Hochul beefs up campaign staff with battleground political veterans in sign of looming GOP threat

Former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election, positioning himself as a leading contender in the Democratic primary despite the challenges stemming from his narrow defeat in the 2022 U.S. Senate race.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated a willingness to increase business taxes as a response to pressure from progressive factions, while maintaining her stance against raising personal income taxes to fund significant proposals from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. This shift reflects a balancing act between fiscal needs and political pressures.

Oxygen therapy chambers, promoted by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have been linked to tragic incidents, including the death of five-year-old Thomas Cooper during a treatment session in Michigan. This raises serious concerns about the safety and regulation of such therapies, which are touted for various ailments despite lacking scientific backing.

A conservative law firm has initiated a legal challenge against Wisconsin's congressional map, asserting that any new district drawings would contravene federal law ahead of the midterm elections. This intervention comes at a critical time as the House majority is at stake, highlighting the contentious nature of redistricting in the state.

Former President Donald Trump's criminal prosecution in Georgia related to the 2020 election has been officially dismissed, concluding the last criminal case against him. Trump is now preparing to seek reimbursement for millions in legal fees incurred during the proceedings, which have left taxpayers responsible for the costs associated with the failed case.