the attitude with Arnie Arnesen the Friday edition noon to 1pm EST Aug 22
Arnie Arnesen
Chloé LaCasse (the best of the attitude)
streaming live at wnhnfm.org noon&7pm EST on the dial-94.7FM Concord NH
IT’S HARD TO keep track of all the ways that the United States has changed since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The nation’s foreign aid programs have been destroyed, chaotic tariff policies have upended global trade, and press freedom has been repeatedly attacked. But there are also innumerable smaller shifts taking place and incrementally warping day-to-day life. One involves some of the country’s tiniest inhabitants: ants.
Sources tell WIRED that ant smugglers in the US have been emboldened by widespread government staffing cuts spearheaded by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which operates a program to stop the smuggling of invertebrate pests, was hit especially hard. The agency later rehired some of the people let go, but a number of the country’s best entomologists left for good.
Inside the world of illicit wildlife trafficking, there’s a growing assumption that nobody in government is paying attention. “The illegal market rapidly has become much more aggressive because of the lack of enforcement,” says Armando Rosario-Lebrón, who spoke to WIRED in his personal capacity, but also previously cochaired the Federal Interagency Committee on Invasive Terrestrial Animals and Pathogens before leaving the government earlier this year.
In a particularly turbulent moment in the United States, a rise in this kind of extremely niche and relatively harmless type of criminal activity could get lost. But if even a small percentage of the nonnative species of ants sold illegally get loose, it could have environmental, economic, and public health impacts. The US has already seen a variety of problems caused by invasive ants entering the country in previous decades, like the tawny crazy ant in Florida, which can form supercolonies inside homes that eat away electrical equipment. “The invasiveness potential is off the charts,” Rosario-Lebrón says. “It's just ridiculous.”
part one: If it is Friday it must be Texas Democrats haven't won a statewide office since 1994, but Republicans' vulnerability — exposed by state Attorney General Ken Paxton's primary challenge against Sen. John Cornyn — has energized the party to take a shot at the seat.- U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who ran unsuccessfully against Sen. Ted Cruz last year, retired NASA astronaut Terry Virts Other potential contenders include U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio and state Rep. James Talarico of Austin
- Houstonian Virts Set to “Shake Up” D.C. Democrats & “Bring Politics Back Down to Earth”
HOUSTON, TX – Retired Air Force Colonel Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut and F-16 combat pilot, announced Monday that he is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Texas. A Houston resident and self-described “proud Texan,” Col. Virts pledged a campaign focused on common sense, integrity and service before self.
In a launch announcement video posted to social media, Col. Virts outlined his reasons for entering the race and called for a renewed focus on leadership grounded in unity and resilience. Video found here: https://x.com/AstroTerry/status/1937101647391736111
“America is in chaos, and I’m running to bring the same determination and teamwork we need in combat and space missions to fix the problems hardworking Texans face,” Col. Virts said. “Texans deserve leadership rooted in service, integrity and vision — ready to rise to any challenge, together.”
Colonel Virts, who served 31 years in the U.S. Air Force and commanded the International Space Station in 2015, said his campaign aims to offer a common sense alternative to Texas voters, especially Democrats seeking new voices that represent Texans’ values and needs.
“The current Senate Democratic leadership is lost. They’ve lost touch with hardworking, middle-class families,” Col. Virts said. “I grew up in a family with more union cards than college degrees. I know what it means to work hard to put food on the table. Like most Texans, I believe it’s time to shake up the D.C. Democrats and bring politics back down to Earth.”
Colonel Virts highlighted his experience in high-pressure environments, his passion for science and education, and his commitment to innovation and national security as key strengths he brings to the race.
Key Policy Issues:
- Fixing Our Democracy
- Strengthening our Economy
- Restoring Human Rights to America
- Dealing with AI and Automation
- Getting our debt under control
D. ARNIE ARNESEN
15 Rumford Street
Concord NH 03301
nha...@gmail.com
(C) 603-321-7654
Host of "The Attitude with Arnie Arnesen"