A set of curious photos of President Donald Trump sparked a flurry of speculation online this week after eagle-eyed social media users claimed a strange bulge in his pant leg might indicate a hidden medical condition. The images, taken during Trump’s visit to the White House Rose Garden, have gone viral, prompting armchair diagnoses and renewed focus on his health as the 2024 election looms.

The controversy ignited when a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted close-up shots showing what appeared to be an unusual shape pressing against Trump’s pant leg. The post read, “What’s going on here?” and quickly amassed over 17,000 likes. Soon, theories began to flood in.

Some speculated the 45th president may have been wearing a Foley catheter—used to drain urine from the bladder into a collection bag strapped to the leg—a device commonly prescribed for individuals with urinary incontinence. One user went as far as to connect this alleged device to signs of late-stage frontotemporal dementia, citing symptoms such as bladder control issues, impulsivity, and personality changes.

Others, however, offered a different take. Some claimed the visible outline might be a brace, potentially used to support what’s known as “drop foot,” a condition that can result from nerve damage and cause difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. “If he’s had a neurological event, this all adds up,” one user wrote.

The online chatter didn’t end there. Over the weekend, Trump also made an appearance at a UFC event in New Jersey, where additional images sparked similar comments about what appeared to be a similar protrusion. Others went so far as to mock the supposed tubing, likening the sound it made as he moved to a “sloshing Capri Sun.”

But amid all the internet-fueled speculation, there’s one important fact being overlooked: Trump’s most recent medical evaluation gave him a clean bill of health.

Captain Sean Barbabella, Trump’s personal physician, confirmed earlier this year that the president passed an extensive physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The five-hour exam included blood tests, cardiac screening, and a neurological evaluation—specifically, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, on which Trump reportedly scored a perfect 30 out of 30. At the time, Dr. Barbabella stated that Trump was in top form, both mentally and physically.

In recent weeks, Trump has maintained a packed public schedule. After spending the weekend at Camp David, he returned to Washington and was photographed inspecting construction work on the White House lawn, standing confidently on a wooden plank laid over the grass while chatting with workers.

While critics and online commentators continue to dissect every wrinkle in his suit and every angle of every photo, Trump’s official medical records—and his energetic campaign trail appearances—tell a far less dramatic story.

Senate Confirms Trump Nominee Anne-Leigh Moe As U.S. District Judge

The United States Senate on Tuesday advanced the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominee Anne-Leigh Moe to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. The vote was 53–46.

Trump celebrated the confirmation with a post on his Truth Social account.

“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to serve as Judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida,” Trump wrote.

“Anne-Leigh has fiercely advocated for Sunshine State residents as a Judge on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeals, and as Trial Judge on Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Anne-Leigh will prioritize LAW AND ORDER unlike other activist Judges who put the safety of Illegal Criminals over the safety of AMERICANS. Congratulations Anne-Leigh!” Trump added.

Moe has served as a judge on Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal since 2022. Before that, she spent nearly a decade as a circuit judge in the state’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Hillsborough County. She previously worked as an assistant state attorney in Tampa.

Her confirmation marks another major judicial win for the Trump administration as it continues to fill vacancies across the federal courts.

President Trump appears to be in no hurry to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, according to analysis by CNN’s Harry Enten.

That’s because, according to the CNN data analyst, it doesn’t seem to be hurting him politically as much as it is hurting Democrats. In fact, Enten says, Trump’s faring well.

Enten compared Trump’s current net approval rating to his standing during the 2018–2019 shutdown, noting that at a similar point in that earlier standoff, Trump’s approval had already declined by three percentage points and “would fall considerably more.”

In contrast, Enten said the current shutdown has so far had no measurable impact on Trump’s overall support and in fact, he’s even up by a point.

“This shutdown hasn’t eaten into Donald Trump support at all. His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support,” Enten said. “So the bottom line is this: the first shutdown during Trump’s first term, 2018-2019, was hurting Donald Trump. This one is not hurting him at all. There’s no real reason Donald Trump might say, at least when it comes to popular support, ‘I want to get out of this shutdown.’”

Enten said Trump’s approval ratings have remained stable because fewer Americans hold him responsible for the current government shutdown than during his first term. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, 61 percent of respondents blamed Trump for the impasse, compared with 48 percent now, according to Enten.

“Again, it’s no real wonder that Donald Trump, at this point, looking at the shutdown, says, ‘You know what? It’s not actually harming me politically,’ in large part, because he’s getting less of the blame,” Enten said.

It also needs to be noted that Congress is responsible for passing funding bills — not the president. So it’s unclear why he would ever get the blame.

Democrats have pledged to block any spending legislation that fails to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end, while Republicans have so far declined to negotiate a bipartisan agreement to end the shutdown.

With only slim majorities in Congress, Republicans would need support from several Senate Democrats to pass a short-term funding measure to reopen the government — meaning they, not Republicans, are now responsible for the ongoing shutdown.

With only slim majorities in Congress, Republicans would need support from several Senate Democrats to pass a short-term funding measure to reopen the government — meaning they, not Republicans, are now responsible for the ongoing shutdown.

Supreme Court Rejects Broader Disability Review For Veterans

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the Veterans Court does not have to re-examine all evidence when reviewing disability benefits denials. It can only overturn a decision if there is a clear mistake.

This standard was questioned by two veterans, Norman Thornton and Joshua Bufkin. Thornton, who served in the Gulf War, said that his PTSD disability rating should be higher. Doctors couldn’t agree on whether Bufkin was eligible for PTSD benefits, so he wasn’t given them.

Their lawyers said the case could have an effect on a lot of veterans. Along with Neil Gorsuch, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the decision makes sure that the Veterans Court will keep giving in to the VA, even though Congress is trying to protect veterans.

Veterans’ groups supported the challenge, asserting that they have consistently received leniency when claiming disabilities. This was made clearer by Congress when it created the Veterans Court in 1988 and told it to follow this standard again in 2002.

Veterans, on the other hand, said the court was too kind to the VA. The federal government said that the Veterans Court’s job is to look over decisions for clear mistakes, not to look at the evidence again.

The court agreed with the VA that one doctor’s opinion was stronger in Bufkin’s case.

After his wife said she would kill herself if he didn’t leave the military, and the military allegedly told him to quit or get a divorce, Bufkin said he was traumatized.

The VA decided that Thornton did not deserve a higher disability rating in his case. The government said that his case wasn’t even close because there was enough evidence against him.

This is the second big ruling of the week for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court blocked President Trump on Wednesday from firing Democratic Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

The nation’s highest court will allow Cook to remain in her seat until oral arguments begin in January 2026.

In late August, Trump fired Cook after a member of his staff said she had committed mortgage fraud by claiming two different properties as her main residence, which can lead to better credit conditions.

Cook is facing mounting allegations of mortgage fraud after federal housing regulators issued criminal referrals over discrepancies in her property filings.

CNN acknowledged the seriousness of the case Friday, with legal analyst Elie Honig saying the suspicious activity was “really problematic” for Cook, the Daily Caller reported.

Bill Pulte, the head of the U.S. Federal Housing Agency, confirmed that a second criminal referral has now been filed.

He alleges Cook misrepresented a condominium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, when she claimed it was a “second home” on a 2021 mortgage application, then listed it as an “investment/rental property” on a government ethics form eight months later.

According to Pulte, Cook’s filings from 2022 through 2025 consistently described the Cambridge condo as an investment property, contradicting her original mortgage application.

He further alleged that Cook falsely claimed her Atlanta condo as her primary residence while simultaneously claiming the same status for her Michigan home, and later designated her Ann Arbor residence as her home address while renting it out.

Such discrepancies could have given Cook access to better loan terms. Lenders typically offer lower rates for second homes and primary residences than for investment properties, which carry higher down payments and interest rates because of higher perceived risk.

Cook acknowledged in court filings that documents were altered, but has suggested that clerical mistakes were to blame.

Pulte maintains that Cook’s conduct could amount to both mortgage fraud and occupancy fraud, with potential tax implications.

Cook has filed a lawsuit challenging her removal after President Joe Biden appointed her to the Fed’s Board of Governors.

“We have obtained a document Lisa Cook submitted to the U.S. Government while serving as Federal Reserve Governor. In it, on February 28, 2023, she represents to the U.S. Government that the Atlanta property is her personal residence,” Pulte stated.

“However, Lisa Cook, as a then-sitting Fed Governor and six months earlier, on September 1, 2022, appears to have listed that same property for rent.”

Pulte argued that the timing of the two loans indicated Cook’s lenders may not have been aware of each other’s underwriting processes, a situation he described as consistent with occupancy fraud.

House Passes Bill To Scrutinize Taliban Funding

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at limiting the Taliban’s funding from international governments and NGOs. The No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act (H.R. 260) states that the United States’ foreign policy is to “oppose the provision of foreign assistance by foreign countries and nongovernmental organizations to the Taliban, particularly those countries and organizations that receive United States-provided foreign assistance.”

Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett, who proposed the legislation, stated on the House floor on Monday that Afghans opposing Taliban rule have informed him that international funding is being channeled to the government.

“According to them, nearly all of the cash aid sent to Afghanistan ends up in the hands of the Taliban,” Burchett stated. “Mr. Speaker, they will hate us for free. We do not need to give them hard-earned American tax dollars.”

The Act mandates the Secretary of State to design a strategy within 180 days to deter foreign governments and organizations from assisting the Taliban, to find methods to support Afghan women and former US military partners, and to provide a series of reports to Congress on aid to Afghanistan.

Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) acknowledged the measure’s bipartisan support, but chastised the Trump administration for its lack of clarity over its plans in Afghanistan.

“There is not a consensus about what the Trump administration is doing on Afghanistan, because they won’t tell us,” Jackson stated. “We urgently need more information and assurances from the Trump administration about their priorities in Afghanistan and now Iran.”

The measure passed the House by voice vote with no objections. It will now move to the Senate for final approval.

Earlier this month, legislation passed 226 to 188 by the House to prevent future administrations from prohibiting oil and gas drilling without the consent of Congress, giving President Donald Trump another significant win.

The “Protecting American Energy Production Act” was passed by lawmakers in a vote on Friday, which forbids the president from “declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing unless Congress authorizes the moratorium.”

Republican House members unanimously voted in favor of the legislation’s passage, while 118 Democrats voted against it.

Just weeks before he left office, former President Joe Biden banned future oil and gas drilling along 625 million acres of coastal and offshore waters, among other oil and gas-related regulations. The bill follows his actions.

The Republican who introduced the bill, Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, stated that the legislation was prompted by worries about possible fracking bans during the Biden administration.

“When President Biden took office, his administration took a ‘whole of government’ approach to wage war on American energy production, pandering to woke environmental extremists and crippling this thriving industry,” Pfluger said in a statement following the bill’s passage.

“My legislation that passed today is a necessary first step in reversing Biden’s war on energy by preventing the federal government from banning the use of hydraulic fracturing,” he said.

As part of his “drill, baby, drill” strategy, President Donald Trump has pledged to unleash energy produced in the United States since the campaign trail.

If the president signs the bill into law, it would stop the drilling method from being banned by subsequent administrations.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum launched internal investigations into agency actions that “burden” energy development on Monday, stripping the energy sector of “coercive” climate policies and oil lease bans implemented during the Biden administration.

This comes as a new national poll shows that most Democrats are dissatisfied with how their party’s lawmakers are performing in Congress.

According to a Quinnipiac University survey, 53% of Democratic respondents disapproved of congressional Democrats’ job performance, while only 41% expressed approval.

Trump Reacts After Tennessee Special Election Called

A closely watched special election in Tennessee has been called as voters hit the polls to fill a vacancy in Congress. Trump-backed Republican Matt Van Epps defeated Aftyn Behn, a Democrat running for a U.S. House seat.

The president posted on Truth Social, “Congratulations to Matt Van Epps on his BIG Congressional WIN in the Great State of Tennessee. The Radical Left Democrats threw everything at him, including Millions of Dollars. Another great night for the Republican Party!!! President DJT”

With 99% of the ballots counted, Van Epps, a war veteran and former state general services commissioner from Nashville, was ahead by 53.9% to 45.1%. The contenders were separated by just over 16,000 votes.

MAGA Inc. gave Van Epps more than $1 million, which is the first time the Trump-aligned super PAC has spent money on a campaign since last year’s presidential race. This shows how important the contest has become.

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP Chair Joe Gruters campaigned for him in Tennessee. Trump talked to his supporters on the phone and then staged a tele-rally for Van Epps, which was his second of the general election.

The House Majority PAC gave $1 million to help the progressive Behn, and Ken Martin, the national party chair, went to the district to campaign for her.

While on a book tour in Nashville, former Vice President Kamala Harris helped start a canvassing operation.

Former Vice President Al Gore, who is from Tennessee, joined Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in leading a virtual rally the night before the election.

On Monday, Behn made headlines after she avoided questions about whether she thought giving more money to the police would be good or bad.

CNN host Kasie Hunt asked Behn about posts she made on social media in 2020, saying she wanted to get rid of Nashville’s police service. She also asked her if she would want more money for the police in her district now.

“So those past comments were at a time when I was a private citizen. As an activist and organizer, and now as a Tennessee lawmaker, I represent 40,000 individual opinions and political thought,” she said.

Hunt asked Behn again, “And so what do you think now? Would more money for cops be good or bad?”

Behn dodged the question and said it depends on what the community wants.

“I’ve worked with communities, at least my constituents, want to ensure that there is investment in their community for community safety, community protection, mental health services and that’s what I’m hearing from at least my constituents,” she said.

Behn, a Democrat running for state representative and former healthcare community leader, is up against Matt Van Epps, a Republican, in Tuesday’s special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

The winner will take over for Mark Green, who quit as a GOP representative in June to take a job in the private sector.

Behn also avoided being asked if she didn’t agree with any of Kamala Harris’ ideas as the Democratic nominee for 2024.

“Honestly, haven‘t thought about it. I‘ve got 24 hours to — I don‘t mean to be flippant, but I have 24 hours to win this race. And, all I‘ve been thinking about is talking to every last voter possible, at the doors and trying to make my case as to why I am the best candidate,” Behn said.

“But there’s no policy that you would identify that again, the party’s presidential nominee held, that you do not agree with?” Hunt asked Behn again.

After the interview, Hunt told her CNN panel that she was “surprised” Behn couldn’t name a point of disagreement with Harris, who lost Tennessee to President Donald Trump by nearly 30 points.

Behn made news for criticizing Nashville, which is part of the district she hopes to represent, in a 2020 podcast that resurfaced days before the Dec. 2 special election.

“I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country. But I hate it,” she said in the podcast.

When Linda Thompson looks back on her years with Elvis Presley, she doesn’t simply recall the spectacle of life alongside one of the most famous entertainers in history—she remembers the quieter moments that shaped their bond. The world knew Elvis as a superstar, a symbol of charisma and cultural change, but Thompson experienced a different side of him. Behind the lights and applause, she encountered a man who could be funny, tender, and deeply generous. Their relationship unfolded during a period when Elvis was at the center of global attention, yet Thompson’s memories reveal the intimate humanity that fame often obscures. Her reflections invite listeners to step beyond the myth and glimpse a life lived in both privilege and vulnerability.

In her stories, Thompson describes the emotional landscape of their time together: a relationship filled with companionship, affection, and shared experience, but also marked by the strain of Elvis’s demanding world. Travel, performances, and constant scrutiny made ordinary life difficult, and the weight of expectations increasingly shaped his behavior and well-being. Thompson has spoken candidly about how much she cared for him, yet also about the heartache of watching someone she loved struggle under pressures no one could fully escape. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to leave—not because her feelings faded, but because their lifestyle had become unsustainable, and she needed to protect her own sense of balance and peace.

Despite the end of their romance, Thompson and Presley remained connected in meaningful ways. They continued to communicate until his untimely passing in 1977, a reflection of their ongoing respect and affection. Thompson has shared warm memories of the creative playfulness they enjoyed together, describing moments filled with laughter, music, and private joy. One detail that captivated fans was her mention of a personal duet the two recorded—a small, intimate musical moment never intended for public ears, but treasured as a snapshot of their shared artistry and ease with one another.

Today, Linda Thompson is recognized not only as part of Elvis’s history, but as a successful songwriter with her own accomplishments and perspective. Her reflections on their relationship are thoughtful rather than sensational, grounded in appreciation instead of regret. She speaks of Elvis with tenderness, acknowledging both his extraordinary talent and the human complexities that accompanied it. Through her stories, she offers admirers a chance to see beyond the legend and remember the person behind the performances—a reminder that even the brightest stars are shaped by quiet connections and relationships that continue to echo long after the spotlight fades.

I often ordered food delivery on busy evenings, and over time, Ravi—the delivery driver in our neighborhood—became a familiar, friendly face. He always greeted my children warmly, lifting their spirits with jokes and high fives. But one evening, something about him felt different. He handed me the food quickly, avoided eye contact, and hurried back to his car. When I brought the bag inside, I noticed a message scribbled on the back: “Check your trash can.” The words sent a ripple of worry through me. After sending my children to wash up, I stepped into the backyard. When I opened one of the trash cans, I found several items that clearly didn’t belong to us. I didn’t understand what they meant, but I knew something was wrong. I immediately called the sheriff’s office, trying to stay calm for my children’s sake.

When Officer Leona arrived, she listened carefully as I explained what I had found and how Ravi’s unusual note had led me to it. Our neighborhood had experienced a few concerning incidents recently, and she suspected that someone might have been planning another attempt nearby. She advised me to stay inside for the night and consider improving our home security. Even after she left, sleep felt impossible. I stayed up researching security systems and startled at every sound outside. By morning, exhaustion and worry had blurred together. As soon as businesses opened, I called a security company and managed to get a same-day appointment. The installation team worked throughout the morning while I tried to keep the kids occupied. Just as they finished, Officer Leona returned with updates from the lab. The items found in the trash suggested someone had been preparing to tamper with our property.

The news made my heart sink, but it also made me grateful for the quick warning that had allowed me to act in time. When I spotted Ravi dropping off an order next door, I stepped outside to speak with him. He looked uneasy at first, but when I thanked him, relief washed over his face. He explained that he had seen unfamiliar individuals near our trash cans the night before and felt something wasn’t right. Unsure what else to do and worried they might still be around, he left the message as quietly as he could. I reassured him that he had likely helped prevent something serious, and he apologized for not explaining sooner. I told him he had nothing to apologize for. His small act of awareness had made a huge difference to my family.

That evening, after the house had quieted down, I sat in front of the new security monitor, watching the calm street outside. For the first time in days, I felt a sense of control returning. I knew there were still questions to answer, and the investigation wasn’t over, but I wasn’t facing it alone. Ravi’s quick thinking, Officer Leona’s support, and the steps I’d taken to protect my home gave me reassurance. As I listened to the soft hum of the house, I felt grateful for the unexpected kindness that reminded me how even small actions can help keep others safe.

August 2025 – The Justice Department has announced the conclusion of Operation Grayskull, one of the largest joint crackdowns in history against online child exploitation networks. Working with the FBI, prosecutors secured 18 convictions and dismantled four of the most “egregious” dark web platforms ever uncovered.

Authorities say these sites were visited by more than 120,000 users worldwide, some featuring content so extreme it shocked even veteran investigators. The platforms were run like criminal corporations, complete with moderators, posting rules, and encrypted communication channels to evade law enforcement.

Sentences have been severe: one Minnesota man received over 20 years, while another defendant from Michigan was sentenced to 55 years. Others, including site moderators, drew sentences ranging from 23 years to life in prison.

“You cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children,” FBI Director Kash Patel warned. Prosecutors echoed that message, vowing that international partnerships under Project Safe Childhood will continue to track offenders wherever they operate.

How to Make Bedbugs Disappear from Your Garden in Minutes – A Natural, Proven Approach

There’s a moment every gardener dreads: spotting tiny reddish-brown bugs crawling across your leaves. Your mind races—“Are these bedbugs?”—and suddenly your relaxing garden feels under siege. Take a deep breath. In most cases, what you’re seeing isn’t the same bedbug that haunts mattresses; instead, it’s a harmless—but pesky—sap-sucking garden insect. And once you know the difference, controlling them becomes far simpler.

In this guide, we’ll explore the gentle, effective, and chemical-light method to send these garden pests packing in minutes using a natural neem oil solution. You’ll learn what to look for, how to prepare the spray, and the key steps to protect your plants without harming pollinators or beneficial insects.

Identifying the Real Culprits

True bedbugs are indoor nuisances, preferring mattresses, couches, and furniture. Garden “bedbugs,” on the other hand, are often:

Aphids

Thrips

Chinch bugs

Leafhoppers

Spider mites

These tiny insects feed on plant sap, often congregating on tender leaves, stems, or the undersides of foliage. Their activity causes yellowing, curling, and stunted growth. Their reddish or brown coloring and quick movements make them easy to mistake for bedbugs, which leads many gardeners to panic unnecessarily.

The solution isn’t to blanket your garden in harsh pesticides. Instead, a targeted, plant-safe approach works best—and that’s where neem oil comes in.

Why Neem Oil is the Go-To Natural Solution

Neem oil is an organic, biodegradable insecticide that has been used worldwide by gardeners for decades. Its key active compound, azadirachtin, works by disrupting insect feeding and growth, making it deadly for sap-suckers while remaining gentle on plants, soil, and beneficial insects.

Unlike strong chemical pesticides, neem oil:

Reduces insect feeding immediately

Interferes with reproduction and molting

Is safe for use around families and pets when applied correctly

Breaks down naturally without leaving harmful residues

The Simple Garden Pest-Control Formula

For effective results, neem oil works best with a little help from soap and warm water. The combination ensures even coverage, adhesion to leaves, and maximum impact on pests. Here’s the exact recipe that gardeners swear by:

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons cold-pressed neem oil

½ teaspoon mild, unscented liquid dish soap

1 quart (4 cups) warm water

Clean spray bottle with fine mist setting

Steps to Prepare:

Mix warm water and soap in the spray bottle, stirring until dissolved.

Add the neem oil and shake for 20–30 seconds until the mixture turns slightly cloudy.

Spray thoroughly on leaves, stems, and the soil line, targeting both the tops and undersides of leaves.

Repeat every 3–5 days for active infestations, then weekly for prevention.

Pro tip: Spray during calm morning or evening hours to avoid disturbing pollinators and reduce evaporation.

Why This Method Works So Quickly

Gardeners often notice a difference within minutes. Here’s why:

Stops Feeding Immediately: Azadirachtin affects insect mouthparts and feeding behavior. Within minutes, bugs scatter and sap loss slows, protecting delicate leaves.

Interrupts the Life Cycle: Neem interferes with hormonal signaling in insects, preventing molts and reducing reproduction. Each application lowers the next generation of pests.

Reaches Hidden Spots: Many garden pests hide on the undersides of leaves or at the base of stems. A fine mist with soap ensures thorough coverage.

Safe for Beneficial Insects: Proper timing (dawn or dusk) reduces contact with pollinators like bees and butterflies, maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.

Reduces Plant Stress: Less sap loss means leaves remain upright and vibrant, promoting faster recovery and healthier growth.

Low Residue and Odor: Neem’s scent fades quickly, leaving no lingering chemical haze. Your garden remains enjoyable for people and pets.

Builds Sustainable Pest Management: Regular applications plus scouting and sanitation create a routine that reduces future outbreaks naturally.

Real-Life Success Stories

Maya, Urban Balcony Gardener: Faced with thrips overwhelming her basil, she applied neem mist to the undersides of leaves every fourth evening. Within two weeks, new leaves emerged glossy and untouched.

Eddie, Community Garden Volunteer: Kale and chard were being devoured by aphids. Using neem at sunrise and releasing ladybugs, pest populations fell below damaging levels, allowing harvests to thrive.

These stories show how a gentle, consistent approach can restore your garden without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Bonus Tips to Amplify Neem Oil Effectiveness

Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle around plant bases to deter crawlers.

Garlic-Chili Spray: Acts as a short-term repellent between neem applications.

Companion Plants: Marigolds, basil, and mint confuse pests and reduce pressure.

Remember, these are supplementary measures, not replacements for proper neem applications.

Practical Rules for Success

Test the spray on a few leaves first and wait 24 hours to ensure plant tolerance.

Avoid spraying in midday sun to prevent leaf burn.

Don’t drench flowers where pollinators land; be surgical in your approach.

Stick to the recommended neem oil concentration—more isn’t faster or better.

Focus on undersides and lower stems to prevent reinfestation.

A Quick Checklist for Each Spray Session

Shake the bottle until the mixture is evenly cloudy.

Walk slowly along rows, misting both sides of leaves.

Pause at tender tips and new growth, where pests cluster.

Mark your calendar for follow-up applications to maintain control.

Final Thoughts: A Calm, Natural Garden

Next time you spot “bedbugs” on your tomatoes, beans, or roses, remember: most garden pests are harmless sap-suckers. Knowing the difference turns panic into a calm, effective plan. With neem oil, careful timing, and consistent care, your garden can recover in minutes and remain healthy throughout the season.

A final pro tip: wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth before spraying. Clean surfaces allow neem to adhere evenly, making each application more effective and reducing wasted product.

By taking this natural, measured approach, you’ll enjoy vibrant foliage, thriving crops, and the satisfaction of managing pests the gentle, eco-friendly way.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional pest control advice. Always test natural sprays on a small area before widespread use and follow product label instructions.

House Passes ‘Take It Down’ Act Criminalizing Deep Fake Revenge Photos

The Take It Down Act, a measure that would criminalize the publication of nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes, passed the House on Monday and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

The bill cleared the House in a decisive 409–2 vote, with 22 members not voting. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) cast the only votes against the measure, The Hill reported.

The bill would make it a federal crime to purposely post computer-generated, realistically looking pornographic images or videos that appear to depict identifiably real persons on social media or other platforms online.

Trump signaled last month that he intends to sign the measure into law.

“The Senate just passed the Take It Down Act. Once it passes the House, I look forward to signing that bill into law,” Trump told a joint session of Congress in early March. “And I’m going to use that bill for myself too if you don’t mind, because nobody gets treated worse than I do online, nobody.”

First Lady Melania Trump also voiced her support for the bill, attending a roundtable on the measure last month. She promptly praised its passage on Monday evening.

“Today’s bipartisan passage of the Take It Down Act is a powerful statement that we stand united in protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of our children,” the first lady wrote in a statement.

The measure was sponsored by Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) in the upper chamber, while Representatives Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Madeline Dean (D-Pennsylvania) were the co-leads on the House version.

Cruz celebrated the bill’s passage on Monday, calling it a “historic win in the fight to protect victims of revenge porn and deepfake abuse.”

“By requiring social media companies to take down this abusive content quickly, we are sparing victims from repeated trauma and holding predators accountable,” he noted in a statement.

Massie took to the X platform to explain his “no” vote, writing, “I’m voting NO because I feel this is a slippery slope, ripe for abuse, with unintended consequences.”

The measure is the first youth online safety bill to clear Congress this session, giving lawmakers a rare win after related proposals stalled last year. Tech-safety advocates and families have spent years lobbying for laws like the Take It Down Act, aiming to hold tech companies accountable for social media harms to children, The Hill noted.

Many online safety advocates are backing the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which would establish rules governing the features tech and social media companies offer to children.

Though the Senate passed KOSA 91–3 last session, it stalled in the House amid GOP leadership’s concerns that it could curb free speech.

While some lawmakers worry Trump’s ties to Big Tech might lead him to oppose the measure, Sen. Ted Cruz told The Hill last month that he doesn’t expect that to occur, said The Hill.

“Every conversation I’ve had with the Trump administration on this topic has evidenced a commitment to protecting free speech and ending Big Tech censorship,” he said, pointing to the president and first lady’s support of the Take It Down Act.

Certain tech policy groups, including Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), an AI advocacy group, hailed the passage of the bill.

“For the first time in years, Congress is passing legislation to protect vulnerable communities online and requiring tech giants to clean up their act,” ARI President Brad Carson said. “This bill is going to make a difference in the lives of victims and prevent another generation from being targeted with non-consensual intimate deepfakes.”

Others, meanwhile, said they were worried that the legislation could wind up stifling free speech.

“The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a missed opportunity for Congress to meaningfully help victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery,” said Becca Branum, the deputy director of the Center for Democracy and Technology’s Free Expression Project.

“The best of intentions can’t make up for the bill’s dangerous implications for constitutional speech and privacy online,” she said Monday.