Taxing Proposal: President Biden called on Congress yesterday to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax to give “just a little bit of breathing room” from the fuel prices draining Americans’ finances.

  Politicians from both parties have already voiced their opposition.

  During an afternoon speech, Biden proposed that Congress lift the federal taxes of 18 cents a gallon for gasoline, and 24 cents for diesel, through the month of September. Biden also asked the states to suspend their own gas taxes. “I fully understand that the gas tax holiday alone is not going to fix the problem,” Biden said. “But it will provide families some immediate relief.” 

  Republicans have expressed their opposition and accused the President of being hostile to the oil industry. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky called it “a silly proposal.” 

  Biden might not be able to win either way. He’s also been accused, particularly by Republicans, of being responsible for the higher fuel prices.

Fake Slate: A lot of people wonder what the Justice Department is doing while the House January 6^thCommittee investigates the attempt to topple the 2020 election. But the feds may be moving under the radar.  

  The Justice Department has issued a round of subpoenas to people from several states who acted as “alternate” electors after the 2020 presidential election, CNN reports. Among those subpoenaed are fake electors from Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, all states that Donald Trump lost.

  One of the people served is David Shafer, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, who had a central role in organizing the slate of fake electors from his state and coordinating it with the Trump campaign.

Under Fire: The Uvalde, Texas school district has suspended its police chief Pedro “Pete” Arredondo who was in charge of the incident during the grade school massacre last month. Arredondo has yet to deliver a full explanation of what happened that day while the cops delayed for more than an hour before shooting the gunman.

  District Superintendent Hal Harrell wrote in his announcement of the suspension that, “Because of the lack of clarity that remains and the unknown timing of when I will receive the results of the investigations, I have made the decision to place Chief Arredondo on administrative leave effective on this date.” 

  Despite the deaths of 19 children and two teachers on his watch, Arredondo has not resigned and continues to serve as a member of the Uvalde city council.

  Also under question is the Texas Department of Public Security, which has been less than forthcoming. Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin accused the DPS director, Col. Steven McCraw, of intentionally minimizing his agency’s failures. “Col. McCraw has continued to, whether you want to call it lie, leak, mislead or misstate, information in order to distance his own troopers and Rangers from the response. Every briefing he leaves out the number of his own officers and Rangers that were on-scene that day,” McLaughlin said at a city council meeting.

  McLaughlin  said, “Col. McCraw has an agenda and it is not to present a full report on what happened and give factual answers on what happened to this community.” 

Splitsville: Media titan Rupert Murdoch and his wife, the model and actress Jerry Hall, are divorcing, The NY Times reports. It will be the fourth divorce for the 91-year-old Murdoch, whose portfolio includes Fox News. Hall is 65 and used to be married to Mick Jagger. She and Murdoch have been married for just six years.

The War Zone: At a time of year when Europe is filling its natural gas tanks in preparation for winter, Gazprom, the Russian state-controlled energy company, has cut by 60 percent the gas it delivers through Nord Stream 1, a pipeline serving Germany and other countries. It’s unknown whether Russia will completely close the taps to punish Europe for its support of Ukraine against the Russian invasion. 

  Gas could be very expensive in Europe next winter if the tanks are not filled. Prices over there are already about six times what they were a year ago.

The Richter Scale: Rescuers are looking for survivors in rural Afghanistan after yesterday’s 5.9 earthquake killed at least 1,000 people near the border with Pakistan. As many as 2,000 homes are reported to have been destroyed and thousands of people are injured as well. One doctor told The NY Times that, “Nearly all government and private hospitals are full of victims.” 

The Spin Rack: Federal prosecutors are seeking a 30-year prison term for Ghislaine Maxwell, the consort and procurer for the late sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein. She was convicted of helping Epstein recruit and abuse underage girls. — A Vietnam-era “Huey” helicopter crashed in West Virginia, killing six people. The historical chopper made in 1962 was being used for paid rides. — Theft of French bulldogs is the latest crime wave, The NY Times reports. The dogs that sell for thousands of dollars are highly prized for their personality and cuddly qualities. Over the past year the bulldogs have been grabbed in Miami, New York, Chicago, Houston, and particularly in California, sometimes at gunpoint. — In other dog news, Trumpet the bloodhound won Best in Show last night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He is the first bloodhound to win. 

Uninsured: The giant Progressive and Allstate insurance companies are severing their relationship with the Harry E. Reed Insurance Agency in Millinocket, Maine after the business closed on Monday for Juneteenth with a sign on the door. Not just any sign. It said, “”Juneteenth ~it’s whatever… We’re closed. Enjoy your fried chicken & collard greens.” 

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