Former lawmakers express significant concerns regarding the health and functionality of Congress, describing it as increasingly unproductive and diminished. Issues such as the centralization of power in party leadership, limitations on rank-and-file members’ involvement, and a hyper-partisan environment contribute to legislative stagnation. Furthermore, the demanding congressional calendar, threats against lawmakers, and a perceived erosion of Congress’s power relative to the executive branch are cited as contributing factors to the current challenges. Despite the difficulties, some former members maintain that meaningful work can still be achieved in Congress and urge good people to run for office.
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Power was largely restored to San Francisco Sunday following a widespread outage that affected 130,000 customers the previous day. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) reported approximately 17,000 customers still without power as of noon Sunday, with an estimated full restoration by 2 p.m. Monday. The outage, which was triggered by a fire at a substation, caused widespread disruptions, including transit delays and business closures, on a busy shopping day. PG&E is currently investigating the cause of the outage.
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Totowa, New Jersey Police Chief Carmen Veneziano, 47, has been indicted in Boston on kidnapping and domestic assault and battery charges. The Suffolk District Attorney’s Office alleges Veneziano confined and assaulted a woman in a Back Bay hotel room on September 14th. Veneziano was arrested in New Jersey and waived extradition, with an arraignment in Suffolk Superior Court scheduled for Monday where further details will be revealed.
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Photos of a wooden box, purportedly used for student “time outs” at St. Regis Mohawk School, sparked outrage and prompted a school district investigation. The district initially claimed the box was not used, but parent accounts and police involvement contradicted this statement. The school board has since launched an independent investigation and is cooperating with the New York State Department of Education, which will monitor the removal of all such boxes. The superintendent and other key figures have been placed on leave as the community demands answers and expresses concerns about historical mistreatment.
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Japan prepares to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima, marking a significant moment in the country’s journey back to nuclear energy after the devastating 2011 disaster. It’s truly a testament to resilience and a long road traveled, isn’t it? Fifteen years is a substantial amount of time, a period during which the entire infrastructure has undoubtedly been scrutinized, assessed, and hopefully, significantly improved.
The decision to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, located in Niigata, signals a pivotal shift. This plant, once part of the 54 reactors shut down after the Fukushima incident, holds the title of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, a title that adds to the weight of this decision.… Continue reading
Saudi Arabia has broken its execution record for a second consecutive year, with at least 347 people put to death in 2024. Rights groups like Reprieve and Human Rights Watch condemn the increase, citing a disproportionate number of executions for drug-related offenses and the execution of individuals who were minors at the time of their alleged crimes. These executions are occurring despite international norms and have not led to any repercussions for the Saudi authorities, according to reports. The executions are allegedly part of a broader crackdown on dissent, and the Saudi authorities have not responded to requests for comment.
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The live coverage of the event at Stonehenge has concluded with no rain, only the lively sounds of music and dancing filling the air. Participants gathered to sing and sway near the ancient stones, continuing a tradition that spans centuries. The event took place despite weather concerns, celebrating the sunrise. Coverage has concluded, and viewers are wished a happy weekend.
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Ira “Ike” Schab, a 105-year-old World War II Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, has passed away, leaving only a small number of survivors from the 1941 attack. Schab, who was 21 during the attack, served in the Pacific and later worked on the Apollo spaceflight program. In recent years, he made an effort to attend the annual Pearl Harbor observances to honor the fallen, including those who served alongside him on the USS Dobbin. Schab’s passing serves as a somber reminder of the dwindling number of those who witnessed this pivotal moment in history.
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Hospitals Catering to ‘Transplant Tourists’ is a disturbing reality, and honestly, the shock is understandable. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize that a system designed to save lives might be prioritizing profit over the very patients it’s supposed to serve. The idea that someone’s chance at life is somehow diminished by the financial power of others is deeply unsettling, especially when we’re talking about a precious resource like organs.
The concept of a for-profit health industry preying on the desperation of those needing transplants immediately raises red flags. It feels like a betrayal of the inherent ethics that should underpin healthcare, turning a life-saving process into a business transaction.… Continue reading
The Department of Justice (DoJ) restored an image containing a photo of Donald Trump to the Epstein files, after it was temporarily removed due to concerns of potentially exposing victims. The DoJ stated that after review, the image posed no risk, while also acknowledging the need to protect victims through redactions. Critics argued the initial release of the files was inadequate, and both Democrats and Republicans have accused the other of political manipulation in the handling of the documents. Despite the removal and re-posting of certain images, investigations continue into the redaction and release of the Epstein files.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood