Zohran Mamdani, a New York City mayoral candidate, is proposing free childcare for all New Yorkers, potentially modeled after New Mexico’s new policy that eliminates income limits and copays. New Mexico funds its program through oil and natural gas revenue, allowing it to invest in a permanent fund and raise the minimum wage for childcare workers to $18 per hour. Mamdani’s plan would cost approximately $6 billion, funded by taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and corporations, and also includes matching pay with NYC Schools teachers’ salaries. Universal childcare aims to boost economic stability for families and attract and retain workers within the industry.
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The Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, now under NATO command, has achieved ‘Full Operating Capability’ with its advanced F-35 fighter jets, marking a significant milestone for European security. During a UK-Italy ministerial meeting aboard the carrier, discussions centered on strengthening defense cooperation and bolstering European security. Exercise Falcon Strike demonstrated NATO’s strength as UK and Italian F-35s operated together. The Carrier Strike Group is set to participate in the major NATO exercise Neptune Strike, further enhancing the alliance’s capabilities.
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According to a new book by Republican strategist Scott Jennings, White House staff had to intervene to prevent President Trump from installing a chandelier in the Oval Office because the ceiling could not support its weight. Jennings recounts that Trump was intent on redecorating the Oval Office and making it his own, as he did with the rest of the government. The book frames this incident as part of a larger trend of Trump’s aesthetic changes, which included heavy gilding, personal iconography, and the construction of a ballroom. These interior design choices mirror his approach to governing, adding new elements at a rapid pace.
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Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity related to her crackdown on student-led protests that resulted in 1,400 deaths. The trial, held in Dhaka, found her guilty of allowing the use of lethal force. This verdict follows Hasina’s exile in India after being ousted from power in 2024, where she has denied all charges. While the interim government has requested her extradition, it’s unlikely the sentence will be carried out. This decision comes after a tumultuous period in Bangladesh’s history.
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In a recent interview, Mary Trump drew parallels between her uncle, Donald Trump, and his father, Fred Trump Sr., who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Mary, a clinical psychologist, noted concerning similarities in the president’s behavior, including confusion, disorientation, and deteriorating short-term memory, mirroring the signs she witnessed in her grandfather. She also pointed to an increasing obsession with wealth and a weakening ability to maintain his public persona as further indicators of decline. Mary Trump emphasized that these observations suggest her uncle may be experiencing a similar decline to his father.
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An Australian man, identified as Johnson Wen, was sentenced to nine days in jail in Singapore after accosting Ariana Grande at the premiere of “Wicked: For Good.” The 26-year-old jumped a barrier and embraced the singer before being apprehended by security. The Singapore District Judge stated Wen’s actions were premeditated and part of a pattern of attention-seeking behavior. Wen pleaded guilty and was already in custody for four days, requiring him to serve five more days.
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According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, rising beef prices are due to a disease called screwworm brought in by immigrants, necessitating a halt to Mexican beef imports. Experts disagree with the claim, however, with risks stemming from the livestock trade rather than individual migrants. While the screwworm has caused some supply issues, the primary factors driving up beef prices include shrinking cattle herds and increased demand, as noted by Omaha Steaks President and CEO Nate Rempe. President Donald Trump has acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to import more beef and investigate meatpacking companies to address the rising costs.
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Urals crude oil prices hit a low of $36.6 per barrel last week, the lowest since early 2023, due to the impact of U.S. sanctions on Russian energy giants. The price drop caused discounts relative to Brent to widen significantly, approaching record levels. This decline is largely due to major buyers in India and China halting purchases from sanctioned companies like Rosneft and Lukoil. Consequently, Russia’s seaborne exports have dropped, and an increasing number of oil cargoes are being stored on tankers.
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US Judge orders DOJ to turn over Comey grand jury materials, citing ‘misconduct’.
So, it seems a US judge has ordered the Department of Justice to hand over all the materials from the grand jury related to the case against James Comey. The reason? The judge has cited “misconduct,” which, honestly, is a pretty serious allegation. This is just the beginning of what sounds like a messy legal situation, and it’s got a lot of people talking.
Now, from what I gather, there are serious concerns about the way the prosecution handled this whole thing. Apparently, there are allegations of missing grand jury testimony – specifically, about two hours worth.… Continue reading
David Richardson, the acting chief of FEMA, will step down after hurricane season amidst public criticism and internal frustration. Richardson, lacking disaster management experience, faced scrutiny for his handling of the Texas floods and was often absent from the public eye. His departure is a precursor to sweeping reforms led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is planning significant changes to the agency. These changes include a new FEMA Review Council, with the possibility of the agency being removed from the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the reassignment of his closest allies. The administration’s focus on shifting disaster responsibility to states has raised concerns among current and former officials about FEMA’s ability to respond to future crises.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood