2025-09-06 18:00:21.63

The Trump administration announced it's considering a federal takeover of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. The memorial, currently run by a public charity chaired by Michael Bloomberg, sits on land owned by the Port Authority. While the White House confirmed preliminary discussions, officials at the memorial argue a federal takeover is legally impossible. They highlight the organization's successful fundraising and operation, generating a surplus while welcoming millions of visitors. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed concern, citing the Trump administration's past influence on national monuments and museums. Museum board members and victims' families also oppose the takeover, emphasizing the memorial's effective and respectful commemoration of the tragedy. The proposal faces significant opposition and raises concerns about the administration's motives.

2025-09-06 12:00:11.117

President Donald Trump, flanked by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, announced the renaming of the Department of Defense to the 'Department of War.' Trump framed the change as a return to a more assertive military posture, contrasting it with what he termed 'political correctness.' Hegseth, a proponent of a more bellicose military, embraced the change, emphasizing 'maximum lethality' and a focus on offense. Critics, including retired U.S. Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, condemned the move, arguing it represents a dangerous step backward and a reliance on military power over diplomacy. They warn that this shift, coupled with Trump's weakening of other diplomatic institutions, increases the likelihood of future conflicts.

2025-09-06 00:00:18.282

Donald Trump's unusual absence from public view recently sparked debate about media coverage of presidential health. While Trump's health issues, including swollen ankles, uneven gait, and verbal confusion, were largely ignored by major news outlets, the media's previous intense scrutiny of Joe Biden's age was highlighted as a stark contrast. This silence fueled accusations of hypocrisy and prompted questions about the media's role in reporting on presidential health. Social media buzzed with rumors of Trump's death or serious illness, yet mainstream media largely avoided the topic, leading to criticism from figures like JD Vance. Trump himself dismissed the speculation as 'fake news', echoing his frequent attacks on the mainstream press. While the New York Times eventually addressed the issue, focusing on the false death rumors before mentioning the lack of information about his health, the overall media response was deemed too cautious. The article argues that responsible media coverage should involve evidence-based assessments of a president's health and persistent investigation into any unexplained absences, rather than unquestioningly accepting White House statements. The author concludes that a balance is needed between speculation and acceptance of official statements, emphasizing the need for skepticism and thorough fact-finding.

2025-09-05 18:00:18.958

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as Health and Human Services Secretary has plunged the CDC into turmoil. His anti-vaccine agenda, praised by figures like Stephen Miller, is alarmingly endangering public health. Key actions include firing the entire CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) and replacing them with individuals who share his anti-vaccine views. This has led to declining vaccination rates and a resurgence of measles. Kennedy's dismissal of the high Covid-19 death toll and his endorsement of claims that mRNA vaccines cause harm, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, further highlight his disregard for scientific consensus. His administration has also severely restricted Covid-19 booster shot eligibility, making them harder to access. The removal of Covid-19 booster recommendations for pregnant women and children is another example of his controversial policies. Former CDC director Susan Monarez was ousted after refusing to "rubberstamp" unscientific directives. Over 1,000 HHS workers have demanded Kennedy's resignation, citing his actions as a compromise to national health. His actions have also weakened programs designed to protect against various diseases, further exacerbating the situation. The politicization of public health, exemplified by Kennedy's actions and Florida's Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's plans to end childhood vaccinations, is alarming. This disregard for science and public health is not only a health crisis but also fuels a dangerous political climate. The article concludes by questioning whether this disastrous situation is a deliberate strategy by the government.

2025-09-04 18:00:19.466

In 1986, my life transformed dramatically. From cleaning bathrooms, I became a successful model, entering a glamorous world. Decades later, this led me to confront the horrific legacy of Jeffrey Epstein, whom I briefly dated in 1993. While the initial relationship was consensual, some events were not. Last October, I publicly shared a story I'd kept private for years: Epstein brought me to Donald Trump's office, where Trump groped me while Epstein watched. Trump denies this. To support my account, I underwent a polygraph test, friends corroborated my story, and Trump biographer Michael Wolff confirmed Epstein had disclosed the incident. Epstein also told me he had video footage of me disrobed in his home, a deeply disturbing revelation. I did not consent to either event. I speak out not for political reasons, but because the American people and Epstein's victims deserve transparency. This isn't a partisan issue; victims exist across the political spectrum. Despite assurances to the contrary, the release of Epstein files has been slow and seemingly politically motivated. The House oversight committee released over 33,000 files, but 97% were already public. Perpetrators and enablers enjoy secrecy while victims struggle to be heard. The denial of the existence of surveillance tapes is baffling, given testimony and evidence suggesting otherwise. The suffering of survivors like Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide, highlights the need for justice and accountability. We deserve peace of mind and healing, which requires putting politics aside, releasing the Epstein files, and freeing the women from this decades-long nightmare.

2025-09-04 06:00:33.367

The House Oversight Committee publicly released files obtained from the Justice Department regarding the sex trafficking investigations of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. While the files, posted on Google Drive, contained hundreds of images of court filings, police body cam footage, and recordings of law enforcement interviews with victims, much of the information was already publicly available. The release reignited a political battle, with Democrats and some Republicans pushing for a bill to compel the Justice Department to release all information (excluding victim identities). House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes this, preferring the Oversight Committee to handle the release. The released materials included audio of an Epstein employee describing young girls visiting Epstein's home and documents from Epstein's Florida prosecution, revealing frustrations from prosecutors over his lenient plea deal. Despite the release, disagreements persist on how to proceed, with some criticizing the release as containing mostly already public information and questioning why the Justice Department didn't release the materials directly. Lawmakers met with Epstein and Maxwell's survivors, emphasizing the need for justice and preventing future occurrences of such abuse. The ongoing political clash highlights the continued demand for more details about the Epstein case and the dissatisfaction among members of both parties.

2025-08-29 00:00:31.951

Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira announced Thursday that he’s running for the Republican nomination for a House seat in Texas. The former slugger for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees said he’s running for the 21st District seat currently held by Republican Rep. Chip Roy. Roy has said he’s not seeking reelection and is running for Texas attorney general. “As a proud Texan and lifelong conservative who loves our country, I’m ready to fight for the principles that make Texas strong and America exceptional,” Teixeira said in a statement posted on X. “It takes teamwork to win, and I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families and individual liberty.” Teixeira began his career with the Rangers, and was the 5th overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft. His 14-season career included three All-Star Game appearances, five Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers and a World Series title with the Yankees in 2009. Teixeira and his family moved back to Texas in 2021 after he retired from baseball. In his announcement, Teixeira pledged to work with Trump to secure the border and end “radical woke indoctrination.” The district’s GOP primary already has another contender — Daniel Betts, who ran unsuccessfully for Travis County district attorney last year, has filed paperwork to run. The 21st Congressional District covers a deeply conservative area west of both Austin and San Antonio. Teixeira announced his bid days after Republicans in the state Legislature approved a redistricting map meant to favor the GOP in the 2026 election.

2025-08-28 18:00:19.508

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is employing Donald Trump's signature political strategies—unhinged tweets, insulting nicknames, and self-promotional merchandise—to troll Trump and his MAGA followers. Newsom's counterpunching has garnered attention from both sides of the political spectrum, with praise from figures like Barack Obama and Steve Bannon. While some criticize his approach as "performative," Newsom's social media presence has surged, and his actions might even boost his chances of a future presidential run. The article explores the effectiveness and implications of Newsom's tactics, questioning whether this approach is a necessary response to the increasingly authoritarian political climate in the US. While humorous, the piece ultimately raises concerns about the state of American politics and the need for significant change to combat the rise of authoritarianism.

2025-08-28 12:00:53.555

The director of the nation’s top public health agency, Susan Monarez, was fired after less than a month in office. Several top agency leaders also resigned. The White House stated Monarez was not "aligned with" President Trump’s agenda and refused to resign. Her lawyers countered that she was targeted for upholding scientific integrity, refusing to implement unscientific directives, and protect dedicated health experts. At least four top CDC officials resigned alongside Monarez, including the deputy director and heads of key centers. Their resignations cited planned budget cuts, reorganization, firings, the rise of vaccine misinformation, and new limits on CDC communications. One resigning official described the changes as putting "people of dubious intent and more dubious scientific rigor in charge of recommending vaccine policy." Public health experts decried the situation as a "decapitation" of the CDC and a "serious loss for America." Monarez’s short tenure was marked by tumult, including a shooting incident outside CDC headquarters. Her scheduled staff meeting was canceled by HHS officials, who called her to Washington. Senator Patty Murray praised Monarez for standing up to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and called for his firing. The situation has raised concerns about the politicization of science and the undermining of public health institutions.

2025-08-27 12:00:28.404

Zambian chimpanzees have been observed inserting grass in their ears and sticks in their anuses, a trend scientists attribute to social conformity. This behavior is strangely mirrored by a trend among wealthy individuals, particularly those associated with Donald Trump, who are undergoing extensive cosmetic surgery to achieve a specific look dubbed the 'Mar-a-Lago face.' This look, characterized by exaggerated features like large lips and jaws, is seen as a status symbol, signaling wealth and belonging to a specific in-group. The article suggests that the desire for this look is driven by Trump's emphasis on appearance and an ironic adherence to traditional gender norms, even while opposing transgender rights. The author uses the chimpanzee behavior as a satirical comparison to highlight the absurdity of the cosmetic surgery trend among the wealthy.