The Daily Beacon Morning News for March 17, 2025

The Daily Beacon provides daily updates on protecting and promoting democracy and community in positive ways 🌟

President Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford to become the new administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.), sparking concerns about air traffic control shortages and outdated systems ✈️

You can take action by contacting your representatives in Congress and expressing concerns about Bedford's nomination 💬

Meanwhile, a midwife named Maria Margarita Rojas has been arrested in Texas for allegedly performing illegal abortions, highlighting the need to support safe and legal abortion services 🤰

To get involved, research local reproductive health centers and consider donating or volunteering with them 👉

The US President will have a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, raising concerns about potential territorial concessions and Ukraine war 🗺️

You can take action by contacting your elected representatives and expressing opposition to any potential concessions to Russia 💬

Additionally, Hilary Perkins was forced to resign as chief counsel of the Food and Drug Administration after being targeted by Senator Josh Hawley for her views on abortion pills 🤔

To support organizations that promote civil rights and defend against attacks on the federal bureaucracy, research local organizations and consider donating or volunteering with them 👉

Finally, it's time to take action against the destructive power of the tech industry: sell your Teslas, dump your stock, and join nationwide protests to bring attention to the devastating environmental impact 🚀

Transcript

Welcome to the Daily Beacon. We are here each day to provide daily updates, ideas and actions for you to engage in protecting and promoting democracy and community in positive ways.

President Trump has nominated Bryan Bedford, the president and CEO of Republic Airway, to become the new administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.), following the departure of the previous administrator Mike Whitaker. Bedford's appointment comes at a critical time for the F.A.A., which is facing an air traffic controller shortage and outdated systems that need upgrading, as well as recent high-profile accidents such as the January 29 crash near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people.

You can take action by contacting your representatives in Congress and expressing concerns about Bedford's nomination. Consider writing a letter or making a phone call to express your opposition to his appointment.

A midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, and her associate, Jose Ley, have been arrested in Texas for allegedly performing illegal abortions in greater Houston, marking the first criminal arrests of abortion providers since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. The charges were brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, which claims that Rojas operated a network of clinics providing abortions without proper licensure and medical training.

You can support organizations that provide safe and legal abortion services. Research local reproductive health centers and consider donating to or volunteering with them. Additionally, you can participate in online campaigns and rallies organized by groups advocating for reproductive rights.

US President Donald Trump will have a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss potential territorial concessions from Russia in exchange for ending the Ukraine war, echoing the Yalta Conference of 1945 where major powers determined borders in Europe. The negotiations are expected to be pragmatic, but some administration officials and experts warn that they may compromise on key issues, potentially rewarding Russia's aggression and setting a precedent for future conflicts with China or other countries.

You can take action by contacting your elected representatives and expressing opposition to any potential concessions to Russia. Consider writing letters or making phone calls to express your concerns about the Ukraine war and its implications for global security.

Hilary Perkins, a conservative lawyer who had defended the Biden administration's position on the abortion pill, was forced to resign as chief counsel of the Food and Drug Administration after being targeted by Senator Josh Hawley for her views. The move, which has been seen as part of a larger purge of civil servant attorneys across the government, has raised concerns about the erosion of expertise and experience in the Justice Department under the Trump administration.

You can support organizations that promote civil rights and defend against attacks on the federal bureaucracy. Research local organizations working on issues related to reproductive health and consider donating or volunteering with them.

In recent town halls in Republican districts across Wyoming and North Carolina, voters expressed anxiety and frustration with the Trump administration's agenda, citing concerns about potential cuts to social security, Mine Safety and Health Administration offices, and other public services. Despite some supporters defending the administration's actions, many attendees at these events, including some who identify as Republicans, raised questions about the scope and pace of the Trump administration's sweeping overhaul of the federal government.

You can take action by contacting your elected representatives and expressing concerns about proposed cuts to social security and other vital programs. Consider writing letters or making phone calls to express your opposition to such proposals.

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a Brown University professor and Lebanese citizen, was detained at Boston Logan International Airport and deported to Lebanon after she "openly admitted" her support for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during a trip to Lebanon in February. The Department of Homeland Security cited her support for a terrorist organization as grounds for denying her re-entry into the US.

You can support organizations that advocate for immigrants' rights and defend against xenophobia. Research local organizations working on issues related to immigration policy and consider donating or volunteering with them.

Sell your Teslas, dump your stock - it's time to take action against the destructive power of the tech industry. By participating in nationwide Tesla Takedown protests and using social media to amplify the message, we can bring attention to the devastating environmental impact of Elon Musk's electric vehicle empire.