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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During a recent statement, Trump lauded Netanyahu, referring to him as a war hero despite the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for war crimes. Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 individuals, including civilians, displacement, and famine. Despite reports of a shouting match between the two earlier this month, Trump has seemingly reversed course, praising Netanyahu and implicitly taking credit for the ongoing violence. This comes after reports of horrific torture and abuse of incarcerated Palestinians.
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A judge issued a temporary injunction against Texas’s new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This ruling, the third against such a state law, was in response to a lawsuit filed by Dallas-area families and faith leaders who argued the requirement violated the First Amendment. The ruling is expected to escalate the legal battle, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, as similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas have faced legal challenges. The court reasoned that the law would force teachers to answer questions about the Ten Commandments, effectively promoting religion in the classroom.
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Recent polling data indicates that California Governor Gavin Newsom has gained popularity among Democrats after launching social media attacks against Donald Trump. According to a POLITICO-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey, Newsom leads Vice President Kamala Harris in a potential 2028 presidential primary within California. This surge in support is linked to Newsom’s combative stance against Trump, particularly through his online trolling campaign and introduction of the “Election Rigging Response Act.” While Harris has also shown some positive poll numbers, the contrasting levels of enthusiasm between the two candidates highlight the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party.
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Authorities are investigating an antisemitic display of flags discovered on the east side of Rockwall-Heath High School. The Heath Department of Public Safety removed the offensive materials on Saturday morning. Mayor Jeremiah McClure condemned the hateful act and assured the community that those responsible will face consequences. School administrators and police are treating the incident as criminal, urging anyone with information to come forward.
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After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump altered his stance on a ceasefire, despite previously advocating for one and ignoring calls from Ukraine and Europe. Experts suggest this shift indicates Trump’s increasing sympathy for Russia’s position, potentially undermining the peace process. A ceasefire, which Ukraine and Europe view as crucial to prevent further aggression and establish a basis for negotiations, would allow the front lines to freeze and the starting point for talks to shift. Without a ceasefire, experts worry peace negotiations could be jeopardized, especially given Russia’s unacceptable demands that include control over Ukrainian territories and limitations on Ukraine’s alliances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker