'Reservoir Dogs' actor Michael Madsen died from heart failure, doctor says

California Governor Gavin Newsom didn't hold back during his visit to South Carolina, launching a sharp critique of former President Trump. He framed the upcoming election as a pivotal moment, warning that another Trump victory would push the country backward. Newsom painted a dire picture of Trump's policies, calling it "America in reverse," and urged voters to mobilize against him.

Editor’s Note: Newsom's fiery rhetoric signals how high the stakes are for Democrats in 2024. By taking the fight to Trump in a red-leaning state like South Carolina, he's not just rallying the base—he's testing messaging that could resonate beyond deep-blue strongholds. It’s a preview of the bitter, high-energy battle ahead.

Oklahoma is teaming up with PragerU, a conservative media group, to roll out a new test for teachers who move to the state. If they want to keep their teaching license, they’ll have to pass this "America First" assessment, which checks if their views align with the state’s educational priorities.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about testing skills—it’s a political litmus test for educators. Critics argue it could push out teachers who don’t share the state’s conservative values, while supporters say it ensures consistency in classroom messaging. Either way, it’s a big shift in how teacher qualifications are judged, and it might set a precedent for other states with similar agendas.

Terry Gilliam, the iconic Monty Python member and filmmaker, recently vented about how Donald Trump’s presidency made satire almost impossible. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gilliam joked (or maybe not) that Trump "destroyed satire" by being so absurdly over-the-top that parody couldn’t keep up. He even blamed Trump for messing with his latest film project—a satire about recent years—because reality under Trump was already too ridiculous to lampoon effectively.

Editor’s Note: Satire thrives on exaggeration, but when real life feels like a fever dream, comedians like Gilliam struggle to outdo it. His frustration highlights how Trump’s chaotic persona reshaped not just politics but also comedy—making it harder to find the line between mockery and reality. For fans of satire, it’s a weirdly bleak punchline.

The chair of the Republican National Committee, Michael Whatley, says the GOP would rally behind Lara Trump—former President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law—if she jumps into the race for North Carolina’s open Senate seat. Meanwhile, Donald Trump himself plans to meet with potential candidates to pick someone he believes will best represent the state and the country.

Editor’s Note: This story hints at the ongoing influence of the Trump family in Republican politics, even after Donald Trump’s presidency. If Lara Trump runs, it could signal a continued blending of political dynasties and celebrity influence in the GOP. For North Carolina, a swing state, this could shape a high-stakes Senate race with national implications.

The Fox News Politics newsletter highlights a notable win for Mamdani, who just secured a major union endorsement. While the brief doesn’t dive deep into specifics, it signals growing support for Mamdani in what’s likely a competitive political landscape. The mention of Trump administration updates and Capitol Hill suggests this is part of broader political maneuvering.

Editor’s Note: Union endorsements can be a big deal—they often bring grassroots energy, funding, and voter trust. For Mamdani, this could mean momentum at a critical time, especially if they’re up against well-established opponents. Even if you’re not following this race closely, it’s a reminder of how labor groups still shape political battles behind the scenes.