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After Platner implosion, Maine Democrats rush toward new Senate nominee despite fresh warning signs
Maine Democrats are expected to select former state Senate president Troy Jackson as their Senate nominee after former candidate Graham Platner’s campaign collapsed amid rape allegations. The decision would set up a high-stakes contest against long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins, making the party’s rapid replacement process politically significant. The article says the selection process is…
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Democrats in Maine gather to replace Graham Platner in the race against Susan Collins
Maine Democrats are gathering in Bangor to choose a replacement Senate candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins after their original nominee, Graham Platner, withdrew. The hurried selection process matters because the race is seen as important to the balance of power in the US Senate, and the party has little time to unite behind…
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ANDREW NEIL: I’m told Trump’s physical and mental health are in visible decline – and there’s ever more talk about a ground invasion. 150 days on, he has no good options left in Iran debacle
Columnist Andrew Neil argues that, 150 days after the US and Israel began air strikes on Iran, President Trump has failed to achieve the campaign’s stated aims and now faces increasingly difficult choices. He says Iran’s government remains in power, its military still threatens US bases and regional allies, and there has been no agreement…
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‘It’ll wind some people up’: What Burnham’s northern fixation says about his future plans
Andy Burnham’s decision to base his Makerfield by-election campaign in a traditional Labour club is presented as a deliberate symbol of a wider attempt to reconnect Labour with northern, working-class communities. Supporters argue that his emphasis on grassroots politics and devolving power beyond Westminster marks a contrast with Sir Keir Starmer’s approach and could shape…
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Voices: ‘It’s just not worth it’: Readers say Andy Burnham’s pub rates cut is too little, too late
Andy Burnham’s plan to cut business rates by 20 per cent for pubs, clubs and live music venues has prompted mixed reactions from Independent readers. Supporters said it could help prevent closures and protect venues’ wider role as community spaces, while critics argued the relief is too limited to offset growing tax, energy and operating…
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‘Maybe he’s a racist’ – Trump critical of James
President Donald Trump said NBA player LeBron James “maybe” is racist during a White House press conference, while explaining his view that Michael Jordan is basketball’s greatest player. The comment matters because it escalates a long-running public political dispute between Trump and James, one of the sport’s most prominent figures. Trump cited his friendship with…
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Donald Trump says his mistook CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins for trans influencer in brutal jibe at WHCD
Donald Trump drew attention at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after making a joke that compared CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins to transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Trump and Collins have repeatedly clashed during Oval Office press briefings, and the remark was one of several jabs he directed at her during his speech on Friday night, underlining…
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Aussie motorists warned petrol costs could keep climbing – as Albanese government insists fuel supply is secure
Motorists in Australia have been warned that petrol prices are likely to keep rising, as renewed tensions involving Iran push up global oil costs and a temporary cut to fuel taxes is set to expire. The Albanese government has insisted fuel supply remains secure, but the combination of geopolitical instability and the winding-down of tax…
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Trump takes shots at RFK Jr, Biden, CNN’s Collins in WHCA dinner speech
President Trump used a speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner to denounce the political violence that interrupted the original event, while also criticising journalists and political figures. The appearance mattered because it marked his first attendance at the dinner as president and highlighted his fraught relationship with much of the press. Trump…