Tunnel Wall

Sunday, June 7, 2026

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEWS with Don Surber

"Don Surber’s take on this week’s news items are more informative than the actual news items. Enjoy!"

ITEM 1: Shem Horne tweeted, “When President Trump fills the reflecting pool to reveal the hidden image he had painted on the bottom.”

Sadly, this turned out not to be true.

ITEM 2: The Mirror reported, “Dementia fears raised as mysterious lump spotted in Trump’s pants.”

Is that dementia or are you just happy to see me?

My dementia began around my 12th birthday.

ITEM 3: Good news from Arkansas:

Murder charges against Aaron Spencer have been dismissed, marking a major turn in a case that has drawn statewide and national attention.
Spencer was charged with second-degree murder in the October 2024 fatal shooting of 67-year-old Michael Fosler. Prosecutors alleged Spencer confronted Fosler after finding him with his teenage daughter, leading to the fatal shooting.
Court records and prior reporting show Fosler had been facing multiple sexual offense charges involving Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter and was out on bond at the time of the incident.
According to court documents, the case was dismissed because of how law enforcement handled missing dash-camera evidence.

A happy ending, especially after Spencer primaried the sheriff who pushed the charges. Spencer is a shoo-in for the job in November’s election.

ITEM 4: Dr. Peter A. McCullough is a physician-scientist, board-certified internist, and cardiologist. Theo Von interviewed him on a podcast.

THEO VON: “Was there anybody who was immune to COVID-19?”
DR. MCCULLOUGH: “There’s one adult group. You’re going to laugh. Smokers.”

So hear me out, we re-brand Lucky Strikes as a covid vaccine.

ITEM 5: Yahoo reported on Tuesday, “VSXY Stock On Track For Its Biggest Percentage Gain Ever—What’s Behind Victoria’s Secret’s Super Rally?”

Maybe changing its name on stock listings on Tuesday from VCSO to VSXY had something to do with it.

(Note to self: Change Newsletter Name to Sexy Surber.)

ITEM 6: Michael Bolton pleaded guilty to one count of mishandling classified materials, a charge that could lead to five years in prison.

Excuse me. That was John Bolton. I get my TV celebrities mixed up.

ITEM 7: Richard Gere on Trump: “Whoever thought America could turn like this? Whoever thought that a maniac like this would be president of the United States? We’re living in the darkest moment that I’ve experienced on this planet.”

The gerbil shortage is real." . . . More...

Saturday, June 6, 2026

D-Day veterans reflect on landing anniversary

The Bedford Boys: How day on shores of France forever changed Virginia small town

"The beauty of Bedford, Virginia, is breathtaking in its natural splendor, but unseen is a lingering sadness.

Marguerite Cottrell recalled the painful moment a stranger appeared carrying terrible news nearly 75 years ago.

“I remember the day we got the message,” Cottrell said. “I knew something was wrong when this man delivered a letter."

The letter was a piece of paper that ravaged her family.

“I said, 'What was wrong?' And she said, 'Little Jack is gone,'” Cottrell said. “I said, ‘Gone?' She said, 'Jesus got my little boy now.'”

The Bedford Boys: One American Town's Ultimate D-day Sacrifice

"They were part of Company A of the 116th Regiment of the 29th Division, and the first wave of American soldiers to hit the beaches in Normandy. Later in the campaign, three more boys from this small Virginia town died of gunshot wounds. Twenty-two sons of Bedford lost—it is a story one cannot easily forget and one that the families of Bedford will never forget.

"The Bedford Boys is the true and intimate story of these men and the friends and families they left behind. Based on extensive interviews with survivors and relatives, as well as diaries and letters, Kershaw's book focuses on several remarkable individuals and families to tell one of the most poignant stories of World War II—the story of one small American town that went to war and died on Omaha Beach."

Inside the USS Monitor: How It Actually Worked

Deconstructed

Comments to the video:

"As a Navy Master Diver and Diving officer, I did three diving expeditions on her. We recoverered the propellor, shaft , steam engine and turret (and Dalhrhen guns). Because the ship was upside down, we spent most of the final summer removing the armor belt to access the turret. I also explored the Captains cabin.There was a flange in the overhead that used to be the first ever below deck flushing toilet. Additionally, I also recovered a thermometer from a buried equipment locker that is currently on display in the Mariners museum in Newport News. This dive was one of the most exciting dives of my 32 year Navy Diver career.

Rashida Tlaib's Latest Anti-Israel Push Ends in a 324-92 Blowout

Ben Smith

"Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s (MI-12) latest attempt to tie Congress in knots over Israel ran into an awkward problem Thursday: Most House Democrats would not go along with it.

"Tlaib’s Lebanon War Powers Resolution failed 92-324, with 117 Democrats joining 205 Republicans to vote it down. Only 91 Democrats and Rep. Thomas Massie (KY-04) backed the measure, while Reps. Derek Tran (CA-45) and Betty McCollum (MN-04) voted present.

"The resolution would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from Lebanon within seven days. Tlaib framed it as an emergency check on the administration, accusing Israel of carrying out an “ethnic cleansing” campaign in Lebanon and arguing that Congress had to act immediately.

"Tlaib said before the vote:

"Every day that we do nothing, 11 more Lebanese children are killed or injured by the Israeli military in this U.S.-supported invasion. Congress must pass today’s Lebanon War Powers Resolution."

Tlaib's office

"Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), and Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (CA-33) opposed the measure, pointing to a basic problem with Tlaib's resolution: U.S. troops are not currently fighting in Lebanon.

"Their statement said:

"There are currently no U.S. servicemembers involved in combat operations or hostilities in Lebanon."

"Many Democrats were not willing to cast a vote that could weaken U.S. operations against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist group fighting Israel in southern Lebanon.

"Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) warned that the resolution could "put U.S. embassy personnel at risk and interfere with our efforts to fight terrorism across the globe." . . .More...

Ben Smith is a political writer and digital communications strategist based in the Washington, D.C. area
. His work focuses on policy, elections, media narratives, and the intersection of culture and politics. When he’s not analyzing the news cycle, he works in digital strategy and marketing for advocacy organizations and campaigns.

Pratt Drops Kimmel With Perfect Response to His Attack As Numbers in Mayoral Race Get Tighter

RedState

"Democrats are clearly very upset about Spencer Pratt's campaign and the possibility that he may be heading to the runoff in November for Los Angeles mayor.

"If we didn't already know that from the desperate attacks by the current mayor, Karen Bass, and the other opponent in the race, city council member Nithya Raman, we would know it from the meltdown Jimmy Kimmel had on his show this week about Pratt.

Kimmel's freaking out about @spencerpratt:
"This is insane. We should be very embarrassed. Spencer Pratt should not be a top two finalist for mayor." pic.twitter.com/xuFRKoxN7F
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) June 4, 2026

"It could take a while for Democrats here in Los Angeles to figure out which of their friends secretly voted for Spencer Pratt. Barring a late ballot buzzer-beater, it appears Mayor Karen Bass will advance to a runoff against the former reality show villain."
"Sixty percent of the vote has been counted. If that holds, it means in November Los Angelenos are going to have to choose between a woman named Karen and a man who is one."
"This is insane. We should be very embarrassed. Spencer Pratt should not be a top-two finalist for mayor. He should be DJing the worst New Year’s Eve party in Reno right now. He’s unlikely to win. In fact, he’s already filming a reality show about his run for mayor, so he definitely has his priorities in order."

"Is it being a "Karen" to call out poop in the streets, to point out crime and homelessness, and how the Democrats have failed? Those are things any normal person would be concerned about. It says a lot about Democrats that they're not, and that they haven't solved these basic quality of life issues. If being concerned about that is being a "Karen," then bring on the "Karens" (we need more of them).

"Then, too, imagine Kimmel having the nerve to talk about anyone being embarrassing. He's right; he should be embarrassed at the positions he's supported and the fact that he's sacrificed any real humor for the sake of being a Democratic sycophant." . . .

Sunny Hostin calls US a ‘failed experiment’ on The View, panel pushes back

MEAWW

The blunt remarks came as the daytime panel discussed patriotism, President Donald Trump, and how Americans should feel heading into the country’s 250th anniversary

"NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Sunny Hostin is taking heat after declaring the United States a “failed experiment” during a heated segment on The View.
"The blunt remarks came as the daytime panel discussed patriotism, President Donald Trump, and how Americans should feel heading into the country’s 250th anniversary.

"‘Failed experiment’ remark shakes the table

"Hostin said her frustration runs deeper than any single administration.

"“Why I am conflicted about this country because I feel that it is at this point a failed experiment, quite frankly,” Hostin said. “I am also discouraged by how this country is viewed by the rest of the world.”

"The comments landed during a discussion about Trump’s plan to host a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of the upcoming 250th birthday celebrations.

"Hostin said her list of grievances was long and growing.

"'I’m embarrassed at our government,” Hostin said. “I’m embarrassed at our lack of healthcare. I’m embarrassed on the assault on the press. I’m embarrassed by our Congress. I’m embarrassed by the criminal felon president that is in the Oval Office that has a UFC cage on the White House lawn.”

Neutralizing Chokepoints: Lessons From the Hormuz Strait, Malacca, and Baltic Sea

The Diplomat

"What has happened around the Strait of Hormuz might be described as classical coercion: the use of geography to pressure adversaries as part of an interstate power struggle."

Why the 24 mile wide Strait of Hormuz is so important in the war with Iran | World News | Sky News

. . . "Examine the strategic nexus of the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, and the Baltic Sea.

"They are global chokepoints demonstrating the return of the strategic seas. While their roles in global geopolitics and trade differ, there are important similarities as well. Most importantly, they illustrate the ongoing shift from the post-Cold War globalized international order toward a global political economy focused less on economic efficiency and more on securing one’s position within an increasingly fragmented system. Neither states, international organizations, nor businesses can afford to ignore this trend.

"How do these three regions reveal a shift in the global order?

"They all demonstrate the global shift toward what might be called a “multipolar coercive order.” This does not mean the old rules have been completely abandoned, nor does it mean one faces a full-fledged military threat everywhere. Rather, it means growing insecurity and unpredictability in regulations, practices, and the selective enforcement of norms. Fast, well-informed adaptability is becoming an even more valuable asset than before.

Watch: US [Navy] disables ship defying Iran naval blockade | Israel National News Video

"US aircraft disables an oil tanker with a Hellfire missile for violating the Iran blockade."

Obama knew all along

Obama Buys $11m Beachside Property– No Fear of Sea Level Rise? 7,000-square-foot home a few feet above sea level – Climate Depot

. . . "Of course, the thing about Martha’s Vineyard is that it is a low lying island. And the thing about Obama’s mansion is that it is on the beach front.

WhatsMyElevation lists the elevation of their home as being 3 feet above sea level. Others place it at 10 feet.

Either way, either the Obamas made a very stupid investment, or they don’t believe in the nonsense that they tried to bankrupt their country for.

Of course, Obama did promise us in 2008 that we will be able to look back and tell our children this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow.

Maybe he really was the Messiah after all!"

President and Michelle Obama join the growing list of climate activists who want to enjoy a little beachside luxury before the carbon demon swallows all the coastlines.

These Members of Congress Are Physically and Mentally Unfit, Yet They Remain in Office

The Federalist Papers

"Congress has no fitness test, no age limit, and no term limits. The Founders left exactly one check on members who can no longer serve: the election. Voters who keep returning them anyway are not exercising loyalty. They are ratifying a failure, and the republic is paying the price."

"Three sitting members of Congress show documented evidence of cognitive decline or severely impaired judgment, and all three are seeking re-election. There are no fitness tests, no age limits, and no term limits standing in their way. The only check Madison built into the system is the vote, and right now voters are not using it."

Key Facts

• California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, is seeking her 19th term (38 years in Congress) and refused to say whether 100 is too old to serve.

• Waters was duped by pranksters in two separate incidents into accepting fabricated foreign-policy scenarios, including one involving a fictional nation called “Limpopo” and another involving a made-up island called “Chongo-Chango.”

• Florida Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson, 83, missed more than 43 floor votes starting in mid-April 2026, absent for roughly a month with no explanation until her staff cited “eye surgery”; she missed all committee work during the period.

• Washington, D.C., Democratic Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, has served since 1991; a police report noted “early signs of dementia,” and New York Times sources describe her as “unable to function independently” and at times unable to recognize longtime colleagues.

• No mandatory cognitive or fitness tests exist for members of Congress; the Constitution sets a minimum age of 25 for the House and 30 for the Senate, with no maximum and no term limits.

• Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, 84, froze mid-sentence on camera twice, fell multiple times, and uses a wheelchair; he announced he will not seek re-election."

Full article here...

Some Palestinians FINALLY Speak Up...

From the Debunker.

"A Palestinian man from Gaza has filed an ICC complaint against Hamas, accusing the terror group of using civilians as human shields. Erin Molan says this is what many have been saying since October 7: Hamas is the enemy of both Israelis and Palestinians."

Mamdani LOSES IT After His Wife's SICKENING Hamas Ties Get EXPOSED (Video) "When New York City's youngest-ever first lady stepped into Gracie Mansion on January 1st, 2026, few observers anticipated that a series of Instagram likes, archived Tumblr posts, and a commissioned illustration would ignite one of the most consequential political controversies in the city's recent history. Rama Duwaji — artist, Gen Z first lady, and wife of Mayor Zohran Mamdani — became the center of a rapidly expanding media investigation that raised serious questions not just about her own views, but about the credibility of the mayor's response to them.

"In this breakdown, Felmon examines the full timeline of the Rama Duwaji controversy — from her October 7th social media activity and her illustrated collaboration with a writer who described the Hamas massacre as "spectacular," to decades-old posts glorifying designated terrorist organizations. But at the center of this story is a single date: October 8th, 2023, the day Mamdani publicly condemned a pro-Hamas rally in Times Square — the very same day his then-girlfriend was liking that rally's posts on Instagram. That contradiction, Felmon argues, is not a matter of a spouse's private opinions. It is a window into a troubling pattern of public accountability selectively applied — and it carries implications that extend far beyond New York City politics."

As antisemitic crime soars in NYC, we all must make up for Mamdani’s support of hate

. . . "Zohran Mamdani and his political allies have repeatedly signaled that it’s open season on New York’s Jewish population, the largest in America.
Pro-Hamas thugs are conducting ongoing mini-pogroms outside synagogues under the guise of legitimate protest — and the mayor has explicitly condoned them, ratifying the lie that they merely target supposedly illegal sales of West Bank real estate.
He also fought the City Council when it passed a bill setting distance limits on protests outside all places of worship." . . .

About that California Counting...

Broc Smith

After Mail-In Ballots Tallied, Joe Biden Wins L.A. Mayor Race With 81 Million Votes | Babylon Bee Parody

LOS ANGELES, CA — After multiple days of late-night mail-in ballot drops finally being tallied, it was discovered that Joe Biden had won the Los Angeles mayoral race with an astonishing 81 million votes.

"While most cities and states seem to be able to figure out who won and who lost by the end of the day of the election, Los Angeles can take days, weeks, or maybe even months to allow for all the mail-in ballots to trickle in, resulting in a spectacular come-from-behind victory for Biden.

"In the case of the Los Angeles mayor's race, most voters expected incumbent Karen Bass and top challenger Spencer Pratt to be the top two vote-getters who would head into a run-off election in November. But several days after the election took place, a late mail-in ballot drop was tabulated, which swung things decidedly in favor of Joe Biden by a historic margin.

"'A truly impressive victory for a candidate who didn't even run," said Los Angeles election official Francis Peabody. "This is a bit unusual but not outside the realm of possibility. Normally, voters expect that the candidates who are actively campaigning for the job will get the most votes, but sometimes a last-minute ballot drop can dramatically swing things like this."

"'We can now officially declare Joe Biden is the winner."

"Skeptics immediately accused the mail-in voting system of being rife with fraud and impossible to verify, but experts were quick to point out that voter fraud is incredibly rare and that no one even needs to make it more transparent or secure.

""We need to count every vote," said Peabody. "These 81 million citizens of the city of Los Angeles deserve to be heard."

"At publishing time, Joe Biden had also won the race for California governor."

CBS News’ Shakeup and the Future of the Mainstream Press

This week’s upheaval is only the latest sign that the age of activist journalism may be nearing its end.

The American Spectator

"On Sept. 30, 2024, prominent progressive thinker and author Ta-Nehisi Coates appeared on CBS Mornings to promote his new book focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, The Message. Coates’s argument echoed many standard left-wing tropes about the intractable conflict, framing it as an intersectional battle between an illegitimate oppressor group and a helpless oppressed group. Tony Dokoupil, whose children live in Israel with their mother, pushed back in the interview. He stated that The Message “would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist,” and he further argued that Coates’s book deliberately omitted crucial details about the Hamas jihadist organization and the realities of Islamic terrorism. For having the temerity to ask challenging questions to a leading proponent of post-George Floyd left-wing racial gospel, Dokoupil was ritually reprimanded by his employer. The anchor was summoned to the organization’s Orwellian-named “Race and Culture Unit” after some CBS News employees complained about Dokoupil’s “tone of voice, phrasing, and body language.” In a subsequent CBS News editorial meeting that was leaked to Bari Weiss’s The Free Press — on Oct. 7, of all dates — network executives Wendy McMahon and Adrienne Roark chided their own anchor for failing to “preserv(e) the legacy of neutrality and objectivity that is CBS News.” . . .. . . More... Or here...

CBS News Boss Announces Big Shakeup & Warns Network Must Change

. . . "Weiss urged her staff to “look honestly at ourselves,” and admitted, “We are not producing a product that enough people want.” She explained, “Not enough people trust us. Not you. Us. As in: the mainstream media. We can debate ‘why’ that is, but the numbers tell the story.” Another reason for the company’s failure, she said, “We are not doing enough to meet audiences where they are, so they are leaving us.”

"She pointed out that Americans are instead turning to podcasts, YouTube, Twitch, and newsletters to receive information. Weiss warned that the company needs to change their strategy of “[clinging] to the audience that remains on broadcast television.'”. . .