Poachers in southern Mexico are brutally ripping baby spider monkeys from their mothers and smuggling them across the border to be sold as pets in the United States, fueled by viral social media videos. U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents have confiscated nearly 90 monkeys in the last 18 months, revealing the disturbing scope of this illegal trade, where mothers are killed, and babies are often crammed into tiny compartments without food or water. The animals are treated poorly, and the population is struggling to recover. Law enforcement faces challenges, and the confiscated monkeys are sent to zoos. The public is urged to avoid purchasing these animals to prevent the killing and smuggling of the endangered spider monkeys.
Read More
During a traffic stop in D.C. on October 17, a Homeland Security Investigations agent reportedly fired at least three shots at Phillip Brown, the driver of a vehicle, an incident not initially documented by Metropolitan Police Department officers in their reports. Despite two bullets piercing the passenger seat and one grazing Brown’s jacket, the officers omitted the shooting from their affidavit and incident report, allegedly due to instructions from a “team leader.” Brown was initially charged with fleeing law enforcement, but the charges were later dismissed, and the U.S. attorney offered a plea deal without knowledge of the shooting or access to body camera footage. Brown’s defense attorney is raising concerns about the withholding of critical evidence and the lack of transparency in the investigation.
Read More
During a recent address aboard the USS George Washington in Japan, the president expressed his misunderstanding of magnet technology, particularly in relation to aircraft carrier systems. He claimed water could disable magnets, a concept he has voiced for at least 18 months. The president vowed to issue an executive order to revert to steam catapults and hydraulic elevators. This anti-magnet sentiment was also linked to concerns about China’s supposed dominance in the global magnet market, despite the historical use of magnets in ancient China.
Read More
A class-action lawsuit has been filed by New Yorkers receiving food stamps against the Trump administration in response to new work requirements taking effect soon. The plaintiffs allege the changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were implemented too quickly and will result in thousands losing monthly food aid. The lawsuit specifically challenges the USDA’s rescinding of state and local waivers, which previously exempted recipients from work requirements. The suit is concerned about the impact on recipients who rely on the benefits, which provide a critical lifeline for many in the city.
Read More
In a recent exchange, former President Donald Trump criticized Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, alleging she possesses a low IQ and challenging her to take a cognitive test. Ocasio-Cortez responded on social media, mocking Trump by alluding to the clock drawing test, a component of cognitive assessments. This follows Ocasio-Cortez’s strategy of using mockery to address perceived insecurities within the Republican party, which she views as a tactic to counter what she considers authoritarian tendencies. She encourages her supporters to utilize this approach.
Read More
The White House has refrained from disclosing when Donald Trump last underwent a cognitive test, despite his recent medical examination omitting any mention of one. This lack of transparency extends to details surrounding an MRI scan Trump revealed he had, which has spurred questions about his health. While Trump claims perfect results from the MRI, the White House physician’s report only mentioned “advanced imaging” and made no mention of the specific test or its findings. This has intensified concerns, especially as Trump’s latest visit to Walter Reed and subsequent health details have been met with public evasiveness.
Read More
The Shopping Trends team has identified a potential affiliate relationship with CTV News, which may result in earned commissions for the team when consumers utilize provided links to make purchases. This arrangement highlights the team’s independence from CTV News’ journalistic staff. Further information regarding the Shopping Trends team and its practices is available for review.
Read More
The man accused of killing ex-Japan PM Abe is set to go on trial this Tuesday, and it’s a situation that has a lot of layers to it. The initial shock of the assassination, which happened over three years ago, has given way to a complicated mix of factors that will likely play a big role in the trial’s outcome. It’s hard to ignore that this case has had surprisingly little attention in the US, despite the close relationship between Abe and figures like Donald Trump.
What really seems to be at the heart of the matter is the killer’s motive: his deep-seated anger at Shinzo Abe’s ties to the Unification Church, often referred to as the Moonies.… Continue reading
President Trump has approved federal disaster aid for several red states while denying it to blue states, raising questions about political motivations. Notably, the denied aid in Maryland impacted western counties that heavily supported Trump in the 2024 election. MSNBC’s Steve Benen highlights Trump’s selective approach, arguing the denial is a form of punishment against non-supporting states, even if it harms his own voters. This latest action further illustrates the problematic nature of Trumpism.
Read More
The government shutdown has placed SNAP benefits for millions of Americans in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture claims it cannot pay November’s benefits without congressional action. Democrats and anti-hunger groups, however, contend that the USDA has both the funding and authority to provide the benefits, accusing the administration of choosing to withhold aid. House Republicans place blame on Democrats for blocking funding. This dispute could have severe consequences for over 22 million households and become a major point of contention in the ongoing funding stalemate.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood