Texas reported 73 new measles cases, bringing the total to over 400, with the majority concentrated in Gaines County. Forty-one hospitalizations and two deaths, both in unvaccinated individuals, have been linked to the outbreak, which began in late January. While two vaccinated individuals contracted measles, the overwhelming majority of cases involve unvaccinated people. The state continues to provide updates on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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A proposed ban on barcodes on ballots, potentially driven by a desire to slow down vote counting, presents a complex issue with significant implications. The idea seems to stem from a belief that delaying the vote count could create opportunities for political manipulation and unrest. This delay could provide more time to challenge the legitimacy of the count, potentially leading to a chaotic situation where claims of fraud are amplified and used to undermine the election outcome.
This strategy plays into a broader pattern of undermining faith in democratic processes. By intentionally slowing down the process, the intention might be to sow discord and distrust, enabling the exertion of influence on the final result.… Continue reading
Following a lawsuit, newly released records reveal South Dakota spent over $150,000 on former Governor Kristi Noem’s travel, much of which was unrelated to state business and included trips for political events and personal activities. These expenses, totaling over $640,000 during her tenure, sparked outrage among state Republicans, who criticized the use of taxpayer funds for personal gain. While Noem’s office claims security costs were justified, critics argue that campaign funds should have covered expenses tied to her political ambitions. The lack of transparency surrounding these expenditures has raised concerns about South Dakota’s relatively lax disclosure requirements for gubernatorial travel.
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President Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Trust in American Elections,” mandates new voting rules deemed unconstitutional by many. The order, driven by unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, oversteps executive authority by dictating state election procedures, including requiring proof of citizenship on voter registration forms and restricting mail-in ballot deadlines. This action is predicted to face legal challenges due to its infringement upon states’ rights to regulate their own elections, as explicitly outlined in the Constitution. The order also includes impractical demands, such as mandating the use of nonexistent voting machines, further highlighting its potential flaws.
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Following US Vice President Vance’s visit to Greenland, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen criticized the Trump administration’s “tone” in criticizing Denmark’s commitment to Greenland’s security, emphasizing their existing close alliance and increased investments in Arctic defense. Vance, conversely, asserted that Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s security and encouraged Greenlandic independence, suggesting a greater US role. This prompted strong pushback from Greenland’s parliament, forming a coalition government to resist US annexation attempts. Despite the criticism, Denmark reiterated its openness to further cooperation with the US within the framework of their 1951 defense agreement.
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BBC Russian and Mediazona’s independent count reveals over 100,000 verified Russian military deaths in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. Significant portions of these casualties stemmed from volunteer soldiers (nearly 25%), mobilized troops (over 11%), and convicted prisoners (over 16%). Over 4,800 officers were among the dead, though their proportion of total casualties decreased over time as volunteer recruitment increased. The data relies on open-source information, contrasting with the Russian Ministry of Defence’s silence on losses.
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Utah has become the first US state to ban fluoride in its public water supply, effective May 7th, a decision met with sharp criticism from dental and public health organizations. This ban, driven by concerns about potential health risks—particularly cognitive effects in children—ignores overwhelming scientific evidence supporting fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. The American Dental Association, among others, decried the decision as based on “distorted pseudoscience,” emphasizing the significant benefits of community water fluoridation. While some argue for individual choice regarding fluoride consumption, the ban contradicts decades of public health policy promoting its use.
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According to Gawker founder Nick Denton, Elon Musk’s actions on X demonstrate a focus on appeasing a small, extreme segment of his audience, mirroring similar strategies employed by Joe Rogan and even previously by Gawker itself. This prioritization of a niche audience, exemplified by Musk’s use of inflammatory rhetoric, leaves him vulnerable, as it neglects a broader, potentially more influential, median voter. Denton argues that this strategy currently dominates online discourse, hindering a move towards centrism. Ultimately, however, the median voter and market forces will eventually assert their influence.
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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, attended two high-level meetings involving sensitive national security discussions with foreign military counterparts, raising concerns about protocol and security. These meetings included a session with the UK defense secretary at the Pentagon and another at NATO headquarters in Brussels. While spouses occasionally attend official events, former defense officials cited the unusual nature of a spouse’s presence in such sensitive discussions. The incidents follow criticism of Hegseth’s handling of classified information in a leaked Signal chat, prompting a Senate inquiry.
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revoked security clearances for numerous individuals, including former Biden administration officials and those involved in investigations of President Trump. This action targeted individuals perceived as having “weaponized” the legal system against Trump, such as lawyers involved in cases against him and those who labeled Hunter Biden laptop information as “disinformation”. The revocations, part of a broader campaign initiated after Trump’s inauguration, also affected former President Biden, who will no longer receive the President’s Daily Brief. Several targeted individuals, including attorney Mark Zaid, have questioned the due process involved in these revocations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood