Zohran Mamdani Says 9/11 Victim Was His Aunt, Backlash Erupts

October 25, 2025

Radical Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is facing intense backlash after suggesting that his Muslim aunt was a victim of the 9/11 terror attacks because she felt uncomfortable wearing a hijab on the subway. Mamdani made the remarks Friday outside the Islamic Cultural Center of The Bronx, where he accused political opponents of stoking “Islamophobia.”

“In an era of ever-diminishing bipartisanship, it seems that Islamophobia has emerged as one of the few areas of agreement,” Mamdani said. “I want to speak to the memory of my aunt, who stopped taking the subway after September 11th because she did not feel safe in her hijab.”

Zohran through tears: “My aunt stopped taking the subway after 9/11 because she did not feel safe in her hijab.”

Yes, she was the real victim of 9/11
pic.twitter.com/aILr4JtVvF
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) October 24, 2025

Critics blasted the comments as offensive and tone-deaf, particularly as they coincided with somber memorials honoring the 2,977 innocent Americans murdered by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Vice President JD Vance responded, writing, “According to Zohran the real victim of 9/11 was his auntie who got some (allegedly) bad looks.”

Mamdani further inflamed criticism by accusing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and current Mayor Eric Adams of feeding anti-Muslim sentiment. He claimed Cuomo “laughed and agreed” with a radio host who joked that Mamdani would “cheer another 9/11.”

The controversy follows another firestorm involving Mamdani’s ties to Imam Siraj Wahhaj, whom he was recently photographed smiling alongside. Wahhaj is an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and has advocated for a “gun-free jihad” in New York. Mamdani’s decision to align himself with Wahhaj has only further alarmed voters.

Social media erupted after Mamdani’s remarks, with one user posting, “You trivialized a national trauma just to play victim. Shameful.” Another wrote, “The real victims of 9/11 never rode the subway again,” while sharing images of those killed in the attacks.

President Donald Trump honored the anniversary of 9/11 earlier this year by paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims and their families, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to never forget the attack on American soil.

Government Shutdown Freezes Legal Immigration, Workers Left Stranded

October 25, 2025

white house — White House (Ana Lanza/Unsplash)

As the federal government shutdown drags on, the immigration system is suffering a lesser-known—but critical—consequence: the complete stoppage of visa certifications and green card processes for legal immigrant workers. The Department of Labor’s shutdown has frozen key parts of the legal immigration system, leaving immigrant workers and employers across the U.S. in limbo.

While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) remains operational—thanks to its fee-based funding—the Department of Labor, which handles the labor certifications necessary for most work-based visas, is shuttered. This includes the Labor Condition Applications required for H-1B visas and the PERM certifications for employment-based green cards.

Immigration attorney Anna Gorisch told The Center Square that the shutdown has paralyzed critical steps in the legal immigration process. “With the government shutdown, the delays that are already so bad will just be much worse,” she said. “I can’t do anything because [the] Department of Labor is closed.”

The PERM process alone can take up to two years and includes a wage determination stage that already takes 9 to 12 months to complete—delays made worse by the shutdown. Compounding the issue, wage determinations expire, forcing employers to restart applications when promotions or changes occur mid-process.

Gorisch criticized the Department of Labor’s role in wage certification for immigrant workers. She pointed to high wage mandates under the H-2A program, which she claims lead many farms to hire illegal labor instead of complying with unrealistic federal wage rules.

According to USDA data, 42% of U.S. farmworkers lack legal work authorization—a statistic Gorisch says is driven by burdensome legal processes. The Trump administration recently proposed basing wage rates on localized labor data rather than national averages to make compliance more feasible.

“There’s got to be a better way to do this,” Gorisch said. “DOL is just a giant bureaucracy with lots of red tape. It’s a miserable system to deal with.”

Texas Hospital Accused of Race-Based Vendor Discrimination

October 25, 2025

Texas Flag — Texas flag (Pete Alexopoulos/Unsplash)

A Texas healthcare system is under federal scrutiny after a civil rights complaint accused it of racial discrimination in how it selects vendors. The medical advocacy group Do No Harm filed the complaint against JPS Health Network, also known as the Tarrant County Hospital District, for requiring vendors to be minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned—or to show proof of subcontracting with such businesses.

Do No Harm’s medical director, Dr. Kurt Miceli, said JPS’s policy undermines fairness in the medical field. “By using racially discriminatory criteria to select vendors, JPS Health Network is depriving well-deserving businesses of a fair opportunity to contract with the health system,” he told The Center Square. “Merit and expertise should be prioritized at every level of healthcare.”

The group argues that JPS, as a federally funded entity, is violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act—both of which prohibit racial discrimination by healthcare providers receiving federal money.

JPS Health Network operates a 582-bed hospital and over 25 clinics, employing more than 7,200 professionals. Its vendor guidelines require that consulting service providers either qualify as minority, woman, or veteran-owned business enterprises (MWVBEs) or demonstrate “efforts” to subcontract with those groups. Vendors failing to meet this standard may be excluded from future contracts.

In response, JPS said it is reviewing the complaint but believes its policies align with Tarrant County’s goals to include historically underutilized businesses. “As the allegations are unverified, we will not comment on the specifics,” a JPS spokesperson said.

Miceli called the use of identity-based criteria “unjust” and said that “medical institutions that promote harmful ideologies in medicine must be systematically exposed.” He added that while public pressure can bring reform, “more assertive actions are needed to eliminate identity politics—such as lawsuits, complaints, and investigations.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed that it had received the complaint but declined to comment on ongoing investigations.

Guillermo del Toro, ‘I’d Rather Die’ Than Use AI in Films

October 25, 2025

hollywood sign — (Ahmet Yalçınkaya/Unsplash)

Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro declared he will never use AI-generated video in his movies, slamming the technology and its champions during a recent interview with NPR’s Fresh Air. The Frankenstein director said he hopes to “remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak,” sharply contrasting Hollywood’s growing embrace of artificial intelligence.

Asked about AI’s role in storytelling, del Toro compared modern tech developers to the reckless scientist in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. “I did want to have the arrogance of Victor be similar in some ways to the tech bros,” he said. “He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences.”

Del Toro expressed deep skepticism that AI can ever replicate the emotional depth of human creativity, dismissing the idea that “ones and zeros” can capture the “alchemy of emotion, spirituality, and feeling.”

When directly asked whether he used AI in his latest Netflix-produced film, the 61-year-old director responded bluntly: “I’d rather die.” He emphasized his total rejection of generative AI, even as Netflix itself has announced an “all-in” commitment to the technology to lower production costs.

The interview also touched on immigration. As a Mexican national living in Los Angeles, del Toro shared that he carries his legal documentation at all times, due to past encounters with immigration officials. “I have a wallet the size of a leather portfolio… I’ve been stopped in the past and asked to show my papers,” he said.

Del Toro has occasionally spoken on left-wing political topics. After President Donald Trump’s 2016 election, he likened the MAGA movement to a racist “cancer.” More recently, he joined Hollywood campaigns accusing Israel of “genocide” during its war against Hamas and opposed school restrictions on sexually explicit material.

AI Chatbots Gave Deadly Medical Advice

October 25, 2025

The growing dependence on artificial intelligence for medical advice is now leading to serious injuries, poisonings, and even deaths. According to the New York Post, a disturbing pattern has emerged as people increasingly turn to AI chatbots for health guidance — only to suffer devastating consequences after following inaccurate or dangerous recommendations.

In one shocking case, a 35-year-old Moroccan man asked ChatGPT for help diagnosing a cauliflower-like anal lesion. The chatbot incorrectly suggested hemorrhoids and recommended a procedure called elastic ligation. The man attempted the treatment on himself using thread, resulting in severe pain and an emergency hospital visit. Doctors later found that ChatGPT’s diagnosis was entirely wrong.

In another instance, a 60-year-old man seeking ways to reduce salt intake was told by ChatGPT to use sodium bromide as a substitute. He followed this advice for three months, ultimately developing bromide poisoning — a toxic condition that left him hallucinating and hospitalized for three weeks.

A third case involved a 63-year-old Swiss man who experienced double vision after a heart procedure. When symptoms returned, ChatGPT reassured him the problem was temporary. He delayed seeking care and suffered a mini-stroke just 24 hours later. Researchers later determined the chatbot’s “incomplete diagnosis” contributed to his delayed treatment.

Medical experts warn that while AI tools can help explain health concepts, they are not a substitute for trained medical professionals. These systems cannot recognize subtle symptoms, assess patient history, or respond appropriately in emergencies. Instead, they often provide generic or dangerously inaccurate information.

Even more alarming, AI chatbots have been linked to mental health crises. Breitbart News previously reported that a family is suing OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT encouraged their teenage son’s suicide. The parents claim the chatbot “actively helped Adam explore suicide methods” and failed to initiate any safety protocols despite warning signs.

These incidents reveal an urgent need for oversight, transparency, and stronger safeguards as artificial intelligence continues to shape healthcare and mental health support.

Klobuchar Rips Trump’s White House Plan, ‘Wrecking Ball’

October 25, 2025

During an appearance on MSNBC’s The Weeknight Friday, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) accused President Donald Trump of abusing executive power through his proposed White House ballroom renovation, calling the privately funded project “a wrecking ball to our democracy.”

Responding to co-host Alicia Menendez, who raised concerns about potential “pay to play” arrangements, Klobuchar criticized the project for bypassing normal congressional funding processes and involving significant private contributions.

“There is a reason that we have Congress fund things,” Klobuchar said. “And you do not have private companies coming in to this extent and paying for whatever vanity project a president wants.”

Klobuchar expressed concern that private donors funding a White House construction project could gain undue political influence or access. She also suggested the project mirrors broader patterns of alleged favoritism and political interference under Trump’s administration.

She cited actions such as pardoning George Santos, replacing career prosecutors with political appointees, and interfering in Justice Department decisions regarding figures like James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Klobuchar also referenced recent remarks by Trump adviser Steve Bannon regarding presidential term limits. “The Constitution full stop says no, you cannot serve more than two terms as president,” she said. “They’re going to mess around with that.”

The ballroom plan has drawn criticism from multiple Democrats, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ed Markey (D-MA), who argue it raises ethical and constitutional concerns over executive authority, private influence, and congressional oversight.

Bill Maher Blasts Democrats, Identity Politics Obsession

October 25, 2025

On HBO’s Real Time Friday night, host Bill Maher criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to race and identity politics, suggesting that Democrats are trapped by racial quotas when selecting candidates—unlike Republicans who, as Maher put it, “don’t give a f*ck” about race.

Speaking with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D), Maher said, “In the past, Democrats… had to check boxes before they could go forward with their ticket.” He added that when he previously stated, “it’s impossible to imagine a Democratic ticket without a person of color on it,” not a single Democratic politician pushed back.

Maher contrasted this with the Republican approach, saying, “We don’t give a f*ck,” referring to how GOP leaders select their candidates based on priorities other than identity-based criteria. His comment implied that Republicans are freer to focus on qualifications, values, and strategy, while Democrats are increasingly constrained by internal diversity mandates.

When asked if he would feel restricted from picking another white male as a running mate should he win the 2028 Democratic nomination, Beshear gave a diplomatic answer. He said he would prioritize qualifications and electability, suggesting identity wouldn’t be the only factor—but did not outright reject the idea that it would be part of the consideration.

Maher’s comments reflect a growing tension within the Democratic Party. While diversity is heavily emphasized, critics argue the party’s insistence on identity-based decisions alienates voters who are more focused on leadership ability and policy outcomes.

The moment is part of a broader national conversation about whether political parties should emphasize demographic representation over individual merit—and whether the public is growing weary of racialized politics in campaign decisions.

Democrat Adam Smith, Identity Politics Is Killing Us

October 25, 2025

On Friday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s The Beat, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) made a surprising admission: Democrats have alienated voters by mishandling immigration, obsessing over identity politics, and mismanaging American cities. Smith called on his party to shift course, acknowledge past failures, and stop vilifying Trump voters if Democrats hope to remain politically viable.

“We have to change. We have to get better. We have to legitimately address immigration. We have to have secure borders,” Smith said. He also admitted, “Focusing on identity politics constantly is not what the American people want… we’re going to fix that.”

Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said Democrats must move beyond simply attacking President Donald Trump and focus on governing better in cities plagued by crime, homelessness, and drug abuse—many of which are run by Democrats. He cited improvements in San Francisco as an example but acknowledged that the party’s message has fallen flat in many parts of the country.

Significantly, Smith emphasized that Democrats should stop treating Trump supporters with contempt. “They’re not all racist, bigoted morons. They’re not. And we need to stop treating them like that,” he stated. He called for Democrats to broaden their appeal and stop preaching only to left-leaning strongholds.

Smith’s remarks mark a stark shift in tone compared to much of his party’s rhetoric since 2016. While still attacking Trump as “authoritarian” and blaming him for rising costs and healthcare challenges, Smith admitted that voters’ concerns—particularly about the border and public safety—must be addressed seriously and respectfully.

He praised the campaign styles of Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) as models for expanding Democratic appeal beyond progressive enclaves, warning that continued political losses await if the party fails to connect with disaffected voters.

From Lewis’s Pen to America’s Pain: Vile Rhetoric Ignites a Soulless Crisis

October 24, 2025

In 1943, the great C.S. Lewis penned a warning in his book 'The Abolition of Man' that echoes through our troubled times like a clarion call. . .

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Trump’s Bold Ballroom Exposes Dems’ Double Talk

October 24, 2025

White House Ballroom — (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

In the hallowed halls of American history, the White House has never been a museum frozen in amber—it's a living, breathing seat of executive power, shaped by the hands of leaders who dared to leave their mark. . .

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