MS NOW’s Steve Benen presents evidence suggesting Donald Trump has politicized disaster aid distribution, noting a pattern of rejecting requests from non-swing states while approving aid for Democratic-run swing states where crucial elections are pending. Benen highlights Trump’s explicit linkage of aid packages to support for specific candidates, a move described as “breathtaking” in its audacity. This strategy emerges amidst New York Times polling indicating unexpectedly strong Democratic competitiveness in several key Senate races, particularly where Trump’s economic approval ratings are low. These developments, Benen argues, encapsulate the current political climate.
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The Ukrainian military reportedly struck the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez refinery in Kstovo, Russia, with preliminary reports indicating the AVT-6 primary oil processing unit was targeted, sparking a fire. This facility, one of Russia’s largest and a significant producer of gasoline, supplies fuel to the Moscow region. The strike occurred amidst a reported overnight attack by approximately three dozen Ukrainian drones on the Nizhny Novgorod region, which the regional governor stated caused minor damage and casualties from falling debris.
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The Vatican has formally declared the Society of St. Pius X in schism and excommunicated its newly consecrated bishops and priests for defying Pope Leo XIV’s directive not to consecrate bishops without papal consent. This aggressive response, extending sanctions to potentially thousands of faithful adhering to the society, signifies a decisive shift from previous Vatican outreach efforts. The SSPX, which opposes modernizing reforms and celebrates the ancient Latin Mass, views the consecrations as a necessary act to minister to its followers, while traditionalist Catholics remaining in communion with Rome express surprise at the severity of the Vatican’s sanctions.
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An 11-year-old Canadian boy succumbed to rabies after a bat landed on his face while he slept. Despite no visible injuries and the bat not appearing to behave erratically, his family initially delayed seeking medical attention. However, 19 days later, the boy developed symptoms including facial numbness, swelling, and confusion, eventually leading to a diagnosis of rabies. This tragic case underscores the critical importance of seeking immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, as rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms manifest.
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President Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure reveals significant earnings exceeding $2 billion, primarily driven by cryptocurrency ventures, foreign real estate, and stock trading. Over half of these earnings originate from his involvement in cryptocurrency, including $526 million from token sales with World Liberty Financial, a group managed by his sons, and an additional $635 million from a licensing agreement tied to his $TRUMP meme coin. This extensive financial document, released by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, offers a detailed look into the president’s diverse income streams.
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Brennan’s attorneys contend that administration officials have prejudged their client as criminal, even before indictment, and that the Department of Justice is engaged in irregular prosecutorial activity to satisfy the President’s directives. Brennan is seeking to preserve records from President Trump, White House officials, and DOJ personnel, as reports indicate the Southern District of Florida, with consulting from former DOJ official John Yoo, is investigating him. The removal of a DOJ prosecutor who reportedly had doubts about the investigation further fuels concerns about the politicized nature of the proceedings.
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A U.S. Air Force Major has been arrested at the Capitol while participating in a demonstration advocating for President Trump’s impeachment. The incident occurred as the Major was demonstrating on the Capitol steps, an act that is reportedly illegal unless accompanied by a member of Congress. This situation immediately raises complex questions about the intersection of military service, freedom of speech, and political protest.
The Major was initially present with Representative Al Green of Texas, following an impeachment press conference. However, after the Congressman departed, Capitol Police informed the Major that the demonstration must cease or an arrest would follow. The act of demonstrating on Capitol grounds without proper authorization highlights a specific legal infraction, distinct from potential violations of military regulations.… Continue reading
Two individuals were apprehended by the NYPD after ascending to the apex of the Empire State Building, where they unfurled a banner conveying a message of peace through love. The stunt, which involved reaching a height of 1,454 feet, appeared to be a romantic gesture, culminating in a public proposal atop the iconic structure. The pair, identified as Russian nationals Angelina Nikolau and Ivan Kuznetsov, are known for similar daredevil feats captured in their “Skywalkers: A Love Story” documentary, and now face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
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Governor Jared Polis has removed two members from his clemency advisory board for publicly disclosing the board’s unanimous votes against granting clemency to Tina Peters, who was convicted of election-related felonies. The former members, Hannah Seigel Proff and Azra Taslimi, argued that the governor’s decision to release Peters, despite the board’s recommendations, revealed a system that bends for some but not others. Polis’s office stated that publicly divulging votes undermines the board’s credibility and confidentiality, which are essential for its function and the protection of applicants. Peters, since her release, has continued to promote election conspiracy theories and met with former President Donald Trump.
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The article details allegations of childhood abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and sexual assault by Donald Trump made by a woman, referred to as Jane Doe 4. She reportedly spoke to the FBI in 2019 about these experiences, which occurred in the 1980s and when she was a teenager, respectively. Despite confirmation of some life details related to the Epstein case, there is no evidence of an FBI follow-up on her allegations against Trump, and the woman eventually ceased contact with the bureau due to fears of being followed.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood