Longtime House Democrat Passes Away

 

Missouri Democratic Rep. Bill Clay Sr., the first black congressman from the state, died on Thursday after serving 32 years in the U.S. House. He was 94.

 

Louis’ recovery after “white flight” following the Civil Rights Act. He bartered with construction trades and corporate C-suites to see his hometown transformed into the skyline that now surrounds its iconic arch.

Prominent Democrats’ endorsements had a significant impact on the election prospects of fellow party members, and he was known for demanding unwavering loyalty from those who gained his approval.

“The Black community, almost overwhelmingly, looked at him as a fighter for them,” said his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO).

was ahead of his time, gaining his first election to the St

Louisans moved quickly to capture power in a city that had long separated its communities via historically discriminatory redlining policies. Clay, Sr. was ahead of his time, gaining his first election to the St.

Louis Board of Aldermen in 1959 at the age of only 28.

He became a staple during sit-ins as members of St. Louis’ black community protested the segregation enforced by businesses such as White Castle and Howard Johnson, which divided black and white customers into separate seats and hotel rooms.

“St. Louis was no different from any of the cities in the South,” Clay said in a 1998 profile. “We had rigid segregation — not by law, but by custom.

”

Louis Democrats who came of age under Clay’s shadow paid tribute to him on Friday

Louis Democrats who came of age under Clay’s shadow paid tribute to him on Friday.

 

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told SLNPR that Clay’s “courageous legacy of public service to St. Louis and the country is etched in his historic legislative battles for the poor, underrepresented and disenfranchised.

”

“Millions have him to thank for the Family and Medical Leave Act and raising the minimum wage,” Spencer said. “Generations of Black congressional leaders have followed in his footsteps as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he co-founded in 1971. We thank him for his generous service to a city he cared deeply for.

 

”

Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entirety of our country.”

Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entirety of our country. ”

“I counted Mr. Clay as a grand mentor, as a trailblazer, and as a dear friend,” Bell said in a statement. “But more than that, I carry his example with me every time I walk onto the House Floor.

”

The Congressional Black Caucus, which counts a record-breaking 62 members in the 119th Congress, said in a statement, “Congressman Bill Clay leaves behind a legacy of dignity, courage, and transformative impact. His work laid the foundation for future generations of Black leadership in public service.

May he rest in power and everlasting. ”

Louis’ proud native sons, Congressman Bill Clay Sr

Louis Democratic Mayor Cara Spencer wrote, “On behalf of the City of St. Louis, I want to offer my condolences to the family of one of St. Louis’ proud native sons, Congressman Bill Clay Sr.

My sincerest sympathy is extended to his son, Lacy Clay, who has been a champion for the City of St. Louis. ”

Michael P. McMillan, president & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, wronte, “The Urban League expresses our deepest condolences to the Clay Family upon the passing of former Congressman William L.

Clay, Sr. He was a giant in the Congress and a civil rights pioneer who helped transform St. Louis and change the lives of countless people locally and nationally.

He had a profound impact on me personally as we worked together on many projects. His legacy remains and should always be remembered. ”

Winner of California Governor’s Race Announced

 

The first-place finisher in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor has been announced.

CNN’s Decision Desk projected Friday that Becerra would advance to the general election after building an insurmountable lead over several rivals competing for one of the top two spots.

The result comes as a major relief for California Democrats, who had worried that multiple candidates splitting the vote could potentially allow two Republicans to advance under the state’s top-two primary system.

Instead, Becerra’s advancement ensures Democrats will have a nominee on the November ballot

“I’m so humbled and honored to be moving on to the general election to become your next governor,” Becerra said in a video posted to X. “Let’s go win this thing. ”

While Becerra’s spot is secure, the race for the second position remains unresolved.

Former Fox News host Steve Hilton, the Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump, remains in contention along with billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer

Election officials have not yet projected which candidate will ultimately claim the second runoff position.

Since Election Day, however, Becerra steadily expanded his lead over both Hilton and Steyer, eliminating any doubt about his advancement.

If Hilton ultimately secures the second spot, he would face a difficult path in the general election

California remains one of the most Democratic states in the nation, with approximately 4. 6 million more registered Democrats than Republicans according to the state’s latest voter registration figures.

The last Republican governor elected in California was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won reelection two decades ago.

The primary campaign itself highlighted significant challenges facing Democrats

Several high-profile Democratic figures who could have consolidated support declined to enter the race, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and U. S. Sen.

Alex Padilla.

Without a clear frontrunner, Democrats found themselves divided among numerous candidates throughout much of the campaign.

Katie Porter (D) briefly emerged as an early favorite before her campaign collapsed following the circulation of several controversial videos that damaged her standing with voters

Katie Porter (D) briefly emerged as an early favorite before her campaign collapsed following the circulation of several controversial videos that damaged her standing with voters.

Later, attention shifted toward then-Rep. Eric Swalwell (D), after he entered the race in late 2025.

That campaign ended abruptly after reports surfaced alleging sexual misconduct. Swalwell denied the accusations but withdrew from the race shortly afterward and resigned from Congress.

His departure created an opening that Becerra successfully exploited

The former congressman, California attorney general, and Biden administration cabinet secretary centered his campaign on experience and government leadership.

Becerra argued throughout the race that California’s challenges required a leader with a proven record managing complex crises.

At the same time, opponents repeatedly targeted that record

Critics attacked Becerra’s handling of issues ranging from the child migrant crisis to the federal government’s response to the mpox outbreak.

He also faced political fallout after a former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud involving campaign funds.

Becerra himself has not been accused of wrongdoing in that matter

Supporters defended his record and argued that many of the attacks were politically motivated.

Former Biden White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain previously told CNN that Becerra inherited difficult situations and worked tirelessly to address them.

As the governor’s race continues to unfold, another closely watched California contest remains unresolved

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has already secured a place in the November election, but the battle for second place remains undecided, CNN reported.

Reality television personality Spencer Pratt continues to hold second place, though City Councilwoman Nithya Raman has gained ground as additional ballots are counted.

For Democrats statewide, however, Friday’s projection removed one major concern

Regardless of who ultimately joins him on the ballot, Xavier Becerra will be competing for California governor this November.

Jobless Claims Just Hit A Number Not Seen Since Nixon Was President

 

I’ve often said, ‘You can’t hate the ‘mainstream media’ enough,’ and that is still true. In fact, it keeps getting even more accurate in the age of President Donald Trump. Despite the fact that he’s the most accessible president in generations and is the polar opposite of Autopen Joe Biden who slept through most of his term, the garbage corporate media can’t help but blast Trump daily for any and every little thing they can spin.

 

Especially when the news about Trump is actually good, which happens a lot. Like today.

You can forgive yourself if a) you didn’t know that jobless claims just hit a historic low not seen since the days of Richard Nixon’s first term, and b) this is actually a good thing (because the media is spinning it as ‘a really bad thing’).

And so on

“Yeah, jobless claims are way down BUT…”

“Good jobs report, BUT most economists warn…”

But it’s not bad news, as even ABC News had to admit:

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits tumbled to their lowest level more than 50 years last week despite a number of economic headwinds including the war in Iran.

U.S. jobless aid applications for the week ending April 25 fell by 26,000 to 189,000, down from the previous week’s 215,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s well below the 214,000 new applications analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet were expecting.

Filings for unemployment benefits are considered a proxy for U.S. layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market.

The network also quantified this report thusly:

 

Yes, the Iran war has led to a spike in oil prices. Yes, President Trump is on that. But the stock market, which isn’t always a good indicator of overall economic health, is nevertheless signifying long-term growth, and while many Americans might say, “So what? Who cares about the stock market?” – if you have a 401(k) retirement plan, as tens of millions of us do, you’re happy the market is up.

Similarly, an overall health job and employment situation also boosts the overall economy

Affordability remains one of the top concerns for many Americans, and with good reason: everything seems significantly more expensive than it was just five years ago. But then, I vividly remember the days of 9.1 percent inflation under Biden and how it felt to check out at the grocery store. Still, affordability is a real concern.

However, despite the media’s focus on negative aspects, there are positive signs as well. The recent drop in unemployment is one example of this.

Federal Judge Halts Work On Trump’s ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund’

 

A federal court in Virginia has halted the Trump administration from proceeding with plans to create a fund of about $1.8 billion to pay people it believes were wrongfully targeted by the agency in the past.

District Judge Leonie Brinkema says the administration cannot take any action “pursuant to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund. Which includes the transferring of money to the Fund; the consideration of any claims submitted to the Fund; and the disbursing of any funds from the Fund. ” She scheduled a hearing for June 12 to consider arguments over whether she should put a longer-lasting stay on the government’s efforts to establish the fund, which is being challenged by a wide coalition of people and entities who argue they would be ineligible to receive money from it.

The House Rules Committee last week rejected a Democratic amendment that would have barred people charged or convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot from receiving compensation through a newly announced federal restitution fund tied to the Trump administration.

The dispute centers on a $1. 8 billion compensation fund announced Monday by the United States Department of Justice

8 billion and because attorneys representing Jan

Critics have raised concerns because Congress has not formally appropriated the $1. 8 billion and because attorneys representing Jan. 6 defendants have publicly indicated they may seek payments from the fund on behalf of their clients.

During the Rules Committee hearing, Rep

Jim McGovern (D-Mass. ) introduced an amendment that would have prohibited individuals charged or convicted in connection with the Capitol riot from receiving any compensation through the program, reports said.

“I move the committee add a new section to the rule providing immediate consideration of HR 7711, the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act, so this bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to compensate individuals who were prosecuted for their involvement in the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” said McGovern. “Additionally, my motion would self-execute an amendment that would require the attorney general of the United States to disclose any payments made by the so-called anti-weaponization fund, which was created by the corrupt settlement agreement between Donald Trump and his own administration,” he continued.

This secret slush fund should be an outrage to every American, no matter your politics.”

Not long afterward, the GOP majority rejected the amendment, leading McGovern to express his angst on social media. “Republicans just voted AGAINST my amendment to stop Trump’s $1. 8 billion slush fund from bailing out the convicted felons who assaulted cops on January 6th,” he wrote.

“You read that right. They blocked us from even debating the issue on the House floor. Beyond shameful.

”

Democrats, meanwhile, have routinely called for defunding police and continue to support soft-on-crime policies that see violent criminals released back onto the streets

Also, Democrats support sanctuary cities, which protect illegal aliens, including those who have harmed or killed Americans

Also, the House delivered a massive bipartisan victory on Wednesday, passing a housing bill designed to expand homeownership, lower costs, and limit institutional investors from snapping up single-family homes.

The amended 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed by a commanding 396-13 vote

sending the legislation to the Senate and giving Republicans a potential cost-of-living win heading into the midterm elections. House leaders framed the bill as a direct response to the housing affordability crisis squeezing millions of Americans. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.

) argued the stakes could not be clearer.

Increased housing costs and lack of quality supply are two issues that impact nearly every American family,” Johnson said

Trump’s Acting DNI Begins Making Steep Personnel Cuts to Office

 

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte has begun restructuring the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, removing several political appointees and returning dozens of career intelligence officers to their home agencies as the Trump administration moves to reduce the size of the government’s top intelligence coordinating office.

Tom Cotton, R-Ark. , chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, defended the personnel changes on Wednesday, disputing claims that the office was carrying out “mass firings. ”

Cotton said Pulte told him that only “a small handful of front-office personnel” were leaving, “which is not at all uncommon when a senior leader leaves an agency or one comes into an agency. ”

Advertisement He also said the 40 to 50 career officers were simply being sent back to their home agencies

He also said the 40 to 50 career officers were simply being sent back to their home agencies

“I think that’s a step in the right direction,” Cotton said on the Senate floor.

Advertisement Cotton has long supported reducing the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Last year, he introduced legislation that would limit the agency’s full-time workforce to 650 employees.

The latest personnel changes have drawn criticism from several former intelligence officials, including some who have previously argued that the agency should eventually be streamlined

Beth Sanner, a former deputy director of national intelligence who also served as President Trump’s intelligence briefer during his first term, said she believes the staffing reductions could undermine the office’s ability to carry out its mission.

“The agency is being so hollowed out that its new name might become DNR — do not resuscitate,” Sanner told the Post. “It’s on life support already. ”

Julia Curlee, who was the director of intelligence programs on Trump’s White House staff until last year and recently resigned from the CIA after a 20 year career as an analyst, questioned the administration’s approach

“Reasonable people can debate ODNI’s size and mission,” Curlee told the newspaper.

“But sacking dozens of seasoned officers in your first week isn’t reform — it’s performative firing to please a president who treats his own intelligence community as the enemy within,” she said.

John Sipher, a former CIA chief in Moscow who spent 28 years with the agency, advocates for reducing the size of ODNI, but disagrees with the methods being used for these changes

“Getting [the agency] smaller makes sense, but this isn’t the way to do it,” Sipher told The Post.

It’s not clear what his suggestions for reducing the ODNI’s size were, if any.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks

Advertisement The ODNI has not indicated whether additional workforce reductions or restructuring measures are planned beyond the changes already announced.

Last year, a few months after he took office, Trump – along with Pulte – called for a federal probe of then-Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

In a Truth Social post, Trump linked to a Bloomberg report that laid out the accusations made by then Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Pulte, who claimed Powell lied under oath during a Senate Banking Committee hearing

Pulte said Powell misled lawmakers when questioned about the Fed’s controversial $2. 5 billion renovation plan for its Washington, D. C.

, headquarters, Conservative Brief reported at the time.

When asked by senators, Powell said the more extreme renovation items were part of older plans that had already been dropped

He insisted that other expenses, like fixing elevators to board members’ offices and replacing marble fixtures, were simply part of maintaining the existing structure.

Pulte didn’t buy it

He accused Powell of delivering “deceptive” testimony and said the Fed chair gave answers that rise to the level of being fired for cause.

 

Mexican president states that Trump is not…See more

IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Here’s how world reacted after the attack…. CONTINUE READING IN BELOW

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on X that his nation “reserves all options” in responding to the attack.

The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” Araghch said

In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.

Araghchi said that the attacks on “Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” by the U. S 

S. were “a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “Trump’s bold decision will change history. ” Speaking minutes after the attack, Netanyahu said, “President Trump and I often say: ‘Peace through strength. ’ First comes strength, then comes peace.

And tonight, Donald Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength

Meanwhile, China strongly condemned the U. S. attack on Iran and on nuclear facilities supervised by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Sunday.

The move seriously violates the United Nations Charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East, the ministry said in a statement on its website The move seriously violates the United Nations Charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East, the ministry said in a statement on its website The move seriously violates the United Nations Charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

China urged parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to cease attacks as soon as possible and begin dialogue and negotiations, the ministry said

Elsewhere, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the U. S. strikes on Iran represent a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region, posing a serious threat to global peace and security.

There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement as reported by Reuters “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement as reported by Reuters “There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres said in a statement as reported by Reuters.

There is no military solution

There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.

The only hope is peace,” he said.

The European Union’s chief diplomat Kaja Kallas urged “all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” while stressing Iran must not be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon. EU foreign ministers will discuss developments in Iran on Monday, she said.

Within the Middle East, the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia — a regional ally of the U.S., which only revived relations with Iran in March 2023 after a seven year diplomatic rift — said it is following developments in “sisterly” Iran with “great concern.” Within the Middle East, the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia — a regional ally of the U.S., which only revived relations with Iran in March 2023 after a seven year diplomatic rift — said it is following developments in “sisterly” Iran with “great concern.” Within the Middle East, the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia — a regional ally of the U

Within the Middle East, the ministry of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia — a regional ally of the U. S. , which only revived relations with Iran in March 2023 after a seven-year diplomatic rift — said it is following developments in “sisterly” Iran with “great concern.

Yemen’s Houthi militant group, historically backed by Tehran, denounced the U. S. ′ “blatant aggression” against Iran in a Google-translated statement carried by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba).

The presidency of Lebanon, whose influential Hezbollah group also receive Iranian support and have been trading fire with Israel, said in a Google-translated statement that “the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises fears of an escalation of tensions that could threaten security and stability in more than one region and country” and urged restraint.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the situation in the Middle East “remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority,” calling on Tehran to resume negotiations and reach a diplomatic solution In Europe, U.K In Europe, U

In Europe, U. K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the situation in the Middle East “remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority,” calling on Tehran to resume negotiations and reach a diplomatic solution.

The U. K. , France and Germany have been attempting to de-escalate tensions through rapprochement with Tehran in recent days.

In apparent response, Iran’s Araghchi later said, “to Britain and the EU High Rep, it is Iran which must “return” to the table. But how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up? ”

Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official and former president of Russia, on Sunday questioned Trump’s odds of clinching a Nobel Peace Prize despite his recent nomination, saying the White House leader “who came as a peacemaker president, started a new war for the United States” in a Google translated Telegram post

action and noting his government will fully discuss the development Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday told reporters it is “paramount to calm the situation down soon,” according to Japanese news outlet Jiji. “Iran’s nuclear development must be blocked,” he added, while falling short of endorsing the U.

S.

action and noting his government will fully discuss the development.

Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities

S. Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes. ”

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel also condemned the attacks on the social media platform X, saying: “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.

Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a diplomatic dialogue in a post on X: “The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a diplomatic dialogue in a post on X: “The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a diplomatic dialogue in a post on X: “The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict

Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a diplomatic dialogue in a post on X: “The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority. ”

A spokesperson for the Australian government also called for de-escalation, Reuters reported: “We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace.

The security situation in the region is highly volatile

We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. ”

Reactions across the globe are slowly coming in as leaders weigh the impact of the attack.

South Korea’s National Security Council convened on Sunday, with advisor Wi Sung lac urging “relevant ministries to minimize the impact of the recent series of developments in the Middle,” according to the comments of a presidential spokesperson carried by South Korea news agency Yonhap South Korea’s National Security Council convened on Sunday, with advisor Wi Sung lac urging “relevant ministries to minimize the impact of the recent series of developments in the Middle,” according to the comments of a presidential spokesperson carried by South Korea news agency Yonhap South Korea’s National Security Council convened on Sunday, with advisor Wi Sung-lac urging “relevant ministries to minimize the impact of the recent series of developments in the Middle,” according to the comments of a presidential spokesperson carried by South Korea news agency Yonhap.

Pope Leo said the international community must strive to avoid war that risks opening an “irreparable abyss,” and that diplomacy should take the place of conflict

“Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility: to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” Pope Leo said during his weekly prayer with pilgrims.

No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future “No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future “No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future. Let diplomacy silence the weapons, let nations chart their future with peace efforts, not with violence and bloody conflicts,” he added.

Reuters contributed to this report

8 minutes ago, King Charles made a SAD Announcement! Prince William has…..

 

A statement from King Charles III quickly drew major attention because it referred to a serious personal matter involving Prince William. The message was brief, formal, and emotionally weighted, which immediately led to public speculation even though it gave very few det…

Instead, it was described as a private matter connected in some way to the responsibilities carried by senior members of the Royal Family, especially someone in Prince William’s position as heir.

What stood out most was the King’s tone. He acknowledged that Prince William had made a decision under difficult circumstances and emphasized support, unity, and compassion. That wording suggested seriousness, but also an effort to show that the family remained aligned rather than divided.

In the end, the statement seemed designed to balance two goals at once: to recognize that something important had happened, while also protecting the details from public exposure. It left people with questions, but also with a clear message that the matter was being handled privately and with the King’s full support.