ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show due to his comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, which prompted Nexstar Communications Group, operator of 23 ABC affiliates, to pull the show from their stations. Kimmel’s comments on Monday and Tuesday nights, which were critical of responses to the killing, were deemed “offensive and insensitive” by Nexstar. There was no immediate comment from Kimmel or ABC regarding the suspension.
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Democrat Xp Lee secured victory in a special election to fill the seat of the late Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, defeating Republican Ruth Bittner. The election, held in a Democratic district, restored a legislative tie in the state house, following the assassination of Hortman and her husband in June. Lee, a former city council member and Hortman mentee, vowed to carry forward Hortman’s legacy amid national concern over political violence, which spurred the election. The accused perpetrator, Vance Boelter, is facing charges for the murders of Hortman and her husband, as well as attempted murder of other Democratic lawmakers.
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Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, surrendered peacefully to authorities in Washington County, Utah, after expressing fear of being shot by law enforcement. Prosecutors have charged Robinson with capital murder, citing incriminating messages, DNA evidence, and a note found in his apartment linking him to the crime. Investigators are examining whether others were involved or had prior knowledge of the planned attack. While a clear motive has not been established, authorities are considering whether Kirk’s anti-transgender views were a factor, noting Robinson’s evolving political views and his partner’s transgender identity.
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In a significant breakthrough, France’s WEST tokamak achieved a sustained plasma for over 22 minutes, a crucial milestone for future nuclear fusion power plants. This surpasses the previous record held by China’s EAST, demonstrating improved operational stability. The achievement showcases researchers’ ability to maintain tough operating conditions without machine breakdown and highlights the importance of long, stable plasma operation. This progress, alongside other achievements like the JET facility’s energy output record, contributes to the development of reliable fusion energy. This research informs the operation of larger devices like ITER, advancing the technology from laboratory experiments to plant-relevant scenarios, while also prioritizing component durability and controlled fuel and exhaust management for safer operation.
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In the wake of a shooting, Rep. Ronny Jackson proposed the mass institutionalization of transgender people, claiming they suffer from underlying psychiatric illnesses and pose a threat to society. Jackson asserted that trans individuals, particularly trans women, exhibit an “underlying level of aggressiveness” and must be taken “off the streets” and the internet. This rhetoric reflects increasing anti-trans sentiment, with Jackson likening transgender issues to a “virus” and a “cancer.” Other Republicans have echoed similar sentiments, with some calling for further restrictions and dehumanization of the transgender community.
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FCC Chair Brendan Carr is facing criticism for appearing to threaten ABC’s broadcast licenses over Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue about the Charlie Kirk shooting. Carr called Kimmel’s comments, which linked the suspected shooter to MAGA Republicans, “the sickest conduct possible” and suggested potential FCC actions, including suspension or license revocation. Carr’s statements sparked controversy within the FCC itself, with Commissioner Anna Gomez criticizing the Chair’s threats as an attempt to suppress lawful expression. ABC and Kimmel have not yet commented on the matter.
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Coffee prices in New York are undeniably on the rise, and it’s a trend that’s quickly becoming a reality for coffee drinkers across the city and beyond. It seems roaster prices have already increased by roughly 20% in the first month of this price increase. While that’s significant, the anticipation is that prices will continue climbing, potentially by another 5% to 10% in the coming months. This isn’t just some fleeting fluctuation; it’s a situation with deep roots, and the impact is being felt by everyone from local coffee shops to those stocking their shelves at home.
The current situation is largely a result of a couple of key factors.… Continue reading
Former high-ranking CDC officials testified before the Senate, alleging that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cultivated an anti-scientific environment characterized by censorship and policy manipulation. These officials, including former CDC Director Susan Monarez and Deputy Director Debra Houry, stated that Kennedy demanded vaccine policy changes without scientific justification and silenced dissenting voices within the agency. They also expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of these actions on public health, particularly vaccine skepticism and declining vaccination rates across the US. The witnesses warned that these actions put the nation at risk of being unprepared for future disease outbreaks.
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Director Kash Patel faced accusations of concealing information regarding Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump during congressional inquiries. Patel deflected questions about Trump’s involvement in Epstein files, citing legal limitations despite previous promises of transparency. He also sidestepped queries about meeting with Epstein’s victims and their credibility. Republicans countered by accusing Democrats of political grandstanding, highlighting a lack of prior concern during previous administrations.
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The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate by a quarter-point, projecting two more cuts this year due to concerns about the labor market’s health. This move, the first since December, reflects a shift from focusing on inflation to employment, as hiring slows. While the Fed aims to boost growth and hiring, the decision faced dissent from a newly appointed policymaker favoring a larger cut. Despite some internal differences, officials still anticipate further rate reductions, although less than Wall Street had anticipated. The Fed faces the challenges of a weakening economy and external pressures on its independence, particularly regarding the attempt to remove a Fed governor.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood