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Media, Biden team face ongoing questions about former president’s condition | National

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www.thecentersquare.com – Casey Harper – (The Center Square – ) 2025-05-24 08:35:00


President Joe Biden’s alleged cancer diagnosis and cognitive decline have ignited controversy, with critics accusing the Biden family, media, and Democratic aides of a cover-up. President Trump expressed surprise over the delay in public disclosure. A viral 2022 clip appeared to show Biden mentioning cancer, later dismissed as a misspeak by the White House. Vice President JD Vance and others called for greater transparency about Biden’s health. Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report detailed serious memory issues during a classified documents investigation. House Oversight Chair James Comer demands transcribed interviews with Biden’s doctors and aides, accusing the White House of obstructing inquiries into Biden’s mental fitness.

(The Center Square) – President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis and ongoing mental decline has sparked a firestorm of controversy and criticism for the Biden family, the media, and the Democratic staffers who allegedly helped cover up the former president’s condition.  

President Donald Trump said this week he was “surprised the public wasn’t notified a long time ago” given how far Biden’s cancer has progressed.

A Biden spokesperson pushed back on these allegations, saying that the president did not hide a cancer diagnosis. Critics say Biden would have known sooner given how far along the cancer has progressed. 

Notably, in a viral moment caught on camera in July 2022, Biden appeared to tell the audience present that he had cancer before the White House later followed up to say Biden misspoke. 

“That’s why I and so damn many other people I grew up with have cancer and why for the longest time Delaware had the highest cancer rate in the nation,” Biden said during his remarks when referring to oil refinery emissions near his childhood home in Delaware.

As The Center Square previously reported, Vice President JD Vance told reporters that the American people should have had more transparency about the president’s health last year.

“In some ways, I blame him less than I blame the people around him,” Vance said. “You can separate the desire for him to have the right health outcome with the recognition that whether it was doctors or whether there were staffers around the former president, I don’t think he was able to do a good job for the American people. And that’s not politics. That’s not because I disagreed with him on policy. That’s because I don’t think that he was in good enough health.”

On Biden’s mental health, the mainstream media in particular has taken criticism for downplaying Biden’s decline. The mental decline was often on display as the president stumbled through speeches and often seemed confused or unsure of where to go after speaking. Eventually, his condition became impossible to ignore during a presidential debate with Trump last summer, effectively ending Biden’s presidential campaign as Democrats and the mainstream media turned against him. 

Biden appeared better on some days and worse on others. 

Special Counsel Robert Hur released a report in February 2024 calling Biden “an elderly man with a poor memory.” Hur had been tasked with investigating Biden’s handling of classified documents but reported on Biden’s apparent mental deficiencies during questioning, saying Biden had trouble remembering key events in his life.

“In his interview with our office, Mr. Biden’s memory was worse,” the report said. “He did not remember when he was vice president, forgetting on the first day of the interview when his term ended (‘if it was 2013 – when did I stop being Vice President?’), and forgetting on the second day of the interview when his term began (‘in 2009, am I still Vice President?’)”

Biden served as vice president in the administration of then-President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017. After the report was released, Biden held a news conference insisting his memory was “fine.”

“He did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died,” the report continued. “And his memory appeared hazy when describing the Afghanistan debate that was once so important to him. Among other things, he mistakenly said he ‘had a real difference’ of opinion with General Karl Eikenberry, when, in fact, Eikenberry was an ally whom Mr. Eiden cited approvingly in his Thanksgiving memo to President Obama.”

House Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., called this week for transcribed interviews with the White House doctor and top Biden officials in his investigation into the alleged coverup of Biden’s mental decline, as The Center Square previously reported

Comer called for transcribed interviews with Biden’s Physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor; former Director of the Domestic Policy Council Neera Tanden; former Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the First Lady Anthony Bernal; former Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini; and former Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations Ashley Williams.

“In the last Congress, the Biden White House blocked these individuals from providing testimony to the Oversight Committee as part of the effort to cover-up Biden’s declining health,” Comer said. “Any continued obstruction will be met with swift and decisive action. The American people demand transparency and accountability now.” 

The post Media, Biden team face ongoing questions about former president’s condition | National appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Right-Leaning

The article exhibits a right-leaning bias through its tone, language, and framing. It presents unverified claims about President Biden’s health, including cancer and mental decline, largely relying on criticisms from Republican figures such as Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Rep. James Comer. The language used, like “firestorm of controversy,” “allegedly helped cover up,” and highlighting moments that suggest cognitive impairment, emphasizes negative portrayals of Biden. The coverage also criticizes mainstream media and Democrats for allegedly minimizing these issues, which aligns with a right-leaning narrative that is skeptical of Biden and his administration. While the article cites sources and quotes, it does not balance these sharply critical perspectives with counterpoints or a neutral tone, thus reflecting an ideological stance rather than purely factual reporting on the involved parties’ positions.

The Center Square

Siegel: Brutal time in captivity; Trump can get hostages home | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – Alan Wooten – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-09 09:02:00


Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel, released from Hamas captivity after 484 days, detailed his torture and urged leaders like President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu to secure the return of remaining hostages and end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since the conflict’s start on October 7, 2023, about 1,200 Israelis were killed, with ongoing hostilities causing massive civilian casualties. Of 50 hostages, around 28 are believed dead; negotiations continue. Trump’s influence helped Siegel’s release, and US-Senator Ted Budd demands release of two American hostages or consequences for Hamas. Meanwhile, North Carolina Democrats formally oppose US military aid to Israel amid accusations of apartheid and genocide.

(The Center Square) – Five months after his release from Hamas, Chapel Hill native Keith Siegel has shared details of his time in captivity and said President Donald Trump is powerful enough to get other hostages home.

The Middle East war between Hamas and Israel started Oct. 7, 2023, when the militant organization killed about 1,200 in Israel and took 251 hostage. Published reports say 57,000 have lost their lives since, the latest five Israeli Defense Forces soldiers on Monday in an explosion in northern Gaza.

The majority of fatalities, however, have been civilians caught in the crossfire. 

Twenty-eight of 50 hostages still held by Hamas are believed dead, Israeli Defense Forces says. Isreal believes 20, and possibly the remaining 22, are still alive. Negotiations are ongoing involving length of time for a ceasefire, and number of hostages both living and dead to be returned.

Trump has sought to broker deals for peace since before his inauguration, in part leading to Siegel’s release on Feb. 1 after 484 days. His wife, Aviva, was released after 51 days.

“I believe he has a lot of strength, power and ability to put pressure on those that need to be pressured, on both sides in order to get the agreement, get the deal signed, and get all of the hostages back and bring an end to the war,” Siegel told the BBC on the cusp of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the White House this week.

On Tuesday, Siegel – he has dual citizenship in Israel and America – testified before the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, a panel in Israel’s parliament. He described torture tactics against others and himself by Hamas, abuse and violence. It happened to men and women hostages, he said.

Siegel told the committee those alive and dead “could disappear” if not returned soon.

“I call on Netanyahu and Trump to do everything they can and bring everyone home,” he said.

U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., said Monday two American hostages must be released or Hamas should “face swift consequences.”

The United States has long been an ally of Israel in the Middle East, including being the first to recognize it as an independent state in 1948 under President Harry Truman. Back in Siegel’s native homeland last month, the North Carolina Democratic Party’s executive committee formally resolved ending American support of Israel to include all military aid, weapons shipments and military logistical support.

It boldly stated Israel is guilty of apartheid against Palestinians; genocide in Gaza; and using American weapons in “self defense” against hospitals, schools, homes, refugee camps, mosques, churches, journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

First-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, since the resolution was announced, has not publicly issued a press release or made a social media statement about his party’s position. Nor have any of the Democrats in the U.S. House – Reps. Don Davis, Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee and Alma Adams.

The other four members of the Council of State representing the North Carolina Democratic Party have also been similarly silent – Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Education Superintendent Mo Green.

The post Siegel: Brutal time in captivity; Trump can get hostages home | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

The article reports on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, focusing on the personal story of Keith Siegel, a former hostage, and featuring supportive comments about former President Donald Trump’s role in brokering peace deals. The coverage of Trump is framed positively, highlighting his strength and ability to negotiate, which suggests a Center-Right leaning, as this tone aligns more closely with conservative or Republican perspectives. Additionally, the article contrasts this with criticism of the North Carolina Democratic Party’s resolution against American support for Israel, characterizing their stance as extreme and noting the absence of public responses from Democratic officials, which may implicitly criticize that position. Overall, the article presents facts about the conflict and political actions but subtly endorses a pro-Israel and pro-Trump viewpoint, thereby suggesting a Center-Right bias rather than strictly neutral reporting.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Briner: State pension plan makes $8B, outperforms stock market | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By David Beasley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-09 08:07:00


North Carolina’s $127 billion state pension plan generated $8 billion in investment profits in the first half of the fiscal year, surpassing expectations by $2.5 billion, according to State Treasurer Brad Briner. Despite this success, the plan has historically underperformed and faces a $16 billion annual deficit due to growing pension obligations and fewer contributors. The state’s contribution has increased from zero to 17% of employee salaries over 25 years, prompting calls to curb further increases. Recent legislation established a five-member North Carolina Investment Authority to modernize pension fund management, replacing the previous sole-investor model overseen by the treasurer.

(The Center Square) – In the first six months of this fiscal year, the North Carolina state pension plan investments made $8 billion and outperformed the stock market, the state’s treasurer said Tuesday.

“That number is we think the largest profit in the six-month history of our state pension system,” first-term Republican Brad Briner said at a meeting of state leaders. “But moreover, it is $2.5 billion more than we expected.”



Brad Briner, state treasurer of North Carolina




North Carolina’s $127 billion pension plan has “underperformed for years,” according to Briner.

The plan has been running a $16 billion annual deficit based on the gains it needed to sustain pension payments without raising state contributions to the plan, Briner said.

Gains in the pension plan investments can reduce the need to increase the state contribution which has grown from zero 25 years ago to the current 17% of employee salary, Briner said.

“We can’t keep letting it go up.” Briner said told other state leaders Tuesday.

The North Carolina Retirement System serves more than 1 million people, from teachers to state employees, local governments, firefighters, police officers and other public workers. It operates at a deficit similar to Social Security, with fewer people paying in than are eligible for benefits.

Estimated market value was $89 billion when former Treasurer Dale Folwell took office in January 2017 and $127 billion on Dec. 27, 2024, in his final days of office.

This fall, the treasurer’s office will conduct studies to determine how to possibly reduce the employer match.

“All of that is getting to what we can do on the employer match side to relieve some of the pressure on our agencies and on the state budget,” the treasurer said.

Also, the Legislature this year passed and the governor signed the Investment Modernization Act which according to Briner “fundamentally” changes the way the state manages pension fund investments.

It creates a five-member North Carolina Investment Authority, chaired by the treasurer, which includes financial professionals appointed by the governor, treasure and leaders of the legislature.

The state has been one of only three in the country to give one person – the treasurer- sole power for administering pension plan investments, Briner said.

The post Briner: State pension plan makes $8B, outperforms stock market | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Right

This article largely reports factual information about North Carolina’s state pension plan performance and related administrative changes, quoting Republican state treasurer Brad Briner extensively. While it focuses on the treasurer’s perspective—who emphasizes financial discipline and reform—there is no overt editorializing or partisan framing beyond the presentation of his statements. The positive framing of investment gains and calls to reduce state contributions align with fiscally conservative principles, suggesting a moderate right-leaning viewpoint. However, the reporting remains largely neutral and informative, primarily conveying the actions and positions of officials rather than endorsing a specific ideological stance.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Personnel from 20 Texas agencies involved in recovery efforts | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – (The Center Square – ) 2025-07-08 17:34:00


Thousands of personnel and volunteers from across Texas are aiding recovery and debris removal in Kerr County after the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in 45 minutes on July 4, causing massive flooding. Over 1,500 personnel and 925 vehicles from 20 state agencies responded quickly, rescuing more than 850 people, many by airlift. Texas Game Wardens and the Department of Public Safety are heavily involved in search, rescue, and recovery operations, with hundreds of missing persons reported. Texas A\&M System teams assist with flood rescues, infrastructure, and animal care. Governor Abbott vowed to continue efforts until all bodies are recovered and communities are restored.

(The Center Square) – Thousands of personnel and volunteers from across Texas have come to assist with recovery efforts and debris removal in Kerr County and surrounding areas in response to the historic July 4 flood.

After a torrential downpour caused the Guadeloupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes early Friday morning, a tidal wave of destruction crashed through Kerr and surrounding counties.

Before that happened, the state was monitoring weather patterns and Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management moved assets into Central Texas on Wednesday. Additional resources were surged on Thursday; weather warnings were issued both days.

By Friday, more than 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets across 20 state agencies were in emergency response mode.

TDEM deployed an incident management team to support deployed emergency response resources, including multiple task forces, and continues to oversee recovery efforts.

More than 850 people were rescued in the initial hours of operations, the majority by the Texas Military Department. Texas National Guard rescued 525 people, 366 by air evacuations conducted by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots and crew, and 159 by ground. Another 20 were rescued in San Sabo County and five in Burnet County, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Major General Thomas Suelzer said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Ben Baker with Texas Game Wardens said 300 game wardens have been involved in recovery efforts. They’ve searched 26 river miles, made 440 rescues and recovered 30 dead bodies.

Texas Department of Public Safety’s Special Operations Group “continues to work alongside local and state partners with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in the Texas Hill Country, including searching through debris and storm damaged areas. Our teams will be in Kerr County to assist as long as we are needed,” Texas DPS said.

Texas DPS Colonel Director Freeman Martin said 258 DPS troopers were assigned in Kerrville alone, including highway patrol, a tactical marine unit, criminal investigators, Texas Rangers, SWAT, victim’s services, among others.

After members of the public were given a number to call to report missing people, hundreds of calls came in, he said at a news conference on Tuesday. Through painstaking work, DPS troopers working with others in law enforcement, cross checked names with trailer parks, RV camps, hotels and other rental properties, with the calls that came in and arrived at a total of 161 missing in Kerr County alone, he said.

“A lot of work is being done,” Martin said. Most of what they were able to do is because DPS was fulling funded by the Texas legislature, he said. Funding enabled DPS to acquire six replacement helicopters, which are being used for recovery efforts, he said.

“We have a lot of resources,” he said, in addition to the assistance they are receiving from the FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security and others. “Everyone is working together, unified,” he said.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in Burnet, Kendall and Travis counties, he said. All three missing in Williamson County were recovered, deceased. Ten are confirmed missing in Travis County.

Multiple teams from several Texas A&M System agencies are also actively involved in recovery efforts as part of the 20-state agency effort.

“As we struggle to grasp the magnitude of the loss felt by so many of our fellow Texans – and even as we all offer up our prayers for the victims and their families and the parents, friends and loved ones of those still missing – the brave men and women from across the Texas A&M University System were risking their lives to save others caught in dangerous flooding across Central Texas and the Hill Country,” the Texas A&M University System said.

They include Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service task forces using swiftwater rescue boats to assist with flood rescues and evacuations and a Public Works Response Team assessing and assisting with public works infrastructure needs in Kerrville.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents are supporting agricultural and livestock needs; a Veterinary Emergency Team is providing veterinary medical support for animals impacted by flooding.

More than 75 Texas A&M Forest Service personnel and 153 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System members are on the ground. Saw teams are clearing debris and restoring access in impacted areas; overhead personnel are working alongside local officials on damage assessments and incident coordination.

Abbott said on Tuesday, “Texas will not stop until we finish the job. We will not stop until we identify, recover every single body. Will not stop until every road is rebuilt, every inch of debris is removed.

“We will not stop because we are a state that cares about our people, cares about our communities, and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”

The post Personnel from 20 Texas agencies involved in recovery efforts | Texas appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Centrist

The article presents a factual and straightforward report on the emergency response efforts following a major flood in Texas. It focuses on detailing the actions taken by state agencies, personnel, and volunteers, including statements from officials such as Gov. Greg Abbott, without using charged or persuasive language that favors a particular ideological viewpoint. The content neither critiques nor praises political policies or actors in a way that suggests advocacy; instead, it objectively covers the mobilization and collaboration of various agencies and the challenges faced. Thus, the article adheres to neutral reporting by describing the events and responses without inserting an identifiable ideological stance.

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