Category Archives: politics

EARLY VOTING: Who’s been participating in the NYC Mayor’s Race so far? Data shows some surprising trends

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More than a quarter-million New Yorkers have already cast ballots in the 2025 NYC mayoral general election. According to an amNewYork analysis of unofficial early voting data, most of these voters appear to be Democrats and/or older individuals.

This trend could be good news for former Governor Andrew Cuomo. At 67 years old, Cuomo is a registered Democrat who is now running an independent campaign. He has consistently led among older voters in recent polls.

Meanwhile, the frontrunner in the race, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, holds the Democratic party nomination. The 34-year-old candidate has garnered strong support from younger voters in those same surveys.
https://politicsny.com/2025/10/28/early-voting-whos-been-participating-in-the-nyc-mayors-race-so-far-data-shows-some-surprising-trends/

North Korea’s top diplomat meets with Putin on a visit to Russia

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MOSCOW (AP) — North Korea’s top diplomat visited the Kremlin on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following last month’s meeting between the two countries’ leaders. This visit highlighted a show of deepening ties, coming as U.S. President Donald Trump visits Asia.

In a separate meeting with her Russian counterpart, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui confirmed North Korea’s “unwavering understanding and support” for Putin’s war against Ukraine, North Korean state media reported Tuesday.

In recent months, North Korea has sent thousands of troops and large quantities of military equipment to Russia to support its war effort. This growing alignment underscores leader Kim Jong Un’s increasingly assertive foreign policy as he seeks to break out of isolation and position his country as part of a united front against the U.S.-led West.

North Korea has shunned any form of talks with Washington and Seoul since Kim’s high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with Trump collapsed in 2019 during the American president’s first term.

Putin and Kim met in Beijing last September after attending a major military parade in the Chinese capital, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. During Monday’s talks, Putin asked North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to convey his best wishes to Kim, noting that they had a very warm meeting, according to his televised remarks.

Before attending the Kremlin meeting with Putin, Choe held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov once again praised North Korean troops for fighting alongside the Russian military in the Kursk region after a surprise Ukrainian incursion.

“These heroic deeds will, of course, further strengthen the bonds of friendship and historical unity in our shared struggle for justice,” Lavrov said.

Choe noted “considerable progress” in relations between North Korea and Russia and confirmed Pyongyang’s support for “all measures” taken by Russia to defend its security interests and “eliminate the root cause” of its conflict with Ukraine, according to Russian and North Korean media reports.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that Russian officials expressed Moscow’s support for all of Pyongyang’s efforts to “firmly defend its current status, security interests, and sovereign rights” during their meeting with Choe.

The two sides discussed expanding high-level exchanges and cooperation, as well as coordinating their diplomacy on unspecified “major issues of mutual concern,” KCNA said.

According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last fall, along with large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to support Moscow’s military action in Ukraine. Kim has also agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region.

Since the collapse of his diplomacy with Trump in 2019 due to disagreements over U.S.-led economic sanctions, Kim has focused on expanding the capabilities of his nuclear-armed military.

Last month, Kim suggested he could return to talks if Washington drops its demand for North Korea’s denuclearization, after Trump repeatedly expressed hopes for new diplomacy.

___

Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed from Seoul, South Korea.
https://wtop.com/world/2025/10/north-koreas-top-diplomat-meets-with-putin-on-a-visit-to-russia/

Argentine Stablecoin Use Surged Ahead of President Milei’s Midterm Election Win

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**Argentines Turn to Dollar Stablecoins Amid Midterm Election Turmoil**

On Sunday, as Argentina headed into crucial midterm elections, locals swapped their unstable pesos for U.S. dollar stablecoins, anticipating a sharp decline in the Argentine peso (ARS). The election, seen as a make-or-break moment for President Javier Milei, unfolded amid his declining approval ratings linked to corruption scandals and controversial economic plans.

### Surge in Stablecoin Usage During Elections

As election results became clearer, a Latin American crypto app recorded its highest-ever trading volume in a single hour, coinciding with the peso strengthening against the dollar. Facundo Werning, LATAM head for stablecoin issuer Agora and former Tether expansion manager for Argentina, revealed to Decrypt that there was a “notable increase in volume across the USD stablecoin to [Argentine peso] trading pair,” estimating a conservative $13.4 million in trading volume on Sunday alone.

Similarly, the South American crypto app Lemon experienced its third-highest single-day volume ever, including the highest hourly volume at 9 p.m. local time, when election outcomes were officially announced.

### Peso Volatility and Market Reactions

The Argentine peso is notoriously unstable. Just days before the election, it hit a record low of 1,491.50 pesos per U.S. dollar on Friday, according to Reuters, despite a $40 billion bailout package from former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, many Argentines believed the peso would have plummeted even further if Milei’s right-wing party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), had not secured the most seats.

Milei remains a divisive figure in Argentina due to his radical economic proposals and connections to corruption scandals, including involvement with the notorious LIBRA meme coin. His dwindling approval rating made this election critical both for his political future and the nation’s economic outlook.

### Public Sentiment Reflects Market Behavior

Santiago Vivanco, an Argentine finance professional, told Decrypt that no one he knows entered the election holding large amounts of Argentine pesos. Meanwhile, betting markets, like Polymarket, showed the left-wing party Unión por la Patria peaking at a 55% chance of winning the most seats.

Vivanco anticipated a peso crash if Unión por la Patria prevailed, attributing this to their left-wing economic policies, which he believed would harm the peso’s value. Former President Trump also publicly stated that the U.S. would not “waste our time” supporting Argentina if Milei lost, amplifying concerns.

As a result, many citizens bought USD stablecoins over the weekend to hedge against a potential peso collapse.

### The Crypto Dollar as a Real-Time Economic Indicator

Exchange rates in Argentina are complex. One key difference between official bank rates, unofficial street rates, and crypto dollar rates is that crypto markets operate 24/7. While banks and street exchanges close during off-hours, especially on weekends, crypto dollars never stop trading.

This continuous operation turned the “crypto dollar” into more than just a savings tool. A Lemon spokesperson told Decrypt, “It became a real-time thermometer of Argentina’s economic and political pulse when the traditional market is offline.”

### Market Reactions During Election Night

Throughout election night, the crypto dollar’s value fluctuated noticeably. Citizens actively swapped pesos for stablecoins and vice versa, aiming to maximize their returns amid the peso’s volatility.

Lemon’s election dashboard showed the peso hitting a low exchange rate of 1,572.50 ARS per crypto dollar around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday. As results became clearer, the rate improved dramatically, reaching 1,350 ARS per dollar by 10 a.m. on Monday.

Werning summarized these movements: “Over the weekend, we initially saw the crypto dollar rise dramatically, and as results came in on Sunday, we saw it plummet against the peso.” The Lemon spokesperson added, “This signals optimistic market sentiment.”

### Conclusion: Peso Strengthens Following Milei’s Victory

Market reactions indicate optimism following Milei’s surprise yet decisive victory in the midterm legislative elections. The Argentine peso appeared stronger on Monday compared to its close on Friday, reflecting renewed confidence among investors and citizens alike.

As Argentina navigates a politically charged landscape, the growing role of stablecoins as both a hedge and an economic indicator highlights the evolving intersection of traditional finance and digital assets in volatile markets.
https://decrypt.co/346184/argentine-stablecoin-use-surged-ahead-of-president-mileis-midterm-election-win

Public TV Station Carries Article on Socialist Workers Party’s Nominee for Governor of New Jersey

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WHYY, a public television station based in Philadelphia that also serves southern New Jersey, has published an article featuring the Socialist Workers Party nominee for Governor of New Jersey.

This level of media attention is unusual for candidates representing the Socialist Workers Party, making the coverage notable.
https://ballot-access.org/2025/10/27/public-tv-station-carries-article-on-socialist-workers-partys-nominee-for-governor-of-new-jersey/

Venezuela: President Maduro vows unity with Colombia; President Petro renews call for Constituent Assembly

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This article from The Orinoco Tribune was written in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and published on October 23. Given the threat of an imminent U.S. military attack on Venezuela, Colombia, and other sovereign countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Workers World is increasing its coverage from that region.

**Caracas:** Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on October 20 that he will always close ranks with Colombia, whose president, Gustavo Petro, was accused without evidence on October 19 by his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, of being a “leader of illegal drug trafficking.”

“At heart, we are Colombia, the profound Great Colombia founded on the Orinoco River by the Liberator Commander Simón Bolívar,” Maduro said during an activity with communal leaders.

“And Colombia knows that we are one, Siamese twins. Whatever happens with Colombia, happens with Venezuela. And whatever happens with Venezuela, happens with Colombia.”

“As a military officer of the Colombian military forces wrote to me two weeks ago: ‘If you touch Venezuela, you touch Colombia.’ We are one homeland of the heart. And we do not say this just for the sake of saying it.”
https://www.workers.org/2025/10/88668/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=venezuela-president-maduro-vows-unity-with-colombia-president-petro-renews-call-for-constituent-assembly

AP Decision Notes: What to expect for the Nov. 4 election in Pennsylvania

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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA (AP) — Control of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court hangs in the balance in statewide elections next week, when voters will cast ballots on judges for the state’s three highest courts.

Voters across the commonwealth will also participate in municipal elections, including high-profile races in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

### Pennsylvania Supreme Court Retention Elections

State Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—all Democrats—will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot in a retention election. Voters will decide whether to award the sitting jurists new 10-year terms on the high court, although Donohue must retire in 2027 upon reaching Pennsylvania’s mandated retirement age of 75.

While retention elections are often quiet affairs in Pennsylvania, this year’s campaign has been heavily influenced by party politics. Democrats currently hold a 5-2 majority on the state Supreme Court, but Republicans have launched a campaign to oust Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht.

If voters decide not to retain a justice for another term, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro could appoint a temporary replacement, subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled state Senate. A deadlock in the confirmation process could result in a tied court at 2-2 if voters oust all three justices this year. Any vacant seats would be filled in an election for full 10-year terms held in 2027.

The last state Supreme Court retention election was in 2017. At that time, the Republican justice on the ballot was retained with 68% of the vote, while the Democratic justice was retained with 71% of the vote.

### Other Statewide Court Races

Voters will also decide races for other state courts, including the Superior Court and Commonwealth Court, which are the two statewide appellate courts just below the state Supreme Court.

### Pittsburgh Mayoral Race

In Pittsburgh, Democratic Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno are running to replace outgoing Democratic incumbent Ed Gainey.

O’Connor, a former member of the Pittsburgh City Council and son of the late Mayor Bob O’Connor, defeated Gainey in the May primary. Moreno, a former police officer, was the 2021 Republican mayoral nominee who lost to Gainey in the general election.

### Philadelphia District Attorney Race

In Philadelphia, Democrat Larry Krasner seeks a third term as district attorney against former Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Pat Dugan. Dugan stepped down midway through his third term in 2024 to challenge Krasner for the Democratic nomination. Krasner defeated Dugan in the May primary, but Dugan switched parties in August to run as a Republican in the general election.

### Voting Trends and Historical Context

Democrats have recently won general elections in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia by wide margins. In the 2021 Pittsburgh mayoral race, Gainey defeated Moreno with about 71% of the vote. In Philadelphia, Krasner won re-election to a second term in 2021 with approximately 72% of the vote.

### Associated Press Election Coverage Policy

The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare winners only when it is clear there is no scenario for trailing candidates to close the gap.

If a race has not been called, the AP will continue covering any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. The AP will clearly state when no winner has been declared yet and explain the reasoning.

Pennsylvania requires an automatic recount for statewide races with a vote margin of 0.5 percentage points or less. For non-statewide races, voters may petition individual county election boards or courts for a recount.

The AP may declare a winner in a race eligible for a recount if the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

### Election Day Details: November 4

**When do polls close?**
Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

**What’s on the ballot?**
The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in retention elections for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Commonwealth Court, as well as the general elections for Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Pittsburgh mayor, Philadelphia district attorney, and Philadelphia controller.

**Who gets to vote?**
Any Pennsylvania-registered voter may participate in statewide general elections. Voters registered in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may participate in their respective municipal general elections.

### Voter Registration and Turnout

As of October 6, Pennsylvania had about 3.8 million registered Democrats and 3.6 million registered Republicans.

– In Allegheny County (home to Pittsburgh), Democrats comprise nearly 55% of the 912,000 registered voters; Republicans about 29%.
– In Philadelphia, Democrats make up approximately 72% of the roughly 1.1 million registered voters; Republicans about 12%.

In the 2021 general election for Pittsburgh mayor, nearly 71,000 people voted—about 31% of registered voters—with mail ballots accounting for 35% of votes cast.

Approximately 230,000 people voted in the Philadelphia 2021 municipal general election, or about 22% of registered voters; 32% of the vote came from mail ballots.

About 3.1 million votes were cast in the 2023 state Supreme Court general election, roughly 36% of registered voters at the time, with mail ballots comprising about 26% of total votes.

As of the latest update, more than 524,000 of the 1.1 million absentee ballots requested statewide have been cast—62% from Democrats and 26% from Republicans.

In Pittsburgh, nearly 5,400 pre-Election Day votes had been cast as of October 10, with about 86% from Democrats and 9% from Republicans.

For the latest information, see the [AP Early Vote Tracker](#).

### Vote Counting Timeline

During the 2024 presidential election, the AP first reported Pennsylvania results at 8 p.m. ET from Allegheny County as polls closed, and at 8:08 p.m. ET from Philadelphia. By noon the next day, nearly 97% of the total statewide vote had been tabulated.

In Allegheny County, vote tabulation ended at 12:08 a.m. ET with approximately 97% of votes counted; in Philadelphia, at 1:56 a.m. ET with about 93% counted.

### Looking Ahead

As of November 4, there will be 364 days until the 2026 midterm elections and 1,099 days until the 2028 general election.

___

Associated Press writer Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2025 election at [AP News](#).
https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/general-election/10111798/ap-decision-notes-what-to-expect-for-the-nov-4-election-in-pennsylvania.html

Run It Back? : Kamala Harris Strongly Hints At Running For President Again

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Kamala Harris Isn’t Done with Politics: Hints at Another Presidential Run

Kamala Harris isn’t ready to step away from the political stage. In a recent interview during her UK promo tour for her memoir *107 Days*, Harris hinted that she might have another shot at becoming President of the United States. Speaking with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, she said it’s “possible” she could be POTUS one day, expressing confidence that her grandnieces will see a woman sitting in the Oval Office “in their lifetime, for sure.”

Despite the challenges she’s faced, Harris gave the strongest indication yet that she wants to run again. She also addressed polls suggesting she isn’t the favorite to secure the Democratic nomination, pushing back against such claims.

Taking aim at former President Donald Trump, Harris called him a “tyrant” and didn’t miss the chance to deliver a pointed “I told you so.” She reminded viewers that everything she warned voters about Trump—and what a second term under his “leadership” would look like—has come true.

**Support Builds for Another Kamala Harris Run**

Harris’ recent comments have sparked reactions, with many already expressing support for the former Vice President to make another bid for the White House. One social media user wrote, “Let me clarify a point: Kamala Harris must and would be our nominee for the next election. She gained 75 MILLION votes in just 3 f*cking months. NOBODY did that before. Give her time to run a real campaign and we will win.”

If Harris does decide to run again, it could set up a rematch with the so-called Orange Menace, who is reportedly considering an unconstitutional third term. Lord help us all.

Check out some of the reactions, both for and against Harris running again, below.
https://hiphopwired.com/2885244/kamala-harris-possible-second-presidential-run-reactions/

Anti-Zionism is the New Face of Antisemitism

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I stood just a few feet from President Trump’s team as thunderous applause and standing ovations erupted again and again during his speech to the Knesset. It was a historic moment that resonated deeply with everyone present.

As Trump spoke, word spread that all the hostages had been released—a truly remarkable development.

From Jerusalem, the President then traveled directly to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to meet with Muslim leaders and representatives from nations around the world. Astonishingly, they united behind his peace plan, signaling a new era of cooperation and hope.

There is no question—the war in Gaza is over.
https://www.realclearreligion.org/2025/10/27/anti-zionism_is_the_new_face_of_antisemitism_1143483.html

Trump has begun Asia trip with major trade deal and openness to meeting Kim Jong Un

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Trump then traveled to Japan on Monday to finalize a trade deal. Upon arriving, he shook hands with Emperor Naruhito. He is expected to meet with Japan’s newly elected prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, later on. Committing to a trade deal with the U.S. would be a monumental moment for the start of her term.

Takaichi, a staunch conservative and the first female prime minister of Japan, has drawn comparisons to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was a close friend of Trump during his first term. Reminiscing about his friendship with Abe, the president wished Takaichi well in her new job.

“I hear phenomenal things,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “She was a great ally and friend of Shinzo Abe, who was my friend.”

“I know they were very close, and I think philosophically they were close, which is good,” he said. “That really helps Japan and the United States. I think she’s going to be great.”

Trump will depart on Wednesday for South Korea, the last planned stop of his three-nation tour. While there, he will discuss the possibility of finalizing a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Their meeting, which comes one day before the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, was previously expected to be scrapped after Trump threatened an additional 100% tariff by November 1 in response to China’s export controls on rare earth minerals.

Trump suggested he would skip the meeting, but once trade tensions eased, the meeting remained on schedule. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. and China are expected to agree on a trade deal “framework” that will avoid the 100% tariff.

Trump said he is optimistic the U.S. will “come away with a deal” following his meeting with Xi. He also hopes to visit Beijing in the near future and suggested Xi could visit Washington, D.C., or his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

Regarding the possibility of meeting with Kim Jong Un, Trump remains open to the idea, partly because it would be easy to add to his schedule, given that South Korea is his last stop.

“I’d love to meet with him, if he’d like to meet,” he said. “I got along great with Kim Jong Un. I liked him, he liked me.” The two have met three times in person.

**TRUMP INKS TRADE DEALS ON ASIA TRIP, WITH US-CHINA AGREEMENT CLOSE AHEAD OF XI MEETING**

At the beginning of his diplomatic tour, Trump made a pit stop in the Middle East and brought the emir of Qatar and the country’s prime minister onto Air Force One. Trump said it was a “great honor” to host the Qatari leaders.

The appearance followed the signing of the peace deal between Israel and Hamas this month. Because Qatar played a mediating role in ending the conflict, Trump thanked the nation’s leaders.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3864631/trump-begins-asia-trip-major-trade-deal-openness-meeting-kim-jong-un/

Argentina’s Milei Strengthens Political Power Amid LIBRA Scandal

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**Milei’s La Libertad Avanza Party Wins Big in Argentina’s 2025 Midterms Amid Ongoing LIBRA Crypto Scandal**

Argentine President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), secured a significant victory in the 2025 midterm legislative elections, capturing nearly 41% of the national vote. This impressive win bolsters Milei’s influence in Congress and strengthens his position to advance his reform agenda. However, the triumph comes amid an escalating LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal that continues to erode public trust and intensify legal scrutiny surrounding Milei and his associates.

—

### Victory in the 2025 Midterms

La Libertad Avanza emerged as a dominant political force in Argentina’s 2025 midterm elections, making notable gains in key districts such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. With approximately 41% of the vote, LLA surpassed the Peronist alliance, which garnered 31.6%.

Following the elections, LLA now holds 101 out of 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, a substantial increase that enhances Milei’s legislative leverage. This expanded control is expected to facilitate the passage of Milei’s ambitious reforms in tax policy, labor laws, and pensions.

Reflecting on the victory, Milei stated, “During the first two years, we avoided falling off the cliff. In the next two years, we will continue the reformist path to make Argentina great again.”

—

### LIBRA Crypto Scandal Continues to Unfold

Despite his electoral success, Milei’s association with the LIBRA cryptocurrency project has sparked ongoing controversy. The scandal began when Milei publicly endorsed LIBRA, a meme coin that saw a rapid rise in market capitalization.

However, the coin’s value crashed after insiders sold off their holdings, causing significant losses for investors. Although Milei has since distanced himself from LIBRA and denied direct involvement in its operations, the fallout severely impacted his public approval.

A recent Zuban Córdoba survey indicates only 36% of Argentinians still support Milei, while 57.6% express distrust in his leadership. This sharp decline in confidence has led to both criminal and congressional investigations targeting Milei and his advisers.

—

### Legal Scrutiny Intensifies

Legal repercussions surrounding the LIBRA scandal have intensified in recent months. In October, an Argentine prosecutor ordered forensic examinations of the phones belonging to President Milei and his close aides as part of an ongoing inquiry into their possible roles in the cryptocurrency project.

Additionally, U.S. legal sources suggest that Milei, along with his brother Karina Milei and promoter Hayden Mark Davis, likely control assets linked to LIBRA. This development has increased pressure on the president’s inner circle, with calls mounting for the detention of two aides implicated in the launch of the token.

—

### Struggling to Maintain Credibility

While the 2025 midterm election results increased Milei’s political power, the LIBRA scandal poses a serious threat to his credibility. Accusations of insider trading and market manipulation continue to dominate media coverage, contributing to waning public trust.

Milei faces a delicate balancing act: managing the fallout from the LIBRA scandal while delivering on the reforms that secured his electoral success. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to pushing forward with his policy agenda.

—

### Looking Ahead

The coming months will be critical for Milei’s administration as it grapples with legal investigations and public skepticism. Restoring trust may prove essential not only for maintaining political momentum but also in shaping the trajectory of his government ahead of Argentina’s 2027 presidential election.

**Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.**
https://coincentral.com/argentinas-milei-strengthens-political-power-amid-libra-scandal/