Category: News
Trump doubles down on redistricting in Indiana even as lawmakers rebuke special session
President Donald Trump is insisting that the redistricting fight in Indiana is not over even as the GOP-led state Senate again refused Tuesday to return to the Capitol this year for a special session to draw new congressional maps.
Divisions among Indiana’s GOP lawmakers were on full display as senators voted to instead convene next for the regular session in January despite the shadow of Trump’s threats to support primary challengers to legislators opposed to redistricting.
Trump has blasted individual senators in social media posts, including Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, who said last week there weren’t enough votes to pass a redistricting proposal and that the chamber would not meet.
“Soon, he will have a Primary Problem, as will any other politician who supports him in this stupidity,” Trump said of Bray on Tuesday on Truth Social. Bray isn’t up for reelection until 2028, along with half the Senate body.
The vote was the latest show of defiance against Trump and his ally, Republican Gov. Mike Braun, who want Republicans to use their supermajority in both legislative chambers to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries before the end of the year.
While states usually draw new district boundaries every 10 years with the census, Trump wants Indiana and other Republican states to create congressional maps that will favor Republican candidates and give them an easier path to maintain control of the U.S. House in the 2026 elections. The stakes are high since Democrats only need to flip a handful of seats and midterm elections usually favor the party opposite to the one in power.
The blow to Trump’s efforts came as a federal court on Tuesday derailed, for now, his hopes to secure more seats in Texas. A panel of three judges blocked the state from using a new congressional map that would boost Republicans.
Republicans currently outnumber Democrats in Indiana’s congressional delegation 7-2.
Braun suggested in a statement that he is exploring ways to compel the Senate to return in December and take a vote. But his options remain unclear, other than maintaining political pressure on Republicans refusing to go along.
“I will support President Trump’s efforts to recruit, endorse and finance primary challengers for Indiana’s senators who refuse to support fair maps,” Braun said.
Republican infighting
Braun first called for a special session last month and lawmakers initially agreed to meet in early December. That was before Bray’s declaration last week. Senators voted 29-19 Tuesday to reconvene in January instead.
Braun, a first-term governor, said he had a call with Trump Monday.
“This is a slap in the face of the governor of the state of Indiana to do something like this,” state Sen. Michael Young, who favors redistricting, said on the floor Tuesday. Lawmakers were gathered at the statehouse for a ceremonial day that occurs each year before the regular session in January.
Republican Sen. Greg Goode, whom Trump called out by name on social media over the weekend for resisting redistricting, was the victim of a swatting attempt on Sunday. Goode said in a statement Tuesday he will not take a public stance on the topic until he sees an official map.
More state senators have come out against redistricting this week, including a handful of Republicans calling for their party to focus instead on flipping a Democratic seat in northwest Indiana. The 1st Congressional District has been seen as a possible pickup for Republicans in recent years.
“The message from my district has been clear — they do not support mid-cycle redistricting, and therefore I cannot support it,” state Sen. Travis Holdman, who represents a rural district near Fort Wayne, said in a statement Tuesday. “I do not believe redrawing our map will guarantee a 9-0 result.”
It is unclear whether the state House, which does have the votes to take up redistricting, will return in December. Speaker Todd Huston told lawmakers to keep the first two weeks of December open on their calendars. Yet in a statement, Huston said he hopes one day that Congress prohibits mid-cycle redistricting.
“But until that happens, Indiana cannot bury its head in the sand,” Huston said.
Redistricting fight grows
Texas was the first state to kick off the redistricting fight this year. Republicans redrew the state’s congressional map to give the GOP five additional seats. Voters in California recently approved a ballot initiative that would give Democrats five more seats.
Both plans are now mired in legal battles.
Republicans in Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio have all adopted new districts to boost the GOP, while the Democratic-led Virginia General Assembly has taken a step toward redistricting with a proposed constitutional amendment.
Efforts have come up short in the Republican-led Kansas Legislature and in Democratic-led Illinois and Maryland.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/18/trump-indiana-redistricting/
Maryland Gives $6M To Nonprofit Leader Who Owes Over $200K In Back-Taxes
Maryland Gives $6M To Nonprofit Leader Who Owes Over $200K In Back-Taxes
Maryland has awarded $6 million to We Our Us, a nonprofit led by Antoine Burton, who owes more than $200,000 in federal and state tax liens dating back to 2017, according to investigative reporting by Fox 45 Baltimore. The situation has renewed concerns about how officials vet organizations receiving major public funding.
Gov. Wes Moore approved the $6.1 million Department of Juvenile Services contract to “engage justice-involved youth in Baltimore City.” The award came shortly after Moore praised Baltimore’s community partnerships, saying, “We know that partnership produces progress, and there’s no better case study than Baltimore.”
Burton, who owes $176,000 to the IRS and $32,000 to Maryland, told Spotlight on Maryland he has a plan to resolve his liens: “Right now, that’s something that’s being disputed… there’s a team that’s in place to make sure that funds are facilitated properly.” He did not provide any documents.
DJS said the nonprofit is in good standing with the state and has received $815,398 since 2023 through the Thrive Academy. It has not yet billed the state for the new $6 million contract. Gov. Moore’s office and DJS did not say whether they were aware of Burton’s liens before granting the award.
The report, citing experts, says the liens should have been considered. Georgia State professor Amanda Beck said, “I personally think it’s reasonable to make that a part of this decision.”
We Our Us has also not filed its IRS nonprofit forms for the past two fiscal years. The group says it requested an extension due to a voluntary audit, but Florida International University professor Erica Harris said, “That is not appropriate… You file your estimated information and then you amend with whatever audited information that you have if there needs to be adjustments. But you need to file by the filing date.”
Burton said the new funding will help expand mentoring, food distribution, addiction support, and job-assistance programs: “We are embedded in the lives of these kids. Some of them even look at some of our life coaches as father figures because we are engaged week in and week out, making sure there’s an accountability system in place.”
Burton’s divorce records show his ex-wife alleged he had “multiple affairs,” hid a “tax lien against him that he failed to inform” her about, and “accrued large amounts of financial debt and intentionally hid this information.” Burton denied the claims, telling Spotlight on Maryland, “I did not hide any finances from my wife.” He ended the interview after questions about his personal life, saying, “I can’t believe you guys did this.”
The $6 million award was issued through a “Non-Competitive Negotiated Procurement.” Beck said such processes can be “controversial” and added, “The concern is that you are giving the business to whomever you want to give the business to, and structuring proposals to give it to that business.”
We Our Us is also slated to receive $1 million from Baltimore City’s opioid settlement with Walgreens, though the grant agreement is not finalized and the funds have not yet been disbursed.
You can watch Burton humiliate himself during the interview here:
The Maryland state government awarded $6 million in taxpayer funds to a nonprofit whose president owes more than $200,000 in taxes.
Watch my tense exchange here in an exclusive interview with the head of We Our Us: https://t.co/zBx2Zb1nkB pic.twitter.com/lkXu2fnj4J
— Patrick Hauf (@PatrickHauf) November 14, 2025
Tyler Durden
Tue, 11/18/2025 – 19:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/maryland-gives-6m-nonprofit-leader-who-owes-over-200k-back-taxes
Haití celebra una batalla histórica mientras un pueblo lucha contra las bandas armadas
Por DÁNICA COTO
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — La mayor parte de Haití celebraba el martes el aniversario de una histórica batalla que ayudó al país a convertirse en la primera república negra del mundo, pero un pueblo que fue clave en ese conflicto se ocupaba ahora de luchar por su vida.
Los residentes de la antes pacífica ciudad costera de Arcahaie, el lugar de nacimiento de la bandera de Haití, se unieron a la policía el martes para repeler a bandas fuertemente armadas que intentaban tomar el control de su comunidad.
“Los estamos conteniendo por el momento”, afirmó el alcalde Jean Edner Gilles en entrevista telefónica con The Associated Press.
Un policía murió de un disparo en la cabeza durante el ataque, que comenzó el lunes y continúa hasta el momento; la Policía Nacional de Haití culpa de la agresión a las que denominó “bandas terroristas”.
Gilles dijo que muchas personas han resultado heridas, pero no pudo proporcionar una cifra porque la policía aún no había compilado un informe.
“Mi mensaje para mis hermanos y hermanas de la comunidad es que permanezcan alerta como verdaderos luchadores, y en cuanto a las bandas, sus días están contados si quieren seguir penetrando en nuestra comunidad”, expresó.
Este es el más reciente ataque en una región situada al norte de la capital de Haití donde las bandas expanden su poder mientras un departamento de policía con poco personal y recursos lucha por contraatacar.
En septiembre, las bandas mataron al menos a 42 personas en Labodrie, justo al sur de Arcahaie. Entre las víctimas estaba un niño de cuatro años y su familia.
En total, más de 1.240 personas han sido asesinadas y otras 710 heridas en todo Haití de julio a septiembre, mientras los grupos delictivos siguen enfrentándose con la policía y grupos de autodefensa, según un informe de la ONU publicado la semana pasada.
Casi el 20% de esos incidentes ocurrieron en el departamento central de Artibonite, donde las bandas están ganando terreno.
“La situación sigue siendo extremadamente volátil”, se indica en el informe.
Una misión respaldada por la ONU y encabezada por la policía keniana trata de ayudar a las autoridades haitianas a sofocar la violencia de las pandillas, pero carece de la financiación y el personal suficientes.
A finales de septiembre, el Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU aprobó la creación de una fuerza de supresión de bandas que tendría el poder de arrestar a presuntos miembros de esos grupos, pero aún no ha sido desplegada.
En un discurso pronunciado el martes para celebrar el 222do aniversario de la Batalla de Vertières, Laurent Saint-Cyr, líder del consejo presidencial de transición de Haití, condenó a quienes saquean y hacen arder al país.
“Es un momento para que nos tomemos un poco de tiempo para mirarnos en el espejo y comprometernos claramente a honrar la gran cadena de sacrificios que nuestros antepasados hicieron por nosotros”, manifestó mientras prometía priorizar la seguridad y la estabilidad del país.
La celebración de la batalla histórica se produce un día después de que la vida en Puerto Príncipe se detuviera tras una advertencia de una poderosa coalición de bandas, conocida como Viv Ansanm, en la que se pedía a la gente que no saliera a las calles de la capital de Haití para que el grupo pudiera luchar contra la policía.
No se reportaron ataques importantes de bandas; en cambio, la policía haitiana realizó ofensivas en ciertas áreas controladas por bandas en Puerto Príncipe: “Bastiones criminales destruidos, bandidos neutralizados. Sin bajas policiales. La lucha por la seguridad continúa”.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Departamento de Energía presta $1.000 millones para reiniciar reactor nuclear en Three Mile Island
Por MARC LEVY
HARRISBURG, Pensilvania, EE.UU. (AP) — El Departamento de Energía de Estados Unidos dijo que prestará 1.000 millones de dólares para ayudar a financiar el reinicio de la planta nucleoeléctrica de la Isla de las Tres Millas (Three Mile Island), en Pensilvania, que está bajo contrato para suministrar energía a los centros de datos de Microsoft.
El préstamo se alinea con las prioridades del gobierno del presidente Donald Trump, que incluyen el fortalecimiento de la energía nuclear y la inteligencia artificial.
Para Constellation Energy, que posee el único reactor nuclear en funcionamiento de la planta de Three Mile Island, el préstamo federal reducirá su costo de financiamiento para poner en marcha nuevamente la planta que había sido cerrada. El reactor de 835 megawatts puede cubrir las necesidades de aproximadamente 800.000 hogares, indicó el Departamento de Energía.
El reactor había estado fuera de operación durante cinco años cuando Constellation Energy anunció el año pasado que gastaría 1.600 millones de dólares para reiniciarlo bajo un acuerdo de 20 años con Microsoft para comprar la energía para sus centros de datos.
Constellation Energy renombró la unidad en funcionamiento como el Centro de Energía Limpia Crane mientras trabaja para restaurar equipos, incluidos la turbina, el generador, el transformador principal de energía y los sistemas de enfriamiento y control. Espera volver a poner la planta en operación en 2027.
El préstamo se emite al amparo de un programa de infraestructura energética existente de 250.000 millones de dólares autorizado inicialmente por el Congreso en 2022. Ni el departamento ni Constellation divulgaron los términos del préstamo.
La planta, ubicada en una isla en el río Susquehanna, en las afueras de Harrisburg, fue el sitio del peor accidente nuclear comercial del país, en 1979. El accidente destruyó un reactor, la Unidad 2, y dejó la planta con un reactor en funcionamiento: la Unidad 1.
En 2019, la entonces empresa matriz de Constellation Energy, Exelon, cerró el reactor en funcionamiento, diciendo que estaba perdiendo dinero y que los legisladores de Pensilvania se habían negado a subsidiarlo para mantenerlo en operación.
El plan para reiniciar el reactor surge en medio de una especie de renacimiento para la energía nuclear, ya que las autoridades están buscando en ella una forma de reforzar el suministro de energía del país, ayudar a evitar los peores efectos del cambio climático y satisfacer la mayor demanda de energía de los centros de datos.
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Marc Levy está en X como http://twitter.com/timelywriter
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
TikTok Zombie Brain Rot Confirmed By Major Study
TikTok Zombie Brain Rot Confirmed By Major Study
Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news,
A bombshell Griffith University study has validated a long suspected reality: short-form videos (SFVs) like TikToks and Instagram Reels are frying brains, slashing attention spans, and crippling cognitive endurance.
Such content is turning a generation into scatterbrained zombies unable to tackle real-world complexities amid algorithmic dopamine traps.
The meta-analysis, reviewing 71 studies and data from 98,299 participants, uncovered a “consistent pattern” of harm from heavy SFV consumption.
Bingeing TikTok reels may be hazardous to your well-being.
71 studies, >98k people: The more short-form videos teens and adults watched, the more they struggled with attention, self-control, and stress and anxiety.
Read a book. Watch a movie. Long live longform. pic.twitter.com/Yzyv68kBDh
— Adam Grant (@AdamMGrant) November 14, 2025
Researchers concluded: “Overall, this meta-analysis revealed a consistent pattern linking higher SFV use with poorer cognitive performance, particularly in attentional control and inhibitory processes.”
They warn: “These associations may reflect cognitive strain or emerging disruptions in cognitive endurance and attentional regulation among heavier SFV users.”
“Given the central role of attention and executive functioning in academic, occupational, and daily goal-directed tasks, these patterns may indicate broader difficulties in sustaining mental effort over time,” the study further notes.
The study pinpoints risks for deep thinking: “Tasks requiring prolonged concentration (e.g., reading comprehension, complex problem solving) may be more difficult to sustain, especially as SFV platforms reinforce brief, high-reward interactions through rapid feedback and algorithmic content delivery.”
National Review’s Michael Brendan Dougherty has amplified the alarm, linking SFV addiction to civilizational decay.
“The last inherited habits of civilization are giving way to the onset of paranoia, distrust, and desperation for answers. Most things you thought were solid in our civilization have been vaporized and evacuated. The second you lean on these structures, they fall apart,” Dougherty urges.
He envisions a grim future: “If we’re going to conserve anything through this period, it’s going to require heroic work and institution-building. Which will require trust, and trust implies some agreement on the deep values. But how can that be achieved when most thoughts are flattened into 15-second video shorts on TikTok and Instagram Stories? God help us.”
The study confirms that social media obsession is self-sabotage, breeding a dumber electorate hooked on snippets over substance—paving the way for real discourse to reclaim focus and rebuild what algorithms have wrecked.
Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.
Tyler Durden
Tue, 11/18/2025 – 19:15
https://www.zerohedge.com/medical/tiktok-zombie-brain-rot-confirmed-major-study
Daily Horoscope for November 19, 2025
General Daily Insight for November 19, 2025
Staying on our feet won’t be easy with all that today has in store. Hyperactive Mercury faces unpredictable Uranus in opposition at 6:45 AM EST, so we may field sudden news that requires calm handling. Soon after, Mercury leaps into a harmonious trine with dreamy Neptune. Our imagination can help us connect dots without jumping to conclusions. By evening, the caring Moon steadies cautious Saturn, supporting simple routines and mature choices. We’ll know when to accept compromises and when to stand our ground.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Private matters may demand some extra patience. Cerebral Mercury in your acute 8th house opposes shocking Uranus in your 2nd House of Banking, so a talk about financial trust may feel charged but result in helpful changes. Aim to meet in the middle regarding general safety and boundaries around spending. Boldly start an honest check-in about a shared bill or an impulse purchase, because direct words reduce drama and increase cooperation. Personal and professional agreements will grow stronger when you can both trust each other.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Promises, promises, Taurus — you can make them, but can you fulfill them? Your 7th House of Contracts is preeminent under today’s Mercury-Uranus opposition. Their unconventional intellectualism brings contrasting needs into a shared discussion or plan. Aim to meet halfway. You might miss some of your wants, but satisfying everyone’s needs should be worth the sacrifice. Treat interpersonal tension as an opportunity to build alliances that last beyond minor spats. You can disagree with others on certain things and still respect their team-building efforts.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Get ready to be seen! Think of your life like the background of a video call — is there anything that you wouldn’t want your audience seeing? Small habits work wonders to improve any visible issues as information-gathering Mercury trines dreamy Neptune, strengthening your 6th House of Daily Routine and your 10th House of Societal Recognition. A chat with a co-worker could clear a work backlog, or a discussion at home may ensure forgotten chores get handled. Keep it simple to achieve consistent growth.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Your heart wants fun that feels safe. Your 5th House of Hobbies shines as upbeat Mercury reaches from there to oppose radical Uranus in your networked 11th house. Plans for play may shift without warning! Group ideas, in particular, are at risk of clashing with your current desires. A movie night could get co-opted into a game night or a night out on the town. Connection matters more than seemingly “perfect” plans. Staying playful and flexible is the best way to find joy.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Patience can presently warm your home as well as any fire. It may not work immediately — when speedy Mercury pokes sudden Uranus, a household decision or relative’s request may change without warning. Blend perspectives carefully, even as outside pressures demand urgency. You may want to hold a quick family (or roommate) huddle to get everyone’s opinion on the topic. Whether you’re the king of the jungle or part of the pride, ensuring everyone’s issues are heard can turn unpleasant surprises into realistic plans.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Conversations call for focused edits at the moment. Your 3rd House of Communication gets busy as brilliant Mercury opposes quirky Uranus in your philosophical 9th house. A message from a neighbor could need a thoughtful response. Make a point of seeing things from their perspective before writing back. It would be wise to double-check any written responses today! You may choose to rewrite a note or reconfirm the route for a meetup. Meticulous steps should prevent stress and show care for everyone involved.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Balancing needs and wants takes extra grace. Fortunately, Libra, you’ve got that in spades, even as impatient Mercury opposes reactive Uranus. They’re clashing across your 2nd House of Cash and your 8th House of Intimacy — ouch! Long-term trust could be impacted by spending or sharing. Prepare yourself to renegotiate a group subscription or split a bill differently with a roommate (and don’t lend anything you aren’t prepared to lose). Whatever your bank account looks like, stick to your financial standards. Value yourself!
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
Your voice is strong — which may not be a good thing right now. Mercury Retrograde is in your sign, picking a fight with awakened Uranus in your partner-focused 7th house. Ready or not, the spotlight is on you and how you connect with others. A partner or client may push for quicker answers, conflicting with your needs around fairness and respectful timing. Take a deep breath before replying to any impudent asks. A thoughtful answer should protect your power more than a defensive one.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
Your new ideas need a proper space to land. Rest pulls against duty as messenger Mercury pushes uncertain Uranus, blending your gentle 12th house and no-nonsense 6th house. Worries could interrupt your focus all throughout the day. Be gentle with yourself! Try setting up a regulated schedule with plenty of breaks to find a sustainable pace. Using at least one of those breaks to take a short walk would be a good idea. Protecting your peace is the best way to find clarity.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Group plans need patience at this time. Your 11th House of Communal Efforts and 5th House of Distractions collide as precise Mercury opposes jumpy Uranus. This will have ramifications for any team plans or group events. Look for common ground (ideally with space for personal flair). You can draft a backup timeline for a night out or explain clear roles for a project. If someone calls you the “mom friend,” that’s a compliment! You’re capable of helping everyone respect your mutual goals while staying flexible.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Spotlights brighten as responsibilities call your name. Mischievous Mercury bumps into unruly Uranus, concentrating the combined powers of your ambition sector and family zone. Your boss and your parents (or another mix of authority figures) might both demand your attention! Stay on your toes as much as possible, because some creative moves will probably be necessary to satisfy your conflicting duties. Inventive thinking protects personal time while showing real commitment to results. Propose bold options, knowing that flexibility showcases your reliable leadership potential.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
Fog is best cleared by actively engaging your brain today. Inspiration flows as shrewd Mercury trines spiritual Neptune, engaging your 9th House of Distance with your 3rd House of Mental Activity. Let your hopes expand beyond your current capacity for travel or learning. You don’t need to rush into anything — just keep the future in mind. You may research education options or map a possible trip, but concrete actions aren’t necessary. Slow and steady movement is key to nourishing your soul.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/18/daily-horoscope-for-november-19-2025/
Constellation Gets $1 Billion Loan From US Govt To Restart Three Mile Island
Constellation Gets $1 Billion Loan From US Govt To Restart Three Mile Island
One week ago we said that “hundreds of billions” of dollars are about to be loaned out to nuclear projects by the US government. Well, the first billion is about to be wired.
The Wall Street Journal reports Constellation Energy has secured a $1 billion federal loan from the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) to restart the Unit 1 reactor at the Three Mile Island reactor plant in Pennsylvania, recently renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center. Constellation has said it would pay about $1.6 billion to restart the plant in 2027.
CEG stock shot up 5% after hours on the news.
The plant’s Unit 2 reactor infamously suffered a partial meltdown in the 1970s, but Unit 1 continued to operate without issue for decades until it was shut down in 2019. The reactor was shuttered due to its inability to compete economically with cheap natural gas, as the company notes “before it was prematurely shuttered due to poor economics, this plant was among the safest and most reliable nuclear plants on the grid”.
Constellation announced the intention to restart Unit 1 after Microsoft signed a $16 billion, 20-year offtake agreement in an effort to secure a carbon-free source of reliable energy for their data centers.
Energy Wright said Three Mile Island will add around 800 megawatts of power generation to the grid. Wright added that “constellation’s restart of a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania will provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy to Americans across the Mid-Atlantic region. It will also help ensure America has the energy it needs to grow its domestic manufacturing base and win the AI race.”
WSJ notes “the deal calls for Constellation to revive the plant’s undamaged reactor, which was too costly to run and closed in 2019. The power generated will be sold to Microsoft under a 20-year deal. The tech industry has a nearly insatiable demand for 24-hour-a-day power for AI data centers.”
The 835 MW reactor produces enough power for approximately 800,000 homes and will provide reliable and affordable baseload power to the PJM Interconnection region. Along with clean energy, the project will strengthen grid reliability and create over 600 jobs.
Thomas Hochman, Director of Energy & Infrastructure Policy with the Foundation for American Innovation, notes multiple important points with the latest closed LPO deal, in particular that it’s “it’s really the first LPO loan to tackle the issue of AI-driven load growth”.
He notes that it’s a novel construct between a technology firm and an energy developer and represents the tech sector’s continued move into the infrastructure space. He also importantly point salad, but this is “not a behind-the-meter deal. The electrons from Three Mile Island will flow directly into PJM, benefitting ratepayers and adding extra reserve margin to the grid.”
As for today’s loan, it’s just the first of many in a space we expect to see a flood of capital…
So much capital coming to this space next 3 years https://t.co/ZwTB0C2CUU
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 18, 2025
… as the US scrambles to catch up to China’s massive nuclear head start.
Tyler Durden
Tue, 11/18/2025 – 18:50
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/constellation-gets-1-billion-loan-us-govt-restart-three-mile-island
Grupo de congresistas pide salida de ministro colombiano por muerte de menores en bombardeos
Associated Press
BOGOTÁ (AP) — Un grupo de congresistas colombianos solicitó el martes a la Cámara de Representantes convocar al ministro de Defensa a un debate de moción de censura, un procedimiento que reprocha su desempeño y busca su salida del cargo, por la muerte de al menos 12 menores de edad en bombardeos contra estructuras ilegales.
La muerte de los menores constituyó la “presunta vulneración de los principios del Derecho Internacional Humanitario y de las obligaciones reforzadas de protección que el Estado colombiano debe garantizar a la niñez”, indicaron los 27 congresistas de partidos de oposición, independientes y algunos afines al gobierno que firmaron la solicitud.
Tras la petición de moción de censura, la Cámara de Representantes debe definir el día en que se realizará un debate para que el ministro dé explicaciones sobre lo sucedido y luego, máximo en los diez días siguientes, se cite para una votación en la que los legisladores decidirán por mayoría si aprueban o no que sea separado del cargo.
El presidente Gustavo Petro, primer izquierdista en gobernar el país, aceptó la víspera que durante bombardeos ordenados entre octubre y noviembre han muerto 12 adolescentes, víctimas de reclutamiento forzado.
Medicina Legal reportó que entre agosto y noviembre han muerto 15 menores de edad en operativos militares, sin embargo, el ministro de Defensa, Pedro Sánchez, aclaró que en uno de los operativos realizados el 24 de agosto murieron tres menores en combate, no en bombardeos.
Petro se acuñó la responsabilidad de ordenar los bombardeos, antes de que fueran conocidas las muertes de menores de edad en ellos, indicando que así combatían a las estructuras que trafican drogas como las disidencias de las extintas Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), al mando de alias “Iván Mordisco”, uno de los más buscados del país.
Petro dijo que denunciaría a “Mordisco” ante la Corte Penal Internacional por reclutar niños.
Tanto Petro como el ministro de Defensa se han rehusado a detener los bombardeos pese al pedido expreso de la estatal Defensoría del Pueblo, encargada de velar por los derechos humanos en el país, y que fue la primera en advertir el fin de semana de la muerte de menores en uno de los bombardeos.
“Negar o limitar las capacidades del Estado para proteger a la población es, en la práctica, fortalecer a los grupos criminales y exponer a los colombianos a un riesgo y sufrimiento aún mayores”, argumentó Sánchez en la red social X.
Los congresistas que pidieron formalmente citar a una moción de censura al ministro consideran que no existe “información clara, verificable y suficiente que permita concluir que se aplicaron adecuadamente las medidas de verificación, distinción y precaución, especialmente respecto de la presencia de menores de edad reclutados” en las operaciones militares.
Las mociones de censura no suelen prosperar en Colombia, pese a que son mecanismos muy utilizados por los congresistas para hacer control político. Sin embargo, en 2019 el entonces ministro de Defensa, Guillermo Botero, dimitió en medio de la polémica que suscitó en el país el ocultamiento de la muerte de menores de edad en bombardeos contra ilegales.
Al inicio de su gobierno Petro restringió los bombardeos justamente para prevenir la muerte de menores de edad reclutados, sin embargo, luego cambió su estrategia y los avaló.
Sánchez detalló la semana pasada que durante el gobierno de Petro, que inició en agosto de 2022, se han realizado 13 bombardeos contra grupos ilegales, ocho de ellos en el 2025.
House admonishes Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García over ballot maneuver as most Democrats defend Chicago congressman
WASHINGTON — Twenty-three congressional Democrats — including two fellow members from Illinois — joined with Republicans on Tuesday in favor of a resolution admonishing U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García for using old-school tactics to clear the way for his own House successor.
U.S. Reps. Bill Foster of Naperville and Eric Sorensen of Moline were the only Illinois Democrats to join Republicans in voting 236-183 for the resolution that chastises García for his move two weeks ago in which he suddenly dropped out of his reelection race and cleared the way for his then-chief of staff, Patty García, to succeed him. The resolution was introduced by a Democrat from the state of Washington who argued the move deprived voters in Illinois’ heavily Democratic 4th Congressional District of a meaningful choice in the Democratic primary for his House seat next year.
While the resolution will have no practical impact on the congressman’s remaining time in office or on Patty García’s efforts to take the seat, its passage is the latest slap at the outgoing congressman for his insider political maneuvering and could cast a cloud over Patty García, who is no relation to the congressman, should she win the office next year.
Chuy García originally filed for reelection but later changed his mind. Instead of making a public announcement right away, the congressman helped Patty García, who has since resigned as chief of staff, collect the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot, which were submitted at the last minute.
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, an iconoclastic Democrat from Washington state, led the effort to reprimand the prominent Chicago lawmaker. During a debate Monday night, she insisted the vote was not about García’s long record of public service, but about how he decided to leave public life.
“The consequences of subverting an election and choosing your successor are a slide toward a very ugly future for our country,” Gluesenkamp Perez said. “We know about it. That conveys on us a responsibility, not just when it’s politically convenient to condemn someone, but when it’s in your own family. … Whether it hurts you or not, you have to have confidence that Americans will make the choice for themselves.”
García defended his last-minute decision, saying he had a change of heart after considering his own health, his wife’s multiple sclerosis and their recent decision to adopt one of their grandchildren after the death of his daughter.
“I wasn’t expecting to stand here to debate my retirement,” he told his colleagues, “but before any of us are members of Congress, we are husbands, we are grandfathers, we’re sons, we’re mothers, we’re sisters. We’re regular people. But life reminds us that our jobs come second to the people waiting for us at home.”
Most members of the Democratic caucus, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, rallied around García. Many Democrats objected to having to deal with an intraparty dispute as soon as they returned from a nearly two-month House recess to end a government shutdown.
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a California Democrat, called the motion “character assassination.”
She said House Democrats shouldn’t be fighting each other at a time when the Trump administration cut food stamps during a government shutdown, was ordering military strikes on boats in international waters without congressional approval and was presiding over the rolling back of health care subsidies. House Democrats were also pushing for legislation requiring the Justice Department release documents related to its investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, she noted, a measure that eventually passed the House overwhelmingly.
“Those are issues that are far more pressing and critical to Americans,” she said. “I was home in my district this weekend. Not one person asked me about Chuy García. Not one person.”
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat who represents parts of the North Side of Chicago and many north suburbs, chafed at the idea that a lawmaker from outside the area was coming after García, who had a long career in Chicago politics.
“For someone who doesn’t know about the city of Chicago and the role that (García) has played, to find some outside idea that he has somehow cheated the city of Chicago, or the people of the city of Chicago: Are you kidding?” Schakowsky said. “There has not been one single person that has stood up in Chicago and said that there should be some sort of punishment for our great friend.”
Patty García declined to comment Tuesday on the resolution through a spokeswoman. But she defended the ballot maneuver in an interview with the Tribune last week at a restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Given the timing of the congressman’s decision, there was little time to consider making a public announcement to would-be primary opponents, his former chief of staff said.
“I’ll be honest, I mean, on that Friday, there’s so many trains having to run,” she said.
Before declaring her own candidacy, she had to resign from her federal position and “make sure that my congressional team is in good hands,” she said. At the same time, she was working with district staff and allies to help constituents whose families had been affected by federal immigration enforcement actions, she said.
“The immediate reaction was: ‘Are we going to be OK not having you help the team, right?’ … I’ve been kind of (the) lead on these rapid response (efforts) with our team members,” García said.
On top of that, the political organization also had to quickly put together plans to gather the necessary signatures to secure her spot on the ballot, she said, an effort that used 75 volunteers to collect about 2,500 signatures in just a couple of days.
A spot on the 4th Congressional District primary ballot required only 697 valid voter signatures for the March primary election, but candidates typically collect several times that amount to ensure they can withstand any legal challenges to their petitions. The period for filing objections closed Nov. 10, without anyone challenging her petitions.
Like her former boss, García said their political organization thought other candidates already were circulating petitions to challenge the congressman, given that he faced a primary challenge two years ago, although she acknowledged she wasn’t aware of any specific candidates.
And while she will be uncontested in the primary, García noted she’ll still face at least one Republican opponent in November, along with possible independent candidates.
Progressive Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, has said he is considering a bid, and Mayra Macías, formerly of the group Latino Victory Project, is said to be exploring a run. The related Latino Victory Fund has endorsed Gluesenkamp Perez in her reelection campaign.
“There’s still a misconception of like, ‘Well, the race is done. You’re it,’” García said. “And the reality is, it isn’t. I have an endorsement from the congressman, and it’s that, it’s an endorsement, and I still have to run a campaign.”
Prior to joining the congressman’s staff in 2019, Patty García worked for groups including the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund. She earned a doctorate in educational policy studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2011.
Petrella reported from Chicago.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/18/chuy-garcia-congress-resolution-reprimand/
El papa León XIV respalda a los obispos de EEUU en su condena a la política migratoria de Trump
Por TRISHA THOMAS
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italia (AP) — El papa León XIV respaldó firmemente el martes a los obispos de Estados Unidos que condenaron la ofensiva migratoria del gobierno del presidente Donald Trump, e instó al pueblo estadounidense a escucharlos y a tratar a los inmigrantes humanamente.
El primer papa estadounidense de la historia fue consultado sobre el “mensaje especial” que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos adoptó en su asamblea general la semana pasada. En el texto se critica la deportación masiva de inmigrantes por parte del gobierno de Trump y su “denigración” en el actual debate migratorio. Se lamenta el miedo y la ansiedad que las redadas migratorias han sembrado en las comunidades, y la negación de atención pastoral a los inmigrantes en los centros de detención.
León, quien previamente instó a los obispos locales a ser los primeros en hablar sobre temas de justicia social, dijo que apreciaba la declaración de los obispos estadounidenses e instó a los católicos y a todas las personas de buena voluntad a escuchar lo que dijeron.
“Creo que tenemos que buscar maneras de tratar a las personas humanamente, tratarlas con la dignidad que tienen”, dijo el pontífice, nacido en Chicago. “Si las personas están en Estados Unidos ilegalmente, hay maneras de abordarlo. Hay tribunales, existe un sistema de justicia”.
En un diálogo con periodistas al salir de la casa de campo papal al sur de Roma, León reconoció que hay problemas en el sistema migratorio de Estados Unidos. Pero enfatizó que nadie ha dicho que el país deba tener fronteras abiertas, y que cada nación tiene el derecho de determinar quién puede entrar y cómo.
“Pero cuando las personas viven buenas vidas, y muchas de ellas por 10, 15, 20 años, tratarlas de una manera que es extremadamente irrespetuosa por decir lo menos —y ha habido algo de violencia, desafortunadamente— creo que los obispos han sido muy claros en lo que dijeron”, expresó.
“Solo invitaría a todas las personas de Estados Unidos a escucharlos”.
El “mensaje especial” de los obispos fue infrecuente, y constituye la primera vez desde 2013 que los prelados redactan una declaración sobre un solo tema en una de sus reuniones. Fue acompañado por un video en Instagram de obispos leyendo el texto en cámara, para reforzar su mensaje.
Próximos planes de viaje
León habló con los periodistas reunidos fuera de su villa en Castel Gandolfo, donde suele pasar las tardes de los lunes y los martes relajándose, jugando tenis y nadando en la piscina cubierta de la finca.
Indicó que planea más viajes a partir de 2026, después de que sus compromisos en Roma disminuyan con el fin del Año Santo.
Cuando se le preguntó si regresaría a Perú, donde pasó unos 20 años como misionero, el papa dijo “por supuesto”.
Pero también dio indicios de otros posibles destinos, como el santuario de Fátima en Portugal, el de Guadalupe en México, y visitas a Argentina y Uruguay.
“Me encanta viajar, el problema es coordinar con todos los compromisos”, comentó.
La próxima semana, el jerarca católico emprenderá su primer viaje al extranjero como papa, en el que visitará Turquía y Líbano.
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Nicole Winfield contribuyó a este despacho desde Roma.
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La cobertura de temas religiosos de The Associated Press recibe apoyo a través de la colaboración de la AP con The Conversation US, con financiamiento de Lilly Endowment Inc. La AP es la única responsable de este contenido.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
