A recent poll indicates that California Governor Gavin Newsom currently holds a slight lead over former Vice President Kamala Harris in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary, with 25% of California Democrats supporting Newsom compared to Harris’s 19%. This poll, conducted by Politico and The Citrin Center, surveyed 1,445 registered California voters between late July and early August. The poll offers an early look into the preferences of Democrats in a crucial state for the party, which could be pivotal for either Newsom or Harris if they were to launch presidential bids.
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Ukraine is confronting internal threats as a rising number of teenagers are being recruited online by Russia for sabotage operations. These teens are being enticed to carry out acts of destruction within Ukraine’s borders. The article highlights this concerning trend by sharing the chilling account of one such teenager. This reveals the evolving tactics Russia is employing in its conflict with Ukraine.
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Following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghan allies who had assisted US forces now face the threat of deportation under the current political climate. In response, US military veterans have formed “Battle Buddies” to support Afghan refugees at immigration hearings, acting as a show of solidarity. These veterans aim to protect their former allies from deportation, recognizing the moral and legal obligation to those who aided the US military. The group now has over 900 volunteers across the country who hope to deter the actions of federal agents. This is due to the termination of programs that once protected these individuals and a growing fear of returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
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A former priest, Chris Brain, has been found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. Brain, 68, led the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), a prominent evangelical group in Sheffield during the 1980s and 90s. The convictions were handed down following a trial at Inner London Crown Court. The jury acquitted Brain of 15 other charges, while deliberations continue on additional counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.
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Australia’s response to the situation, encapsulated in the sentiment that “strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up,” strikes a chord that resonates deeply, yet also clashes with the harsh realities of global politics, especially within the context of the ongoing conflict. This perspective, seemingly directed at Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, reflects a certain idealism, an aspiration for a world where power is defined by principles other than destructive force. It’s a sentiment that champions the idea of lifting people up, of building and creating, rather than destroying.
Yet, the critique acknowledges the counterargument, the tough, pragmatic truth that often dictates the flow of global affairs.… Continue reading
Elizabeth Simons, daughter of the late billionaire hedge fund investor Jamie Simons, has donated $250,000 to the pro-Zohran Mamdani super PAC, New Yorkers for Lower Costs, making it the largest contribution to the group. The super PAC has already raised nearly $2 million from almost 300 donations. Simons, who is chairwoman of the Heising-Simons Foundation, is contributing to a campaign of a Democratic socialist, Mamdani, who has expressed that he does not believe billionaires should exist. Other super PACs have also been supporting campaigns of mayoral candidates, including Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams.
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Democratic voters prioritize winning and are drawn to inspiring candidates. Party leaders, however, are making themselves look bad by refusing to endorse a Democratic candidate who actively seeks cross-party alliances. Progressives should leverage their influence and demand commitments from leaders like Jeffries, such as pledging to endorse the presidential nominee. This is especially important given the party’s ideological diversity and the lack of justification for leaders to withhold support from a winning and cooperative candidate.
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Once staunch defenders of free enterprise, conservative business groups are largely silent regarding Donald Trump’s actions to control private businesses. These groups, such as the US Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable, which previously criticized government overreach, have remained quiet despite Trump’s interventions like demanding a cut of Nvidia’s China sales and considering a government stake in Intel. The president’s actions, including public criticism of CEOs and unorthodox arrangements, have created an environment where businesses fear retribution for dissent, opting to wait for promised tax cuts instead. This silence highlights a shift in the risk calculus for corporations under Trump’s administration.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the entire southern border wall will be painted black to deter illegal immigration by making it hotter, a concept initiated by President Trump. During a visit to a section of the wall in New Mexico, Noem highlighted the wall’s height and depth as deterrents, along with the black paint’s added benefit. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks noted the paint’s rust-prevention properties. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to complete the wall, with approximately half a mile being constructed daily.
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Russia has stated it will only accept collective security guarantees for Ukraine if they are negotiated with its participation and on an equal basis with countries like China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. This stance rejects the idea of Western allies developing a plan to protect Ukraine without Moscow’s involvement, as this is viewed as a “road to nowhere”. Lavrov’s comments also reiterated a previous demand for a unanimous clause requiring Russian approval for any security guarantees, hindering progress towards a potential peace deal. Furthermore, Lavrov’s remarks and criticism of European officials indicate the Kremlin’s continued unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood