Author name: Jonathan Dillon

Steak ’n Shake Announces Biggest America Move Local Governments Will Allow
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Steak ’n Shake Announces Biggest America Move Local Governments Will Allow

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Steak ’n Shake said Saturday it has started installing large American flags at its restaurants across the country, announcing the rollout on X and framing the effort as support for “American values and traditions.”

The Indianapolis-based burger chain shared a photo of employees beneath one of the flags and said it plans to add the tallest flags allowed by local rules at each location.

“The flag installations have begun at Steak ‘n Shake,” the company posted to X.

“Every Steak ’n Shake is getting the tallest and biggest American flag that local governments will allow! Steak ‘n Shake proudly supports American values and traditions.”

As of Sunday afternoon, the post had more than 5,000,000 views.

The announcement drew broad customer reaction on social media. “Your marketing team deserves a raise!” one X user wrote.

“If you’re looking for new customers, you’re doing it right!” another wrote.

A third said, “Looks like I’ll be eating more Steak ‘n Shake,” adding, “Thank you for being pro America.”

Other comments included, “Quickly becoming my favorite restaurant,” “You are becoming iconic…very very quickly! Thank you Steak ‘n Shake,” and “My first job as a 16 year old. Couldn’t be more proud. Awesome!”

Founded in 1934, Steak ’n Shake operates in states including Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, and Ohio.

The company did not publish a detailed installation schedule for the flags but indicated the program is intended for all locations, subject to local approvals.

Saturday’s post follows a series of brand statements this year in which the company has emphasized heritage themes.

In August, Steak ’n Shake criticized Cracker Barrel after that chain’s logo change, which Cracker Barrel later reversed.

“Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to just scrape it all away,” Steak ‘n Shake posted to X in August.

“At Steak ‘n Shake, we take pride in our history, our families, and American values. All are welcome. We will never market ourselves away from our past in a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers.”

The company has also publicized menu and preparation changes.

Earlier this year it announced a transition away from seed oils to beef tallow for cooking and said the change was rolling out location by location.

The move drew attention from public officials and customers. “Tallow Fries now in Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma,” Steak ‘n Shake posted to X in February.

“By March 1 ALL locations. Fries will be RFK’d!”

The company said the switch was intended to standardize preparation practices across its stores.

Saturday’s announcement framed the flag installations as part of a broader effort to lean into themes of tradition at the restaurant level while highlighting support from customers in multiple markets.

The company shared imagery showing staff members standing beneath a large flag and indicated that each store would pursue the maximum flag height permissible in its jurisdiction.

Steak ’n Shake did not release information on the number of flags installed to date or identify specific store locations where the first installations took place.

The chain said the effort applies systemwide and that location teams will coordinate with local authorities on permitting and compliance.

The company also did not specify costs associated with the installations or whether the flags would be accompanied by additional signage.

Customer reactions posted Saturday and into the evening continued to focus on brand identity and the restaurant’s long history.

Some commenters referenced family ties to the chain and first jobs at local stores, while others pointed to plans to visit more often after the company’s announcement.

The company did not respond publicly to individual questions about installation timelines or whether stores would hold events tied to the displays.

The restaurant said it would continue using its social media accounts to share updates as individual locations complete their installations.

The posts indicate the program will be ongoing as stores work through permitting and hardware setup.

The company maintained that the displays reflect its stated support for “American values and traditions” and are designed to be consistent with local rules in each city or county where it operates.

VA Dems Go ‘Ten Toes Down’ For Candidate Who Fantasized About Killing Opponents’ Kids
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VA Dems Go ‘Ten Toes Down’ For Candidate Who Fantasized About Killing Opponents’ Kids

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Democratic leaders in Virginia are not calling for state attorney general candidate Jay Jones to leave the race after the publication of 2022 text messages in which he discussed violence against Republican officials, including then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

The messages were first reported by the National Review and have since been covered by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and local stations in Richmond and Hampton Roads.

In a text exchange with a colleague in 2022, Jones wrote that he hoped Gilbert’s children would die and suggested such grief might be “a good thing” if it advanced his politics, according to reporting by the New York Post and other outlets.

Additional messages compared Gilbert to historical dictators and referenced shootings.

After the texts became public, Jones apologized and sought to contain the fallout as the November election approaches.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger criticized Jones’s language but did not call for him to step aside.

“I will always condemn violent language in our politics,” Spanberger said, adding that she had spoken “frankly” with him after the texts surfaced.

Local party organizations signaled continued support.

The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee issued a statement urging voters to stand with the ticket.

“We are lined up, ten toes down, ready to organize, mobilize and deliver voters for Jay and our entire Democratic ticket,” the statement read.

“Recent press may have spotlighted past mistakes. We say, let those without sin cast the first stone. Jay Jones has taken responsibility, apologized and shown he is committed to serving with integrity and accountability that his public record already shows.”

Republican statewide leaders condemned the messages and said Jones should not hold the office of attorney general. “Jay Jones has shown he’s reckless, biased, and willing to trade away his integrity,” Attorney General Jason Miyares wrote in an open letter to Virginians posted late Saturday.

“This conduct is disqualifying.” Miyares continued: “If you believe it is okay to wish death upon a political opponent, vote for my opponent. If you believe it is worth the death of children to advance your political goals, vote for my opponent. If you want to give a green light to violent lunatics, vote for my opponent.” He added that he would protect every Virginian, “regardless of whether they are a Democrat or Republican,” and said he “cannot imagine someone running for this job who advocates for violence.”

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, speaking on Oct. 4, also called for accountability. “The enemy is among us, devouring us in Virginia and in America today,” Earle-Sears said.

“Jay Jones fantasizes about murdered little children lying lifeless in their mother’s arms. And yet he runs for attorney general, our chief law enforcement officer.”

Jones has acknowledged the messages and apologized publicly.

He called the remarks “embarrassing and shameful,” and said he had contacted Gilbert and his family to apologize personally.

Reporting this weekend indicates that Jones has not suspended his campaign and continues to seek support ahead of Election Day.

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin urged Jones to end his campaign.

“This violent, disgusting rhetoric targeted at an elected official and his children is beyond disqualifying,” Youngkin said on X on Saturday morning.

The governor’s statement followed additional coverage of the texts by state and national outlets and added pressure on Democrats to respond.

As of Sunday, no prominent Democratic figures were calling on Jones to withdraw from the race.

Spanberger and other Democrats criticized the language while emphasizing a broader rejection of violent rhetoric, and local committees pointed to Jones’s apology.

The campaign developments arrive amid a high-intensity election cycle in Virginia, where statewide offices, including attorney general, will be decided in November.

The original messages, described in reports as part of a 2022 conversation with a state legislator, included references to shooting Gilbert and comments about his family.

Those details have been central to Republican attacks and to calls from GOP officials for Jones to leave the race.

Jones has said he takes responsibility for the texts and has attempted to refocus his campaign on policy issues and his record in public office.

The attorney general serves as Virginia’s chief law enforcement officer, with responsibilities that include representing the Commonwealth in legal matters, working with local prosecutors, and coordinating with federal and state agencies on public safety.

With early voting underway, both campaigns have escalated their outreach.

Miyares has used his official platform and campaign channels to argue that the content of the texts disqualifies his opponent.

Jones’s campaign has emphasized his apology and continued to court Democratic and independent voters who may be weighing whether the statements should end his bid.

Voters will decide the contest in early November.

In the meantime, party leaders, advocacy groups, and law enforcement officials are monitoring the campaign’s next steps as the fallout from the texts continues to shape the attorney general race.

Supreme Court Smacks Down Leftist Judge, Clears Path for Trump Deportation Agenda
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Supreme Court Smacks Down Leftist Judge, Clears Path for Trump Deportation Agenda

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The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allowing the agency to proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals residing in the United States.

The 6-3 decision clears the path for the removal of 300,000 to 600,000 Venezuelans who had been shielded under TPS designations issued during Joe Biden’s presidency.

In the Court’s opinion, justices affirmed that their earlier ruling on the matter still applied.

“Although the posture of the case has changed, the parties’ legal arguments and relative harms generally have not. The same result that we reached in May is appropriate here,” the decision stated.

The Immigration Act of 1990 authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant TPS to migrants from countries experiencing extraordinary or temporary conditions, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters, that would make their safe return impossible.

The designation allows recipients to remain and work in the United States until the conditions in their home country change.

In March 2021, then-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas granted TPS protections to Venezuelans who had been residing in the U.S. since March 8, 2021.

That designation was extended in September 2022 through March 10, 2024, and later extended again through September 10, 2025.

In October 2023, Mayorkas further expanded eligibility to Venezuelans who had resided in the U.S. since July 31, 2023, significantly increasing the number of migrants covered under the program.

On January 17, 2025, Mayorkas announced another extension of TPS protections for Venezuelans through October 2, 2026.

The decision to repeatedly expand TPS came under immediate legal scrutiny. Upon taking office, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem rescinded Mayorkas’s extensions and sought to return TPS policy to its original statutory framework.

DHS argued that Mayorkas exceeded his legal authority and undermined the “temporary” nature of the protections.

The legal fight was most contentious in the Northern District of California, where U.S. District Judge Edward Chen, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, repeatedly ruled against DHS.

Even after the Supreme Court issued its initial ruling in May affirming DHS’s authority, Chen again ruled that the agency could not terminate protections, stating that the Supreme Court’s order “did not provide any specific analysis.”

When DHS appealed, the Ninth Circuit sided with Chen, prolonging the dispute.

The Supreme Court’s latest decision directly rebukes those rulings, reaffirming DHS’s authority to end the TPS program for Venezuelans.

The Supreme Court’s decision paves the way for the removal of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans living under TPS.

The ruling comes as the Trump administration continues to focus resources on border security and broader immigration enforcement.

The return of large numbers of Venezuelan nationals could have repercussions in South America, particularly for the government of Nicolás Maduro.

The Trump administration has previously signaled its opposition to Maduro’s regime and taken steps to increase pressure on Caracas.

With this decision, DHS is expected to move forward with plans to terminate the program and begin removals in coordination with U.S. immigration enforcement.

The ruling represents a significant turning point in ongoing legal and policy battles over the use of TPS designations and the federal government’s broader immigration authority.

Virginia Democrat AG Candidate Caught Threatening GOP Speaker with ‘Two Bullets’
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Virginia Democrat AG Candidate Caught Threatening GOP Speaker with ‘Two Bullets’

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Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is facing scrutiny after text messages from 2022 surfaced in which he allegedly made violent threats against Republican colleagues, including former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

The texts were reported Friday by National Review, which said it obtained the messages from Jones’ former colleague, Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner.

According to the report, Jones sent multiple messages to Coyner in August 2022, months after leaving the Virginia House of Delegates, in which he expressed violent intentions toward Gilbert.

“I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves … [to] send them out awash in something,” Jones wrote, according to National Review.

Jones reportedly went further, writing that if he were faced with Gilbert and two dictators along with a gun containing two bullets, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”

In another message, he told Coyner, “Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”

Coyner pushed back in the exchange, asking Jones to stop.

“It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them … no matter who they are,” she wrote, according to the outlet.

Jones allegedly responded with “Lol” and “Ok, ok.”

The texts have become a significant issue in Jones’ campaign against Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares ahead of Virginia’s November general election.

Jones, however, issued a statement to WTVR Richmond, where he did not deny sending the texts but blamed the controversy on what he called “Trump-controlled media.”

“Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Jones said.

He accused Miyares of “dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations to assault my character and rescue his desperate campaign.”

According to National Review, after the 2022 text exchange, Jones also called Coyner and reportedly said that Republican officials such as Gilbert should “experience pain” so that it would result in policy changes.

He allegedly suggested that Gilbert’s wife should witness her child die.

Coyner later confirmed the text exchange in a statement to the outlet, saying, “What he said was not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office.”

Jones’ remarks drew condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats.

Former Democratic Representative Abigail Spanberger, now the Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, told WJLA that she spoke to Jones after the story surfaced and told him “that he must fully take responsibility for his words.”

The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) called on Jones to withdraw from the race.

In a statement posted on X, Executive Director Adam Piper said, “Conservatives are being executed for their beliefs, and text messages like these are part of the problem. Virginia deserves far better.”

Jones’ campaign has already faced controversy over unrelated issues.

In 2022, he served a sentence for reckless driving in Virginia, fulfilling community service hours through his own political action committee.

Miyares criticized the move in a recent post on X, saying Jones attempted to avoid jail time by counting work for his PAC as community service.

“This raises serious, troubling questions about Jay Jones’ judgment, his ability to uphold the law, and, ultimately, his qualifications for Attorney General,” Miyares wrote.

Jones, who lost the Democratic primary for attorney general in 2021, won his party’s 2025 primary in June and is set to face Miyares in November.

The emergence of the messages and the renewed focus on his past conduct have added new challenges to his campaign as the general election approaches.

Memphis Resident Photo Bombs CNN Live Shot as Trump Admin Cleans Up the Blue City
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Memphis Resident Photo Bombs CNN Live Shot as Trump Admin Cleans Up the Blue City

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A CNN live report from Memphis this week was interrupted when a resident carrying a sign critical of Democrats and supportive of President Donald Trump repeatedly entered the camera shot.

The moment occurred during coverage of Trump’s deployment of National Guard units to assist local law enforcement in the city.

The sign carried by the individual read “Democrats Destroyed Memphis” on one side and “Thank you, President Trump” on the other.

As the CNN correspondent delivered his report, the individual moved behind him multiple times to ensure the message was visible on camera.

During the broadcast, the reporter detailed the federal law enforcement efforts underway.

“More than 50 arrests were made just last night,” he said, adding, “Twenty guns have been taken off the street in the last 24 hours.”

Eventually, the reporter acknowledged the presence of the sign carrier.

“You see people like this guy, behind me with the sign,” he said.

“He has it on both sides… He’s hoping that this action by Trump will help make the city safer.”

The network then aired a clip of a local resident voicing support for the federal action, saying that increased law enforcement was welcome in the neighborhood.

Earlier in the day, Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the progress made by the Memphis Safe Task Force, a joint effort involving multiple federal agencies.

“In just 48 hours, our Memphis Safe Task Force has made 53 arrests and seized 20 illegal firearms,” Bondi said in a post on X.

“Yesterday, a missing juvenile was located and three firearms were recovered at the home of a murder suspect. At @POTUS direction, we are making America safe again!”

Later Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Memphis to meet with law enforcement and National Guard personnel involved in the operation.

In his remarks, Hegseth emphasized federal support for local officers. “I just cannot thank you enough for what you do, what you do in difficult places, in dark places, in dangerous places where politicians spend a lot of time second-guessing you,” he said.

“Second-guessing the impossible decisions you have to make that they will never understand,” he continued.

“We’re not here to second-guess you; we’re here to have your back. To unleash you to do your job so you come home safely.”

Hegseth also said that federal authorities would continue to provide direct support.

“Our department is here to enable you, law enforcement, to do your job,” he said.

“To help protect your facilities, help protect your people, so… that your hands can be untied to secure your city. The Tennessee National Guard is going to be right here having your back.”

The action in Memphis follows a broader federal strategy initiated by President Trump, who recently directed the federalization of law enforcement in Washington, D.C.

That operation was credited with significantly reducing violent crime in the capital.

The deployment of federal resources in Memphis reflects the administration’s continued effort to assist cities grappling with high levels of violence.

With hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops now coordinating with local law enforcement, officials say they are focused on reducing crime and restoring security across the city.

Hegseth, Noem Back Creation of Coast Guard Secretary Amid Trump’s Drug Smuggling Crackdown
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Hegseth, Noem Back Creation of Coast Guard Secretary Amid Trump’s Drug Smuggling Crackdown

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are supporting a plan to establish a new civilian secretary of the Coast Guard, a move they say will strengthen oversight and improve coordination with other branches of the military, as reported by Fox News.

Currently, the Coast Guard is the only armed service without a cabinet-level civilian secretary. It falls under the Department of Homeland Security but does not have a direct equivalent to the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, or Air Force.

The proposal, which is gaining momentum within the Trump administration and Congress, seeks to align the Coast Guard with the organizational standards of the other services under the Department of War.

In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Hegseth wrote to Noem outlining the importance of the change.

WASHINGTON – January 14 2025: Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense nominee, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I view the creation of a Secretary of the Coast Guard as a vital step toward strengthening strategic integration and alignment between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War,” Hegseth said.

He added, “Furthermore, a Secretary of the Coast Guard would reinforce civilian oversight of the military, a foundational principle of our Constitution. A dedicated Service Secretary would promote appropriate executive accountability and policy guidance for the Coast Guard’s critical mission set, provide clear leadership and advocacy, and ensure that the Service is effectively advancing the priorities of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the President of the United States.”

Noem echoed the importance of creating the position, stressing that it would improve the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct joint operations with other branches of the military.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at Nashville International Airport announcing new express TSA lanes for military families as part of the “Serve With Honor, Travel With Ease” initiative Thursday, July 17, 2025.

She pointed to Operation Pacific Viper, a joint effort between the Coast Guard and the Navy designed to counter drug trafficking into the United States, as an example of the type of coordination that would benefit from a dedicated civilian secretary.

“The Coast Guard is the tip of the spear in the fight to protect our Homeland,” Noem said in a statement.

“Every day, they are taking down drug smugglers, going toe-to-toe with our adversaries in the Arctic and the Pacific, and saving lives. Having a Secretary of the Coast Guard will be essential for President Trump’s mandate to rebuild the Service into the finest maritime fighting force in the world.”

Supporters argue that creating the position will streamline bureaucracy by ensuring direct reporting to the White House and Congress, eliminating multiple layers of administrative hurdles.

“This person is going to be instrumental in getting things done,” Ezell, a senior administration official, told Fox News Digital.

The United States Coast Guard performs a rescue simulation at the OC Air Show Saturday, June 10, 2023, in Ocean City, Maryland.

The proposal coincides with the Coast Guard’s recently unveiled Force Design 2028 plan, which lays out reforms to its organizational structure, acquisitions, contracting, personnel, and technology.

The plan also includes aligning physical fitness, body composition, and grooming standards with those of the Department of Defense, while identifying areas where training and personnel expansion are most needed.

The Coast Guard currently has approximately 43,000 active-duty service members. Advocates of the reform say a dedicated secretary will provide the leadership necessary to strengthen the service’s role in national security, law enforcement, and humanitarian missions.

Newsom’s Press Office Appears to Threaten Kristi Noem, Gets Referred to the Secret Service
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Newsom’s Press Office Appears to Threaten Kristi Noem, Gets Referred to the Secret Service

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Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli announced Saturday that he has referred a social media post from Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office to the U.S. Secret Service for review, citing concerns that it could be interpreted as a potential threat against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Earlier in the day, Newsom’s press office posted on X, “Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”

The statement did not include any context to clarify what the office was referencing.

The post drew immediate criticism from officials in Washington.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, condemned the remark publicly on X.

“This reads like a threat. This is ugly [Gavin Newsom]. Your keyboard warrior team may hide behind their laptops and spew this kind of vitriol but you would never have the guts to say this to her face,” McLaughlin wrote.

Following her comment, Newsom’s press office responded by mocking McLaughlin’s own wording.

The online exchange prompted Essayli to weigh in.

In a post of his own, he stated, “We have zero tolerance for direct or implicit threats against government officials. I’ve referred this matter to [The U.S. Secret Service] and requested a full threat assessment.”

The governor’s press office has increasingly adopted a style that appears designed to mimic or parody the online persona of President Donald Trump.

The account frequently posts in all capital letters and borrows phrasing associated with Trump’s statements on Truth Social.

Hours after the initial message directed at Noem, the press office shifted tone and issued another post announcing that Newsom would be signing legislation described as protecting “immigrant communities” and aiming to “hold Trump accountable.”

The timing of the remarks sparked additional backlash amid an already tense political climate.

Just weeks earlier, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated, an event that has heightened scrutiny over rhetoric and perceived threats directed toward public officials.

The Trump administration has also faced security concerns in recent months.

Reports this week confirmed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was recently assigned a Secret Service protective detail in response to threats.

As of Saturday evening, the Secret Service had not publicly commented on whether a formal investigation into the California governor’s office post had been opened.

The agency routinely reviews reports of statements considered threatening toward federal officials.

Secretary Noem, appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security, has not publicly addressed the message from Newsom’s office.

Newsom’s press team has also not offered clarification beyond its follow-up remarks.

The development places new attention on the conduct of Newsom’s communications staff and adds to the scrutiny surrounding political rhetoric as campaigns and legislative battles continue across the country.

The referral is expected to trigger at least a preliminary assessment by the Secret Service.

If deemed necessary, a full investigation could follow to determine whether the comment constituted a credible threat or was limited to partisan political expression.

George Soros Gives Million to Gavin Newsom’s California Redistricting Initiative
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George Soros Gives $10 Million to Gavin Newsom’s California Redistricting Initiative

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Billionaire donor George Soros has contributed $10 million to California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ballot initiative to redraw the state’s congressional districts, The New York Times reported Friday, as reported by Fox News.

The donation is the single largest given to the campaign, according to two sources cited by the outlet.

Soros, the founder of the $25 billion Open Society Foundations, has long financed left-leaning political campaigns ranging from local district attorney races to national contests. His son, Alex Soros, took over as chair of the Open Society Foundations board of directors in 2022.

The donation boosts Newsom’s campaign fund for Proposition 50, the California redistricting measure, to about $70 million.

Governor Gavin Newsom talks to fifth-graders at Vista Del Monte Elementary School in Palm Springs, Calif., on February 28, 2020. Newsom visited the school to raise awareness and support for Proposition 13.

Newsom launched the initiative earlier this year, arguing it is a response to Republican-led redistricting efforts in states such as Texas, supported by President Donald Trump.

“We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what’s happening in Texas, and we will nullify what happens in Texas,” Newsom said in August while promoting Proposition 50.

The push comes after Texas Republicans approved new congressional maps during a special session in August 2025. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers left the state at the time, traveling to states including Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York to block a quorum.

Their absence delayed the vote but ultimately did not prevent passage, as Gov. Greg Abbott signed the new maps into law later that month.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott. (Credit: Mikala Compton/American-Statesman/File)

Proposition 50 will appear on California’s ballot in a special election scheduled for Nov. 4. Newsom has argued the plan could add five congressional seats for Democrats.

“We’ll pick up five seats with the consent of the people. And that’s the difference between the approach we’re taking and the approach they’re taking,” he said in August.

“We’re doing it on a temporary basis. We’re doing it in a fully transparent way, and we’re doing it by asking the people of the state of California for their consent and support.”

President Trump voiced support for Texas Republicans’ redistricting efforts, telling CNBC in August that the changes could deliver additional GOP seats.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

“In California, it’s all gerrymandered,” Trump said.

“And we have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas. I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats.”

Trump has also repeatedly criticized Soros for his political spending. “Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you!” Trump posted on Truth Social in August.

The Heir: Inside the (Not So) Secret Network of Alex Soros

Neither Newsom’s office nor the Open Society Foundations responded to requests for comment on the donation.

Illinois Democrat Melts Down While Confronting ICE Agents in Chicago Streets
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Illinois Democrat Melts Down While Confronting ICE Agents in Chicago Streets

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An Illinois state senator was filmed confronting federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in West Chicago, drawing criticism from officials who described her behavior as reckless and concerning.

State Sen. Karina Villa, a Democrat, was seen on video early Monday running through the streets in red pants and high heels while shouting warnings to residents.

In the footage, she urged people to “stay in your cars” and “stay in your houses” as ICE agents conducted their operation.

Approaching a vehicle carrying agents, Villa declared, “This is my city! This is my city, that’s right!”

She then repeatedly shouted, “Take off your masks!” before turning to the camera and delivering a message in Spanish.

The video quickly circulated online, prompting widespread reaction.

Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol chief overseeing the Chicago operations, addressed the incident during an appearance on “Fox and Friends” Wednesday.

He suggested Villa’s behavior demonstrated instability.

“When I see this, I think she really needs to see someone. She may need some help,” Bovino said.

Bovino emphasized that the protective gear worn by agents is essential to their safety.

“With a 1,000% increase in assaults against federal agents doing operations such as this, I think it makes sense for these masks to be there. There’s a reason for this,” he stated.

ICE officials also issued a response, condemning Villa’s actions.

“It is irresponsible and dangerous for any elected official to flagrantly encourage individuals to disregard the law and interfere with lawful operations that protect public safety,” the agency said in a statement.

Bovino announced Tuesday morning that “Operation at Large,” a component of the larger Operation Midway Blitz, had launched in Chicago with the purpose of targeting illegal aliens.

He noted that enforcement efforts had already led to significant results.

“In the past week alone, we’ve made several hundred arrests in and around Chicago. And you’re going to see those numbers rise,” Bovino told Fox News.

When asked about Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s opposition to ICE operations in the state, Bovino signaled he was open to a direct discussion but insisted the governor should witness the situation firsthand.

“I’d rather walk the streets with the governor,” he said.

“He better put his walking shoes on if he’s got them in. Let’s take a walk and look at the streets and look at what these aliens are doing to Chicago and its residents.”

The clash between Villa and federal agents highlights ongoing tensions between Illinois Democrats and federal immigration authorities.

While Villa’s video drew attention online, ICE continues its operations across the region, which officials say are aimed at addressing public safety concerns tied to illegal immigration.

The situation in West Chicago marks the latest flashpoint in the debate over cooperation between state officials and federal enforcement, with both sides standing firm on their positions.

Federal agents have signaled they will continue operations under Operation Midway Blitz, while Villa has not publicly backed down from her confrontation with ICE.

Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett Under Fire Over Murdered Autistic Woman Comments
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Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett Under Fire Over Murdered Autistic Woman Comments

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A House Judiciary Committee markup session Wednesday turned contentious when Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) dismissed the case of Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old autistic woman murdered in 2022 by an illegal alien, as the use of a “random dead” person in political debate.

Hamilton was killed in Aberdeen, Maryland, in July 2022 by 16-year-old Walter Javier Martinez, an illegal alien from El Salvador who was affiliated with the MS-13 gang.

Martinez had been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in March 2022 and was transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which placed him with a sponsor in the United States shortly afterward.

During the committee’s markup of the Kayla Hamilton Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) to address dangerous placements of unaccompanied alien children (UACs), Crockett accused Republicans of politicizing Hamilton’s death.

“I’m tired of y’all cherry-picking one horrible event! Because that’s what y’all do!” Crockett said during the exchange.

“Y’all find one terrible situation that took place and then you say that person’s name and you wear it out and you make it political!”

She continued: “Stop playing these games and acting like you care about one particular situation. You take a situation and then you exploit what has happened to not only that person, but you exploit those families and you make it a game! Stop just throwing a random dead person’s name on something for your own political expediency!”

The remarks drew strong reactions from Republican members, who argued that the committee was considering legislation named in honor of Hamilton to prevent future tragedies involving unvetted UAC placements.

Rep. Fry first introduced the Kayla Hamilton Act to Protect American Communities from Dangerous UAC Placements in July.

The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider whether an unaccompanied minor poses a risk to themselves or the community before assigning them to a sponsor.

Hamilton’s murder has remained a focal point in debates over border security and vetting of UACs.

A May 2023 report from the House Judiciary Committee detailed how Martinez was allowed into the country despite warning signs.

“The Committee’s and Subcommittee’s oversight has revealed that the Biden Administration insufficiently vetted Kayla’s murderer and allowed him to enter the country,” the report stated.

“Tragically, [Homeland Security] Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas and his department missed key warning signs about the alien’s propensity for violence, which law enforcement officials investigating the murder later uncovered.”

The report concluded that stronger vetting procedures could have identified Martinez’s gang ties prior to his release into the U.S.

Hamilton’s case has drawn national attention not only because of her murder but also because of her vulnerability as a young woman with autism.

Advocates have argued that her death highlights systemic flaws in how UACs are processed and placed after crossing the southern border.

The Judiciary Committee debate underscored the divide between Republicans, who say Hamilton’s death demonstrates the urgent need for reforms to immigration policy, and Democrats, who contend that individual cases are being used to advance a broader political agenda.

The Kayla Hamilton Act remains under consideration as lawmakers continue to debate how federal agencies handle the placement of unaccompanied minors and the broader implications for public safety.


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