PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP (Shutterstock).

Some federal funds for public health and transportation may be withheld from several “blue states” by the Trump Administration.

According to the Associated Press, the states affected would be California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota, all with Democratic governors.

No formal announcement has been made, but in the past President Donald Trump has focused on his opposition to Democratic policies on DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), transgender rights and electric vehicles.

There has also been a threat to withhold federal dollars from 22 states that have not complied with a demand to provide information on the immigration status of recipients of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) food aid program.

Federal courts have so far not been receptive to similar efforts by the white House.

Indictment on “illegal orders” video rebuffed

SEN. MARK KELLY

A federal grand jury on Tuesday refused a request by federal Department of Justice prosecutors to indict six Democratic officeholders for their role in a video in which they reminded active-duty members of the military or intelligence agencies that they had a duty to refuse to obey “illegal orders.”

The six included Arizona Senator Mike Kelly, a former astronaut and military veteran, who is considered a possible candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

“Our laws are clear,” said Kelly in the video. “You can refuse illegal orders.”

Grand jury members concluded that the makers of the video had committed no crime for which they could be prosecuted.

Holiday season wasn’t so merry

Shoppers making purchases for Christmas didn’t exactly ring the bells off the cash registers.

HOLIDAY SHOPPERS spent only a little more in 2025 than in 2024.

On Tuesday, the federal Department of Commerce reported that retail sales in December didn’t meet expectations, reported United Press International on Tuesday.

The monthly estimates for retail and food service sales were “virtually unchanged” from November, although initial estimates are often revised.

Some categories showed minor declines, such as electronics appliance sales – down 0.4 percent – and clothing and accessories, which is down by 0.7 percent.

Despite the retail sales numbers, the gross domestic product was reported to be up by 4.2 percent in 2025 over 2024.

Weather: Headed toward the warm

A gentle rise into higher temperatures is in the cards for our West Orange County cities. At least, that’s what forecasts say. Wednesday is expected to have a daytime high of 66 with an overnight low 47 with morning showers. But Thursday should warm to a high of 67 with a low of 51. There will be fog in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Friday will be even warmer at 71 (52) under mostly cloudy skies.

Great Thoughts (parenting)

“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one,”
– Sue Atkins

“Too much love never spoils children. Children become spoiled when we substitute presents for presence.”
– Anthony Withman

“Don’t handicap your children by making their lives easy.”
– Robert A. Heinlein