Wuhan’s ‘Bat Woman’ Runs A New Lab Creating Coronaviruses That Can Infect Humans. U.S. Tax Dollars Are Still Supporting Her Work.

 Shi Zhengli, known for her work with bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, continues her research at a new laboratory in Guangzhou, China. This lab focuses on coronavirus research and is supported by U.S. taxpayer dollars through NIH funding.

Shi Zhengli is now affiliated with the Guangzhou Laboratory, a state lab in China established in 2021.

She is involved in training researchers in pathogen discovery and studying cross-species infection risks related to coronaviruses.

Current programs at Guangzhou Laboratory list Shi as an adviser, focusing on discovering new viruses and understanding their biological characteristics.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, American scientists continue collaborating with Shi's research efforts. Notably, a 2024 study involved NIH-backed funding and utilized materials provided by Shi.

Another 2025 study examined MERS-related coronaviruses using ACE2 receptors obtained from Shi’s lab, also supported by NIH funding.

Research indicates that certain bat coronaviruses can efficiently use human ACE2 receptors, raising concerns about their pathogenicity.

Shi recently presented findings suggesting that some bat SARS-related coronaviruses are capable of infecting human ACE2 transgenic mice, implying potential risks of cross-species transmission.

The collaboration between U.S. scientists and Shi Zhengli’s research continues, sparking debates about ongoing American funding for coronavirus research in China. There are concerns about the implications of this research, particularly regarding public health and safety in light of past pandemic events. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-wuhans-bat-woman-is-building?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=210503236&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

California, The Blackout State

California has experienced more power outages than any other state in the past two decades, with nearly 500 grid failures from 2003 to 2023. This trend seems to correlate with the state's increasing reliance on renewable energy sources.

California had 493 power outages, with Texas following at 468. The number of outages has notably increased over the years, peaking at 69 in 2022.

Major disturbances align with seasonal weather patterns and are often caused by equipment failure, fuel supply emergencies, physical attacks, and vandalism.

Renewable energy usage in California has surged, with solar and wind contributing significant percentages to the state's power generation.

The current power grid was designed for fossil fuels and struggles with the variability of renewable sources, which can cause instability and outages if not managed properly.

The situation in Spain highlights potential risks, as a blackout was partly attributed to over-reliance on solar energy.

Grids require consistent power supply, and exceeding tolerances can lead to breakdowns.

While California aims for net-zero emissions by 2045, the state's current energy strategy raises concerns about the risks and consequences of frequent blackouts. The potential economic damage and impacts on safety should not be overlooked in the push for renewable energy. 

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/08/11/california-the-blackout-state/

Deep Capture

The influences and transformations of administrative and political structures in the United States, noting significant historical figures, movements, and theories that have shaped the modern landscape of governance. It highlights how these changes have redefined roles within government and the shift in power dynamics between elected officials and administrative bodies.

Woodrow Wilson and Public Administration

Woodrow Wilson, the only U.S. president with a Ph.D., wrote an influential essay titled "The Study of Administration" in 1886.

He posited a separation between politics and administration, advocating for a technical, expert-driven administration shielded from political interference.

Wilson believed democracy was too crucial to be solely based on public votes and urged American reformers to study European models for efficient governance.

His ideas laid the groundwork for the modern civil service, emphasizing professional administrators over political appointees.

The Frankfurt School and Critical Theory

In the 1930s, Max Horkheimer led the Frankfurt School, which developed Critical Theory— a critique of power structures and social inequalities, moving Marxist focus from economy to culture.

The group's exile due to Nazi persecution led to new methodologies for understanding modern society, influencing later governmental structures.

The Port Huron Statement and the New Left

A 1962 meeting in Port Huron, Michigan, produced a manifesto that distinguished the New Left from the Old Left by advocating for "participatory democracy" and emphasizing grassroots involvement.

The New Left criticized traditional political parties and ideologies, seeking to empower ordinary people and incorporating various social movements.

The Long March Through Institutions

Rudi Dutschke of West Germany popularized the idea of a "long march through the institutions," suggesting that radicals embed themselves within existing systems to effect change from within rather than through confrontation.

Herbert Marcuse supported this approach, encouraging gradual transformation of institutions by actively engaging with them.

Marcus Raskin and the Institute for Policy Studies

Marcus Raskin helped establish the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) in 1963, aiming for systemic change through social movements rather than governmental reforms.

IPS became associated with leftist movements and faced scrutiny for its ties to controversial figures and foreign governments during the Cold War.

Administrative Reforms Under Carter

President Jimmy Carter undertook significant reforms of the federal civil service with the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, establishing new agencies and restructuring federal administration.

These changes were influenced by past intellectual arguments, including Wilson's visions of an administrative state.

The Government Accountability Program (GAP)

Formed by the IPS, GAP aimed to support whistleblowers while facing criticism for possibly controlling dissent.

The foundation and evolution of whistleblower protections demonstrated a response to governmental transparency issues, which remained contentious.

The Electoral Rise of the Modern Left

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) emerged as an influential political force, especially post-2016, with significant electoral victories.

The left's influence has expanded in various state and national offices, realigning political dynamics in the Democratic Party.

The Transformation of Media and Power Dynamics

The shift to administrative power has made elected officials less influential, as the administrative state often operates separately from public will.

This situation echoes Wilson's assertion that government functions cannot be left solely to voters, leading to a perception of democracy as merely a façade.

Historical Context of Propaganda and Influence

The manipulation of public opinion is a longstanding concern, discussed extensively in the works of Edward Bernays and George Orwell.

Historical and contemporary strategies emphasize the importance of controlling narratives and perceptions within society to maintain power.

The historical evolution of administrative concepts, particularly through the writings of Wilson and movements like the Frankfurt School and the New Left, highlights a significant transformation in governance. The establishment and growth of institutions like the IPS and the strategic embedding of leftist ideas within political frameworks signify a profound shift in the balance of power—transforming the relationship between the electorate and the administrative state, ultimately creating an environment where democratic engagement appears constrained amid the dominance of bureaucratic authority. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/deep-capture/

New Jersey’s ‘Software Error’ That Registered 6,600 Noncitizens Is No Accident

 Recent revelations about voter registration in New Jersey have caused significant political reactions. The discovery that approximately 6,600 noncitizens registered to vote has prompted discussions on voter identification laws.

1. Discovery of Noncitizen Registrations: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill reported that about 6,600 noncitizens were improperly registered to vote due to a software error at the Motor Vehicle Commission. This resulted in some noncitizens voting, despite indicating they were not U.S. citizens during the application process.

2. Political Backlash: Following these revelations, Governor Sherrill expressed support for voter ID measures. However, left-leaning groups opposed this idea, and with the Democratic party holding a supermajority, it is unlikely that a voter ID bill will pass.

3. Vendor Response: The software company IDEMIA defended its system, claiming there was no glitch and that the process correctly recorded citizenship responses. This suggests that the issue was more than just a technical error, indicating flaws in how elections are perceived and managed politically.

4. Historical Context and Implications: The article compares current voter registration practices to historical instances, such as New York’s Tammany Hall, highlighting how political motivations can manipulate voter rolls. It argues that elections should not merely be a count of individuals but a privilege reserved for citizens.

5. Recommendations: The author suggests implementing stricter voter qualifications, such as requiring proof of citizenship for registration. States should develop better verification processes to minimize errors and potential fraud in voter registrations.

This situation in New Jersey underscores the ongoing debate about voter integrity and the need for safeguarding electoral processes. Measures like requiring proof of citizenship are argued to be necessary to ensure that only eligible citizens can vote, thus protecting the electoral system from exploitation.

https://thefederalist.com/2026/08/11/new-jerseys-software-error-that-registered-6600-noncitizens-is-no-accident/

Defunding police and prisons: Radical DSA platform grabs spotlight as candidates surge in primaries

 The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are gaining traction in U.S. politics, especially in Democratic primaries, pushing for significant reforms to the American political landscape. Their platform includes proposals that are seen as radical and transformative.

1. Electoral Success: The DSA has seen unprecedented wins in multiple states, including New York, where DSA candidates are poised to dominate local congressional representation. Their success reflects widespread discontent with traditional politics.

2. Radical Proposals:

Abolishing Key Institutions: The DSA's platform calls for abolishing the Senate and fundamentally changing the presidency and the Supreme Court. They propose a single legislative body that would appoint other branches of government.

Criminal Justice Reform: There is a strong emphasis on defunding and eventually abolishing police and prison systems, based on the belief that they serve wealthy interests. Key figures within the DSA have made statements supporting these views.

Immigration Enforcement: The DSA advocates for ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and granting amnesty to all immigrants, regardless of their status.

Nationalization of Industries: They propose public ownership of significant corporations and essential industries to drive accountability and replace capitalism with a more democratic system.

3. Controversial Figures: Candidates like Francesca Hong in Wisconsin have faced backlash for past statements supporting DSA policies. DSA leaders openly align themselves with Marxist principles, further fueling concerns among traditional Democrats.

The DSA is working to reshape American politics through a vision that includes substantial reform of government and social systems. While their agenda promotes democratic ideals, it raises apprehensions about the feasibility and implications of such radical changes on the existing political framework.

https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/elections/democratic-socialist-platform-spotlight-candidates-surge-primaries

Divided Democrats: Not Just Israel -- NATO and China Too

There is a noticeable divide in foreign policy perspectives between the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). This division has emerged prominently in response to Israel's actions in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas.

1. Criticism of Israel: Insurgent left-wing activists, especially those who identify with the DSA, have been critical of Israel’s military response to Hamas. They label it as “disproportionate” and even question Israel’s right to exist.

2. Victories of Insurgent Candidates: Several incumbent Democrats have lost to DSA-backed candidates in primary elections. For instance, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan, promoting the idea of genocide in Gaza while she supported Israel. Similarly, Melat Kiros won against Rep. Diana DeGette, advocating for a one-state solution that some view as existentially threatening to the State of Israel.

3. Condemnation of U.S. Israeli Actions: Both the Democrats and DSA have expressed disapproval of military aid to Israel amidst the conflict, advocating for a stronger emphasis on humanitarian aid instead.

4. Support for NATO and Ukraine: Democrats have shown strong support for NATO, opposing the withdrawal from the alliance and emphasizing the importance of collective security against Russia. Notable Democrats have, for instance, made statements highlighting NATO's significance in countering aggression and ensuring European safety.

5. DSA's Opposition to NATO: Conversely, the DSA is against NATO support, viewing it as an imperialist expansionism. They oppose military interventions and pressures on Russia, holding that such actions escalate conflicts rather than resolve them. Their stance aligns with a particular criticism of the expansion of NATO as a provocateur in international tensions.

6. Position on China: The Democratic Party sees the rising challenge from China as a national security threat and has passed legislation to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, which the DSA criticized for being overly focused on preserving U.S. hegemony.

7. Bipartisan Consensus: Despite varying opinions between the Democratic Party and the DSA, there remains a general bipartisan consensus on the importance of countering threats from both China and Russia. A substantial majority of Americans view China as a competitor or enemy, and support for NATO remains strong across party lines.

The differing foreign policy views between the Democratic Party and the DSA reflect broader ideological divisions. While Democrats aim for a unified approach to global challenges, such as NATO and the conflict with China, the DSA advocates for a more critical stance on military alliances and interventions, emphasizing anti-imperialism. This divergence poses challenges to cohesive U.S. foreign policy in an increasingly complex international landscape. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/08/divided-democrats-not-just-israel-nato-and-china-too/

You can’t erase woke

The political landscape is seeing Democratic candidates, including Francesca Hong, reconsidering their previous statements made between 2019 and 2021 as they campaign for office. Hong, a leading candidate for the Wisconsin governor nomination, has recently distanced herself from some controversial calls she made during that time.

Francesca Hong has backtracked on her 2020 suggestion to cancel Thanksgiving to protest colonialism.

She has also retracted calls to "defund then abolish" the police and her stance to "abolish the Senate," originally made in response to Donald Trump's impeachment trial.

Hong admitted to having made "hot takes" on social media, claiming she has evolved and learned from those views.

A key issue remains unaddressed: whether it was problematic for her to have held those beliefs, particularly at her age when she expressed them.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued that current statements from candidates should be assessed, sidelining past remarks.

Critics, including writer Matthew Yglesias, argue that candidates' previous statements should matter in political evaluations, noting that recklessness in past beliefs should be scrutinized.

Examples of other candidates engaging with their past views can lead to vulnerabilities in general elections against Republicans.

As political figures like Francesca Hong navigate their campaign narratives, the contrast between their former ideas and current positions raises important questions about accountability and sincerity. Voters may want insight into the candidates' past to make informed decisions in future elections. 

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/daily-memo/4682105/you-cant-erase-woke/