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Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Republican to Retire as Democrats Eye Potential House Seat: Reports
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nebraska Republican Representative Don Bacon is set to retire, according to numerous media outlets on Friday, setting the stage for Democrats to go all in on the competitive House seat. Newsweek reached out to Bacon's office in Washington, D.C., via phone Friday night and left a voicemail. Why It Matters Republicans currently maintain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, after taking control of Congress, the Senate and the White House following the 2024 elections. Bacon's decision not to run again underscores growing tensions and internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly as moderates like Bacon have voiced concerns over the GOP's direction and the influence of its far-right faction. With Democrats looking ahead to the midterms next year, on the heels of a presidential loss and amid their own party's uncertainty, the opening of Bacon's seat presents a key opportunity. What To Know According to several media outlets on Friday, Bacon will not seek reelection. Axios reports that he will make the announcement on Monday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The news website based in Arlington, Virginia, also says, citing a source close to the issue, that Republicans have two potential contenders to fill Bacon's seat: Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and former Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Bacon has served Nebraska in Congress since 2017, winning multiple competitive races in the state's 2nd Congressional District, an area that has seen increasingly close contests between Republicans and Democrats in recent election cycles. The district seat encompasses the city of Omaha, among others, and was won by both former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and ex-President Joe Biden in 2020. Bacon has distinguished himself by criticizing both the far-right faction in the House and President Donald Trump. The Nebraska Republican has publicly opposed the president on key issues like questioning his tariff powers. Margins this close in the House mean that any vacancy, particularly in a swing district like Bacon's, could significantly impact the party's legislative agenda and ability to pass bills. Republican leadership, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, has emphasized the stakes, saying that this Congress represents a mandate handed down by Trump's decisive election win. Punchbowl News was the first to report Bacon's impending plans. GOP Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska arrives for a House Republican conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 6 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) GOP Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska arrives for a House Republican conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 6 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) What People Are Saying Madison Andrus, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, in a statement on Friday: "The writing has been on the wall for months. Nebraskans are tired of the false promises that Republicans are trying to sell and they want real results." Andrus added, "Don Bacon's decision to not seek reelection in 2026 is the latest vote of no-confidence for House Republicans and their electoral prospects. Next November, Nebraskans are going to elect a Democrat who will actually deliver for them." What Happens Next The contest to replace Bacon is expected to attract significant national attention and funding from both major parties. Democratic and Republican candidates are likely to contest the newly open seat in a high-profile, expensive race. The official field of candidates will form over the coming months, ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections. Further leadership and committee shifts in the House may follow, as the composition of Congress changes with each new vacancy.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Odds, Picks: Paul Heavily Favored
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jake Paul steps back into the ring on Saturday night for another showdown with a former boxing champ. This time, the 28-year-old Paul is taking on 39-year-old former middleweight champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a 10-round, cruiserweight (max. 200 pounds) bout. The son of boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is much younger than Paul's last opponent -- 58-year-old Mike Tyson -- but he has fought just three times since 2021. Will Paul be able to improve his record to 12-1 (his only loss came against Tommy Fury in 2023), or will Chavez Jr. become the second fighter to take down the influencer-turned-boxer? How To Watch Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Before we dive into how to bet on this fight, here's everything you need to know about how to watch Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Date: Saturday, June 28 Time: Main card starts at 8 p.m. ET TV: DAZN (PPV)* *In the U.S., the PPV cost for this fight is $59.99. Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Odds Below are the odds for Saturday night's fight, with Paul heavily favored. DK FD bet365 Jake Paul -575 -550 -650 Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. +400 +420 +425 Chavez Jr. has legit pedigree as a former champ, but he has struggled to make weight for his scheduled fights over the last four years, which has limited him to three bouts since 2021. It's worth noting that at DraftKings, this fight is listed at -225 to go over 8.5 rounds and +160 to go under. This tells us that a full 10-round battle decided via decision is far more likely than an early knockout. Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Analysis Paul's status as the heavy favorite over a former champ like Chavez Jr. might be a head-scratcher at first glance, but it makes sense given what we've seen from Chavez Jr. the last few years. In 2021, he lost to then-46-year-old former UFC fighter Anderson Silva. And in his last bout (July 20, 2024), he got the win by unanimous decision, but he was taken the distance by former UFCer Uriah Hall, who was making his boxing debut. Paul should have a size/physique advantage over Chavez, as he is accustomed to fighting at around 200 pounds, which is the limit for tonight's bout. Chavez, on the other hand, has typically fought at middleweight (max. 175 pounds), where he held the title back in 2012. Paul vs. Chavez Prediction, Best Bet As crazy as it may sound to say about an influencer-turned-pro-boxer taking on a former world champ, Paul is the clear safe bet against a 39-year-old who has had a volatile last few years (Chavez has recently battled well-documented weight problems and addiction issues). Oddsmakers agree, with Chavez listed as a heavy underdog across the board. It's not exactly a massive compliment to say that Paul has proven that against fighters a decade removed from their peak, he's going to have the upper hand. Until he lines up a bout with an active fighter close to his age and weight, I do recommend betting on Paul, though. In this one, there's little value in taking him on the moneyline, but Jake Paul by Decision or Technical Decision is awfully tempting at -110. Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Bernie Sanders Warns Establishment 'In Panic' After Zohran Mamdani Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, warned that establishment lawmakers are "in panic" over Assemblyman and New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's primary win on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) via email for comment Friday. Why It Matters Mamdani, a democratic socialist, clinched the first-round vote in the New York City mayoral primary race against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—43.5 percent to 36.4 percent. Mamdani's triumph, built on promises like free city bus rides, free childcare, and city-owned grocery stores, has magnified internal rifts within the Democratic Party The assemblyman ultimately landed the backing of key lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and Sanders but was largely unknown to New Yorkers when he announced his intent to run, per the Associated Press (AP). The assemblyman's win could trigger panic buttons for senators like Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democratic establishment leaders alike, as some pollsters argue that Ocasio-Cortez could potentially challenge Schumer's Senate seat. National implications are profound, as similar progressive insurgencies have reshaped electoral strategies—giving credit to politicians like Ocasio-Cortez who harnessed grassroots support and social media engagement to challenge entrenched powers in the Democratic Party. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, D.C. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, To Know Mamdani's stunning win represents a changing of the guard of sorts as establishment Democrats like Schumer highlighted Mamdani's win on social media but did not endorse him. Similarly, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul was asked about backing Mamdani in the general election on Thursday but sidestepped directly endorsing him. The democratic socialist's platform could alienate centrist Democrats and independents critical in pushing him past the finish line in November. Key platform differences represent a glaring elephant in the room—like Mamdani's call to implement the Department of Community Safety, if elected. The department would place outreach workers in subway stations, a stark difference from Hochul's position of partnering with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to ensure safety for New Yorkers. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, Sanders noted the divide within the party and wrote: "Mamdani won. The establishment is in panic. Billionaires are raising money against him; Trump is ranting; Islamophobes are on the loose. They know what we know: Candidates who stand boldly with the working class can win not only in NYC, but anywhere. Let's stand with Zohran." In an opinion piece published in The Guardian on Friday, Sanders took a swipe at Democratic leadership saying in part, "Will the current Democratic party leadership learn the lessons of the Mamdani campaign? Probably not. Too many of them would rather be the captains on a sinking Titanic, rather than change course." Sanders added that the Democrat's future will not be determined by current leadership but by "the working class of this country." New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What People Are Saying Grant Reeher, professor of political science at Syracuse University, to Newsweek via email Friday in part: "I'm not sure 'panic' is the right response, but I can see how this could blowback on Democrats at the national level, or in places beyond NYC. I'm surprised just how left these Democratic voters—even granted that they are primary voters in NYC—were willing to go at the ballot box. Republicans can point to this to validate their claims that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted not to lurch too far to the left. 'See what they do when left to their own devices,' that kind of argument." Reeher later added: "If I were a Republican strategist, I'd be telling my clients to soft-pedal their criticism of Mamdani right now—let the process play out and let him get elected. That would help the Republican brand more than anything else." Senator Bernie Sanders in part when asked if older Democrats should be worried about being primaried in a question and answer with Politico Magazine published Wednesday: "I think they have a lesson to learn, and whether or not they will, I have my doubts. If you look at the dynamics of this campaign, what you have is older folks voting for Cuomo, the billionaire class putting in millions of dollars into Cuomo, all of the old-time establishment candidates and politicians supporting Cuomo, and he lost." Sanders added: "So either you learn a lesson that says, hmm, the other guy, Mamdani, got young people excited. He got young men excited. He created a strong grassroots movement." President Donald Trump, a New York native, on Truth Social on Wednesday: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor." He continued: "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" X account "The Democrats" wrote on Wednesday: "Congratulations, @ZohranKMamdani! Onward to November." What Happens Next? The New York City mayoral election will now continue to ranked-choice voting, as no candidate received a majority of the vote earlier this week.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman Adopts Rescue Cat, Gets Home and Realizes Something 'Wasn't Normal'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After her pet passed, Wren couldn't stand being in an empty house, which is why she quickly went to the shelter to adopt another cat—but as soon as she got home with her new feline, she knew something "wasn't normal." Wren, who runs the Instagram account @puddlesforbrains, shared in a June 12 video that her new cat, Puddles, started showing unique behaviors soon after finding her new home in April 2024. From not caring about the vacuum noise to being unable to track a toy, Wren ran through a list of possibilities: Is Puddles deaf or blind? Visits to the vet didn't provide immediate answers. The cat's "no-fear instinct" toward loud noises convinced not one, but two veterinarians that she was deaf, Wren told Newsweek via email. "She is really bad at tracking things with her eyes," Wren said. "It's almost like she has tunnel vision and doesn't use her peripheral vision." However, it turned out Puddles has excellent vision. What Wren learned was that Puddles had a learning disability. "The vet did confirm that she has a learning disability," she said. "They believe she has some cognitive dysfunction that presents as a learning disability." Screenshots from a June 12 Instagram video of an owner discovering her cat has a learning disability. Screenshots from a June 12 Instagram video of an owner discovering her cat has a learning disability. @puddlesforbrains/Instagram All breeds of cats can experience cognitive dysfunction, also known as kitty dementia, a vet-reviewed article from Catster reported. This disorder usually affects cats 10 years or older, and is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, learning and spatial awareness. The team believes that Puddles' cognitive dysfunction was caused by a mix of brain damage, due to an accident that broke her leg, and malnutrition as a kitten, Wren said. But it is impossible to know for certain, as Puddles was a stray kitty for the first six months of her life. Wren couldn't imagine a life without Puddles now, quirks and all. She explained that Puddles does not turn her head left or right and rarely looks behind. Instead, she'll tilt her head backward and look at you upside down. Her walking routes aren't always the smartest. She'll take the slow way, feeling along the walls of the house. And if she wants to turn, she stands up against the wall and uses it to help. Plus, she's a bit clumsy. She never stops meowing or wanting to cuddle. "Adopting her is the single best thing to ever happen to me, and I don't think anything will ever beat that," Wren said. "She is the love of my life and my soulmate." Instagram users quickly became obsessed with Puddles, bringing the video to over 2.3 million views and 305,000 likes as of Friday. "She is 'no thoughts, just vibes' personified and she's absolutely perfect," commented a viewer. Another person added: "It's so amazing that she has a home where she's perfectly happy and lives a wonderful life even with her silliness! Y'all are doing a great thing for her." A third user wrote: "It honestly didn't cross my mind that a cat could have a learning disability for some reason. Or maybe I never thought of what this would look like. She's such a sweetheart." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Birthright Citizenship: What Polls Show About Americans' Views
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Following the Supreme Court's Friday ruling in a case pertaining to President Donald Trump's move to end birthright citizenship, here's what several polls show about Americans' views on the matter. Why It Matters While the case is about injunctions, at the center is the issue of whether anyone born in the U.S. is considered an American citizen or not, and what exactly the 14th Amendment says, or doesn't say, to define birthright. The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling on Friday ended the use of nationwide injunctions by federal judges, clearing the way for Trump's restrictions on automatic U.S. citizenship to take effect in some states while remaining blocked in others, as injunctions issued by more than 20 states remain in place. In states without active injunctions, Trump's policy could take effect 30 days after the ruling. The ruling did not decide whether President Trump's executive order—which seeks to deny U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil to illegal immigrants—is constitutional. Jenny Harris, of Baltimore, protests in support of birthright citizenship and the immigrant community, Thursday, May 15, 2025, outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. Jenny Harris, of Baltimore, protests in support of birthright citizenship and the immigrant community, Thursday, May 15, 2025, outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin What To Know While the Supreme Court's ruling leaves the issue of birthright citizenship slightly unclear and in limbo, Americans' views on the matter are also split. The concept of birthright citizenship has long been established in the U.S., with the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States." Released just ahead of the Supreme Court's ruling, an Emerson College Polling survey of 1,000 registered U.S. voters conducted between June 24 and 25, found that a majority support birthright citizenship, 68 percent. Meanwhile, 32 percent of voters believe it should be ended for people who are not born to U.S. citizen parents. "Support for birthright citizenship policy is highest among voters under 30, at 83%, and lowers steadily as voters' age increases, to 55% of voters over 70," Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. The poll's findings also fall along partisan lines, with 90 percent of Democrats supporting birthright citizenship for everyone, with 49 percent of Republicans believing it should continue. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,136 Americans conducted between June 11 and 12 found a smaller percentage of people support ending birthright citizenship, 24 percent, while 52 percent opposed ending it. Similarly, it found a large partisan divide, with 84 percent of Democrats opposing it, while 43 percent of Republicans support ending the automatic citizenship. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. A May NPR/Ipsos poll found similar data, with just over half of participants opposing ending birthright citizenship, 53 percent, whereas 28 percent support ending the measure. The poll surveyed 1,019 people between May 9 and 11. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. A Pew Research Center survey in April found much closer results, with 49 percent of participants in favor of ending birthright citizenship, while 50 percent believe that children born to illegal immigrant parents should be granted U.S. citizenship. The poll of 3,589 people was conducted between April 7 and 13 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.8 percentage points. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "GIANT WIN in the United States Supreme Court! Even the Birthright Citizenship Hoax has been, indirectly, hit hard. It had to do with the babies of slaves (same year!), not the SCAMMING of our Immigration process. Congratulations to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Solicitor General John Sauer, and the entire DOJ." Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a concurring opinion: "First, the Court does not address the weighty issue whether the state plaintiffs have third-party standing to assert the Citizenship Clause claims of their individual residents." Professor Samuel Bray said in a statement to Newsweek for a related article: "Given that the birthright-citizenship executive order is unconstitutional, I expect courts will grant those preliminary injunctions, and they will be affirmed on appeal. I do not expect the President's executive order on birthright citizenship will ever go into effect. Today's decision is a vindication and reassertion of the proper role of the federal courts in our constitutional system." What Happens Next The Court's ruling allows the Trump administration to issue guidance on how the executive order on birthright citizenship can be implemented, which can now happen in 30 days. The executive order could still face challenges, with at least two attempts at class action lawsuits filed later Friday. One came in the form of an updated complaint in Casa Inc. v. Trump, one of the cases before the Supreme Court. Another was in a new suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in New Hampshire, with the group making it clear it was seeking relief for all families across the U.S.
