From Rocking Chairs to Warships: Last Week’s Biggest Stories

​This past week brought a mix of cultural controversy, international maneuvering, and domestic upheaval. Here are five of the biggest stories you need to know:

1. Cracker Barrel Logo Sparks Backlash

The beloved Southern restaurant chain, Cracker Barrel, found itself in the midst of controversy over its new logo. What was intended as a “modern refresh” has instead triggered a wave of backlash from longtime customers who say the change abandons the brand’s heritage and rustic identity. For many, it’s another example of corporate America chasing cultural trends at the expense of tradition.

In a rather uncommon moment of unity, it seems the rebrand has caused both members to agree on one thing: it was a mistake.

2. U.S. Navy Sends Destroyers to Venezuelan Waters

In a bold move signaling escalating tensions in the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. Navy deployed three destroyers off the coast of Venezuela in an attempt to combat the drug cartels in the region. Administration officials added that the operation involves around 4,000 Marines and soldiers "over the course of several months," backed by spy planes, warships and a submarine so that international waters and skies are completely secured.

In recent developments, the move has received backlash from U.S. adversaries, with China publicly denouncing the move, with Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning telling reporters, “China opposes any move that violates the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and a country’s sovereignty and security," Ning stated. "We oppose the use or threat of force in international relations and the interference of external forces in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext."

3. Deportation Case: Kilmar Abragio Garcia

The legal saga of Kilmar Abrego Garcia took another turn this week. Immigration officials announced plans to deport him to Uganda, after he declined a plea deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica in exchange for staying in jail and pleading guilty to human smuggling charges.

Garcia, a Salvadoran national, was released from a Tennessee jail Friday and is now awaiting trial in Maryland. His attorneys argue the Uganda threat is proof of government “vindictiveness,” especially after a judge previously determined he faced a “well-founded fear” of violence if returned to El Salvador.

The case stems from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee that later led to smuggling charges. With DHS pushing for deportation and Garcia pleading not guilty, his situation has become a flashpoint in President Trump’s immigration agenda and a high-stakes test of how the administration handles controversial asylum cases.

4. Illegal Immigrant with CDL Kills 3 in Tragic Crash

In Fort Pierce, Florida, an illegal immigrant truck driver has been charged after making an illegal U-turn that killed three people. Harjinder Singh, a native of India who entered the U.S. illegally in 2018, held a commercial driver’s license issued in California, one of only 19 states that grant licenses regardless of immigration status.

The crash has ignited a political firestorm, with the Trump administration calling California’s licensing policy “asinine,” while Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office insisted Singh obtained his work permit during Trump’s presidency. Singh is now being held without bond in St. Lucie County Jail on vehicular homicide and immigration charges, with ICE placing a hold on him.