Author name: Justin Murray

Dem Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Criminal Charges
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Dem Mayor LaToya Cantrell Indicted on Federal Criminal Charges

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted Friday by a federal grand jury, marking the first time in the city’s history that a sitting mayor faces criminal prosecution, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The indictment, which also names former New Orleans Police officer Jeffrey Vappie, follows an FBI investigation. Details of the federal charges have not yet been released.

Cantrell’s legal troubles come after more than two years of scrutiny over her conduct in office.

Allegations have included a reported romantic relationship with Vappie, who previously served as her executive security officer, as well as disputes with local institutions and questions over taxpayer spending.

In 2023, local news outlets reported that the FBI was investigating Cantrell for an alleged affair with Vappie and potential misuse of taxpayer funds.

According to the Daily Mail, the probe examined her time spent with Vappie on city property and during trips funded by the government. Security footage allegedly showed the two spending extended periods together in a city-owned Upper Pontalba apartment during work hours.

Vappie was also accused of falsifying timesheets while serving on Cantrell’s security detail.

An internal investigation by the New Orleans Police Department concluded that he violated departmental rules, including logging 18 hours of work in a single day and spending “numerous hours” with Cantrell outside his scheduled duties.

Records also indicated that Vappie participated in two Housing Authority of New Orleans board meetings as the mayor’s appointee.

The allegations were further amplified by divorce filings from Vappie’s wife, which suggest the relationship with Cantrell began in May 2021 — the same month Vappie joined her security team.

The mayor has also faced criticism for a series of controversies during her time in office, including a legal battle with a New Orleans resident over photographs allegedly showing her with Vappie, disputes with the New Orleans Public Schools over a multi-million dollar funding commitment, and backlash for frequent travel during public safety crises.

Cantrell previously came under fire for spending more than $30,000 in taxpayer funds on first-class flights to Europe, defending the expenses by citing safety concerns as a Black woman and protection from COVID-19.

Vappie’s indictment is connected to the same FBI investigation that led to charges against Cantrell. Both now await further legal proceedings as federal authorities prepare to release additional details of the case.

Hakeem Jeffries Dodges, Loses Patience Over NYC Socialist Mamdani Questions
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Hakeem Jeffries Dodges, Loses Patience Over NYC Socialist Mamdani Questions

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) faced pointed questions this week during an appearance on CNBC regarding New York City’s Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

The exchange became tense when Jeffries expressed frustration at being asked about the candidate’s policies.

The interview took place Thursday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” where Jeffries initially criticized President Donald Trump for what he called an “anti-free market” move in replacing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics following the release of a disappointing jobs report.

Host Andrew Ross Sorkin then shifted the discussion to New York City’s upcoming mayoral race, noting the apparent contrast between Jeffries’ stated support for free market principles and his party’s nomination of Mamdani, a self-described socialist, for the city’s top office.

“I’m trying to understand why you would spend a significant amount of time asking me about the Democratic nominee who’s not even the mayor,” Jeffries replied, visibly frustrated by the line of questioning.

Sorkin pressed further, pointing to Mamdani’s political stance and policy positions, and asking how Jeffries’ economic views align with those of the nominee.

Jeffries did not directly address the specifics of Mamdani’s platform, instead questioning the relevance of focusing on a candidate who has yet to take office.

Mamdani, currently a state assemblyman representing parts of Queens, has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies including expanded public housing, increased taxes on high-income earners, and changes to policing in the city.

His nomination has drawn attention both for his political positions and for the broader implications of a socialist candidate leading the Democratic ticket in the nation’s largest city.

The mayoral race comes as New York City continues to grapple with issues such as crime rates, housing costs, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Mamdani’s candidacy is expected to be a focal point in debates over the city’s future direction, with his policies facing scrutiny from both opponents and members of his own party.

Jeffries, who leads House Democrats in Washington, did not indicate during the interview whether he plans to formally endorse Mamdani.

When asked by CNBC about his position on the mayoral race, he shifted the conversation back to national economic issues and legislative priorities.

The interaction underscores the political challenges Democrats may face in addressing internal divisions over economic policy and the role of socialist-leaning candidates within the party.

While Jeffries has emphasized the importance of economic growth and market stability, the nomination of Mamdani — and the questions it raises — is likely to remain a topic in media interviews and political discussions leading up to the election.

The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November, with Mamdani set to face the Republican nominee in a contest expected to draw national attention.

Barack Obama Backs AWOL Texas Democrats, Calls it ‘Fighting for Democracy’
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Barack Obama Backs AWOL Texas Democrats, Calls it ‘Fighting for Democracy’

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Former President Barack Obama met virtually with a group of Texas Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on a Republican-backed redistricting bill, calling their actions “inspiring,” according to statements from the lawmakers and an Obama spokesperson.

Texas state Rep. Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, posted on X Thursday thanking Obama for speaking with the group via Zoom.

Wu said the lawmakers were “encouraged” by the former president’s words and “remain committed to fighting for democracy, in Texas & across the country.”

ABC News reported that an Obama spokesperson confirmed the meeting, stating that the former president “lauded their fight against the Republican efforts to enact an even more egregious gerrymander in Texas ahead of the midterms” and told them they were part of “a bigger effort to protect free and fair elections.”

The spokesperson added that Obama commended the lawmakers for “inspiring others with their actions.”

The meeting came amid an ongoing standoff in the Texas Legislature over a redistricting bill supported by President Donald Trump that would likely give Republicans five additional congressional seats.

More than 50 Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives left the state to deny the chamber a quorum, blocking the bill from advancing.

Texas Republican leaders have responded by filing legal action to compel the absent lawmakers to return and have warned they could face removal from office if they continue to refuse participation in the legislative process.

In a statement Thursday, Texas House Democrats said they would only return if the legislature agrees to adjourn without plans to reconvene or if California adopts its own redistricting legislation to “neutralize” the GOP seats gained in Texas.

Obama has voiced support for the Texas Democrats before.

In an August 5 post on X, he wrote, “We can’t lose focus on what matters – right now, Republicans in Texas are trying to gerrymander district lines to unfairly win five seats in next year’s midterm elections. This is a power grab that undermines our democracy.”

Wu told ABC News that the group was “especially excited” to have Obama address them directly.

“Having President Obama speak with us and support us is proof that when Texas House Democrats stand up and fight back, we don’t stand alone — we have the support of Democrats at every level,” Wu said.

“When Republicans attack voting rights in Texas, they’re attacking the foundation of our democracy everywhere.”

Wu also said the meeting was held via Zoom because of what he described as “Republican threats.”

He claimed the lawmakers were meeting from an undisclosed location to avoid “surveillance,” adding, “They know their racial gerrymandering scheme is falling apart, so they’re resorting to intimidation tactics.

But President Obama’s support shows the whole country is watching — and Texas House Democrats won’t be silenced by bullies.”

Separately on Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to counter the Texas redistricting proposal by having his state redraw its own congressional districts to offset the additional Republican seats Texas could gain.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, responded to Newsom’s statement by saying that if California removes all of its Republican districts, Texas should take similar action, which he said would result in a net gain for the GOP.


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