The Values Desk

American Culture

9 stories on file

Guarding the national soul from seed oils, paper straws, and whatever else is coming for it this week.

Empty newsroom desks surround an abandoned local newspaper and a row of dark computer monitors.

The SwampSep 12, 2026Commentary

Local News Cuts Continue Producing Less Local News

McClatchy eliminated more than 90 unionized positions across 17 publications, including substantial reductions at the Miami Herald.

Rows of school survey forms sit inside a gray filing drawer with several data columns covered by opaque black strips.

Execution OrdersSep 5, 2026Commentary

Schools Reported Gender-Based Bullying. The Education Department Hid The Numbers.

The federal civil-rights survey now protects students from troubling information by replacing every relevant figure with an executive-order suppression code.

A plain envelope and closed notebook rest on a worn classroom desk beside a canvas backpack.

Lone Star StateSep 4, 2026Commentary

Texas Funds The School Choice Families Already Made

The state's August award snapshot shows 70 percent of the students in its prior-school comparison were already outside public education. An award is not the same as a claimed payment.

A spotless stainless processing table and unopened sanitation equipment sit inside a rustic cattle barn with empty pens visible outside.

American CultureAug 28, 2026Commentary

President Breaks Meatpacking Monopoly By Asking Ranchers To Become Meatpackers

The administration plans to waive processing rules after first trying to lower beef prices with more imported beef.

An empty government briefing lectern faces rows of vacant press chairs beside a small moving box and scattered blank cards.

The SwampAug 27, 2026Commentary

White House Honors Departing Press Secretary's Command Of Facts By Reprinting Her Insults

The official farewell praised Karoline Leavitt's clarity and preserved remarks including 'What a stupid question' and 'You're kidding, right?'

Eight blank medicine vials surround an unsigned letter at an empty government hearing table.

WellnessAug 27, 2026Commentary

Letter Clarifies RFK Jr.'s Vaccine-Free Samoa Trip By Mentioning Vaccines Eight Times

The health secretary told senators his 2019 visit had nothing to do with vaccines. His advance letter proposed studying Samoa's MMR program.

Rows of empty red theater seats face a dark stage where blank metal facade pieces and a work ladder have been stored.

American CultureAug 25, 2026Commentary

Without President's Name, Justice Department Warns Kennedy Center May Have To Be Demolished

Internal projections show revenue deteriorated after the name appeared. Government lawyers say removing it could leave the building with no choice but to come down.

An official parchment document on a government desk beneath a draped American flag, a heavy brass stamp pressed onto it.

Execution OrdersJun 25, 2026Commentary

America Makes English Its Official Language For The First Time In 249 Years; The Catch Is In The Fine Print

The order's symbolic half declares that America speaks English. Its operational half quietly revokes help for the Americans who don't.

A grand marble performing-arts center at dusk as a lift crew installs large blank golden letters on its facade.

Execution OrdersMay 22, 2026Commentary

Court Orders President's Name Removed From The Kennedy Center, Ruling Only Congress Can Rename It

He had himself installed as chairman, then his name appeared on the building. A judge has now taken it back off.