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FEMA’s ‘Shadow Administrator’ Was Paid by a DOGE Member’s Startup for Months
Court filings indicate that Kara Voorhies, a FEMA contractor described as the agency’s “shadow administrator”, was subcontracted by a company owned by DOGE operative Kyle Schutt while working in government. The arrangement raises questions about conflicts of interest and whether an outside contractor exercised influence over FEMA spending and grant decisions that may be considered…
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Trump puts vaccines on front burner ahead of crucial midterms for GOP
The Trump administration has thrust vaccine policy back into the headlines just three months before the midterm elections, potentially complicating matters for vulnerable Republicans who are hoping to keep control of Congress. President Trump on Monday doubled down on his attempt to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule with an executive order aimed at reducing…
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Trump’s Gaza plan and Board of Peace face ticking clock
President Trump is confronting multiple problems nearly nine months into his effort to transform the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered the latest blow when he rejected Trump’s 15-point roadmap for Hamas to hand over its weapons at the same time Israel’s military withdraws from the territory. “Israel does not accept the 15-point…
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GOP worries time running out on Trump’s agenda with Congress
The Senate’s departure for a five-week August recess leaves big political fights for September and the postelection lame-duck session, setting up a scramble to accomplish as much of President Trump’s agenda before Republicans possibly lose complete control of Congress. Trump has ramped up pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to move a…
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Democrats’ progressive surge could complicate Jeffries’s path to unity
Democrats’ string of left-wing primary wins is giving the party’s progressive flank a burst of momentum — and potentially handing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) a new headache should Democrats take back the House. The recent victories come as Democratic voters have been clamoring for a change in direction. That appetite was on full…
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When is the Clacton by-election and who are the dozens of candidates standing against Nigel Farage?
Nigel Farage has announced he is resigning as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election in which voters will face an unusually large field of candidates but no contenders from several major parties. The move comes while Farage faces scrutiny over his personal finances, including an alleged undeclared £5m gift and questions over security funding, prompting…
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Clacton by-election: When does voting close and will there be an exit poll?
Polling in the Clacton by-election closes at 10pm on Thursday, with the result expected overnight or potentially around 5am on Friday because a record 34 candidates are standing. The contest matters because it was triggered by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in protest over scrutiny of his finances and supporters, and major parties including Labour,…
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Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires
A freedom of information request has found that only 20 of Defra’s 6,613 staff are working on climate adaptation, despite warnings that England is poorly prepared for worsening heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires. Critics say the small team reflects a lack of government focus on protecting communities, food security and nature from the effects of…
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Andy Burnham’s dithering over early release of prisoners ‘prolonging the torture’ of victims and their families
The article reports criticism of Andy Burnham over an apparent delay in decisions about the early release of prisoners. Victims and their families are said to believe the uncertainty is extending their distress, describing it as a continuation of their ordeal. The headline does not specify which prisoners may be released, the timing of any…
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Great Britain faces electricity supply shortfall during solar eclipse
Great Britain’s grid operator has warned of an anticipated electricity supply shortfall on Wednesday evening as a near-total solar eclipse sharply reduces solar generation while hot weather raises demand for cooling. The National Energy System Operator said the notice was precautionary and that customers’ electricity supplies were not at risk, but it may need to…