the Saudi Arabians nor the Chinese pushed back against his Strait of Hormuz blockade. [Ed: I think the ceasefire will be extended. Pakistan is making noise about renewed negotiations.] From Zero Hedge: Trump Says 'Probably, Maybe' Iran Talks To Resume This Weekend, 'Not Sure' About Ceasefire Extension. From Scheer Post: Everyone Knows Israel is Sabotaging The Iran Ceasefire—Even The Trump Administration

From Law and Liberty: Abundance Pragmatism Fails. Some policies simply won't ever be "smart." [Ed: recommended.]

California. From the Post Millennial: LA hotels slash jobs, staff hours as Karen Bass’ $30 minimum wage hike drives up costs. “Hotels are struggling to keep up with rising operating costs coupled with falling demand.”

From Pawbuzz: Dog Gets A New Puppy For His Birthday, Their First Meeting Has Been Watched Over 7 Million Times. [Ed: wonderful video!]

From CNBC: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is preparing banks to collect citizenship data. "The administration has been considering an executive order to require banks to request additional documents from customers and earlier this week Bessent indicated the EO is coming."

Ukraine-Russia. From Radio Free Europe: Russia Launches Hundreds Of Drones In Deadly Overnight Attack On Ukraine. [Ed: Ukraine's attack on russia are equally brutal. This is the nature of war, not of Russia.] From Kyiv Post: Vance Calls Ending US Funding for Ukraine War ‘Key Achievement’. [Ed: less $ for Zelensky and his cronies?] From Zero Hedge: Drone Attack On Russia's Tuapse Oil Refinery Unleashes Fire So Large It Can Be Seen From Space. Black Sea port town declares state of emergency...

From the DoDo: Tiny Dog Can't Stop Smiling At Everybody After Being Rescued