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Underground USA Daily News Brief
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Underground USA Daily News Brief

Sunday, August 24, 2025
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Sunday, August 24, 2025

DNI Tulsi Gabbard Halts Intelligence Sharing with Five Eyes Partners Over Ukraine Negotiations

In a bold move to safeguard national security, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has barred the US intelligence community from sharing classified information regarding Ukraine negotiations with Five Eyes partners, citing concerns over potential leaks and misuse by foreign entities. This decision, reported on August 23, 2025, aligns with Gabbard’s broader efforts to reform the intelligence community, including slashing over 40% of ODNI staff and eliminating Biden-era censorship offices, as she seeks to restore trust and focus on America’s core interests. Critics argue this could strain alliances, but supporters commend Gabbard’s commitment to protecting sensitive information amid a history of intelligence politicization.

Sources: Gateway Pundit, Politico, FOX News


Experts Urge Investigation into Microsoft's Omitted China Ties in Pentagon Deal

In a concerning development for national security, experts are calling for a thorough probe after Microsoft failed to disclose its extensive ties to China during a bidding process for a major Pentagon cloud computing contract, raising alarms about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of defense procurement. The controversy centers on Microsoft's Azure platform, which has been linked to Chinese entities through partnerships and data-sharing arrangements, yet these connections were reportedly omitted from disclosures submitted to the Department of Defense, potentially violating federal transparency requirements. Conservative voices emphasize that such oversights could compromise US military data security amid escalating tensions with Beijing, underscoring the need for stricter vetting of tech giants involved in sensitive government contracts to safeguard American interests. This incident highlights broader concerns about foreign influence in critical infrastructure, prompting bipartisan but particularly conservative critiques of lax oversight in an era where economic espionage from adversaries like China poses existential threats.

Sources: Just The News, FOX News, National Review


Newsom’s Redistricting Plan Stirs Controversy Over Constitutional Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to redraw congressional maps in response to Republican gerrymandering in Texas has sparked heated debate, with critics arguing it undermines the state’s voter-approved Independent Redistricting Commission, established by a 62-38% vote in 2010 to keep politicians out of the process. The plan, dubbed the “Election Rigging Response Act,” aims to secure Democratic seats for the 2026 midterms but faces legal challenges for potentially violating California’s constitution. Newsom insists the move counters GOP tactics and protects democracy, yet opponents, including Republican lawmakers, call it a power grab that could set a dangerous precedent by overriding voter intent. The proposal’s fate hinges on a possible November special election, which some see as a risky political gamble for Newsom’s national ambitions.

Sources: CalMatters.org, ZeroHedge, Politico


Newsom’s Redistricting Retaliation Sparks Division Among California Democrats

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to alter the state’s redistricting rules has ignited a firestorm within the Democrat Party, as progressives and moderates clash over the move perceived as a direct jab at President Trump’s policies. Newsom, reportedly motivated by a desire to counter Trump’s influence, has proposed changes to California’s independent redistricting process, prompting accusations from some Democrats of undermining voter-approved reforms for political gain. Critics within the party argue this risks eroding public trust and handing Republicans ammunition to challenge the state’s electoral fairness, while supporters see it as a bold stand against federal overreach. The internal rift highlights broader tensions as Democrats grapple with balancing ideological purity against pragmatic governance in a polarized national landscape.

Sources: California Globe, Grabien, Washington Times


House Democrats Probe Paramount-Skydance Merger Over Alleged Trump Bribe Concerns

House Democrats, led by Representatives Frank Pallone Jr. and Jamie Raskin, have initiated an investigation into the $8 billion Paramount-Skydance merger, questioning whether a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump was an "illegal bribe" to secure FCC approval. The probe also scrutinizes the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and changes to CBS News editorial practices, which some claim align with Trump’s agenda. Concerns have been raised about a potential $20 million side deal for pro-Trump programming, though Paramount denies such an agreement exists. Critics argue this investigation reflects partisan overreach and a spendthrift use of taxpayer dollars, potentially undermining a legitimate business deal finalized on August 7, 2025, while supporters of the probe insist it’s necessary to ensure transparency and compliance with anti-bribery laws, even in the face of the Biden era New Green Deal subsidies.

Sources: Breitbart, Yahoo News, The Wrap


Liberal Activist and Democrat Donor Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud

Joseph Sanberg, a prominent liberal activist and major Democrat donor, has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud, facing up to 20 years in prison per count, as announced by the Department of Justice. Sanberg, co-founder and board member of Aspiration Partners, Inc., was implicated in a scheme that defrauded investors, raising concerns about the integrity of financial dealings within influential political circles. This case highlights the need for accountability and transparency, particularly when political activism intersects with business ventures, underscoring the potential for abuse in such networks. The plea serves as a reminder that legal consequences apply equally, regardless of political affiliation, as the justice system works to uphold fairness.

Sources: US Justice Dept, MSN, Just The News


Immigration Authorities Move to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda After Refusing Plea Deal

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national previously deported illegally to El Salvador, now faces potential deportation to Uganda after rejecting a plea deal that would have sent him to Costa Rica in exchange for pleading guilty to human smuggling charges. Released from a Tennessee jail on August 22, 2025, to await trial in Maryland, Garcia was notified by ICE that he must report to their Baltimore office by Monday, or face removal to Uganda, a move his attorneys call a coercive tactic by the Trump administration to pressure a guilty plea. The case, stemming from a 2022 traffic stop, has sparked controversy, with critics arguing the charges are vindictive, while federal officials maintain Garcia’s alleged involvement in a smuggling ring justifies their actions. This development underscores ongoing tensions in immigration enforcement policies.

Sources: New York Post, New York Times, ABC News


Trump Targets Chicago for Crime Crackdown Following DC Focus

President Donald Trump has announced plans to address Chicago’s escalating crime rates, labeling the city as "dangerous" and next in line after his efforts to tackle crime in Washington, DC The announcement follows a December 2024 Chicago City Council meeting where local resident Danielle Carter-Walters urged the Trump administration to intervene and hold city officials accountable for ongoing violence. Trump’s remarks have intensified tensions with Illinois officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, whom he called "incompetent," while suggesting potential National Guard deployment to curb the city’s crime wave. This move aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to prioritize public safety in urban areas, though critics argue it risks escalating local-federal conflicts without addressing root causes like economic disparity.

Sources: Just The News, FOX News, Washington Times


Texas Senate Approves GOP Redistricting Maps, Awaits Gov. Abbott’s Signature Amid Legal Challenges

The Texas Senate has passed a Republican-backed congressional redistricting map, designed to bolster GOP representation by adding up to five new Republican-leaning seats, sending it to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval. This move, part of a special legislative session, follows a contentious battle marked by a two-week Democratic walkout to deny quorum, which ultimately failed as three Democrats returned, allowing the Texas House to pass the bill 88-52. While Republicans, led by figures like Sen. Phil King, argue the map reflects Texas voters’ preferences and enhances political competitiveness, Democrats contend it illegally discriminates against minority voters and have vowed swift legal challenges. The passage has sparked a broader national redistricting conflict, with states like California pursuing counter-maps to offset Texas’s GOP gains, setting the stage for a heated legal and political showdown ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Sources: Washington Examiner, Texas Tribune, FOX News


Indicted Democrat Congressman Accused of Receiving Over $100,000 from Corrupt Fundraising Platform

Democrat US Representative Henry Cuellar, who faces federal indictments for bribery and acting as an unregistered foreign agent, has reportedly received more than $110,000 from ActBlue, a Democrat fundraising entity under investigation for potential foreign meddling, donor fraud, and illicit contributions. According to FEC records, these funds flowed directly to Cuellar's campaign, highlighting broader issues with transparency in political donations that could undermine electoral integrity and public confidence in government. This case exemplifies the risks posed by lax oversight in campaign finance, calling for stricter reforms to safeguard American democracy from undue external influences and self-serving politicians.

Sources: Washington Post, FOX News, Gateway Pundit


Money Transfers to Mexico Plummet as US Immigration Policies Tighten

Recent data indicates a significant decline in remittances wired from the US to Mexico, reaching a decade low, as stricter US immigration policies begin to reshape economic patterns. The reduction in money transfers, which dropped by nearly 10% in the past year, reflects a combination of stronger border enforcement, increased deportations, and a slowdown in illegal immigration, which have collectively reduced the flow of funds from migrant workers. Economists note that while this may signal a success for current immigration controls, it could strain Mexico’s economy, heavily reliant on these funds, potentially impacting bilateral relations. The trend underscores a broader shift in US policy aimed at curbing unchecked migration, with measurable economic consequences already emerging.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, ZeroHedge, Reuters


Michigan City Faces Election Fraud Allegations Amid Political Controversy

Recent reports highlight serious concerns about election integrity in Hamtramck, Michigan, where allegations of voter fraud, including ballot harvesting and forged nursing home ballots, have surfaced just days before the state’s August primary. Surveillance footage obtained by local news outlets revealed suspicious activities, raising questions about the involvement of local officials and the response from Michigan’s Democratic leadership, which has been accused of downplaying the issue. Critics argue that these incidents point to a broader pattern of electoral misconduct that undermines public trust in the democratic process, particularly as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has recused herself from investigating related charges against two city council members. While some dismiss these claims as politically motivated, the evidence suggests a need for greater transparency and accountability to ensure fair elections.

Sources: Gateway Pundit, USA Today


Antifa's Failed Attempt to Incite Racial Violence in Brooklyn Backfires Spectacularly

In a remarkable display of community unity, residents of Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood thwarted an alleged Antifa plot to ignite racial violence between Black and Jewish residents during a vigil commemorating the 1991 death of Gavin Catto. The agitators, reportedly hoping to exploit historical tensions, shouted anti-Semitic rhetoric to provoke conflict, but both communities stood together, rejecting the divisive tactics and vocally condemning Antifa’s actions. Video evidence captured locals shouting down the agitators, with some yelling “f**k Antifa!” as the instigators retreated in embarrassment. This incident underscores the resilience of communities against external attempts to sow discord, highlighting a shared commitment to peace over chaos.

Sources: Gateway Pundit, Townhall, YouTube


At 0.52% of the Population, US Trans Population Data Sparks Debate Over Rights, Recognition

The surging visibility of the transgender movement, with a 2025 Pew Research study noting 1.8% of US adults identifying as transgender, has sparked growing unease about its aggressive push into public policy and cultural norms. Critics contend that the movement’s demands for sweeping societal changes—often prioritizing identity over biological realities—threaten to erode free speech, religious liberties, and parental authority, particularly as schools and institutions adopt policies without broad consensus. While advocates argue for anti-discrimination measures, the rapid pace of change risks alienating those who value tradition, with legal battles exposing a disconnect between ideological agendas and practical governance.

Sources: The Guardian, Pew Research, Heritage Foundation


UN Pushes Global Facial Recognition Standards Amid Privacy Concerns

In a move that underscores the growing tension between technological advancement and individual freedoms, the United Nations is advancing proposals for international standards on facial recognition technology, aiming to establish ethical guidelines while promoting its widespread adoption across member states. This initiative, detailed in recent discussions, seeks to balance the technology's benefits for security and efficiency against risks of misuse, such as unauthorized surveillance, which conservatives have long warned could erode personal liberties and enable government overreach. Proponents argue it could standardize practices to prevent abuses, but critics, including privacy advocates, caution that such global frameworks might inadvertently facilitate a surveillance state, echoing broader concerns about the UN's influence on national sovereignty. As nations grapple with these developments, the push highlights the need for robust protections to safeguard citizens' rights in an increasingly monitored world.

Sources: NewsMax, Reuters, FOX News


Moscow Alleges Ukrainian Sabotage at Nuclear Plant Amid Kyiv's Independence Celebrations

In a tense escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russian authorities have accused Ukrainian forces of launching a drone strike on the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, claiming the attack posed a severe risk to nuclear safety and could lead to a catastrophic radiation leak, even as Ukraine marked its 33rd Independence Day with defiant celebrations and vows to reclaim occupied territories. Moscow's defense ministry reported intercepting multiple drones targeting the facility in Russia's Kursk region, framing the incident as a deliberate provocation by Kyiv, while Ukrainian officials have not immediately confirmed or denied involvement but continue to emphasize their right to self-defense against Russian aggression. This development underscores the fragile state of nuclear infrastructure in the war zone, with international observers urging restraint to prevent a Chernobyl-like disaster, though Russia maintains that such strikes violate global norms and heighten the stakes for all parties involved. From a conservative perspective, this episode highlights the perils of unchecked escalation and the urgent need for diplomatic off-ramps to safeguard critical assets and civilian lives without compromising national security interests.

Sources: Epoch Times, Reuters, AP News


Nigeria Takes Decisive Action, Deports 50 Chinese Nationals in Cybercrime Sweep

In a bold move to combat the rising tide of cybercrime, Nigeria has deported 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, marking a significant escalation in the nation's fight against international cybercrime syndicates. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, conducted a large-scale raid in Lagos, arresting nearly 200 foreign nationals involved in sophisticated scams targeting victims in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. This operation, part of a broader crackdown launched on August 15, has led to 102 deportations so far, with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede hailing it as a milestone in safeguarding Nigeria’s financial integrity and national security. The effort underscores Nigeria’s determination to dismantle foreign-led crime networks that exploit its digital landscape, often in collaboration with local recruits, amid challenges like unemployment and weak regulatory frameworks.

Sources: Epoch Times, Reuters, BBC News


Israeli Airstrikes Pound Yemen’s Capital in Retaliation for Houthi Missile Attacks

In a bold response to ongoing Houthi aggression, Israel launched devastating airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting key Houthi-controlled sites, including the presidential palace, missile facilities, power plants, and fuel storage depots, following a series of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory. The strikes, involving over ten fighter jets and more than 35 missiles, aimed to cripple the Iran-backed Houthi infrastructure, which Israel accuses of destabilizing the region and threatening its civilians. The US has denied involvement, citing concerns over a fragile ceasefire, while the Houthis vow further escalation, raising fears of a broader conflict. These actions underscore Israel’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and send a clear message to Iran and its proxies, though the risk of regional instability looms large.

Sources: ZeroHedge, Times of Israel, Al Jazeera

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