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Democrats Introduce Bill Recognizing Palestinian State

protest
Protest (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Senate Democrats have introduced a bill urging the nation to recognize a Palestinian state.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) is behind the first-of-its-kind resolution for the Senate. “Recognition of a Palestinian state is not only a practical step the United States can take to help build a future where Palestinians and Israelis can live in freedom, dignity, and security, but it is the right thing to do. America has a responsibility to lead, and the time to act is now,” Merkley said in a statement.

“This resolution calls for a different course. First, an immediate ceasefire, return of all hostages, and influx of aid. But then, a foundation for peace and prosperity for the future—and the only viable path for that is two states for two peoples,” the senator continued. “The goal of a Palestinian state can’t be put off any longer if we want the next generation to avoid suffering from the same insecurity and affliction.”

The resolution calls upon President Trump to “recognize a demilitarized State of Palestine, as consistent with international law and the principles of a two-state solution, alongside a secure State of Israel,” it says.

It claims that “failure to advance a two-state solution risks entrenching an unacceptable permanent occupation, further destabilizing the region, and undermining United States interests and values,” and further adds that Israeli and Palestinian leaders must “begin working on post-conflict security, governance, and reconstruction that leads to a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel at peace with all of its neighbors, including the State of Palestine.”

Chaos in Peru: Nearly 1,000 Machu Picchu Tourists Stranded

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Nearly 1,000 Machu Picchu tourists found themselves stranded this week after protests in Peru shut down rail service to the world-famous Inca site. Demonstrators blocked train lines in Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to the citadel, after a contract dispute over which bus company would transport visitors to the ruins.

The unrest began nearly two weeks ago, when the contract for Consettur—the company that had long provided buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu—expired. Protesters argued that the process of bringing in a replacement company lacked transparency and fairness. Reuters reported that demonstrators placed rocks of “various sizes” on the railway to stop transport.

Tourism Minister Desilu Leon said that while 1,400 tourists were evacuated on Monday, about 900 people remained stuck in Aguas Calientes. Peru’s government turned to land and rail routes when possible, but the disruptions left hundreds in limbo.

The U.S. Embassy in Peru warned Americans to stay away from protests. “Peruvian authorities have been evacuating tourists from Machu Picchu Pueblo/Aguas Calientes using land and rail routes, when possible,” the embassy stated. The embassy also cautioned that “transportation, access to the site, and access to other services may be further limited without prior notice.”

Rail service resumed two days after being suspended, but the protests exposed how fragile access to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site can be. Machu Picchu, perched 7,970 feet above sea level and named one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World,” remains one of South America’s top attractions.

Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over ‘Hindu Problem’ in NYC Race

mamdani
(Photo by Yuki Iwamura-Pool/Getty Images)

Democratic Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is under fire for what critics call a growing ‘Hindu problem,’ with Hindu-American leaders accusing him of divisive rhetoric and hostility toward their community.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens, has sparked outrage for remarks that many Hindus say cross the line into bigotry. He previously labeled Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu-American elected to the body, a puppet of “Hindu fascists.” In 2020, Mamdani attended a Times Square protest against the construction of a Hindu temple in India, where activists around him chanted “all Hindus are bastards.”

The backlash has intensified as Hindu leaders publicly warn about the candidate’s rhetoric. LaGuardia Community College professor Lakshmi Bandlamudi said she was “disappointed and shocked” by Mamdani’s rise, calling him “ethically unsound.” She added, “His comments on Hindus and Jews are terrifying, and it adds fuel to the already existing fire.”

Community members have also noted Mamdani’s silence after vandals destroyed a Gandhi statue outside a Queens temple, even as other city leaders condemned the act. Critics highlight his fiery denunciations of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “fascist” and “war criminal,” saying the attacks import foreign sectarian disputes into New York politics.

“He’s definitely offensive and dangerous, too. Hindus are upset,” said Hemant Patel, a Hindu rights activist from Chicago. Suhag Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation added that Mamdani’s “liberal use of the terms ‘extremist’ and ‘fascist’ in the context of Hindu American leaders, and Hindu symbols and places of worship is deeply troubling.”

As one activist, Satya Dosapati, put it: “If you are a responsible politician, you have to be careful in what you say. You don’t just shoot your mouth. He’s a dangerous [expletive].”

DNC Organizes Support for Newsom’s Redistricting Plot

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California Governor Gavin Newsom (AP Photo/Eric Thayer, File)

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is organizing support around California Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting effort.

The DNC is set to deploy 41,000 volunteers to bolster California’s Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act.” On-the-ground organization will be bilingual, the DNC said, and will recruit “Spanish-speaking volunteers to canvass and make calls in the upcoming weeks and months.”

“In order to win campaigns, you have to meet voters where they are. That’s why the DNC is beginning a bilingual organizing push to ensure Californians know to vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act. California is home to the most Latino voters in the country, and too often, this core group gets ignored,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement. “With a 41,000-person-strong volunteer base, the DNC is making sure we leave no stone unturned. When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere.”

“It’s our job to make sure every Californian knows that this is a chance to even out the playing field after Trump and his Republican enablers tried to rig the Congressional maps to avoid accountability for cutting health care and food assistance for millions of Americans,” Martin continued. “We are all in on ensuring that Proposition 50 passes in November. We’re thrilled to be supporting Governor Newsom and the California Democrats as they lead the fight against Trump’s rigged Congressional maps.”

George Soros has also reportedly contributed $10 million to the redistricting effort.

Newsom claimed upon signing a legislative package in August that “Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and thanks to the hard work of the California legislature, they will have a choice to fight back — and bring much needed accountability to Trump’s efforts to undermine the democratic process.”

Bombshell Testimony Reveals Concerns Over Biden’s Memory in Office

(Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Concerns about former President Joe Biden’s memory and decision-making took center stage Thursday as former White House chief of staff Jeff Zients told Congress that the president’s mental sharpness deteriorated while in office, according to a source familiar with his testimony.

In a closed-door interview with the House Oversight Committee, Zients reportedly said he urged White House physician Kevin O’Connor to perform “a full medical workup” after Biden’s stumbling June 27, 2024, debate. The president, hoarse and rambling, even claimed at one point that his administration had “finally beat Medicare.”

According to the source, aides noticed “mental freezes” that were unprecedented. Zients also revealed that Biden began forgetting names and dates, and “decisions that once required three meetings eventually began to require a fourth.” Other senior officials, including Anita Dunn and Jake Sullivan, privately pushed for a cognitive exam. Cabinet members such as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and VA Secretary Denis McDonough reportedly questioned whether Biden was fit for a second term.

Even Jill Biden weighed in, asking staff not to “over-schedule” her husband and to ensure he could “return to the residence” earlier in the day. Donors also raised red flags, with one noting Biden’s reliance on a teleprompter at small fundraisers.

While one source insisted, “Jeff had full confidence in President Biden’s ability to serve as president and is proud of what President Biden accomplished during his four years in office,” the testimony highlights long-running concerns about age and capacity in the West Wing.

As Republicans continue their probe, the revelations add fuel to questions surrounding Biden’s leadership and decision-making at the highest level of government.

Parents and Teachers Demand More Charter Schools in NYC

New York
New York City (Image from Roberto Vivancos/Pexels via Canva Pro)

Parents, teachers, and students marched across the Brooklyn Bridge Thursday, demanding more charter schools in New York City. Nearly 300 charter schools currently serve 150,000 students, or about one-sixth of the city’s public school population. But under current law, no new charters can open because of a state cap imposed by the Democratic-controlled legislature.

The rally began in Cadman Plaza, where rapper Common performed his song “Glory” in support of the movement. Protesters chanted, “Stop the no! Let charters grow!” as they pressed lawmakers to lift restrictions. Kamptary Williams, a principal at Success Academy Charter Schools, said the schools face “discrimination” and added, “We demanded to end the ban they have on charter school that block the opportunity on our kids here and across the city.”

Charter schools are publicly funded but privately managed by nonprofits. Parents argued they provide much-needed options, with specialized programs and higher performance results. Kristine Rivera, a parent at Excellence Community Schools, stated, “Charter schools need to be treated with respect like every other public school.”

Many parents cited personal stories about how charters helped their children succeed. Kristine Anderson-Welch, whose daughter attends KIPP Middle School, said, “I’m proud of who she’s become. I know that schools we choose helped her get there.”

Charters also report academic success. Students at Success Academy posted test scores nearly double those of their public school peers, according to recent data. “All we want is what affluent parents get, we want the same choices, no matter what ZIP code we live in,” said Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy.

The political fight continues as city parents rally for education choices and a chance at excellence for every child.

Senate Unanimously Passes Charlie Kirk Resolution

Charlie Kirk Shot
(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk.

According to the resolution, October 14 is to be called “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.” It recognizes Kirk’s values of free speech, faith, and his “defense of constitutional principles.”

As per the filing, the Senate “recognizes Charlie Kirk for his contributions to civic education and public service” and “encourages educational institutions, civic organizations, and citizens across the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, activities, prayers, and ceremonies that promote civic engagement and the principles of faith, liberty, and democracy that Charlie Kirk championed.”

“Charlie will long be remembered for his love of God, his family, and this great nation, and the impact he had on each of us,” Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) said on the Senate floor. “We have the opportunity to carry on his memory by believing in the power of our ideas, discussion, and the values of our nation. As we mourn this massive loss, let us gather together in our communities and pray for his family and our nation. And let us honor Charlie by believing in the power of our ideas to win the day and leave the nation a better place.”

Similarly, the House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring Kirk in a 310-58 vote, with 38 representatives voting “present.”

Ahead of the vote, Democrats claimed they were being “set up.”

The resolution, introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), describes Kirk as a “courageous American patriot” who “personified the values of the First Amendment, exercising his God-given right to speak freely, challenge prevailing narratives, and did so with honor, courage, and respect for his fellow Americans.” It is scheduled for a vote this week.

Olive Garden Portions Shrink as Chain Tests New Menu Strategy

Danijela Prijovic/Unsplash

Darden Restaurants is rolling out a new test menu that trims Olive Garden portions at 40% of its locations, offering smaller servings at lower prices. The company announced the initiative during its quarterly earnings call Thursday, describing the new “Lighter Portion Entrées” menu as an added option for guests.

The lighter menu includes seven of Olive Garden’s most popular dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico, Five Cheese Ziti al Forno, Cheese Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and Fettuccine Alfredo. Prices range from $12.99 to $13.99 depending on the market.

Darden emphasized that the new menu section is “not replacing anything” on Olive Garden’s traditional lineup. A company spokesperson told FOX Business the effort was designed to give customers flexibility without cutting back on value.

So far, customers have responded positively. “The initial response from customers has been encouraging,” Darden president and CEO Rick Cardenas said, adding that diners rated the chain 15% higher on affordability during the trial.

Cardenas noted that despite the smaller servings, guests still receive Olive Garden’s signature never-ending breadsticks, soup, or salad. “These items, available at dinner and all day during the weekend, still offer abundant portions and come with Olive Garden’s never-ending first course,” he said.

The move comes as Olive Garden faces growing competition. Texas Roadhouse recently overtook the Italian-American chain as America’s top casual dining brand after Olive Garden had held the spot since 2018.

Still, Darden leadership remains optimistic. “I have confidence in Olive Garden’s initiatives for the year, as well as their five-year roadmap to sustain long-term growth and success,” Cardenas said.

Democrats Panic Over GOP’s Kirk Resolution Honoring Slain Activist

Charlie Kirk
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

House Democrats are privately expressing alarm over the Kirk resolution, a Republican-led measure to honor assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Some fear the vote could expose divisions within their party, Axios reported Thursday.

“People are worried that we’re being totally set up,” one House Democrat admitted. Lawmakers acknowledged that rejecting the resolution—or even allowing less than unanimous support—could hand Republicans a messaging victory.

The resolution, introduced Tuesday by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and backed by 165 GOP cosponsors, describes Kirk as a “courageous American patriot” who “personified the values of the First Amendment, exercising his God-given right to speak freely, challenge prevailing narratives, and did so with honor, courage, and respect for his fellow Americans.” It is scheduled for a vote this week.

The measure also frames Kirk’s murder as “a sobering reminder of the growing threat posed by political extremism and hatred in our society.”

Despite the House unanimously condemning the shootings of Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota earlier this year, no Democrats have cosponsored the Kirk resolution. Progressive Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) announced she would oppose it, claiming she is “not sure what is honorable” about Kirk.

Still, some Democrats say they will support the resolution. Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz told Axios, “I disagreed with him on a lot of things, but that doesn’t change the fact that he was shot in the neck on live TV in front of his kids and wife. We talk about bringing the temperature down, this is one way to do that.”

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 during a Utah Valley University event. Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said is a proponent of “leftist ideology.”

Radical Columbia Lecturer Calls Charlie Kirk a ‘Dead Nazi’ in Odious Posts

Columbia University
Columbia University (Getty Images/Bruce Yuanyue Bi)

A Columbia University lecturer is facing backlash after calling Charlie Kirk a dead Nazi in a social media post criticizing the school’s decision to lower flags to half-mast in compliance with a federal directive.

The lecturer, Hadeel Assali, shared an image of graffiti in Los Angeles that read, “2 black men were lynched & the media is mourning a dead Nazi.” Assali added, “And Columbia university has flags at half mast for the dead nazi.”

Assali teaches a seminar on “Race, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice” that emphasizes “anti-colonial approaches to doing science,” according to Columbia’s course catalog. Her post comes as Columbia remains under scrutiny after agreeing to a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration to restore frozen grants and contracts.

A university spokesman confirmed Columbia lowered its flags under federal guidance but declined to comment on Assali’s remarks. “The school follows federal, state and local guidance on the lowering of our flags,” the spokesman said.

The incident follows a broader trend of individuals facing consequences for celebrating or justifying Kirk’s assassination. According to researcher Parker Thayer, more than 100 people have lost jobs in the past week for similar comments, including MSNBC contributor Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah.

Assali has also used her platform to advocate for the “abolition of Israel and Zionism” and described Hamas tunnels as “an essential form of resistance.” Her statements align with her support of Columbia’s Apartheid Divest group, which has pushed the university to reject federal oversight tied to anti-Semitism reforms.

Kirk, shortly before his death, had defended Israel at a debate, saying, “The war started because 1,300 Jews were killed and 200 were taken hostage. When you declare war on Israel, expect a firestorm in reaction.”

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