Author name: Kyle Stevenson

Trump Announces Christmas Cash Payments for Troops Funded by Tariff Revenue
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Trump Announces Christmas Cash Payments for Troops Funded by Tariff Revenue

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President Donald Trump announced a new financial benefit for U.S. service members, unveiling what he called a “Warrior Dividend” that will provide a $1,776 payment to approximately 1.45 million members of the military.

The announcement was tied to what Trump described as strong federal revenues driven by tariffs and recently passed legislation.

Speaking publicly, President Trump said the payments are intended to honor the nation’s founding year and recognize the role of the military.

According to Trump, the checks are already being issued and are expected to arrive before Christmas.

“To be the largest tax refund season of all time because of tariffs, along with the just passed one big, beautiful bill,” Trump said.

“Tonight, I am also proud to announce that more than 1400 50,000 think of this, 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special we call warrior dividend before Christmas, a warrior dividend in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776 we are sending every soldier $1,776 think of that, and the checks are already on the way.”

Trump attributed the funding for the payments to higher-than-expected revenue tied to tariffs, as well as the impact of the newly enacted legislation.

He said the financial outcome exceeded initial expectations and allowed the administration to move forward with the payments.

“Nobody understood that one until about 30 minutes ago, we made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and the Bill helped us along,” Trump said.

The president framed the Warrior Dividend as a direct acknowledgment of military service, emphasizing that no group was more deserving of the benefit.

He congratulated service members and highlighted what he described as a dramatic turnaround in military recruitment.

“Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say congratulations to everybody,” Trump said.

Trump contrasted current enlistment figures with those from the previous year, claiming a significant improvement.

He said recruitment numbers had reached record levels after experiencing what he described as some of the worst results in military history just one year earlier.

“And by the way, we now have record enlistment in our military, and last year, we had among the worst recruitment numbers in our military’s history,” Trump said. “What a difference a year makes.”

The announcement positioned the Warrior Dividend as both a symbolic and financial gesture, linking the $1,776 payment amount to the year 1776, when the United States declared independence.

Trump emphasized the historical reference as part of the rationale behind the program.

In addition to discussing the payments and recruitment figures, Trump suggested that his approach on a broader, unspecified issue set him apart from other political figures.

He said his actions were unprecedented compared to those of past leaders from both major parties.

“In addition, I’m doing what no politician of either party has ever done,” Trump said.

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Alabama Sports Reporter’s Death Sparks Murder-Suicide Investigation
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Alabama Sports Reporter’s Death Sparks Murder-Suicide Investigation

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An Alabama sports reporter and her husband were found dead inside their family home Tuesday morning with gunshot wounds in what authorities are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide, according to police.

The bodies of Christina Chambers, a former WBRC 6 sports reporter, and her husband, Johnny Rimes, were discovered around 9 a.m. inside their residence in Hoover, the station reported.

The Hoover Police Department said officers responded after a family member called 911 upon finding the couple unresponsive inside the home.

Police said officers who arrived at the scene located the couple’s 3-year-old child inside the residence.

The child was unharmed.

Chambers and Rimes were pronounced dead at the scene after suffering gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide.

Authorities stated the investigation remains in its early stages. Police also confirmed there is no threat to the public.

Chambers was well known in Alabama media circles for her work at WBRC 6, where she joined the station in 2015.

She became a familiar face on the station’s “Sideline” program, which provides primetime coverage of local sports.

During her tenure, Chambers delivered live, on-field reporting and anchored extended coverage, including marathon broadcasts tied to sporting events and races in which she was also a participant, according to the station.

In July 2021, Chambers left her full-time reporting position to pursue a career in education.

Despite stepping away from a full-time role, she continued freelancing for WBRC 6 and contributed coverage during the 2025 football season.

Following her transition into education, Chambers worked as a broadcast journalism teacher at Thompson High School.

According to the school, she was named the 2024 Advisor of the Year by the Alabama Scholastic Press Association.

Her students earned multiple honors under her leadership, including the Alex House Journalism Sustainability Award in 2025, a SkillsUSA State Championship in Broadcast News, and two All-Alabama Overall Broadcast Awards.

Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers issued a statement reflecting on Chambers’ impact on students and the school community.

“As a beloved member of the Warrior Nation Network, Christina brought her deep knowledge and love of sports reporting to Friday nights, leaving a lasting impression on students, colleagues, and viewers alike,” Vickers said.

“She was a cherished part of the Warrior family, and we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all who are grieving this profound loss.”

In recent years, Chambers also worked in the corporate communications department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. The company released a statement following her death.

“We are deeply saddened by this horrific tragedy, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Christina’s family during this extremely difficult time,” a BCBS spokesperson said.

“She was a cherished colleague whose warmth and loving personality touched everyone she worked with. Christina was a source of joy and inspiration to our team and company — she will be greatly missed.”

Public officials and former colleagues also shared tributes after news of the deaths became public. Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, R-Ala., commented on the tragedy in a post on X.

“Tragic news,” Boyd Britt wrote.

“Please join me in keeping Christina’s friends, family, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. I’m also praying for the entire [WBRC 6 News] team as they mourn the loss of a former colleague and friend.”

Former coworkers at WBRC 6 described Chambers as a devoted mother and a beloved presence in the newsroom.

Anchor Jeh Jeh Pruitt shared a personal reflection following the announcement.

“She was one of the sweetest, most loving people that I know,” Pruitt said.

“She was relentless with running, loving her son, and loving life. I am glad I got a chance to hug and tell her I love her a week ago at the Super 7. I am so sorry for her family, the Chambers and Thompson Families, and her WBRC Family.”

Police have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Epstein, Uranium One, Clinton Foundation, and the FBI: Mike Benz Connects the Dots
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Epstein, Uranium One, Clinton Foundation, and the FBI: Mike Benz Connects the Dots

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Former State Department official Mike Benz and television host Grant Stinchfield accused the FBI of longstanding misconduct and political favoritism during a recent on-air exchange, arguing that alleged cover-ups tied to the Clinton Foundation, the Uranium One deal, and the January 6 pipe bomb investigation demonstrate a systemic failure that Congress must address immediately.

Benz argued that multiple controversies often treated as separate scandals are, in his view, interconnected and rooted in institutional protection of powerful political figures.

He pointed to testimony involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged role in the early formation of the Clinton Foundation.

“Well, my reaction to this is, these things are all related,” Benz said.

“It was actually Jeffrey Epstein who whose lawyer testified in court that Jeffrey Epstein helped establish the Clinton Foundation in the early 2000s right when Bill Clinton was leaving office and Hillary Clinton was beginning her Senate career and then into into the White House.”

Benz said Epstein’s access to the Clinton White House raised unresolved questions.

“This Jeffrey Epstein visited the Clinton White House 17 times during the Clinton presidency,” he said.

He then turned to the Uranium One controversy, referencing reporting and declassified materials tied to Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Benz said the FBI had an active criminal investigation into the deal involving the sale of 20 percent of U.S. uranium to Russian interests during the Obama administration’s “reset” with Russia.

“According to the New York Post the there’s a pay for play relationship that the Clintons evidently had surprise to no one what’s happening right now with the uranium? One scandal breaking open again with these newly declassified memos from Chuck Grassley that the FBI had an active criminal investigation into the Uranium One scandal that was 20% of all US uranium being sold off to Russia,” Benz said.

He noted that the transaction occurred while Hillary Clinton served as Secretary of State and sat on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which approved the deal.

Benz said donors connected to Uranium One subsequently contributed millions to the Clinton Foundation.

“It looked like a direct payoff of the foundation associated with the Secretary of State, so that the Secretary of State would bless the the sale of Uranium One since she sat on the CFIUS review board that authorized the sale,” Benz said.

Benz further alleged that the FBI investigation was halted internally.

“The FBI tried to investigate it, but was shut down by by Andy McCabe, the Deputy Director of the FBI, who would go on to play a significant role in russiagate, no less,” he said.

Stinchfield responded by linking those claims to other controversies involving federal law enforcement, including the raid on Mar-a-Lago and the lack of prosecutions tied to past investigations.

“So take the whole beginning of the show. We’ve got the FBI basically knew. FBI agent knew that the raid on Mar a Lago was bogus,” Stinchfield said.

“More evidence as you lay out that there was wrongdoing at every level. And I believe you could make an argument for criminal wrongdoing.”

He expressed frustration over the absence of consequences.

“And yet, here we are today, you and me talking again as we’ve been doing for two years or more, and we have no charges really to speak of,” Stinchfield said.

“We’ve got nothing. No one’s arrested, no no penalties, no retribution, nothing.”

Benz argued the issue stems from weak ethics enforcement within the bureau and cited the January 6 pipe bomb investigation as another example. He said the case was stalled for months despite available evidence.

“You know that that case was solved simply by retrieving the data that the FBI testified was corrupted,” Benz said, adding that phone carriers later told the House Judiciary Committee the data had not been corrupted when initially provided.

He questioned what consequences exist for agents who interfere with investigations.

“What are you going to do to ensure that the ethics rules around malfeasance is tampering with evidence?” Benz asked.

“What is the penalty? The criminal penalty for FBI agents who willfully sabotage criminal investigations to protect their friends?”

Stinchfield was skeptical Congress would act.

“I doubt they will get on it, because this just isn’t what they do,” he said.

“They don’t have the cojones to do it.”

Benz said the political moment is critical, citing unified Republican control across multiple branches of government.

“I think that there has to be a sense of urgency right now,” Benz said.

“If it’s not done in the next 10 months, it’ll never get done. And frankly, if you want to lose the midterms, this is how you do it.”

Stinchfield agreed, closing the segment by reiterating his frustration over the lack of accountability and thanking Benz for his analysis.

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Schumer Shutdown 2.0?: ‘The Toothpaste is Already Out of the Tube’ After Jan 1st
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Schumer Shutdown 2.0?: ‘The Toothpaste is Already Out of the Tube’ After Jan 1st

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declined on Tuesday to rule out the possibility of another government shutdown as Democrats continue pressing Republicans to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies ahead of an approaching federal funding deadline.

President Donald Trump ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history on Nov. 12 after signing a spending package that funded the government through the end of January and restored pay to federal workers who had been furloughed during the lapse.

With government funding set to expire again on Jan. 30, lawmakers are facing renewed pressure to pass additional appropriations bills or a temporary funding measure to avoid another shutdown.

During an exchange with reporters, Schumer repeatedly avoided giving a direct answer when asked whether Democrats would once again tie government funding to their demand for extending enhanced Obamacare premium tax credits, a strategy Democrats used during the previous shutdown.

“Mr. Chairman, you mentioned January 1. There is also a January 30 deadline to fund the government. Do you have any expectation that Democrats might tie back to ACA like you did last time to try to get a result?” one reporter asked.

“Look, just as I said, it’s on the Republicans that we haven’t had health care done after January 1. It’s very, very hard to put it back in the bottom,” Schumer responded.

When reporters asked directly whether Democrats would vote to shut down the government on Jan. 30 if they failed to secure an extension of the ACA subsidies, Schumer again declined to give a clear commitment.

“As I said, the bottom line is very simple, and that is that the way to solve this problem, because the toothpaste is already out of the tube, is get it done by January 1. The Republicans, if they care so much and feel the heat, they should make sure they pass our bill,” Schumer said.

Pressed again on whether Democrats would use the looming government funding deadline as leverage for health care demands, Schumer refused to clarify his position.

“That doesn’t sound like you’ve arrived on a strategy for how to handle January 30. So is that in play? Yes or no? The health care issue, the same as it was in the government shutdown this fall?” a reporter asked.

“I answered the question,” Schumer replied.

“That doesn’t sound clear, though,” one reporter noted.

“The bottom line is very clear. You can’t do it after January 1st, especially when the issues of Hyde and all these people. It’s expired already. It’s not the same as it was before. Once it expires, the toothpaste is out of the tube,” Schumer said.

Government funding is scheduled to expire on Jan. 30, and Congress has not passed any additional appropriations bills since the shutdown ended in November, according to Congress.gov and the Congressional Research Service.

Under the agreement that ended the shutdown, President Trump signed three appropriations bills that fund roughly 10 percent of the federal government and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program through the fiscal year.

The remaining nine appropriations bills, accounting for about 90 percent of federal spending, remain unfunded unless Congress passes them or approves a continuing resolution, according to CRS data.

The signing ceremony followed a House vote approving a Senate-passed funding package by a margin of 222–209.

The vote largely split along party lines, though Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Greg Steube of Florida voted against the measure despite being Republicans, while six Democrats voted in favor of it.

Democrats ended the November shutdown without securing their primary demand for extending enhanced Obamacare premium tax credits.

As part of the shutdown resolution, Senate Majority Leader John Thune agreed to schedule a December vote on a Democratic bill aimed at extending the ACA subsidies. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not agreed to take up the measure.

The Democratic bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where it would need to clear the chamber’s 60-vote threshold to advance.

With funding deadlines approaching and major portions of the federal government still unfunded, Schumer’s refusal to rule out another shutdown has added uncertainty to negotiations as Congress moves toward the Jan. 30 deadline.

Trump’s Marijuana Move Has Democrats Nervous, CNN Analyst Says
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Trump’s Marijuana Move Has Democrats Nervous, CNN Analyst Says

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CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten said Tuesday that President Donald Trump could gain a political advantage over Democrats if he moves forward with reclassifying marijuana under federal law.

Trump told reporters on Monday that he is considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug. Schedule I substances are defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, while Schedule III drugs are described as having a “moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.”

Enten discussed the potential political impact of such a move during an appearance on “CNN News Central,” saying the issue could benefit Trump, particularly among younger voters.

“Take a look at those under the age of 35 because they have been a real swing group, right? They swung wildly from the 2020 to 2024 election, going increasingly into the president’s column, and then we’ve seen them actually shift back away from the president,” Enten said.

“This could be an issue that could help, among other issues, help bring them back into the president’s camp … So for me, this could be a wedge issue that the president could use, in fact, against his Democratic opposition and say, ‘hey, you know what?’ Democrats have talked the talk, but I’m actually going to walk the walk when it comes to legalizing marijuana.”

Enten said the potential reclassification could place Democrats at a disadvantage on an issue they have long discussed but not finalized at the federal level. He also referenced prediction markets while discussing the likelihood of the policy change.

According to Enten, prediction markets currently show an 88% chance that Trump will reclassify marijuana before the end of his term.

Enten also cited polling data showing long-term shifts in public opinion on marijuana legalization.

A Gallup poll found that support for legal marijuana among Americans rose from 36% in 2005 to 64% currently.

Among adults under the age of 35, support is higher.

According to the same Gallup poll, 72% of people in that age group support legalizing marijuana, and 49% reported having used it.

The discussion of potential reclassification comes alongside ongoing debates over marijuana’s health effects.

Studies have identified several risks associated with marijuana use.

Research has shown that marijuana use can be associated with negative health outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes.

A study published in May 2023 examined data from nearly 7 million men and women in Denmark over almost three decades.

That study found evidence that cannabis use among young men may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Another research paper published in 2023 found that older Americans with cardiovascular risk factors faced a 20% increased risk of “a major heart or brain event while hospitalized” when marijuana use was involved.

Additional research has also linked marijuana use to heart attack risk among younger adults.

According to the American College of Cardiology, two studies found that cannabis users under the age of 50 were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users.

Supporters of marijuana legalization dispute those findings and argue that cannabis is less toxic or addictive than alcohol.

Advocates also say marijuana provides medical benefits for certain conditions, including anxiety and chronic pain.

Trump has not announced a final decision on reclassifying marijuana, but his comments to reporters indicate the issue remains under consideration.

Tuberville Ignites a ‘Pearl Clutchers’ Firestorm with His Comments About Islam
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Tuberville Ignites a ‘Pearl Clutchers’ Firestorm with His Comments About Islam

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Following the Bondi Beach attack in Australia, reports that the Brown University killer screamed “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire, the ISIS murder of two American servicemen in Syria, and the arrest of a Muslim student at the University of Delaware who plotted a jihad attack against campus police, renewed attention has focused on Islamic jihad.

In that context, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) issued remarks that drew immediate responses from Democratic lawmakers and other officials.

Tuberville wrote Sunday, “Islam is not a religion. It’s a cult. Islamists aren’t here to assimilate. They’re here to conquer. Stop worrying about offending the pearl clutchers. We’ve got to SEND THEM HOME NOW or we’ll become the United Caliphate of America.”

The comments prompted swift reactions from Democrats. Sen. Ed Markey (D) responded, “These are hateful lies. Islamophobia has no place in our society. MAGA Republicans should stop spewing the kind of hate that divides us and foments violence.”

California State Senator Scott Wiener (D) also weighed in, writing, “It’s unwise to respond to every dumb a** bigoted thing people say on the internet, but when a United States senator — albeit the dumbest United States senator — calls for denaturalization & deportation of an entire religion, you have to call it out as the evil it is.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D) added her response, stating, “The normalization and acceptance of Islamophobia in our politics is disgusting. Our Muslim neighbors are not Republicans’ scapegoats for antisemitic attacks and Trump’s failed policies. We must absolutely condemn Islamophobia loudly and hold those perpetuating it accountable.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) issued his own statement, saying, “An outrageous, disgusting display of islamophobia from Sen. Tuberville. The answer to despicable antisemitism is not despicable islamophobia. This type of rhetoric is beneath a United States Senator – or any good citizen for that matter.”

Tuberville’s remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of recent violent incidents linked to Islamic extremism.

The senator’s statement that Islam is not a religion drew criticism, though a religion does not require a moral framework to meet the definition.

A religion is generally defined as a belief system claiming to connect human beings to the divine, which Islam does claim to do.

At the same time, Islam is also described by critics as a political system.

The debate surrounding Tuberville’s remarks centered on whether Islamic texts promote political authority and conquest.

Critics of the senator rejected that framing, while Tuberville’s supporters pointed to Islamic writings as evidence.

Pakistani politician and Islamic scholar Maulana Maududi wrote in his commentary on the Qur’an that the purpose of fighting is “to put an end to the suzerainty of the unbelievers so that the latter are unable to rule over people.”

Maududi wrote that authority should be vested in followers of Islam and that unbelievers should live in a state of subordination, paying jizyah in return for protection as dhimmis.

A manual of Islamic law endorsed by Al-Azhar in Cairo states that the leader of Muslims “makes war upon Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians…until they become Muslim or else pay the non-Muslim poll tax,” citing Qur’an 9:29: “Fight against those who do not believe in Allah or the last day…until they pay the jizya with willing submission and feel themselves subdued.”

Muslim leaders have made statements asserting political dominance and conquest of Western societies, according to critics.

Those statements have been cited by supporters of Tuberville as evidence that his remarks reflect Islamic texts rather than prejudice.

The lawmakers who criticized Tuberville focused their responses on accusations of Islamophobia.

The question raised by the controversy was whether Tuberville’s statements about Islam’s political and supremacist teachings are accurate, and if so, how elected officials should address them.

JD Vance Completely Cooks the Democrats’ Affordability Crisis Narrative
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JD Vance Completely Cooks the Democrats’ Affordability Crisis Narrative

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Vice President JD Vance criticized Democrats for repeatedly highlighting affordability concerns, arguing that rising costs for housing, health care, and everyday expenses are the direct result of policies enacted during the Biden-Harris administration.

Speaking about the economy, Vance said current challenges were inherited and that recent improvements reflect a shift toward policies prioritizing American workers, energy production, and domestic investment.

Vance said he was struck by how often Democrats emphasize affordability while, in his view, ignoring the causes behind higher prices.

“And I got to say, I’m a little surprised. I’m a little surprised by when the Democrats talk all the time about affordability,” Vance said.

“Democrats say, you know, things aren’t affordable. This isn’t affordable. This has gotten more expensive. Drugs have gotten more expensive, housing has gotten more expensive. And you know what? They’re right? And it was because of them. It ain’t that hard.”

Vance pointed specifically to housing costs, noting that prices surged during the four years of the Biden-Harris administration.

He attributed that increase to immigration policies he said strained housing supply.

“If you go back to the four years of the Biden administration, why did housing get so expensive? Double in price during the Biden administration, it’s because Joe Biden let in 20 million illegal immigrants who took homes that all by right, go to American citizens and to the people of this great state,” Vance said.

He also addressed rising health care costs, arguing that Biden-era policies allowed pharmaceutical companies to charge Americans significantly more than consumers overseas.

“When we talk about, why did health care get so unaffordable during the Biden administration, it’s because Joe Biden allowed prescription drug companies to take advantage of this country,” Vance said.

“You know, Europeans were paying way less for prescription drugs than our American citizens.”

Vance contrasted that with actions taken by President Donald Trump, describing direct engagement with drug executives.

“It took Donald J Trump to haul those pharmaceutical executives into the Oval Office and say, No more,” Vance said.

“Europe is going to pay more for drugs and America is going to pay less for drugs, because we got to fight for the American people for a change.”

Turning back to housing, Vance said recent declines in rent prices reflect changes in immigration enforcement.

“Why? Have rents gone down for four consecutive months? And I know they’re still too high, but why have rents gone down for four consecutive months?” he asked.

“Because we were starting to get those illegal aliens out of the United States of America, those criminals, those gang members, those people who are taking homes that ought, by right, go to the people in this room, and your children and your grandchildren.”

Vance framed the issue as a straightforward supply-and-demand problem.

“It’s simple economics,” he said.

“If you have fewer people, fewer illegal aliens, trying to buy homes, that means American citizens are going to finally be able to afford a home. Again. It’s very, very simple economics.”

He also credited changes in trade and investment policy for what he described as a surge in domestic investment.

“When you ask, why is it that we have trillions of dollars of new investment coming into the United States of America, because we finally got a president who says, If you’re going to build in America, if you’re going to invest in America, we’re going to make it easy for you,” Vance said.

He added that companies moving jobs overseas would face consequences.

“But if you’re not going to build anything in America, if you’re going to try to ship an American job overseas, then we’re going to penalize you for doing something overseas that you ought to do in the United States of America,” Vance said.

“That’s why we’ve got so much money coming in.”

Vance said the administration inherited what he described as severe economic conditions from Biden, including record debt, inflation, and energy costs.

“So if you look at every single affordability crisis that we talk about in the United States of America today, it’s because we inherited a nightmare of an economy from Joe Biden,” he said.

“The highest peacetime debt and deficits in the history of the United States of America. That blows the door off inflation, the highest energy prices in the history of the United States of America.”

He emphasized the role of energy policy in lowering costs, particularly fuel prices.

“We are in one of the great energy regions in the entire world, not just in America, in the entire world,” Vance said.

“You know why energy prices are lower? You know why gas prices have come down so much? Because we finally got an American president who wants to invest in American energy and American workers instead of green energy boondoggles that are produced overseas.”

Vance concluded by expressing optimism while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

“So on all these things, my point, ladies and gentlemen, is that we are making progress,” he said.

“And I never forget where I come from. I never forget who I serve, and I know that there is so much more progress to be made.”

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Bondi Beach Bloodshed Undercuts Left’s Gun Control Narrative
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Bondi Beach Bloodshed Undercuts Left’s Gun Control Narrative

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A deadly firearm attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening has reignited debate over gun control policies after 11 people were killed despite Australia’s long-standing and stringent national firearms restrictions.

The Jewish community was targeted during the attack, and two gunmen were involved.

One of the attackers was killed as authorities moved to end the assault.

Witnesses at the scene reported that more than 30 shots were fired before the violence was stopped.

Officials later confirmed that several suspicious items were found near a bridge where shots were fired, including an improvised explosive device.

The Daily Mail reported that bomb squad specialists removed the device and transported it away from the area in an armored vehicle.

Authorities have not released additional details about the device or the full scope of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

The shooting occurred in a country frequently cited by Democrats and gun control advocates in the United States as an example of the effectiveness of strict firearms laws.

Australia enacted sweeping gun restrictions following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, a mass shooting that led to a major overhaul of national firearms policy.

After that attack, Australia implemented the National Firearms Agreement, which introduced a mandatory gun buyback program.

During the buyback period, at least 700,000 firearms were surrendered to the government.

Additional weapons were turned in outside the formal program, bringing the total number of firearms collected and destroyed by the government to approximately one million.

The National Firearms Agreement focused heavily on semiautomatic weapons and imposed universal background checks, licensing requirements, and a national firearms registry.

CNN summarized the policy changes by stating, “Rapid-fire rifles and shotguns were banned, gun owner licensing was tightened and remaining firearms were registered to uniform national standards.”

Despite those measures, Sunday’s attack resulted in one of the deadliest shooting incidents in Australia in years.

U.S. political leaders have previously pointed to Australia’s approach when advocating for stricter gun laws.

During her 2015 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton said an Australia-style gun ban was “worth looking at” for the United States.

The New York Times later reported that former President Barack Obama described Australia’s gun control framework as a model for America.

The Times went further in its assessment, asserting that “conservative-led Australia ended mass killings.”

Australia’s gun laws have often been contrasted with those in the United States during debates following high-profile shootings.

Advocates of stricter regulation argue that Australia’s policies reduced gun violence overall, while critics contend that such measures do not prevent determined attackers from carrying out mass casualty events.

Sunday’s Bondi Beach attack has added new urgency to that debate.

While Australia maintains some of the strictest firearms laws in the world, the incident demonstrated that mass shootings can still occur, raising questions about the limits of gun control as a tool for preventing violence.

Los Angeles Has Become Global Hub for Child Sex Trafficking: Steve Hilton
Democrats

Los Angeles Has Become Global Hub for Child Sex Trafficking: Steve Hilton

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Steve Hilton spoke from Figueroa Street in Los Angeles late Friday night while describing what he said he witnessed while working alongside a nonprofit focused on rescuing girls from sex trafficking.

“So I’m here on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles. It’s around midnight on Friday night. We’ve been driving up and down 50 blocks. I’m with a nonprofit that rescues young girls who’ve been trafficked for sex,” Hilton said.

Hilton said the organization rescues American girls from across the country and described the ages of those involved.

“Every year, they rescue about 100 or so, sometimes 200 mostly between the ages of 12 and 14, from all across the country. These are American girls right here in Los Angeles, which has become the world capital for child sex trafficking,” Hilton said.

Hilton directly criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying neither had taken action.

“What’s Karen Bass doing about it? Nothing, what is Gavin Newsom doing about it? Nothing,” Hilton said.

Hilton described what he said he observed as deeply disturbing and said it was taking place under current state and local leadership.

“This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever seen, and it’s happening right here in California, in Los Angeles, under the rule of these people that never stop lecturing us about compassion and equity and gender equality,” Hilton said.

Hilton concluded by rejecting the situation and calling for it to end.

“It is totally unacceptable. I will not accept it. This has to stop,” Hilton said.

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Army–Navy Crowd Goes Wild for Trump as He’s Introduced for the Coin Toss
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Army–Navy Crowd Goes Wild for Trump as He’s Introduced for the Coin Toss

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President Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome Saturday at the annual Army–Navy football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where he participated in pregame ceremonies by tossing the coin to determine the opening kickoff.

As Trump was introduced on the field ahead of the toss, those in attendance responded with sustained cheers.

Head referee Tim Rich addressed the president directly, thanking him for his “leadership and… continued support of our servicemembers and our veterans,” and added, “It’s an honor to have you here today.”

Trump responded briefly, telling the crowd it was a “great honor” for him to attend the historic rivalry game.

Army called tails on the coin toss and won with the president’s flip.

The Black Knights elected to kick off, choosing to receive the ball to start the second half.

Following the toss, Trump shook hands with the captains from both Army and Navy. The opening ceremonies also included a flyover and the national anthem.

At halftime, with Army leading Navy 13–7, Trump crossed the field to spend time with both groups of cadets and shipmen, making a point to divide his attention equally between the two academies.

Trump has a long-standing tradition of attending the Army–Navy game, both as president and as president-elect.

He previously attended the annual matchup in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024.

At last year’s game, Trump was accompanied by then–Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and the two met with Daniel Penny at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

The president had announced his plans to attend this year’s contest during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. troops.

During that call, Army Sgt. Major Anderson asked Trump which team he would wager on if he were forced to place a bet on the outcome.

“That’s a terrible question!”

Trump joked in response.

“He’ll get me in so much trouble.”

Trump went on to explain that he planned to attend the game before offering a lighthearted comment about the teams’ performances.

“But I’ll tell you what I will do, I’ll be going… One of those teams is having a spectacular year…They’re both doing well, but I’ll be at the game, and I’m going to let you know right after the game who’s going to win,” he said.

The Army–Navy rivalry is one of the longest-running traditions in college football, dating back to 1890.

Navy currently holds the all-time series advantage, leading Army 62–55 overall. In recent years, however, Army has found more success on the field, winning six of the last ten matchups between the two service academies.

Saturday’s game continued that tradition, blending football with military ceremony and pageantry, while placing the president at the center of pregame and halftime events as the academies faced off once again before a national audience.


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