During a House Judiciary Committee hearing addressing visa integrity, Representative Jasmine Crockett questioned the basis for Melania Trump’s EB1 visa, also known as the “Einstein visa,” given the requirements of significant achievements. Crockett highlighted Melania’s modeling career, which she argued didn’t align with the visa’s stipulations. A Cato Institute representative humorously defended Melania, stating her marriage to Donald Trump was an accomplishment, sparking a back-and-forth with Crockett. The hearing occurred amid Melania Trump’s recent public appearances and subsequent absence from the public eye.
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Tonight marks a historic victory as the speaker will become the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City. This win is the result of a campaign that emphasized affordability, working-class values, and a vision for a city that benefits all New Yorkers. The speaker acknowledges the broad coalition of support, from volunteers to voters, and emphasizes the importance of solidarity and hard work in achieving this triumph. Ultimately, the speaker pledges to be a mayor for every New Yorker, prioritizing their needs and working to renew faith in democracy by building a city where power resides with the people.
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism from Representative Kim Schrier during a House subcommittee hearing for spreading vaccine misinformation, particularly regarding measles. Schrier, a former physician, challenged Kennedy, who admitted to never having treated a measles case. Kennedy was also accused of lying to Senator Bill Cassidy about altering the CDC’s immunization advisory committee, which he later replaced with vaccine skeptics. Kennedy has previously made unfounded claims about the measles vaccine and justified religious communities’ refusal to vaccinate.
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In a stunning upset, Zohran Mamdani triumphed in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, defeating the heavily favored Andrew Cuomo and the entrenched political establishment. Mamdani overcame significant obstacles, including substantial financial backing for Cuomo and endorsements from influential figures, while simultaneously countering a media narrative that often portrayed him negatively. His victory, fueled by a message of affordability that resonated with voters, signals a shift in the political landscape and voter discontent with the current Democratic leadership. This win sets the stage for progressive Democrats to challenge establishment figures like Ritchie Torres, Hakeem Jeffries, and Chuck Schumer.
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The Elkhart County Prosecutor dismissed charges against three former Jayco employees accused of animal cruelty, after filing a motion to dismiss. This decision followed a scrivener’s error in the Probable Cause Affidavit that attributed an inaccurate statement to a Jayco executive, prompting further investigation. The prosecutor is awaiting the results of this additional investigation, which has affected the veracity of the original charging decision. No interviews will be given until further evidence is received, and the office is refraining from amending any charging decisions until it can be meaningfully considered.
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A viral video captured Capitol Police arresting and zip-tying the wrists of wheelchair-bound protesters demonstrating against cuts to Medicaid proposed in Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” currently before the Senate. The peaceful protesters, organized by Popular Democracy, were chanting against the cuts, with some briefly displaying a banner. Capitol Police confirmed 33 arrests inside the congressional building, where protesting is illegal. The proposed legislation, which has already passed the House, faces significant opposition due to its Medicaid cuts, including new stipulations for beneficiaries.
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Following Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, Donald Trump, in a series of Truth Social posts, attacked Mamdani, labeling him a “Communist Lunatic” and criticizing his progressive platform. Trump’s comments targeted Mamdani’s appearance, supporters, and policies, indicating a fear of his socialist agenda centered on issues such as affordable housing and fare-free public transit. Critics viewed Trump’s reaction as a sign of his apprehension towards Mamdani and other progressive figures advocating for policies benefiting working people. The political organizer Corbin Trent suggests that the primary results showed the importance of addressing the unaffordability of life and proposing solutions such as affordable housing and functional transit.
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Early Thursday morning, June 26, Moscow and surrounding regions were hit by a large-scale drone attack, with explosions reported in multiple areas. Russian authorities reported their air defenses intercepted and destroyed 50 Ukrainian aircraft-type drones across various regions, including Moscow, Kursk, and Rostov. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces launched attacks on Russia. Ukrainian forces were also involved in strikes, damaging a Russian defense facility in Taganrog, which is tied to military drone production, with hits recorded in seven locations overall. These events highlight the increasing centrality of drone warfare in the ongoing conflict.
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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial, deeming it a “witch hunt.” Trump stated that Netanyahu, whom he lauded as a “Great Hero,” should either have his trial canceled or be pardoned. The statement reflects Trump’s continued support for Netanyahu, with whom he shared a close relationship during his presidency.
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The Independent is dedicated to providing on-the-ground reporting on critical issues, like reproductive rights and the January 6th events, with a commitment to presenting factual information to the public. A recent example of their dedication is the coverage of Pamela Hemphill, a January 6 defendant who refused a pardon from Donald Trump. Hemphill’s decision, and the resulting letter of admiration from former Vice President Mike Pence, highlights the complexities of the events surrounding the January 6th insurrection. The Independent aims to deliver this content without paywalls, making quality journalism accessible to everyone and funded by those who can afford to contribute.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Slams NYC Mayoral Primary Winner Mamdani, Drawing Praise
Following Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, Donald Trump, in a series of Truth Social posts, attacked Mamdani, labeling him a “Communist Lunatic” and criticizing his progressive platform. Trump’s comments targeted Mamdani’s appearance, supporters, and policies, indicating a fear of his socialist agenda centered on issues such as affordable housing and fare-free public transit. Critics viewed Trump’s reaction as a sign of his apprehension towards Mamdani and other progressive figures advocating for policies benefiting working people. The political organizer Corbin Trent suggests that the primary results showed the importance of addressing the unaffordability of life and proposing solutions such as affordable housing and functional transit.
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