Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has raised concerns regarding FBI Director Kash Patel’s previous testimony after newly released Justice Department documents indicated the FBI possessed evidence of other sex traffickers. Massie highlighted a 2019 FBI document that listed Leslie Wexner, CEO of L Brands, as a co-conspirator in child sex trafficking, a detail apparently omitted from public records and Patel’s testimony. This revelation challenges Patel’s assertion that the FBI had no credible information about Epstein trafficking to other individuals. Massie further criticized the Justice Department for redacting names of alleged conspirators while claiming justification based on protecting victim identities.
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Governor Tim Walz anticipates the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota will conclude within days, based on recent discussions with Trump administration officials. While expressing hope for an imminent end to the operation, which he has characterized as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign,” Walz remains in a “trust but verify” mode. He also expects federal cooperation on investigations into recent fatal shootings by federal officers, an area that has previously caused friction. Despite pronouncements of reduced federal presence, the economic impact and fear sown by the crackdown persist, as evidenced by a visible federal arrest in a Minneapolis county building, which local officials decried as disruptive to the justice system.
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The National Park Service removed a Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument, citing new Department of Interior guidance that restricts flag displays to only U.S. flags and congressionally or departmentally authorized flags. This action follows previous efforts by the Trump administration to diminish the recognition of LGBTQ people at the historic site, which commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. New York officials, including the Mayor and Senate Minority Leader, have strongly criticized the flag’s removal, calling it an attempt to erase history and demanding its immediate reinstatement.
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South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has again requested that media outlets refrain from revealing the faces and voices of North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine, citing risks to the prisoners and their families. This reminder comes as coverage of the Ukraine-Russia war intensifies and emphasizes the need for “minimum safety measures” in reporting, even if prisoners consent to identification. The ministry expressed concern over past broadcasts that exposed identities, asserting that North Korean POWs are considered South Korean nationals who deserve protection under international law. Seoul has communicated this stance to Ukrainian authorities and will continue consultations with Kyiv to ensure the safety of these individuals.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a press briefing after a reporter inquired about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Lutnick had previously admitted to misleading the public about the extent of his ties to the convicted sex trafficker. Despite Leavitt stating President Trump’s full support for Lutnick, she then chastised reporters for not focusing on administration achievements rather than continuing to question Lutnick’s undisclosed interactions with Epstein.
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A Europe-based project, ICE List, has emerged as a significant initiative to unmask U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This crowdsourced website, fueled by hundreds of volunteers, publishes names and positions of agents and Trump administration officials involved in migration policy, aiming to remove their anonymity. The project gained momentum after a social media response to threats of arrest for identifying agents, with the site’s founder asserting that agents fear community exclusion, not physical violence. Information is gathered from public leaks, tips, and publicly available data, with the goal of fostering public awareness and social exclusion akin to historical efforts against groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
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Law enforcement is preparing to release an image of an individual they believe could be a potential suspect in the unsettling disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. This development comes after a significant period where the public has grappled with the limited information surrounding the case, and the anticipation surrounding this image release is palpable, bringing with it a mix of hope and dread.
The image itself, described by many as “scary af,” has sparked intense speculation. The individual is seen wearing a balaclava and gloves, suggesting a deliberate attempt to conceal their identity. This attire, coupled with the circumstances of their presence at Nancy Guthrie’s home, has led many to believe this person is not merely a “subject” but the actual perpetrator.… Continue reading
The National Governors Association has announced it will no longer facilitate a White House event after President Trump’s administration planned to invite only Republican governors. Eighteen Democratic governors also stated they would boycott a traditional White House dinner, citing the exclusion of all governors as a departure from productive, bipartisan tradition. The White House maintains the president has discretion over White House invitations. This partisan exclusion marks a significant shift for the annual meeting, a rare bipartisan gathering where governors historically convene to discuss pressing state issues.
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Ottawa has begun making payments for essential components for an additional 14 U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets, despite an ongoing government review of future jet purchases amid trade disputes with Washington. These expenditures are for “long-lead items,” parts that require significant advance ordering to maintain Canada’s position in the delivery schedule and avoid losing its place to other buyers. While these payments have not been publicly disclosed, the Department of National Defence has declined to confirm new funding commitments, stating the review remains active. This move occurs as Canada weighs options for its CF-18 replacement, including potentially a mixed fleet or a reduced F-35 order, which could further strain relations with the U.S.
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Reports from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo indicate the M23 armed group has detained American national Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater. Prince was allegedly arrested earlier this week in Uvira, reportedly accompanying a coalition of forces that had re-entered the city. Sources claim Prince, along with his security detail, was taken from a hotel to an undisclosed location. The M23 coalition has not confirmed or denied these allegations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Walz Claims Federal Immigration Crackdown Nears End Amid Mistrust
Governor Tim Walz anticipates the federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota will conclude within days, based on recent discussions with Trump administration officials. While expressing hope for an imminent end to the operation, which he has characterized as an “occupation” and a “retribution campaign,” Walz remains in a “trust but verify” mode. He also expects federal cooperation on investigations into recent fatal shootings by federal officers, an area that has previously caused friction. Despite pronouncements of reduced federal presence, the economic impact and fear sown by the crackdown persist, as evidenced by a visible federal arrest in a Minneapolis county building, which local officials decried as disruptive to the justice system.
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