In response to President Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a federal lawsuit on Sunday seeking to block the move. The lawsuit, filed in the name of the State of Oregon and City of Portland, argues that the deployment infringes on state and local sovereignty and violates federal law. The state and city maintain that the use of troops is unwarranted, especially given the limited size of recent protests, and they believe that the troops will escalate tensions and disrupt local law enforcement’s ability to manage the situation. The state will be seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent troop arrival.
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President Donald Trump authorized the Secretary of Defense to federalize 200 members of the Oregon National Guard for 60 days to protect federal property, citing potential protests. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield condemned the move as an abuse of power, arguing that the President lacks the authority to federalize the guard under Title 10 of the United States Code, as no invasion or rebellion exists. The state swiftly filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order to block the deployment, as the situation in Portland is being managed by local police, and the state officials believe the federalization is unnecessary and unlawful. This action mirrors a similar situation in California, and Oregon officials express concerns over the lack of details about the deployment plans and the President’s view of the state’s condition.
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Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack on Kyiv on Sept. 28, with a missile element striking the roof of the Polish Embassy, though causing minimal damage and no casualties. The attack involved nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles, resulting in at least four deaths and over 70 injuries, primarily in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The incident occurred amidst rising tensions between NATO countries and Russia, marked by airspace violations by Russian aircraft in several European countries over the past month. Poland responded by scrambling fighter jets, mirroring previous responses to protect its airspace from previous breaches by Russian drones.
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Speaking at the Catholic University of America, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas questioned the infallibility of settled legal precedent, suggesting some rulings may lack a strong foundation. Thomas, part of the court’s conservative majority, emphasized that precedent should be based on more than just theoretical underpinnings and respectful of legal tradition. He further stated that he feels no obligation to uphold a precedent if it doesn’t make sense. This perspective comes as the court is poised to address significant cases, potentially including a challenge to the Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
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Former “Access Hollywood” host Billy Bush has hinted at the existence of additional, potentially damaging recordings of Donald Trump, stored in a vault in Idaho. These unreleased tapes are believed to be outtakes from Trump’s reality show, “The Apprentice,” produced by Mark Burnett. Bush’s comments come after the 2016 release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape, which featured Trump making vulgar remarks and led to significant political fallout. The existence and content of these alleged recordings remain unconfirmed.
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U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan ruled that MyPillow founder Mike Lindell defamed Smartmatic by making false claims that its voting machines rigged the 2020 presidential election. The judge, however, deferred the question of whether Lindell acted with “actual malice,” which is required for Smartmatic to collect damages. Lindell repeatedly stated in documentaries and media appearances that the machines were rigged, specifically in Los Angeles County where Smartmatic was used. Smartmatic is now seeking substantial damages from Lindell, as it aims to hold him accountable for spreading lies.
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President Trump indicated he may reconsider sending troops to Portland to protect ICE facilities, claiming they are “under attack.” In a Sunday interview, he mentioned conversations with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, who suggested the situation on the ground differs from his perception, and Mayor Keith Wilson, who stated no intervention is needed. Although Trump has described Portland as a hotbed of insurrection, officials in the state have indicated that they can handle public safety without military assistance. Despite these recent statements, the administration is still deciding.
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The City of Portland will issue a land use violation notice to the ICE facility in Southwest Portland, following an investigation into alleged detention policy violations. The investigation found that detainees were held beyond the permitted 12-hour limit or overnight on more than two dozen occasions, violating the conditions of the site’s land use approval, which was established in 2011. The city’s permitting bureau reviewed data released to the Deportation Data Project, which revealed that the facility violated the city’s land use rules. The facility now has 30 days to correct the violations or face potential fines and a possible reconsideration of its land use approval, a process that could ultimately lead to a hearing and potential appeal.
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Ukraine’s Zelenskiy says he is ready to leave office after war, and honestly, who could blame him? You get the distinct impression that this isn’t just about the burden of leadership, but the sheer weight of the situation he’s been carrying on his shoulders. The man has endured a grueling presidency, a crucible forged in the fires of war. Many feel he’s earned a break, a chance to breathe and to focus on things beyond the immediate crisis. The man is just exhausted, and who wouldn’t be? He’s faced unimaginable challenges and, against all odds, stood firm. It’s a testament to his character that he is prioritizing his country over his own comfort.… Continue reading
The President is escalating tensions by threatening military occupation in Portland, Oregon, framing protesters as “domestic terrorists” despite their constitutional rights to protest ICE tactics. This move, coupled with the deployment of a Joint Terrorism Task Force in Illinois, suggests an intent to use anti-sedition laws against those opposing the administration’s policies. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller is leading this effort, targeting prominent Democrats and potentially organizations like Open Society Foundations. The administration’s actions reflect a broader pattern of retribution, with investigations targeting Trump’s perceived enemies and a willingness to use legal means to silence dissent.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood