5 March—The Hearst Waterbury rag appears to have put a new spin on “late news.” Due in part—and only in part—to the location of its presses in Albany, over 100 miles from Waterbury, thus necessitating a ridiculously early deadline, by the time Hearst Waterbury rag real paper and digital readers are able to get lots of national and local news it’s no longer news. That’s what might be expected from a weekly newspaper, but not from a daily—even in these perilous times for print newspapers. And it’s not getting any better.

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Among the national news not in this morning’s Hearst Waterbury rag is, of course, Donald Trump’s typically self-aggrandizing, typically offensive, typically disgraceful performance last night. On second thought, Trump’s non-State of the Union kabuki at the MAGA pep rally in the U.S. Capitol (as Senator Christopher Murphy percipiently called it) wasn’t really news at all. Same old same old from the masterful demagogue:

Self-praise, including: The Trump administration has accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations have done in four years.

Lies, including: The Trump administration has accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations have done in four years.

Insults, including: Joe Biden is the worst president in American history. Coming from the worst president in American history beyond any shadow of a doubt. And bar none, for good measure.

Threats, including: While Trump insists his administration supports Greenland’s right of self-determination, the United States will acquire the territory “one way or another.”

Airy-fairy promises, including: “This will be our greatest era.”

Goat talk: I will make America affordable again. MAAA! There’s nothing like counterproductive tariffs and other taxes to “address the inflation nightmare,” as the old goat calls the situation he’s exacerbating out of ignorance and sheer stubborn stupidity.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren—whom Trump derisively calls Pocahontas—is right on the mark: “The whole speech was a fantasy that Donald Trump tries to construct.” Actually, she’s being too kind . . .