Missouri’s GOP governor calls special session to redraw congressional districts, and it’s clear this is more than just a routine political maneuver. The current landscape in Missouri, with a congressional map split 6-2 in favor of Republicans, is apparently not enough for the GOP. The goal is to potentially shift this to 7-1, which, as many see it, is a blatant attempt at gerrymandering – a practice where district boundaries are manipulated to favor a particular political party.
The potential move to 7-1 isn’t a simple numbers game. There’s a risk involved for Republicans. If they push too far, they could inadvertently make their own districts vulnerable, especially during a potential “wave election” where the political winds shift.… Continue reading
Brown-Forman, the parent company of brands like Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, reported a 62% decrease in sales to Canada during the latest fiscal quarter, largely due to provincial boycotts of American alcohol. This decline, stemming from retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs, significantly impacted the company’s overall performance, despite growth from non-U.S. brands. Although Canada has removed retaliatory tariffs on American spirits, the organization warns that until all provinces restore American spirits to store shelves, the impact of tariff removal will be minimal. The United States distillers council stated that in 2024, Canada was the second-largest market for U.S. spirit exports.
Read More
Following former President Trump’s decision to revoke Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection, the California Highway Patrol will assume responsibility for her security. This shift occurred after President Biden extended the typical post-vice presidency Secret Service detail. California authorities swiftly moved to provide alternative security measures, ultimately assigning the CHP to protect the former Vice President.
Read More
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused Russia of destabilizing Germany through attacks on infrastructure and attempts to undermine social stability, stating that Germany is already in conflict with Russia. These accusations are part of a broader trend of Western leaders accusing Moscow of hybrid operations and sabotage across Europe. Merz, who has increased military support for Ukraine, expressed the hope for future good relations, while acknowledging the current distance from that goal due to Putin’s ambitions. Concerns have also been raised regarding suspected Russian drone flights over U.S. arms routes in Germany, hinting at espionage and potential future sabotage operations.
Read More
Bernie Sanders: Kennedy Must Resign. This isn’t just a headline; it’s a call to action born out of deep concern for the health and well-being of the American people. The core of the issue is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and his actions, which Senator Sanders believes, are actively endangering public health. It’s a condemnation not just of one individual but of a direction the country seems to be heading, a direction that prioritizes misinformation and distrust of science over the safety and health of its citizens.
Sanders’s primary argument is that Kennedy is actively working against science, public health, and truth.… Continue reading
The Epstein estate will deliver a book containing a note and drawing from Donald Trump to Congress on September 8th, following a subpoena. The book, which reportedly includes a suggestive birthday message and drawing, is part of an ongoing investigation by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Representative Robert Garcia confirmed the news while highlighting the importance of centering the stories of Epstein’s victims and seeking transparency from Trump. Trump denies the contents of the note.
Read More
In a recent interview, Vice President JD Vance stated he is prepared to assume the presidency if a tragedy were to befall Donald Trump, citing extensive “on-the-job training” over the last 200 days. These comments follow recent concerns about Trump’s health, including visible bruising and swelling. Trump’s recent endorsement of Vance as the heir apparent to the MAGA movement has also added further speculation to the potential future of the presidency. The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution outlines the succession process in the event of a presidential death or incapacitation, with nine prior instances of a vice president succeeding a president mid-term.
Read More
Reliance Industries, owned by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has reportedly earned over €724 million from exporting fuel refined from Russian oil to the US in 2024. This activity has raised concerns, with US officials claiming India has become a financial resource for Russia’s war effort, despite Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Reliance purchases discounted Russian crude, refines it at its Jamnagar complex, and then exports the finished products, a practice that has allowed the company to significantly increase revenue, with Russian crude now accounting for approximately 30% of its processing. The US and EU are considering measures to close the loophole that allows these exports, while Reliance continues to operate with significant profit.
Read More
The US State Department has revoked visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other Palestinian officials, preventing their attendance at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. This decision, which the US attributes to undermining peace efforts, has been welcomed by Israel but condemned by Palestinian officials who view it as a violation of international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement. Despite the ban, Palestinian representatives at the UN mission in New York may still attend meetings. This move comes amidst international efforts, led by France, to recognize a state of Palestine, a move opposed by the current US administration.
Read More
The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) addressed the arrest of James Yokeley Jr., who allegedly drugged two teenage girls by putting pills containing narcotics in their Dairy Queen blizzards. The incident occurred on August 3rd when the teens discovered the pills while with Yokeley, leading them to seek medical assistance. WPD’s investigation, aided by security footage, revealed Yokeley’s involvement, although the specific drugs in the pills are awaiting lab confirmation after preliminary tests indicated MDMA and cocaine. Yokeley, a former Surry County Board of Elections chair, was arrested on August 26th and has since posted bond.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker