Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) made a surprise move this week with regard to Sen.-elect Adam Schiff (D-CA).
According to Breitbart, Schumer, who still leads the upper chamber for a few more weeks, appointed Schiff to the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees judicial appointments.
Schiff's appointment will echo his time in the House, where he served on the House Judiciary Committee for years.
The California lawmaker also served on the California Senate Judiciary Committee while serving in the state Legislature.
Schiff received a number of plum appointments from Leader Schumer, including a seat on the Judiciary; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
The California Democrat released a statement on his X account following the assignments.
"I just received my Senate committee assignments: Judiciary, Agriculture, Small Business, and Environment & Public Works. These assignments will allow me to help build a stronger economy, support our agriculture industry and small businesses, and protect our democracy and planet," Schiff wrote.
I just received my Senate committee assignments: Judiciary, Agriculture, Small Business, and Environment & Public Works.
These assignments will allow me to help build a stronger economy, support our agriculture industry and small businesses, and protect our democracy and planet.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) January 2, 2025
He also released a longer statement thanking Schumer for the assignments.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on four committees of keen interest to all Californians," Schiff said in a statement.
He added, "These assignments will allow me to work directly on the high cost of housing and other inflation issues, to support our critical agriculture industry, to address crime and public safety concerns, to support our small businesses, to attack fentanyl, to reform our broken immigration system, to preserve and protect our environment, to deliver vital water and transportation infrastructure, to protect our democracy, rights and our freedoms, and so much more. I’m committed to working across the aisle to deliver for Californians in the U.S. Senate and eager to get started."
Many across social media torched Schiff after he announced the news.
"You belong in jail," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Your actions on the Russia hoax should disqualify you from Judiciary."
A grim discovery has emerged from the desert of northern Mexico, where officials excavated twelve skeletons from eleven hidden burial sites near the township of Ascension. This discovery is a stark reminder of the rampant violence and ongoing issue of disappearances linked to the operations of Mexican cartels.
The clandestine graves were unearthed near Ascension, a town situated not far from the U.S.-Mexico border, intensifying the spotlight on cartel-related crimes, the New York Post reports.
The skeletons were discovered during an intensive three-day search carried out last week, with state authorities of Chihuahua revealing the findings on Thursday. Ascension's proximity to El Paso, Texas, also raises concerns about cross-border implications of such criminal activities.
The discovery of these graves underlines the violent tactics of Mexican cartels and other organized crime groups, notorious for utilizing hidden burial sites to dispose of victims. With an astonishing number of 120,000 people currently missing in Mexico, these graves are a grim testament to the atrocities committed by criminal entities in the region.
Forensic anthropologists, accompanied by experts from Forensic Services, spearheaded the exhumation process. They meticulously gathered evidence, including various spent shell casings, highlighting the violent circumstances surrounding these deaths. The state's prosecutor emphasized the significance of this evidence, shedding light on the possible cause of death and aiding in the identification process.
The remains and gathered materials have been transported to the Forensic Medical Service's labs in Cd. Juárez for detailed analysis. This phase aims to determine the identities of the deceased, their cause, and the timeline of their deaths. Such forensic endeavors are critical for providing closure to families of the missing, often left in limbo.
The harsh desert landscape of northern Mexico is often combed by groups of volunteer searchers - relatives resolutely seeking their missing loved ones. These community efforts highlight the desperation and dire social impacts of Mexico’s ongoing crisis of disappearances.
Among the tragically high number of the disappeared, many are believed to have been victims of cartel violence, emphasizing the need for justice and resolution. Efforts like these uncover valuable evidence that aids forensic investigations while providing a small measure of hope for the families involved.
The broader socio-political landscape is also influenced by such discoveries. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has made headlines with his proposition to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations due to their pervasive influence on drug trafficking. His declaration at a recent conference underscored the broader impacts of drug-related violence beyond Mexico's borders.
The newly unearthed graves inevitably draw attention to the Mexican government's ongoing battle against drug cartels. These grim findings serve as an alarming indicator of the scale and scope of cartel operations, stretching across borders and implicating international relationships.
Despite the sobering statistics of those missing, each forensic effort is a step towards accountability and justice. These investigations not only seek to identify those lost to violence but also aim to challenge and destabilize the power cartels exert over the region.
The reality of drug-related violence is a pressing issue, with its effects felt globally. International collaboration and shared responsibility may become key components in tackling such a multi-faceted problem. As forensic teams and authorities press on with their work, the recent discovery is a solemn reminder of the profound human tragedy lingering amidst Mexico's desert sands.
The uncovering of these clandestine graves reinforces the urgent need for strengthened measures and cooperative strategies in addressing the root causes and consequences of illegal narcotics operations. With ongoing governmental and forensic efforts, there lies hope for change and the possibility of a future where the violence of the drug trade no longer terrorizes communities.
President Joe Biden faced a wave of criticism after he vetoed the JUDGES Act, a piece of legislation intended to create 66 new federal judgeships to alleviate pressing caseloads nationwide. The decision sparked outrage from federal judiciary leaders and lawmakers, as the bill, despite initially enjoying bipartisan support, was seen as offering nomination benefits to President-elect Donald Trump.
President Biden's veto of the JUDGES Act prompted significant controversy and debate, as stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with his decision, as reported by the Hill.
Biden’s veto was announced on a Monday, halting a bill that promised to bring judicial relief across 13 U.S. states. The plan was to introduce the new judgeships in multiple stages until 2035. Among the judgeships, around 24 would fall under the nominating authority of President-elect Trump, a situation criticized by opponents who believed it rushed for the benefit of the incoming administration.
The proposal had enjoyed unanimous approval from Democrats in the Senate back in August. However, it encountered delays in the Republican-controlled House, where it wasn't put to a vote until after Trump's election win. Ultimately, the House passed it with a vote count of 236 to 173, with most Democrats opposing the measure.
President Biden, defending his decision, indicated the bill wasn't primarily addressing caseload issues and critiqued it as a hastily assembled piece of work in the waning weeks of the 118th Congress. He questioned the swiftness with which the House moved without resolving critical ambiguities in the legislation.
The JUDGES Act emerged in response to a dramatic rise in pending federal civil cases, which have increased by 346% over the past two decades. As of March, approximately 82,000 cases were awaiting attention, according to data from the federal judiciary. The Judicial Conference originally put forth the recommendation for new judgeships to Congress, leading to the introduction of the JUDGES Act.
Federal judiciary advocates had tirelessly lobbied for Biden’s endorsement of the legislation, even after the elections. Groups like the Federal Judges Association and several judicial organizations supported the bill, emphasizing the need for more judges to ensure efficient justice administration.
Among Biden’s sternest critics was Judge Robert Conrad, who expressed profound disappointment with the veto. He considered the additional judgeships crucial for maintaining functional justice delivery. Conrad strongly contested Biden's claim of the bill's haphazard construction, noting it was the result of deliberate, detailed analyses focusing on per-judge caseloads and contributions of senior and magistrate judges.
“The President’s veto marks a significant deviation from historical practices where new judgeships benefited sitting presidents,” Conrad remarked. He added that Biden's decision leaned against the legislative groundwork Biden himself supported during his Senate tenure.
Gabe Roth added to the chorus of dissatisfaction, labeling Biden's decision as an "embarrassing" conclusion to an otherwise impactful reshaping of the judiciary over the past four years. Sen. Todd Young accused Biden of engaging in partisan politics, contrasting his enthusiasm for assisting family members with due process against the backdrop of ordinary Americans awaiting judicial relief.
Biden's veto, while controversial, is grounded in his belief that the legislation needed more scrutiny and careful construction. His action underscores the complex interplay of political priorities and judicial necessities, setting a challenging precedent for future judicial reforms.
For now, the fate of the JUDGES Act remains uncertain, as the judiciary and its advocates continue to push for solutions to alleviate the federal caseload crisis, which remains a pressing concern for efficient and effective justice in America.
While many still believe the Biden family profited significantly from various overseas business dealings, including alleged bribes, an FBI informant who claimed Bidens took millions from a Ukrainian oligarch has definitely changed his story.
According to the Washington Examiner, former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov agreed this week to plead guilty to lying to federal informants regarding his claim that Joe Biden and Hunter Biden received the lucrative bribes.
Smirnov's original testimony was what jumpstarted an investigation into the Bidens regarding the matter.
He admitted to evading millions in unreported income and to lying to federal agents about the Biden situation.
Smirnov has agreed to plead guilty as part of a plea struck with special counsel David Weiss.
The Examiner noted:
Weiss brought the indictment against Smirnov in February while the special counsel was also leading two prosecutions against Hunter Biden. Smirnov’s indictment, at the time, served as a massive blow to House Republicans, who used Smirnov’s claims about the Bidens to help justify their impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden.
Smirnov's original claim centered around a story he told regarding the Bidens receiving $5 million each in bribes from Mykola Zlochevsky, the founder of Ukrainian energy company Burisma.
The payments, according to his original claims, "were made in exchange for Joe Biden to use his political power to fire a Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating Burisma."
Ex-FBI informant Alexander Smirnov pleads guilty to lying about Joe Biden and Hunter bribes https://t.co/h5PnWCPR3y pic.twitter.com/TCzi6AjEy8
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) December 12, 2024
The story he told made perfect sense, given that Hunter Biden was a board member for Burisma and his father's influence could have deterred investigations into the company at the time.
The Examiner noted:
Smirnov admitted lying about the claims, which he made on an FBI form known as an FD-1023 in 2020 while Joe Biden was running for president. In his plea agreement, Smirnov also admitted that he had been in contact with Russian intelligence officials.
Smirnov has been in jail in California since he was charged with making the false statements.
As part of the plea deal, Special Counsel Weiss "asked the court to sentence him to up to six years in prison and force him to pay up to $675,502 in restitution."
His sentencing is set for January.
The media's smear campaign against Pete Hegseth appears to be imploding as members of Congress rally behind the Defense nominee following a blatantly false claim about his qualifications.
In a stunningly dishonest move, West Point falsely claimed that Hegseth was never accepted to the prestigious military academy, which in fact offered him a slot that he did not accept.
An editor at left-wing ProPublica defended the story, claiming West Point told the outlet twice that Hegseth never applied to the school.
Hegseth posted an image of his acceptance letter online to pre-empt Pro Publica's smear piece.
West Point's involvement in spreading an egregiously false claim about Hegseth has raised concern of malfeasance, with Rep. Jim Banks (In.) suggesting political collusion between the respected academy and left-wing reporters.
"It is outrageous that West Point officials would so grossly interfere in a political process and make false claims regarding a presidential nominee," Banks told Fox News.
"Even in the unlikely scenario of OPA mistakenly making false claims not once but twice, it is an unforgivable act of incompetence that OPA did not make absolutely sure their information was accurate before sharing it with a reporter."
Hegseth's nomination appeared to bounce back this week after a barrage of media attacks left his confirmation in doubt.
The firestorm has focused on his treatment of women, with reporters leaking an emotional e-mail from his mother and anonymous claims, which were later discredited, about his behavior at two veterans' groups.
This week, Hegseth said he had received notice that ProPublica was preparing to publish a "knowingly false" report about his acceptance to West Point. The school later apologized for the "administrative error."
Many are sure to be skeptical that this was simply an innocent mistake, given the firestorm of controversy surrounding Hegseth and his opposition to "woke" ideology in the military and the service academies.
Banks, a Trump loyalist, won election to the Senate this year and is supporting Hegseth's confirmation to head the Pentagon. Hegseth has been meeting with Republican senators to build support for his confirmation.
"Pete Hegseth will shake up the DOD and eliminate wokeness from our military and military academies. This upsets the bureaucrats at West Point, who now seem to be trying to sabotage his nomination," Banks told Fox News Digital.
President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would be appointing Charles Kushner, Ivanka Trump's father-in-law, as the ambassador to France.
Trump confirmed the selection of Kushner in a post to Truth Social praising him as a “tremendous business leader,” who would “be a strong advocate representing” the U.S. and “its interests.”
Charles Kushner's son, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump and previously worked for Donald Trump during his first term in the White House.
Jared Kushner stated before the election that he would not be returning to the White House prior to Trump winning the election and it appears that there are no plans to bring the younger Kushner back for Trump's 2nd term.
Kushner is supremely qualified as a business leader and Trump wants his ambassadors to build functional business relationships that will generate trade and value for the U.S.
Trump had high praise for Kushner writing in his Truth Social announcement that, "Charlie is the Founder & Chairman of Kushner Companies, one of the largest & most successful privately held Real Estate firms in the Nation."
Trump continued by stating, “He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a Commissioner, & Chairman, of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the Boards of our top institutions, including NYU.”
Another component of Kushner's selection to work in Trump's administration is his loyalty to Trump.
Kushner was pardoned by Trump back in 2020 for his 2005 conviction on charges of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign donations which landed Kushner a two-year sentence in prison.
Trump's decision to pardon Kushner of his 2005 conviction has earned Trump the assurance of loyalty and loyalty is the most important thing to Trump going into his 2nd term.
Trump is staffing his administration with people he can trust, qualifications and records are secondary concerns.
Many of the most qualified and experienced individuals who Trump would have used in 2016 have shown themselves to be untrustworthy and tools of the deep state that Trump has set out to dismantle.
Trump ran on a platform to clean up Washington D.C. and to tear down the corrupt system that has grown like a cancer in America's institutions.
Americans turned out in record numbers and made Trump the first Republican to win the popular vote in decades in order to hit back at the corrupt status quo. Trump has a mandate from the American people to purge the deep state and he needs people who will be loyal to his agenda.
Kushner will likely not play a huge role in Trump's anti-corruption agenda, rather he will be key to pushing American interests abroad as Trump returns to an "America First" economic strategy.
Americans can expect many of Trump's ambassador selections to look similar to Kushner's as Trump is working to return America to economic dominance.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
James Dobson, an icon in teaching Christian standards and values, especially regarding families, has advised at least five presidential administrations on ethics and values.
The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration, he's suing.
It's because of the multiple anti-faith agenda items Biden and Harris are trying to force onto American citizens without the benefit of legislation or congressional action.
One of the plans would radically, and falsely, insist that denying children access to transgender body mutilations be considered child abuse, which then could be used against the parents' custody of their own children.
The case, filed in federal court in Texas, is targeting the Biden-Harris scheme of wanting to change something, and simply rewriting federal regulations to accommodation their own personal wishes.
Dobson is founder of the James Dobson Family Institute and the host of the "Family Talk" radio program.
The action cites the Biden-Harris ideology that employers and their insurance programs are required to cover abortion and gender-transition services through the changes to Department of Health and Human Services and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules.
Then there's a new EEOC rule that takes a congressional act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and insists that employers pay for abortions, and finally, the there are the Biden-Harris demands that workers "use false pronouns inconsistent with an individual's biological sex and grant access to single-sex spaces by members of the opposite sex."
The Biden-Harris rule changes all are in pursuit of the regime's two primary agenda points: promoting transgenderism including body mutilations on young children, and abortion for all.
The conflict has been developing since before Biden and Harris took office, when WND reported on Dobson's description of Biden's advocacy for transgenderism as "lunacy."
"Where is the outrage in response to this lunacy? Joe Biden appears to be under the very mistaken impression that teaching our children the truth about biological reality constitutes discrimination," he wrote on his website. "He couldn't be more wrong, and his distorted view is equally alarming. Indeed, world-renowned Swedish psychiatrist Dr. Christopher Gillberg has said that pediatric transition is 'possibly one of the greatest scandals in medical history.'"
He said leading children "down a path toward social and medical 'transition' is not compassionate – it's an act of cruelty! "
An announcement from Dobson's organization, through President Joe Waresak, confirmed the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute and an association of Christian employers filed a lawsuit challenging the Biden-Harris administration's new regulations that force employers to violate their religiously held convictions regarding the sanctity of human life and human sexuality."
The announcement confirmed, "At its most basic level, this is a spiritual battle of good versus evil. The Biden-Harris EEOC and HHS agencies are attempting to force ministries and businesses to bow down to their wicked and radicalized agenda of promoting the killing of unborn children and the perversion of God's design for human sexuality—created in His image as male and female. As a Christian organization, we cannot remain silent against such blatant attacks that target our sacred religious convictions."
The complaint is supported by a declaration from PublicSquare, a values-driven commerce ecosystem with over 5 million registered consumers.
The case in federal court in the Northern District of Texas, "seeks to protect religious freedoms and Christian business practices against government mandates recently imposed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)."
The Institute "encourages and teaches biblically based principles for families while promoting the sanctity and dignity of all human life."
Dr. Owen Strachan, senior director at JDFI, said, "This radicalized immoral movement often speaks in the dulcet tones of tolerance and inclusivity concerning public morality; it often seeks to bind society to its vision and punish anyone who dares dissent with severe consequences.
"This is evident in HHS's regulation requiring employer health plan coverage of abortion and so-called gender-affirming care, as well as in the EEOC's regulation requiring employer accommodation of abortion and immoral infertility treatments, and its enforcement guidance requiring employers to grant access to bathrooms and other single-sex spaces to those of the opposite sex.
"Such rules crush the liberty that aligns with the order of creation as defined by God and reflected in nature."
The Democrat regime in Washington is attempting "to force JDFI, PublicSquare, and other Christian-based ministries and businesses to violate our religiously based biblical values and moral conscience."
The case calls out the leftists for their "regulation" under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to demand abortion coverage.
Further, the administration's HHS agenda includes cover "termination of pregnancy" under the "sex" nondiscrimination requirements. That agency also is demanding "gender-affirming care" that includes mutilating surgeries on children that leave them sterile for life.
Studies have shown that while transgenderism often is promoted for children by the false claims that it reduces the incidence of suicide or attempts, the opposite actually is true.
Then there's the Biden-Harris demands that employers "affirm" workers who are pursuing the nonscientific ideology that males can become females. Actually, that cannot happen as being male or female is embedded in the human body down to the DNA level.
The lawsuit charges the Biden-Harris scheme has deliberately foreclosed "any moral option in the marketplace for employers with traditional Christian values such as JDFI and other Christian-based ministries or businesses."
Dobson's radio ministry is heard on more than 1,300 radio outlets and his program has an audience of half a million weekly.
Dobson, who has advised a long list of presidents before the Biden-Harris administration, has authored more than 70 books on his area of expertise, and WND has reported when he previously suggested that Biden be informed on what Thanksgiving is.
Thank came not long ago when Biden issued a Thanksgiving address and completely ignored God.
"Sadly, someone apparently needs to teach this fact to President Joe Biden, too. He issued a Thanksgiving proclamation that didn't mention God at all. Instead, Biden suggested the day's purpose was to thank America for our blessings. This is not true. The purpose is for America to honor and thank God. This is not a minor distinction," the ministry statement said at the time.
"America, like all nations of the earth, will eventually end. But God will never 'end.' Interestingly, the only other administration to omit God from its Thanksgiving proclamations was the Obama/Biden administration," the comment said.
Dobson has been called by secular publications the nation's "most influential evangelical leader," and he also founded the prominent Family Research Council in the 1980s.
His books have sold millions of copies under titles including "Dare to Discipline," "The Strong-Willed Child," "Bringing Up Boys," "Bringing up Girls," "When God Doesn't Make Sense" and more.
Ironically, on that same holiday, it was President Donald Trump whose statement on the holiday thanked God.
He said Americans give thanks to "Almighty God" for "His many blessings including our families, our friends, our neighbors, and this extraordinary country that we all call home."
He said:
I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving today. As we gather with our loved ones, we give thanks to Almighty God for His many blessings including our families, our friends, our neighbors and this extraordinary country that we all call home.
We also send our deep gratitude to all of the patriots serving our nation in uniform this Thanksgiving including members of the U.S. armed forces. the heroes of Border Patrol and law enforcement and ICE and everybody that works so hard to preserve our system and our country and working to defend our southern border and our police and first responders in communities all across America.
This is a difficult time for our country, but do not lose heart or lose hope because by the time we celebrate next Thanksgiving our nation will be well on its way to being stronger, safer more prosperous, and greater than ever before.
Once again, Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all.
More recently, Dobson issued a statement warning Americans of Biden's plan to destroy the nation's sovereignty.
His warning is that the U.N.'s World Health Organization "wants complete control of your mind and body," and Biden is willing to help.
"I am writing you today to warn of an imminent and real threat to the sovereignty of our nation. Two of our founding fathers, President George Washington and President Thomas Jefferson, counseled America against forming misaligned alliances with foreign entities—especially those who do not share our allegiance to the principles that formed our republic," he said.
"Yet, the Biden administration is on the verge of doing just that by turning our keys of self-governance over to the World Health Organization. And, mark my word, if America gives up its sovereign rule as a nation, we could well lose our sweet land of liberty and effectively forsake every generation that has fought and died for it. God help us if we let this happen on our watch."
The case seeks a court ruling that the regulations and "interpretations" actually are in violation of the law and Constitution.
A high school cheerleader was found dead just weeks after she appeared on America's Got Talent.
Emily Gold, 17, committed suicide by jumping from an overpass in her home state of California. The teen was a senior and varsity dance captain at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga.
California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez said Gold had been struck by at least one vehicle after jumping from an overpass onto the freeway below.
Police received a call about "a pedestrian down in lanes on eastbound SR-210, east of Haven Avenue.”
"When the officers arrived, they located a female, 17 year old, who was struck by at least one other vehicle in the carpool lane on eastbound 210," Jimenez said. "The female did succumb to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene."
The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office ruled the death a suicide. There was no suicide note found.
Gold appeared with her cheerleading team on NBC's America's Got Talent, impressing judge Simon Cowell before their elimination in the quarterfinals last month. Cowell called their performance "absolutely brilliant."
"What I loved about this was first of all the energy. I think what I just saw is everything a great school should be doing, which is encouraging talent and friendship," he said.
Gold's bereaved family shared a heartbreaking message over Instagram on her death.
“Dear friends. With sadness beyond measure we must tell you all that we lost our beautiful Emily on September 13th,” her parents Steven and Brandy Gold wrote on Instagram.
“Our hearts have a hole the size of the universe right now,” they continued. “The outpouring of love and support we are receiving shows us how many lives that angel touched and lifted up, and it is what will help us through the most difficult time of our lives.”
Her dance team also shared a moving note on the loss of their "beautiful angel."
“Emily has always embodied every aspect of our core team values through her strength, commitment, kindness, compassion, and the most humble heart,” the team wrote. “She will be remembered as a leader, role model, friend and sister to her teammates.”
“Our sweet sweet Emily — We love you endlessly and miss you more than words can ever express,” they said. “Everything we do is for you, our beautiful angel.”
Top pollster Frank Luntz sees signs that the "honeymoon period is officially over" for Vice President Kamala Harris, the UK Daily Mail reported. The influential GOP pollster believes the boost Democrats received after Harris was named the Democratic nominee has all but dried up as the candidates head into their first debate.
A nonpartisan online poll showed Harris hitting her peak in voter enthusiasm after the Democratic National Convention. Now, a YouGov poll has her and former President Donald Trump locked in a statistical tie at around 60% of voters who reported being "very enthusiastic" or "extremely enthusiastic."
As Luntz pointed out, "Quite a sharp drop in Democratic voter enthusiasm in this month’s YouGov poll. (It was 70% last month.) The honeymoon period is officially over," Luntz posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.
Quite a sharp drop in Democratic voter enthusiasm in this month’s YouGov poll. (It was 70% last month.)
The honeymoon period is officially over. https://t.co/fVXiQgdfXv
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 4, 2024
Democrats were in a slump among their voters when President Joe Biden sought reelection. Since he stepped aside and left Harris as the presumptive nominee, her star has steadily risen, giving Democrats hope.
However, the height of enthusiasm seems to have come and gone following the DNC. Now, CNN reported, Harris has settled into a statistical tie with Trump in six key battleground states.
The closest race is in Pennsylvania, where Harris and Trump are locked in a dead heat at 47% among likely voters. In Georgia and Nevada, Harris and Trump received 47% and 48% support, respectively.
Wisconsin is polling 50% for Harris and 44% for Trump while Arizona is at 44% for Harris and 49% for Trump. Finally, likely voters in Michigan are 48% for Harris and 43% for Trump.
These states are vital for Harris to have a path to victory, and they are ones that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Notably, 15% of likely voters reported not having committed to either candidate, perhaps pointing to the importance of the upcoming debate in winning over voters.
On Sept. 10, the two candidates will face off in Philadelphia for the first time, and the pollster is certain this will convince or turn away voters depending on how the candidates do. According to The Hill, Luntz warned that next week's debate "is everything" to the candidates.
"When the voter sees side by side the two candidates and they listen to what they say, not just the answers, it’s the body language. Is there contempt? Does someone fold their arms? Do they look at the individual when they’re speaking? Do they seem presidential in their approach?" Luntz said Monday on CNN.
He noted that there are different criteria for each candidate. "For Trump, can he keep quiet? Can he actually listen to a response, or does he have to respond to everything," Luntz added.
"For Harris, does she seem open-minded? Does she seem willing to take in information not just project? Each of them has different goals for that debate, but each one, in the end, has to prove that they’re ready, not just for that moment, but voters are thinking ‘who do I want to represent me two years from now, three or four years from now?" Luntz said.
Voters often pay more attention in the weeks leading up to Election Day. As that's beginning to happen, Harris is losing more support which could spell major trouble for her come November.
Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan died Thursday at age 34, Breitbart reported. There is no cause of death listed for the rapper, whose girlfriend found him unresponsive and "foamed at the mouth" in his Fulton County home.
Born Dequantes Lamar, Quan debuted in 2013 with his hit single "Type Of Way." Other major hits included "Ride Out," Flex," "Walk Thru," "Lifestyle," and "Power." He also made a name for himself by teaming up with Young Thug for "Rich Gang" in 2013.
Most recently, Quan's name was bizarrely mentioned during the trial of rapper Lil Woody which wrapped up Wednesday. After verifying with the judge that what he said on the stand couldn't be used against him, Lil Woody admitted that he "shot up Rich Homie Quan daddy barbershop on Bankhead."
Once that was off his chest, Lil Woody added, "I don’t what know what happened with Threat and Rich Homie Quan, but I’ma ride with my brother and they was beefin’ and yeah, we pulled up and did that." The trial did not involve Quan, and it's unclear whether it had anything to do with Quan's death which is still a mystery.
It's still unknown what led to Quan's death. The rapper was found unresponsive by his girlfriend Amber Williams in his home on Thursday morning, Page Six reported using audio from a 911 call she placed.
He had fallen asleep on the couch the night before and hadn't moved when Williams checked on him the next morning. Thinking Quan was simply still asleep, she put a blanket over him and left to take her son to school.
When she got back to the house, Williams realized that something was wrong with Quan. Williams told 911 dispatchers it was then she realized she "didn't feel a heartbeat" and saw that Quan was not breathing.
"When I turned him over, he kind of foamed at the mouth," Williams told the emergency workers. She was instructed to place Quan flat on his back while waiting for paramedics.
When emergency workers got to his home, they pronounced Quan dead at the scene. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office said it would conduct an autopsy Friday to determine the cause of death, but no updates have been released since.
Family and fans alike were upset about the sudden loss of a beloved rap star. Fellow rap legend Lil' Kim posted a tribute to Quan on X, formerly Twitter, including photos and videos of the two of them performing together.
"This is the part of life that I’ll never get used to, I’m so heartbroken," Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Denise Jones, posted Friday.
"No one ever understood the dope ass friendship u and I had. u always pulled up for me no matter what," the rapper wrote. "I’ve learned in life love those who love you. Rest in Heaven my angel," Lil' Kim said.
This is the part of life that I’ll never get used to, I’m so heartbroken 💔 No one ever understood the dope ass friendship u and I had. u always pulled up for me no matter what. I’ve learned in life love those who love you. Rest in Heaven my angel @RichHomieQuan 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/u9RdDSiu1k
— Lil' Kim (@LilKim) September 6, 2024
Quan's death seems sudden and certainly untimely for such a young man. There are many questions still unanswered about what happened to him, but the loss will have a ripple effect throughout the rap world regardless of how and why it happened.