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Cori Bush is shaping up to be most vulnerable 'Squad' member this election cycle

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Cori Bush is shaping up to be most vulnerable 'Squad' member this election cycle

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Missouri Rep. Cori Bush faces an avalanche of problems with less than five months until her Democrat primary, positioning her as the most vulnerable congressional member of the progressive “Squad” this election cycle.

Bush and other lawmakers in the Squad have recently found themselves targeted by organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which seeks to oust them from office over their contentious stances and statements against the Jewish state.

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Bush, however, is in the worst position of the group. She faces a tough primary challenge from her Democrat opponent while dealing with a federal investigation into her campaign. Moreover, her campaign funds are running low heading into a pivotal time before her Aug. 6 primary.

CORI BUSH’S CAMPAIGN PAYS $17,500 MORE TO HER HUSBAND, BRINGING HIS TOTAL TO $120K, NEW FILINGS SHOW

Rep. Cori Bush, center, joins Maximus federal call center workers at a protest for higher wages outside the Department of Health and Human Services on Dec. 12, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Communications Workers of America)

Bush’s opponent, Wesley Bell, a progressive prosecuting attorney for St. Louis County who clashes with her in his stance on Israel, was shown to have a significant lead over the “Squad” member last month, the New York Post reported.

Bush is also confronting a Justice Department investigation into her campaign’s security payments, including to her husband, Cortney Merritts, who she married in February 2023. The couple had been an item before she entered Congress in 2021.

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MASSIVE COALITION FORMS TO PROTECT LEFT-WING ‘SQUAD’ MEMBERS AGAINST ONSLAUGHT OF ELECTION SPENDING

Merritts has been paid $120,000 from Bush’s campaign since February 2022. Politicians are permitted to pay family members from their committees if they provide “bona fide” services at fair market value. Merritts acquired the checks as Bush’s committee spent far more on St. Louis-based companies for private details. In total, she’s poured more than $770,000 into private security services.

Merritts, meanwhile, took in the money as he did not have a private security license, Fox News Digital previously reported. He also did not appear in a Washington, D.C., database of licensed security professionals. 

Reps. Cori Bush, left, and Rashida Tlaib hold a banner in front of the U.S. Capitol, demanding a cease-fire and condemning the Israeli attacks on Gaza, on Nov. 8, 2023. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Watchdog groups subsequently filed at least two complaints over the matter. The initial complaint, filed to the Federal Election Commission in March 2023 by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, is pending. The ethics committee has since cleared Bush in a second complaint from the Committee to Defeat the President.

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“While the campaign can’t comment on the ongoing federal investigation, the Congresswoman is fully cooperating with the DOJ; her campaign’s security services are in accordance with all applicable laws and have never been paid for using federal taxpayer funds,” Bush’s campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

“The Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously cleared Congresswoman Bush back in September, and she fully expects to be cleared again when the DOJ concludes its investigation,” the spokesperson said.

The Justice Department opened its investigation into Bush’s campaign payments after the ethics committee had decided she did not violate rules.

ILHAN OMAR’S CAMPAIGN CASH TO CONSULTANTS DIPPED BY MILLIONS AFTER HALTING PAYMENTS TO HUSBAND’S FIRM

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., speaks to reporters after a House vote on Capitol Hill on Oct. 22, 2021. (Jabin Botsford/Washington Post via Getty Images)

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Adding to her problems, Bush is also trailing Bell in fundraising. Her most recent filings show that her committee went into January with just $215,000. Conversely, Bell was shown to be better positioned and reported $408,000 in the bank.

Bell has also seen a fundraising swell since shifting from challenging Republican Sen. Josh Hawley to joining the Democrat primary against Bush. 

From the beginning of October through late December, Bell’s campaign raised $492,000 and edged out Bush’s cash haul. He added another $100,000 in early January, his campaign told the Riverfront Times.

Federal filings also show that Bell has received the support of some big-name Democrat donors who give extensively to prop up politicians headed into elections, spelling more trouble for the Missouri lawmaker. 

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LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who gave the maximum $6,600 to Bell’s campaign for the primary and general elections, is one such person who has backed her challenger.

Bush’s campaign did not comment on its low amounts of cash when reached by Fox News Digital.

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.

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Minnesota

TikToker’s ban from St. Paul parks lifted after appeal, agent says

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TikToker’s ban from St. Paul parks lifted after appeal, agent says


A TikTok creator is no longer banned from parks in St. Paul, Minnesota, after appealing the city’s restriction, according to his agent.

St. Paul Parks and Recreation Director Andy Rodriguez earlier this month accused Josh Liljenquist of going to Pig’s Eye Park to “harass, record and profit from vulnerable adults residing there without said individuals’ permission.” Liljenquist, who is known for giving away food and cash in his videos, denied the allegation.

On Wednesday, Liljenquist’s agent shared a new letter from the city.

“Based on an evaluation of the facts of this situation as they were relayed during your appeal meeting, I will be rescinding your ban from our parks, effective immediately,” the letter from Rodriguez read.

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Rodriguez also wrote the city expects “all residents and visitors to our parks to abide by the rules.”

“Our responsibility is to ensure park spaces remain safe, respectful, and accessible for all, and we appreciate your partnership in that effort,” the letter read.

Liljenquist told WCCO he has only recorded at Pig’s Eye Park once, and it was with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office’s consent. He said he and his videographer always get consent from individuals they film, too.

Local organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness are split on Liljenquist’s impact. Sue Phillips, director of the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, said his content “is exploiting people experiencing homelessness/housing instability.” Feeding St. Paul founder Michael Brendale, on the other hand, said, “Josh has changed many lives, taken people off the streets.”

Liljenquist told WCCO he films his efforts instead of making them private in hopes of “inspiring other people to do it, showing that it doesn’t take a lot of money, it doesn’t take a lot of resources to go out there and do something for somebody.”

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Missouri

Groundbreaking date announced for Springfield Missouri Temple

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Groundbreaking date announced for Springfield Missouri Temple


In 1838, the governor of Missouri ordered members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to leave the area or face death. Nearly two centuries later, the church is preparing to build its third temple in the state.

The Church of Jesus Christ announced Monday that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Springfield Missouri Temple will be held on Saturday, June 6; Elder Aroldo B. Cavalcante, a General Authority Seventy and member of the church’s United States Southeast Area Presidency, will preside.

Missouri holds an important role in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ. From 1831 to 1838, thousands of Latter-day Saints worked to “build up the land of Zion” in the state, according to the church’s overview of the Missouri historic sites. They were largely unwelcome, with several instances of mobs driving out church members from established cities.

The Church broke ground for a temple in Far West, Missouri, in the summer of 1838. However, the temple was never constructed, as early members were expelled from the state shortly thereafter. The executive order was not formally rescinded until 1976.

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Late church President Russell M. Nelson announced the Springfield Missouri Temple in April 2023 general conference, making it the third in the state. A temple in St. Louis was dedicated in 1997 and one in Kansas City was dedicated in 2012.

As of April 2026, more than 84,000 Latter-day Saints live in Missouri and meet in around 180 congregations.

“Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples,” President Nelson said when announcing the Springfield temple. “Each is His holy house. Making covenants and receiving essential ordinances in the temple, as well as seeking to draw closer to Him there, will bless your life in ways no other kind of worship can.”



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Nebraska

Carriker Chronicles: Sean Callahan on Matt Rhule’s Critical Year 4 with Nebraska Football

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Carriker Chronicles: Sean Callahan on Matt Rhule’s Critical Year 4 with Nebraska Football


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Adam Carriker is joined by HuskerOnline publisher Sean Callahan to break down the upcoming season for Matt Rhule and Nebraska football. Callahan gives unique insight on what Nebraska’s offense may look like, realistic expectation for quarterback Anthony Colandrea, if the offensive line is legit better, the new 4-2-5 defense, the undersized defensive line and if the Huskers will win more than seven games. Also, will Nebraska basketball make a Sweet 16 run again?

Hit the play button for that and more in this episode of the Carriker Chronicles. For a synopsis, scroll down.

Synopsis

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In the latest installment of the Carriker Chronicles, Adam Carriker and Sean Callahan discuss the upcoming season for Nebraska football and why this year is so important. They explain that Year 4 under Matt Rhule is a big turning point because by now, the program should reflect his system, culture, and recruiting. If things are going to work long-term, this is the season where fans should really start to see it.

One of the first things they talk about is the overall vibe of the offseason. Callahan mentions that Nebraska has “closed the lab,” meaning the team is done experimenting and now fully focused on playing football. The expectation is that players understand the system better and can execute at a higher level without the outside distractions.

They also discuss the offense and what it might look like under Dana Holgorsen. While there may be some similarities to past systems, there will also be differences based on the players Nebraska has. Part of the conversation is quarterback Anthony Colandrea, and they set realistic expectations for him. He doesn’t have to be perfect, but he does need to be consistent, make plays with his feet and take care of the football.

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Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

The offensive line is another key topic. Callahan believes the group has improved this offseason, especially with players like Elijah Pritchett, who seems to be on the uptick. If the offensive line can protect the quarterback and create running lanes, it could make a huge difference for the entire offense. They also mention the running back room, which has potential but still needs to prove itself during the season.

On defense, Nebraska is expected to run more of a 4-2-5 scheme this year. This means more speed on the field, but it also raises questions about size, especially on the defensive line. One of the biggest concerns is whether the defensive front can hold up against physical teams. However, they point out that the secondary might be the strongest position group, which could help balance things out.

Special teams are briefly discussed, with the expectation that they will be solid but not necessarily a major strength or weakness. Recruiting is another area where Nebraska seems to be trending in the right direction, which is important for building long-term success.

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They also touch on men’s basketball and whether the team can make another Sweet 16 run. While it’s possible, it will depend heavily on player development and who will replace those that have left.

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To wrap it up, they debate whether Nebraska football will win more than seven games this season. It’s seen as a realistic but challenging goal. This is a critical year for Matt Rhule and the program, and fans should have a much clearer idea of the team’s future by the end of the season.

Program order

  • 00:00: Intro
  • 01:09: Sean Callahan Joins the Show
  • 01:54: Year 4 Under Matt Rhule
  • 04:04: Offseason Vibe: Closing the Lab, Focusing on Football
  • 05:30: Dana Holgorsen: Similarities & Differences to Expect
  • 07:30: Offensive Line: Offseason Improvements
  • 09:45: Elijah Pritchett Spotlight
  • 12:54: Running Back Room: What to Expect
  • 15:20: Defensive Scheme: What to Expect This Year
  • 18:53: Biggest Defensive Question Marks
  • 22:10: Strongest Defensive Position Group
  • 23:00: Special Teams Outlook
  • 25:08: Recruiting Class Breakdown
  • 27:45: Nebraska Basketball Preview
  • 29:50: Over/Under: 7 Wins Next Season
  • 31:18: Fan Questions


Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.

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