Anthony Scaramucci, a former Trump White House communications director, doubts allegations of a Trump-Epstein connection, believing such evidence would have already surfaced. Instead, Scaramucci suspects that compromising material held by Vladimir Putin is the true vulnerability. He speculates this could be information gathered during Trump’s real estate career decades ago, explaining Trump’s deference to Putin despite the latter’s weakening global position. This “kompromat,” Scaramucci suggests, is far more damaging than previously speculated “pee tape” scenarios, forcing Trump’s subservient behavior toward Putin.
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A lawsuit alleging voting discrepancies in Rockland County, New York’s 2024 election is proceeding to discovery. The nonpartisan SMART Legislation group claims statistical anomalies and affidavit evidence contradict official results, particularly concerning the Senate race and exhibiting improbable patterns in presidential vote counts. While the lawsuit won’t alter the certified presidential outcome, it raises concerns about election integrity, fueled by reports of altered voting machines and a missing testing lab. A hearing is scheduled for September 22 to consider a request for a full hand recount.
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Secretary Hegseth faced intense bipartisan criticism during his first House hearing, primarily concerning the deployment of troops to Los Angeles at a cost of $134 million, the firing of military leaders, and the elimination of diversity programs. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the lack of a detailed defense budget from the Trump administration, totaling a proposed $1 trillion, and questioned exorbitant spending on projects like a new Air Force One and a lavish Army birthday celebration. Hegseth defended the troop deployment, citing the need to protect federal agents, while also highlighting the Pentagon’s focus on adapting to new drone warfare threats following a recent Ukrainian attack. Further scrutiny surrounded his social policy changes within the Pentagon, including the removal of transgender service members and the renaming of a Navy ship previously honoring Harvey Milk.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing the Trump administration for illegally deploying the National Guard without gubernatorial consent, a move impacting all states. This action, deemed unconstitutional and immoral, violates a statute mandating that mobilization orders be issued through state governors. Newsom further criticizes the deployment of Marines and additional National Guard troops as a divisive tactic inciting fear and chaos. He asserts that the situation is not about immigration but about upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
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Thirty-five detained Venezuelans, wrongly associated with gangs based solely on their tattoos, endured weeks in ICE detention, with some even facing school expulsion. None faced criminal charges. This incident highlights a broader concern regarding due process and the potential for arbitrary detention based on superficial assumptions. The lack of legal recourse for these individuals underscores a systemic vulnerability affecting all immigrants. Experts warn that such practices erode fundamental rights, jeopardizing the legal protections afforded to all.
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Satellite imagery confirms significant construction progress at Oxagon, a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Neom megacity. This floating industrial complex, situated on a major global trade route, is central to Vision 2030’s economic diversification goals. The port will feature fully automated technology and aims to be a leading, sustainable industrial center by 2030, incorporating renewable energy and a mixed-use city design. Oxagon’s strategic location near the Suez Canal provides a competitive advantage in global trade.
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According to Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, Russia and North Korea have agreed to begin establishing a production line for Shahed-type drones within North Korea. This collaboration will involve the manufacture of both Garpiya and Geran drones, Russian designations for Iranian Shahed-136 models. The agreement is expected to significantly shift the military balance in the Korean Peninsula. While production has yet to commence, the deal marks a notable escalation in regional military capabilities.
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Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith was arrested on six misdemeanor charges for hiring uncertified and untrained officers, including a deputy, school resource officers, and a jailer. These officers were issued department equipment and performed law enforcement duties despite lacking proper state certification and training. This action follows scrutiny surrounding the death of Tony Mitchell, with multiple Walker County law enforcement employees facing federal charges in that case. Additionally, Chief Deputy Ralph Williams was also arrested for allegedly lying to the state’s law enforcement certification commission.
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In a recent interview, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismissed Russia’s capacity to attack NATO, citing its struggles in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He argued against Ukraine’s NATO membership, emphasizing the need for a strategic agreement with Russia and claiming that sanctions are harming Europe. Orban’s stance, aligning with his government’s pro-Russian policies, includes obstructing Ukraine’s EU accession and promoting a national poll designed to discourage Ukrainian membership. This position contrasts sharply with the broader EU approach to the conflict and Russia’s actions.
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Hundreds rallied in Dallas to protest intensified deportation efforts and show solidarity with Los Angeles protestors facing harsh responses, including tear gas and potential deployment of National Guard troops. Dallas police initially blocked bridge access before declaring the assembly unlawful and deploying pepper balls to disperse the largely peaceful demonstration. Protesters expressed anger at the administration’s actions, fearing for family and friends who are undocumented. The Dallas protest highlighted concerns about increased ICE activity and a potential new state law requiring local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, adding to existing tensions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker