Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has prohibited its poll workers from participating in prediction markets related to election outcomes. This measure amends the poll worker oath, reflecting concerns that financial stakes in these markets could compromise the impartiality of election officials. Prediction markets allow users to wager on future events, including elections, and while state law already bans direct election betting, Delaware County is explicitly targeting these platforms. This move by Delaware County is a unique step among Pennsylvania counties, as election officials express worries about the potential for these markets to influence rather than merely predict election results, thereby undermining democratic integrity.
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The Defense Department has awarded a significant contract, potentially worth up to $20 billion, to Anduril Industries, a defense firm heavily funded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. This “sole source” contract allows the Pentagon to procure military equipment and systems, including advanced AI command systems and autonomous weaponry, from Anduril without open competition. The deal has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Joshua Kushner’s venture capital firm recently co-led a substantial funding round for Anduril just prior to the contract announcement. Furthermore, the Pentagon’s decision to bypass traditional bidding processes and the timing of the award have fueled scrutiny.
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A new conspiracy theory has emerged among some of President Donald Trump’s supporters, claiming the assassination attempt on him in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024 was staged and is being covered up. This narrative, gaining traction as criticism of Trump from his base intensifies, suggests the incident was a fabrication to bolster his political standing. Prominent figures like Tim Dillon and former officials have amplified these claims, questioning the official account and suggesting a lack of transparency points to a deliberate deception. While the initial reaction to Trump’s survival was seen by many as a divine sign, the evolving discourse within MAGA circles now centers on the possibility of a staged event.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani, during his appearance on “CBS Mornings,” asserted that democratic socialist policies, focused on worker uplift, have broad appeal beyond urban centers. He highlighted his administration’s accomplishments in its first 100 days, including securing funding for universal childcare, holding landlords accountable for repairs and fines, and returning money to workers and small businesses. Mamdani believes his platform’s success should be judged by its delivery of tangible benefits to the working class, arguing this approach can flourish nationwide as working people constitute the country’s majority. This perspective aligns with research suggesting broad public agreement on policies that improve daily life, countering the notion of deep political division.
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An analyst contends that Donald Trump is experiencing an unprecedented losing streak among presidents, with recent actions, such as attacks on the Pope, potentially alienating Catholic voters. This comes as Democrats witness a fundraising surge ahead of the midterm elections, while VP Vance actively courts donors in Iowa. Meanwhile, a significant defense budget increase at the expense of healthcare is being decried as immoral, and public outrage over a potential Iran war appears subdued despite majority disapproval.
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The Independent is dedicated to providing factual reporting on critical issues, from reproductive rights to economic policy, ensuring that readers have access to the truth without paywalls. This commitment allows for in-depth investigations and on-the-ground coverage, making quality journalism accessible to all Americans. Your support empowers this mission, enabling the publication to continue its independent reporting and analysis across the political spectrum.
President Donald Trump recently attacked Fox News host Jessica Tarlov on Truth Social, calling her unattractive and untalented after she presented negative poll numbers regarding his approval rating and policies. Trump falsely claimed Tarlov fabricated her poll data, while Tarlov used the attention to promote her upcoming book, asserting that Trump’s unpopularity is indeed reflected in current polling. This incident aligns with Trump’s history of targeting female journalists, and he also extended his criticism to former conservative allies, accusing them of being “FAKE MAGA.”
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Despite earning $1.6 billion in net income and securing a $10 billion military contract, Palantir Technologies paid $0 in federal income taxes last year. This tax avoidance is attributed to current corporate tax policies, exacerbated by recent tax legislation, which allowed at least 88 other major profitable U.S. companies to also pay no federal income taxes. Palantir’s situation highlights how profitable corporations can leverage tax loopholes, rather than contributing to public funds, even when receiving substantial government contracts for projects like mass surveillance networks.
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A federal judge has halted construction on a new White House ballroom, citing the need for express congressional authorization, a ruling the Trump administration is challenging, arguing it poses grave national security risks. President Trump revealed that the project includes a state-of-the-art hospital and bomb shelters, previously undisclosed, which he claims are essential for the building’s security. The judge clarified that the injunction only applies to above-ground ballroom construction, allowing for necessary security and underground facility work to proceed.
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A Florida pilot has filed a lawsuit challenging a new state law that mandates Palm Beach International Airport be renamed “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The suit argues the law improperly usurps local authority over a county-owned facility and creates potential safety hazards within the national aviation system due to the complex integration of airport names and identifiers. Furthermore, the lawsuit questions the feasibility of the renaming, citing unresolved issues regarding trademark rights for the proposed name.
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Despite concerns and a new poll indicating that most U.S. voters blame him for the pump price spike, President Donald Trump dismissed claims of significantly high gas prices stemming from the Iran war. He stated that prices were not as elevated as anticipated, considering the war’s objective of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump further noted a recent decrease in gas prices, attributing it to a two-week ceasefire that led to a 7-cent per gallon average drop, although overall prices have still risen 49% in 2026.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Trump Attacks Fox Host Tarlov Over Polls Insulting Appearance
The Independent is dedicated to providing factual reporting on critical issues, from reproductive rights to economic policy, ensuring that readers have access to the truth without paywalls. This commitment allows for in-depth investigations and on-the-ground coverage, making quality journalism accessible to all Americans. Your support empowers this mission, enabling the publication to continue its independent reporting and analysis across the political spectrum.
President Donald Trump recently attacked Fox News host Jessica Tarlov on Truth Social, calling her unattractive and untalented after she presented negative poll numbers regarding his approval rating and policies. Trump falsely claimed Tarlov fabricated her poll data, while Tarlov used the attention to promote her upcoming book, asserting that Trump’s unpopularity is indeed reflected in current polling. This incident aligns with Trump’s history of targeting female journalists, and he also extended his criticism to former conservative allies, accusing them of being “FAKE MAGA.”
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