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Local opposition grows against Trump administration's plan to rename Lake Ontario
A proposal by the Trump administration to rename Lake Ontario as 'Lake America' has faced significant pushback from local political leaders. The mayor of Oswego and other officials have rejected the plan, emphasizing the disconnect between federal initiatives and local community identity. While some supporters of the administration may back parts of the broader agenda, this specific renaming effort has encountered bipartisan local disapproval. The controversy highlights ongoing friction between federal mandates and local interests in border regions.

Catastrophic flooding and landslides in Nepal-Tibet border region
A massive glacial flood and subsequent landslide have devastated the Himalayan region along the border of Nepal and Tibet. Over 900 people are confirmed dead, with thousands still missing as debris and mud continue to hamper rescue efforts. Families and communities in the affected areas are facing a humanitarian crisis of significant scale. International aid efforts are being mobilized to assist in search and recovery operations, but the difficult terrain remains a major challenge. The disaster has prompted global concern over the impact of climate-related events in high-altitude regions.

Federal judge extends block on USPS mail-in voting restrictions
A federal judge in Boston has extended a preliminary injunction that prevents the U.S. Postal Service from implementing executive orders intended to restrict mail-in voting capabilities. The order is part of an ongoing legal challenge raised by advocates concerned about the accessibility of the mail ballot system during the upcoming election cycle. A USPS whistleblower has also recently alleged that the agency rushed the construction of its new ballot processing system, potentially violating prior court orders. The legal battle highlights significant concerns about administrative interference in voting procedures. Further judicial scrutiny is expected as the election date approaches.

U.S. energy firms significantly expand operations in Venezuela
U.S. energy companies have increased their operational presence in Venezuela's Orinoco Belt. The expansion follows a strategic agreement that continues despite broader geopolitical friction between the two nations. This move is being watched closely by global energy markets and diplomats as it signifies a potential change in the U.S. approach to Venezuelan oil interests. The impact of these operations on U.S. sanctions and energy policy remains a topic of active debate.

UN General Assembly adopts new world map projection
The United Nations General Assembly has formally approved a resolution to adopt a new world map projection, citing increased accuracy in representing the surface area of continents. Under the new standard, regions like Africa are depicted as larger, while North America and Europe appear relatively smaller. The United States was the sole nation to vote against the measure, with officials arguing that the change could be used to advance agendas related to reparations and geopolitical shifts. The adoption of the map has sparked international debate over historical mapping accuracy and political symbolism.

Explosions at Bolivian military barracks leave at least 10 dead
A massive explosion occurred at a military barracks in Viacha, Bolivia, resulting in multiple casualties among the personnel stationed at the facility. Authorities have confirmed at least 10 deaths and dozens of injuries. Emergency services and military responders are working at the site to provide medical care and investigate the cause of the disaster. The incident has caused significant alarm within the country's military and civil leadership.

U.S.-Iran tensions escalate with military warnings
Military and diplomatic friction between the United States and Iran has sharply escalated. President Donald Trump has issued public warnings suggesting that the United States may conduct strikes on specific Iranian targets, such as Pickaxe Mountain, in the near future. This rhetoric marks a significant increase in hostilities between the two nations. Regional observers are concerned about the potential for broader military conflict as the situation develops.

Vietnam veterans suing over Trump's arch seek court block ahead of groundbreaking
A group of Vietnam War veterans has filed for an emergency court injunction to prevent the Trump administration from beginning construction on a proposed triumphal arch. The plaintiffs argue that the project is inappropriate and are seeking to stop the groundbreaking ceremonies in the Washington D.C. area. The administration maintains its plans are moving forward, leading to a legal showdown over land use and memorial space. The court's ruling is expected to have immediate consequences for the project's timeline.

U.S. economy adds 162,000 jobs in August
The U.S. Department of Labor released employment data for August 2026, revealing that the economy added 162,000 jobs. This figure significantly surpassed the expectations of analysts. Following the report, stock markets experienced a decline while bond yields increased. The data provides a new snapshot of the American labor market's health amid ongoing economic volatility.

Argentina escalates Falklands sovereignty dispute with sanctions
The Argentine government has escalated its long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands by announcing sanctions against 45 individuals and entities. The targeted companies are reportedly involved in oil and energy exploration in the disputed maritime territory. President Javier Milei signaled this shift in policy as part of a more aggressive stance to enforce Argentine claims. The international business community is watching the development, as the sanctions could have significant implications for commercial activities in the South Atlantic region.

Andrew Tate indicted on trafficking and sex crimes charges in Romania
Romanian authorities have officially indicted social media personality Andrew Tate on serious criminal charges, including the trafficking of minors, sexual assault involving a minor, and money laundering. The indictment follows a prolonged investigation into his activities within the country. Legal representatives for Tate have been preparing for the upcoming trial as the allegations garner international attention. The case highlights broader scrutiny regarding the conduct of online influencers and their involvement in alleged criminal networks.

ICE officer pleads not guilty to lying about Minneapolis shooting
Christian Castro, an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges related to providing false statements. The allegations involve his conduct during an investigation into a shooting incident in Minneapolis involving a Venezuelan national. The court has released Castro on bond with conditions that include wearing an ankle monitor. The case is proceeding through the federal justice system.
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Trump Finds New Way to Target Schools That Support Non-White Students
The Trump administration has found a new way to target Black and brown students at American universities—by giving white kids all their money. The Department of Treasury proposed a new rule Thursday that would require the IRS to deny tax-exempt status to any private school offering targeted support for Black and minority students. If implemented, the rule will go into effect on May 31, 2027, and affect an estimated 18,000 schools across the country. The Trump administration has long asserted that the very programs meant to address the nation’s history of racial discrimination and segregation are themselves a form of racial discrimination in violation of federal standards. The new rule comes amid sweeping efforts by the government to gut funding from supposedly diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and to reallocate any money that’s not earmarked for the white—sorry, right—purposes. The proposed rule could have stark implications for historically Black colleges and universities, wh

Trump Has Bonkers Excuse for Commerce Sec. Saying No One Died in Iran
Following the president’s example, Trump officials have taken to saying whatever comes to mind with little regard for the significance of their office, or the truth. Donald Trump defended one such slipup Thursday, shielding Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after his longtime adviser claimed that no Americans had been harmed in Iran. “Sec. Lutnick had Venezuela on his mind when he said nobody was killed. 18 people were killed in Iran!” Trump posted on Truth Social. But Lutnick did not mince his words when he flubbed the statistic during an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, making it abundantly clear that the secretary understood he was speaking about Iran. “The way the president is playing Iran, right, there’s not—there haven’t been American deaths, it’s really just an economic choke-out, which the administration is now executing more broadly and I think it’ll be very effective,” Lutnick told the network. Whether or not Lutnick was thinking about Venezuela when he opened his mouth hard

RFK Jr. Pressures CDC into Fudging Measles Death Toll
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ordered the new head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remove two measles deaths from the Pennsylvania tally, in an effort to fudge the numbers lower. Last Friday, the CDC held off on its annual Friday measles update, waiting instead until Sunday, when it removed the Pennsylvania fatalities, adding a note that read, “At this time, available information does not establish whether measles caused or contributed to the (Pennsylvania) deaths or whether the individuals died from other causes while infected with measles.” The change was made at Kennedy’s personal request, three sources familiar with the conversation told Reuters . This decision came days after Kennedy and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro traded barbs online, with Shapiro accusing Kennedy of stoking fear and spreading misinformation by claiming that the measles vaccine contained “fetal tissue,” and that the disease could be cured with “chicken soup and vitamin A.” “Be

Is Nepal a Turning Point in Climate Coverage?
It’s been slow coming, but news coverage of climate change may at last be turning a corner. For years, reporting on climate-related disasters—the superstorm Hurricane Helene that blasted the Southeastern U.S. in 2024, the mega-fires that torched Los Angeles in 2025, the record heat that has scorched Europe and Asia in 2026—rarely mentioned the words “climate change,” despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking such extreme events to human-caused global heating. This week, however, even formerly reticent news outlets are making the climate connection clear in their coverage of the deadly flooding in Nepal, where more than 1,100 are confirmed dead and an additional 4,000 are missing. More such disasters are sure to follow. Even with unprecedented emissions reductions, global temperatures will rise to at least 1.8 degrees Celsius (3.24 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, the U.N. Environment Programme announced yesterday. As rising temperatures melt more glacial ice, “we

How Did Trump Do on His Labor Day Report Card?
Happy Labor Day! (Well, almost.) There’s no better time to assess President Donald Trump’s labor market and labor policies in advance of November’s midterm elections. Let’s start with the labor market. It’s shrinking, and it’s weak. The weakness doesn’t show up in the unemployment numbers. Unemployment is 4.1 percent , almost exactly the same as in January 2025 ( 4 percent ), when Trump was sworn in. Lower unemployment would be better, but most economists think you needn’t start worrying until unemployment rises above 5 percent. The problem is job creation. It’s way down. In January 2025, the economy created 143,000 jobs, approximating the robust monthly average over the previous 12 months under President Joe Biden. During the 12-month period ending in July 2026, however, job creation averaged only 31,000 . Anything below 100,000 is bad. In August, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released September 4, the economy created 162,000 jobs, but that’s a fluke. The month before i

Trump Secretly Plans to Ramp Up Iran War After November Elections
President Trump is planning to escalate military action against Iran after November, as his inner circle scrambles to keep him from intensifying the war before the midterms. Reuters reports that White House officials want any new offenses in the war to come after the November vote to prevent heavy losses in the election. For now, the focus is on economic pressure against Iran in order to get a better peace deal, anonymous sources told Reuters. “We are keeping the pressure on Iran,” an official said. “But November is a priority.” The latest polls show that the war is highly unpopular, with 63 percent of Americans disapproving of the conflict versus only 31 percent in approval. Iran has every incentive to make things worse in the next two months and step up its attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has extended troop deployments into 2027, signaling that the war won’t end anytime soon. Warship crews, air defense units, and paratro

MAGA Dimwit James Comer Blurts Out Bombshell: Trump Badly Screwing GOP
It isn’t every day that Republicans admit that Donald Trump is harming their midterm hopes. After all, that would require an admission of Trumpian fallibility, which is unacceptable to MAGA. But on Thursday, Kentucky Representative James Comer dropped a revealing admission on Fox News while discussing the money woes of embattled GOP incumbents. “A lot of the individual members’ online donations are down because more of the small-dollar donors have gravitated towards MAGA Inc.,” Comer said , referring to the super PAC overseen by Trump. Comer’s revelation came during a discussion on Fox about the news that MAGA Inc. has spent little on midterm races out of the pot of $400 million it had raised as of July 31. Comer—a senior Republican who chairs the House Oversight Committee—said he hopes Trump’s PAC will spend more on GOP contests going forward. “We’re going to need every penny of it,” Comer said . He carefully suggested he’s in no way criticizing Trump. Instead, he praised the presiden

Sailors Finally Off USS Lincoln Say It Was “Worst” Deployment Ever
Sailors fresh off the USS Abraham Lincoln have some serious concerns about their record-setting deployment. MS NOW’s Priya Sridhar appeared on The Last Word Wednesday night after speaking with some of the 5,000 sailors deployed for nearly 300 days onboard the aircraft carrier during their long-awaited port call in Pattaya, Thailand. “Many of them told me that this was in fact the worst deployment that they have ever experienced,” Sridhar said . “It was incredibly hard. And many of them expressed to me that they actually wished they hadn’t even done a port call, at this point, they wanted to just go directly home.” The sailors also expressed concerns that amid President Trump’s ongoing war with Iran, lengthier deployments would become normalized and hurt Navy retention, especially among junior service members, Sridhar said. MSnow: Now, I also got a chance to speak to some of the crew, the regular rank and file sailors who are part of this 5000 member crew that have been on this record s

Billionaire Leon Black Sues House for Trying to Ask Him About Epstein
Leon Black, a billionaire investor with millions of dollars in financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein, refused to appear before Congress Thursday. Black had appeared before the committee for a voluntary, closed-door interview on June 26, where lawmakers used the brief meeting to subpoena Black regarding two nondisclosure agreements he had with different women and to demand he return for a videotaped deposition under oath on September 3. But Black did not show up. Instead, Black’s legal team filed a lawsuit, suing the committee in an attempt to block the subpoenas. Earlier this week, Black was identified by outgoing representative Thomas Massie as one of 14 co-conspirators and “perpetrators” of Epstein’s crimes that the lawmaker said the Justice Department should immediately investigate. In a 28-page complaint, Black’s legal team claimed there was “no justification for such a sweeping and intrusive subpoena served upon a private citizen.” “Mr. Black supports the congressional efforts to stam

After 5-Week Vacation, House Suddenly Takes Off the Rest of September
Republican House leadership has announced that the largest U.S. governing body will be taking a massive fall break, seriously cutting legislative calendar before November’s midterm elections. This comes after the House was already out of session for 5 weeks until returning on Monday. The House will no longer vote in the final two weeks of September as previously scheduled, according to a notice from Majority Whip Tom Emmer’s office. After a Labor Day break, the House will only be in session for four days before representatives head home again for all of October. Rather than pass laws regarding the war on Iran, data centers, the Epstein Files, the affordability crisis, or any of the litany of other issues burdening Americans right now, members of Congress will return home to focus on campaigning for their own reelections—or just take the two-month paid vacation they’ve just granted themselves. This comes just days after Speaker Mike Johnson called Representative

The Brick and Mortar University Is Not Dead
The college environment is just as important as book learning.

Anthem, Arizona: The Master-Planned Community
Even a place as man-made as Anthem can’t help but get a little democratic.
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