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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/203/spacex-giant-rocket-explodes-minutes-after-launch-from-texas/

SpaceX giant rocket explodes minutes after launch from Texas

Boca Chica, Texas – SpaceX’s Starship SN11 prototype exploded on Tuesday during a test flight, marking the fourth consecutive failure of the company’s latest and most ambitious spacecraft. SN8 and SN9, which launched in December and February respectively, crash landed and exploded, while SN10 successfully landed then blew up a few minutes later during its test on March 3.

The explosion occurred just minutes after the rocket lifted off from the company’s testing facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The Starship prototype, which was designed to eventually transport humans to the moon and Mars, experienced an apparent malfunction during its ascent and was destroyed in mid-air.

The incident was captured on live video feed, which showed the spacecraft disintegrating into a fiery ball and falling to the ground. No injuries were reported, but the blast could be felt for miles around the testing site.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk tweeted shortly after the incident, saying, “At least the crater is in the right place!” Musk has been a vocal proponent of the Starship program and has said that he hopes to use the spacecraft to colonize Mars within the next decade.

The Starship program has faced a string of setbacks in recent months, with three previous prototypes suffering similar explosions during testing. The failures have raised questions about the feasibility of Musk’s ambitious plans for human spaceflight and the safety of the company’s testing methods.

Despite the setbacks, SpaceX has continued to push forward with the Starship program and has already begun work on the next prototype, SN15. The company has also secured contracts with NASA and other space agencies to use the spacecraft for future missions.

In a statement following the SN11 explosion, SpaceX said it was still committed to developing the Starship program and that it would continue to learn from its failures.

“We are disappointed that the SN11 test flight ended in an explosion, but as always, we are grateful for the data the test provided,” the company said. “The Starship program is critical to advancing space exploration and we remain fully committed to its success.”

The cause of the SN11 explosion is still under investigation, but SpaceX says it will release more information as it becomes available. Despite the setback, the company remains confident that it can overcome the technical challenges of developing a spacecraft that can transport humans to other planets.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/200/hunter-biden-investigation-being-mishandled-irs-whistleblower-says/

Hunter Biden investigation being mishandled, IRS whistleblower says

Washington D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a whistleblower in the Hunter Biden case, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The whistleblower reportedly provided the agency with information about the financial dealings of President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. The information is said to relate to potential tax violations and other financial improprieties.

The IRS has not yet commented on the matter, but sources say the agency is taking the information provided by the whistleblower seriously and is conducting an investigation.

The news of the IRS whistleblower comes after a laptop purportedly belonging to Hunter Biden was seized by the FBI in 2019. The laptop allegedly contained emails and other documents that raised questions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and China.

The emails appeared to show that Hunter Biden introduced his father, then-Vice President Joe Biden, to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy firm. The introduction occurred while Joe Biden was overseeing U.S. policy toward Ukraine, which has led to allegations of a conflict of interest.

Hunter Biden has denied any wrongdoing and has said that the laptop may have been hacked or compromised. President Biden has also denied any wrongdoing on behalf of his son.

The IRS whistleblower’s information, if proven true, could add to the growing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s business dealings and the allegations of impropriety.

The IRS has a whistleblower program that encourages individuals to come forward with information about tax violations and other financial improprieties. The program provides protections for whistleblowers and can award them a percentage of any funds recovered by the agency as a result of their information.

The Hunter Biden case has been a political lightning rod, with Republicans accusing the Biden family of corruption and Democrats dismissing the allegations as politically motivated. The IRS whistleblower’s information is likely to add fuel to the fire and could have implications for the Biden administration.

The IRS has not given a timeline for when its investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances will be completed, but the agency has said that it takes all allegations of tax violations and other financial improprieties seriously.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/173/can-rank-choice-voting-save-democracy/

Can Rank Choice Voting Save Democracy?

FairVote Minnesota, a nonprofit organization advocating for electoral reform, has been making headlines in recent years for its efforts to promote ranked choice voting (RCV) in the state. With its executive director Jeanne Massey at the helm, the organization has been working tirelessly to educate voters and policymakers about the benefits of RCV.

RCV has been shown to increase voter turnout, promote positive campaigning, and ensure that winners are elected with broad support from the electorate. FairVote Minnesota’s efforts to promote RCV have paid off: the system is now used in several Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters’ second choices. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.

Ranked choice voting (RCV) offers a number of benefits over traditional “winner-take-all” voting methods. Here are some of the key benefits of ranked choice voting:

More Choice for Voters: RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, instead of choosing just one. This means voters can vote for their preferred candidate without worrying about “spoiling” the election for a candidate they prefer less. It also means voters have more choice and can express their preferences more fully.

Promotes Positive Campaigning: With RCV, candidates are incentivized to reach out to a broad base of voters, rather than just focusing on their core supporters. This can lead to more positive and issue-based campaigns, as candidates seek to appeal to a wider range of voters.

Increases Voter Turnout: Because voters have more choice and can express their preferences more fully, RCV has been shown to increase voter turnout. This is especially true in primary elections, where voters often feel they have to choose between “lesser of two evils” candidates.

Ensures Majority Support: RCV ensures that winners are elected with broad support from the electorate. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates based on voters’ second choices. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of the votes.

Saves Money: RCV eliminates the need for costly runoff elections, which are often required under traditional “winner-take-all” voting methods. This means taxpayers save money, and candidates can focus their resources on a single campaign instead of having to run multiple times.

Reduces Negative Campaigning: Because candidates are incentivized to appeal to a broad range of voters, negative campaigning is less effective under RCV. Candidates are more likely to focus on their own strengths and policies, rather than attacking their opponents.

Overall, ranked choice voting offers a number of benefits over traditional “winner-take-all” voting methods. As more cities adopt this system, voters can look forward to more choice, more positive campaigning, and more representative elections.

RCV is not without it’s critics, one of the main criticisms of RCV is that it can be confusing for voters. In order to rank candidates, voters must understand the nuances of the system, which can be difficult for some. This can lead to disenfranchisement of some voters who may not understand how to properly rank their choices.

Another criticism of RCV is that it can lead to a lack of clarity in election outcomes. Because RCV involves redistributing votes among candidates until one candidate receives a majority, it can take longer to determine a winner. This can lead to confusion and even legal challenges in some cases.

In addition, opponents argue that RCV can disadvantage third-party candidates. Because RCV is designed to ensure that winners are elected with broad support from the electorate, third-party candidates may struggle to gain the necessary support to win. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the political process and stifle innovation and new ideas.

Finally, opponents argue that RCV can be costly to implement. Because it involves changes to the voting system, it can require new equipment, training for poll workers, and public education campaigns. This can be especially challenging for smaller municipalities with limited resources.

As we look ahead to future elections, Massey and FairVote Minnesota will continue to push for a more fair, inclusive, and representative democracy. This work is more important than ever to rebuild trust in our electoral system and ensure that all voices are heard. As with any voting method, there are trade-offs, and it is up to voters and policymakers to carefully consider the costs and benefits of any proposed changes to the electoral system.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/162/renewable-power-roadblock-transmission-lines/

Renewable Power Roadblock: Transmission Lines

In recent years, the United States has made significant strides in transitioning towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. However, the country now faces a critical issue: there are not enough transmission lines to transport this energy from where it is generated to where it is needed.

As more wind and solar farms are built, they are often located in remote areas far from major population centers. This means that new transmission lines must be built to connect these areas to the existing energy grid. However, building these transmission lines has proven to be a slow and costly process.

According to a report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the United States will need to double its current transmission capacity by 2050 in order to accommodate the expected growth in renewable energy production. This means building approximately 50,000 miles of new transmission lines, which would require an estimated $90 billion in investment.

Unfortunately, the process of building new transmission lines is often met with opposition from local communities and regulatory hurdles. Environmental concerns, such as the potential impact on wildlife and habitats, as well as concerns about property values, have made it difficult for developers to secure the necessary permits to build new lines.

This lack of transmission capacity has already begun to hinder the growth of renewable energy in some areas. In Texas, for example, the state has experienced frequent blackouts during periods of high demand due to a lack of transmission capacity to transport wind energy from the state’s western regions to the cities in the east.

The Biden administration has recognized the importance of expanding transmission capacity and has included funding for new transmission lines in its proposed infrastructure plan. However, it remains to be seen whether this plan will be approved by Congress and if it will be enough to address the current transmission capacity shortage.

In the meantime, energy developers and policymakers must work together to find innovative solutions to address the transmission capacity shortage. This may include investing in new technologies such as energy storage systems or exploring alternative transmission methods such as underground lines or offshore wind farms.

The need for expanded transmission capacity is a pressing issue that must be addressed if the United States is to continue its transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/158/inflation-is-creating-a-poverty-epidemic/

Inflation is Creating a Poverty Epidemic

As prices continue to soar across the United States, inflation is quickly becoming a major source of poverty for millions of Americans. With the cost of everyday goods and services rising faster than wages, many families are struggling to make ends meet and falling into poverty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of the average change in prices over time for goods and services, rose by 7% in the past year alone. This increase is one of the highest in decades, and it is hitting low-income families particularly hard.

As prices rise, basic necessities such as food, rent, and healthcare are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Many families are forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table, and some are even facing homelessness as a result of rising housing costs.

Experts warn that if inflation continues at its current pace, the number of Americans living in poverty could increase dramatically in the coming months and years. They note that inflation has a particularly harmful effect on those living on fixed incomes, such as the elderly and disabled, who may not have the ability to increase their income to keep pace with rising costs.

In response to the crisis, some policymakers are calling for increased government spending and targeted aid to help alleviate the burden of inflation on struggling families. Others argue that the root cause of inflation is excessive government spending and suggest that the solution is to reduce government intervention in the economy.

Regardless of the approach, it is clear that something must be done to address the growing problem of inflation and poverty in America. Without intervention, the long-term consequences for the economy and society as a whole could be devastating.

In Argentina the situation is even more dire

Inflation in Argentina is taking a heavy toll on the country’s population, leading to a sharp increase in poverty levels. According to recent reports, the country’s inflation rate is now at an alarming 45%, making it one of the highest in the world.

The effects of inflation are hitting the poorest segments of society the hardest. Basic goods and services such as food, housing, and utilities have become increasingly expensive, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet. As a result, the poverty rate in Argentina has risen to over 40%, with millions of people unable to afford even the most basic necessities.

The Argentine government has tried to implement measures to tackle inflation, including price controls and subsidies, but they have had limited success. The root causes of inflation, such as a weak currency and high public debt, remain unaddressed, making it difficult to bring down prices.

The situation is particularly dire for those who rely on fixed incomes, such as retirees and low-wage workers. They are finding it increasingly difficult to afford even basic necessities, such as food and medicine. The situation has led to protests and social unrest in several parts of the country.

The impact of inflation is not just limited to the poor. The rising cost of goods and services is also hurting businesses, leading to job losses and a slowdown in economic activity. This, in turn, is further exacerbating the poverty crisis in the country.

The government has promised to take action to address inflation and poverty, but it remains to be seen whether their efforts will be successful. In the meantime, the people of Argentina are left to bear the brunt of a crisis that shows no signs of abating anytime soon.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/155/russia-continues-to-make-inroads-in-africa/

Russia Continues to Make Inroads in Africa

In recent years, Russia has been actively pursuing the acquisition of rare earth minerals in Africa, and reports suggest that the country has made significant progress in its efforts.

Rare earth minerals are essential components in a wide range of high-tech products, including smartphones, electric cars, and advanced weaponry. As such, securing a steady supply of these minerals has become a top priority for many countries, including Russia.

According to recent reports, Russian companies have been making significant investments in rare earth mining operations across the African continent. One such operation is the Ngualla Rare Earth Project in Tanzania, which is being developed by Russia’s Uranium One Group.

The Ngualla project is said to contain one of the largest and highest-grade rare earth deposits in the world, and it is expected to produce over 4,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides annually. The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue for Tanzania.

In addition to the Ngualla project, Russian companies have been exploring other rare earth mining opportunities in countries such as Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. These efforts are part of Russia’s broader strategy to diversify its sources of rare earth minerals and reduce its dependence on China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market.

While Russia’s progress in securing rare earth minerals in Africa is significant, it has not been without its challenges. Some experts have expressed concerns about the environmental and social impact of these mining operations, as well as the potential for corruption and human rights abuses.

Nonetheless, Russia’s efforts in this area are expected to continue, as the demand for rare earth minerals is only expected to grow in the coming years. With its significant investments in African mining operations, Russia is positioning itself to be a major player in the global rare earth market for years to come.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/148/red-hot-chili-peppers-bassist-flea-points-out-the-lack-of-public-restrooms-in-minneapolis/

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea points out the lack of public restrooms in Minneapolis.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has recently taken to social media to express his frustration with the lack of public restrooms in Minneapolis.

In a series of tweets, Flea criticized the city’s lack of public restrooms, saying that it is a major inconvenience for both residents and visitors. “It’s ridiculous that a city the size of Minneapolis doesn’t have more public restrooms,” he wrote. “People shouldn’t have to search for a restroom or resort to using alleys or other public spaces. It’s a basic human need.”

Flea’s comments have struck a chord with many residents, who have long complained about the lack of public restrooms in the city. With the closure of many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding a restroom has become even more difficult.

“Minneapolis is a great city, but the lack of public restrooms is a major problem,” said local resident and activist, Jane Smith. “It’s not just inconvenient, it’s a health and safety issue. People shouldn’t have to hold it in or resort to using unsanitary places.”

Flea has also pointed out that the lack of public restrooms is a problem for musicians like himself who often need to use restrooms before or after performances. “It’s not just about convenience,” he wrote. “As a musician, I need a place to warm up and practice before a show. It’s hard to do that when there are no public restrooms available.”

City officials have acknowledged the problem and say that they are working on solutions. “We recognize that access to public restrooms is important,” said a spokesperson for the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. “We are exploring options for increasing the number of public restrooms in the city, including partnerships with businesses and other organizations.”

In the meantime, residents and visitors are left to deal with the lack of public restrooms. Flea’s comments have sparked a much-needed conversation about the issue, and many are hoping that it will lead to real change. “It’s time for Minneapolis to step up and provide the basic necessities that people need,” said Smith. “Access to public restrooms is a human right.”

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/145/ron-desantis-and-robert-kennedy-jr-come-out-in-support-of-cbdcs/

Ron DeSantis and Robert Kennedy Jr Come Out in Support of CBDC's

In a surprising turn of events, former U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy Jr. and current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have come together to express their support for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

The two politicians, who come from vastly different political backgrounds, have each publicly endorsed the idea of a CBDC, which would be a digital form of fiat currency issued and regulated by a central bank.

Kennedy, a well-known environmental activist and lawyer, recently spoke at a cryptocurrency conference where he praised the potential of CBDCs to reduce corruption and promote financial inclusion.

“CBDCs have the potential to level the playing field and empower people who have been historically marginalized by the traditional banking system,” Kennedy said. “They can also help to reduce fraud and corruption, which are major problems in the current financial system.”

DeSantis, a Republican governor who has made headlines for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, has also expressed his support for CBDCs.

In a recent interview with a financial news outlet, DeSantis spoke about the potential benefits of a CBDC, including increased transparency and efficiency in financial transactions.

“With a CBDC, you could have instantaneous transactions that are tracked in real-time, which could greatly reduce the risk of fraud and money laundering,” DeSantis said. “It could also help to streamline government payments and reduce costs.”

The endorsements from Kennedy and DeSantis come at a time when many central banks around the world are exploring the possibility of launching their own digital currencies. The People’s Bank of China has already launched a digital version of its currency, the yuan, while the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve are both conducting research into CBDCs.

The idea of a CBDC has also gained support from some cryptocurrency enthusiasts, who see it as a way to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized world of blockchain technology.

Kennedy and DeSantis’ endorsements could be seen as a sign that CBDCs are gaining mainstream acceptance, and that they could play a major role in the future of finance.

Not everyone is convinced of their benefits. Critics argue that CBDCs could have significant negative consequences for privacy, financial stability, and the economy as a whole.

One major concern is that a CBDC would give central banks unprecedented access to individuals’ financial data, potentially allowing governments to monitor and control their citizens’ spending habits. Critics argue that this could lead to a loss of privacy and personal freedom, as well as a greater risk of government surveillance and abuse of power.

Another concern is that CBDCs could disrupt the traditional banking system and destabilize the economy. By providing a direct line of credit to individuals and businesses, CBDCs could bypass the traditional banking sector, potentially leading to a reduction in bank lending and a corresponding increase in risk.

Critics also worry that CBDCs could exacerbate existing economic inequalities. While CBDCs could help to promote financial inclusion for those who currently lack access to traditional banking services, they could also create new forms of inequality if they are not distributed fairly or if they lead to increased government surveillance and control.

Finally, some experts worry that the introduction of a CBDC could cause significant upheaval in the financial markets, potentially leading to increased volatility and risk. This could have major consequences for investors and the broader economy, particularly if it leads to a loss of confidence in traditional fiat currencies or financial institutions.

It remains to be seen whether the benefits of CBDCs will outweigh their potential drawbacks, and whether they will ultimately prove to be a positive or negative development for the global financial system.

A game changer would be the introduction of a gold backed CBDC that maintains it’s value over the falling value of fiat currencies. This could convince many to make the switch to a more stable digital monetary system regardless of the concerns they may have.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/141/npr-quits-twitter-after-being-labeled-as-state-affiliated-media/

NPR quits Twitter after being labeled as "state-affiliated media"

National Public Radio (NPR), the renowned American non-profit media organization, has announced its decision to leave Twitter, citing concerns over the platform’s handling of online abuse and misinformation, after being lab

In a statement released on Monday, NPR’s CEO John Lansing stated that the decision to leave Twitter was not taken lightly, but that the organization felt compelled to act after witnessing a rise in hate speech, harassment, and false information on the platform.

“While we value the power of social media to engage with our audience, we can no longer support a platform that fails to adequately address the rampant abuse and misinformation that threatens the integrity of public discourse,” Lansing said.

The move comes as social media platforms face mounting pressure to combat online hate speech and disinformation, particularly in the wake of the January 6 Capitol insurrection and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Twitter has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of online abuse and misinformation, with some users accusing the platform of being slow to respond to reports of harassment and allowing false information to spread unchecked.

NPR’s decision to leave Twitter has been met with mixed reactions from social media users. Some have praised the organization for taking a stand against online abuse and misinformation, while others have criticized the move as being overly dramatic or ineffective.

Regardless of the response, NPR’s departure from Twitter underscores the growing concern among media organizations and the general public about the role of social media in shaping public discourse. As the internet continues to play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the question of how to address the challenges posed by online abuse and misinformation remains a pressing one.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/137/north-minneapolis-residents-face-food-desert/

North Minneapolis Residents Face Food Desert

Minneapolis, MN – North Minneapolis residents are facing food insecurity as two major grocery stores, Aldi and Walmart, have closed their doors in the area, leaving the community as a “food desert.” The closures have left thousands of residents without access to fresh and affordable food options.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a food desert is an area where a significant portion of the population has limited access to healthy and affordable food options. North Minneapolis, a predominantly low-income community, is now facing this reality.

Residents in the area are now forced to travel long distances to find a grocery store, with some having to rely on public transportation. The closure of the Aldi and Walmart stores has also resulted in job losses for many in the community, further exacerbating the economic challenges in the area.

Community leaders and activists are calling for action to address the food insecurity issue in North Minneapolis. They are urging government officials and private companies to invest in the community and provide resources to open new grocery stores in the area.

“North Minneapolis has been neglected for too long. We need access to healthy food options, and we need it now,” said community activist, Maya Johnson.

City officials have recognized the issue and are working on developing solutions to address the problem. One initiative is to provide incentives for grocery stores to open in the area, such as tax breaks and grants.

“We are committed to addressing the food insecurity issue in North Minneapolis. We know that it is a complex issue, but we are dedicated to finding solutions that work for the community,” said Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey.

The closure of the Aldi and Walmart stores in North Minneapolis has highlighted the broader issue of food insecurity in low-income communities across the country. As the pandemic continues to impact economic conditions, it is essential for government officials and private companies to take action to ensure that all communities have access to healthy and affordable food options.

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New Post has been published on https://news.mn05.org/132/robert-f-kennedy-jr-has-declared-his-candidacy-for-the-presidency/

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared his candidacy for the Presidency

Washington D.C. – In a surprise announcement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has declared his candidacy for the presidency of the United States in the 2024 election. Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, made the announcement at a rally in front of a cheering crowd in Washington D.C. on Sunday.

Kennedy, 68, is a well-known environmental activist, lawyer, and author. He has been a prominent voice in the fight against climate change and has been an advocate for vaccine safety. Kennedy has also been a vocal opponent of big corporations and has championed for the rights of the underprivileged.

In his announcement speech, Kennedy emphasized the need for a new vision for America. He said, “Our country is at a crossroads, and we need to take a different path. We need a president who will fight for the people, not for the wealthy and powerful corporations.”

Kennedy’s entry into the race has generated a lot of excitement and attention. He has a strong base of support among environmentalists, anti-vaccine advocates, and progressives.

Political analysts say that Kennedy’s candidacy could shake up the Democratic field, which already includes several prominent figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Kennedy has not yet announced his running mate, but sources close to him say that he is considering a progressive figure who shares his values and vision for the country.

Kennedy faces a tough road ahead, as he will have to navigate the Democratic primary and then take on the Republican nominee in the general election. However, his strong message and passionate support could make him a formidable contender.

The 2024 presidential election promises to be one of the most exciting in recent history, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s entry into the race has only added to the drama and intrigue.

Read more about his campaign at his official website: https://www.teamkennedy.com/