Monday Musings - November 24, 2025

 

1. It is the final Monday of November. Time grows short for the year 2025 as there are but 5 Mondays remaining. Next Monday marks the beginning of December and the short sprint to Christmas and then the New Year!

2. Family NFL Report. Four of the family teams were in action as the Dolphins and Commanders had the week off. It was a winning week, for a change, for the family teams as they went 3-1. The teams are now collectively 30-35-1, .462 for the year. Still overall losers. 

Ravens (6-5) stumbled past Jets (2-9), 23-10 

Dolphins (4-7) and Commanders (3-8), had the week off

Cowboys (5-5-1) stunned Eagles (8-3), 24-21

Steelers (6-5) were gored by Bears (8-3), 28-31

Chiefs (6-5) overcame Colts (8-3), 23-20 

The View from our Window
Dunn, NC
November, 23, 2025

3. Out the Hotel Window is not much of a scene. We have been here before and the view is not that exciting, but we are a short hop off the interstate. The big news here is that they have finally repaired the Burger King sign! Yay. Based upon some housekeeping issues at this hotel, we have decided not to stay here during future trips and so this is likely our last visit to Dunn. The housekeeping issues have been recurring and different each time, but the most recent one was significant enough to cause us to make the decision. Worse, there was no maintenance available and I had to remedy the situation. They offered us a different room, but we had already fully unpacked.

4. In other sports news, Arsenal defeated the Tottenham Spurs 4-1,  to remain atop the Premier League.

5. Today is another travel day. We are up early and preparing to head out onto the ever congested I-95.

6. Today in History. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, a groundbreaking scientific work by British naturalist Charles Darwin, is published in England on November 24, 1859. Darwin’s theory argued that organisms gradually evolve through a process he called “natural selection.” In natural selection, organisms with genetic variations that suit their environment tend to propagate more descendants than organisms of the same species that lack the variation, thus influencing the overall genetic makeup of the species.

Darwin, who was influenced by the work of French naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck and the English economist Thomas Malthus, acquired most of the evidence for his theory during a five-year surveying expedition aboard the HMS Beagle in the 1830s. Visiting such diverse places as the Galapagos Islands and New Zealand, Darwin acquired an intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geology of many lands. This information, along with his studies in variation and interbreeding after returning to England, proved invaluable in the development of his theory of organic evolution.

US, Ukraine work on 'refined' peace plan to end war with Russia - Reuters

Exclusive: DOGE 'doesn't exist' with eight months left on its charter - Reuters

Trump faces same reality as Biden: Americans despise higher prices - Reuters

Record US Black Friday crowds to find fewer bargains amid high prices - Reuters

Trump expected to unveil new health care cost proposal - CNN

G20 summit in South Africa ends with US’ glaring absence after Trump’s boycott - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

Monday Musings - November 17, 2025

 

1. Don't look now, but the end of the year is looming. This is the third Monday of November and there are only six Mondays remaining in the year and only FIVE Mondays until Christmas!

Chris with the Decorations in the Garage
Tequesta, FL
November 16, 2025

2. Well, the Christmas decorations arrived at the house yesterday. There are 12 containers (two are not shown in the image)! Ugh! Fortunately I got them all into the truck for one trip from the storage facility to the house. We put the tree up yesterday and will tackle the remainder of the decorations necessary to Christmasfy the house this week. 

3. Family NFL Report. Five of the six family teams played yesterday with the hapless Cowboys preparing to embarrass themselves on Monday Night Football tonight. The teams that played went 3-2, for a good week, although when it is all done the week will probably wind up 3-3. Overall the combined record stands at 26-34-1, .434. 

Ravens (5-5) snuck past Browns (2-8), 23-16  

Dolphins (4-7) overcame Commanders (3-8), 16-13

Cowboys (3-5-1) were play tonight

Steelers (6-4) hunted the Bengals (3-7), 34-12

Chiefs (5-5) were stampeded by Broncos (9-2), 19-22 

4. Well, the Epstein Files are still in the news. I was surprised that Trump has reversed his position and is not encouraging the House to vote to release the files. I am concerned, however, that by forcing the DOJ to open an investigation into certain individuals potentially associated with the documents that he may be able to veto the bill, should the Senate approve it, and claim that the documents are evidence and can't be released because of an on-going investigation. Nothing like a light of hand to keep the upper hand. 

5. Did anyone notice that even though the president insisted there is no affordability crisis that magically tariffs were reduced or eliminated on many food items? Hmm! 

6. Is anyone other than me tired of having the administration blame Biden for the current economic crisis? I'm not sure how they can continue to do it with a straight face. And to justify it they continue using economic numbers from the COVID crisis which was mostly created by Trump and passed onto Biden. Com-on guys, put on your big boy panties and accept responsibility for ruining what was the best economy in the world when you took office in January!

7. You don't think there is a war brewing with Venezuela in order to mask the failures of the current administration, do you? A query to ChatGPT for the question: "do failing leaders start wars to hide their failures?" responded with the following:

Sometimes yes — but not always.
History shows that leaders facing domestic political, economic, or legitimacy crises may start or escalate conflicts to strengthen their position. This is known as diversionary war theory. But it's important to note that:

• Not all wars are diversionary.

• Not all failing leaders choose war.

• Evidence varies by case, and motives are often mixed.  (ChatGPT)

8. Today in History. November 17, 1553. Queen Mary I, the monarch of England and Ireland since 1553, dies and is succeeded by her 25-year-old half-sister, Elizabeth.

The two half-sisters, both daughters of King Henry VIII, had a stormy relationship during Mary’s five-year reign. Mary, who was brought up as a Catholic, enacted pro-Catholic legislation and made efforts to restore the pope to supremacy in England. A Protestant rebellion ensued, and Queen Mary imprisoned Elizabeth, a Protestant, in the Tower of London on suspicion of complicity. After Mary’s death, Elizabeth survived several Catholic plots against her; though her ascension was greeted with approval by most of England’s lords, who were largely Protestant and hoped for greater religious tolerance under a Protestant queen. Under the early guidance of Secretary of State Sir William Cecil, Elizabeth repealed Mary’s pro-Catholic legislation, established a permanent Protestant Church of England, and encouraged the Calvinist reformers in Scotland.

Trump urges House Republicans to vote for releasing Epstein files - Reuters

US Border Patrol arrests 81 on first day of Charlotte immigration crackdown - Reuters

Electric vehicle sales are booming in South America — without Tesla - Reuters

Zelenskiy says Ukraine will obtain 100 French-made Rafale warplanes - Reuters

Trump’s ‘Department of War’ rebrand could be outrageously expensive - MSNow

Trump is right: He lowered some of your costs. But he also made many prices higher - CNN

US military carried out 21st strike on alleged drug boat, killing three - CNN

China expands desert nuclear test site as Trump revives nuclear tension - The Washington Post

FAA lifts all flight cuts, says normal operations can resume - The Washington Post

Trump’s Bid to Control the Western Hemisphere Is Upending Politics in the Americas - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - November 10, 2025

 

Beautiful Day for a Bike Ride
Jupiter, FL
November 9, 2025

1. Welcome to the second Monday of November. The month is effectively half complete and we are staring directly at Veterans Day tomorrow. There are just seven Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Family NFL Report. Only four of the six family teams were in action this week. By going 2-2 it was one of the best weeks yet for the group. Their collective record remains a bit dismal at 23-32-1, .420. 

Ravens (4-5) thumped Vikings (4-5), 27-19  

Dolphins (3-7) swam past Bills (6-3), 30-13

Cowboys (3-5-1) were idle

Steelers (5-4) were shocked by the Chargers (7-3), 25-10

Commanders (3-7) were swallowed by the Lions (6-3), 22-44

Chiefs (5-4) were idle

3. Woke up yesterday to a beautiful clear day. It was awesome. Temperatures were in the in the 70s and the sky was clear. I rode for over 20 miles to enjoy the day. I was a bit put-off because one of the trails through the woods that I enjoy riding was closed for construction. I only ride this trail occasionally and I really missed riding through the trees on a dirt path. It reminds me of riding the Great Allegheny Passage that Patrick, Jeremy, and I did during 2024. 

4. Wintery weather is coming! Tomorrow morning I am expecting to wake to 40 degree temperatures which will climb to a high of mid-60s. Ugh! It will remind me of my recent visit to Maryland. Too cold to ride my bike. 

5. Apparently the government shutdown is on the cusp of ending. The democrats have folded without gaining the health care coverage for 42 million Americans. I am sad, but hopefully getting the government back at work for Americans will work for more people, somehow. 

6. Today in History. On November 10, 1969, “Sesame Street,” a pioneering TV show that would teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, makes its broadcast debut. “Sesame Street,” with its memorable theme song (“Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street”), went on to become the most widely viewed children’s program in the world. It has aired in more than 120 countries.

The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary producer for public television. Cooney’s goal was to create programming for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational. She also wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-olds prepare for kindergarten. “Sesame Street” was set in a fictional New Yorkneighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and positive social messages.

US Senate advances bill to end federal shutdown - Reuters

US flight delays, cancellations accelerate as air traffic controller shortages surge - Reuters

Trump administration cannot withhold full funding for food aid, US appeals court rules - Reuters

Enough Democrats caved, paving the way for shutdown to end - CNN

‘Did you vote for Trump?’ Americans traveling abroad are under new scrutiny - CNN

Why Trump is holding back on helping people who can't buy food - MSNBC

The obscure federal employees footing the bill during the shutdown - MSNBC

Football fans face backlash for booing Trump during military enlistment ceremony - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - November 3, 2025

1. It is the first Monday of November. We are back onto Standard Time and it gets dark already too early. There remain only eight Mondays in the craziness of 2025.

Beck and Chris
Glen Burnie, MD
November 2, 2025

2. Take one baby boy and add a grandmother who doesn't get to see him that often and you have instant magic. We had an extremely enjoyable morning and early afternoon with Beck. Chris was definitely in her element and thoroughly enjoyed being with him For his part, Beck seemed to enjoy being doted upon by Chris.

3. Family Football Results. The Family Teams had another tough week going 2-3 with one game tonight. The season record is dismal at 21-29-1.

Ravens (3-5) Drowned the Dolphins (2-7), 28-6

Cowboys (3-4-1) host Cardinals (2-5) tonight

Steelers (5-3) stampeded Colts (7-2), 27-20

Commanders (3-6) were beat-up by Seahawks (6-2), 14-38

Chiefs (5-4) run out of town by Bills (6-2), 21-28

Grandma and Beck in the Play Area
Glen Burnie, MD
November 2, 2025

4. The partial government shutdown continues. I am amazed at the ignorance of the republicans who try to spin the shutdown for anything other than what it is: republicans do not want to negotiate with democrats to reopen the government for the good of the American people. Furthermore, the issue is that republicans do not want to provide healthcare for millions of Americans and the insistence that democrats want to provide healthcare for undocumented immigrants is patently false--but they keep spewing it. BTW, how can there be any meaningful negotiation or even a compromise as long as the Speaker of the House keeps the chamber out of session until the shutdown is over? Any compromise spending plan would require House approval before it is implemented but the House won't be able to approve it since they are out of session. Insanity reigns.

5. Today in History. One World Trade Center officially opens in Manhattan on November 3, 2014. The new tower, along with the rest of the World Trade Center complex, replaced the Twin Towers and surrounding complex, which were destroyed by terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

As the city and the nation reeled from the attacks, which set into motion the series of U.S-led military operations dubbed the War on Terror, it was decided that the Twin Towers should be replaced by new office buildings, parks, a museum, and a memorial to those who died. In 2002, after cleanup and recovery efforts had concluded, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced a competition to find the chief architect of the new structure. Daniel Libeskind, a Polish-American architect then in charge of a studio in Berlin, won and became the site’s master planner. In reality, however, a number of people and entities, including then-Governor George Pataki, leaseholder Larry Silverstein, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, wrestled over what would happen to the space commonly referred to as “Ground Zero.”

Trump says no Tomahawks for Ukraine, for now - Reuters

US economy at risk of wobble as lower-income consumers get squeezed - Reuters

Afghanistan, Pakistan have been hit by a spate of quakes in recent years - Reuters

Why DOJ election monitors in California and New Jersey are setting off alarms - MSNBC

Trump tells '60 Minutes' he 'won't be extorted' by Democrats as shutdown enters Day 34 - MSNBC

CNN Poll Americans are broadly dissatisfied with the state of the country and the economy - CNN

7 power banks that meet TSA battery rules and keep your devices charged on the go  - CNN

Commanders star quarterback leaves field with horrific injury as playoff hopes fade - FoxNews

Most Americans doubt Trump’s commitment to free speech and fair justice, poll finds - The Washington Post

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - October 27, 2025

 

1. The final Monday of October has arrived, marking the end of an enjoyable season. With only nine Mondays remaining, the year is drawing to a close.

2. Family NFL Report: The NFL season continues to be a challenging time for the family teams, who have a combined record of 18 wins, 25 losses, and 1 tie. The Ravens and Dolphins managed to secure their second wins of the season. However, the Steelers squandered their opportunity to lead the AFC North by losing to the Packers.

Ravens (2-5) Overcame the Bears (4-3), 30-16

Cowboys (3-4-1) were stampeded by Broncos (6-2), 24-44  

Dolphins (2-6) swam past Falcons (3-4), 34-10

Steelers (4-3) came up short against Packers (5-1-1), 25-35

Commanders (3-4) visit Chiefs (4-3), tonight

Atlantic Ocean 
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Hobe Sound, FL
October 26, 2025

Yesterday, I decided to deviate from my usual route around Tequesta and embarked on a 23-mile bike ride to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. The journey was quite enjoyable, except for the stretch along the busy U.S. 1. After reaching the beach at Hobe Sound, I was captivated by the powerful waves crashing onto the shore due to the strong East wind.

4. How would you feel if a guy living in your house rent free decided to destroy half of it and remodel without your consultation? As on writer relates: Last week Donald Trump demolished the East Wing, forever scarring The People’s House. We didn’t just lose history. We lost the future. Because the East Wing was also the main visitor entrance to the White House, the location people from all over the world entered for public tours of the White House. (Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance)

5. I’ve lost track of the number of days the Republicans have kept the House of Representatives out of session, which means there’s no negotiation about ending the partial government shutdown. Despite the rhetoric, the President now effectively controls the House of Representatives because the Speaker of the House will apparently do nothing without express instructions from the White House. Someone explain to me what happened to Article 1 of the Constitution.

6. Today in History. At 2:35 on the afternoon of October 27, 1904, New York City Mayor George McClellan takes the controls on the inaugural run of the city’s innovative new rapid transit system: the subway.

While London boasts the world’s oldest underground train network (opened in 1863) and Boston built the first subway in the United States in 1897, the New York City subway soon became the largest American system. The first line, operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), traveled 9.1 miles through 28 stations. Running from City Hall in lower Manhattan to Grand Central Terminalin midtown, and then heading west along 42nd Street to Times Square, the line finished by zipping north, all the way to 145th Street and Broadway in Harlem. On opening day, Mayor McClellan so enjoyed his stint as engineer that he stayed at the controls all the way from City Hall to 103rd Street.

Venezuela condemns 'military provocation' by CIA and Trinidad and Tobago - Reuters

Argentina's midterm election hands decisive win to Milei's libertarian overhaul - Reuters

How China could use DeepSeek and AI for an era of war - Reuters

Fed poised to cut rates this week, with more easing likely on tap - Reuters

Trump said he is open to extending his Asia trip to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but there are no known plans for talks - CNN

Air traffic control staffing problems spiked over the weekend, raising concerns about growing disruption - CNN

Trump keeps making himself the punch line - MSNBC

Iranian women flout law on mandatory veiling as police curtail arrests - The Washington Post

 -- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 20, 2025

 

1. Happy 3rd Monday of October. The month continues to move away at seemingly light speed. There is one Monday remaining in October and ten Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. What a year it has been. On Saturday we experienced the largest civil protest in the history of the United States with 7 million people estimated to have participated. If you don't think there is a problem in the country right now, you might be out of touch. 

3. Family NFL Report. The NFL season continues to be a disaster for the family teams which are a combined (16-23-1). The Ravens and Dolphins remain especially dismal. 

Ravens (1-5) were thankfully on a bye.

Cowboys (3-3-1) scalped Commanders (3-4), 44-22 

Dolphins (1-6) drowned by Browns (2-5), 6-31

Steelers (4-2) came up short against Bengals (3-4), 31-33

Chiefs (4-3) blanked Raiders (2-5), 31-0 

4.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a president for all Americans? It appears we have a president who fancies himself as a crown-wearing fighter pilot dropping feces on the American public. I found the video, which was attached to a longer story about No Kings Day, at Sky News. We are truly scraping the bottom of the barrel.

5. Looking for answers. Why are we preparing to go to war with Venezuela? Worse, why is there so little transparency to support the potentially illegal actions that have been taken by blowing up ships in international waters? Would the republicans accept any of that from a democratic president?

6. Today in History. On October 20, 1947, the notorious Red Scare kicks into high gear in Washington, as a Congressional committee begins investigating communist influence in one of the world’s richest and most glamorous communities: Hollywood.

After World War II, the Cold War began to heat up between the world’s two superpowers—the United States and the communist-controlled Soviet Union. In Washington, conservative watchdogs worked to out communists in government before setting their sights on alleged “Reds” in the famously liberal movie industry. In an investigation that began in October 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) grilled a number of prominent witnesses, asking bluntly “Are you or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” Whether out of patriotism or fear, some witnesses—including director Elia Kazan, actors Gary Cooper and Robert Taylor and studio honchos Walt Disney and Jack Warner—gave the committee names of colleagues they suspected of being communists.

Giant Russian gas plant suspends intake from Kazakhstan after Ukrainian drone strike - Reuters

Trump urged Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make concessions to Russia in tense meeting, sources say - Reuters

Trump's IVF announcement was the final blow to one of his wildest campaign promises - MSNBC

Fall in China's exports of rare earth magnets stokes supply chain fears - Reuters

In Trump's drug war, prisoners may be too much of a legal headache, experts say - Reuters

Trump mocks 'No Kings' marches - CNN

US conducts seventh strike on boat allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean - CNN

Colombia’s Leader Accuses U.S. of Murder, Prompting Trump to Halt Aid - The New York Times

Trump boards AF1 quickly, using small stairs due to 'increased security measures' - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 13, 2025

 

1. Welcome to the second Monday of October. There are eleven Mondays remaining in the year. 

2. Family NFL Report. The NFL season continues to be a disaster for the family teams which are a combined (14-19-1). The Ravens and Dolphins are especially dismal. 

Ravens (1-5) smashed by Rams (4-2), 3-17

Cowboys (2-3-1) stampeded by Panthers (3-3), 27-30

Commanders (3-2) host the Bears (2-2) tonight

Dolphins (1-5) were drained by Chargers (4-2), 27-29

Steelers (4-1) took one away from Browns (1-5), 23-9

Chiefs (3-3) overcame Lions (4-2), 30-17 

Rain from 10/4 to 10/10

3. Today is a Federal Holiday. In recent years it had become known as Indigenous Peoples Day, but this our our President issued a proclamation full of historical inaccuracies which proclaimed the day Columbus Day.

4. Rain, we have had a bit. During the past week, we have experienced over 3 inches of rain. Ugh. But, today dawns cool and clear. Yes, cool with the morning temperature at 71 degrees and humidity almost non-existent for this area. 

5. Writing about the historical inaccuracies and downright false statements contained in the President's Columbis Day Proclamation, one wrote: What is arson, though, is the attempt to skew history to serve a modern-day political narrative. Rejecting an honest account of the past makes it impossible to see accurate patterns. The lessons we learn about how society changes will be false, and the decisions we make based on those false patterns will not be grounded in reality.

And a society grounded in fiction, rather than reality, cannot function. (Letters from an American)

6. OK, as an aside, I had to giggle when Trump called Columbus the original American hero in his Columbus Day Proclamation--he was an Italian sailing for Spain. How is that American? AND, OH BTW, America was named for Amerigo Vespucci, most everybody knows that!

7. Today in History. October 13, 1792. The cornerstone is laid for a presidential residence in the newly designated capital city of Washington, D.C. In 1800, President John Adams became the first president to reside in the executive mansion, which soon became known as the “White House” because its white-gray Virginia freestone contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby buildings.

The city of Washington was created to replace Philadelphia as the nation’s capital because of its geographical position in the center of the existing new republic. The states of Maryland and Virginia ceded land around the Potomac River to form the District of Columbia, and work began on Washington in 1791. French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant designed the area’s radical layout, full of dozens of circles, crisscross avenues and plentiful parks.

Climate tipping points are being crossed, scientists warn ahead of COP30 - Reuters

Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately severing external link to Zaporizhzhia plant - Reuters

Hamas deploys fighters as hostages released, in show of strength - Reuters

After two years of captivity, Hamas frees all remaining living hostages - MSNBC

Texas AG Ken Paxton announces ‘undercover’ investigations into liberals - MSNBC

Shutdown repercussions are getting more serious as the crisis worsens - CNN

‘Inexcusable’ brawl mars Chiefs victory over Lions - CNN

Historic wave of retirements is putting huge strains on the government - The Washington Post

Coal Miners With Black Lung Say They Are ‘Cast Aside to Die’ Under Trump - The New York Times

To Inflict Pain on Russians, Ukraine’s Drones Zero In on Oil Refineries - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - October 6, 2025

 

1. Happy October. This is the first Monday of October. There are three Mondays remaining in the month and only 12, count 'em 12 Mondays remaining in 2025! That means Christmas is a short 11 weeks away!

2. Family NFL Report. The NFL season has not been good for some of the family teams. The Ravens, for instance, looked like something from a nursery rhyme about 4 and 20 blackbirds being baked in a pie today. So far the family teams are 2-2 this week with one on a bye and the other team playing tonight. The season record thus far is 12-15-1. 

Ravens (1-4) baked into a pie by Texans (2-3), 10-44

Cowboys (2-2-1) hammered Jets (0-5), 37-22

Commanders (3-2) short circuited Chargers (3-2), 27-10

Dolphins (1-4) were eaten by Panthers (2-3), 24-27

Steelers (3-1) were on a BYE

Chiefs (2-2) play tonight at Jaguars (3-1)  

Rolls Royce in Traffic with Montana Tags
Jupiter, FL
October 5, 2025

3. Weirdly, yesterday, Chris and I went out to get some food to eat during the Cowboys game and on our way home we were stalked, for a while, by a very nice and expensive Rolls Royce. Now, that is not too out of the ordinary for our area, we see them regularly, but this one was significantly different--it had Montana plates on it. Was it Bill Gates? He lives in Montana and recently put a house in the local area, (house? no, mansion) for sale at $23.5 million. I don't know if it sold, but is it possible he was here checking on it? Or planning to move in for the snowbird season? Inquiring minds want to know. Anyway, a Rolls with Montana tags in South Florida is strange. 

4. This is now Day 6 of the partial government shutdown and it becomes clearer every day that this is what the President planned. He successfully put the nation into a no win situation where he wins either way. 

5. The craziness continues. The first two items in news are about continued Executive Branch craziness.

6. Is anyone else concerned that the president is trying to incite riots by deploying troops to places where they are not needed? It is entrapment! He is looking for a reason to do something seriously stupid like claim there is an insurrection. He should know what one looks like and how to do it--he started one on on January 6th.

7. Today in History. On October 6, 1866, the brothers John and Simeon Reno stage the first train robbery in American history, making off with $13,000 from an Ohio and Mississippi railroad train in Jackson County, Indiana.

Of course, trains had been robbed before the Reno brothers’ holdup. But these previous crimes had all been burglaries of stationary trains sitting in depots or freight yards. The Reno brothers’ contribution to criminal history was to stop a moving train in a sparsely populated region where they could carry out their crime without risking interference from the law or curious bystanders.

Though created in Indiana, the Reno brother’s new method of robbing trains quickly became very popular in the West. Many bandits, who might otherwise have been robbing banks or stagecoaches, discovered that the newly constructed transcontinental and regional railroads in the West made attractive targets. With the western economy booming, trains often carried large amounts of cash and precious minerals. The wide-open spaces of the West also provided train robbers with plenty of isolated areas ideal for stopping trains, as well as plenty of wild spaces where they could hide from the law. Some criminal gangs, like Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, found that robbing trains was so easy and lucrative that for a time they made it their criminal specialty.

Head of Eisenhower library forced out after sword spat with Trump - Early Bird Brief

Hegseth fires Navy chief of staff - Early Bird Brief

France in crisis as government quits just hours after being appointed - Reuters

Negotiators gather for Gaza talks under Trump plan, swift deal unlikely - Reuters

Oil rises after OPEC+ hikes output less than expected - Reuters

Judge again blocks Trump from sending National Guard to Oregon - CNN

 Trump’s tariff revenue could help keep the government open. Why isn’t that happening? - CNN

The president is unhinged’: Trump’s online behavior grows increasingly odd - The Guardian

Trump tries, fails to circumvent court ruling on unnecessary Portland troop deployment - MSNBC

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL