That mustache everyone loves? That's her doing — at least, she encouraged him to keep it. Continue reading…

Democratic challenger John Ewing Jr. defeated incumbent Republican Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert in a surprising victory for Democrats Tuesday night. Ewing will become the first black mayor of Nebraska’s largest city. The Douglas County treasurer and former deputy chief of police for Omaha denied Stothert a fourth consecutive term. Democrat John Ewing Jr. just fired the longest-serving GOP mayor in the country—flipping Omaha blue and making history as the city’s first Black mayor. Omaha was the 6th-largest Republican-led city in the United States. Was. Midterms just got interesting. pic.twitter.com/UmtwnpqIwV — Shea Jordan Smith (@shea_jordan) May 14, 2025 The Hill reports: The city hasn’t had a Democratic mayor since 2013, when then-incumbent Jim Suttle lost his reelection bid for a second term to Stothert, Omaha’s first female mayor, who has enjoyed comfortable electoral victories since then. Her closest race was in 2017, when she won by just less than 6 points. But Democrats were hopeful about winning the race and electing Ewing. The city of Omaha and the wider 2nd Congressional District it is part of have been considered a “blue dot” where Democrats have found success in recent elections. Democrats have won the district’s single electoral vote in three of the past five presidential elections, and they’ve engaged in competitive races for the district’s House seat despite falling short in recent years. Congratulations to John Ewing, Jr., Mayor-Elect of Omaha! His election marks the beginning of a new era for the City of Omaha. We look forward to working with the new mayor and continuing to cover the events of Omaha and Douglas County during his term. pic.twitter.com/2Lqx7bH2rZ — Omaha Scanner (@omaha_scanner) May 14, 2025 Democrat @Jrewing943 defeated Republican @Jean_Stothert in today's Omaha mayoral runoff, 56-44%. Here's the precinct winner map from tonight. Stothert won in the more suburban areas of the city; Ewing won the rest. pic.twitter.com/Tm75L9CXOR — cinyc (@cinyc9) May 14, 2025 Per Fox News: The race between Stothert and Ewing primarily revolved around local issues like street repairs and garbage service, but in the final stretch the campaign touched on more national, hot-button issues such as President Donald Trump’s administration and transgender rights. Although the mayor’s office is nonpartisan, the candidates made it clear to voters that Stothert is a Republican and Ewing is a Democrat. One Stothert TV ad said “Ewing stands with radicals who want to allow boys in girls’ sports,” according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Ewing aired ads that connect Stothert to the Trump administration, showing the mayor on a split screen with Trump and saying “Let’s say no to the chaos and elect a mayor who will actually get things done.” In the latest results from WOWT, Ewing was leading Stothert in the vote count by 48,693 to 37,758. The Democratic Party said with Ewing’s win, “Democrats further extend a significant streak of overperformances and victories in elections in 2025.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is “initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market.” “Unlike toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses, these products are swallowed and ingested by infants and toddlers. They have also never been approved by the FDA,” the FDA stated in a press release. “Ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome, which is of magnified concern given the early development of the gut microbiome in childhood. Other studies have suggested an association between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain and possibly decreased IQ,” it added. “The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome. For the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a child’s health,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary. “I am instructing our Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to evaluate the evidence regarding the risks of systemic fluoride exposure from FDA-regulated pediatric ingestible fluoride prescription drug products to better inform parents and the medical community on this emerging area. When it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety,” he added. Today, FDA announced that it is initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. Unlike toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses, these products are swallowed and ingested by infants and toddlers.… pic.twitter.com/bvBxfdjky1 — U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) May 13, 2025 Per CNN: US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to roll back CDC recommendations that fluoride be added to municipal drinking water and has promised that a panel of experts will review the guidelines and make new recommendations. Kennedy can’t formally prevent communities from adding fluoride to their drinking water, but some states and cities have already followed his lead. Utah recently banned the use of fluoride in drinking water, and Florida lawmakers passed a similar ban. Other states are considering similar moves. “Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,” Kennedy said in Tuesday’s news release. “I’m grateful to Commissioner Makary for his leadership on this vital issue — one that directly safeguards the health and development of our children. This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.” “Today, the FDA is taking action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. A growing body of research is demonstrating how ingested fluoride can alter the gut microbiome,” Makary said. “This is especially concerning with young children where the microbiome is in a critical state of development. When it comes to children, this FDA will always err on the side of safety,” he added. WATCH: Today, the FDA is taking action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. A growing body of research is demonstrating how ingested fluoride can alter the gut microbiome. This is especially concerning with young children… pic.twitter.com/pKTtkGyV3J — Dr. Martin Makary (@DrMakaryFDA) May 13, 2025 NBC News reports: The FDA said the evaluation should be completed by Oct. 31. The new action goes after tablets and drops that contain fluoride. According to the American Dental Association, pediatric dentists can prescribe fluoride supplements to kids living in areas with low fluoride levels in drinking water. Dr. Meg Lochary, a pediatric dentist in Union County, North Carolina, said she’s been prescribing more of the drops and tablets since county commissioners voted to stop adding fluoride to its water supply last year.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed legislation to ban the manufacture and sale of lab-grown meat, becoming the fifth state to take such action. “So-called ‘lab-grown meat’ has no place in Montana,” Gianforte said. “By signing HB 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world,” he added. So-called "lab-grown meat" has no place in Montana. By signing HB 401 into law, I am proud to defend our way of life and the hardworking Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world. pic.twitter.com/INc2WuAvNI — Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) May 13, 2025 According to Food Safety News, the state is “aggressively” enforcing the ban. Enforcement plan is evidence that Montana is serious about banning lab—grown meat https://t.co/1hyDASNFSO — Kim Wells Cleveland (@Kimwells67) May 14, 2025 Per Food Safety News: It’s no surprise that Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 401 after it flew through the state Legislature. The new law prohibits the manufacture or sale in the state after Oct. 1 of any cultivated meat product. It provides for prison sentences and fines for violators. Retailers selling lab-grown meat are subject to penalties, and restaurants could lose their licenses. “Misbranding” is also prohibited. State Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls, was the prime sponsor of the measure, which 70 of his colleagues co-sponsored. The 25-year-old Mitchell said that by adopting the ban, Montana would “stand with our cattle ranchers.” But it’s in the enforcement details that Montana is signaling just how serious it is. Sixteen full time employee positions are created and assigned to polling the ban. For a state that’s careful about spending, that’s a lot of new public employees. However, the new law, according to its fiscal note, has assignments in the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and Industry, and the Weights and Measures unit. Ironically, enforcing the cell-cultured meat ban will not impact the Montana Department of Livestock. According to the fiscal note, there will be rule-making and technology implementation costs, personal service, and travel costs for inspectors to contact vendors and businesses and to transfer samples to the state laboratory. The fiscal note predicts that a “significant” financial impact will come with the establishment of a genetic testing laboratory, along with the personal service and operating costs to conduct testing. Montana and Indiana become 4th and 5th states to ban lab-grown meat, Nebraska moves to become 6th. https://t.co/sHRiqX1Fwf — Media Research Center (@theMRC) May 14, 2025 From State of Montana Newsroom: Starting October 1, any retail food establishment in Montana that manufactures, sells, or distributes cell-cultured edible product is subject to suspension of their license and could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and faced with fines and imprisonment if convicted. “As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and someone whose family has been involved in Montana’s meat processing industry for over 80 years, I’m proud Governor Gianforte signed House Bill 401 into law,” Rep. Mitchell said. “Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and this bill takes a clear stand to protect our ranchers and our food supply. We won’t let synthetic products with misleading labels undercut the hard work of Montana’s farm and ranch families.” The Montana Farm Bureau Federation praised the signing of the legislation, thanking the governor and legislature for defending and protecting the Montana way of life. “Montana ranchers grow some of the best meat in the world, we are thrilled consumers in the treasure state will continue to enjoy authentic meat. Thank you to the legislature and Governor Gianforte for supporting ranchers and consumers with this new law,” said Montana Farm Bureau Federation President Cyndi Johnson.

Accused criminal New York attorney general Letitia James has filed over two dozen lawsuits against Donald Trump. She is challenging his federal policies, which threaten to cut federal aid to states that decline to support immigration deportation efforts. She wants to keep all the criminal illegal aliens in the country despite Tren de Aragua, MS-13, […] The post NY AG Filed Over Two Dozen Lawsuits Against President Trump appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

A Los Angeles judge has resentenced the Menendez brothers to 50 years to life on Tuesday, making them eligible for parole and opening the door for their potential release from prison. Lyle, 57, and Erik, 54, were originally sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 1996 for murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989 inside their Beverly Hills home. The brothers have justified the fatal shootings, claiming they endured sexual abuse from their father that went on for several years. Both brothers read statements during the resentencing hearing. “I committed an atrocious act. My actions were criminal, selfish and cowardly,” Erik said. “I have come a long way on this path [of redemption].”  The case had received renewed interest after several high-profile entertainment projects were released, including a Netflix docuseries. Judge Michael Jesic said he’d given the case “long thought.” While the judge described Lyle and Erik’s crime as “absolutely horrific,” he added that in his belief, they’ve been rehabilitated while in jail for the past three decades. “Life without parole gives an inmate no hope, no reason to do anything good. And I give them a lot of credit. It’s remarkable what they did when they had no hope of getting out,” Jesic said. Menendez brothers’ attorney Mark Geragos said after the hearing, “I’m hopeful and glad that we’re one huge step closer to bringing the boys home.” “This encourages people who are incarcerated to make the right decisions, to take the right path,” Geragos went on. “It’s just a win-win on so many levels.” Former Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón initiated the resentencing process before losing his re-election bid to Nathan Hochman. In March, the new DA filed a motion to withdraw the resentencing petition, saying the self-defense claims were nothing but “lies,” according to ABC News. “The Menendez brothers have failed to come clean with the full extent of their criminal conduct, their cover-up, their lies and their deceit,” Hochman said outside the courtroom on Tuesday. Members of the Menendez family have mostly supported the brothers’ resentencing bid. Their uncle, Milton Anderson, was the only family member to publicly oppose the effort. He died in March.

President Donald Trump touched down in Qatar on Wednesday, where he was greeted by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, making him the first American president to visit the oil-rich Gulf nation. Upon arrival in Doha, Trump’s motorcade — escorted by Qatari police using Tesla Cybertrucks — was given a lavish ceremonial welcome by Qataris riding ceremonial horses and camels upon arriving at the Amiri Diwan, the official workplace of the Amir. .@POTUS arrives at the Amiri Diwan in Doha ???? pic.twitter.com/CZt28tCBid — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 14, 2025 Trump saluted as the American National Anthem played inside the Amiri Diwan shortly after his arrival, a video posted to the White House’s Rapid Response X account shows. Trump then greeted the Qatari officials while Al-Thani greeted the American delegation. “We’ve been friends for a long time,” Trump said while sitting down with Al-Thani. “We’ve liked each other and we’ve worked with each other and now we can work in the highest capacity and we will bring peace not only here, but I know you’re very much involved in helping us in other regions, like what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine.” HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRUMP’S MIDDLE EAST TRIP He added that he thinks there is “good news” coming out of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Touting his history in construction, Trump complimented the Amiri Diwan, pointing out its “perfect marble.” “This is what they call perfecto,” Trump said. “Just a great job you’ve done and what a beautiful place.” .@POTUS to the Emir of Qatar: "It's been a very loyal, great, beautiful friendship" ???? pic.twitter.com/JKvOYBEkru — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 14, 2025 Trump also thanked the Qataris for the warm greeting, saying that he appreciated the camels and hadn’t “seen camels like that in a long time.” “That was some greeting. We appreciate it very much.” Al-Thani welcomed Trump, and pointed out that Trump is the first American president to visit Qatar. “We are extremely honored to have you here,” he said. “It’s a historic visit and I don’t know if you know, you are the first American president officially to visit Qatar so we are very honored.” HOW TRUMP AND RUBIO PUT AMERICA FIRST IN 100 DAYS Trump’s trip initially got off to a controversial start following reports that the president is preparing to accept a $400 million Boeing 747 jumbo jet from Qatar, which would be available for Trump to use in lieu of Air Force One. Shortly before he leaves office, the plane would then be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation. The gift has caused bipartisan uproar with critics who say it’s a signal that Qatar — a massive funder and enabler of terrorist groups — is trying to gain influence in the Trump administration. Trump defended the gift as an affordable way to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One. TRUMP CALLS ON SAUDI ARABIA TO JOIN ABRAHAM ACCORDS: ‘MY FERVENT HOPE’ “So the fact that the Defense Department is getting a GIFT, FREE OF CHARGE, of a 747 aircraft to replace the 40-year-old Air Force One, temporarily, in a very public and transparent transaction, so bothers the Crooked Democrats that they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane,” he posted. “Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!” The warm visit stands in contrast to Trump’s June 2017 views on Qatar, when he accused the country of backing terrorism. “The nation of Qatar, unfortunately, has historically been a funder of terrorism at a very high level, and in the wake of that conference, nations came together and spoke to me about confronting Qatar over its behavior,” Trump said. “So we had a decision to make:  Do we take the easy road, or do we finally take a hard but necessary action?  We have to stop the funding of terrorism.”

At first glance, it may look like abortion access in America is shrinking. Since 2020, dozens of brick-and-mortar abortion facilities have closed. It might be easy to assume this means fewer abortions are happening. But the numbers tell a different — and more urgent — story. According to research from the University of California’s Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, there were 758 brick-and-mortar abortion facilities in the United States in 2020. By 2023, that number had dropped slightly to 741. But what’s been largely overlooked is this: 226 new virtual abortion “clinics” opened during that same period. The net result? There are now more access points for abortion in America than at any time in the past decade — 967 in total. This dramatic shift is having real consequences. The Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion access, estimates there were over 1 million abortions in 2023 — up from 930,160 in 2020. Telemedicine abortions now account for roughly 20% of all abortions nationwide, and organizations like Aid Access and Plan C offer mail-order abortion pills with little to no medical oversight or regulation. This is not just a policy debate — it’s a public health crisis in the making. Over the past several years, the Food and Drug Administration has steadily loosened the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) requirements for mifepristone, one of the drugs used in chemical abortions. What used to require in-person dispensing and medical supervision now often happens without an ultrasound, without lab work, and without an in-person medical visit. In the world of mail-order abortions, many women never see a doctor before, during, or after the abortion. This systematic removal of actual healthcare from the abortion process has consequences. Women may be further along in pregnancy than they realize — something only an ultrasound can confirm. They may have undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies or other medical complications that can be fatal if the abortion pill is taken. They may hemorrhage, suffer infection, or be left alone in a moment of real crisis with no medical professional to perform emergency care. No legitimate area of medicine is allowed to operate this way. If a woman miscarried at home, she would be told to seek prompt medical care. But in the case of abortion, the prevailing approach is increasingly to mail a few pills and send a woman on her way — with no verification that she’s even a candidate for the drug, and no one to follow up with her if something goes wrong. Meanwhile, the abortion industry continues to innovate — not to offer better care, but to make abortions more accessible and less visible. Clinics in permissive states are multiplying. Pro-abortion organizations are funding interstate travel. Online abortion pill networks continue to grow, many of them operating outside the regulations of state or federal officials. So what does this mean for those of us working to support women facing unexpected pregnancies? It means we must meet women where they are — online, on their phones, in the quiet of their uncertainty. Pregnancy help organizations, long known for offering compassionate care and real alternatives to abortion, are rising to the challenge. Many are adapting to this new landscape by offering virtual consultations, telehealth services, and chat-based support through national hotlines. In fact, over the past year alone, the number of pregnancy help organizations offering telehealth has grown by 172%. This isn’t just about keeping pace with change — it’s about ensuring that women know they still have real choices and about keeping them safe. While abortion providers invade digital spaces with minimal accountability, pregnancy help centers are doing the hard work of offering personalized care — often at no cost — along with life-affirming solutions like housing, medical services, and material support for mothers and babies. The battleground has shifted. But so has the movement that exists to walk with women through one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. We cannot afford to assume that a decrease in physical abortion facilities means the need for pregnancy help is any less urgent. If anything, the need is growing — because the silence and secrecy of the digital abortion era leave many women more isolated than ever before. That’s why innovation and compassion must go hand in hand. In a world where abortion is a click away, the vital human connection offered by pregnancy help should be as well. Andrea Trudden is vice president of communications at Heartbeat International. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing to freeze enrollment for illegal immigrants in the state’s free health care program. Newsom’s 2025-2026 revised budget proposal, which is set to be released later on Wednesday, plans to block new adult applications from illegal immigrants to the Medi-Cal program as soon as January 1, the Los Angeles Times reported. The governor, who previously expanded Medi-Cal from going to children of low-income illegal immigrants to making it available to all income-eligible illegal immigrants, is now concerned about cutting back on California’s spending as the state faces a budget deficit. The expanded free health program has cost billions more than the state expected. In addition to freezing enrollment at the beginning of next year, Newsom also wants to begin charging illegal immigrants who remain in the program $100 a month, starting in 2027, The New York Times reported. Newsom’s office says the change will save California $5.4 billion through 2028-2029. Last year, California became the first state to offer free health insurance to illegal immigrants, but the program quickly ballooned as more joined than the state had expected, according to the L.A. Times. California lawmakers and Gov. Newsom recently approved a $3.4 billion loan to pay for the expanded program’s extra expenses through June. It’s the third straight year that Newsom and Democratic lawmakers have been forced to cut spending after allocating more money for big government programs than the state has available to spend. Newsom has also blamed President Donald Trump’s tariffs for hurting California’s economy, projecting that the state would lose $16 billion in revenue between 2025 and 2026. Newsom’s revised budget proposal also comes as the Trump administration targets state-funded programs for illegal immigrants. Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security announced an investigation into California’s program that hands out cash assistance to elderly illegal immigrants who are ineligible for Social Security because of their immigration status. The Trump administration is pushing to “make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally.” “Radical left politicians in California prioritize illegal aliens over our own citizens, including by giving illegal aliens access to cash benefits,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “The Trump Administration is working together to identify abuse and exploitation of public benefits and make sure those in this country illegally are not receiving federal benefits or other financial incentives to stay illegally. If you are an illegal immigrant, you should leave now. The gravy train is over. While this subpoena focuses only on Los Angeles County – it is just the beginning.”