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New Database Tracks Over $5 Billion In Foreign Money Influencing American Politics
Americans for Public Trust launched a database Friday that has already tracked more than $5 billion in foreign spending directed at U.S. nonprofits and political activities. The Follow Foreign Money tool catalogs 523 groups and over 12,000 records of contributions from foreign governments, charities, and nationals. Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland said foreign funds shape ballot initiatives, issue advocacy, and voter registration through legal loopholes. Major recipients include the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which received over $300 million from Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss.
🏛️ News & Politics
DNC Under Ken Martin Faces Debt And Donor Shortfalls Ahead Of Midterms
The Democratic National Committee ended recent reporting periods roughly $2 million in debt, while the Republican National Committee holds about $128.5 million in cash with no debt. DNC Chair Ken Martin has faced criticism over fundraising struggles and internal turmoil as the party prepares for the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race. Reports indicate the committee used its headquarters as collateral for a line of credit and delayed some vendor payments. Martin has defended the party’s organizing efforts despite the financial gap.
Democratic Socialist Candidate Melat Kiros Dismisses DSA Communist Concerns As Republican Noise
Colorado Democrat congressional nominee Melat Kiros denied being a communist during a PBS “Firing Line” interview and described the Democratic Socialists of America as a big tent. She brushed off criticism that some DSA members, including about half of its national leadership, identify as communists, calling the concerns Republican noise until a self-proclaimed communist wins an election. Kiros defeated 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) in the primary for Colorado’s 1st District and supports policies such as Medicare for All while rejecting others like abolishing the Senate.
Editor’s Note: “Wait until a self-proclaimed communist wins an election”. Wouldn’t that be a little too late?
Federal Government Uses Private Incubators For Counter-Drone Technology
The Trump administration is leveraging private sector incubators to develop technologies against drone threats, according to National Security Council Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka. One system highlighted is Space Eyes’ Morpheus Counter-Unmanned Aerial System, which uses radio-frequency processing, artificial intelligence, and quantum-resistant security to detect and neutralize drones within seconds. Officials note the rise of first-person view drones in conflicts like Ukraine and potential domestic risks, including foiled plots and prison smuggling. Lawmakers stressed the need for adequate defense funding amid stalled NDAA negotiations.
Federal Proposal Requires Arizona, California, Nevada To Share Colorado River Cuts
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a proposal Friday requiring Arizona, California and Nevada to reduce Colorado River water use by up to 3 million acre-feet annually through 2036 to address declining reservoir levels. The plan spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming from mandatory cuts for now while allowing flexibility based on conditions every two years. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the department has a responsibility to keep the system reliable for the millions who depend on it. Lower Basin states have criticized the depth of the potential reductions amid ongoing drought and low levels at Lakes Mead and Powell.
Evacuations Ordered As Wildfire Spreads Through Spokane County
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency Saturday as high temperatures and winds fueled wildfires, including the rapidly spreading Old Trails Fire in Spokane County that prompted Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders for multiple neighborhoods. More than 200,000 acres were burning across 12 large fires in eastern Washington amid a record-setting fourth consecutive statewide drought. Officials imposed a statewide ban on most outdoor and agricultural burning through September, and the National Weather Service warned of critical fire weather conditions extending into neighboring states.
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Obama-Appointed Judge Blocks TPS Termination And Faces Impeachment Threat
U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs, appointed by President Obama, issued an order Friday blocking the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals after plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. The ruling came despite a June Supreme Court decision holding that federal courts generally cannot second-guess Department of Homeland Security decisions on TPS designations. Rep. Andy Ogles announced he will file articles of impeachment against Burroughs on Monday, citing judicial activism. DHS General Counsel James Percival described the order as defiance and obstruction.
Wisconsin Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Francesca Hong Previously Admitted Mental Illness Diagnosis
Democratic state Rep. Francesca Hong, a leading candidate for Wisconsin governor, acknowledged in a 2023 interview that she was diagnosed with bipolar disease after a mental breakdown at age 18. Hong said she was hospitalized for a week, engaged in self-harm by cutting, and overdosed on lithium while taking SSRIs. The comments from the Meal Magazine profile resurfaced as she leads primary polls. Hong is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and has advocated positions including abolishing the police and ICE.
Michigan Jewish AG Skips Democratic Convention Over Antisemitism Fears
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced she will not attend the state Democratic Party’s nominating convention on August 29 because she does not feel safe due to antisemitic harassment. Nessel said she does not want to be chased, harassed, yelled at, or booed off the stage, citing past experiences within the party. She criticized party leadership for failing to address concerns about members who have targeted her and compared rising left-wing antisemitism to far-right extremism. The comments came during a roundtable with Jewish community leaders.
Journalists Threatened In Madison Autonomous Zone After Police Shooting
Independent journalists Nick Sortor and Karlyn Borysenko were confronted by protesters in a self-declared autonomous zone in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday night. Activists blocked Sortor from returning to his vehicle, swung a pole at him, sprayed vomit on him and the car, damaged the vehicle, and issued death threats. The zone, known as the Corey Ruiz Autonomous Zone or CRAZ, formed after the July 22 police shooting of armed felon Corey Ruiz and features barricades blocking streets. Sortor called 911, and responding officers were described as professional, with no arrests announced in the specific incident.
Poll Finds One Third Of Democrats Identify As Democratic Socialists
A recent poll shows that about one-third of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults now identify as democratic socialists. The respondents tend to be younger, more likely to be white, less likely to hold a college degree and more motivated to vote. The findings come as Democratic Socialists of America candidates gain prominence with platforms that include abolishing the Senate, ICE and prisons. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declined to directly address the group’s influence when asked about plans to abolish the Senate.
🌐 International
Trump Calls Off Iran Strikes Subject To Deal On Strait Of Hormuz
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has canceled planned weekend strikes on Iran after Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested a hold amid agreement on the perimeters of a deal. The potential deal would include the immediate and complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, with Israel joining the commitment. Trump stated he remains locked and loaded but paused the attack for the benefit of the world and Iran’s survival, subject to rapidly finalizing the agreement. Reports indicated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged de-escalation in the days prior.
Moscow Restaurant Explosion Kills Three And Injures 15
An explosion at a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in central Moscow killed three people and injured 15 others on Saturday evening. Russian authorities said a woman carrying a homemade explosive device was stopped by a security guard before the blast, with both the woman and the guard among the dead. The restaurant had been closed to the public for a private banquet that reports linked to the birthday of Colonel General Aleksandr Chaiko, commander-in-chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces. Investigators continue to examine the cause of the incident at the venue located at the base of one of Moscow’s Stalinist skyscrapers.
Spanish Officials Falsely Claim Most Ceuta Migrants Returned As Videos Show Ongoing Disorder
Spanish authorities stated that the practical totality of the tens of thousands of migrants who entered Ceuta from Morocco had returned, with Interior Ministry figures putting returns at around 48,300 by Friday evening. Local residents and circulating video contradicted the claim, showing streets still crowded, assaults on facilities, clashes, and continued presence in the enclave of roughly 80,000 people. Ceuta’s president had estimated up to 60,000 entries, while at least 67 deaths were reported from the crossings. Italy suspended Schengen free movement with Spain and France increased border checks amid the fallout.
FBI Operation Blackout Dismantles Major Scam Compounds And Seizes Billions
The FBI announced the dismantling of four of the largest scam compounds under Operation Blackout, seizing $15.2 billion in assets and freeing thousands of forced laborers. The effort included the takedown of Cambodia’s Prince Group with a record Bitcoin seizure and joint operations in Dubai and Thailand that arrested hundreds and disrupted networks responsible for hundreds of millions in losses. Americans lost an estimated $10 billion to Southeast Asian scams in 2024. The operation built international partnerships to combat fraud and human trafficking in these compounds.
Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 14 At Anti-Militant Rally Near Pakistan Police Station
A suicide bomber struck near a police station in Kabal, Swat district, in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than 20 others. The attack targeted an anti-militant peace rally known as Aman Pasoon where demonstrators had gathered. Police said the bomber was stopped at the gate before detonating the explosives. Pakistani leaders condemned the bombing and vowed to eradicate terrorism in the region.
