The nation’s capital was rattled following the weeks-long disappearance of Republican Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell and his apparent reappearance alongside the sudden death of Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. In both instances, online rumors and conspiracy theories took hold, with thousands of Americans wondering exactly what happened to their elected officials. But as Americans searched for answers, Washington insiders continued to write them off as conspiracy theorists, a prime example of the disconnect between the political establishment and the rest of the country. Political pundits across the spectrum used these flashpoints to argue for term limits, age limits, a “25th Amendment” for Congress, or a slew of other…Open
To the Israeli government, enlisting former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale to claw back support among young conservatives who increasingly hold negative or downright hostile views of the Jewish state and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu probably seemed like a brilliant idea. Parscale’s digital influence campaign would all be kept under wraps; none would be the wiser. MAGA social media stars would keep pumping out the posts, and Americans would, after all was said and done, have a rosier picture of Israel and Bibi. In other words, a psyop was needed to convince America that Israel was still an ally. But boy, did it backfire. Read on…Open
Young people at work are finding strange places during their lunch break to nap or cry. The generation is known as the mental health generation. Are they getting things right? On today’s “Hot Take with Jesse Weber”: We break down how a single fossil reshaped our understanding of Earth's ancient past, what it reveals about prehistoric Antarctica and why overlooked discoveries can change science forever. What do you think is still waiting to be discovered? Drop your questions, comments and hot takes in the chat!
American researcher Youlin Chen is set to stand trial in China on espionage charges, potentially facing life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Youlin Chen, an American researcher accused of espionage in China, faces a potential life sentence or the death penalty, increasing tensions between the U.S. and China. PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: - DETAIL: The 54-year-old Chen was arrested by Chinese authorities approximately two years ago. Secretary of State Marco Rubio classed him as “wrongfully detained,” the first American citizen officially designated as such, and President Donald J. Trump has personally raised his case. Chen specialized in analyzing seismic data from North Korea’s nuclear tests. His research included a 2020 study for the U.S. State Department on North Korea’s nuclear detonations between 2006 and 2017, which included seismic data originating from…Open
The bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission has found probable cause that billionaire Elon Musk broke state law when he handed out $1 million checks to voters in the 2025 state Supreme Court election
