INTERNACIONAL
NYC kitten rescue defends ‘NO F—ING MAGA’ adoption policy as PETA calls for it to be abolished
After posting an explicit warning that MAGA supporters, conservatives and apolitical applicants need not apply, a New York City kitten rescue is defending its screening process against mounting criticism, including from PETA, which called on the group to scrap the ideological ban.
«Homeless animals don’t care which side of abortion you are on or whether you believe in global warming or support Palestine or Israel or if you don’t vote at all, ever. They care if you love them and will give them a good home,» PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk told Digital.
«We hope this policy, which is humancentric, is reconsidered and abolished.»
The dispute centers on Itty Bitty City Kitties, a Rockaway Beach-based rescue that describes itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in orphaned and neonatal kittens, feral cat welfare and adoptions. The organization is also listed among New York state’s registered pet rescues.
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In a social media post reviewed by Digital, the rescue laid out a series of political positions it said could disqualify prospective adopters.
«MAGA? Nope.»
«Conservative? Nope.»
«‘I’m not political’? Nice loophole. Still nope.»
An accompanying image of a kitten bore the message, «NO. F—ING. MAGA.»
The post drew wider attention after Libs of TikTok posted it on X, prompting questions about whether the language represented the rescue’s actual adoption practices.
Digital contacted Itty Bitty City Kitties and asked whether an applicant could be rejected for identifying as MAGA, conservative or apolitical.
Samantha Knox, who has publicly identified herself as the director of Itty Bitty City Kitties, defended the organization’s screening approach by saying its overriding responsibility is the welfare of the animals in its care.
«As an animal welfare rescue, our primary responsibility is ensuring the animals in our care go to safe, compassionate homes,» Knox told Digital.
She said the organization considers «public conduct and demonstrated values» and argued that a record of «celebrat[ing] cruelty» can raise concerns about an applicant’s suitability to care for an animal.
«A history of celebrating harm or abuse, be it toward people or animals, is one of the biggest red flags in animal rescue,» Knox said. «We stand by our mission and will never place a vulnerable animal with anyone, ever, who we feel is a danger to the welfare of the animal.»
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Digital followed up with a narrower question, asking whether a person who identifies as MAGA or conservative, but has no documented history of animal cruelty, threats, neglect or violence, would be eligible to adopt.
«Itty Bitty City Kitties does not screen or reject applicants based on registered political party affiliation,» Knox responded. «MAGA is a political movement and ideology, not a recognized political party.»
Knox said adoption evaluations instead concern «conduct, ethical alignment and animal safety.»
«We reserve the right to reject any application where an applicant’s expressed values, public statements or actions demonstrate a failure to meet our safety and welfare standards,» she said.
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Asked again whether a MAGA or conservative applicant without a history of cruelty, threats, neglect or violence could adopt from the organization, Knox did not provide a yes-or-no answer.
«Media-driven requests to force complex animal welfare evaluations into a binary ‘yes or no’ premise fundamentally misrepresent how responsible adoption screenings operate,» she said.
Knox added that «active support for or alignment with social movements» the rescue believes normalizes or promotes cruelty can be treated as «actionable conduct» and said adoption decisions are made «holistically under these welfare and safety standards.»
Knox also provided Digital with screenshots she said showed explicit, hostile messages directed at the rescue after its political posts.
Knox said messages of that nature illustrated the kind of conduct the rescue considers relevant when evaluating prospective homes. PETA, however, drew a different line.
«Political affiliation is not a reliable measure of whether someone will be a good guardian,» the organization told Digital, adding that a person’s actions and statements, along with demonstrated treatment of people and animals, can be relevant to an adoption decision.
PETA said rescues should focus on «objective animal welfare factors,» including an applicant’s history of animal care, ability to meet an animal’s needs and evidence of cruelty, neglect or violence.
«Shelters and rescues exist to protect animals, not to serve as political gatekeepers,» PETA said.
Itty Bitty City Kitties’ public adoption page describes what the organization calls a «Fully Supported Adoption Model,» under which prospective owners submit an application, references, employment and living information, participate in a phone interview and complete a FaceTime or Zoom interview in lieu of a home visit.
The rescue’s published «MUST LIST» says adopters must keep animals up to date on veterinary care; keep them indoors or leashed outside; never declaw them; maintain a plan for travel, illness or death; not simply give away an animal they can no longer care for; and be financially able to provide for its welfare.
The public-facing requirements reviewed by Digital do not mention MAGA, conservatism, political affiliation or political ideology.
The organization has also used its social media account for other political messaging.
On Sept. 10, Itty Bitty City Kitties posted an image of a kitten carrying the words, «Kittens. Don’t. Mourn. Nazis.»
«For absolutely no reason at all on this day one year later…» text on the image stated.
«Just a little kitten making sure we all know where we stand,» the accompanying caption read, followed by hashtags including «#kitten,» «#cat,» «#politics» and «#iykyk.»
While the post did not name late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, it was published exactly one year after his assassination at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.
Knox also invoked the rescue’s nonprofit status in defending its ability to take positions on political and social issues, saying 501(c)(3) organizations are permitted to maintain issue-based standards aligned with their missions as long as they do not engage in partisan political campaigning.
PETA, while objecting to the use of political affiliation as a measure of adoption suitability, said an applicant’s actual behavior toward animals can, and should, matter regardless of ideology.
«More broadly, anyone who condones, celebrates or participates in harming animals demonstrates a troubling lack of empathy,» PETA said.
politics, controversies state and local, pets, charity
INTERNACIONAL
AOC campaign memo frames growth from progressive firebrand to national Democratic Party force
An internal strategy memo released by the campaign committee for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N. Y.) and distributed to key allies makes the case that the lawmaker has evolved from a progressive firebrand into a formidable national political force.
The five-page document makes no mention of a potential 2028 presidential or Senate run. Instead, it urges stakeholders to view her record as that of one of the Democratic Party’s most effective messengers for working-class voters.
Following President Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory, the memo states, Ocasio-Cortez launched an aggressive nationwide push to rebuild the party around economic populism and establish a broad movement for working families.
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«Over the past two years, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has built a record of success that extends beyond her own electoral victories,» the memo reads. «The Congresswoman has emerged as one of the most powerful endorsements in the United States and New York State specifically. Candidates from rural districts and battleground seats see her as an asset for their general election campaigns.»
The document highlights her fundraising reach, citing more than 2 million contributions totaling $38 million, an average donation of $17. 56, and over $3 million funneled to other Democratic candidates and state parties.
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Her small fundraising operation is unmatched in the House and rivals that of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the memo claims.
According to the document, Ocasio-Cortez’s strategy was shaped by post-2024 conversations with «Trump-AOC» split-ticket voters in her New York district, who expressed deep, cross-partisan frustration with a political establishment perceived as favoring corporate billionaires over ordinary workers.
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«As Democrats tried to understand why Trump had won again, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez argued that the path for the party to win back working class voters should be centered on economic populism, confronting concentrated wealth and power, and revitalizing American democracy,» the memo states.
The memo points to race-altering endorsements in key primary and general election races across California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Montana. It highlights Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign in Michigan and Sam Forstag’s Congressional primary victory in Montana as central case studies of her influence in rural and conservative-leaning areas.
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Forstag trailed significantly in the polls before joining Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders on stage at their «Fighting Oligarchy» rally in Missoula, Montana. Following her endorsement and appearance, he was able to erase the deficit and win the Democratic primary.
The document outlines a turning point following her unsuccessful bid for ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, alongside a March 2025 budget standoff in which Senate Democratic leadership accepted concessions during federal shutdown negotiations.
In response, Ocasio-Cortez shifted focus to taking her message directly to voters.
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Speaking at a rally in Idaho, Ocasio-Cortez laid out the central thesis of her national tour:
«I want us all to understand that this constant pressure we feel in our lives—of the water rising up to our throats, the impossibility to afford anything easily, the fear of speaking up or being who we are in public, the bitter divisions driven more by online algorithms than the truth, the crumbling of our rights and protections— understand that this, right now, is what it feels like to be governed by billionaires,» she said.
In the two years since, the memo states, Ocasio-Cortez has held large-scale rallies in purple, red, and blue places alike.
«She made race-changing endorsements in swing districts and deep-blue party primaries, as well as in her home base of New York City,» the memo added.
politics, alexandria ocasio cortez, democratic party, us
INTERNACIONAL
Denuncian más de una semana sin acceso al sol en la prisión de máxima seguridad de Guanajay
La falta de acceso al sol se extendió por más de una semana entre los internos de la prisión de máxima seguridad de Guanajay, en Artemisa, según una denuncia del preso político del 11 de julio de 2021Denis Hernández Ramírez.
De acuerdo con Cubalex, los reclusos de ese establecimiento no pudieron salir a los destacamentos destinados a tomar el sol. Hernández Ramírez afirmó que la decisión impedía el acceso al patio de las personas encarceladas.
La restricción habría sido ordenada por un oficial identificado como el teniente coronel Edgar, según la información difundida por la organización.
La falta de salida a espacios exteriores priva a los reclusos de una actividad vinculada con la salud física y mental. El acceso al aire libre y la posibilidad de realizar ejercicio forman parte de los estándares internacionales citados por Cubalex sobre las condiciones de detención.
Las denuncias incluyeron prisiones de Villa Clara, La Habana y Mayabeque
Las limitaciones para acceder a los espacios exteriores también fueron denunciadas durante 2026 en otros centros penitenciarios cubanos.
Entre los establecimientos mencionados figura El Pre, ubicado en Santa Clara. La relación también incluye la prisión 1580, el campamento de trabajo forzado El 18 y la prisión de Mujeres de Occidente, en La Habana.
Cubalex incorporó a esa lista al campamento Ho Chi Minh, situado en Bainoa, Mayabeque.
Entre las personas afectadas por la falta de acceso al exterior aparecen los presos políticos Marcos de la Luz Caballero Granados, Alexander Fábregas y Jorge Martín Perdomo.
La denuncia también comprende a Denis Hernández Ramírez y a otros reclusos comunes. Los reportes se refieren a restricciones para salir a los patios o a áreas destinadas a la exposición al sol.
Las Reglas Mandela contemplan una hora diaria de ejercicio exterior
Las Reglas Mínimas de las Naciones Unidas para el Tratamiento de los Reclusos, conocidas como Reglas Mandela, establecen pautas sobre las condiciones en las que deben permanecer las personas privadas de libertad.
La regla 23.1 indica que los reclusos que no trabajen al aire libre deben contar, cuando el clima lo permita, con al menos una hora diaria de ejercicio físico adecuado fuera de las celdas.
La norma se refiere a quienes desarrollan sus actividades en espacios cerrados. El ejercicio exterior aparece contemplado como parte de las condiciones de reclusión.
La regla 42 dispone que las condiciones generales de detención deben garantizar iluminación, ventilación, acceso al aire libre y actividad física para todas las personas privadas de libertad.
La regla 43 prohíbe las sanciones que constituyan tortura o tratos crueles, inhumanos o degradantes. Esa disposición también prohíbe los castigos colectivos.
Un organismo de la ONU consideró básico el ejercicio al aire libre
El Subcomité de las Naciones Unidas para la Prevención de la Tortura abordó el acceso al ejercicio exterior en un informe publicado en 2023.
El organismo señaló que la posibilidad de ejercitarse al aire libre durante una hora diaria constituye un derecho básico. También recomendó que esa garantía alcance a todos los reclusos, sin excepciones.
Según el informe citado, esa posibilidad no debe quedar sujeta a la consideración de un beneficio que el personal penitenciario pueda retirar.
Los Principios y Buenas Prácticas sobre la Protección de las Personas Privadas de Libertad en las Américas incluyen disposiciones sobre la exposición diaria a la luz natural y la ventilación adecuada.
Ese documento fue elaborado por la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos. Su principio I exige un trato humano y el respeto por la dignidad y la integridad física, mental y moral de las personas detenidas.
Cubalex vinculó la medida con normas contra los tratos degradantes
El artículo 16 de la Convención contra la Tortura establece la obligación de prevenir actos que constituyan tratos o penas crueles, inhumanos o degradantes.
La disposición se refiere a hechos cometidos por funcionarios públicos o con su consentimiento. Cubalex advirtió que la retirada deliberada del acceso al patio puede vulnerar esos estándares cuando se emplea como represalia, mecanismo de presión o castigo colectivo.
La organización sostuvo que las autoridades penitenciarias cubanas deben garantizar condiciones compatibles con la dignidad humana.
Cubalex planteó además que la exposición a la luz natural y las necesidades básicas relacionadas con la salud no deben utilizarse como herramientas de sanción.
El pronunciamiento incluyó un reclamo por la liberación de las personas encarceladas arbitrariamente por ejercer las libertades de expresión, reunión y manifestación pacífica.
INTERNACIONAL
Paper ballots in NY county unable to be accepted by voting machines, will still be counted
Voting machines in Westchester County, New York, the state’s seventh most populous county, are not accepting paper ballots at polling locations throughout the county, the Westchester County Board of Elections said in a statement Tuesday morning.
«The Westchester County Board of Elections (BOE) is aware of an issue involving the paper ballots that is preventing some voting machines from accepting ballots at polling locations throughout the County,» the statement read.
The board relayed that it is communicating with state and county officials and with poll workers to address the issue while repeatedly affirming to voters that all paper ballots will be counted.
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«Voters should continue to complete their paper ballots as instructed by poll workers. Ballots that cannot be processed by voting machines will be placed in designated orange emergency ballot bags, which will remain secure and monitored. These ballots will subsequently be counted,» the BOE said.
In a statement, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, «My office is fully aware of the ongoing problems with ballots and voting scanners across Westchester County, and I want to be absolutely clear: this situation is unacceptable.
«Voters should remain in line and exercise their right to vote. Every eligible voter will have the opportunity to cast their ballot, and every vote must be counted. I have directed County officials, including representatives from our Law Department, to monitor the voting process and ensure that voters can cast their ballots without interference and that every vote is properly and accurately counted.
«Once these issues are resolved, I will convene a bipartisan team to conduct a thorough review of the decisions and failures that led to this debacle, determine where accountability lies and ensure that this never happens again.
«Westchester County voters deserve a fair, secure and seamless election process. Today, we have fallen short of that standard. The voters deserve better, and I intend to make sure they get it,» Jenkins said.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., first alerted voters to an apparent ballot scanner problem in the county in a Tuesday morning post on X.
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«There is a problem with every ballot scanner in Westchester County. We do not yet know the exact cause of the issue, whether it is the ballot or the machine. The Board of Elections is working with their vendors to resolve it,» Lawler wrote.
«However, every ballot will be counted. Stay on line and vote. Do not leave the polling place without voting,» Lawler’s post concluded.
Lawler also revealed while speaking to CNN reporters outside a polling location in Pearl River, New York, that the issue appeared to be that the paper ballots were too thick to be read by the machines.
«There was an issue with the thickness of the ballot and the formatting of the machines. And so none of the machines were accepting the ballot across the entire county,» Lawler told CNN.
«As is often the case, when there’s an emergency, they take the ballot, and they put it in an emergency voting bag. Every ballot will be counted. And everybody should be rest assured that their vote will count. They should wait on line. I know the lines may be impacted a little bit. With some delays, but do not leave the line. Make sure you vote. Your vote will be counted. The machines are being fixed,» he said.
The board echoed Lawler’s insistence that all votes would be counted.
«We strongly encourage all voters to remain in line, exercise patience and, most importantly, cast their ballots,» the board added.
The board also apologized to voters and to poll workers for the inconvenience.
«Let us be absolutely clear: Every eligible vote will be counted. No voter should be discouraged from participating in this election because of this issue. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Please stay in line and vote,» the board’s statement said.
Voter Patrick Reagan, who has been voting in Westchester County for the last 40 years, spoke to outside a polling place in Yonkers.
«I hope all the votes are going to be corrected properly and accounted for. And, you know, it’s a big year for everybody just voting. You know, we need to keep the country safe and good. And I hope, it’s going to turn out the way I wanted to,» Reagan said.
Voter Linda Giaimo, a woman who took her friend to vote, said she would be calling the Board of Elections about what was happening on Election Day.
«It’s all through Westchester County, that all these machines are down. So now we’ve got to put our vote in a bag and believe that that bag is going to be delivered. I got a problem with this,» Giaimo said.
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New York’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James also weighed in.
«My office is monitoring this issue with scanners in Westchester and is in touch with the state and local Boards of Elections as they work on a solution. Westchester voters can still safely fill out and turn in their ballots at their polling locations. Your votes will count,» she wrote in a Tuesday morning post on X.
James also reminded state residents that New York has a dedicated Election Protection Hotline — (866) 390-2992 — to assist New Yorkers experiencing issues at the polls.
«Today is your opportunity to make your voice heard, and every eligible New Yorker deserves to cast their ballot without fear or intimidation,» James said in a statement. «My office is here to help New Yorkers navigate any problems they encounter at the polls and ensure their voices are heard. If you experience an issue while voting today, call our Election Protection Hotline. We are ready to help,» she continued.
New York’s polls opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.
Digital contacted Rep. Mike Lawler for further comment.
politics, voting, elections state and local, new york, elections, midterm elections
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