Bernie Sanders attributes Kamala Harris’s 2020 election loss to her campaign’s focus on wealthy donors and insufficient attention to working-class concerns. He argues that Harris prioritized relationships with billionaires like Mark Cuban over addressing issues such as healthcare, wages, and housing affordability, ultimately alienating potential voters. Sanders contends that this strategic miscalculation, coupled with a reliance on consultants, resulted in a missed opportunity to win the election. He concludes that the Democratic Party needs to clearly articulate its commitment to working-class Americans to avoid repeating this failure.
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A joint forecast from the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office predicts a high likelihood (80%) of another record-breaking global temperature within the next five years, exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. There’s even a chance, albeit small, of exceeding the 2°C warming limit before the end of the decade. This increased warming translates to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and stronger hurricanes, resulting in significant risks to human health and life. The forecasts are based on multiple climate models and indicate a continuing trend of escalating global temperatures.
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Senator Sheldon Whitehouse argued on MSNBC that Donald Trump’s corruption escalated during his second term. A key example cited was the U.S. Court of International Trade’s intervention, which prevented Trump from implementing damaging tariffs. This judicial action, according to Whitehouse, effectively saved Trump from his own self-destructive actions. The discussion highlighted the increasingly concerning levels of alleged corruption during Trump’s presidency.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi ended the American Bar Association’s (ABA) access to nonpublic information on President Trump’s judicial nominees, citing the ABA’s perceived bias toward Democratic administrations and its function as an “activist group.” This decision prevents nominees from providing waivers for the ABA’s access to information, responding to questionnaires, or participating in interviews. The move follows past conservative criticisms of the ABA’s ratings, with previous presidents altering the organization’s role in the nomination process. This action comes despite the ABA’s long history as a nonpartisan organization that evaluates nominees’ qualifications.
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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that India launched a preemptive Brahmos missile strike on May 9-10, targeting multiple locations including Rawalpindi airport. This strike disrupted Pakistan’s planned retaliatory attack, which was scheduled for after morning prayers on May 10. Sharif admitted the Pakistani military was unprepared for the Indian assault. The attack damaged crucial infrastructure, including the Nur Khan airbase, impacting Pakistan’s air power and proximity to its nuclear arsenal. Sharif’s admission, made during a trip to Azerbaijan, is notable for its contrast to previous pronouncements and the timing in the presence of newly-promoted Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir.
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The US is considering withdrawing from peace initiatives in Ukraine unless Russia ceases its aggression and engages in good-faith negotiations. This decision, while not abandoning principles or allies, reflects Russia’s unwillingness to cooperate toward a peaceful resolution. The US emphasizes its desire for constructive dialogue and a fair peace process, but will not participate in talks lacking genuine commitment from all parties. This stance follows prior warnings from US officials that a lack of progress will necessitate American withdrawal from mediation efforts.
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In northern Guatemala, archaeologists have unearthed “Los Abuelos,” a significant Mayan city dating back to 800-500 BC. This Middle Preclassic period site, located near Uaxactun, features impressive pyramids, monuments with unique iconography, and a complex canal system. The discovery of two anthropomorphic sculptures, representing an ancestral couple, suggests ancestor worship played a key role. The site’s scale and architectural planning redefine understanding of early Mayan urban development and socio-political organization in the region.
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In a Thursday Kremlin meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Abe Akie, widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Abe recalled her husband’s 2016 meeting with Putin and emphasized the importance of Russia as a neighbor, advocating for increased cultural exchange. Putin acknowledged Abe Shinzo’s dedication to a Russia-Japan peace treaty and the progress made towards that goal. Following their discussion, Putin provided Abe with transportation to the Bolshoi Theatre. The meeting underscores continued diplomatic engagement between Russia and Japan despite the late Prime Minister’s passing.
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Beginning July 1st, France will prohibit smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, and bus stops, punishable by a £114 fine. This measure, aligning with the 2023-2027 National Anti-Tobacco Programme’s goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2032, excludes cafe terraces and e-cigarettes. While public support for such bans is high, the ban follows previous delays and complements existing indoor smoking restrictions. This initiative mirrors similar efforts underway in Spain, contrasting with the UK’s recent decision to drop plans for broader outdoor smoking bans.
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Despite earlier assurances, Russia failed to deliver its promised “memorandum” to Ukraine, the United States, or Türkiye, a breach of commitments made to all three parties. President Zelenskyy characterized this as yet another instance of Russian deception, designed to render peace negotiations meaningless. This lack of good faith underscores the need for intensified sanctions against Russia. The absence of the document follows Ukraine’s own submission of its proposals.
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John Q. Hosedrinker