New court filings allege that the creators of the $MELANIA cryptocurrency, launched by Melania Trump, orchestrated a pump-and-dump scheme. The coin’s value surged to $13.73 shortly after its January release before plummeting to mere cents, mirroring the trajectory of Donald Trump’s $TRUMP coin. Investors accuse executives of the Meteora exchange platform of manipulating the market by indirectly purchasing large quantities of the coin and then reselling them for profit. This case has been added to existing legal proceedings, while the Trump family has reportedly earned significant profits from various cryptocurrency ventures.
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In a recent letter, House Democrats Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia warned President Trump against his efforts to secure $230 million in taxpayer funds from the Department of Justice. The congressmen asserted that such a move is both unconstitutional and illegal, citing the Domestic Emoluments Clause and the Federal Tort Claims Act. Trump is seeking these funds as compensation for past DOJ investigations, requiring approval from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Civil Division head Stanley Woodward Jr., both of whom have previous ties to Trump. The letter condemns this as an attempt to steal from the American people and demands the White House provide extensive documentation related to the matter.
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Following the theft of the French crown jewels from the Louvre, a museum dedicated to Denis Diderot in Langres, France, was also targeted. Approximately 2,000 gold and silver coins, valued at around €90,000, were stolen from a display case at the Maison des Lumières. These coins, dating from 1790 to 1840, belonged to the city’s private collection and were discovered in 2011. This incident adds to a series of recent museum heists across France, including the theft of gold nuggets from the Natural History Museum and porcelain from the national porcelain museum.
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Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) proposed a bill, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, to ensure payment for federal workers, military members, and contractors during a potential 2025 government shutdown, along with preventing mass layoffs. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) objected to the request for immediate consideration of this bill. Johnson, while acknowledging overlap with his own bill addressing similar issues, advocated for debating and amending the legislation rather than approving it via unanimous consent. Johnson believed a thorough review and debate process was necessary before the bill could be passed.
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Major corporations from the tech, defense, and crypto industries, along with billionaire Trump supporters, are funding the construction of a new $300 million ballroom at the White House. This project, which began with the demolition of the East Wing, has raised concerns about transparency, with House Democrats rebuking the lack of public disclosure and proper consultation. Despite the demolition starting without prior announcement, President Trump claims the project is privately funded, yet he has contradicted his previous statements regarding its impact on the existing structure. Furthermore, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has stated that the project is legally required to undergo a public review process.
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The Supreme Court is poised to consider a challenge from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk, regarding the legality of same-sex marriage. Davis, who previously defied court orders and was briefly jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, is petitioning the court to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. A 2024 Gallup poll indicates that a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage, though partisan divides persist. The Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the case, with a decision expected as early as November 10, potentially setting up a significant moment for LGBTQ+ rights.
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Federal authorities announced charges against Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and dozens of others Thursday as part of a wide-ranging investigation into illegal sports gambling and poker rigging schemes allegedly backed by the Mafia. The investigation, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Bet” and “Operation Royal Flush,” revealed that Rozier was involved in an insider sports betting scheme, while Billups was implicated in a plot to rig underground poker games. The schemes involved the use of high-tech cheating gadgets and the exploitation of confidential information to allegedly defraud participants. The NBA has placed Rozier and Billups on immediate leave as they address these allegations.
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U.S. forces conducted a second strike on alleged drug-carrying vessels in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in three fatalities, as part of an expanding campaign against seaborne drug smuggling. The strikes, which follow a previous incident where two were killed, have been met with condemnation from Colombia, who described the actions as disproportionate and outside international law. The U.S. has defended the strikes, with officials stating that they target “narco-terrorists,” while also suggesting a potential expansion of operations to include land-based targets. These strikes are taking place in the Pacific Ocean, which has a higher rate of drug trafficking, and may be another part of an ongoing military pressure on the Venezuelan government.
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The Supreme Court is set to consider Kim Davis’ challenge to same-sex marriage at a private conference, marking the first time the justices will deliberate on the case. Davis, a former Kentucky clerk, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, leading to a lawsuit and a subsequent jury awarding damages to the couple. The 6th Circuit rejected Davis’ appeal, citing that she was acting on behalf of the government, and therefore not protected by the First Amendment. Davis has requested the Supreme Court to review the decision, arguing her religious beliefs were violated.
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To meet holiday shopping demands, Toys “R” Us will open 30 new locations across the U.S. this year. The expansion includes permanent flagship stores in eight states and 20 seasonal shops across 16 states, facilitated through a partnership with Go! Retail Group. This move marks a significant comeback for the retailer, which filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed hundreds of stores before being acquired by WHP Global in 2021. The brand has already launched pop-up shops within Macy’s and plans to expand to airports and cruise ships.
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John Q. Hosedrinker