SECRETARY XAVIER BECERRA

Nov 21 2025POLITICS

Vaccines, Politics, and Climate: A Week in Review

The CDC has updated its stance on vaccines and autism, sparking debate. The agency now says a link cannot be ruled out, a shift from its previous position. This change aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 's views on vaccine dangers. However, CDC scientists insist no changes were made to their website. The Department of Health and Human Services remains...

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Nov 21 2025POLITICS

California's Governor Race Gets Another Contender

Eric Swalwell, a well-known figure in Congress, has decided to join the race for California's governor. This move adds another name to the already long list of Democrats vying for the position. Swalwell, who has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, brings his political experience and strong opinions to the table. Swalwell's campaign focuses on the h...

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Nov 21 2025EDUCATION

Education Department Changes: What It Means for Schools and Students

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with a plan to scale back the Education Department, a move they believe will improve education by reducing federal control. However, many school and state officials are worried that this change will create more red tape without helping students who are struggling with reading and math. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has s...

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Nov 21 2025POLITICS

The Tariff Money Shuffle: A Financial Puzzle

Let's dive into the recent talk about sending out $2, 000 checks to middle-class families. The idea is to ease the financial burden, but there's a catch. Tariffs have already taken about $1, 800 from families. So, these checks aren't a gift from abroad. They're more like a refund for what's already been paid. The numbers don't add up. The checks would cost the gover...

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Nov 21 2025POLITICS

Slovakia Seeks NATO's Help for Stronger Air Protection

Slovakia is asking NATO to enhance its air defenses. This request came from Prime Minister Robert Fico after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Fico also emphasized that Slovakia will decide its own defense spending plans, even as other NATO members increase their military budgets. Slovakia has been vocal about not fully supporting the EU's approach...

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Nov 21 2025POLITICS

U. S. Takes Aim at Venezuelan Cartel, Raises Stakes

The U. S. has taken a bold step by labeling a group linked to Venezuela's president as a terrorist organization. This move opens up new possibilities for the Pentagon, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The group in question, Cartel de los Soles, is accused of working with another gang, Tren de Aragua, to smuggle drugs into the U. S. Hegseth didn't hold ba...

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Nov 20 2025POLITICS

Peace Plan Puzzle: Trump's 28-Point Proposal for Ukraine-Russia Conflict

A 28-point peace plan to end the Ukraine-Russia war has been approved by President Trump. However, it's unclear if Ukraine is on board with the proposal. The plan was reportedly written by Kirill Dmitriev, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, during a meeting in Miami last month. The plan has been in the works for about a...

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Nov 20 2025POLITICS

Maine's Forgotten Political Powerhouse: James Blaine

James Blaine, a key figure in post-Civil War politics, is often overlooked outside of Maine. Yet, his impact on American politics is significant. Blaine was a leader in the Republican Party, advocating for the rights of formerly enslaved people and fighting against corruption. His eloquence and wit set him apart from many politicians of his time. Blaine served as a ...

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Nov 20 2025POLITICS

Larry Summers Steps Down from Major Roles Amid Controversy

Larry Summers, a well-known figure in U. S. politics and academia, has recently stepped down from two significant positions. He left Santander's international advisory board, where he played a key role since 2016. This board focuses on advising the bank on topics like innovation and cybersecurity. At the same time, Summers also resigned from the board of OpenAI. The...

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Nov 20 2025POLITICS

U. S. Military Leaders Visit Ukraine to Talk Tech and Peace

High-ranking U. S. Army officials made a trip to Ukraine recently. They wanted to check out Ukraine's military tech and talk about ending the war. The group included Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, and other top brass. The White House chose Driscoll to lead the team. The visit was all about learning from Ukraine's military ...

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