Minnesota Governor Faces Backlash Over Drug Kits

The Washington Post is experiencing significant backlash from its staff and subscribers after its decision not to endorse a candidate in the upcoming 2024 presidential race, resulting in over 200,000 cancellations from its estimated 2.5 million digital readers. This marks the first time since 1988 that the newspaper has refrained from making a presidential endorsement, a move justified by management as a means to assert independence but criticized for a lack of transparency. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz is under fire for directing taxpayer funds to a nonprofit that distributes 'booty bumping' kits—paraphernalia that enables drug users to ingest substances rectally. Critics argue this use of public money is inappropriate and are calling for audits of such initiatives. Despite the controversy, supporters of the program defend it as a necessary harm reduction strategy aimed at addressing public health risks among drug users. The backlash from both stories highlights the contentious nature of political decisions and public health initiatives in the current climate.