Seven out of ten people now believe that the Democratic Party is “out of touch“ with the actual issues of many Americans, according to a recent survey, which presents a frightening image for the party as it enters 2026. The results are based on a large survey conducted between November 2024 and June 2025 by the center-left research firm Welcome, which polled over half a million people. The findings show a growing gap between the Democratic Party’s platform and the interests of moderates, minorities, and working-class voters—the very group that formerly drove its success.
70% of voters think Democrats are focused on specialized social issues like “protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants” and “protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans,” ignoring more pressing issues like public safety, border security, and inflation, according to the Deciding to Win report. Only 51% of respondents believed Democrats were out of touch in 2013, but that percentage has now risen by over 20 points. In comparison, opinions of the Republican Party have marginally improved during the same time frame, falling from 70% in 2013 to 65% now.
Democrats need to reorient themselves to be politically viable, the research advises frankly. The group added, “Democrats must concentrate less on climate change, democracy, abortion, and identity and cultural issues and more on the issues that voters believe we prioritize too little: the economy, the cost of living, health care, border security, and public safety.” Additionally, it called on the party to “moderate our positions on issues where our agenda is unpopular,” specifically those related to crime, immigration, and energy policy.
While 59% of voters disagree, only 39% believe the Democratic Party now has the correct priorities. According to the poll, Democrats are overwhelmingly in favor of focusing on securing the border (53%), lowering everyday costs (79%), making health care affordable (74%), creating jobs and economic growth (74%), lowering middle-class taxes (66%), lowering crime (56%), and protecting Social Security and Medicare (82%). Priorities including defending illegal immigrants (23%), raising social program funding (24%), and promoting LGBTQ+ rights (25%), on the other hand, came in last.
Democrats seem to have suffered greatly among minority and blue-collar voters as a result of that disparity. Since 2012, the party’s popularity has decreased by 11 points among Black voters without a college degree, 15 points among Asian voters without a college degree, and 16 points among Latino voters without a college degree. Whites with college degrees were the only group to increase their support, by just 4%.
Welcome arrived at the conclusion that “winning does not happen by accident.” “It’s a decision—a decision to be methodical, strategic, and prepared to face challenging realities about the electorate.”
Those “difficult truths” might be reaching Democrats either too late or just in time.To join the Diamond and Silk Monthly Supporter Program, visit http://SupportDiamondandSilk.com.Lindell TV, VOCL, ChatDit, Rumble, TruthSocial, and Diamond and Silk Media are all excellent ways to stay connected with Diamond and Silk
The percentage of Americans who believe the Democratic Party is “out of touch” has increased by double-digits over the last decade, with 70% indicating the party is disconnected from the issues that matter to voters.
The Democratic Party is perceived as being overly-focused on “Protecting the rights of undocumented immigrants” and “Protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans” – alienating voters who care more about secure borders and crime reduction, a survey released Monday by Welcome, a center-left group, found.
“To win elections, Democrats need to make the following changes. First, we need to focus more on the issues voters do not think we prioritize enough (the economy, the cost of living, health care, border security, public safety), and focus less on the issues voters think we prioritize too highly (climate change, democracy, abortion, and identity and cultural issues),” read the conclusion of Welcome’s “Deciding to Win” survey.
“Second, we need to moderate our positions on issues where our agenda is unpopular, including immigration, public safety, energy production, and some identity and cultural issues,” the group noted.
In 2013, 51% of voters viewed the Democratic Party as “out of touch,” but the number surged to 70% in 2025, the pollster found.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party improved – going from 70% viewing it as “out of touch” in 2013, to 65% in 2025.
Welcome also highlighted polling showing only 39% of voters say the Democratic Party has the right priorities, while 59% of voters say Democrats do not.
The Democratic Party’s priorities should be “Protecting Social Security and Medicare” (82%); “Lowering everyday costs” (79%); “Making healthcare more affordable” (74%); “Creating jobs and economic growth” (74%); “Cutting taxes on the middle class” (66%); “Lowering the rate of crime” (56%); and “Securing the border” (53%), according to Welcome’s massive survey of more than 500,000 Americans.
The issues garnering the lowest level of support for Democratic prioritization included protecting illegal immigrants (23%), hiking taxes to increase spending on “social programs” (24%) and protecting LGBTQ rights (25%).
Voters viewed the Democratic Party as 26% more focused on illegal immigrant rights and 23% more focused on LGBTQ rights than they should be, in the survey conducted from Nov. 13, 2024 through June 18, 2025.
The party was also rated as being 21% more focused on securing the borders than it needed to be.
As a result of the party’s failure to align with the priorities of voters, support for Democrats “has declined significantly among working-class and minority voters since 2012,” particularly from moderates and conservatives in these categories, the pollster found.
Between 2012 and 2024, support for the Democratic Party only grew amongst college-educated white voters (+4%) and all college-educated voters (+2%).
Over the same period, the party hemorrhaged support from non-college-educated Latino voters (−16%), non-college-educated AAPI voters (−15%) and non-college-educated Black voters (−11%) among several other groups.
“It is essential that we make these strategic shifts because it is essential that we win,” Welcome’s conclusions continued.
“But winning does not happen by accident. Winning is a choice — a choice to be disciplined and strategic and to be willing to confront difficult truths about the electorate,” the group added.
The galaxy is buzzing with anticipation—Ahsoka Season 2 is officially on the horizon! After the resounding success of the first season, fans are eager to dive back into the Star Wars universe with everyone’s favorite former Jedi, Ahsoka Tano. Whether you’re curious about the
Before diving into what’s next, let’s quickly revisit where it all began. Ahsoka, a Disney+ original series, follows Ahsoka Tano, the beloved character first introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 1 captivated both new and longtime Star Wars fans by introducing live-action versions of Sabine Wren, Ezra Bridger, and Grand Admiral Thrawn. The show ended on a cliffhanger, with Ahsoka stranded in a distant galaxy—setting up massive stakes for Season 2.
One of the most frequently searched questions is: When is Ahsoka Season 2 coming out?
As of mid-2025, Lucasfilm has confirmed that Ahsoka Season 2 is in development, but an official release date has not been announced. However, industry insiders speculate that the release will likely fall in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on filming schedules and post-production timelines.
Given the visual scale and heavy special effects, Ahsoka Season 2 will likely follow the release pattern of other Star Wars shows like The Mandalorian, which typically have 12–18 months between seasons.
Key takeaway: While there’s no exact Ahsoka Season 2 release date yet, fans can expect updates toward the end of 2025.
Another hot topic is the potential for an Ahsoka Season 2 trailer. Unfortunately, as of now, there is no official trailer available. However, filming is rumored to be starting soon, meaning we might get a teaser trailer by mid-2026—perhaps revealed at
When the Ahsoka Season 2 trailer does drop, expect glimpses of intense lightsaber battles, mysterious Force lore, and perhaps more of the enigmatic Baylan Skoll storyline left hanging after Season 1.
Tip for fans: Keep your eyes on Disney+ and the official Star Wars YouTube channel for teaser announcements.
Season 1 introduced mystical elements like the World Between Worlds and ancient Force lore. In Season 2, showrunner Dave Filoni is expected to dig even deeper into these mystical aspects, especially with Ahsoka’s spiritual journey continuing in a new galaxy.
Grand Admiral Thrawn, played by Lars Mikkelsen, is now a looming threat to the New Republic. Fans anticipate that Thrawn will start rallying forces, potentially tying directly into the upcoming Star Wars: Heir to the Empire film also being developed by Filoni.
Thrawn is not just a villain—he’s a master strategist. Season 2 will likely focus on the conflict between Thrawn’s return and the fragile peace established post-Empire.
The reunion between Sabine Wren and Ezra Bridger was one of Season 1’s most emotional payoffs. Season 2 is expected to further explore their bond and evolution. Sabine, who is now Force-sensitive, might undergo formal training under Ahsoka—or clash with her.
Ezra’s adjustment to returning to the known galaxy and what role he plays in resisting Thrawn will be another central thread.
While Disney has yet to announce the full cast of Ahsoka Season 2, here are the actors likely to return:
Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano
Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger
Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn
Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth (if flashbacks are involved)
A major question mark is the character of Baylan Skoll, originally portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson. Lucasfilm may choose to recast the role or write a new arc around it.
Ahsoka Season 2 may not be a standalone story. With Dave Filoni building a shared Star Wars timeline with The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Skeleton Crew, crossovers are highly likely. Expect potential cameos or tie-ins as Disney+ leads toward its major Star Wars theatrical crossover event.
Ahsoka Season 2 is shaping up to be a cornerstone of the live-action Star Wars universe. With new threats, deeper Force mythology, and beloved characters returning, it’s no surprise fans are eagerly awaiting every update.
While the Ahsoka Season 2 release date and trailer are still under wraps, the series continues to build buzz and excitement. Until then, fans can rewatch Season 1 on Disney+ and keep an eye on announcements from Lucasfilm and Star Wars Celebration 2025.
My friend sent me this footage from his Caribbean cruise last week… and I haven’t heard from him since.Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
MSC Lirica, an MSC Cruises ship, caught fire on Friday in Corfu, Greece, Luca Biondolillo, spokesperson for the cruise line, confirmed to USA TODAY.
“Today at 15:42 (3:42 pm) local time in Corfu where she is currently in warm layup, MSC Lirica reported a fire incident into the MSC Maritime Support Centre in London,” MSC said in a statement provided by Biondolillo.
The fire started in one of the ship’s starboard-side fiberglass lifeboats on its sixth deck.
“The fire has since been brought under control thanks to the intervention of the ship’s two fire brigades and the support of the local emergency services,” MSC continued, noting that at 18:58 (6:58 pm) local time the incident operation was deemed complete.
There were no injuries among the 51 crew members who were on board to maintain the ship. There were no passengers on board.
“From a preliminary assessment, there was no damage to the inside of the ship but only to her side due to the flames and the dense black smoke caused by the fiberglass lifeboats,” MSC said.
According to Marine Traffic, a ship tracking service, the ship was positioned at the port of Corfu and had been there since March 1.
Facebook user Μαρια Σκουρτη streamed a live video of the ship as it was going up in flames.
In the near hour-long stream, huge black plumes of smoke can be seen billowing from the middle of the ship’s starboard, or right, side. Later, a close-up short reveals orange flames and rescue teams arriving on the scene.
MSC Lirica can carry up to 2,548 passengers and 752 crew members when in full operation, according to the cruise line. The ship is 902 feet long and weighs 65,591 tons.
This story was first reported by Cruise Industry News.
This story is developing and will be updated.
A fire has broken out in the funnel of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship, which was docked at Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Dramatic photos and videos taken from the nearby Mardi Gras cruise ship circulated on social media on Thursday morning, as thick black smoke and flames billowed from the ship’s smokestack.
The ship had left Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, on Monday for a five-day cruise.
In a media statement about the fire, which broke out at 8.45am ET on Thursday, a Carnival spokesperson says the flames were quickly extinguished and that no injuries have been reported.
“All guests and crew are safe, and all other ship, hotel, and guest services, along with safety equipment are fully functioning,” the statement says. “While the majority of Carnival Freedom
One Twitter user called Jen reported from Freedom how there had been “a little bit of the panic on the boat as we had to put on life jackets and go to muster areas.”
Fellow Twitter user Brian H recalled how: “Shortly after the Carnival Freedom arrived in Port next to us on the Mardi Gras, smoke and flames began to shoot out of the exhaust funnel. The crew quickly started to battle the fire to extinguish it. A partial piece of the funnel fell the the top deck while smoke and ash flew in the wind. Luckily the wind was blowing away from our ship. The crew did a great job as it appears the fire did not spread any further than where it was.”
Meanwhile Twitter user Logan shared a video of a cheeky local bar blasting the Céline Dion classic My Heart Will Go On, best-known as the Titanic theme song, as Freedom guests disembarked nearby.
A total of 2,504 guests and 972 crew were onboard Carnival Freedom at the time of the fire.
The ship Carnival Conquest has been deployed to Grand Turk to transport
Once guests are transferred from Carnival Freedom, Carnival says, the ship will proceed to Florida for a repair to the funnel.
It added that guests would board the new ship on Saturday evening and set sail for the US coast, arriving on Monday morning.
The firm has assured guests who had bought wifi or drinks packages that they would have their package extended on the replacement ship and said that each stateroom would be credited US$100 to spend onboard.
It is not currently known what caused the fire to start.
According to data from CruiseMapper, the ship, which was built in 2007, is 289 metres long and can accommodate 3,581 passengers.
In a heartwarming announcement that delighted soap fans across the UK, actress Paula Lane – best known for her roles in both
The post read: “Some special news to share from us. Christmas just got a bit more magical. Our baby boy due December 2025.”
The announcement immediately sparked a wave of love and support from colleagues and fans alike. Fellow soap stars flooded her comments with congratulations, with
This isn’t the first time Paula has been at the center of attention in the soap world. Long before her recent stint in Emmerdale as the troubled Ella Forster, Paula won over millions of viewers as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street. Her gripping storylines, ranging from family drama to hard-hitting social issues, made her one of the most memorable characters of the 2010s on the cobbles. Kylie’s tragic death in 2016 remains one of Coronation Street’s most unforgettable moments, with fans still talking about the impact years later.
After leaving Coronation Street, Paula pursued a variety of projects, both on screen and on stage, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her return to the world of soaps came when she joined Emmerdale as Ella Forster in 2023. Though her storyline as a complex character with a dark past sparked mixed reactions among viewers, Paula gave the role her signature intensity and emotional depth.
When news broke that she would be leaving Emmerdale, Paula shared a heartfelt farewell message with fans on Valentine’s Day earlier this year. Speaking warmly to her followers, she said:
“Hey, all you lovely Emmerdale fans. Today is Valentine’s Day and I am actually about to go and finish shooting my final scene on Emmerdale as Ella. By the time you watch this, it’s going to be around April, I think. I just wanted to say I have had a lovely time here. I’ve met some wonderful people. And I will really, really cherish the experience.”
She went on to thank viewers for their continued support, hinting that although Ella’s story had come to an end, her own acting journey was far from over: “I hope you get to see me on some new dramas in the future. Or on stage. Or wherever life now takes me in my career. Honestly, everything is all positive. There’s no negatives to spin on this. She is a brilliant character and, you know, never say never. Who knows? Lots of love from me. Over and out.”
Despite stepping away from Emmerdale, Paula’s latest news proves that her real-life role as a mother is now taking center stage. Already a devoted parent to her two children with husband Tom Shaw, the couple will now be preparing to welcome their new baby boy just in time for Christmas – a magical gift that has made this year even more special.
Fans were quick to celebrate the announcement online. Many shared messages praising Paula not only as an actress but also as a role model for balancing her career with family life. Others expressed excitement at the thought of following her journey into motherhood once again, noting that she has often spoken candidly about how much her children inspire her both personally and professionally.
Her baby news also brought a sense of nostalgia for Coronation Street fans, many of whom admitted they still miss seeing Kylie Platt on their screens. For those who followed her dramatic exit from the soap nearly a decade ago, today’s announcement felt like a reminder of how much has changed since then – and how Paula continues to grow both on and off screen.
Meanwhile, Emmerdale fans reflected on her time as Ella Forster. Though the character’s story was short-lived, Paula’s portrayal left an impression, particularly in her final scenes, where the emotional complexity of the role shone through. Some even speculated that the door remains open for a possible return in the future, echoing Paula’s own words: “Never say never.”
For now, however, it’s clear that Paula’s focus is firmly on family. With the due date set for December 2025, she and her husband are preparing to embrace life as a family of five. The timing, coinciding with the festive season, makes the announcement feel even more magical – and fans are certain it will be a Christmas the family will never forget.
Paula’s story is one that continues to resonate with audiences: from her rise to fame in Coronation Street, to her bold move into Emmerdale, and now to her personal milestone as a mother of three. She embodies both resilience and warmth, qualities that have endeared her to viewers for more than a decade.
As she embarks on this next chapter, the entertainment world is celebrating not just her past achievements on television, but also the new beginnings that lie ahead. Whether or not she returns to the screen in the near future, one thing is certain: Paula Lane has already cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved actresses in British soap history.
And now, with her family expanding and a new adventure awaiting, fans are once again reminded that sometimes the most beautiful stories aren’t the ones written in scripts – but the ones unfolding in real life.