In a recent op-ed, Senator Bernie Sanders urged his Democratic colleagues to stand firm against President Trump during the ongoing government shutdown, warning that capitulating would only embolden Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. Sanders characterized Trump as a “schoolyard bully” who would exploit any concessions to further undermine democratic institutions. The senator criticized the administration’s actions, including withholding essential funding and disregarding court rulings. Sanders argued that Democrats must resist Trump’s demands to protect vulnerable populations and uphold democratic principles, framing the situation as a critical moment for the nation’s future.
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According to a new book excerpt, Justice Department officials believed former President Trump should be arrested after classified documents were found at his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022. During the raid, FBI agents recovered numerous top-secret records, leading officials to express concerns about the potential danger if the documents fell into the wrong hands. Initially, Trump avoided charges, but later faced 37 felony counts related to the mishandling of the records before the charges were eventually dismissed. Trump has since asserted the raid was politically motivated and is seeking damages, claiming he was greatly harmed by the investigations.
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A recent report based on USDA inspection documents reveals widespread salmonella contamination in U.S. grocery store chicken and turkey products. The report, conducted by Farm Forward, found that many poultry plants exceeded federal standards for salmonella levels. Despite the presence of the pathogen, the USDA has limited authority to take action due to how the pathogen is classified. Experts suggest that classifying salmonella as an adulterant, similar to E. coli, could lead to improved food safety practices and reduce illnesses.
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The Diocese of Harrisburg issued an apology after a Catholic school’s Halloween parade float in Pennsylvania included an image resembling the Auschwitz concentration camp gate, bearing the phrase “Arbeit Macht Frei.” Bishop Timothy C. Senior condemned the float, deeming its inclusion of the imagery representing the Holocaust deeply offensive and unacceptable, especially considering the suffering of millions, including six million Jews. The original float design did not include the Holocaust imagery. The diocese expressed sincere apologies to the Jewish community and will review its approval processes to prevent similar incidents.
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Canada’s Finance Department revealed that over $3 billion had been collected through U.S. counter-tariffs before a significant portion of the levies were removed in September, falling far short of the government’s initial $20 billion revenue projection for the fiscal year. Prime Minister Carney opted to remove most of the tariffs to advance trade negotiations with the United States, despite a lack of agreement. This decision is expected to contribute to a deeper deficit in the upcoming budget. While the government defends its approach, the Canadian Steel Producers Association has criticized the exemptions granted on certain imports, which have further reduced the anticipated tariff revenue.
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A recent CNN/SSRS survey reveals a significant drop in Donald Trump’s approval rating, with only 37% of Americans approving of his performance, while 63% disapprove. The survey, conducted in late October, also indicates that a majority of Americans, 68%, believe things are going badly in the US, with economic concerns and the state of American democracy being the most pressing issues. Furthermore, the poll shows that a majority of those surveyed believe Trump has gone too far in using his presidential powers, raising concerns amid his actions.
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Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the federal trial of a D.C. man accused of assaulting a federal agent with a Subway sandwich in August. The defendant, Sean Dunn, faces a misdemeanor assault charge after a grand jury declined to indict him on a felony count, prompting debate over jury instructions regarding the legal definition of assault. Key legal issues include the defendant’s claim of vindictive prosecution and a motion by prosecutors to prevent jury nullification by restricting the defense from introducing certain evidence or arguments about the case’s political context and penalties. Prosecutors are concerned about the potential for jury nullification due to the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the case’s political nature.
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Newly revealed documents show ExxonMobil funded right-wing think tanks, such as the Atlas Network, to spread climate change denial throughout Latin America, hindering support for UN climate treaties. This initiative involved translating denialist materials, sponsoring speaking engagements for American climate skeptics, and facilitating connections with local media and politicians. The goal, according to internal communications, was to influence developing nations and foster skepticism about the urgency of climate action. Despite efforts to remain anonymous, the documents, including checks, underscore Exxon’s strategy to undermine global climate efforts through strategic financial investments.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny for allegedly using a taxpayer-funded jet for personal use, specifically for a date night to attend a wrestling event in Nashville where his girlfriend was performing. Reports indicate that Patel, 45, attempted to conceal his travel through technological means. An FBI employee, Steven Palmer, was fired last Friday after stories broke of Patel’s use of the jet. Flight tracking data reveals trips to Florida and Nashville, with the former potentially involving a visit to Mar-A-Lago. Despite the allegations, Patel defended his girlfriend and criticized those he perceived as not supporting him, while emphasizing that FBI directors are permitted to use government planes for personal travel as long as they repay the cost of an economy ticket.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning ground operations on Mexican soil against drug cartels, with personnel from the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA already in training. These covert missions, if authorized, would involve drone strikes and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing “armed conflict” with cartels, which the President has deemed “unlawful combatants”. This development follows the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of an “armed conflict,” potentially further complicating relations with the Mexican government, who has stated they will not permit unilateral action by American military personnel. While discussions continue on the scope of the missions, the operations, if approved, would be conducted under Title 50, providing a legal framework for covert intelligence activities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker