Author name: Justin Murray

NYC Mayor Eric Adams to Endorse Andrew Cuomo in Mayoral Race Against Zohran Mamdani
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams to Endorse Andrew Cuomo in Mayoral Race Against Zohran Mamdani

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams plans to endorse former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the city’s upcoming mayoral race, setting up an unusual alliance between two former political rivals as Cuomo faces Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, as reported by Fox News.

“As spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams, I can confirm that the Mayor will endorse former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for mayor and intends to campaign alongside him,” Adams’ spokesman Todd Shapiro said in a statement to Fox News.

Governor Andrew Cuomo waves goodbye following his daily briefing on the state’s COVID-19 response at the Rochester Regional Health Riedman Campus Wellness Center in Irondequoit Monday, May 11, 2020.
Sd 051120 Cuomo P Metro

“The time and locations for their joint appearances are currently being finalized.”

Adams declined to discuss the endorsement during an unrelated press conference on Thursday morning. “I’ll be with Andrew later today, but right now we’re talking about this,” he said. “And if we mix the two, you won’t cover this because it’s good. So if you don’t have an on-topic, I’m going to bounce.”

The New York Times first reported news of the pending endorsement.

In response, Mamdani accused Cuomo of effectively campaigning for Adams’ “second term.” “It’s no surprise to see two men who share an affinity for corruption and Trump capitulation align themselves at the behest of the billionaire class and the president himself,” Mamdani said in a statement.

“We are going to turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas that these two disgraced executives embody and build a city every New Yorker can afford.”

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. New York, US – 04 July 2025

Adams ended his own re-election campaign last month. Despite public clashes during their earlier political careers, Adams and Cuomo appear to have reconciled as they aim to block Mamdani’s growing momentum.

“I think that it is imperative to really wake up the Black and brown communities that have suffered from gentrification on how important this race is,” Adams told The New York Times.

“They have watched their rents increase in terms of gentrification, and they have been disregarded in those neighborhoods, and I’m going to go to those neighborhoods and speak one on one with organizers and groups, and I’m going to walk with the governor in those neighborhoods and get them engaged.”

The two politicians were also spotted together courtside at the New York Knicks’ season opener on Wednesday night. Cuomo shared a photo on social media, writing that he made it to the game just in time for the second half.

Cuomo, Mamdani, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa participated in their final debate on Wednesday, offering closing arguments before voters head to the polls.

New York, NY – April 3, 2025: Former Gover Andrew Cuomo speaks at the city mayoral candidates forum held by Reverend Al Sharpton at 2025 annual NAN Convention at Sheraton Times Square

The debate followed weeks of pressure on both Sliwa and Mamdani. Several wealthy donors have reportedly urged Sliwa to drop out to prevent splitting the anti-Mamdani vote, which could give the Democratic socialist a clear path to victory.

Meanwhile, Mamdani has faced backlash from more than 650 rabbis nationwide who signed an open letter condemning him for what they described as anti-Israel rhetoric.

During the debate, Cuomo and Sliwa pressed Mamdani on concerns among Jewish New Yorkers about rising antisemitism.

Mamdani responded that he took those fears seriously, saying residents “deserved a leader who takes it seriously” rather than one “who weaponizes it as a means by which to score political points on a debate stage.”

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani speaks in a Malikah’s Iftar Ramadan event at the Museum of the Moving Image on March 07, 2025 in the Queens Borough of New York City.

According to a Fox News survey conducted October 10–14, Mamdani currently leads the race with 49% support among registered New York City voters, followed by Cuomo with 28% and Sliwa with 13%. Among likely voters, Mamdani has 52% support, Cuomo 28%, and Sliwa 14%.

Fox News Digital reached out to Cuomo’s campaign for comment on the endorsement.

Top Democrat Says Families Must Suffer for Shutdown Negotiating Power
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Top Democrat Says Families Must Suffer for Shutdown Negotiating Power

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Rep. Katherine Clark (D-CT), the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, said Thursday that the ongoing government shutdown — now stretching into its third week — presents her party with “leverage” in negotiations with Republicans, as reported by Breitbart.

During an interview with Fox News, Clark acknowledged that the shutdown is causing pain for families but suggested it is one of the few moments Democrats can use to gain ground in the budget process.

“Shutdowns are terrible, and of course there will be families that are going to suffer,” Clark said. “We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

Clark, who serves as House Minority Whip, added that the situation represents a critical moment for negotiations. “It is an inflection point in this budget process where we have tried to get the Republicans to meet with us and prioritize the American people,” she said.

Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have maintained that they are willing to negotiate on key spending priorities once the government is reopened. GOP leaders have pushed for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding at current levels without policy additions or cuts.

Despite those offers, Democrats have not agreed to end the shutdown, which began amid disputes over healthcare funding and other budgetary measures. The standoff has left federal workers without pay and created uncertainty for millions of Americans who rely on government services.

Clark’s comments came just days before the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), set for November 1. The law’s tax credits are set to expire within days, but the shutdown has delayed agency operations tied to healthcare enrollment.

“The marketplace, the ACA [Obamacare] marketplace, open enrollment takes place on Nov. 1,” Clark said. “People are receiving their premium notices that they’re going to go to that marketplace and say, ‘I can’t afford this.’ That is a real crisis for American families.”

She continued, “It drives up the cost of healthcare for every single person, no matter where you get your health insurance from.”

Republicans have argued that reopening the government would allow both parties to address those healthcare challenges immediately. GOP lawmakers have said their proposed clean CR would fund the government without delay while broader budget negotiations continue.

President Trump and House Republican leaders have emphasized that they are prepared to continue discussions with Democrats on healthcare and other fiscal priorities once the shutdown ends.

The ongoing stalemate has also raised questions about political strategy, as Democrats face criticism for allowing the shutdown’s impact to deepen while admitting it serves as a tool for negotiating leverage.

Democrat Infighting Explodes in Maine as 2026 Senate Primary Heats Up
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Democrat Infighting Explodes in Maine as 2026 Senate Primary Heats Up

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The Democratic Party in Maine is already showing deep divisions nearly two years ahead of the state’s 2026 Senate primary, as establishment figures and progressive activists begin clashing over who should lead the ticket.

The race, set for June 9, 2026, has exposed tensions between Governor Janet Mills and a new wave of far-left challengers, including a Bernie Sanders-backed candidate facing multiple controversies.

Kennebunkport Town Manager Laurie Smith, left, greets Maine Governor Janet Mills as she arrives at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new and improved Pier Road Causeway on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Governor Janet Mills, 77, officially entered the Senate race in mid-October, confirming months of speculation about her intentions.

Her announcement came amid growing concern among Democrats about her age, stamina, and ability to connect with younger voters.

In an interview, Mills sought to address those concerns directly, stating, “Honestly, I would not plan to serve for more than one term. But this time is vital, and this moment in our history is urgent and very troublesome.”

Mills, who previously served as Maine’s attorney general before becoming governor in 2019, remains a prominent figure in the state’s Democratic establishment.

However, her bid for the Senate nomination is far from guaranteed.

The governor now faces strong resistance from the party’s progressive wing, led by Graham Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer who has the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Platner’s campaign has promoted him as a “working-class” alternative to Mills, emphasizing his military background and rural roots.

Supporters describe him as an outsider capable of appealing to both Democrats and independent voters who might otherwise support incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

However, Platner’s campaign has been rocked by a series of controversies stemming from his past online activity.

CNN’s KFile reviewed deleted Reddit posts attributed to Platner dating back to 2013, in which he reportedly referred to himself as a “communist,” used profane language to describe police, and claimed that “rural White Americans actually are racist and stupid.”

The resurfacing of the posts has drawn national attention and criticism from both within and outside his party.

Platner responded to the revelations by suggesting that his views have changed since those posts were written.

“I’m a different person now,” he said in a statement following the report, adding that his experiences as a veteran and small business owner have shaped his perspective.

A separate controversy has since emerged involving a tattoo that a former acquaintance alleged carries Nazi-related symbolism.

Platner denied any malicious intent, saying the tattoo was obtained while drinking with fellow Marines during his service.

“We got very inebriated, and we did what Marines on liberty do, and we decided to go get a tattoo,” he said.

The incidents have caused friction among Democratic factions in Maine and beyond.

Some of Platner’s supporters, including progressive activists aligned with Sanders, have accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee of undermining the candidate.

They claim the party leadership is working behind the scenes to protect Mills’ candidacy and suppress grassroots challenges.

The Maine race reflects a broader national divide within the Democratic Party between traditional establishment figures and an increasingly outspoken socialist movement.

The conflict comes as Democrats seek to defend their narrow Senate majority in 2026, with several key races expected to determine control of the chamber.

With months still to go before the primary, both sides appear entrenched. Mills has the backing of party leaders and major donors, while Platner continues to rally progressive activists frustrated with what they view as the Democratic establishment’s unwillingness to embrace more left-wing policies.

The outcome of the Maine Democratic primary could have major implications for the party’s message heading into the general election, where the winner is expected to face Senator Susan Collins in one of the nation’s most closely watched races.

FBI Releases New Surveillance Footage of 2021 DNC, RNC Pipe Bomb Suspect as 0,000 Reward Renewed
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FBI Releases New Surveillance Footage of 2021 DNC, RNC Pipe Bomb Suspect as $500,000 Reward Renewed

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The FBI has released new, higher-quality surveillance footage showing previously unseen movements of the suspect who planted pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices on Jan. 5, 2021.

The agency is again offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

In a statement posted to X, the FBI wrote, “The FBI is still offering a $500,000 reward for information that helps identify the person who placed pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee on January 5, 2021. As part of our ongoing investigation, we’re releasing an updated video of the subject, which includes previously unreleased footage, higher quality video, and longer clips of the subject’s movements.”

The newly released video follows the suspect’s path through several Capitol Hill neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the night before the Capitol riot.

The individual can be seen carrying a backpack and placing explosive devices outside both party headquarters before leaving the area.

According to the FBI, the suspect is believed to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black gloves, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes featuring a yellow logo.

The person also covered their face with a mask while carrying the backpack containing the devices.

Investigators said the suspect was first spotted near 1st Street and North Carolina Avenue SE at 7:34 p.m.

Surveillance footage shows the individual moving through residential streets before stopping briefly on South Capitol Street, where one of the bombs was reportedly placed.

At approximately 7:54 p.m., the suspect sat on a bench outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, where video shows one of the explosive devices being positioned near the building.

The second device was planted at the Republican National Committee headquarters at about 8:16 p.m., after which the suspect disappeared from view.

In January, the FBI renewed its focus on the case by releasing additional video of the suspect.

In May, Deputy Director Dan Bongino told “Fox & Friends” that investigators were “pretty confident” they were closing in on suspects connected to the incident.

The FBI has reviewed thousands of hours of video footage and followed hundreds of leads since the pipe bombs were discovered.

The agency said it has conducted more than 1,000 interviews as part of its investigation.

Officials continue to encourage the public to submit any information that might help identify the person responsible.

Bongino stressed that public cooperation and social media remain essential tools in tracking down the suspect, noting that even small details from eyewitnesses or digital evidence could prove critical.

Although the devices were safely removed and no one was injured, authorities said the potential danger was significant.

The bombs were planted on the eve of the Capitol riot, during heightened tensions across Washington.

Then–Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the Democratic National Committee building when the device near that location was found.

Then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California had also passed by the area earlier in the evening before the device was safely defused by law enforcement personnel.

The FBI continues to urge anyone with relevant information to contact its tip line or visit fbi.gov/pipebombs.

The $500,000 reward remains available for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.

White House Calls TMZ Story on Trump Weighing Diddy Commutation ‘Completely Fraudulent’
Entertainment

White House Calls TMZ Story on Trump Weighing Diddy Commutation ‘Completely Fraudulent’

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The White House dismissed as “completely fraudulent” a report published by TMZ claiming President Donald Trump was weighing a commutation for imprisoned music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

TMZ’s October 20 article alleged, citing what it called a “high-ranking White House official,” that President Trump was “vacillating” on whether to commute Combs’ 50-month sentence for violating the Mann Act and could sign an order “as early as this week.”

WASHINGTON D.C., USA – April 7, 2025: United States President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House in Washington DC.

The entertainment outlet further claimed some staffers were advising against the move but suggested the final decision rested solely with the President.

The White House swiftly rejected the claims. A spokesperson told the Daily Mail that “there is zero truth to the TMZ report,” adding that the outlet failed to seek confirmation before publishing.

“We would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news,” the spokesperson said. “The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations.”

Combs, 55, was convicted earlier this year on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, a federal offense under the Mann Act.

He was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The rapper and music executive is currently serving his 50-month sentence and has completed roughly 13 months so far.

With credit for time served, he could be eligible for release in about two years if no commutation occurs.

TMZ’s report also claimed Combs’ legal team had been in contact with a “high-ranking White House official” shortly after sentencing and that Trump acknowledged awareness of the request.

Attorney Nicole Westmoreland, a member of Combs’ defense team, confirmed in August that outreach had taken place. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Westmoreland said at the time.

In a Newsmax interview earlier this month, President Trump appeared to rule out granting clemency to Combs. “I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well,” Trump said.

Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kanye West at the 2007 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Mortons, West Hollywood, CA. 02-25-07

“But when I ran for office, he was very hostile. That makes pardoning him more difficult to do.”

The White House emphasized that the TMZ report “circumvented standard verification procedures” and reiterated that no discussions on Combs’ case were underway.

Combs’ conviction followed a lengthy federal investigation that included multiple witnesses and seized digital evidence. He remains incarcerated at a federal correctional facility pending appeal.

Obama’s 0 Million ‘Presidential Center’ Mocked as Chicago’s New ‘Death Star’
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Obama’s $830 Million ‘Presidential Center’ Mocked as Chicago’s New ‘Death Star’

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Former President Barack Obama’s long-delayed presidential center in Chicago is again drawing public scrutiny as construction nears completion, following years of lawsuits, cost overruns, and community frustration.

Obama posted on X Saturday about the Obama Presidential Center, promoting it as a “hub for change” ahead of its planned opening next year.

“When the Obama Presidential Center opens next year, it will be a hub for change — a place for people from all over the world to come together, get inspired, and take what they learn back to their own communities,” he wrote.

Despite the former president’s optimism, the $830 million project has faced mounting criticism over its impact on the surrounding neighborhood, escalating construction costs, and multiple legal battles.

The privately funded complex, located on Chicago’s South Side, broke ground in September 2021 and will occupy roughly 20 acres of Jackson Park — a 540-acre site originally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind New York’s Central Park.

According to Newsweek, the Obama Presidential Center has become “behind schedule, over budget, and mired in lawsuits.”

The project was initially expected to cost about $500 million but has now ballooned to over $830 million.

In addition to cost concerns, residents living near the site have voiced anger about rising rent and property taxes linked to development in the area.

“Rents are going up fast,” said Kyana Butler of Southside Together, one of several activist groups that lobbied the Obama Foundation to work more closely with the local community.

“A two-bedroom apartment that used to rent for $800 a month has already jumped to $1,800. Property taxes are going up so much that the owner of my building is saying she might just walk away.”

Local groups, including the Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, have warned that the project is accelerating gentrification and pushing out long-term residents.

Some have described the center as a “monstrosity,” saying the development has transformed what was once one of the city’s most scenic park spaces.

The center is expected to feature a museum dedicated to Obama’s presidency, a new public library branch, an athletic center, gardens, and a children’s play area.

While the Obama Foundation maintains that the project will bring jobs and revitalization to the area, critics argue that it has already priced out many residents and damaged community trust.

Online, the building’s design has become a frequent target of mockery. Social media users compared the main tower to fictional structures from science fiction and fantasy franchises.

Some users posted videos of “Star Wars” X-wing fighters closing in on the building, while others edited images of the structure onto the legs of the AT-AT walkers from “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Others compared it to the Eye of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings,” Easter Island statues, and even trash bins or cat litter boxes.

“It’s an ‘obamanation!’ Just like his presidency!” one user commented, while another said, “It’s like someone built a Lego set without the instructions.”

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) weighed in on X, calling it a “bold move” to locate the “Death Star” in Chicago. Cartoonist Scott Adams also mocked the design, describing it as resembling a “North Korean guard tower.”

The Obama Foundation has not responded publicly to the latest wave of criticism, though construction continues at the site.

The center’s completion date has been pushed back several times amid legal disputes, including challenges over the use of public parkland for a privately managed complex.

While the former president continues to describe the project as a beacon for global learning and progress, many residents see it as a costly and disruptive project that has failed to deliver for the community it was meant to serve.

The Obama Presidential Center is currently expected to open sometime next year.

Houston Family Challenges Mayor’s Dismissal of Bayou Deaths as ‘Gaslighting’ Amid Serial Killer Fears
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Houston Family Challenges Mayor’s Dismissal of Bayou Deaths as ‘Gaslighting’ Amid Serial Killer Fears

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The family of 22-year-old Kenneth Cutting Jr. is demanding answers from Houston city leaders after his body was found in Buffalo Bayou in June, one of several recovered from the city’s waterways this year, as reported by Fox News.

Officials have downplayed talk of a possible serial killer, but relatives say Mayor John Whitmire’s explanations don’t add up.

Cutting vanished after a night out in downtown Houston on June 28, 2024. Surveillance footage showed him leaving Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar around 11:45 p.m., borrowing a stranger’s phone to call his own lost one, and then walking away while shouting at one of his companions.

JHVEPhoto – Shutterstock.com

His father said Cutting later rejoined the group, which was driving east on Interstate 10 — the opposite direction from their home in Katy.

According to the family, his roommates told them he became agitated and demanded to get out of the car in a rough part of Houston. Days later, on July 1, police recovered his body about a mile and a half upstream from where he was last seen. He was identified through fingerprints.

The autopsy, performed by Dr. Edward Kilbane, listed both the cause and manner of death as undetermined. The report found no external injuries and no drugs or alcohol in Cutting’s system.

“This 22-year-old male, whose decomposing remains were recovered from a bayou, showed no apparent traumatic injuries, no serious natural disease and no commonly abused drugs in his tissues,” Kilbane wrote.

Cutting’s father, Kenneth Cutting Sr., said his son “didn’t fall into the bayou and drown,” adding that he was a capable swimmer. “Something happened to my son,” he told Fox News Digital.

The case has drawn attention amid a growing number of similar incidents. At least 16 bodies have been pulled from Houston’s bayous in 2025, according to police data.

Mayor Whitmire dismissed speculation of a serial killer during a news briefing last month, describing the deaths as “not a new phenomenon” and attributing many to “drugs, alcohol and homelessness.”

“Unfortunately the homeless, when they pass, often end up in the bayou,” Whitmire said.

Cutting’s cousin, Lauren Freeman, called the mayor’s remarks “gaslighting” and said they fail to explain the consistent pattern of young, otherwise healthy individuals found dead in similar conditions.

“All them people didn’t commit suicide or fall into the bayou accidentally and drown,” said Cutting Sr. “It’s ridiculous. There’s been so many of ’em in the last three years.”

Freeman also cited the case of 20-year-old University of Houston student Jade McKissic, who disappeared after leaving a bar on September 11 and was later found dead in Brays Bayou. Like Cutting, McKissic’s autopsy revealed no external injuries and no drugs.

Retired NYPD sergeant and Penn State professor Joseph Giacalone, who has followed the Houston cases, said each incident requires independent investigation.

“It may be a domestic issue, it also could be a suicide, but the homeless people have nothing to do with it,” he said. “So it was a reckless statement at best.”

The Cutting family continues to press for answers. “Maybe somebody from that bar that night heard or saw something that they would like to come forward with now,” Giacalone added. “You treat it like a homicide until proven otherwise.”

Adam Schiff Confronted During ‘No Kings’ Protest, Dodges Very Basic Question
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Adam Schiff Confronted During ‘No Kings’ Protest, Dodges Very Basic Question

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Sen. Adam Schiff of California declined to say whether Democrats expect to regain control of Congress during the upcoming midterm elections when questioned Saturday at a protest in Washington, D.C.

Schiff had just finished addressing demonstrators at the “No Kings” anti-Trump rally near the U.S. Capitol when a Breitbart News reporter asked if he believed Democrats would take the House and Senate. Schiff avoided answering and instead walked toward the march route.

“Do you think that Democrats will take the House and Senate?” the reporter asked.

Schiff replied, “I’m gonna join the march, I’m sorry.”

When the question was repeated, a man standing in front of Schiff interjected, “We’re not doing interviews right now, thank you.”

The exchange came as Democrats face a challenging electoral landscape ahead of the midterms, with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans reporting strong fundraising numbers and widespread enthusiasm among supporters.

In August, President Trump said he was considering an unprecedented move — recommending a Republican National Convention before the midterm elections — citing momentum within the party and continued voter engagement.

On Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “The Republican Party is doing really well. Millions of people have joined us in our quest to MAKE AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN. We won every aspect of the Presidential Election and, based on the great success we are having, are poised to WIN BIG IN THE MIDTERMS. We have raised far more money than the Democrats, and are having a great time fixing all of the Country Destroying mistakes made by the Biden Administration, and watching the USA heal and prosper. The results are incredible, a record pace!!! In that light, I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before. STAY TUNED!!! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Schiff, who has been a frequent critic of the Trump administration and a leading figure in Democratic investigations into the president, appeared at the protest alongside several progressive groups rallying against President Trump’s policies.

The “No Kings” event drew demonstrators calling for limits on executive power and voicing opposition to Trump’s leadership.

House Republican Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota expressed confidence in the GOP’s position ahead of the midterms, pointing to key districts where Democrats hold seats that voted for President Trump in the last presidential election.

“I think we’ll not only hold onto it, but we will expand it to some extent,” Emmer said during an interview on “The Alex Marlow Show.”

“Democrats… have 13 of their members in seats that Donald Trump won in the last presidential election. We only have three.”

Republican leaders have highlighted strong polling and record-breaking fundraising as indicators of continued voter confidence in their agenda.

The National Republican Congressional Committee and other GOP fundraising arms have reported significant support in battleground states as the party prepares to defend and expand its majorities.

Democrats, meanwhile, have faced internal divisions over policy priorities and strategy ahead of the elections, with candidates attempting to balance appeals to progressive activists and centrist voters.

Schiff’s refusal to comment on his party’s prospects reflected that uncertainty as Democrats confront a series of competitive races nationwide.

VA Dem Gov Candidate Spanberger ‘Horrified’ That Trump Enforces Immigration Law
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VA Dem Gov Candidate Spanberger ‘Horrified’ That Trump Enforces Immigration Law

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Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger is facing criticism after calling it “horrifying” that President Donald Trump has treated illegal border crossings as a “criminal act.”

Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, made the comment during a recent interview while discussing immigration policy and the federal government’s response to the southern border.

Her remarks have drawn attention as she campaigns to become the next governor of Virginia, a position that would require her to uphold both the U.S. Constitution and federal law.

“It’s horrifying that President Trump has made illegally crossing our border a criminal act,” Spanberger said during the interview.

However, the act of crossing the U.S. border illegally has long been a criminal offense under federal law, codified in 8 U.S.C. §1325.

The statute, enacted decades before Trump’s presidency, makes unlawful entry into the United States a misdemeanor on first offense and a felony for repeat offenders.

Spanberger’s comment has been interpreted by critics as a misunderstanding of existing immigration law and a reflection of the Democratic Party’s growing divide over border enforcement.

Federal law establishes penalties for entering the country without inspection, overstaying visas, or using false documentation to obtain entry, with those statutes in place for generations.

President Trump’s administration did not create the law but intensified enforcement through policies designed to deter illegal immigration, including prosecuting repeat border crossers and expanding border security measures.

During her time in Congress, Spanberger often sought to brand herself as a centrist, representing Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, a swing district that includes suburban and rural communities. She has frequently described herself as “pragmatic” and “independent-minded.”

However, her recent comments have raised questions about her stance on immigration enforcement as she campaigns statewide.

Critics say Spanberger’s remarks indicate she supports selective enforcement of existing laws, particularly those related to immigration.

The comment has also reignited discussion about the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to border policy, which has seen record levels of illegal crossings since 2021.

During her time in Congress, Spanberger voted with Democratic leadership on key immigration-related measures, including opposing border wall funding and supporting efforts to expand asylum access.

Legal analysts note that if elected governor, Spanberger would swear an oath to uphold both state and federal laws, including those governing immigration.

Although governors have limited authority over federal immigration policy, state officials play a role in cooperating with federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Spanberger’s remarks add to ongoing political debate in Virginia, where immigration and border security remain top issues among voters.

The former congresswoman’s campaign has emphasized education, job creation, and abortion rights, while avoiding detailed policy proposals on immigration.

The controversy also comes as Spanberger continues to face questions over her past endorsements.

She has publicly supported Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, who previously came under fire for inflammatory remarks directed at Republicans.

Recent polling shows Spanberger leading the Democratic primary field and maintaining a narrow edge over potential Republican challengers in early general election matchups.

The Virginia governor’s race will be closely watched nationally, as it is expected to serve as an early indicator of voter sentiment heading into future election cycles.

MTV’s Future Hangs in the Balance as Corporate Cost-Cutting Intensifies
Entertainment

MTV’s Future Hangs in the Balance as Corporate Cost-Cutting Intensifies

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MTV’s four-decade run on U.S. cable television is not ending yet, but the network’s long-term survival is under review as Paramount Skydance leadership evaluates major cost-cutting measures across its media properties, as reported by The New York Post.

The iconic channel, launched in 1981 and best known for its evolution from a music video platform into a reality TV brand, is facing the same challenges affecting other legacy cable networks — declining viewership and revenue losses due to cord-cutting.

Sources familiar with the discussions told On The Money that Paramount Skydance executives are exploring multiple options for MTV’s future. Those options include potentially transitioning the brand into a digital-only or streaming-focused platform to align with broader industry trends.

Paramount Skydance Chief Executive Officer David Ellison and President Jeff Shell have not made any formal decisions regarding the U.S. MTV network.

According to individuals close to the company, both executives are reluctant to shutter the channel immediately because of its brand recognition and continued, though reduced, audience engagement.

“For now, the thought of them killing the U.S. channel is just noise,” one source said. “But you never know what could happen in the future given the business environment.”

The review comes as Paramount Skydance continues to implement company-wide spending reductions following its $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global earlier this year. Ellison and Shell are reportedly targeting up to $500 million in cost cuts as part of their financial restructuring plan.

As part of the streamlining, MTV’s international footprint is already being reduced. According to The Post’s Taylor Herzlich, MTV will shut down five UK channels — MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live — effective December 31.

Additional MTV music channels in Australia, Poland, France, and Brazil are also scheduled to close in the coming months.

The network’s global closures are part of a broader restructuring effort within Paramount Skydance, which also owns Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and CBS. Industry insiders say CBS’s news and sports divisions could face operational reductions as well.

A Paramount Skydance spokesperson declined to comment on the reported discussions.

The ongoing review of MTV’s operations comes as the company prepares for possible large-scale consolidation in the media sector. Ellison’s team is reportedly considering a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that could cost as much as $60 billion.

Any such acquisition would likely require further layoffs and structural adjustments across the company’s entertainment assets.

MTV, once a defining brand in pop culture, remains operational in the United States for now. But as Paramount Skydance’s executives work to balance profitability and legacy, the network’s long-term future on cable television remains uncertain.


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