Van Hollen backs embattled Dem with Nazi-linked tattoo, says ‘second chances’ matter
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., pushed back against criticism of U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner over his “Nazi tattoo” and past online comments, arguing that Platner’s behavior may be linked to PTSD stemming from his deployment to Afghanistan and that he deserves a second chance. Platner, an Army and Marine Corps veteran, is vying to unseat Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Now that Maine Gov. Janet Mills suspended her Senate campaign Thursday, Platner has become the leading Democratic candidate in Maine’s U.S. Senate race. In an interview with Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer, Van Hollen described Platner as a candidate that “can beat Susan Collins” and appeal to a broad coalition of supporters, particularly blue-collar workers, labor groups and Native American tribes. Van Hollen said although Platner has had his “ups and downs,” he has proven able to connect with voters. SEE IT: BILLBOARDS EMERGE AS GOP CAMPAIGN TROLLS ‘FAKE INDEPENDENT’ SENATE CANDIDATE WITH SOCIALIST THEME “The dude has a Nazi tattoo,” Sherman asked. “How do you view that?” He went on to suggest that would be “disqualifying” to run for office. “Let’s take a couple issues, including the comments he’s made in the past,” Van Hollen said. “I mean, he’s been very clear that he went into combat on behalf of the United States. He went through a really rough period, a PTSD-type period.” “He himself said there are lots of things he’s done and said that he completely regrets, and I do believe people should have second chances and that people can learn from their mistakes, and I think he’s been doing that,” Van Hollen continued. In October, Platner told reporters that a tattoo on his chest resembling the Totenkopf, a skull-and-crossbones symbol associated with Nazi police, had been covered. In past Reddit posts, Platner said he was a “communist,” accused rural White Americans of being racist and stupid, and said police officers were “bastards.” Platner said he was seeking “to get a rise out of people” with his Reddit posts. Platner has received the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and shares his vision of implementing socialist policies like “Medicare-for-all” and dismantling the billionaire class.
Italian firefighters respond to Tuscany wildfires
NewsFeed Wildfires have ravaged over 810 hectares (2,000 acres) of forest in Tuscany and Italian authorities evacuated around 3500 people from the surrounding area. Published On 1 May 20261 May 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Cricket club bans social media comments to protect players’ mental health
English basement county, Kent, are led by former international Adam Hollioake, who is concerned for players’ well being. Published On 1 May 20261 May 2026 The English cricket club Kent has suspended comments on their official social media accounts, with head coach Adam Hollioake suggesting players’ mental health could be damaged by stinging criticism. Kent have made a bad start to the season and are currently at the foot of the second and bottom division of the County Championship following three matches. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Their form has led to some cutting online comments from frustrated Kent fans. Hollioake, in a statement released before Kent’s latest game against Derbyshire, which began at Canterbury on Friday, accepted the team’s performances had not been “anywhere near the standards we expect of ourselves”. But Hollioake, a close friend of former Surrey and England teammate Graham Thorpe, who took his own life in 2024, said he had a “duty of care” to protect the Kent squad. “Throughout my career in cricket as a player and a coach, I have had to deal with a lot, that’s no secret,” said Hollioake, whose younger brother Ben, also an England all-rounder, was killed in a car crash back in 2002. Hollioake was also close to former England batsman Robin Smith, who struggled with alcoholism before his death late last year. “I’ve seen in recent times, two players and friends that I played alongside for England, go down a bad path in terms of mental health, and I’ve lost both of them,” the 54-year-old added. “It’s part of my job, and my duty of care, to make sure that we don’t see that again. “As a professional cricket department, alongside our media team, we’ve decided as one that we will be suspending commenting on our official Kent Cricket social media accounts for the time being. Advertisement “This has not been a decision that we’ve taken lightly, and we are in no means stopping people voicing their opinions, but to align with our short-term strategy to allow players and staff to think and play with freedom and clarity, we feel it is a necessary one.” Adblock test (Why?)
Turkish police fire tear gas, arrest hundreds at May Day rally
NewsFeed Turkish authorities violently crackdown on May Day demonstrations at Istanbul’s Taksim Square, firing tear gas from riot-control vehicles into the crowd. A Turkish legal organisation says at least 370 people were arrested on Friday. Published On 1 May 20261 May 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressives’ “affordability agenda”
The proposal is part of a package from the Casar-led Congressional Progressive Caucus focused on cost of living. It’s unlikely to go anywhere but could give Democrats a campaign blueprint.
LPG cylinder costs increased, know how much you will have to pay; check city-wise prices here
For the third time in a row, the government has revised the Commercial LPG cylinder prices, increasing them by nearly Rs 1000 on Friday. A 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder, commonly used by hotels and restaurants, has become expensive by a record Rs 993. In Delhi, the price now stands at Rs 3071.50, up from Rs 2078.50 earlier.
‘Next strike on petrol, diesel’: Rahul Gandhi slams Centre over commercial LPG price hike
Gandhi said the price of a commercial gas cylinder has gone up by Rs 993, calling it the “biggest increase in a single day.” He further said that from February to present, prices have increased by Rs 1,380, which he described as an 81 percent rise over a period of three months.
New LPG Rules Effective Today: From no dual connections to OTP verification for delivery, here’s all you need to know
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has extended the booking interval to 25 days in cities and up to 45 days in rural regions.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta honours ‘Karmayogis’ at Shramik Samman Samaroh, launches skill drive for 35000 workers on Labour Day
The government has announced a complete waiver of registration and renewal fees for construction workers, the rollout of a Samuhik Vivah Yojana, and the setting up of modern Labour Chowks and Shramik Seva Kendras to deliver essential services at the doorstep.
Mamata Banerjee’s EVM Strongroom visit forces security reset in Kolkata, Section 163 imposed
Invoking Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, authorities banned groups of five or more people within a 200-metre radius of the strongrooms.