A measles outbreak in West Texas, centered in Lubbock, experienced a significant setback when a laboring mother unknowingly infected with measles delivered at a local hospital. This exposure resulted in numerous newborns and their families being potentially infected, prompting emergency measures including immunoglobulin injections for exposed infants. The outbreak, which has spread to New Mexico and Oklahoma, causing one confirmed child death and one suspected adult death, has now exceeded the total cases reported for all of 2024. Public health officials are working to contain the spread and emphasize the importance of vaccination for long-term protection.
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Lawrenceburg, Kentucky’s Monster Rings and Cages, a manufacturer of boxing and MMA equipment, is experiencing rising steel costs due to tariffs. While owner Mike Samples supports the tariffs’ intent to boost domestic manufacturing, he notes that prices for both US and imported steel have increased significantly, impacting his business. This price increase is attributed by the Cato Institute to reduced competition, allowing domestic producers to raise prices despite low demand. Although some manufacturers hope tariffs will eventually improve competitiveness, the current economic climate is causing uncertainty and potential hardship.
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The Justice Department is investigating Columbia University for allegedly harboring undocumented immigrants, following searches of university residences and the deportation of a student whose visa was revoked. The investigation stems from protests at the university last year and is linked to the administration’s broader crackdown on individuals involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This action is part of the President’s stated mission to combat antisemitism, and includes the revocation of federal funding to the university. Two individuals connected to the protests, a doctoral student and a Palestinian woman, have been deported or arrested on immigration charges.
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Grassroots Democratic groups are demanding Senator Chuck Schumer’s resignation as minority leader, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with his perceived lack of leadership and effectiveness. The calls for his removal are not limited to a single segment of the party; instead, they represent a broad spectrum of Democrats expressing deep concern over his actions and overall performance.
The central argument revolves around Schumer’s perceived weakness in the face of Republican opposition. Critics cite instances where he appears to have yielded to the GOP’s agenda, effectively disarming Democrats in Congress and leaving the party vulnerable. This perceived capitulation is seen as a betrayal of Democratic values and a disservice to the party’s constituents.… Continue reading
Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan threatens legal action to block cruise ships from British Columbia ports in retaliation for new fees imposed on trucks traveling from Washington to Alaska. Sullivan, citing the Passenger Vessel Services Act, aims to leverage the significant economic impact of cruise tourism to pressure Canada to back down. He asserts that this action would severely damage the Canadian economy, while benefiting Alaska’s tourism industry. However, B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation maintains that the new fees are a necessary tool in response to ongoing trade disputes and hopes a resolution can be reached without resorting to such measures.
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The measles outbreak in Texas continues to expand, with the confirmed case count now reaching 259. Remarkably, only two of these individuals were fully vaccinated, highlighting the crucial role vaccination plays in preventing this highly contagious disease. This stark statistic underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for increased vaccination rates.
The rapid growth of the outbreak raises serious concerns about the potential for further spread. While the daily increase in new cases has fluctuated—36 new cases were reported today, following 25 on Tuesday and 39 on Friday—the overall trajectory remains alarming. This necessitates a proactive and comprehensive public health response to effectively contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.… Continue reading
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s chief negotiator, undertook a rushed 12-hour trip to Moscow to deliver a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. His meeting with Vladimir Putin was significantly delayed due to an unscheduled visit from Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, seemingly a deliberate power play by Putin. The subsequent meeting yielded no ceasefire agreement, only a reiteration of Russia’s unwavering demands, leaving the decision on further action to President Trump.
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Facing a potential government shutdown, the House passed a Republican-backed spending bill that reduces Justice Department funding. Senate Majority Leader Schumer initially opposed the bill but reversed course, citing a need to prevent a shutdown, a decision met with outrage from Democrats. Representative Pelosi strongly criticized Schumer’s decision, urging Senate Democrats to reject the bill and instead pursue a short-term funding extension to allow for further negotiations. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill, with a midnight deadline to avoid a government shutdown.
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Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached a peace agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as Azerbaijani but previously controlled by Armenian separatists. The agreement addresses two key articles concerning the deployment of third-country forces and mutual withdrawal of international claims. However, Azerbaijan insists on constitutional changes in Armenia to eliminate territorial claims before signing, a point disputed by Armenia’s Prime Minister. Despite this remaining hurdle, both countries express willingness to continue negotiations toward finalizing the peace treaty.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood