Author name: George Fitzpatrick

‘AWOL’ Pete Buttigieg Pops Up for Air Traffic Controllers, Gets Shot Down Immediately
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‘AWOL’ Pete Buttigieg Pops Up for Air Traffic Controllers, Gets Shot Down Immediately

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Transportation Secretary Duffy and former Secretary Pete Buttigieg exchanged sharp words on Monday after Buttigieg criticized President Donald Trump’s message to air traffic controllers amid the final hours of the record-long government shutdown.

Buttigieg, who served as Transportation Secretary Joe Biden, posted a response to the President’s message on X, writing, “The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they’ve been through – and the way this administration has treated them from Day One – he has no business shitting on them now.”

Duffy, who succeeded Buttigieg in the position, quickly replied, accusing his predecessor of neglecting the Department of Transportation during his tenure.

“Give me a break,” Duffy wrote.

“You were basically AWOL at the DOT. I spend my whole day dealing with your neglect and cleaning up your messes. Sit this one out.”

The exchange came as the government shutdown—now the longest in American history—appeared close to resolution, with air travel operations becoming a central point of concern as federal workers, including air traffic controllers, continued to face financial strain.

President Trump addressed the issue directly on Monday through a Truth Social post directed at air traffic controllers.

He praised those who continued working despite the shutdown and criticized those who did not.

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” the President wrote.

“Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’ For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country.”

He continued, “For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country.”

The President also addressed those who refused to return to work, stating, “If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind! You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment, the best in the World, that we are in the process of ordering.”

President Trump also criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of aviation systems, claiming billions of dollars were wasted on outdated infrastructure.

“The last ‘Administration’ wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated ‘junk.’ They had no idea what they were doing!” he wrote.

Secretary Duffy has received praise from several aviation and transportation groups for maintaining continuity during the shutdown and keeping essential travel operations functioning.

Industry analysts have noted that communication from the Department of Transportation under Duffy’s leadership has remained steady throughout the shutdown, minimizing potential disruptions to commercial flights and air traffic systems.

In contrast, Buttigieg faced criticism during his tenure for handling several transportation crises, including widespread airline cancellations, lengthy FAA system outages, and supply chain disruptions that led to significant economic fallout.

While President Trump’s comments drew strong reactions from both supporters and critics, Duffy’s exchange with Buttigieg reflected a broader debate over accountability within the Department of Transportation following years of strained infrastructure management.

As negotiations in Congress move closer to finalizing a deal to end the shutdown, administration officials have emphasized the importance of restoring federal operations and supporting the nation’s transportation workforce.

Hollywood Nepo Baby Tries to Debate CNN’s Scott Jennings, It Doesn’t Go Well for Him
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Hollywood Nepo Baby Tries to Debate CNN’s Scott Jennings, It Doesn’t Go Well for Him

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A debate between CNN political commentator Scott Jennings and Dylan Douglas, the 25-year-old son of actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, turned tense on Monday’s edition of NewsNight after Jennings sharply countered Douglas’s claims about the ongoing government shutdown.

The exchange occurred during a roundtable segment analyzing the Senate’s passage of a funding bill aimed at ending the record-length shutdown, now in its 42nd day.

The measure is expected to clear final procedural steps by the end of the week, reopening the federal government.

Douglas, who has been active in political commentary and advocacy, blamed Republicans for the shutdown, asserting that they were responsible for the financial strain it caused Americans.

“Scott, with all respect, you cannot put on the American people that Democrats were the one that were hurting people, making this plight,” Douglas said.

Jennings immediately challenged the claim. “Who was casting the votes against opening the government, Democrats or Republicans?” he asked.

Both men began talking over one another before Douglas attempted to redirect the argument.

“Who was wanting to cut SNAP benefits?” he asked, referring to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Jennings countered with a factual response, noting that Republicans had consistently voted to maintain funding for SNAP throughout the shutdown votes.

“Republicans voted to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 15 times,” Jennings said.

“Democrats voted against it in each instance.”

The figure referenced the number of Senate votes held during the shutdown, with each proposed funding package including provisions for SNAP.

Jennings went on to emphasize that bipartisan cooperation had been required to advance the latest bill, which contained appropriations for multiple federal agencies.

“We had to get eight to join us,” he said, referring to the eight Democratic senators who crossed party lines to vote for reopening the government.

As Jennings spoke, Douglas appeared to struggle to respond, stammering while bringing up expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits — one of the key sticking points Democrats cited for refusing to approve earlier funding measures.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has since indicated he plans to hold a mid-December vote to extend those credits, part of the negotiated concessions that helped secure the critical Democratic votes.

The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, is expected to provide full fiscal year funding for several major departments, including Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and Defense.

The White House has signaled it will sign the measure once it clears the House.

The debate quickly gained traction on social media, with clips circulating of Jennings pressing Douglas on the facts of the shutdown vote.

Many commentators noted that Jennings’s detailed rebuttals appeared to leave Douglas visibly flustered.

Dylan Douglas, who works as both an actor and political commentator, has increasingly turned his focus toward progressive political causes.

He hosts Young American with Dylan Douglas on SiriusXM and co-founded the political action committee Make Room, which supports young progressive candidates.

Douglas has also participated in several campaign efforts and previously appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe in September.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, his parents, co-starred in Traffic (2000) and The Mask of Zorro (1998).

Michael Douglas is known for his acclaimed roles in Wall Street and Basic Instinct.

Monday’s NewsNight appearance marked Dylan Douglas’s second televised debate on a major network — one that ended with Jennings’s arguments prevailing and highlighting the political divide over responsibility for the lengthy shutdown.

Following Pelosi’s Lead, Another Veteran Democrat Announces Retirement Ahead of 2026
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Following Pelosi’s Lead, Another Veteran Democrat Announces Retirement Ahead of 2026

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Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey announced Monday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, becoming the latest senior Democrat to step aside as the party faces growing calls for generational change in its ranks, as reported by Fox News.

Coleman, 80, confirmed her decision in a post on X, stating that her ninth term in Congress will be her last.

“I made a commitment years ago to always lead the charge on behalf of those I represent, and I believe I have fulfilled that commitment to the very best of my abilities,” she wrote.

“While I am not seeking re-election, there is still more to be done in my last year in public office. I absolutely intend to continue serving my constituents in the 12th District straight through to the last day of my term.”

Coleman, who has represented New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District since 2015, previously served in the state legislature for more than 15 years before her election to Congress.

She most recently won re-election in 2024, defeating Republican challenger Darius Mayfield with 61.2% of the vote.

Despite her departure, the district — which covers parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties — is expected to remain in Democratic control. Republicans are not considered competitive in the solidly blue district.

Coleman’s announcement adds to a growing list of longtime Democratic lawmakers who are stepping down ahead of the next election cycle.

Her decision follows that of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, who revealed last week that she will not run for a 20th term representing San Francisco.

Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks as the LBJ Foundation hosts Pelosi in a behind-the-scenes conversation about her new book “The Art of Power” at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. The event was a part of the Friends of the LBJ Library ‘An Evening With’ series.

In the Senate, two prominent Democrats — Dick Durbin of Illinois, 80, and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, 78 — have also announced their retirements.

Their departures signal a broader shift within the Democratic Party, as aging members of Congress prepare to pass leadership to a younger generation.

Coleman acknowledged that generational transition in her statement. “I believe now is the time to pass the torch to the next leader who will continue leading this charge,” she said.

Questions about age and leadership longevity have persisted in both parties. Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, 83, also confirmed that he will not seek re-election in 2026 after leading the GOP in the Senate for nearly two decades.

With Coleman’s retirement, Democrats will lose another veteran member of their progressive wing.

Her exit underscores the continuing reshaping of Congress ahead of the 2026 elections, as long-serving lawmakers from both sides of the aisle make way for new political voices.

Pam Bondi and Kash Patel Unveil ‘Clinton Corruption Files’ Detailing Foundation Donations
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Pam Bondi and Kash Patel Unveil ‘Clinton Corruption Files’ Detailing Foundation Donations

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Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have delivered to Congress a newly compiled set of documents, described by officials as the “Clinton Corruption Files,” containing evidence that foreign and domestic donors sought influence through contributions to the Clinton Foundation, as reported by Just the News.

The material, transmitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee in recent days, raises renewed concerns that federal investigators were blocked from pursuing key corruption evidence during prior probes.

National Harbor, MD US – Mar 3, 2023: Kash Patel, former Pentagon Chief of Staff at the 2023 Conservative Action Conference (CPAC). Credit: Ron Sachs – CNP

According to officials who spoke with Just the News, the files include records showing that foreign nationals and at least one U.S. defense contractor made donations to the Clinton Foundation during periods when they had interests pending before the U.S. government.

Some of these contributions occurred while Hillary Clinton was serving as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – November 3, 2022: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addresses a campaign rally at Barnard College in New York City.

Bill Clinton, who served as President of the United States from 1993 to 2001, continued to engage in global speaking and philanthropic activities during the same period.

Officials said the newly surfaced evidence could provide additional insight into whether donors attempted to use the foundation as a channel to secure access or favor with government officials.

Sources familiar with the files said some of the records originated from whistleblowers who alleged that critical evidence was withheld from prosecutors working on a 2015 corruption investigation at the U.S. attorney’s office in Little Rock, Arkansas.

That investigation, which sought to determine whether the Clinton Foundation engaged in pay-to-play activities, was reportedly shut down under the direction of the Obama Justice Department.

“The documents will make clear that there was an effort to obstruct legitimate inquiries into the Foundation by blocking real investigation by line-level FBI agents and DOJ field prosecutors and keeping them from following the money,” one official directly familiar with the documents told Just the News.

Bondi and Patel have reportedly been collecting the records for several weeks and plan to make them public as early as the end of this week, once whistleblower identities have been redacted. Officials said the documents are being organized for public release in stages.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi waving to Florida delegates while rehearsing from the stage before the start of the 2016 Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena.

In addition, officials expect related evidence to surface in the ongoing Arctic Frost investigation being conducted by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The expected disclosures could include new records detailing communications between Smith and senior FBI officials, including former Director Christopher Wray, as well as efforts to obtain phone records of members of Congress.

Earlier reporting indicated that the FBI opened three separate investigations into potential pay-to-play schemes involving the Clinton Foundation between 2014 and 2016.

All were ordered closed by then–Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, who directed agents to “shut it down,” according to internal accounts.

Officials said the newly obtained files reveal that lower-level FBI agents and field prosecutors had collected information pointing to possible financial misconduct and influence operations, but that key findings never reached higher levels of the Department of Justice.

Bondi and Patel’s handover of the “Clinton Corruption Files” marks the most substantial new development in the years-long effort to uncover whether the former first family’s charitable foundation served as a vehicle for political and financial influence.

J.D. Vance Cracks Up Room During Veterans Visit Ahead of Holiday
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J.D. Vance Cracks Up Room During Veterans Visit Ahead of Holiday

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Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday to meet with veterans and medical staff ahead of Veterans Day. The visit, which included several stops to speak with patients and caregivers, offered a mix of lighthearted moments and heartfelt discussions about service, sacrifice, and recovery, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The Vice President and Second Lady spent time with military personnel undergoing rehabilitation, listening to their stories and thanking them for their service. The couple also distributed challenge coins to patients and staff as a gesture of appreciation.

Feb 20, 2025; National Harbor, MD, USA; Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

At one point, Vance shared an especially candid and humorous exchange while visiting a rehabilitation session for combat-wounded U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carlos Evans. As the Vice President observed Evans performing physical therapy exercises, a therapist tossed a ball to the Marine — who then threw it unexpectedly toward the Vice President.

Catching the ball off-guard, Vance laughed as the room joined in on the fun. “Really put me on the spot!” he said, prompting Evans to apologize with a quick “Sorry, sorry!”

Still laughing, Vance added, “If I had dropped it, man, what a dipshit I would have looked like here.” The Vice President then turned to others in the room and joked, “Somebody call the Secret Service on this guy!”

The light moment drew smiles and laughter before the visit turned back to more serious discussion about Sgt. Evans’ recovery and ongoing treatment.

Throughout the visit, Vance spoke with patients about their progress and shared words of encouragement. “We’ll be rooting for you,” he told one recovering veteran. “It’s seriously amazing. I really admire your spirit. Every time I’m bitching about my job, I’ll remember this guy.”

He also noted the dedication and perseverance of those he met, saying the visit served as a reminder of the resilience of America’s service members. “This is all a conspiracy to shame me for not going to the gym more,” Vance joked. “You have all these guys who have rough injuries and they’re all busting their ass…no excuses anymore.”

The Vice President’s visit came as part of a broader initiative to honor military personnel ahead of Veterans Day and highlight the administration’s ongoing support for wounded service members and their families.

Vance and his wife concluded their tour by meeting with hospital staff to discuss care programs and resources available for veterans recovering from combat injuries. Officials at Walter Reed said the Vice President’s visit was well received and provided a morale boost to both patients and caregivers.

Democrats’ ‘Community Peacekeepers’ Keep Getting Arrested for Violent Crimes
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Democrats’ ‘Community Peacekeepers’ Keep Getting Arrested for Violent Crimes

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Several prominent “violence prevention” advocates who promoted alternative approaches to crime reduction in major liberal cities have been charged with serious violent crimes in 2025, according to court documents and media reports.

At least five individuals involved in community outreach or anti-violence initiatives in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Flint, Michigan, Chicago, and Rochester, New York, are now facing criminal charges ranging from assault to murder.

Each had prior encounters with law enforcement before their latest arrests.

In Chicago, Kellen McMiller was arrested in September after a deadly burglary incident just days after appearing with Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker at a Peacekeepers event celebrating anti-violence work, CWB Chicago reported.

Authorities allege that McMiller, who was wanted in four states, robbed a Louis Vuitton store on September 11 and crashed a car while fleeing, killing another driver.

McMiller and six alleged accomplices have been charged with murder and theft.

His court date was delayed while he remained hospitalized, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Governor Pritzker had previously praised McMiller and others in the Peacekeepers program for “doing the hard work of community violence prevention,” and contrasted their efforts with President Donald Trump’s earlier plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago.

Pritzker’s administration had promoted community-based programs as alternatives to “overincarceration.”

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI), one of the organizations running the Peacekeepers, announced it would review its screening process after McMiller’s arrest.

“I think it’s just an opportunity for us to get better at what we do and continue to strengthen our protocols and standards,” MPI Executive Director Vaughn Bryant told WBEZ Chicago.

In Washington, D.C., Cotey Wynn, once featured on the city attorney general’s website as a success story in the “Cure the Streets” program, now faces charges for allegedly helping plan a murder at a local smoking lounge.

Court documents indicate Wynn was seen on surveillance video signaling a gunman after the shooting of a 31-year-old man in September 2023.

Three others were injured in the attack.

Wynn, who previously served ten years in prison, is being held without bail.

“He’s smoking that hookah. He’s not trying to kill anyone,” Wynn’s attorney Brian McDaniel said in court, according to D.C. Witness.

“He’s just smoking that hookah, and drinking, and occasionally talking to a young lady.”

Wynn had been charged with another murder in 2020, but the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb defended hiring ex-offenders in anti-violence programs during 2023 testimony, arguing that “keeping them locked up… will not make us safer or stronger.”

In Philadelphia, self-described “hood abolitionist” Sergio Hyland was charged in April with killing his girlfriend, whose body was found under an overpass.

Hyland had served prison time for a prior murder conviction before becoming a vocal prison abolition activist and consultant on “violence reduction” strategies.

An archived version of his website advertised services including “Violence Reduction/Prevention” and “Harm/De-escalation Tactics.”

Prosecutors presented phone records, witness statements, and surveillance footage linking him to the crime.

His attorney, Shaka Johnson, argued that there was “no solid evidence” against him, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Hyland previously endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s reelection campaign before his arrest.

In Rochester, New York, Anthony Hall, the former head of the Pathways to Peace initiative, was sentenced to two years in prison in April for assaulting a police officer and defrauding a nonprofit.

Authorities said Hall shoved an officer during a domestic dispute in January, causing a fracture.

Hall had also led the Community Resource Collaborative, which received public funding to reduce recidivism.

A state investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James found that Hall used $20,000 in nonprofit funds for personal expenses.

A court ordered the organization to dissolve following Hall’s arrest.

In Flint, Michigan, Councilman Leon El-Alamin, founder of the nonprofit MADE Institute, was charged in July with domestic violence and assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

El-Alamin, who previously served seven years in prison for drug and firearm offenses, had his record cleared under Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Clean Slate” initiative in 2020.

“These recent allegations are both false and deeply disheartening, but I remain confident in the truth and in the legal process,” El-Alamin said after his arrest.

Before the charges, El-Alamin had criticized “Mass Incarceration” in social media posts and promoted his organization’s focus on workforce training and “violence prevention.”

Each of the accused had publicly aligned themselves with criminal justice reform movements that advocate rehabilitation over incarceration.

Their recent arrests have drawn renewed scrutiny of taxpayer-funded “violence prevention” programs operating in high-crime areas.

Chuck Schumer Storms Off Senate Floor After Obamacare Loophole Exposed
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Chuck Schumer Storms Off Senate Floor After Obamacare Loophole Exposed

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U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) abruptly left the Senate floor after a heated exchange with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) on Thursday during ongoing negotiations to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

The confrontation centered on Schumer’s proposal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for one year, a move Republicans say would continue COVID-era benefits for high-income earners and contribute to waste and fraud.

The exchange occurred as the Senate remains gridlocked on day 38 of the shutdown, with federal employees including air traffic controllers working without pay and agencies partially closed.

Schumer and Senate Democrats have voted 14 times against Republican-led measures to reopen the government, insisting that any funding agreement include an extension of ACA subsidies.

During the floor discussion, Senator Moreno asked Schumer whether Democrats had a formal proposal in writing to reform or fix the Affordable Care Act.

Schumer admitted that no written counterproposal had been submitted.
“We can’t give you a counter in writing, but it’s very simple,” Schumer said. “Because we have two sentences we would add to any proposal which would extend the ACA benefits for one year.”

Moreno pressed the issue, pointing out that the Affordable Care Act currently has no income cap, allowing even multimillionaires to qualify for taxpayer-funded subsidies.

“It does still have no income caps, so people who make $1, $2, $3 million a year,” Moreno said before Schumer interrupted.

“Once we pass the one-year fixed so people right now aren’t in difficulty, we would sit and negotiate that,” Schumer replied.

“The leader has said that he won’t negotiate before. We’re willing to negotiate once the credits are extended, plain and simple.”

Moreno continued questioning, asking, “So for one year, people making millions of dollars would still receive these COVID-era subsidies?”

At that point, Schumer accused Moreno of defending billionaires, then yielded the floor and walked away.

Following Schumer’s exit, Moreno addressed the chamber.

“I was going to ask him before he stormed out of the room because evidently he doesn’t want to hear any opposing views or actually engage in meaningful negotiation,” Moreno said.

“Would he continue 0 dollar premiums, which we know for a FACT have enormous levels of fraud?”

Moreno added that had Schumer remained, he intended to ask a third question: “Does he want these monies to go directly to insurance companies?”

The exchange, first reported by The Daily Wire, highlighted the growing frustration between the two parties as the shutdown entered its sixth week.

Democrats continue to push for the ACA subsidy extension as part of any deal to fund the government, while Republicans have rejected the demand, arguing it has nothing to do with reopening federal operations.

Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-SD) reaffirmed that Republicans will only consider what he described as a “clean” funding bill to restore government operations.

“The Obamacare extension is the negotiation,” Thune said earlier this week, indicating that the GOP sees Democrats’ health care demand as a separate issue.

Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, calling on Senate Republicans to redirect health care subsidy funds directly to consumers rather than insurance companies.

“Hundreds of Billions of Dollars currently being sent to money sucking Insurance Companies in order to save the bad Healthcare provided by ObamaCare,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

It should “be sent directly to the people so that they can purchase their own, much better, healthcare, and have money left over.”

The confrontation between Schumer and Moreno reflects deep divisions over the role of the Affordable Care Act in current budget negotiations.

With the government shutdown extending past five weeks, both chambers remain deadlocked, and prospects for a compromise appear uncertain.

Negotiations are expected to continue into next week as lawmakers seek a deal to restore federal operations and address growing pressure from workers and constituents affected by the funding lapse.

Thune Orders Senate to Stay Put Until Democrats End Shutdown Standoff
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Thune Orders Senate to Stay Put Until Democrats End Shutdown Standoff

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced Saturday that the Senate will remain in session until lawmakers reach an agreement to end the government shutdown, which has now entered its 40th day.

Speaking to reporters during a rare weekend session at the Capitol, Thune said senators would not be released to go home until a deal is finalized.

Despite the House passing a clean continuing resolution in September to keep the government open through November 21, the Senate has yet to take action on the measure.

The continuing resolution, or CR, passed the House with bipartisan support, but Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked it, extending what is now the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

The House has not reconvened while awaiting Senate action, putting pressure on the upper chamber to resolve the stalemate.

Thune said he intends to keep senators in Washington until progress is made. “We’re not leaving town until the government is reopened,” Thune told reporters.

Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), have voted down the House-passed CR fifteen times, rejecting multiple attempts to advance the legislation.

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A sixteenth vote could come as early as Sunday as Republican leadership searches for new strategies to bring Democrats to the negotiating table.

Only three Democrats — Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.M.), and independent Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) — have joined Republicans in supporting measures to reopen the government.

Democratic leadership initiated the shutdown to press for action on healthcare subsidies connected to the so-called Affordable Care Act, a topic they view as politically advantageous heading into the 2026 midterm cycle.

The debate centers on expiring Obamacare premium subsidies originally extended under pandemic-era relief legislation.

Thune and other Republican leaders have indicated they are willing to allow a separate vote on healthcare subsidies once the government is reopened.

However, Democrats have refused to support reopening the government without a guaranteed one-year extension of those subsidies included in the funding bill.

Schumer reiterated that demand on Friday, seeking to ensure the issue remains active through next year’s elections.

Thune rejected that proposal, calling it a non-starter.

“We’re not going to keep the government closed over partisan political demands,” a Republican aide familiar with the talks said.

The impasse has left federal workers unpaid for more than a month and caused growing delays in public services.

Air traffic disruptions, delayed food assistance payments, and stalled operations across several agencies have added pressure on both parties to reach a deal.

Republicans maintain that Democrats are prolonging the shutdown for political leverage, while Democrats argue that Republicans are refusing to negotiate on critical healthcare funding.

As the standoff continues, bipartisan frustration has grown, with a handful of senators privately urging leadership to find a compromise.

Thune has scheduled a working lunch for Senate Republicans on Sunday to discuss next steps and potential procedural maneuvers to advance legislation.

If the Senate votes again on the House-passed CR, it will mark the sixteenth attempt to overcome Democratic opposition.

As the stalemate enters its sixth week, congressional staff and leadership aides say there is no clear timeline for resolution.

However, Thune made it clear that senators will not be allowed to leave Washington until the funding impasse is broken and the government fully reopens.

Customer Launches Scalding Coffee in Rage, McDonald’s Manager Burned
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Customer Launches Scalding Coffee in Rage, McDonald’s Manager Burned

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Police in Buena Vista Township, Michigan, are searching for a woman accused of throwing a cup of hot coffee at a McDonald’s manager during a dispute over a refund earlier this week.

The incident, which was captured on video, occurred on November 4 and has since circulated widely online.

According to Click On Detroit and Fox 2 Detroit, the altercation began when the customer demanded a refund for two food items at the McDonald’s restaurant.

Video footage released by the Buena Vista Township Police shows the woman shouting at the store manager while accusing her of dishonesty.

“You’re a liar,” the woman said during the confrontation.

“Why are you lying?”

The manager, attempting to de-escalate the situation, responded by clarifying that the customer’s refund had already been processed.

“You’ve got your coffee,” the manager said.

“That’s all that you were charged for. Your refund will take up to 48 hours.”

Despite the explanation, the argument continued for several moments before the situation escalated.

In the footage, the customer can be seen throwing her cup of coffee at the manager while shouting profanities.

“F**k you, b*tch. Catch that hot-a** coffee!” she yelled as the liquid hit the manager.

Buena Vista Township Police confirmed that the manager sustained minor burns from the hot coffee. Detective Russ Pahssen told the Daily Mail that investigators were able to quickly identify the suspect after sharing the footage on social media.

“Before you know it, people were just reaching out to me,” Pahssen said, describing how tips from the public helped police determine the woman’s identity.

Police have since obtained a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. Her name has not been released publicly.

As of Friday, officers were still attempting to locate her.

Authorities told The Daily Mail that they are seeking felony charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, also known as felonious assault.

However, they noted that prosecutors may reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries.

The video of the incident, originally posted to Facebook, shows several customers standing nearby as the confrontation unfolded.

Police said the footage was recorded by another employee and shared online to assist in identifying the suspect.

The Buena Vista Township Police Department released a statement urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward.

They also reminded the public that harassment or violence against restaurant employees will not be tolerated.

The McDonald’s restaurant involved in the altercation has not publicly commented on the case.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s USA told Fox 2 Detroit that the company is cooperating fully with local law enforcement during the investigation.

The attack comes amid a series of recent incidents across the country involving disputes between fast-food employees and customers.

Police said the suspect in this case could face significant legal consequences once apprehended, given the potential for injury from the hot liquid.

As of Friday evening, the investigation remained ongoing, and police said updates would be provided once the suspect is taken into custody.

‘Golden Bachelor’ Star Accused of Making Disturbing Comment to Ex-Wife
Entertainment

‘Golden Bachelor’ Star Accused of Making Disturbing Comment to Ex-Wife

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Former “Golden Bachelor” star Gerry Turner is facing new allegations from his ex-wife Theresa Nist, who claimed on a recent podcast that he once made a dark and unsettling comment about killing her and hiding her body, as reported by Decider.

Nist discussed the incident during an appearance on the Dear Shandy podcast, which coincided with the release of Turner’s new memoir Golden Years: What I’ve Learned from Love, Loss, and Reality TV.

The book details Turner’s experiences with fame, relationships, and his short-lived marriage to Nist, whom he married earlier this year.

According to Nist, the disturbing remark occurred during a walk near Pretty Lake in Indiana, where Turner lives.

“I finally went to his house and we took a walk around this lake called Pretty Lake and we were coming to the end of it and he said — this is really bizarre — He said, ‘You see that shed up there?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He said, ‘Well, that’s where I’m going to hide your body after I kill you and chop you up,’” Nist said. “And he wasn’t laughing. I said, ‘Well, if this was his idea of a joke, that was pretty dark humor.’”

Nist said she believed the comment might have reflected Turner’s “underlying feelings” toward her. “I just felt like there was animosity in that statement that was underlying,” she continued. “Like, maybe if he could have gotten rid of me somehow.”

Despite the remark, Nist clarified that she did not believe Turner was capable of actually harming her. “I don’t think he would have killed me. No, I don’t think that was true. It’s not true, but it just spoke to an underlying feeling about me,” she added.

Her appearance came shortly after Turner’s memoir was released, in which he wrote that he felt “trapped” ahead of his televised wedding to Nist, which aired as ABC’s Golden Wedding special on January 4, 2024.

The pair later announced their divorce on April 12, just three months after their marriage.

When contacted by Us Weekly, Nist responded to the book’s claims, saying:

“It makes me very sad to think that he felt empty and trapped. I wish he had said something and just ended it. But at least now I understand why he was so hurtful to me so many times. And I will say this. Those in glass houses should not throw stones. I do wish him all the best.”

Turner, who revealed this year that he was diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, a rare bone marrow cancer, said the illness played a role in his decision to end the marriage so he could focus on family. He has since become engaged to retired teacher Lana Sutton.

In recent interviews, Turner has pushed back against Nist’s portrayal of their relationship, accusing her of making him “look like the villain” and calling her decision to keep working after their marriage an “impossible situation.”

Asked if he was concerned about her reaction to the memoir, Turner told Us Weekly, “I’m not worried; I think she should be worried.”


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