(Washington DC) As gas pushes to $6/gallon and Americans grow concerned a ground war may start with Iran, Democratic Party strategists say they cannot find the path to easily lose the 2026 Midterm Elections. “We’re on track to sweep many of the contests,” said one strategist named Deborah, who asked we not use her full name for fear her friends could find out she works for the DNC. “This close to the election, our base is usually growing divided, and the Republicans are forming ranks and taking the lead. We don’t know what’s happening this time.”

Efforts to be both too extreme or boring have already seen failed losses for the Democrats. “Mamdani said he was a socialist - he won. No one knew who Emily Greggory was - she took trumps’s state district. We’re running out of bad ideas, and even that seems to be endearing us to voters.”

Polls add to the confusion. Americans not only widely blame the Republican Party - and more specifically the White House - for domestic problems, but now show a strong preference for many choices the Democrats have lost with before. Respondents in a recent poll said they would take Hillary Clinton, or a grilled cheese sandwich with her personality, over many candidates running for Republican-held seats. “We’ve tried softening our stance and reaching out to conservative voters, which has lost us votes in the past, but people say they’re with us,” said a shocked Deborah. “We have one candidate who faces charges of sexual assault, and voters seem relieved it was against another adult.”

Some voters say the Democratic leadership is just out of touch with how low the bar is to win their support. Kaily Hickens, a voting activist in Kansas, said, “at this point you can start less than a war each month, and abuse young women… but not kill them, and you have the ear of American voters.”

Even conservatives admit they are starting to support change, as they drive their SUVs and pickup trucks to the pump each week. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in south Indiana, said “okay fine, Hillary would be fine. Just don’t touch my guns.”

(Atlanta, GA) A gas prices top $5/gallon in Washington DC, Americans are feeling the price at the pump. Voters on both sides are showing strong displeasure with how the administration is handling price increases, as attempts to lower prices - by releasing reserve or allowing Iranian oil shipments - aren’t helping.

On Friday, the White House announced a new plan to ease the pressure, saying the TSA would begin allowing Americans to bring up to 5 gallons of gasoline with them on the plane, as part of their personal item allotment. “Americans can rest assured the president is working hard to defend America from high prices and Democrat fake news,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “Starting Monday, you can shop around anywhere, and fly your gas home with you.”

Not everyone is excited about the plan. Delta released a statement shortly after the announcement, saying “we are reviewing the president’s comments closely, but cannot confirm this meets the requirements of safety mandated by the FAA.” In private, they were much more candid, saying “these [expletive] can’t buckle a seatbelt, and you give them gas? I bet right now he’s firing everyone at the FAA who tells him this is a bad idea. Screw this. Screw all of this, I’m getting on the next non-flaming flight to Canada.” Other airline echo the sentiments, both public and private.

Surprisingly, TSA workers seem comfortable with the change. “I haven’t been paid in 3 weeks,” said one worker who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. “Sure, bring your gas. Last week I got a whole bottle of shampoo that was confiscated, maybe we can fill our tanks when people try to sneak in extra. I tried to get a barrista job last week, but a Department of Education lady got it first. Things are bad, so why not put a little fuel on the fire, so to speak.”

Some Americans also seem excited about the change. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in New Hampsire, said: “it’s 55 gallons to fill my work truck, so every penny helps. If I can fly home cheaper gas, sure, the plane may smell a little bit, but it’s worth it.”

(Hollywood, CA) As the fight for Warner Brothers Pictures continues, Netflix has increased its offer not with an increase in share price, but by stating the bid would include a $10 million settlement with Donald Trump, the current US President. When asked why a settlement would be appropriate, CEO Greg Peters said, “President Trump is too tough on filthy liberals, and this is meant as an insult. The settlement will be for that statement.”

The White House sounded pleased with the announcement, with Trump blessing the deal, saying $10 million sounded appropriate for the insult. “I can take that in a donation if you want a tax write off,” Trump said in remarks at a golf luncheon. “I approve the deal on behalf of Warner Brothers.” He appeared unaware he did not have the power to do so.

Employees at Warner Brothers say the confusion isn’t helpful. Leo Sturbgetter, an Animaniac detangler at the Hollywood lot, said: “I voted for the president, but he should leave this to the big shots. Sure, they respect his ability to stay in command when people hate him, his misuse of power, his arrogant attitude, his ability to exploit, abuse, and allegedly cause the disappearance of underage women… his ability to lose money on a sure thing, his insistence on being right, and a lot of his racism… but maybe he should let movie deals be handled by the pros.”

(Los Alamos, NV) As shadowy figures continue to be unmasked by the Epstein Files, QAnon researchers say the new information is providing exciting breakthroughs, linking conspiracies once thought completely unrelated. They feel a grand theory, linking all known conspiracies into a single whole, may be just around the corner.

“We’re very excited,” said Seymour Fuentes, a self-described truth-uncoverer in Nevada. “Recently, Peter Mandelson, a high ranking member of British Parlament, was exposed, as well as talent agent Casey Wasserman. We have photos of both of them at separate times in London, which links them to the werewolf sightings in 1863 in the city, when Jack the Ripper was first being trained to crave human blood. Really, this is so obvious once you see it”

Fuentes says these links only scratch the surface. “Knowing that Donald Trump and Barack Obama are both secret werewolves - as are most former presidents - this ties us right back to illuminati control of Area 51, and communications with aliens. We are only missing a few key clues, but as more files are released, these, plus a picture of [Former Supreme Court Justice] Sandra Day O’Conner’s butthole, should tie everything together.”

But not all members of QAnon feel the answers add up, and there are still more problems to solve. “I’ve really been watching for the names of Sasquatch and Marilyn Manson to drop with the Epstein files,” said Louis Sandersonb, who asked that we add a “b” to his name to confuse the global AI. “We know Michael Jackson was too busy controlling the waters around Atlantis to be involved, but Bubbles should be in there somewhere, acting as a counterweight to the Nazi robots on the island. I respect Seymour’s work, and I subscribe to his substack, but he has to accept we won’t see any final answers until the leadership of the O’Conner Family Trust changes hands. I mean, come on… this is for science and we know you have lots of photos, we just need one.”

General followers of the conspiracy group hope more answer keep coming. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in central California, says every answer makes the world a better place. “It can be lonely out in the field, going from tangled herd to herd, and it feels good knowing powerful people are being exposed. The world can be a scary place… but knowing a powerful Hollywood agent has to sell his business for millions of dollars when he’s caught, helps me sleep at night.”

The O’Conner Family Trust provided the following response to our enquiry: “It pains the staff and family of the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, to yet again ask for people to refrain from seeking free pictures of her butthole.

Licensed photos can be legally obtained at www.SandraGayHoleConner.com.”

(Italy) A formal petition by the US Olympic team has claimed the judges missed the artistic intent of skater Ilia Malinin‘s final performance, where he fell several times, and which many say cost him the gold medal. The request for new scoring claims the poor performance was intended.

“Ilia was considered the best in the field, and he would have to basically shoot himself in the foot to lose,” the petition reads. “He planned to do numerous complex moves, but could barely stay on his feet. He quickly lost the admiration of many around the world, and performed so poorly that it feels improper to point out his mistakes.”

“Ilia Malinin intentionally made this performance to represent America in 2025.”

One judge, who asked not to be named, said the petition has merit. “I’ll be honest, I see it. How can someone so capable mess up every opportunity so suddenly. It’s like he was trying to hurt himself on purpose. The more I think about it, the more I’m impressed.”

But the IOC has declared that as much as the spectacularly awful performance mirrors the athlete’s country, not change in score is allowed. “The Olympics are a contest of skill and talent, we don’t give awards just to make people happy. Call FIFA.”

(Milan, Italy) On the heels of the disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych for wearing a helmet considered political speech, the International Olympic Committee has released a follow up ruling, saying that Palestinian athletes should also moderate their behavior or face disqualification. On Thusday, Afraa Mohammad, a Palestinian refugee and Olympian, was overheard saying, “I missed lunch for training, I’m starving… I would kill to have anything to eat right now.”

The IOC declared the statement a political message, given the starvation and famine conditions imposed on Gaza by Israel. “Arabic athletes must refrain from hunger, starvation, avoidable illness, forced migration, or genocide,” the statement read, with the threat of possible expulsion as a consequence.

The Israeli delegation applauded the move. “We’ve been muzzled as well,” said Yael Arad, head of Israel’s Olympic Committee. “We asked for our delegation to separate any Palestinians access from food or water, and we were denied immediately. And don’t talk to me about not being able to shoot journalists covering their stories. This is like make-believe in here. They walk right in and then leave. It’s not normal.”

Representatives from the IOC say it’s important for countries to get along at the games. “The Olympics have a long and proud history throughout the years,” said one spokesperson from the IOC. “We remain proud to take massive gifts to select a host country, insist they spend billions in infrastructure, and leave them with huge debts while it all slowly crumbles. Also games and medals.”

Some athletes are against the recent political rulings. Leo Sturbgetter, of the US Livestock Detangling Team, said, “that helmet was pretty cool, they should let all of us put names and faces on our gear. Like my great-uncle Bud Light. Wink.”

(Knoxville, KY) As viewership numbers come in for the alternative, Turning Point-sponsored halftime show for Superbowl LX, Kid Rock has doubled down on his commitment to combat “woke culture.” The performer announced Tuesday he will be performing the same Olympic events as known LGBTQ American athletes, and against athletes who speak out against violent ICE raids and the murder of Americans. The simultaneous broadcasts will be shown live online.

“I’m a cowboy, and their bull’s gonna get the horns,” he said in a press conference for his first event, a figure skating performance counter to American athlete Amber Glenn. The performer says he will make figure skating look easy.

The response from the public is mixed, with some republicans praising the move, while others complain the singer will die. A growing movement online is calling for members of the US Luge Team - one of the more deadly races historically - to challenge Kid Rock, and excitement is building for his race to ski counter to US Alpine Downhill skier Breezy Johnson.

Some say this discord is worth the distraction. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in western Idaho, said: “there’s a guy who’s live streaming the setup for Kid Rock’s downhill ski run, and he’s placing body bags every 50 feet. Turns out every body part needs a separate bag. No matter what happens, I’m gonna watch.”

The International Olympic Committee states they have no opinion on the matter, as no one has yet offered to bribe them.

(Washington DC) As Trump makes comments of “armadas sailing beautifully” while threatening Iran, White House watchers are noting a different trend in his speeches, and suspect plagiarism.

On Tuesday, in a speech on banning gun laws, trump said, “I’m letting the days go by, I’m not letting the waters hold me back. We have countries dissolving… countries removing… there’s a country at the bottom of the ocean, Atlantis, I believe, and they have to carry the water on their heads, and it’s very heavy.”

“Well that’s clearly The Talking Heads,” said Ari Shapiro, from NPR in live commentary on the speech. “He’s even flailing around. This is clearly intended to distract from the dire message banning gun laws.”

Not so, said Karoline Leavitt at a press conference later Tuesday evening. “The president is as healthy and clear minded as he has been for years, and will always be the same as he ever was. He is free as a bird now, to lead the American people to victory.” White House Advisor Steven Miller attempted to then quote Jay-Z, but was stopped by every white person present.

Experts are unsure if the erratic behavior is trump being trump, or if this is an intentional distraction by the White House, as more Epstein files are being released. “I mean, 1,000 monkeys with typewriters, right?” said one expert who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. “How similar the mind of this president is to a 3-day song writing binge on LSD is something I’m sure future generations will study.”

Not all are worried about the president’s lyric speech. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in Alabama, said, “wow, I never thought about how people in Atlantis have all that water over them. That’s deep. That’s… deep. I need to think about this, I’m having a moment.”

David Bryne could not be reached for comment.

(Minneapolis, MN) As Americans respond to the state-sanctioned murder of Alex Pretti, DHS now claims that the department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement had authority to have multiple agents tackle, hold down, and shoot an American citizen on belief he owed $4.72 cents in customs for an overseas package. “While Alex Pretti was clearly an American citizen and an ICU nurse for the Veterans Administration, the Federal Government reserves the right to allow armed groups of men in body armor to attack any American they believe owes us money for customs,” the statement read.

“As we cannot find record of the package, ICE apologizes for the error,” the statement ended.

(Minneapolis, MN) As yet another shooting occurs are federal agents attack Americans for protesting, local police are trying to instill calm - while doing nothing about the actions of out-of-state ICE agents attacking their neighbors. One officer, who asked not to be named for supporting government terror policies, says this is just quid pro quo, and police in the US follow the same honor system everywhere. He says in any state, cops will always choose other cops over their neighbors.

“There’s cops… then everyone else,” he said. “Your family is completely exempt, of course. Maybe your favorite sports stars. They teach you that day one. We all have to band together to hold down the little people, or the thin blue line means nothing.”

ICE killings are now the leading cause of homicides in Minneapolis this year. The officer says if the roles were reversed, we’d understand. “If you were a cop, you’d understand you’re special. I have over 9 weeks of specialized training in law enforcement. People buy stickers for their cars to try to keep us from giving tickets. Know that if this were in Texas, cops there would be standing around as well while ICE guys smashed a baton over an old lady’s head. They even wear brown shirts down there… isn’t that great?”

He says unity is what allows this to happen. “It’s comforting this is America… in some countries, they’d be dragging me and my family from our homes for this. But not here. God bless us.”

Not all Americans agree with this view. Leo Stubgetter, a cow detangler in rural Minnesota, said “what’s that guy’s home address, I got some questions.”

(Minneapolis, MN) As Americans continue to resist oppression from the federal government and troops are being deployed to further undermine basic rights, a surprising number of Canadians are being found among the protesters. Wearing sun hats and carrying towels, these foreigners are standing in the front lines, apparently asking to be arrested.

“Oh we’re here for you guys,” said Mark Shants, a 34 year old Toronto native with his wife. “We drove across yesterday, told them we’d be here one day. Oopsie. Hope we don’t get send to Central America.”

Shants is one of many Canadians who are following a viral video by Canadians who were send to El Salvador, and released immediately after intervention by the Canadian embassy. Their posts from the warm beaches, combined with high air fare due to American invasions and threats to oil-rich countries, have encouraged hundreds of Canadians to cross the boarder with hopes to escape the sub-zero cold.

The US is not amused. On Friday the president said “these Canadian infiltrators will be sent to the most tropical places where nobody understands English.. nobody, they spit if they hear it… and they will be skinned alive by the trend of the agua gang dealers.” Trump spoke while taking a brief hiatus from golfing to do work running the country.

But Shants and others seem willing to brave the president’s wrath if it involves free travel. “Oh, here come the ICE guys, it’s a pleasure meeting you,” said Shants. “I better go turn myself in before they start shooting tear gas, they do that if you’re American.”

(Waxahatchee, TX) A small court ruling is causing big waves in Republican circles, as drones used as weapons are now considered “arms” a citizen may use for protection. The ruling involved the use of quadcopter drones, similar to those seen in Ukraine, to individually kill several legal deer on a small ranch in Texas. Video of the explosions - and shower of deer parts - caused outrage among gun advocates who claim their guns don’t feel as powerful any more.

“Look right here,” said Christian Stropp of Waxahatchee, bringing up the video. “Here, let me slow it down. Okay… wow. Now let’s watch it again. Wow. Okay with a filter and let me add the music… the point is I can’t do anything nearly that cool with a gun. This rifle I have is the same make and model what killed Charlie Kirk [of Turning Point USA]. It used to be really cool. But that drone stuff just makes it look like a BB gun.”

The hunters, who asked their names to be withheld as they are Democrats living in Texas, said they are just keeping up with the times. “My dad used to take me to the gun range as a kid, now I take my son to the drone range. You should see how happy he gets when he drops a pound of flour directly on a MAGA hat. That was his first buck on the day involving the trial.”

Advocates for drone hunting note that they are more similar to a single shot weapon than an assault rifle. Also they note that even those who have poor mobility can use them. “Once you learn the controls, there’s very little you can do to stop them,” said one. “A lot of militia guys get together and act tough and talk about how they can outrun you. Good luck.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott says he is torn on the issue, in part due to large commercial interest from China to build drone weaponry in the state. He says he stands (metaphorically) with both sides.

Some hunters are also torn on the issue. Leo Sturbgetter, a cow detangler in Cut and Shoot, Texas, said “I don’t like change, but that deer blowing up is my new phone wallpaper. I just wish a gun could do that.”