The Department of Health and Human Services is freezing all childcare payments to all states, requiring justification and evidence before releasing funds. This decision, announced in a video message, expands the initial focus on Minnesota to encompass all 50 states. States must now provide extensive documentation, including attendance records and inspection reports, to receive federal childcare funding. This policy change follows a viral video alleging fraud in Minneapolis daycare centers, coinciding with increased xenophobic rhetoric from Donald Trump targeting Somali Americans, including a Minnesota representative.
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Former special counsel Jack Smith stated that Donald Trump was the “most culpable and most responsible person” in the January 6th Capitol riot, emphasizing that the attack wouldn’t have occurred without him. During a closed-door deposition released by the House Judiciary Committee, Smith defended his investigations, rejecting claims of political motivation, and asserted that evidence, including testimony from Trump allies, strongly supported the charges against him. Smith highlighted Trump’s actions leading up to the riot, including spreading false claims of election fraud and inciting supporters to march to the Capitol, as well as his reluctance to stop the violence once it began. Smith also defended the acquisition of phone records of Republican lawmakers who communicated with Trump on January 6th as a crucial part of the investigation.
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In a recent interview, President Trump addressed concerns surrounding his health, confirming the use of compression socks to treat swelling in his ankles, stemming from “chronic venous insufficiency.” He also admitted to applying makeup to his hands to conceal bruising caused by a high daily dose of aspirin, taken for “cardiac prevention.” Despite scrutiny and speculation, Trump, at 79, maintains he is in excellent health, attributing it to good genetics, while downplaying any deterioration in his physical or mental well-being.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, became known for his memorable quotes and witty campaign. During his victory speech, he vowed to protect immigrant communities from ICE and directly challenged Donald Trump’s anti-immigration agenda. Mamdani also addressed Islamophobia, declaring that such rhetoric would no longer win elections in New York City, and embraced his identity as a young, Muslim, democratic socialist. Furthermore, he highlighted his stance on economic inequality, expressing a desire to raise taxes on the city’s wealthiest, and offered a humorous response to the public regarding his choice of silverware while eating a burrito.
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According to released testimony, former special counsel Jack Smith believed Donald Trump was “most culpable” for the January 6 riot and would have been convicted. Smith’s investigation, which relied heavily on Republican witnesses, concluded that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election, inciting the violence at the Capitol. Smith asserted that Trump’s actions, including pressuring officials to alter election results and refusing to condemn the rioters, caused and exploited the events of that day. Despite the DOJ’s efforts, Trump’s 2024 election victory ended the criminal case.
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According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, teenage spa workers from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago allegedly made house calls to Jeffrey Epstein’s mansion. The report indicates that Trump instructed staff to treat Epstein favorably, despite him not being a club member. However, the house calls reportedly ceased in 2003 after an 18-year-old worker accused Epstein of sexual pressure, prompting Trump to ban him from spa services. The article also mentions a recent release of documents by the Department of Justice which contained unfounded and false claims against Trump, in addition to mentioning a disturbing account from a former limo driver.
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Despite strong bipartisan support in Congress, the “Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act” was vetoed by President Trump, hindering the project’s progress. The legislation aimed to provide local communities with no-interest federal loans to cover their share of the Arkansas River Valley conduit, a project designed to deliver clean water to southeastern Colorado. The bill faced opposition from Trump who cited concerns over taxpayer funding, even though the Congressional Budget Office estimated a minimal cost. This decision drew criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who viewed the veto as potentially retaliatory, jeopardizing a critical infrastructure project designed to provide jobs and safe drinking water to over 39 communities.
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has criticized the Trump administration’s decision to pause federal child care funds, citing the politicization of the issue. The freeze followed a viral video alleging widespread fraud in daycare centers run by people of Somali descent. State officials dispute the video’s accuracy, noting prior fraud crackdowns and ongoing investigations, with some suggesting the potential for much larger fraud schemes. The controversy has been amplified by Republicans who have demonized Somali people and immigrant communities.
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Following President Trump’s threats of potential military action against Iran, the Iranian government has called for international condemnation, citing the threats as a violation of the UN Charter. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have responded by warning of repercussions to any aggression. Trump’s threats, made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included the possibility of supporting further Israeli strikes on Iran if a new nuclear agreement is rejected, adding to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. This comes after a 12 day war between Israel and Iran, which further contributes to the precarious state of relations.
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The Trump administration is attempting to demolish more historic buildings in Washington, D.C., using a declared “emergency” as justification. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a memo citing security risks within vacant buildings at St. Elizabeths, claiming demolition is the only solution. This effort, which would raze over a dozen historic buildings, comes amidst previous projects driven by Trump’s interests, including a proposed grand ballroom at the White House. Preservationist groups are opposing the demolition, raising concerns about the administration’s motives and history of leveraging “emergency” claims for policy changes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker