Tag:

US politics

Jimmy Kimmel Controversy: Disney Pulls Show Amid Backlash

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor September 19, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Jimmy Kimmel Suspended Indefinitely After Controversial comments on Charlie Kirk Killing

washington D.C. – Late-night television host⁢ Jimmy Kimmel has been pulled off the air “indefinitely” ⁣following⁣ a firestorm of controversy ignited by‌ comments he made regarding the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.The swift⁣ and decisive action by⁢ both Nexstar Media Group and Disney-owned ⁤ABC signals the intense polarization gripping⁤ the ⁤united States and⁣ the ‍growing sensitivity surrounding political rhetoric.

During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel criticized⁤ attempts ⁣by supporters⁤ of former President Donald⁤ Trump to distance the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, from the “MAGA gang.” He stated, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang‍ desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing ⁣everything‍ thay can to score political points from it.”

Kimmel further drew criticism for his scathing assessment of President Trump’s ‍reaction to Kirk’s⁣ death, comparing⁣ the former president’s grief to that ⁤of a “four-year-old” mourning a lost goldfish.

The backlash was immediate. Nexstar‍ Media Group,⁤ a significant affiliate network ⁢broadcasting jimmy kimmel Live! across numerous stations, was the first to act, pulling the show from ⁤its schedule. ABC swiftly followed suit.

Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, released a ⁤statement explaining⁣ the decision: “Mr Kimmel’s comments about the death⁣ of Mr‍ Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national ‍political discourse, and ⁣we ⁢do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views,⁤ or values of the local communities in which we are located.”

Kimmel, who labeled Robinson a “MAGA guy,” has remained silent since the show’s removal, ‍leaving his future in late-night television ⁤uncertain. The incident⁣ underscores the increasingly⁣ precarious position of political commentators in a deeply divided nation, were even seemingly off-the-cuff remarks can have significant professional consequences.

Keywords: Jimmy Kimmel, Charlie Kirk, Tyler robinson, ⁣Late Night television, Political Controversy, Nexstar, ABC, Disney,⁣ Donald Trump, MAGA, Suspension, Censorship, Political Polarization, News, US Politics.

September 19, 2025 0 comments

World

Irish woman living in US for 50 years faces deportation over ‘bad’ $25 cheque

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 10, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Longtime US Resident Faces Deportation Over⁣ decades-Old Check

BOSTON, MA ⁤ – An⁢ Irish woman‌ who has lived in the‌ United States for 50 years is facing deportation due to a bounced $25 check from 1996, a ⁤case highlighting the severe⁤ consequences of even minor financial infractions for immigrants.

The case, brought to light by advocacy ‍groups, underscores the vulnerability of long-term residents to deportation proceedings based ⁤on past errors, even if those errors were unintentional or resolved long ago. ‌Advocates say the situation reveals systemic issues within⁤ ICE detention centers,where detainees are often unaware of their rights⁤ or how to access legal ⁤assistance. ⁢”You know how to weave the strings together to provide due process for the people in ICE detention centres,” one advocate stated, adding, “that is all they need…. They are not ‌informed ⁢on how to get out and they are so afraid⁤ to speak up ⁢for⁤ the ‌basic human rights…like how to find council or interpreter services… They give them detention handbooks ⁤in English and⁤ Spanish only.” The advocate‍ continued, “All done on purpose to ⁣keep them detained and deportable. I cannot thank you enough for what you did.”

The woman,whose ‌name has not ‌been publicly released,initially came to the US legally⁣ and has maintained a clean record aside from the check,which was used to cover a utility bill. Despite having paid the debt and‌ the check being ⁤decades ‍old, immigration officials recently initiated deportation proceedings. This follows a pattern of⁣ ICE pursuing deportation cases based on minor offenses, even for individuals with deep ties to the US community.

Separately, a 35-year-old Irishman, ‍identified only as “Thomas,” ⁣recently returned to Ireland ⁢after being detained by US immigration officials for approximately ⁢100 ‍days across⁢ three facilities. Thomas had travelled to the US to visit his girlfriend in West Virginia under the ESTA visa waiver program, ‌which allows tourists a maximum stay ⁤of 90 ⁢days. After injuring his calf and being advised against flying for eight weeks due to a risk of blood clots,he ⁤overstayed his visa by three‌ days. He was afterward arrested‍ by ICE ⁢agents⁢ following a mental health episode while in a hotel. Now ⁣barred⁢ from the US for ten years, Thomas urged visitors to ⁤take immigration rules “very seriously.”

September 10, 2025 0 comments

Health

RFK Jr. Halts $500M mRNA Vaccine Projects Amidst Health Concerns

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 7, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

HHS Shifts Vaccine Strategy, Pauses mRNA Research Despite Expert Concerns

Washington D.C. – In a move sparking important debate within the scientific community, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced it is halting advancement of mRNA-based vaccines for influenza and future coronavirus threats, prioritizing instead research into conventional and novel vaccine platforms. The decision,revealed by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra,comes despite widespread praise for the speed and efficacy of mRNA technology during the COVID-19 pandemic and warnings from leading infectious disease experts about the potential risks of abandoning the platform.

The shift in strategy, described by HHS as a focus on “better solutions,” centers on exploring vaccines based on whole-virus approaches and new platforms designed to be more resilient to viral mutations. Secretary Becerra,echoing comments made in a recent video,indicated a preference for vaccine strategies that more closely mimic “natural immunity,” with a stated goal of developing a “universal” vaccine effective against multiple viruses,including coronaviruses and influenza.

However, the decision has been met with strong criticism from prominent figures in the field. Dr. Mike osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, called the move “the most perilous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business.” he emphasized the critical advantage offered by mRNA technology: rapid production capabilities essential for responding to emerging pandemic threats.

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, echoed these concerns, pointing to the life-saving impact of existing mRNA vaccines and the looming threat of a potential bird flu pandemic. He characterized the shelving of mRNA projects as “short-sighted.”

The mRNA technology, first utilized during the Trump governance’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, revolutionized vaccine development. Traditional vaccine production relies on growing viruses in eggs or cell cultures, a process that can be time-consuming and complex. mRNA vaccines, in contrast, utilize a snippet of genetic code instructing the body to produce a specific viral protein, triggering an immune response without requiring the handling of live virus. This allows for faster development and production,a key advantage in the face of rapidly evolving pathogens.

While HHS maintains that other mRNA research within the department will continue – including ongoing work in cancer immunotherapy, highlighted recently by tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison – the pause on influenza and future coronavirus vaccine development has raised questions about the future of pandemic preparedness.

Currently, mRNA technology is employed in approved vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV. Moderna was actively developing a combined COVID-19 and influenza mRNA vaccine, believing the platform could accelerate flu shot production compared to traditional methods. The abandoned projects represent a clear “shift in vaccine development priorities,” according to an HHS statement.

Secretary Becerra affirmed the administration’s commitment to providing “safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them,” and indicated work is underway on alternative vaccine approaches. He made these statements alongside Republican US Senators from Alaska during a news conference in Anchorage.

Understanding mRNA Vaccine Technology: A Primer

The development of mRNA vaccines represents a significant advancement in medical science. Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a weakened or inactive virus to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions – messenger RNA – that tell the body’s cells to produce a harmless piece of the virus. This triggers the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus if it encounters it in the future.

The key benefits of mRNA technology include:

Speed of Development: mRNA vaccines can be designed and produced much faster than traditional vaccines, crucial for responding to emerging infectious diseases.
Safety: mRNA does not enter the cell’s nucleus and cannot alter DNA.
Efficacy: mRNA vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 and RSV.
Versatility: The platform can be adapted quickly to target diffrent viruses and even explore applications beyond infectious diseases, such as cancer treatment.

August 7, 2025 0 comments

World

Trump to put additional 25% import taxes on India over Russian oil purchases

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 7, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Trump Slaps Hefty 50% Tariffs on India Amidst Russian Oil Deal

New Trade Tensions Emerge as India Faces Escalating Import Taxes

President Donald Trump has enacted a sweeping executive order, imposing a substantial 25% tariff on India’s Russian oil purchases. This move effectively doubles existing tariffs to a staggering 50%, creating significant economic pressure on India and potentially reshaping international trade dynamics.

India Brands Tariffs “Unfortunate” and “Unjustified”

The Indian government has strongly condemned the new tariffs, labeling them “unfortunate,” “unfair,” “unjustified,” and “unreasonable.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated that India reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.

“We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, adding that India would take all actions necessary to protect its interests.

Jaiswal emphasized that India’s oil imports are driven by market considerations and a commitment to ensuring energy security for its vast population. The tariffs are set to take effect three weeks after their signing, granting a window for potential negotiations with the U.S. administration.

Trade Impact and Hypocrisy Claims

Former Indian trade official Ajay Srivastava warned that the elevated tariffs could make Indian goods prohibitively expensive in the U.S., potentially slashing exports by as much as 50%. He criticized the decision as “hypocritical,” pointing out that China, a larger buyer of Russian oil, was excluded from the order.

President Donald Trump, right, speaks with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a news conference.

Srivastava suggested that Washington’s reluctance to target Beijing stems from China’s critical role in supplying essential minerals for U.S. defense and technology sectors. In 2024, the U.S. recorded a significant trade deficit of $45.8 billion with India, importing substantial quantities of pharmaceuticals, precious stones, and textiles.

Contradictory Policies and Global Energy Market Dynamics

The new tariffs appear to diverge from previous efforts by the Biden administration and G7 nations, which had encouraged India to purchase Russian oil under a $60 per barrel price cap implemented in 2022. The intention was to curtail Russia’s revenue for its war in Ukraine by forcing discounted sales or costly alternative shipping. However, Russia has circumvented these measures through a “shadow fleet.”

The U.S. is currently engaged in trade negotiations with China, having imposed a 30% tariff on Chinese goods, to which Beijing retaliated with a 10% tax. Despite these trade disputes, India has maintained its strategic partnerships, including its continued oil imports from Russia, even as it advocates for peace in Ukraine. The current market price for a barrel of oil hovers around $65.84, slightly up on the day.

August 7, 2025 0 comments

World

Rocky road predicted due to Trump’s tariff expansions, not least for US

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 5, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

US Tariffs Spark Global Economic Headaches

Nations Brace for Impact as Trade Tensions Escalate

The United States’ shifting landscape of trade tariffs has entered a new and impactful phase, signaling significant economic consequences for numerous countries, including the U.S. itself. Auckland-based economics professor Niven Winchester provides crucial analysis on these developing trade dynamics.

Shifting Tariff Landscape

President Donald Trump’s initial announcement on April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day,” proposed reciprocal tariffs on all nations. This was followed by a week of financial market volatility, leading to a pause and the introduction of a 10% baseline tariff on most goods. However, on July 31, the Trump administration reinstated and broadened these reciprocal tariff policies, with most slated to take effect on August 7.

To fully gauge the effect of these latest measures, recent free trade agreements, such as the US-European Union deal, alongside existing 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and exemptions for electronics like smartphones and computers, must be considered.

Analysis reveals varied tariff adjustments for global economies. (Source: Supplied)

The revised tariffs are generally lower than those initially proposed in April. However, Brazil, Switzerland, and New Zealand are now facing higher tariff rates than previously announced. In addition to the listed tariffs, Canadian and Mexican goods not compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement face 35% and 25% tariffs, respectively.

Economic Ramifications Unveiled

A comprehensive global model assessing goods and services markets, including production, trade, and consumption, has been employed to understand the economic repercussions of these revised tariffs. This model builds upon previous analyses of the original reciprocal tariffs and potential US-China trade war outcomes.

The projected impacts on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are significant. The analysis, which does not factor in retaliatory tariffs, evaluates these impacts against trade measures in place before President Trump’s second term.

Rocky road predicted due to Trump’s tariff expansions, not least for US — Economic modeling predicts varying GDP impacts across nations. (Source: Supplied)

An Economic Self-Inflicted Wound

The tariffs are projected to reduce U.S. annual GDP by 0.36%, translating to a loss of $108.2 billion, or approximately $861 per household annually. This reduction stems from several factors. While foreign producers may lower prices, these adjustments only partially offset the tariff costs, leading to higher prices for American consumers.

Businesses also face increased expenses for essential parts and materials. These escalating costs ultimately negatively affect the U.S. economy. The tariffs decrease U.S. merchandise imports by $486.7 billion, but they also drive up the cost of American supply chains. Furthermore, by shifting workers and resources to import-competing industries, they reduce U.S. merchandise exports by $451.1 billion.

Global Economic Fallout

For most other nations, these additional tariffs are expected to decrease GDP. Switzerland, for instance, faces a 0.47% GDP reduction, equating to $1,215 per household annually. Thailand (0.44%) and Taiwan (0.38%) are also anticipated to experience relatively substantial proportional GDP decreases.

In absolute dollar terms, China ($66.9 billion) and the European Union ($26.6 billion) are projected to suffer the largest GDP declines. Conversely, Australia and the United Kingdom are expected to see modest gains of $0.1 billion and $0.07 billion, respectively, largely due to the comparatively low tariffs imposed on their goods.

Despite facing relatively low additional tariffs, New Zealand’s GDP is predicted to fall by 0.15% ($204 per household). This is attributed to its agricultural exports competing with Australian commodities, which are subject to even lower tariffs.

Although the revised tariffs are, on average, lower than the initial April announcement, they represent a significant disruption to the global trading system. The pause on tariffs in April had buoyed financial markets, partly on hopes they would not be implemented. Now, U.S. tariffs of at least 10% to 15% appear to be the new standard.

As U.S. warehouses deplete inventories and stockpiles, the economic outlook suggests a potentially turbulent period ahead. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, producer prices for finished goods rose 0.8% in November 2023, indicating ongoing inflationary pressures that could be exacerbated by new tariffs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

August 5, 2025 0 comments

World

Texas Democrats Flee State to Block Redistricting, Governor Orders Arrests

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 4, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

“`html

texas Democrats Defy state, Remain in New York and Illinois to Block Voting Legislation

New York, NY – A group of Texas democratic lawmakers are continuing to avoid returning to Texas, remaining in New York and Illinois as of Monday, in an attempt to prevent a quorum needed to pass new voting restrictions proposed by the state’s Republican leadership. The standoff raises questions about the limits of state power and the tactics employed to fight controversial legislation.

Texas Democrats Flee State to Block Redistricting, Governor Orders Arrests — Illinois Governor Jay Pritzker speaks about the Texas voting legislation during a press conference in Chicago on Sunday. (AP: mark Black)

“He has no legal mechanism,” stated Jolanda Jones, a Texas Democrat currently in New York. “Subpoenas from Texas don’t work in New York, so he can’t come and get us. Subpoenas in Texas don’t work in Chicago. … He’s putting up smoke and mirrors.”

The dispute centers around Senate bill 8, which would impose stricter voter identification requirements, limit early voting hours, and curtail ballot drop-off locations. Democrats argue the bill is a deliberate attempt to suppress voting rights, notably among minority and low-income voters.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul publicly voiced her support for the Texas Democrats, framing their actions as a defense of national democratic principles. “We’re not going to tolerate our democracy being stolen in a modern-day stagecoach heist by a bunch of law-breaking cowboys,” Hochul declared on Monday.

“If Republicans are willing to rewrite rules to give themselves an advantage, then they’re leaving us with no choice: We must do the same. You have to fight fire with fire.”

Texas House rules stipulate that a quorum of 51 members must be present for the chamber to conduct business. By fleeing the state, the democrats deny Republicans the necessary number of lawmakers to vote on the bill. The democrats initially traveled to Washington D.C. before relocating to New York and Illinois.

Legislators’ absence constitutes a civil violation of Texas House rules. In 2021, the Texas Supreme Court affirmed the authority of House leadership to “physically compel the attendance” of absent members, though no Democrats were forcibly returned to Texas after warrants were issued that year.

More recently, in 20

August 4, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts