The Department of Justice has alleged that Smartmatic executives, indicted last year on bribery and money-laundering charges, transferred funds from a 2018 Los Angeles County voting machine contract into slush funds previously used for bribing election officials in Venezuela and the Philippines. Prosecutors are seeking to prove these funds were part of a larger pattern of bribery. Fox News, involved in a separate defamation lawsuit, asserts that LA County’s registrar-recorder, Dean Logan, may have received unreported gifts from the company. This could link to a broader scheme including overcharging customers and using the excess to pay bribes in other countries.
Read More
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has adopted a new online strategy, using social media to directly mimic Donald Trump’s tone and writing style. This involves publishing content deliberately designed to be rude, brash, and self-aggrandizing, mirroring Trump’s own online behavior. While some critics have labeled the content as childish, the strategy aims to satirize Trump by emulating his approach, making criticism of Newsom’s content simultaneously a criticism of Trump’s. This approach has been noted by Politico as Newsom “holding a mirror up to MAGA.”
Read More
An Associated Press review revealed that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife, Angela Paxton, secured mortgages with inaccurate statements, claiming multiple properties as primary residences to obtain lower interest rates. This allowed them to improperly benefit from lower rates and potentially violated federal and state laws prohibiting false statements on mortgage documents. Furthermore, the Paxtons collected an improper homestead tax break on two of those homes at the same time. These revelations have political implications, especially given similar accusations against Democrats by the Trump administration and Paxton’s own past legal and political troubles.
Read More
Donald Trump is reportedly earning millions from merchandise sales, potentially diverting funds that supporters believe are supporting the “MAGA movement.” This is happening while he is selling merchandise that includes the slogan “Trump 2028”, despite being constitutionally unable to run for president again. Trump has also made comments about the possibility of canceling elections, specifically referencing a scenario of war. This statement has raised concerns about the implications for democracy.
Read More
Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio, known for his compassionate approach in the courtroom and Emmy-nominated show “Caught in Providence,” has passed away after battling cancer. The announcement of his death was made on his social media pages, and relatives confirmed the news. Judge Caprio, often called “the nicest judge in the world”, had garnered a massive following for his empathy, inspiring many with his kindness. Governor Dan McKee has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in his honor, recognizing Caprio as a symbol of humanity and justice.
Read More
The Australian government has defended its decision to cancel the visa of Israeli politician Simcha Rothman, citing concerns over his views on Palestinians, which caused a rift between the two nations. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing him of betraying Israel. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the visa was canceled due to comments Rothman made about Palestinian children. This has led to the Opposition criticizing the government for mismanaging the relationship.
Read More
In an effort to delay the approval of redrawn congressional districts, Texas Democrats have returned to the state’s capitol, with many refusing to sign “permission slips” required to leave the chamber, as per new protocols. These protocols, established by Republicans, involve Democrats being escorted by designated officers. Representative Nicole Collier, choosing to remain confined inside the chamber, has condemned the process as demeaning and an attack on her dignity. This move follows a two-week quorum break, which has delayed Republicans’ effort to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
Read More
Warsaw to issue protest as it says Russian Shahed drone fell on Polish territory, and the immediate reaction, well, it’s a mixture of frustration, disbelief, and a hefty dose of sarcasm. The fact that a Russian drone, essentially a flying bomb, managed to enter Polish airspace and reportedly crash on Polish territory has sparked a cascade of commentary, much of it critical of the perceived response. There’s a widespread feeling that this event is a direct test of NATO’s resolve, and the anticipated response – a formal protest – is viewed by many as a weak and insufficient gesture. The recurring sentiment is a call for stronger action, a demand for Poland and NATO to demonstrate some real teeth.… Continue reading
The judge’s decision to deny the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein’s records from the criminal case has ignited a flurry of opinions and accusations. It seems like the court is sticking to the rules, as the nature of the records in question – grand jury testimony and exhibits – carries significant legal restrictions on their release. Many observers believe the DOJ’s request was more about public optics than a genuine pursuit of justice. It was designed to create a narrative of thwarted transparency and shift blame to the judiciary.
The legal framework surrounding grand jury information is remarkably strict, making its public disclosure exceptionally rare.… Continue reading
On Wednesday, Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller faced a hostile reception at Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, where National Guard troops were stationed as part of President Trump’s crime crackdown. The trio was met with hecklers who voiced opposition to the administration’s policies, including chants of “Free DC” and protests about the war in Gaza. Despite the protests, the officials entered a Shake Shack restaurant, where Vance mingled with service members and spoke about the administration’s commitment to addressing crime. Miller dismissed the protesters as “stupid white hippies”, further inflaming the situation.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood