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Anger mounts after Tennessee Republicans redraw maps
Legislature has eliminated the state’s one Democratic, Black-majority congressional district
Fetterman Says He Has ‘No Plans’ to Leave the Democratic Party
In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, the Pennsylvania senator wrote that while he was “at odds” with the party’s approach to some issues, his values had not changed.
Tennessee Approves New Map Aimed at Flipping the Last Democratic Seat
After a Supreme Court ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Republicans carved up a majority-Black Memphis seat as the national redistricting wars continue.
Tennessee approves House map to eliminate Democratic-held seat
Republicans in the state could hold a 9-0 advantage in the U.S. House with their new map, the first approved since the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act.
Bill Would Stop Sports Blackouts
New legislation led by democratic Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin would stop professional sports leagues from blacking out games for fans and end the complicated, costly web of streaming services. The […]
Appeals court appears poised to reject Hegseth’s bid to punish Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video
A federal appeals court appeared ready Thursday to reject Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to punish Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over his call to US service members to refuse illegal orders.
Republicans poised to vote on new House map that would erase Democratic seat in Tennessee
Such a move could reshape the electoral map ahead of the midterms by carving up a majority-Black congressional district
Is the FDA Really Suppressing Science? Plus. . .
It’s Thursday, May 7. This is The Front Page, your daily window into the world of The Free Press—and our take on the world at large. Today: Aaron MacLean says Trump is poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Iran war. Joe Klein on the life of CNN founder Ted Turner. Jillian Lederman on why cruise ships are here to stay. And much more. But first: Is the FDA suppressing science? On Tuesday, The New York Times published a story with an alarming takeaway. “FDA Blocked Publication of Research Finding Covid and Shingles Vaccines Were Safe,” read the headline. It is the latest in a string of stories that all have the same message: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other agencies, are engaged in a cover-up—and silencing scientists trying to get the word out about the Covid vaccine. What all these stories suggest—some more subtly than others—is that the outsiders now running the public health establishment, officials such as Marty Makary at the FDA and Jay Bhattacharya at the National Institutes of Health, are on a revenge tour. That they are doing harm to the country to get back at the scientists and bureaucrats who ostracized them for deviating from the public-health consensus during the pandemic. It’s a seductive narrative. But is it true? That’s the question we address in our latest editorial. —The Editors Read [ Marty Makary's FDA Has All the Right Enemies ](https://www.thefp.com/p/marty-makary-vaccine-study-fda) [ Trump Blinks First ](https://www.thefp.com/p/iran-peace-deal-pakistan-trump-strait-of-hormuz) Aaron MacLean In return for no detectable concessions, President Trump this week gave up on forcing open the Strait of Hormuz. Now, the Trump administration looks desperate for a deal to end the war with Iran. It’s easy to understand the desire to end the war, but are they blowing the chance at victory? Aaron MacLean makes sense of the administration’s latest moves—and Iran’s response—in his column today. Read full story Aaron MacLean and Niall Ferguson: Live in New York City Join Aaron MacLean and Niall Ferguson on May 19 for a live recording of School of War at the iconic New York Historical. In a conversation as timely as it is wide-ranging, Aaron and Niall will explore the strategic stakes of the moment, including the Middle East, China, and the future of American leadership on the global stage. Get Tickets Now [ Ted Turner, the Optimist Who Built CNN ](https://www.thefp.com/p/ted-turner-cnn-tribute) Joe Klein The man who gave us CNN and the 24-hour news cycle, Ted Turner, died Wednesday at the age of 87. Today, political writer Joe Klein—who almost ghostwrote Turner’s autobiography—remembers his friend, the American media mogul who stood out for his idealism and lack of a filter—something that got Turner in trouble more than once. “His was not a traditional intelligence, but one of horizon: Ted saw things before other people did,” Joe writes. Read full story [ Nothing Can Sink the Cruise Ship ](https://www.thefp.com/p/cruise-ship-hantavirus) Jillian Lederman A viral outbreak on a cruise ship that left three passengers dead has left some people wondering: Are cruise ships on the way out? Not so fast, says Jillian Lederman, who has been on many a cruise herself. Read her piece on why 38 million people a year take a cruise—and aren’t about to stop. Read full story [ The Great Writers Who Were Terrible People ](https://www.thefp.com/p/the-great-writers-who-were-terrible) Shilo Brooks Throughout history, some of the greatest literary geniuses have also been immoral bigots. In the latest episode of Old School, Shilo Brooks is joined by Eli Lake for a conversation about those geniuses, from Voltaire to Norman Mailer and Roald Dahl—and why we should read their work despite their odious prejudices. Listen on MORE FROM THE FREE PRESS [ Inside the Digital Intifada ](https://www.thefp.com/p/digital-intifada-social-media-hamas-terror) Warren Kinsella Read full story [ This Week in American History: Trump’s Over-Arching Problem ](https://www.thefp.com/p/this-week-in-american-history-trumps-over-arching-problem) Jonathan Horn Read full story [ Humanity Is Still Evolving—and Fast ](https://www.thefp.com/p/humanity-is-still-evolvingand-fast) Razib Khan Read full story THE NEWS Thirteen D.C. Metropolitan Police officers have been placed on administrative leave and could face termination after an internal investigation found evidence that crime statistics were manipulated to make the city look safer. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee previously alleged that former D.C. police chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to skew data. Tennessee Republicans unveiled a redrawn U.S. House map yesterday that would split up Memphis’s black-majority Democratic district, the latest move in a nationwide push to redraw congressional boundaries ahead of the midterms. The effort follows a Supreme Court ruling last week on Louisiana’s districts, which Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton said gave states the green light to redraw maps along partisan lines. Israel struck Beirut for the first time since a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect last month, saying it targeted a commander of the militant group’s elite Radwan force in the city’s southern suburbs. The strikes risk destabilizing that truce at a delicate moment, as Iran and the U.S. report progress toward a deal to resolve their own standoff. The U.S. Air Force is aiming for a Fourth of July delivery of a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, hoping to add it to the Air Force One fleet in time for the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, Reuters reported. (For more on the controversy surrounding the aircraft, read Jed Rubenfeld’s piece “It’s a Terrible Idea, but Trump Probably Can Accept a Free Jet from Qatar.”) Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified privately before Congress that he has no memory of why he and his family dined on Jeffrey Epstein’s private island in 2012, according to Reuters. The admission contradicts Lutnick’s earlier claim that he had cut ties with the convicted sex offender well before that visit. Weeks before a former JPMorgan investment banker filed a lawsuit packed with explosive allegations, the bank reportedly offered him $1 million to settle his sexual assault and harassment claims, according to The Wall Street Journal. The suit, filed by Chirayu Rana, alleges he was sexually assaulted by a female colleague, subjected to racial discrimination, and forced into a degrading dynamic at work. JPMorgan says the claims lack merit, and the female colleague’s lawyers call the accusations fabricated. A new report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shows that, for the first time in roughly 20 years, church attendance is trending upward, with more people volunteering and clergy expressing renewed optimism. The study’s authors described the findings, based on a survey of more than 7,400 congregations, as showing signs of widespread recovery from low attendance numbers.
How Nueces County went from blue to red; leaders talk shift
From Latino voters to the economy, several factors led to Nueces County's shift from Democratic to Republican. But will the county turn blue again?
Endorsement snubs, rethinking redistricting, public campaign fund feuds, in political notes
AFSCME endorsements are missing two big Democratic names, recent events have Senate President Bill Ferguson "evaluating ... where things stand" on redistricting, and money is becoming the issue in the Howard County executive race, in political notes.
House race in west Louisville pits traditional Democrat vs. socialist
Two candidates on the Democratic ticket are vying for Kentucky's House District 43 seat, but their political approaches differ significantly.
Sen. Dave McCormick talks Sen. John Fetterman's political future
A recent report describes a Republican effort to flip Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) from the Democratic party to the GOP.
Michigan’s Combative Democratic Senate Primary Heats Up
Attacks are flying, prominent Democrats are taking sides and the fight is just getting started.
Harvey Shifrin jumps into HD 72 contest, setting up Democratic Primary against Luther Wilkins
The Democratic nominee would challenge either incumbent Lakewood Ranch Republican Rep. Bill Connerly or John Phillips III.
FBI searches business, other locations associated with Democratic Virginia state senator
Lucas, the president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, has recently focused her attention on redrawing the state’s congressional maps
FBI raids Sen. Louise Lucas’ Portsmouth office, cannabis business
Federal agents on Wednesday morning raided the Portsmouth office of state Sen. Louise Lucas, one of Virginia’s most powerful Democratic lawmakers, with multiple news outlets reporting an extensive law enforcement operation that included FBI agents, SWAT teams and court-authorized searches tied to several locations across the commonwealth.Fox News, who was first to report the news, said the FBI executed search warrants at several sites, including Lucas’ legislative office in Portsmouth. Staffers inside the building were ordered outside and were not allowed to re-enter as agents searched the premises. Witnesses saw federal agents carrying boxes out of the building.
Office of Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas Raided by F.B.I. Agents
Two people familiar with the case said the search of a Democratic lawmaker’s office was related to a Biden-era investigation of possible corruption and bribery related to marijuana businesses.
FBI raids Spanberger ally office as federal corruption probe targets cannabis business
The FBI raided the office of Virginia Democratic state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, a key ally of Gov. Spanberger, in a corruption and marijuana probe.
'My heart is so full.' Meeka Owens wins county commission primary
Cincinnati City Council member Meeka Owens is the Democratic pick for Hamilton County commissioner.
Ohio Senate race set between Jon Husted, Sherrod Brown after projected primary wins
CBS News projected that former Sen. Sherrod Brown won the Democratic primary, while incumbent Sen. Jon Husted ran unopposed.
Linked to health risks | Democratic lawmakers in Pa. are seeking to regulate kratom
Kratom, a substance advertised as an energy booster, mood lifter, and pain reliever, is skyrocketing in popularity and is easily accessible, including at gas stations.
Justice Department seeks the names of 2020 election workers in Georgia's Fulton County
The Justice Department is seeking the names of every person who worked in the 2020 election in Georgia’s Fulton County, a Democratic stronghold Donald Trump has accused of widespread voter fraud he says cost him victory against Joe Biden in the state that year.
Will Thursday mark the end of the two-party system?
Fracturing of electorate ‘brings governability into question’ and ‘creates particular problems of democratic legitimacy’
Georgia Democrats want voters to remember 2020 when they vote in 2026
The state Democratic Party has paid for a TV ad referencing Donald Trump's attempt to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results.
We Still Haven’t Seen How Bad Gerrymandering Can Get
The Supreme Court has opened the door to aggressive Republican redistricting schemes that will trigger escalating Democratic reprisals.
In Mamdani’s Rise, Muslim Organizers See Political Opportunity
The Muslim Democratic Club was founded to increase political power among the city’s Muslims. Now some of its founders are the mayor’s top aides.
Legislative Dems follow highway robbery with blackmail
By Byron Pelton My colleagues across the aisle have revealed something extraordinary in their frantic attempt to get rid of Initiative 175: They believe Colorado voters are too stupid to notice their vote will be thrown out in furtherance of their elected representatives’ budget shell game. For more than a decade, the Democratic majority has […]
Obama admits political demands caused 'genuine tension' in marriage
The former president spoke on the impact of political demands and his role in the Democratic Party since his departure from the White House.
Democrats in disarray as Michigan AG calls for recount after convention vote declared 'a mess'
A failed Michigan Democratic AG candidate backs a full recount of convention votes, alleging broken rules and improperly calculated ballots were found.
Trump's Indiana revenge tour sparks an ad avalanche: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the Bernie Sanders lane is open in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
House Democrats’ campaign arm takes sides in contentious primaries key to winning midterms
The House Democratic campaign arm on Monday inflamed ongoing tensions over the influence of party leadership by taking sides in several competitive primaries for battleground House seats.
The Global Politics of Everyday Humiliation
Administrative dignity is not cosmetic. It is democratic infrastructure.
Baldacci picks up support from national Democratic group
Baldacci, 61, is one of four Democrats running in the primary to determine who will face former two-term Republican Gov. Paul LePage in November.
Central Europe is a laboratory for political trends
Letter: Dr Sean Hanley responds to an editorial on the collapse of social democratic parties as rightwing nationalism flourishes
Mali: Authorities must immediately clarify the fate and whereabouts of lawyer and pro-democracy politician Mountaga Tall
On 3 May 2026, leader of the National Congress for Democratic Initiative Mountaga Tall was abducted by armed and hooded men.
‘The Public’s Science’ initiative seeks to reimagine the science research ecosystem
The new effort will bring together a broad range of voices to create scholarship and policy recommendations for reorienting science research toward excellence, justice, transparency, and democratic participation.
India loses its last left-wing government after five decades
Kerala in India, which gave the world its first democratically elected communist government, has voted the left out.
How Xavier Becerra became the Joe Biden of California’s governor race
He is defying conventional wisdom about what Democratic voters want and is surpassing flashier, more progressive opponents pledging to upend the status quo.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso join Nigeria Democratic Congress in major political shake-up
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who came third and fourth respectively in the last elections, switch parties.
AJC poll finds Bottoms leading Georgia’s Democratic race for governor
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has a big advantage. But about a third of likely Democratic primary voters remain undecided.
Christian Menefee and Al Green, rivals in TX-18, align on aim of strengthening voting rights
The two congressmen, in a Democratic primary runoff election for the same Houston-based seat, both came out strongly for the need to pass new legislation to counteract the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that crippled enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.
Germany Politics
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, center, speaks to Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, left, and the media as he arrives for a board meeting of his Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party at the
Germany Politics
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, center, speaks to Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal, left, as he arrives for a board meeting of his Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party at the the Pears Jewish
Germany Politics
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to media as he arrives for a board meeting of his Christian Democratic Union, CDU, party at the the Pears Jewish Campus in Berlin, Germany,
Colorado needs another Bill Owens — who kept up our roads
By Dick Wadhams The silence is deafening within the Democratic primary for governor on the need to build and improve roads in Colorado after 20 years of neglect. The Democratic contestants, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser, talk about liberal touchstones such as mass transit and bike lanes that few Coloradans find […]
Bipartisan Support for Increases to the ‘Indian Health Service’s’ FY27 Budget
Despite democratic fears about the secondary consequences to the agency from cuts to Medicaid, general support remains high. WASHINGTON, D.C. – There was rare bipartisan support to increase funding for the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 on Thursday in the House Appropriation Committee’s Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related […]
Democratic voters challenge party establishment
Restless Democratic voters are rejecting their party’s establishment while trying to unseat Republicans in the midterms to weaken Trump's grip on power.
Check in with your representatives in Washington: Supreme Court decision, maternal health bill and more
In Congress, Athens-Clarke County is represented by Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock and Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Here is the latest from Washington, D.C.
Michigan senate candidate defends her deleted posts after CNN report: ‘People are desperate for authenticity’
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, a candidate in the state’s competitive Democratic senate primary, made the case for her “authenticity” while responding to criticism she’s facing after an investigation by CNN’s KFile revealed she deleted old social media posts criticizing the rural Midwest and praising California.
Fetterman weighs in on Iran's latest peace offer, internal Democratic politics
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., discusses President Donald Trump's review of Iran's peace plan and the need to prevent the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Former Congressman Barney Frank reflects on his life, entering hospice, and the future of the Democratic Party
Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow explains deleted tweets following CNN report
ActBlue sues Texas AG Ken Paxton, alleging political retaliation over Democrats' fundraising
ActBlue sues Texas AG Ken Paxton, alleging he used his office to retaliate against the Democratic fundraising platform ahead of his Senate runoff.
Inside Democratic Fundraiser ActBlue’s Big Spending and Internal Drama
The group faces investigations from the Justice Department and congressional Republicans six months before the 2026 midterms.
Power & Politics: Gov. Sherrill speaks on her first 100 days in office; Sen. Joe Cryan and Sen. Jon Bramnick discuss civility in politics
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, Democratic Senator Joe Cryan and Republican Senator Jon Bramnick join Power & Politics.
2026 Senate races to watch: From most likely to flip to Democratic long shots
Democrats could have a narrow path to winning the Senate, with these specific states on the table.
Challenger Owens outraises incumbent Dumas in commissioner primary
The Democratic primary for Hamilton County commissioner attracted donations from prominent officials including FC Cincinnati CEO Jeff Berding.
Two more Southern states move toward adding Republican House seats
GOP-led states are rushing to take advantage of the Supreme Court’s decision to curtail the Voting Rights Act with new maps that could end the careers of several Black Democratic House members.
Collins hopes for ‘civil’ campaign against Platner
Republican Sen. Susan Collins said on Friday that she looked forward to a “civil” campaign for reelection against Graham Platner, her presumed Democratic challenger.
Restless Democrats challenge party establishment while trying to loosen Trump's grip on Washington
Restless Democratic voters are rejecting their party’s establishment
Americans continue to view both the Republican and Democratic parties negatively
The share of Americans holding unfavorable views of both parties has grown over time, rising to 26% today compared with 21% in 2020.
MN governor race to replace Walz sees major shakeup as GOP contender ends campaign: 'Don't see a path'
Minnesota Republican Kristin Robbins drops out of the governor's race, saying the math changed after Sen. Amy Klobuchar became the Democratic pick.
Janet Mills stood up to Trump. Democratic voters shrugged.
Liberals say they want a fighter. But a popular governor who clashed with the president failed to catch fire in Maine’s Senate race.
Republicans Want Tennessee’s Last Democratic House District
Republicans sliced Nashville into three G.O.P.-leaning congressional districts in 2022. After the Supreme Court decision on voting rights, Memphis could be next.
What’s changed about the 2028 Democratic presidential field? Kamala Harris
It’s too early to start really handicapping the 2028 presidential race, but some would-be candidates are already making serious moves.
Supreme Court ruling reshapes political power, sparks Democratic panic
Fox News anchor Bret Baier dissects the Supreme Court's significant redistricting ruling and its profound implications for the 2030 apportionment forecast on 'The Will Cain Show.'
What Janet Mills' fall signals for the Democratic Party's future: From the Politics Desk
Plus, redistricting ruling ripple effects.
The pastor of the nation’s largest Methodist church is running for the US Senate in Kansas
The pastor of the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S. has launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Kansas.
Janet Mills Quits Maine Primary After Lackluster Campaign
The Maine governor’s exit from the race clears a path for Graham Platner to become the Democratic nominee and face Susan Collins in the fall.
Janet Mills suspends Maine Senate campaign and makes way for Platner
Gov. Janet Mills has suspended her Democratic campaign for U.S. Senate, making way for political novice Graham Platner to face Sen. Susan Collins.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills drops U.S. Senate bid before Democratic primary
Mills has struggled to outshine first-time candidate Graham Platner, her opponent in the June 9 Democratic primary.
Janet Mills drops out of Maine Senate race, clearing way for Platner
This is a big win for the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic Party.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspends Senate campaign
Polls had consistently shown Mills trailing oyster farmer Graham Platner in the Democratic primary.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspends campaign for US Senate
Maine Gov. Janet Mills is suspending her Democratic primary campaign for US Senate, clearing the way for Graham Platner to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.
Janet Mills, Governor of Maine, Suspends Senate Campaign
Her withdrawal paves the way for Graham Platner to challenge Senator Susan Collins, and reflects the energy of the Democratic Party’s left as well as voters’ unease with older candidates.
Israel’s center wants Democrats back. It may not have the cards.
The parties that once anchored Israel's ties to Democrats have collapsed electorally — and even a post-Netanyahu government may struggle to win back a Democratic Party that's already moved on.
What the Royal State Dinner Guest List Says About Trump’s America
There were at least 10 American billionaires, six Fox News hosts, assorted presidential pals, no Democratic politicians and not so many British.
Supreme Court lets faith-based pregnancy centers fight subpoena on First Amendment grounds
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a group of faith-based “crisis pregnancy centers” in New Jersey to fight a subpoena from the state’s Democratic attorney general.
White House blames assassination attempt on anti-Trump rhetoric; Dems push back
The White House says a shooting at a press gala Trump attended is the 'predictable result' of Democratic rhetoric, prompting pushback from Democrats.
A voters guide to the 2026 primary in Lancaster County
Democratic and Republican voters in Lancaster County are preparing to select candidates for state and national offices, including state House and Senate, Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor and a member
Incumbent Democrat resigns, leaving a vacancy in one of the Triangle's most competitive NC Senate districts
Democratic N.C. Sen. Terence Everitt announced Tuesday night that he's resigning his seat and dropping out of one of this year's most hotly contested legislative races.
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies that carry eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, turning eyelashes inward, and ultimately causing blindness if untreated.“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”Australia’s journey to eliminationAustralia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infection, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at-risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers formed an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included adaptations to reflect its context, such as targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programmes.“Elimination of trachoma is a win for the eye health of communities across Australia, particularly those whose lives have been impacted by a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have been central to this success, delivering culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”“This recognition from the World Health Organization reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians. “Their work has been critical to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups that are regarded by WHO as NTDs. Together, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has confirmed the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to have eliminated at least one NTD.“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexities in reaching the most vulnerable communities, including in remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor from Tonga, I’ve experienced these challenges for myself. But I also know that with strategic commitment underpinned by optimal resources and partnerships in health, success is possible as other countries in our region have also demonstrated. I commend Australia on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems, and mainstreamed within the wider health sector and beyond.Editor’s notesNeglected tropical diseases and trachoma elimination effortsNeglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is mainly felt among impoverished communities in tropical areas.Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352).In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions dedicated to the fight against trachoma. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide; 2030 is the new target date.Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is defined as: (i) a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) “unknown to the health system” of < 0.2% in ≥15-year-olds; and (ii) a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years of < 5%, in each formerly endemic district, plus (iii) the existence of a system to identify and manage incident cases of TT.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Mac Deford talks Congressional run, SC politics
Deford is now considered one of the Democratic frontrunners for the First Congressional District nomination
For Democratic veterans making midterm pitches, the Iran war is personal: From the Politics Desk
Plus, King Charles addresses Congress. And why another assassination attempt isn't likely to change Trump's approach to public events.
Progressive politics sweep Michigan Democratic Party convention
DETROIT—Over 7,000 delegates turned out April 19 to vote in the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) nominating convention, making it the largest—and broadest—in MDP history.
Democratic Governor Candidates Break with Mills on Data Centers
Four out of five candidates running to replace Janet Mills said she was wrong to veto a temporary moratorium.
White House blames Democratic rhetoric for surge in political violence
Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., joins 'Mornings with Maria' to react to the White House shooting, warn of rising political violence and urge swift DHS funding as Republicans clash with Democrats on security.
Dem pollster says party should do more to sell health care message
Focus groups conducted by Democratic-aligned firm Navigator Research show voters are struggling with health care costs, but some blame both parties.
Candidates in DC Delegate race for Congress tossing punches at each other
The Democratic primary in June for the District’s delegate seat was heating up Monday, with five candidates racing to define each other before voters did.Brook
Gov. DeSantis releases proposed congressional map for Florida, could cut 4 Democratic seats
Democrats hold 8 seats on the current map.
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate touts business background, integrity in fight for Kansas seat
Sandy Spidel Neumann is running to take Sen. Roger Marshall's seat, focusing on the need for accountability in politics.
Ron DeSantis unveils new Florida congressional map that would give the GOP an extra four seats
Gov. Ron DeSantis reveals a new Florida congressional map that would add four Republican seats, sparking a clash with Democratic leader Jeffries.
NYC Council speaker, fledgling foil for Mamdani, gets into political pickle of her own
Julie Menin moved to pass a bill now roundly opposed by Democratic forces in New York.
Why Ohio's 1st District features 2 'actual' primaries this year
In one of the country's competitive congressional districts, Democratic voters seem torn and Republican voters face a field of political newcomers.
Sydney Gruters rips Sarasota County Democratic Party social media message following shooting near Donald Trump
“This was not a joke, and it should not be treated like one.”
Democratic candidates for Texas lieutenant governor talk about their campaigns before the runoff, top issues
State Rep. Vikki Goodwin and labor leader Marcos Velez both spoke recently with Jack Fink.
Experienced candidates face political newcomers in primaries for Ohio secretary of state
COLUMBUS — The Democratic and Republican primary elections for Ohio secretary of state both pit candidates with experience in elected office against ...
Trump's disdain for wind projects creates a political storm for Republicans in coastal Virginia
President Donald Trump’s attempts to cancel offshore wind projects have drawn opposition not only from environmentalists but also from Republicans. One of them is Jen Kiggans, a congresswoman who represents a coastal district in Virginia where an $11.5 billion wind farm is expected to create 1,000 jobs. Her support for a project targeted by Trump shows the scrambled politics of clean energy in an election year where Republicans are at risk of losing the House. Kiggans could be even more at risk after Virginia voters approved on Tuesday a new congressional map that makes her competitive district more Democratic than before.
There’s Something Different About This Version of the Democratic Party
The party—for better or for worse—is finally listening to its base.
4 Democratic candidates discuss race for 3rd Congressional District
In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10's Lauren Mayk spoke with the four Democratic candidates for the 3rd Congressional District.