JPMorgan Admits Closing Over 50 Trump Bank Accounts After January 6th

 JPMorgan Chase publicly acknowledged that it shut down over 50 accounts associated with Donald Trump and his business after the January 6th protest. This revelation was part of a legal response to a lawsuit filed by Trump against the bank.

• Account Closures: The accounts affected included those tied to Trump’s hotels, real estate projects, and retail ventures across several states, as well as his personal banking services.

• Lawsuit Details: Trump has filed a lawsuit claiming JPMorgan engaged in a politically motivated attack by closing his accounts. The accusation includes that the bank aimed to distance itself from Trump's conservative views.

• Communication from JPMorgan: A letter from the bank informed Trump in February 2021 that he needed to "find a more suitable institution" for his business dealings. No specific violations or issues were cited in this correspondence.

• Bank's Response: Previously, JPMorgan had not confirmed the account closures but described the lawsuit as without merit, mentioning that they typically close accounts that pose legal or regulatory risks.

• Suing for Damages: Trump’s lawsuit seeks $5 billion in damages, asserting that he was wrongfully debanked due to political pressures.

• Court Proceedings: JPMorgan has requested to transfer the case from a Florida state court to a federal court in New York, indicating a strategic response to potentially favorable judicial conditions.

The situation underscores a significant legal battle between Donald Trump and JPMorgan Chase over alleged politically driven actions regarding his bank accounts. This case raises broader questions concerning the intersection of finance and politics. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/jpmorgan-admits-closing-50-trump-bank-accounts-after/

The Quiet Revolution Reshaping America's Energy Future

 A significant shift is occurring in the energy sector, particularly in geothermal energy, as innovative technologies and investments from major tech figures reshape the landscape. This summary discusses the emergence of geothermal energy systems, their benefits, and the challenges they face.

1. Geothermal Systems Overview:

• The geothermal revolution includes both simple geoexchange systems, like those seen in the Riverie high-rise in Brooklyn, and advanced "enhanced geothermal" techniques.

• Geoexchange systems use boreholes to tap into the Earth’s heat for heating and cooling, reducing carbon emissions by about 53% compared to traditional methods.

2. Riverie High-Rise:

• Riverie is the largest high-rise geoexchange system in the U. S., featuring 320 boreholes that facilitate energy efficiency through seasonal heat exchange.

• As residents move into Riverie, it symbolizes a larger shift towards sustainable energy solutions in urban development.

3. Enhanced Geothermal Techniques:

• Enhanced geothermal aims to expand geothermally viable locations by drilling deeper into the Earth’s crust using technologies borrowed from hydraulic fracturing and nuclear fusion.

• Startups like Fervo Energy, backed by investors such as Bill Gates and Google, are pioneering this technology.

4. Government and Institutional Support:

• Enhanced geothermal has bipartisan political support, indicating strong potential for growth.

• The U. S. Department of Energy predicts that enhanced geothermal could generate about 90 gigawatts of power by 2050, sufficient to power around 65 million homes.

5. Investment and Technological Advancement:

• The rise of AI is accelerating investments in geothermal research, helping to optimize the development of geothermal systems.

• Despite challenges such as high initial costs and a talent shortage, there is enthusiasm within the industry for geothermal's potential.

6. Future Outlook:

• The combination of innovative technologies and strategic investments positions the U. S. to lead in the geothermal sector.

• Smaller projects, while less publicized, contribute significantly to energy efficiency improvements across urban and rural areas.

The geothermal revolution, characterized by both notable advancements and community-level initiatives, is positioned to reshape America’s energy future. With continued investment and technological innovation, geothermal energy offers promising benefits for achieving clean, reliable energy sources across the nation.

https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-Quiet-Revolution-Reshaping-Americas-Energy-Future.html

Grinding the American Middle Class to Dust

The American dream of home ownership, once a pathway to prosperity for many, has become increasingly unattainable due to rising housing costs, economic pressures, and systemic changes in the real estate market. This summary explores the current challenges facing middle-class families trying to buy homes and the implications for society.

1. Shifts in the Housing Market: The housing market in the U. S. has faced severe turmoil since the housing bubble burst in 2008-09. Over the past two decades, federal monetary policies and local restrictions have exacerbated these issues, leading to another fragile housing bubble.

2. Disparity in Income and Housing Affordability: A significant number of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, with about 72% struggling to pay monthly bills. This leaves little opportunity to save for house down payments, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many families.

3. Generational Divide: Young adults find themselves unable to transition from renters to homeowners, creating a permanent renter class that cannot build wealth through property ownership. Currently, over 75% of homes are unaffordable for the average household.

4. Economic Consequences of Renting: The reliance on renting creates a cycle of financial instability. Renters cannot accumulate equity or wealth, thereby enriching large corporations at the expense of the working class.

5. Impact of the Job Market: Most modern households rely on dual incomes to manage mortgage payments, leaving them vulnerable to job loss. As automation and artificial intelligence disrupt the job market, many workers face unemployment, further jeopardizing their housing stability.

6. Systemic Issues and Wealth Concentration: The current economic situation appears to be engineered to favor the wealthy by squeezing the middle class out of housing markets. When families lose homes through foreclosure, they lose their primary means of building wealth.

7. Emergence of Corporate Landlords: Many homes lost to foreclosure are acquired by hedge funds instead of being resold. These corporations raise rents, creating a society where homeownership is replaced by perpetual renting.

8. Societal Effects of a Rent-Driven Economy: The trend towards renting diminishes community ties and engagement, leading to transient living situations where residents lack a connection to their neighborhoods. Long-term stability, once fostered by homeownership, is being lost.

The ongoing issues within the American housing market signify a shift away from traditional pathways of wealth accumulation for middle-class families. Homeownership, which once symbolized economic stability and independence, is now increasingly becoming a subscription-based service controlled by corporate interests. As affordability continues to decline, the fabric of the American middle class is under severe threat, with profound implications for community bonds and economic equity.

https://economicprism.com/grinding-the-american-middle-class-to-dust/ 

“It’s Not Going to End Well for Them”: Susan Rice Joins Call for a Revenge Purge After Democrats Re-Take Power

Susan Rice, a prominent Democratic figure and adviser, recently indicated that if Democrats regain power in upcoming elections, they may implement severe consequences for supporters of former President Donald Trump. This sentiment aligns with a broader Democratic strategy to radically alter the political landscape.

1. Call for Purges:

• Rice suggested that Trump supporters should expect repercussions, describing a desire for a "revenge purge" against political opponents.

• She quoted a saying that "revenge is best served cold," implying a calculated approach to political retribution.

2. Radical Changes in Governance:

• Democrats foresee possibly packing the Supreme Court to secure their agenda.

• They are discussing impeachments and investigations targeting Trump supporters as part of a broader strategy for political dominance.

3. Historical Context and Risks:

• The current political climate is characterized by heightened hostility, with Democrats claiming the survival of democracy is at stake.

• Rice's approach mimics historical instances where politicians have attempted to harness mob mentality for political gain, despite the potential dangers of such actions.

4. Public Reactions:

• The public response reflects a mix of approval and concern over Rice's statements, highlighting a divided political landscape.

• Some commentaries question whether such extreme measures are equitable or beneficial to democracy.

5. Media Influence:

• The media plays a role in shaping narratives, with local and national platforms often amplifying the anger within the party base, which may lead to expectations of revenge against perceived enemies.

6. Behavior of Public Figures:

• Rice's comments and actions highlight a trend among politicians using provocative rhetoric to galvanize their base, potentially setting a dangerous precedent in American politics.

• The intent behind such rhetoric raises concerns about the consequences for political discourse and civil governance.

The rhetoric expressed by Susan Rice regarding the potential actions against Trump supporters outlines a significant shift in the Democratic strategy, focusing on retaliation and restructuring of political norms. As discussions of purging adversaries and altering the political landscape continue, the implications for American governance and societal cohesion become increasingly uncertain. The effects of this aggressive approach could further exacerbate divisions within the political landscape and shift the nation's democratic foundations. 

https://jonathanturley.org/2026/02/21/its-not-going-to-end-well-for-them-susan-rice-joins-calls-for-a-revenge-purge-after-democrats-re-take-power/ 

Illinois official got more than $300K from trucking industry while his agency gave illegal licenses

 The Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, is under scrutiny for allegedly issuing illegal Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). He has received significant donations from the trucking industry while his agency has improperly granted licenses, igniting concern amidst rising accidents involving large trucks.

• Illegal License Issuance: An audit by the U. S. Transportation Department revealed that Giannoulias' office issued approximately 1 in 5 CDLs illegally. This included licenses to individuals who could not demonstrate lawful presence or truck-driving proficiency.

• High-Profile Crashes: The audit followed a series of serious accidents, including fatalities linked to drivers holding illegitimate CDLs. For example, a driver caused a crash that resulted in a death while using an expired CD, and another incident involved a significant pileup linked to an illegal immigrant driver.

• Pressure from Federal Authorities: The Transportation Department has threatened to cut federal highway funding to Illinois unless the state pauses the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and conducts an audit of existing licenses.

• Defense from Giannoulias: Giannoulias argues that halting the issuance of these licenses harms the state’s economy, particularly affecting logistics and agricultural sectors. His office insists compliance with federal guidelines.

• Political Donations: Giannoulias has reportedly received over $300,000 in donations from the trucking and logistics industry between 2021 to 2025. This has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest, especially as his office continued to issue non-compliant licenses during this period.

• Systemic Problems Identified Nationally: The Illinois audit is part of a broader evaluation where other states like California, New York, and Colorado have also been found to have significant issues with the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs.

• Federal Response: The Transportation Department has introduced new regulations aiming to prevent foreign drivers from receiving non-domicile CDLs without thorough checks.

The situation surrounding Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias's office and its issuance of CDLs underscores critical safety issues with large trucks on the road. The mix of political donations and regulatory compliance raises concerns about accountability in government practices related to licensing. The ongoing audits across multiple states highlight a systemic issue that could have devastating consequences for public safety and raises critical questions regarding the integrity of the licensing process. 

https://justthenews.com/government/local/illinois-official-got-300k-donations-trucking-industry-while-agency-issued-illegal

The Left’s Elastic Principles On Judicial Authority

 The inconsistent behavior of the Democratic Party regarding the judiciary, emphasizing their flexible attitudes based on political advantage. It highlights the Democrats' unwavering pursuit of power, and juxtaposes past and present reactions to the Supreme Court's rulings.

1. Supreme Court Ruling: Recently, the Supreme Court ruled against Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs, prompting Democrats to celebrate. They believed this would hinder Trump's economic policies but later recognized he could explore other legal avenues.

2. Fickleness of Democratic Attitudes: The article critiques Democrats for their changing opinions about the Court. When the Court supported Trump, Democrats threatened to pack the Court and impose term limits on justices, showing their willingness to manipulate judicial authority based on circumstances.

3. Power Dynamics: The Democrats are described as consistently focused on maintaining and expanding their power. The article argues that while Republicans also seek power, Democrats excel in the art of projection, often accusing others of the very behaviors they exhibit.

4. Obama's Rhetoric: Former President Obama’s comments about divisive politics are highlighted. He claims to promote unity while engaging in divisive tactics, indicating a disconnection between his rhetoric and actions.

5. Susan Rice's Warning: Susan Rice warned Trump supporters about facing consequences when Democrats regain power, revealing a desire for retribution rather than forgiveness. This reflects a broader strategy of control and suppression of dissent.

6. Trump's Success: The article asserts that despite the Democratic narrative, Trump has achieved significant policy objectives within his first year, which complicates the Democrats' expectations for the future. Their underestimation of Trump’s popularity and effectiveness could backfire.

7. Projection of Malice: The Democrats' accusations of malice against Trump supporters are viewed as hypocritical, with references to how they themselves have acted malignantly towards opposing voices and dissent.

8. Potential Consequences: The author suggests that the Democratic leaders’ bold tactics and entitlement could lead to their accountability, particularly as investigations into their political actions unfold.

The article presents the Democratic Party as inconsistent in their respect for judicial authority, primarily motivated by the pursuit of power. Their tendency to accuse others of divisive politics, combined with their reactive nature toward the judiciary, raises questions about the future political landscape and their potential downfalls. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/22/the-lefts-elastic-principles-on-judicial-authority/

‘Captives and Companions: A History of Slavery and the Slave Trade in the Islamic World’ by Justin Marozzi

The review of Justin Marozzi's book, "Captives and Companions," examines the long history of slavery in the Islamic world, contrasting it with the Western transatlantic slave trade. The review highlights the ongoing issues of racial discrimination and the historical context of slavery while drawing attention to contemporary discussions surrounding it.

1. Historical Context and Comparisons

• The book discusses the trans-Saharan slave trade, which lasted for 1,400 years largely uninterrupted, outpacing the transatlantic slave trade in both duration and the number of individuals enslaved. Approximately 17 million Africans were enslaved compared to 11 million in the New World.

• The review differentiates between forms of slavery by noting that the Western slave trade has received significant historical attention, while the Muslim slave trade remains under-discussed academically.

2. Racial Insults and Modern Reactions

• Recent events during the African Nations soccer cup illustrated ongoing racial tensions, with Moroccan crowds hurling insults at Senegalese players. This highlights the current racial dynamics rooted in historical practices like slavery.

3. Humanity and Historical Understanding

• Marozzi portrays the humanity of victims throughout history while emphasizing the lack of dialogue regarding the legacy of Islam-related slavery compared to Western slavery in contemporary discussions on reparations and rights.

4. Cultural and Legal Context

• The book outlines how the Quran accepted slavery as part of the social order, allowing Islamic society to maintain the practice intact for centuries. It mentions that some countries in the modern Islamic world only recently abolished slavery, with Mauritania being the last as of 1981.

• The Quran's stance on slavery and treatment of slaves differed from that of Western perspectives, resulting in different historical narratives.

5. Notable Historical Figures

• The review mentions Bilal, a notable early follower of Muhammad who was born a slave but eventually gained freedom and respect. This contrasts with the fate of many others, particularly women and young boys who were often exploited as sex slaves or warriors.

6. Modern Implications

• Marozzi's book might provoke discussions about accountability in the Muslim world for its historical enslavement practices and the current lack of political will to address these issues. The notion of reparations for slavery, so vibrant in Western contexts, is notably muted concerning Islamic histories.

"Captives and Companions" presents a grim account of the Islamic slave trade, emphasizing its longevity and severity compared to other forms of slavery. The review suggests that while the conversation about racial injustices is vigorous in the West, it is noticeably absent in discussions surrounding slavery's impacts in the Islamic world. Marozzi’s work may further urge recognition and scholarship on this subject, hinting that historical injustices deserve broader acknowledgment. 

https://freebeacon.com/culture/the-slavery-story-you-wont-learn-in-school/