Trump Insists on Clean Funding Vote Before Engaging Democrats on Shutdown Talks
As the government shutdown stretches into its 22nd day—marking the second-longest in U.S. history—President Trump has made clear that he will not entertain meetings with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries until Democrats support a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill to reopen federal operations without additional policy riders. This stance comes amid repeated Senate votes on the clean continuing resolution, which Republicans view as essential for immediate stability and separating routine funding from contentious issues like extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a demand Democrats have tied to their approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have aligned with Trump, emphasizing that negotiations on health care or other matters can follow only after the government resumes, underscoring a commitment to fiscal discipline amid the impasse that has furloughed thousands and strained federal services.
Sources: The Epoch Times, The New York Post
House Judiciary Committee Refers Ex-CIA Director Brennan to DOJ Over False Statements on Russia Probe
In a move underscoring congressional commitment to accountability, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan has formally referred former CIA Director John Brennan to Attorney General Pam Bondi for potential criminal prosecution, citing evidence that Brennan provided misleading testimony during a May 2023 committee interview about the agency’s handling of the discredited Steele dossier in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment on Russian election interference. Declassified documents reveal that Brennan overruled objections from senior CIA officials to include dossier material in the assessment, contradicting his claims of non-involvement and opposition to its use, which Jordan described as a pattern of willful deception that erodes trust in intelligence processes and congressional oversight. This referral, building on prior scrutiny of Obama-era officials’ roles in the Russia investigation, highlights ongoing efforts to address perceived irregularities from that period, though the Justice Department’s response remains to be seen amid its independent prosecutorial discretion.
Sources: US House Judiciary Committee, FOX News
Complaint Targets Biden-Era HHS Grants for Violating Colorblind Federal Mandates
The Equal Protection Project, a civil rights initiative dedicated to upholding equal treatment under the law, has lodged a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services accusing three lingering Biden administration grant programs of illegally favoring Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous students with $5.7 million in fellowships for mental health, addictions counseling, and social work training, in direct conflict with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection requirements, and Executive Order 14173’s directive to end racial preferences in government funding. Although $2.77 million of these funds have already been distributed—largely during the current Trump term—the effort reveals how such race-based initiatives persist like stubborn remnants in federal systems, complicating the push for merit-driven opportunities available to every citizen. Project founder William Jacobson, a Cornell law professor, described rooting out these practices as akin to wringing soap from a saturated sponge, where each purge uncovers more layers of prior favoritism, while experts note that even programs vaguely “targeting” minorities often skirt Supreme Court rulings against racial discrimination in education. HHS has confirmed receipt of the October 16 filing but cited an ongoing government shutdown as a potential hurdle to prompt resolution, leaving advocates to emphasize that true equality demands consistent application of colorblind principles to safeguard American unity and fairness.
Sources: Legal Insurrection, The Washington Times
Democrats’ Proposed ICE Tracker Sparks Doxxing Fears, Legal Risks for Endangering Federal Agents
House Democrats, led by Rep. Robert Garcia of California, have unveiled plans to roll out a “master ICE tracker” on the Oversight Committee’s website in the coming weeks, inviting public submissions of videos and reports to monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Los Angeles, a move framed as part of an investigation into alleged racial profiling and wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. The initiative, announced alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, aims to centralize verified community accounts of ICE activities, but it has drawn swift rebuke from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who warned that publicizing agent locations amounts to putting law enforcement in harm’s way, especially given past incidents of harassment and the Justice Department’s firm stance against violence toward officers; this kind of doxing can be illegal or subject to civil lawsuits if it crosses certain lines: if it’s done with the intent to threaten or harm someone, or if it incites others to commit immediate lawless action against the person or for purposes of harassment or stalking. Critics view this as a politically motivated effort that could compromise border security efforts, echoing earlier removals of similar tracking apps under federal pressure and recent pushes for anti-doxxing legislation to protect federal agents, while supporters argue it promotes transparency in federal actions affecting local communities.
Sources: The Gateway Pundit, The Washington Examiner
Illegal Immigrant Rams Officers, Sparks Shooting in South LA ICE Takedown
In a tense immigration enforcement action on Tuesday morning in South Los Angeles, federal agents from ICE and U.S. Marshals boxed in a vehicle driven by an illegal immigrant who had previously escaped custody, only for the suspect to ram a law enforcement vehicle in a desperate bid to flee, prompting officers to fire defensive shots that left the man wounded in the elbow and a deputy marshal struck in the hand by a ricochet bullet. The incident unfolded around 9 a.m. on East 20th Street near Trinity Street during a targeted traffic stop, with authorities following standard procedures until the suspect’s aggressive maneuver escalated the situation, underscoring the risks faced by those upholding border security laws. Both individuals were promptly hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening—the marshal reported in stable condition—and the Department of Homeland Security affirmed that the response aligned with training to protect public safety amid such volatile encounters. This event highlights ongoing challenges in executing federal immigration operations in sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles, where cooperation with local authorities can complicate swift apprehensions.
Sources: WSVN-TV, The New York Post
Socialist Mamdani Clings to Double-Digit Lead with Majority Support from Foreign-Born Voters
In the closing weeks of the 2025 New York City mayoral election, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani continues to hold a commanding position according to recent surveys, with a FOX News poll from mid-October showing him at 52% among likely voters, well ahead of independent Andrew Cuomo’s 28% and Republican Curtis Sliwa’s 14%, though Cuomo has narrowed the margin by gaining ground on issues like affordability and governance experience. A Patriot Polling survey highlights how Mamdani’s 43% overall support—against Cuomo’s 32% and Sliwa’s 19%—is bolstered significantly by foreign-born voters, where he commands 62% compared to just 24% for Cuomo, raising questions about the long-term impacts of immigration trends on the city’s political landscape. Earlier data from a September New York Times/Siena poll had Mamdani at 46% in a crowded field including then-incumbent Eric Adams at 9%, but with the race now tightening as pressure mounts on Sliwa to exit and consolidate anti-Mamdani votes behind Cuomo, the contest underscores voter priorities on crime, housing costs, and fiscal responsibility in a city grappling with progressive shifts.
Sources: Breitbart, Patriot Polling
Venezuelan Gang Intruder in Viral Aurora Video Faces 12 Years Behind Bars for Armed Break-In
A member of the notorious Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, Niefred Serpa-Acosta, received a 12-year prison term from an Arapahoe County judge following his guilty plea to burglary with intent to menace, assault, and wielding a weapon during an August 2024 armed invasion of an apartment at the Edge at Lowry complex in Aurora, Colorado—an episode immortalized in surveillance footage that exposed the gang’s brazen operations in American suburbs. The 20-year-old illegal migrant, who slipped across the southern border in late 2022 and evaded deportation despite multiple theft arrests and an immigration judge’s removal order, was later implicated in a December 2024 kidnapping at the same site where a couple endured pistol-whipping and stabbing during a robbery, prompting a multi-agency crackdown that finally netted him while he attempted a disguise in women’s clothing. Local officials initially downplayed the gang’s foothold in the area, but subsequent raids and admissions of affiliation from Serpa-Acosta, marked by telltale crown tattoos, affirm the persistent threats posed by unchecked border crossings and underscore the importance of rigorous enforcement to safeguard communities from transnational criminal elements.
Sources: The Daily Wire, The New York Post
Federal Raid Uncovers Illegal Gambling, Animal Fighting Operation in Idaho, Leading to Detentions of 105 Illegals
In a coordinated effort underscoring the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, federal agents from the FBI and ICE executed a search warrant at La Catedral Arena in Wilder, Idaho, on October 19, dismantling an illicit network involving unauthorized horse racing, parimutuel betting, and suspected animal fighting that drew around 400 attendees. The operation, initiated after a February tip and involving nearly 200 law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies, resulted in the arrest of four individuals—Ivan Tellez, Samuel Bejarano, Dayana Fajardo, and Alejandro Estrada—charged with conducting an illegal gambling business, while ICE detained 105 undocumented immigrants present at the site to process potential violations and ensure community safety amid concerns over ties to broader criminal activities like drug trafficking and cartel operations. Idaho Governor Brad Little affirmed state support for the action, noting it addresses persistent threats from unregulated enterprises, as DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the raid’s role in targeting such networks under President Trump and Secretary Noem, with no children among those held and ongoing legal aid provided to affected families.
Sources: The Post Millennial, KTVB.com
Senate Advances Bipartisan Measure to Streamline Forest Management and Curb Wildfire Devastation
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has approved the Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act with strong cross-party support, sending the legislation to the full chamber as a practical response to escalating wildfire threats that have ravaged Western communities and strained federal resources. Introduced earlier this year by Senators John Curtis (R-UT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), the bill streamlines environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act for projects up to 10,000 acres focused on fuel breaks, pest control, and fire prevention, while establishing updated “fireshed” zones every five years and shortening court challenge windows to 150 days to enable quicker action on the ground. Proponents, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of conservation groups, praise it for reversing bureaucratic delays that hinder forest health restoration and economic vitality in timber-dependent areas, noting its alignment with real-world needs amid disasters like California’s recent Palisades fire. Although some environmental advocates worry about reduced oversight and potential impacts on endangered species habitats, the measure’s progress underscores a shared commitment to resilient landscapes that protect lives, property, and natural heritage without unnecessary red tape.
Sources: The Washington Examiner, Big Sky Times
Pentagon Refreshes Press Corps with Independent Voices After Mainstream Outlets Opt Out Over Security Measures
In a move underscoring the balance between transparency and national security, the Department of War has unveiled a revamped Pentagon press corps comprising over 60 journalists from independent and conservative-leaning outlets, including The Gateway Pundit, Real America’s Voice, The Post Millennial, Timcast, LindellTV, Human Events, The National Pulse, RedState, and the Washington Reporter, following the voluntary departure of dozens of legacy media reporters who declined to adhere to updated protocols aimed at safeguarding classified information and preventing the solicitation of leaks from personnel. Assistant to the Secretary for Public Affairs Sean Parnell highlighted the shift as an opportunity for outlets committed to delivering straightforward reporting directly to the public, contrasting it with what he described as the mainstream media’s pattern of distortion, while Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump affirmed the measures as practical steps—such as mandatory badges and restricted access—mirroring standards at other secure federal sites to protect service members without impeding legitimate journalism. The Pentagon Press Association decried the changes as a setback for press freedoms, yet the new arrangement ensures continued coverage of military affairs through diverse perspectives willing to operate within reasonable boundaries that prioritize operational integrity.
Sources: The Gateway Pundit, Breitbart
Classmate Alleges NJ Gov. Candidate Mikie Sherrill Concealed Extent of Naval Academy Cheating Involvement
In the midst of a tightening New Jersey gubernatorial race, Rep. Mikie Sherrill faces renewed questions over her role in the 1992 U.S. Naval Academy cheating scandal, where over 100 midshipmen from the class of 1994 were implicated in stealing and sharing answers to a required electrical engineering exam, leading to expulsions, resignations, and lasting damage to the institution’s honor code. Sherrill, who built much of her political brand on her Navy service, has acknowledged not reporting classmates who benefited from the stolen test, resulting in her exclusion from the 1994 commencement ceremony despite graduating and serving nearly a decade as a helicopter pilot with commendations; however, her classmate Brent Sadler, a retired Navy submariner and Heritage Foundation fellow, contends she actively obscured facts and lied during the investigation to avoid harsher penalties, a claim that underscores the scandal’s broader erosion of trust among graduates who faced career-long stigma for others’ actions. Sadler, speaking from personal experience of the fallout that shadowed his 26-year career, criticizes Sherrill’s recent responses as evasive, noting inconsistencies in her accounts—such as initially admitting she withheld information before suggesting she cooperated with investigators—which a source close to the probe dismissed as implausible given the severity of her punishment under the academy’s strict ethical standards. As Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli presses for full disclosure of her records amid accusations of political dirty tricks, the episode highlights the enduring value of transparency and accountability in public service, particularly for those who once swore to uphold military integrity.
Sources: Heritage.org, The New York Post
Arson Strikes Two Baptist Churches in Cleveland County, Thwarted by Vigilant Neighbors
In a troubling assault on places of worship that has stirred concern among those who cherish community and faith as pillars of American life, suspected arsonists targeted Tabernacle Baptist Church on Corinth Church Road and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church on Mt. Zion Church Road in the rural Casar area of Cleveland County, North Carolina, igniting fires between 9 and 10 p.m. on Friday, October 17th. The swift action of alert residents and congregants, who spotted the flames and doused them promptly, limited the destruction to minor damage and prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy for these longstanding spiritual anchors in the community. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, alongside fire marshals, has launched a thorough investigation into the deliberate acts, with no suspects or motives yet uncovered, while pastors Homer Tessner of Tabernacle—where he has served for 14 years—and Billy Boone of Calvary’s Cross, a congregation marking 50 years, voiced gratitude for the rapid response and a commitment to pray for the culprits amid calls for justice. Officials encourage tips from the public to aid in holding those responsible accountable, reinforcing the vital role of local law enforcement in safeguarding sacred spaces against such wanton threats.
Sources: WCCB-TV Charlotte, Spectrum Local News
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK’S FEATURED COMMENTARY:
The Age of Performative Protest Is Dead
In the crisp autumn air of October 18th, 2025, the latest spectacle in America’s endless parade of Leftist outrage unfolded under the banner of “No Kings.” Billed as a nationwide uprising against President Trump’s second term, this so-called protest wave promised millions marching in over 2,700 events across all 50 states. What it delivered, however, was a pathetic tableau: gray-haired retirees shuffling along sidewalks in ill-fitting protest t-shirts, clutching Starbucks cups like talismans against the chill…
Read and listen to more at UndergroundUSA.com
UK Reinforces Transatlantic Ties with Troop Dispatch to Aid Israel in Gaza Stabilization
In response to a direct appeal from the United States, Britain has sent a modest team of military planning officers to Israel, including a senior army commander appointed as deputy to the U.S.-led mission, to contribute expertise in civil-military coordination and help secure the fragile Gaza ceasefire without entering combat areas or Gaza proper. This multinational effort, encompassing contributions from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates alongside up to 200 American personnel based in the region, reflects London’s dedication to fostering enduring stability and supporting Israel’s security amid ongoing regional tensions. The move comes shortly after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s assurance that no such deployment was planned, yet Defence Secretary John Healey highlighted its value in leveraging British operational know-how for a sustainable peace framework. Such cooperation highlights the practical alliances essential for countering instability and promoting accountability in post-conflict reconstruction.
Sources: The Telegraph, The Independent
Trump Shelves Second Putin Summit Over Stubborn Russian Stance on Ukraine
The White House announced on Tuesday that President Trump has no immediate plans to hold a second in-person summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, following a Monday phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that the administration described as productive enough to render further face-to-face diplomacy unnecessary at this stage. This development comes amid Russia’s firm refusal to alter its territorial ambitions in Ukraine, with Kremlin officials reiterating demands for concessions like Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk regions, unchanged since the leaders’ prior gathering in Alaska. The pause in summit preparations follows a tense White House meeting last Friday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where discussions on the ongoing war grew heated, with Trump urging a ceasefire along current front lines while facing pushback on potential territorial yields after his recent call with Putin. Such a hold allows time for European allies, including those in the Coalition of the Willing, to coordinate with Zelensky this week on bolstering economic pressures against Moscow, reflecting a pragmatic approach to negotiations that prioritizes American interests without rushing into unfruitful talks.
Sources: The Telegraph, The Washington Examiner
Bolivia’s President-Elect Embraces Blockchain to Root Out Public Sector Corruption
Bolivia’s president-elect Rodrigo Paz, who secured a clear mandate with 54.5% of the vote in the recent runoff against Jorge Quiroga, has signaled a practical commitment to deploying blockchain technology and smart contracts to reform public procurement and curb entrenched corruption in government spending. Taking office on November 8 after two decades of socialist rule, Paz’s Partido Demócrata Cristiano platform prioritizes automating contract processes to strip away the discretionary authority that has long enabled graft, marking a measured step toward greater accountability in state operations. In parallel, his economic agenda includes a citizen-led program for declaring cryptocurrency assets into a new foreign-exchange stabilization fund, aimed at bolstering reserves for essential imports amid dollar shortages, all while maintaining transparency without the government directly holding digital currencies—a sensible nod to market-driven tools for fiscal prudence.
Sources: ZeroHedge, Coin Telegraph
Brazil Advances Energy Sovereignty with Petrobras’ Amazon Exploration License
Brazil’s state-controlled Petrobras has secured environmental clearance to commence exploratory drilling near the Amazon River’s mouth in the Foz do Amazonas basin, a development that underscores the nation’s commitment to securing domestic energy resources amid fluctuating global markets and production declines. The approval, issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) after a rigorous five-year review process, allows for an initial five-month operation in deep Atlantic waters roughly 330 miles offshore, potentially unlocking vast reserves in the Equatorial Margin to offset Petrobras’ anticipated peak output around 2030 and avert future import dependencies. While environmental advocates and even Brazil’s environment minister have voiced concerns over risks to the sensitive ecosystem and indigenous fishing communities, proponents including Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira emphasize that such measured exploration aligns with a pragmatic transition to renewables, funded in part by oil revenues, especially as Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit next month. This step reflects a broader strategy to balance ecological stewardship with economic resilience, ensuring Latin America’s largest economy maintains self-reliance without premature divestment from proven energy assets.
Sources: Semafor, WorldOil.com
Sarkozy’s Incarceration Marks Rare Instance of Accountability for a French Ex-Leader
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, aged 70, reported to Paris’s La Santé prison on October 21st, to commence a five-year sentence for his role in a criminal conspiracy to secure illicit funding from Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign—a case that has long tested the nation’s commitment to transparent governance. Convicted last month alongside his former adviser Thierry Gaubert, Sarkozy becomes the first head of state in modern French history to serve time behind bars, with the court mandating immediate imprisonment due to the scheme’s profound impact on democratic trust, even as he appeals the verdict and insists on his innocence through a social media post declaring “the truth will prevail.” Departing his upscale Paris residence hand-in-hand with wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy amid chants from supporters waving flags and singing the national anthem, he entered solitary confinement for security, packing essentials like family photos, earplugs, and copies of The Count of Monte Cristo—a nod to themes of wrongful imprisonment and eventual vindication—while his legal team prepares a release motion that could take weeks to resolve. The episode, rooted in alleged 2005 dealings with Muammar Gaddafi to rehabilitate Libya’s image in exchange for campaign cash, has drawn measured responses from current President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace days prior as a gesture of respect for past service, even as polls indicate broad public approval for the sentence’s fairness among the populace.
Sources: Le Monde, The Epoch Times
Protests Flare in Dublin Over Migrant Assault on Child, Exposing Immigration Strains
In the wake of a harrowing alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old Irish girl at a state-run asylum seeker hotel in Dublin’s Citywest area, hundreds of concerned locals gathered Tuesday evening to voice their outrage, clashing with police in a confrontation that saw a Garda van torched and officers pelted with bottles and fireworks outside the facility housing migrants. The suspect, a 26-year-old African man previously issued a deportation order in March, faces charges for the early Monday attack while the child was under state care, prompting Taoiseach Micheál Martin to concede a clear failure in the government’s duty to safeguard vulnerable youth and order an urgent review of child protection protocols amid mounting public frustration with unchecked immigration flows. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the unrest as unacceptable while acknowledging the exploitation of the tragedy by agitators, yet the incident underscores deeper anxieties in Ireland, where anti-immigration sentiment has surged alongside regular demonstrations calling for tighter border controls, even as no far-right voices hold parliamentary seats. Local voices, including councillor Dermot Richardson, emphasized the rally’s roots in fear for community safety rather than chaos, highlighting a broader call for authorities to heed residents’ legitimate worries before tensions boil over further.
Sources: The Straits Times, The Express
Peru Imposes Strict Emergency Measures in Lima to Restore Order Amid Crime Surge
In a firm response to escalating violence that has gripped the nation, Peru’s interim President José Jerí declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital Lima and neighboring Callao on October 22nd, deploying armed forces to support police efforts in curbing rampant extortion, homicides, and public unrest that have eroded citizen trust and sparked widespread protests. This action follows the impeachment of former President Dina Boluarte on October 10th for her inability to stem the tide of crime, with police data revealing 1,690 murders from January to September this year—up from 1,502 in 2024—and an estimated 18,000 extortion cases, a 30% rise that has claimed at least 180 lives. Jerí, addressing the nation from the Government Palace, pledged a strategic shift “from defense to offense” to reclaim peace and security, authorizing restrictions on assembly and movement while banning tandem motorcycle riding, though no curfew was imposed; the measures echo a prior March declaration under Boluarte that yielded limited results, underscoring the urgent need for sustained enforcement to safeguard communities ahead of 2026 elections. Recent demonstrations, including a violent October 15 clash that left one dead and over 100 injured, highlight the public’s demand for decisive protection against organized threats that polls show concern 59% of Peruvians most.
Sources: The Straits Times, ABC News