Author name: Don Palladino

Shocking Details Behind Brown University’s Safety Chief Emerge in Wake of Shooting
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Shocking Details Behind Brown University’s Safety Chief Emerge in Wake of Shooting

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Brown University campus safety chief Rodney Chatman previously lost a senior law enforcement position at the University of Utah after failing to obtain required credentials and amid an investigation into alleged criminal violations, according to university records and public statements.

The University of Utah Department of Public Safety disclosed the circumstances surrounding Chatman’s departure in a December 18, 2020, post, stating that Chatman had been hired on February 17, 2020, without possessing all of the certifications required to hold the position.

The university said Chatman was given one year to obtain those credentials but failed to do so.

The post explained that, despite lacking Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training certification, Chatman was granted full authority to oversee the University of Utah Police Department during his tenure.

“Over the past year despite not yet being Utah POST certified, Rodney had full authority to oversee University of Utah Police as a university department head, including making personnel, strategy and budget decisions,” the statement said.

“This is a common practice for veteran law enforcement leaders coming from outside the state who need to seek certification.”

The statement further revealed that Chatman was placed on leave after university officials learned of an investigation by the Utah State Attorney General’s Office into allegations that Chatman may have violated guidelines that were also described as criminal offenses.

University leadership said those allegations could have adversely affected his ability to obtain or maintain Utah POST certification.

“Prior to placing Rodney on leave earlier this week, I was made aware of an investigation by the Utah State Attorney General’s Office into allegations Rodney may have violated certain guidelines that are also criminal offenses, which could also adversely impact his Utah POST certification,” the statement said.

“This is a serious matter and I have expressed the university’s intent to cooperate fully in the AG’s investigation.”

The statement added that, while the university acknowledged Chatman’s work during his time at Utah, officials concluded they could not overlook the allegations or their potential impact on his certification status.

“While I appreciate the important work Rodney has done on behalf of university safety over the past year, I cannot overlook these allegations and the impact they might have on his ability to maintain an active Utah POST certification,” the statement continued.

“Hence, I made the decision to place Rodney on leave and have asked deputy chief Jason Hinojosa to oversee day-to-day operations of the police until this matter is resolved.”

Less than a year later, Brown University announced that Chatman had been hired into a senior campus safety role.

In a July 20, 2021, release, Brown said Chatman would serve as Vice President of Campus Safety.

The university’s announcement described Chatman as, “An accomplished leader with decades of law enforcement experience in municipal and higher education settings,” and said he would “direct Brown’s Department of Public Safety and oversee campus-wide safety efforts.”

“As we continue to assess and strengthen campus safety practices amid the critical national debate around policing and justice, we are set to welcome a truly accomplished leader who is ideally positioned to guide this work at Brown.” – Brown University President Christina H. Paxson

Christina Paxson talks during a press conference following a mass shooting on Dec. 14, 2025.

Chatman’s past employment history resurfaced this week following a deadly shooting on Brown University’s campus.

Two people were shot and killed Saturday, and nine others were shot and injured.

FOX News host Jesse Watters addressed the situation during his show Wednesday night, raising questions about Chatman’s role and whereabouts during the ongoing search for the suspect.

Watters asked viewers where Chatman had been during the days-long manhunt for the Brown University shooter.

He also referenced comments Chatman previously made about policing.

“Well, we just discovered the Brown University police chief isn’t a big fan of policing. He once said this, ‘Communities don’t want policing done to them,’” Watters said.

Watters then discussed Chatman’s prior tenure at the University of Utah, pointing to the circumstances surrounding his removal from that position.

“He was suspended, because he didn’t have the proper credentials,” Watters said.

The scrutiny comes as Brown University faces questions about campus safety following the shooting, which left multiple victims dead and injured and a suspect still at large.

Bongino Clapped Back Hard at MSNBC Right Before Announcing FBI Departure
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Bongino Clapped Back Hard at MSNBC Right Before Announcing FBI Departure

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Federal Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed Wednesday that he will step down from his position in January, an announcement that came hours after a public exchange with MSNBC reporter Carol Leonnig and comments from President Donald Trump suggesting Bongino would likely return to media work.

Leonnig disclosed the interaction earlier in the day in a post on X, saying she contacted Bongino to ask whether reports about his planned departure were accurate.

According to Leonnig, Bongino responded dismissively before making his departure official later that evening.

“12:55 pm – Bongino to @MSNOWNews when I asked him for comment on story saying he was leaving his position in January. ‘Print whatever you’d like. No one believes you anyway.’ 5:16 pm – Bongino on X: ‘I will be leaving my position in January,’” Leonnig wrote.

Bongino later confirmed publicly that he would be leaving the FBI in January.

In his announcement, he expressed appreciation to President Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve in federal law enforcement leadership.

The confirmation followed comments made earlier in the day by President Trump, who told reporters that Bongino was expected to leave the FBI and return to his broadcasting career.

“Dan did a great job. I think he wants to go back to his show,” Trump said.

Bongino’s tenure at the FBI followed a lengthy career in law enforcement and media.

He served as a New York Police Department officer from 1995 to 1999 before joining the U.S. Secret Service, where he worked from 1999 to 2011.

After leaving government service, Bongino became a prominent conservative media figure, hosting the Fox News weekend program “Unfiltered with Dan Bongino” and later building a large national audience through his podcast, “The Dan Bongino Show.”

Following Bongino’s announcement, FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement on X praising Bongino’s work at the bureau and crediting him with internal reforms and investigative progress.

“Dan is the best partner I could’ve asked for in helping restore this FBI. He brought critical reforms to make the organization more efficient, led the successful Summer Heat op, served as the people’s voice for transparency, and delivered major breakthroughs in long unsolved cases like the pipe bomb investigation. And that’s only a small part of the work he went about every single day delivering for America,” Patel said.

Patel added that Bongino exceeded expectations during his time as deputy director and said the country benefited from his service.

“He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I’m thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it,” Patel said.

‘Hold the Phone’: Democrats’ Poll Numbers Now at Lowest Point in Modern History
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‘Hold the Phone’: Democrats’ Poll Numbers Now at Lowest Point in Modern History

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CNN data analyst Harry Enten and anchor Kate Bolduan discussed collapsing approval ratings for Democrats in Congress during a recent segment, pointing to polling that shows historic lows across the electorate, including among independents and Democrats themselves.

Enten said congressional Democrats are facing unprecedented disapproval, citing long-running polling data.

“Right now? Yeah. I mean Democrats, in the minds of the American public are lower than the Dead Sea,” Enten said.

“What are we talking about here? Well, let’s take a look the net approval rating for Democrats in Congress. You said it. Kate Bolduan, the lowest ever.”

Enten said the overall net approval rating for Democrats in Congress is deeply negative.

“Overall, they are 55 Points underwater. Their approval rating is south of 20%,” he said.

He added that the numbers are even worse among independents.

“It’s even worse when you look at Independence, look at this negative 61 points. That means that their approval rating is 61 points lower than their disapproval rating.”

According to Enten, the figures are the worst recorded since Quinnipiac began tracking the data decades ago.

“Quinnipiac has been polling this question for the better part of the 21st Century. They have never found Democrats, at least those in Congress, in worse shape than they are right now,” he said.

Bolduan pressed Enten on whether the collapse extended beyond independents.

“That’s independents and overall. But what about Democrats on Democrats?” she asked.

Enten responded that dissatisfaction within the Democratic base is now contributing to the overall decline.

“Yeah, what about Democrats on Democrats?” he said.

“So part of the reason overall is so low is independents are driving it low. But that’s not the only reason it’s so low.”

Enten said Democrats had not previously rated their own party negatively in congressional approval polling.

“Democrats, and that approval rating of congressional Democrats, I want you to keep in mind, they had never rated Democrats negatively until this year,” he said.

“And right now, what are we talking about? We’re talking about a net approval rating from Democrats. This is Democrats, and Democrats, their approval rating is actually lower, lower than the disapproval rating, and that is quite the drop from October.”

He attributed part of the decline to backlash following a government shutdown.

“I think during the shutdown, there was a bit of a boost for Democrats, right? There was a rallying around the flag effect going on, but Democrats did not like how that shutdown turned out. They have returned against Democrats in Congress,” Enten said.

Enten also referenced internal Democratic political consequences, mentioning Rep. Dan Goldman.

Feb 7, 2023; Washington, DC, USA; Feb. 7, 2023; Washington, DC, USA. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) during the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on border and immigration issues on February 7, 2023 in Washington. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

“One of the reasons that Dan Goldman is in trouble right now in a potential primary against Brad Ladner is because at this point, the Democratic base is so upset with Democrats,” he said.

“So even if Democrats take back Congress, don’t be surprised if Dan Goldman ain’t there because of numbers like this one.”

Bolduan noted the scale of the shift reflected in the polling.

“This is quite a shift that you’re looking at here,” she said.

“I mean, so this gets to the midterms, of course. What is this? What does this do to Democrats chances of taking back majorities in Congress?”

Enten said Democrats could still regain control, but argued the numbers show a weaker position than in past cycles.

“Yeah, you know we’re talking about it. You mentioned it. What is this? 22 six? That’s a 28 point decline falling through the floor,” he said.

“But of course, the question is, Can Democrats still take back Congress, even with their ratings as low as this? The answer is yes, but in my mind, it’s definitely hurting them.”

He pointed to the generic congressional ballot as an example.

“Democrats are ahead, but they’re only ahead by four points. Historically, that is quite weak,” Enten said.

He compared the current numbers to previous cycles, noting larger Democratic leads during other periods.

“So we’re talking about a lead of less than half what we normally expect.”

Bolduan emphasized that the shift among Democrats themselves stood out.

“Especially if you see that change from October,” she said.

“Yeah, if you see when you see your base going a 28 point shift, and when you see numbers like this, you see this overall,” Enten replied.

Bolduan added, “A lot can change.”

“A lot a lot can change at this point,” Enten said.

He concluded by cautioning Democrats against overconfidence.

“Democrats are hoping that Donald Trump’s unpopularity can ride them to a congressional majority. But you know what? When you have numbers like this, hold the phone just a second.”

WATCH:

Justice Served as Teens Who Mowed Down Retired Cop Are Sentenced
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Justice Served as Teens Who Mowed Down Retired Cop Are Sentenced

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Two Las Vegas men who pleaded guilty to deliberately running down a retired California police chief with a stolen car have been sentenced to decades in prison, closing a case that shocked the community and highlighted the brutality of the crime, as reported by Fox News.

Jesus Ayala, now 20, and Jzamir Keys, now 18, learned their sentences this week after entering separate guilty pleas in October for the August 2023 killing of retired police chief Andreas “Andy” Probst.

Probst was visiting Las Vegas when he was struck and killed while riding his bicycle.

Ayala, who was 17 at the time of the crime and driving the vehicle, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

In addition, he received an extra sentence of two to 10 years for battery, according to The New York Post. Keys, who was 16 at the time and riding in the passenger seat, was sentenced to 18 years to life.

Clark County District Court Judge Jacqueline Bluth addressed the severity of the crime during sentencing.

“The Probsts not only have to live with the fact of him being killed in this manner,” Bluth said, according to KTNV.

“They had to have been shown what their family member went through, and that is a completely different level of pain. There is no excuse for what you two have done and the damage and pain you have caused.”

Members of Probst’s family addressed the court before sentencing. His son, Michael Probst, spoke about the lasting impact of the killing.

“I can’t help to think that maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation if the defendants had one parent like my father,” he said, according to KTNV.

“The moment I learned of his death, all I could do was scream and yell. It felt like my heart was just torn into pieces. Our family is forever changed, and the emotional trauma will forever haunt us.”

Probst’s daughter, Taylor, also spoke, focusing on milestones her father will never experience.

“He’ll never have the opportunity to walk his little girl down the aisle and give her away. He’ll never have the opportunity to hold his first grandchildren. And that’s because it was stolen from him,” she said, according to The New York Post.

Probst’s widow, Crystal, described the loss as devastating.

“Andy was stolen from me in an act so cruel, so deliberate that it not only shattered my heart, but the heart of everybody who loved him,” she said, according to KTNV.

“Losing him did not just break my heart; it broke the foundation of my life.”

Ayala and Keys declined to speak when given the opportunity to address the court.

The killing occurred on Aug. 14, 2023. Probst was riding his bicycle when he was struck from behind by a Hyundai Elantra.

Video of the incident showed the driver asking, “Ready?” before the passenger, who was recording on an iPhone, responded, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, hit his a**.”

The vehicle then veered into the bike lane, striking Probst and leaving him fatally injured on the side of the road.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it became aware of the video on Aug. 29, 2023, after Keys allegedly shared it with friends on Instagram. Police said the suspects could be heard laughing as they fled the scene.

According to an incident report obtained by Fox News Digital, Ayala showed no remorse at the time of his arrest and bragged that he would receive a “slap on the wrist.”

Prosecutors also said Ayala and Keys had struck and injured a 72-year-old bicyclist earlier that same day, an incident the victim survived, before allegedly killing Probst.

Chuck Schumer Wrote the Law to Allow Trump to Blow Up Nacro-Terrorists Boats: Steve Gruber
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Chuck Schumer Wrote the Law to Allow Trump to Blow Up Nacro-Terrorists Boats: Steve Gruber

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Conservative commentator Steve Gruber sharply criticized Democrats over drug interdiction and fentanyl policy during recent remarks, arguing that political leaders are prioritizing the wrong concerns while overdose deaths continue to devastate communities across the country, including small towns in Michigan.

Gruber framed his comments around maritime drug enforcement and recent actions targeting drug vessels, saying Democratic opposition reflects misplaced sympathy.

“I clearly expect the President talking about Venezuela, about seizing the oil tankers 1.8 million barrels on the one that they took, the skipper value maybe $100 million but blowing the boats out of the water, the Democrats are on the wrong side of this stance,” Gruber said.

“There’s no question about they’re on the wrong side because they’re focused on the wrong victims.”

According to Gruber, Democrats focus on those transporting drugs rather than the communities harmed by them.

“They’re worried about who’s driving that boat, who’s in a boat full of drugs, and who’s getting blown up,” he said.

“But they don’t talk about are little places like Rapid River, Michigan.”

Gruber cited specific overdose figures to drive home his argument.

“335 people in Michigan supplement. It’s like God’s country. 335 people, five people in that in that little, tiny town, have died in the last year from fentanyl overdose in Grand Rapids,” he said.

He also referenced recent deaths in a major city. “They lost eight in a single month.”

“These are the real stories that the Democrats don’t seem to care about,” Gruber continued.

“They’re throwing their chips in with the drug dealers, the drug runners, human traffickers. Nobody buys that, not here, not anywhere.”

Gruber described the impact on families and said public patience has run out.

“Look when moms and dads are burying their sons and daughters, those are the real stories that impact America,” he said.

“And people are sick and tired of it. They want a real war on drugs. They want the poison to stop.”

He warned that overdose deaths are continuing at a rapid pace. “They don’t want 100,000 Americans to die from overdose as we sit here tonight,” Gruber said.

“As we sit here tonight, before the clock strikes midnight, 25 more Americans will be dead from fentanyl overdose. 25 more, and those funerals will happen. Those people will never see the new year of 2026.”

Gruber reiterated his view that Democrats are aligned against enforcement efforts. “The Democrats are on the wrong side of this,” he said.

During his remarks, Gruber singled out Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, calling him an exception among Democrats. “John Fetterman, the only honest Democrat,” Gruber said.

“I can’t believe we’re sitting here having that conversation.”

Gruber acknowledged past criticism of Fetterman but credited him for candor.

“John Fetterman, the guy, look, I was not a fan. I thought he was compromised. He had the stroke. He couldn’t speak, right?” Gruber said.

“He turns out to be the one guy you can count on from the Democrats, to at least be honest, he’s a Democrat, but he’ll tell you the truth.”

Gruber said Fetterman accurately described the legal basis for maritime drug interdiction following a classified briefing.

“He went into that classified intelligence briefing and came out, unlike other Democrats, and told the truth about what he had seen, why it’s legal,” Gruber said.

Gruber then cited federal law to support enforcement actions.

“Oh, and by the way, right here, this in front of me, this is the maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act of 1986 authored by a member of Congress in 1986 from the state of New York,” he said.

“His name: Chuck Schumer.”

According to Gruber, the law clearly authorizes the destruction of drug vessels. “He wrote the law that passed almost unanimously that makes it legal to blow drug boats out of the water,” Gruber said. “It happened in the 80s, a lot. In the 90s, a lot.”

Gruber concluded by pointing directly to Schumer’s role. “Go ahead, look it up, folks,” he said.

“Chuck Schumer the author of this bill that made what we’re doing with Venezuelan drug boats fully legal. We don’t need permission from the rest of the world. Chuck Schumer gave us that in 1986.”

WATCH:

Jeanine Pirro Dishes the Dirt on Just How Bad DC Police Cooked Crime Numbers
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Jeanine Pirro Dishes the Dirt on Just How Bad DC Police Cooked Crime Numbers

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U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Wednesday that a federal investigation found the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) significantly misreported crime statistics, making crime rates appear lower than they actually were.

Pirro detailed the findings during an appearance on America’s Newsroom, saying the investigation concluded that MPD data understated crime and that a majority of arrests made in the district were not prosecuted during the administration of former President Joe Biden.

According to Pirro, the investigation was launched after concerns were raised about deflated crime numbers.

She said the probe was conducted over several months and involved an extensive review of police reports and witness testimony.

“And the investigation that we conducted over a period of several months, based upon the report of the deflation of numbers, was very thorough,” Pirro said.

“As you indicated, over 6,000 reports were looked at, over 50 witnesses, and those witnesses were ranked and file from the top down.”

Pirro said the investigation uncovered that more than 65 percent of arrests made in Washington were not prosecuted under the previous U.S. attorney’s office during the Biden-Harris administration.

“And you know, Dana, what’s amazing to me is that the U.S. attorney before me in the Biden administration did not go forward with more than 65 percent of the arrests,” Pirro said.

“That means that even if police made arrests, they weren’t being prosecuted. In my office, we go forward with over 90 percent of the arrests.”

Pirro’s comments followed a federal finding announced Monday that MPD crime data significantly understated crime levels.

The finding directly contradicted repeated claims from Democrats and several media outlets that crime in the nation’s capital had dropped sharply.

The dispute over crime statistics intensified after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and authorized a federal takeover of the MPD in August.

Following that move, MPD data claimed crime had dropped by 35 percent since 2024. However, that data excluded aggravated assaults and felony assaults that did not involve weapons.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation included those offenses in its crime reporting and concluded that crime had decreased by only 10 percent compared to 2024.

Pirro said the federal investigation clarified the scope of the discrepancy between MPD reporting and broader federal crime data.

While she did not dispute that crime had decreased, she said the findings showed that the reduction was greater than initially acknowledged once underreported offenses were accounted for.

Pirro said the investigation “makes it clear President Trump has reduced crime more than originally thought.”

Concerns about crime reporting in Washington had been raised publicly before the federal investigation concluded.

In August, Washington Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton said on The Story with Martha MacCallum that officers were ordered to misreport certain crimes, including robberies and burglaries.

Those claims aligned with the findings announced by Pirro, which indicated that crime statistics presented by MPD did not reflect the full scope of criminal activity in the district.

As part of the federal takeover, law enforcement activity increased across Washington.

Pirro said that as of late September, police had made more than 3,500 arrests following the federal intervention.

The federal investigation examined thousands of reports and involved dozens of witnesses, according to Pirro.

She said the findings highlighted both data reporting issues within MPD and prosecutorial decisions made prior to her tenure.

Pirro emphasized that her office has taken a different approach to prosecutions, citing a prosecution rate exceeding 90 percent of arrests.

She said the contrast illustrated how prosecutorial practices directly affect public safety outcomes.

The findings come as Washington continues to debate crime policy, law enforcement authority, and accountability within city agencies.

Federal officials have not announced additional actions related to the investigation beyond the findings released this week.

Pirro said the investigation’s conclusions were clear and based on a comprehensive review of evidence, adding that the results provided a more accurate picture of crime trends in the nation’s capital.

Anna Kepner Seen Dancing Aboard Carnival Horizon Before Mysterious Death
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Anna Kepner Seen Dancing Aboard Carnival Horizon Before Mysterious Death

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A newly surfaced video shows 18-year-old Anna Kepner dancing with fellow passengers aboard the Carnival Horizon just days before she was found dead in her cabin, as federal authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, as reported by Fox News.

The video, posted on TikTok by user @nickcapo609, captures Carnival Horizon’s Sail Away Party on Nov. 2, as the ship departed PortMiami for a weeklong Caribbean cruise.

In the footage, passengers are seen gathered on the open deck, swaying to music as the ship began its voyage.

Near the center of the crowd, Kepner is visible wearing black shorts and a white top, dancing alongside other travelers. Her grandmother, dressed in pink, can be seen standing nearby.

The video represents one of the last known public appearances of Kepner before her death. Authorities have released limited information about what occurred between the time the footage was recorded and the discovery of her body.

Kepner was found dead on Nov. 7 inside her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon. According to officials, her body was discovered under a bed in the room she was sharing with two siblings, including her 16-year-old stepbrother.

The ship returned to PortMiami on Nov. 9, at which point federal authorities boarded the vessel and began collecting evidence.

Officials said Kepner died from “mechanical asphyxia.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the death.

While the FBI has not publicly identified any suspects and no criminal charges have been filed, developments in family court proceedings have shed light on the direction of the inquiry.

Court filings related to an ongoing dispute involving Kepner’s father and stepmother, Christopher Kepner and Shauntel Kepner, and Shauntel Kepner’s ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, indicate that the couple’s 16-year-old son is being investigated in connection with Anna Kepner’s death.

Authorities have not released additional details regarding the nature of that investigation.

The FBI has not commented publicly on whether any criminal conduct has been established, and investigators have not confirmed whether additional individuals are being scrutinized.

The lack of public information has left many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.

Kepner was from Titusville, Florida, and was a senior at Temple Christian School. According to her family, she was preparing to graduate in the spring of 2026 and had expressed plans to enlist in the U.S. Navy after completing high school.

Carnival Cruise Line has not released a detailed public statement addressing the circumstances of Kepner’s death beyond confirming cooperation with federal authorities.

Federal investigators continue to review evidence gathered from the ship following its return to Miami.

The case has drawn attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery of Kepner’s body and the involvement of federal authorities.

As of now, no timeline has been provided for the conclusion of the investigation, and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the inquiry remains active.

WaPo Editorial Board Blasts Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Budget Plan
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WaPo Editorial Board Blasts Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Budget Plan

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The Washington Post Editorial Board issued a sharp rebuke of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest budget proposal, raising concerns about the city’s long-term financial stability and criticizing what it described as a continued reliance on short-term fixes rather than structural reform, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

In an editorial published this week, the board focused on Chicago’s deep pension liabilities and warned that Johnson’s plan to close a $1.15 billion budget shortfall through higher taxes, borrowing, and other measures risks worsening the city’s fiscal problems rather than solving them.

“Chicago has long-term structural problems with its finances, thanks in large part to wildly underfunded pensions,” the editorial board wrote.

The board pointed to the city’s history of temporary solutions, including “a notorious 2008 deal that sold off 75 years of future parking meter revenue for $1.15 billion, which was quickly spent.”

Mojahid Mottakin – Shutterstock.com

“That deal is still hurting finances today, which should have taught local politicians that there is no substitute for serious fiscal reform,” the board continued. “Alas, apparently not.”

The editorial cited data showing significant growth in city spending over recent years, much of it tied to federal pandemic aid that has since expired.

The city’s net operating budget increased nearly 40 percent between 2019 and 2025, according to Grant McClintock of the Civic Federation.

“The pandemic is over, but many of the programs and personnel positions established during that time remain, and without the benefit of the federal funding that previously supported them,” McClintock said, as quoted by the Post.

Mayor Johnson, a Democrat elected in 2023, has proposed a series of tax increases to address the budget gap.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Among them is a plan to raise the tax on leased “personal property,” including computers, vehicles, and software, from 11 percent to 14 percent.

Johnson also wants to revive Chicago’s so-called “head tax,” which would require large employers to pay $33 per worker, per month.

The Washington Post editorial board warned that such measures could damage the city’s economic prospects.

“By making it more expensive to do business or hire workers in the city, these measures threaten Chicago’s future economic growth and tax collections,” the board wrote.

It added that the proposals come at a particularly difficult moment, noting that the Chicago Federal Reserve’s 12-month hiring outlook is “the weakest it’s been since the pandemic.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, also a Democrat, has publicly criticized the proposed head tax, saying it would penalize employment.

Johnson was asked about Pritzker’s concerns during a recent press event and rejected them, defending his approach to closing the budget gap.

The Post editorial framed Johnson’s plan as a continuation of what it described as Chicago’s pattern of avoiding difficult fiscal choices, relying instead on borrowing, tax increases, and temporary measures to cover long-term obligations.

The criticism is notable given the newspaper’s generally favorable stance toward Democratic leaders and policies. In this case, the editorial board concluded that Chicago’s approach to budgeting reflects a failure to confront fundamental financial realities.

The city now faces the challenge of addressing pension obligations, expiring federal support, and a slowing economic outlook, all while debating whether Johnson’s proposed tax increases will stabilize city finances or accelerate economic pressure on businesses and workers.

Tone-Deaf Schumer Starts Shooting Presser With Buffalo Bills Shoutout
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Tone-Deaf Schumer Starts Shooting Presser With Buffalo Bills Shoutout

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Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer faced widespread criticism after opening a press conference addressing recent mass shootings with a celebratory reference to the Buffalo Bills, a moment that drew sharp rebukes from lawmakers, commentators, and public figures who described the remarks as inappropriate given the gravity of the events.

Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, spoke to reporters Sunday in New York to address multiple issues, including deadly shootings at Brown University in Rhode Island and at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Australian authorities have described the Bondi Beach attack as a terror incident targeting Jews.

Before addressing either shooting, Schumer appeared smiling as he opened the press conference with a personal aside about his hometown football team.

“First, of course, as I always say, no matter what — ‘Go Bills!’ They beat the Patriots today. It’s a big deal,” Schumer said.

The comment came moments before Schumer transitioned to somber remarks about the violent incidents, a shift in tone that quickly sparked backlash across social media and among fellow elected officials.

Critics argued that opening with sports banter was out of place as the nation and international community grappled with deadly attacks.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., responded bluntly to the video of Schumer’s remarks.

“Retire. Immediately,” Lawler wrote.

Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine also condemned Schumer’s decision to lead with football remarks, questioning the judgment of the Senate’s top Democrat.

“This is unbelievable,” Fine said.

“You claim to be the most senior elected Jew in history but want to talk about Football?”

Fine added that he initially doubted the authenticity of the clip when it was first shared with him.

“When my friend sent this [to] me, I told him it couldn’t be real,” he said.

“Disgraceful.”

The reaction was not limited to elected officials. Conservative radio host Jesse Kelly criticized Schumer’s demeanor during the press conference.

“Just a complete lizard person,” Kelly wrote.

“Stopped being human a long time ago.”

Conservative podcaster Alec Lace also weighed in, pointing to the contrast between the subject matter and Schumer’s opening remarks.

“TONE DEAF AF,” Lace wrote.

“Chuck Schumer says he’ll comment on the shooting at Brown University and the terrorist attack in Australia… But first… GO BILLS!”

Musician John Ondrasik, a multiplatinum singer-songwriter, also criticized the Senate leader’s remarks.

“What a mentally deranged human,” Ondrasik wrote.

The criticism came as details continued to emerge about the shootings Schumer was addressing.

The Bondi Beach attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration and resulted in multiple fatalities.

Australian authorities have described it as the deadliest terror incident in the country in recent decades.

The attack targeted Jewish attendees and has drawn international attention and condemnation.

Separately, a shooting at Brown University resulted in fatalities on campus, adding to a weekend marked by violence in multiple locations.

The incidents prompted calls for solemn reflection and leadership from public officials, particularly those addressing the events publicly.

Schumer’s press conference also included remarks on other topics, including pricing practices by Instacart, further contributing to criticism that the opening tone did not reflect the seriousness of the situation.

Critics argued that the sequence of comments suggested a lack of gravity at a moment when victims and their families were being mourned.

HUD Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Sanctuary City’s Race-Based Housing Program
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HUD Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Sanctuary City’s Race-Based Housing Program

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The Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Donald Trump has opened a civil rights investigation into a Democratic-led city’s housing strategy, raising questions about whether Boston’s use of federal funds complies with federal anti-discrimination law.

HUD announced Thursday that it is investigating Boston’s housing program over concerns that the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices may “violate civil rights protections under the Fair Housing Act and Title VI.”

The investigation focuses on whether Boston has used federal housing grants to support what HUD described as race-based policies.

According to HUD, the department sent a letter to Boston’s Office of Housing in mid-September outlining its concerns.

The letter stated that HUD had reason to believe the city was using federal funds to advance a housing strategy that prioritizes race in violation of federal law.

The department cited language from the city’s own website describing Boston Housing Strategy 2025 as “provid[ing] tools to … reduce racial disparities through homeownership and development opportunities for BIPOC-led organizations.”

Boston’s housing strategy further states that the city aims to ensure that at least 65 percent of home-buying opportunities are awarded to “BIPOC” households.

HUD officials said those goals prompted the agency to request extensive documentation from the city to determine whether the program unlawfully discriminates on the basis of race.

On Thursday, HUD formally notified Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration that an investigation had been opened into the city’s housing policies.

In its notification, HUD pointed to specific elements of Boston’s fair housing planning that it said raised legal concerns.

“To further its racialist theory of housing justice, the City’s Fair Housing Assessment promises to ‘target homebuyer outreach’ at ‘Black and Latinx families’ and pressure ‘banks and mortgage lenders to increase their lending in communities of color,’” HUD’s notification to Boston stated.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the department believes Boston’s approach reflects an effort to impose race-based outcomes rather than comply with federal civil rights standards.

“HUD is committed to protecting every American’s civil rights and will thoroughly investigate the City’s stated goal of ‘integrating racial equity into every layer of city government,’” Turner said.

“This warped mentality will be fully exposed, and Boston will come into full compliance with federal anti-discrimination law.”

Turner added that the department views the city’s housing strategy as a broader attempt at social engineering that conflicts with federal law.

The investigation comes as the Trump administration has taken steps to review and challenge DEI-driven policies at the federal, state, and local levels, particularly where federal funding is involved.

HUD officials said the Fair Housing Act and Title VI prohibit discrimination on the basis of race in federally funded programs, regardless of whether such discrimination is framed as an effort to address disparities.

Boston officials pushed back against the investigation.

A city spokesperson told Blaze News that the administration of Mayor Wu intends to defend the housing strategy and reject the federal government’s characterization of the program.

“Boston will never abandon our commitment to fair and affordable housing, and we will defend our progress to keep Bostonians in their homes against these unhinged attacks from Washington,” the spokesperson said.

HUD has not announced a timeline for the investigation or said what potential consequences could follow if the city is found to be out of compliance.

The department’s request for documents indicates that federal officials are examining how Boston designed and implemented its housing strategy, as well as how federal grant money was allocated in support of those policies.

The outcome of the investigation could have implications beyond Boston, as other cities and states have adopted housing and development strategies that explicitly incorporate racial targets or preferences.

HUD officials said the inquiry is focused on whether such policies violate longstanding federal civil rights protections tied to the receipt of federal funds.

As the investigation proceeds, Boston officials and federal regulators are expected to continue exchanging information.

HUD has said it will determine next steps after reviewing the requested documents and assessing whether the city’s housing strategy complies with federal law.


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