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D.C. Circuit Overturns Verdict Against Undercover Journalism
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the First Amendment protects the publication of undercover journalism footage. The court overturned a jury verdict and damages award stemming from an independent investigation into a progressive consulting firm by James O’Keefe and Project Veritas. Circuit Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson wrote that damages cannot punish protected speech when the news content itself caused the claimed harm. The decision establishes a precedent shielding undercover reporting methods used by independent journalists to expose newsworthy information. The panel held that juries may not impose liability targeting the act of publishing such material. The ruling strengthens legal protections for investigative work outside traditional media outlets.
🏛️ News & Politics
USPS Finalizes New Requirements For States Using Mail-In Ballots
The U.S. Postal Service published final rules requiring states that use mail-in voting in federal elections to submit lists of voters receiving mailed ballots. The rules mandate unique barcodes on ballot envelopes and voter enrollment through a Postal Service system. Noncompliant outbound mailings would not be accepted. Court injunctions currently block implementation for the November midterms. The regulations stem from a March executive order directing tighter oversight of mail ballots. USPS said it would implement the rules if the injunctions are lifted to allow time for compliance.
Activist Biden Judge Blows Up State Dept’s 75 Country Visa Freeze
A Biden-appointed federal judge vacated the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio exceeded his authority by ordering refusals based solely on nationality. She called the policy patently unlawful under immigration law. The January order targeted countries deemed high-risk for the use of public benefits. Visa refusals based solely on policy are set aside, returning the decisions to individual consular officers. The case was brought by immigration groups and affected applicants.
Appeals Court Upholds Letitia James Subpoena Block As DOJ Vows Supreme Court Appeal
A federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling quashing Justice Department subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office. The 2nd Circuit found in a 2-1 decision that John Sarcone was not lawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney when he issued the subpoenas. The subpoenas sought records related to James’s civil cases against Donald Trump and the NRA. The DOJ said it disagrees with the ruling and will appeal to the Supreme Court. James’s office declined to comment. No charges have been filed in the underlying investigation.
Editor’s Note: So, as usual, it has nothing to do with the actual merits of the case, and it’s all about finding that technicality shield to protect an activist Leftist…
Arizona AG Declines To Charge Gov Katie Hobbs Over Pay-to-Play Allegations
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, declined to file criminal charges against Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, over pay-to-play allegations involving Sunshine Residential Homes. The company received a rate increase from the state after contributing to Hobbs’s inaugural fund and the Democratic Party. Investigators found no evidence of a quid pro quo needed for a bribery charge. Mayes said the increase resulted from the company’s leverage as a major foster care provider. A separate investigation by the Maricopa County attorney continues. Hobbs denied any involvement in the rate decision.
Florida Is Requiring Public Schools To Teach Students About The Dangers Of Communism
Florida is implementing new standards requiring public schools to teach the history of communism beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The curriculum covers how communist regimes have been linked to poverty, famine, political repression, and violence. The Florida Board of Education approved the standards developed by educators and content experts. Middle and high school students will study the history of communist governments. Officials said the instruction aims to provide a truthful understanding of how communist ideologies suppress individual freedoms. The requirement builds on earlier state efforts to address the topic.
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📢 The American Fifth Column
Florida Socialist Who Beat Vindman Gets In Shouting Match With Democrat Party Chair
Florida Democrat Senate nominee Angie Nixon and state party chair Nikki Fried engaged in a heated phone call. Sources said the discussion involved raised voices over Nixon’s ties to the Democratic Socialists of America. Fried reportedly warned that the DSA label could provide an opening for Republican attacks. Nixon accused Fried of not supporting her earlier and of telling her how to run her campaign. One source said Nixon yelled, “Stop gaslighting me.” Party officials disputed some details of the exchange. Nixon defeated Alexander Vindman in the primary and faces Sen. Ashley Moody in November.
Editor’s Note: Besides the fact that both of these individuals have no business being anywhere close to seats of power, it usually isn’t a good idea to piss off the party chairman…
Democratic Socialists Of America Leader Admits Affordability Pitch Masks Guerrilla Class War
A Democratic Socialists of America National Political Committee member described the organization’s approach as a guerrilla-style class war designed to bleed the enemy dry over time. Cliff Connolly said the strategy is not about winning individual battles but about using them to slowly advance position until the opponent is exhausted. The comments appeared in a recent video interview circulating online. DSA leaders have outlined goals that include major structural overhauls of U.S. government institutions. The remarks highlight the group’s long-term aims amid the rise of its candidates in Democratic primaries. Connolly holds a seat on the DSA’s national leadership body.
Democrat Candidates Clandestinely Urge Allies Not To Trash Trump
Democrat candidates in competitive districts are quietly using public media kits to guide outside groups away from attacking President Trump. The practice known as red-boxing allows campaigns to signal preferred messaging without violating coordination rules. One Pennsylvania candidate’s kit stated there is no need for a conversation about the president. A California Democrat asked groups to focus solely on local issues. Advisers to vulnerable candidates recommend avoiding mentions of Trump or national partisan themes. The approach aims to appeal to swing voters in districts that previously supported the president.
Dept of Education Moves To Cancel American Bar Association Accreditation Of Law Schools
The Trump administration is taking steps to end the American Bar Association’s role as the federal accreditor of law schools. Education Department staff found the ABA out of compliance with accreditation regulations. Assistant Secretary David Barker said accreditation operates like a cartel that injects political preferences. The ABA accredits nearly 200 law schools, and its status affects bar exam eligibility and funding in many states. An advisory committee will review the recommendation in September. The ABA said it remains focused on quality legal education and complies with requirements.
Race-Baiting Atlanta Mayor Accuses DNC Of Abandoning Black Voters By Skipping City
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens criticized the Democrat National Committee after the city was eliminated from consideration to host the 2028 convention. Dickens said the DNC and Chairman Ken Martin were unwilling to support the party’s base. He accused the committee of abandoning Atlanta, the South, and Black voters, blatantly playing the race card. The remaining finalists are Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia. Atlanta has not hosted a Democrat convention in nearly four decades. Georgia remains a key battleground state with a Democrat Senate delegation.
Editor’s Note: So, when does Dickens get to wear the scarlet letter of “racist” because of his rhetoric?
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"Communism is the death of the soul. It is the organization of total conformity—in thought, in speech, and in action."
— Adlai Stevenson
🌐 International
Spanish Beach Stormed As Ceuta Chaos Spreads
Dozens of migrants leaped from a boat onto a packed tourist beach in Cartagena, Spain. The vessel carried 62 people, mostly young North African men, who waded ashore in daylight as sunbathers fled. Local officials criticized the ease of the landing and questioned maritime border controls. The incident followed a mass crossing from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Authorities relocated hundreds of migrants from Ceuta beaches to temporary facilities, but some returned. Hospitals reported rising cases of scabies and other infections.
Editor’s Note: Just curious—because the communist Chinese and the Iranian mullahs have so many defenders in the West these days, how would they have handled this situation?
Canada-US Trade War Erupts, Setting New 50 Percent Tariffs On Canadian Goods
U.S.-Canada trade negotiations collapsed just before a midnight deadline after Canada added new demands and walked back earlier commitments. The United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. U.S. Trade Representative officials said the Canadian changes upended the careful balance reached earlier in the week. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended the talks and vowed to match the tariffs dollar for dollar. The proposed deal had included tariff reductions on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber. Both sides blamed the other for the breakdown.
NATO Ally Norway Expands Arctic Brigade
Norway expanded its Finnmark Brigade in the Arctic by adding an artillery battalion, an anti-aircraft battery, and a joint company. The Norwegian Armed Forces said the move responds to Russia’s war in Ukraine and a worsening security situation. The brigade is headquartered in Porsangmoen near the Russian border and is tasked with patrolling the shared frontier. Officials said the expansion strengthens the ability to lead, protect, and inflict losses on an adversary. The brigade is expected to reach full strength of about 4,000 soldiers by 2033. Norway has increased defense spending as part of broader NATO efforts in the High North.
Chinese Military Practices Strikes Against US Missile Defenses Humvees
China’s military practiced live-fire missile strikes against mockups of U.S. Patriot anti-missile launchers and Army Humvees. An Army think tank report cited state television footage of the drills involving attack helicopters and drones. The exercises focused on coordinated suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses. Helicopters used laser designators and precision-guided munitions in the training. The unit involved was the PLA’s 84th Army Aviation Brigade. The report noted that the skills would apply in the early phases of potential operations against Taiwan.
Germany Uncovers Hoard Of Guns Assumed To Be Stashed By Russia
German police discovered a cache of firearms in a Berlin forest last year that authorities believe was intended for use by Russian intelligence. The stash contained two handguns and ammunition. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed a suspect was arrested in Romania on suspicion of espionage and preparing a violent act. He said foreign involvement could not be ruled out and described a high threat level. Media reports linked the weapons to potential assassination plots. The cache was monitored for months before removal.
