During an interview on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” Vice President Kamala Harris gave a less-than-enthusiastic endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. While stating support for the Democratic candidate, Harris emphasized other rising Democratic stars across the country and cautioned against over-focusing on New York City. This tepid backing arrives amid a broader discussion within the Democratic party about generational shifts and endorsements of the progressive candidate, with some prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, yet to endorse him. The lukewarm reception follows Mamdani’s primary victory, sparking a national conversation about the party’s direction and the role of older politicians.
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At the UN General Assembly, President Trump hailed a “golden age” for the U.S., sparking tension with the global body through funding cuts and criticism. Trump’s actions, including withdrawing from UN agencies and reviewing U.S. interactions, have exacerbated the UN’s budget crisis, potentially shifting influence to nations like China. Experts warn that the U.S.’s diminishing role could erode human rights and international peace, while some delegates have questioned whether New York is still the appropriate location for the UN. In response, other nations are forming alliances, and smaller states are stepping up in an attempt to take the lead on issues such as human rights.
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President Trump’s new “Gold Card” visa program, offering U.S. residency for a $1 million investment, has drawn criticism and accusations of potential abuse. The program allows wealthy foreigners and corporations to expedite their path to residency through contributions to the Commerce Department. The administration anticipates issuing approximately 80,000 Gold Cards, replacing existing visa categories and including a “Platinum Card” option. Critics, including Senator Dick Durbin, have labeled the plan illegal and a potential pathway for those who are wealthy, but not necessarily contributing to the US. The program is likely to face legal challenges.
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For years, Canada has experienced a “brain drain” of skilled workers to the United States, particularly in technology and healthcare. However, the recent move by President Trump to increase the cost of H-1B visas may alter this trend. This executive order, signed on Friday, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, which could lead to confusion and frustration for companies. These companies heavily rely on the program to recruit global talent in various fields, including computer programming and engineering.
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The firing of Tom Alter from Texas State University followed a speech at a socialist conference, and was framed as incitement to violence by the university president. The action came after a video clip, circulated by right-wing influencer Karlyn Borysenko, who has expressed extreme views, including Holocaust denial, was posted online. Borysenko, who has also appeared on Fox News, has been accused of taking a role in this larger crackdown on speech. This instance highlights the escalating role of right-wing influencers in amplifying accusations and influencing outcomes related to academic freedom, while using propaganda to push biased narratives.
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President Donald Trump has canceled a White House meeting with top congressional Democrats, citing “unserious and ridiculous demands” as the reason. He claimed Democrats seek over $1 trillion in new spending for various programs and policies. Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, responded by criticizing Trump’s decision and expressing their readiness to negotiate to avoid a government shutdown. Both sides had previously confirmed the meeting, but with Congress away from Washington, D.C., no path forward has been decided.
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is investigating a drone disruption at Copenhagen Airport, considering the possibility of Russian involvement due to similar incidents in Norway and airspace violations by Russia in Eastern Europe. Frederiksen noted the incident’s context within current European events, while Russia’s ambassador denied involvement. The article highlights rising tensions between Russia and NATO, including concerns of hybrid warfare and Article 5 of the NATO treaty, though the drones were not shot down due to safety concerns at the airport. Furthermore, recent accusations of Russian airspace violations by Poland and Estonia also contribute to the growing security concerns.
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President Trump made controversial claims about a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, prompting criticism from medical professionals, including Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. Despite Trump’s statements, the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not support these claims, as Tylenol is a commonly recommended pain reliever for pregnant women. The Autism Science Foundation has expressed concerns, deeming Trump’s statements “dangerous,” while the maker of Tylenol has refuted the claims, citing scientific evidence. This follows Trump’s support for anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., further fueling medical debate.
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Trump administration recommends pregnant women limit Tylenol, contradicting medical guidance. This is a truly bizarre turn of events, and frankly, it’s infuriating. It seems we’re dealing with a situation where the medical advice coming from the previous administration, the Trump administration, directly contradicts the established guidance of medical professionals. The recommendation to limit Tylenol use during pregnancy is at odds with what doctors have been telling pregnant women for years, and that alone should raise a red flag. It’s like something out of a bad science fiction movie, where the government suddenly decides it knows more about medicine than the experts.… Continue reading
A new survey by the American Association of Professors reveals that a significant number of professors in Southern states like Texas and Florida are contemplating leaving their positions due to the current political climate’s impact on education. Roughly a quarter of respondents have applied for higher education jobs in other states since 2023. Professors cite the “broad political climate” as the primary motivator, surpassing salary as the top concern. The recent legislation, like Texas’s SB17 banning DEI initiatives, has led to resource cancellations and staff changes, prompting professors to seek alternative employment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood