Republican efforts to defund public media, ongoing for decades, are intensifying due to accusations of liberal bias and the changing media landscape. This new wave of opposition differs from previous attempts, as it’s fueled by a belief that public radio is no longer necessary in the digital age and that taxpayer funds are better spent elsewhere. While public media possesses established lobbying strategies and can leverage support from rural and moderate areas, the internal struggle to adapt to digital platforms and monetize new content hampers its ability to secure its future. The financial instability of several major public radio stations further exacerbates this challenge.
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Dinesh D’Souza’s film “2000 Mules,” alleging widespread election fraud, contained inaccurate information, prompting an apology and a lawsuit. Despite this admission and the film’s debunking, the underlying claim of election fraud persists, influencing the 2024 election outcome. Trump’s repeated claims of election theft, coupled with a lack of accountability for his actions, solidified the “big lie” as a politically acceptable narrative. Consequently, despite evidence to the contrary and ongoing legal proceedings, no meaningful consequences for the perpetrators of these claims are anticipated.
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In a recent “Meet the Press” interview, Donald Trump reiterated his intention to pursue perceived political enemies, though he claimed he wouldn’t directly order his appointees, Kash Patel and Pam Bondi, to do so. Despite professing non-interference, his comments suggested otherwise, leaving room for plausible deniability. While expressing willingness to work with Democrats on the “Dreamers” issue and indicating he wouldn’t fire Jerome Powell, he remained vague on healthcare and abortion access, offering only “concepts” of plans. Trump’s continued denial of the 2020 election results highlighted the persistent challenge of fact-checking him during interviews.
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In a recent interview, Donald Trump called for the imprisonment of all January 6th committee members, though he denied intending to use the Justice Department for this purpose. He plans to pardon some January 6th rioters upon taking office, citing their lengthy incarceration in poor conditions. Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, advocates for targeting journalists and dismantling the FBI. These actions, along with a preemptive pardon for his son Hunter Biden, highlight a pattern of using the justice system for political retribution.
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A Palm Springs police officer on a motorcycle crashed into spectators at the city’s annual Festival of Lights parade, injuring ten people, including the officer. Witnesses reported the officer lost control while performing a wheelie, causing the motorcycle to slide into the crowd. All injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, and those injured received treatment at local hospitals. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, and officials are seeking any available witness video footage.
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Following the Syrian rebel takeover of Damascus and the subsequent departure of Syrian troops, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the IDF’s temporary seizure of a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights. This action, deemed necessary due to the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement, aims to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves on Israel’s border. The IDF instructed Syrian villagers within the zone to remain in their homes, while Netanyahu emphasized that this was a defensive measure until a new arrangement can be reached. He also expressed a desire for peaceful relations with the new Syrian power structure, but vowed to defend Israel if necessary.
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In a recent Meet the Press interview, Donald Trump reiterated false claims regarding immigration, healthcare, and the 2020 election. He falsely attributed 13,099 murders to undocumented immigrants released over the past three years, a figure encompassing decades and individuals already incarcerated. Trump also falsely claimed credit for saving the Affordable Care Act, despite actively working to repeal it. Finally, he refused to concede the 2020 election, asserting it was “too big to rig,” despite offering no evidence.
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President-elect Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship via executive action faces significant legal challenges due to the 1898 Supreme Court case *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*. This policy, however, is ironically juxtaposed against his own family’s history, as his niece, Mary Trump, points out that birthright citizenship enabled her grandfather’s immigration and subsequent success in America. The 14th Amendment’s role in securing citizenship for formerly enslaved people is also highlighted in contrast to Trump’s proposed policy. Despite his hardline stance, Trump expressed willingness to work with Democrats on a solution for “Dreamers.”
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A federal lawsuit, initially filed in October and amended Sunday, accuses Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. The anonymous plaintiff alleges the assault occurred after being invited to a party by a driver who claimed to work for Combs. Jay-Z vehemently denies the accusations, calling them “idiotic” and suggesting the plaintiff file a criminal complaint. Combs’ legal team similarly dismisses the suit as a publicity stunt, while the plaintiff seeks unspecified damages under New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act.
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In a recent interview, President-elect Trump reiterated his intention to deport all undocumented immigrants, including those with U.S. citizen children, to avoid family separation. This policy, aligning with the views of his incoming “border czar,” would involve the deportation of entire families. He acknowledged potential public backlash but insisted on enforcing immigration laws, even if it means ending birthright citizenship by amending or circumventing the 14th Amendment. Trump believes these measures are necessary to address what he describes as the nation’s immigration crisis.
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John Q. Hosedrinker