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Nigel Farage Releases Video Showing Collision Moments After Campaign Heckling Incident [WATCH]
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Nigel Farage Releases Video Showing Collision Moments After Campaign Heckling Incident [WATCH]

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage posted a video on social media this week showing a traffic collision that occurred moments after a passing driver shouted an insult at him while he was campaigning in Clacton, Essex, as reported by AOL.

According to video shared by Farage on X, a woman driving a Vauxhall Astra rolled down her window as she passed the Reform UK leader and shouted an insult. Seconds later, her vehicle struck the rear of a stationary BMW after traffic ahead had stopped at a red light.

The collision happened Tuesday evening while Farage was campaigning in Clacton, the constituency he previously represented before resigning his seat earlier this month.

Video of the incident captured reactions from people standing nearby. One person was heard saying, “She won’t be doing that again in a hurry.”

Farage later posted the footage on X.

“This lady shouted abuse at me and then crashed her own car,” Farage wrote.

“That’s what you might call instant karma!”

Reports indicated that no one appeared to be injured in the collision.

The incident quickly circulated online, adding to public attention surrounding the Clacton by-election, which Farage triggered after resigning his parliamentary seat.

Farage has said he stepped down so voters could decide his political future while a parliamentary standards investigation continues regarding a £5 million donation from cryptocurrency businessman Christopher Harborne.

The investigation was paused after the by-election was called and is expected to resume if Farage is returned to Parliament.

Farage has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has maintained that he properly handled the matter.

When announcing his resignation, Farage said he had “decided that the people of Clacton should be the judges of my actions,” describing the contest as “a chance to stick two fingers up to the entire establishment.”

The by-election has attracted unusual attention because the major Westminster parties have declined to field candidates.

Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all opted not to participate, describing the contest as a political stunt.

As a result, Farage will face 33 opponents in the Aug. 13 election, bringing the total number of candidates to 34. Tendring District Council, which is administering the election, said that it is believed to be the largest field ever assembled for a UK parliamentary election.

The previous record is believed to have been 26 candidates during the 2008 Haltemprice and Howden by-election.

Among Farage’s better-known challengers are Count Binface, the satirical candidate portrayed by comedian Jon Harvey, actor and Reclaim Party leader Laurence Fox, three candidates representing the Official Monster Raving Loony Party and numerous independent candidates.

Recent polling referenced in the original report suggested many voters have heard about the controversy surrounding the £5 million donation

. According to those figures, 69% of respondents believed the matter reflected negatively on Farage, while 16% said they had not heard about it.

The same polling found that 69% believed Farage should have declared the donation, including 41% of Reform UK voters surveyed.

Respondents were also asked whether the major political parties were correct to boycott the by-election. Thirty-eight percent supported that decision, while 25% opposed it.

Another polling question found Count Binface narrowly leading as respondents’ preferred winner by 34% to 29%.

Farage has previously spoken publicly about the abuse and security threats he says he has experienced while leading Reform UK.

In 2024, he was struck by a banana milkshake outside a Clacton pub after announcing he would stand for election in the constituency.

The latest incident occurred against the backdrop of an increasingly high-profile by-election that has drawn national attention because of the record number of candidates, the absence of Britain’s largest political parties and the continuing parliamentary investigation involving Farage’s financial disclosures.

Karoline Leavitt Turns Up the Heat on John Thune During Funding Fight [WATCH]
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Karoline Leavitt Turns Up the Heat on John Thune During Funding Fight [WATCH]

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune responded publicly after receiving criticism from the Trump White House regarding the Senate’s approach to government funding legislation and vote-gathering, as reported by Townhall.

The exchange followed comments made during a White House press briefing involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and came amid ongoing negotiations to pass government funding legislation before the Sept. 30 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown.

Brandon Gill Puts ABA President on the Spot as She Struggles to Answer [WATCH]

The dispute centered on how Senate Republicans should move spending legislation through the chamber and whether additional pressure should be applied to secure enough votes for passage.

According to the original report, Fox Business host Larry Kudlow also criticized Senate Republican leadership during a recent broadcast, arguing that the conference has struggled to advance key legislative priorities.

The report also referenced criticism of Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., over the Senate’s legislative strategy.

The White House criticism intensified after comments from President Donald Trump and Leavitt regarding Senate leadership’s handling of pending legislation.

During a press briefing, Leavitt addressed questions about the Senate’s efforts to secure enough support for its legislative agenda.

Following those remarks, Thune responded by suggesting the White House should help obtain the necessary votes.

“She or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes, right?” Thune said.

The exchange came as lawmakers continued debating the best approach to passing government funding legislation before current funding expires on Sept. 30.

According to the report, Senate leadership has been working on a bipartisan spending measure intended to prevent a government shutdown.

The report also stated that negotiations with Democratic lawmakers have become a central part of that strategy.

The article contrasted the Senate’s legislative approach with that of House Speaker Mike Johnson, noting that Johnson previously secured passage of multiple bills despite operating with a narrow Republican majority.

The report stated that the House passed 12 appropriations bills during the previous winter session, although funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security proved more difficult and resulted in an extended lapse before a final resolution was reached.

The article also discussed concerns that pursuing a separate Senate spending bill could delay the legislative process and complicate efforts to complete funding legislation before the deadline.

According to the report, Thune has also identified reconciliation as an option if negotiations over a broader funding package fail.

The original article argued that reconciliation was described as a “break glass in case of emergency” option during discussions about possible alternatives should bipartisan negotiations stall.

Debate over the spending process continues as congressional leaders work to reach agreement before the end of the fiscal year.

The funding discussions come as lawmakers attempt to avoid a shutdown while balancing differing priorities in both chambers of Congress.

The White House and Senate Republican leadership have not indicated whether the recent public disagreement will affect ongoing negotiations.

Congressional leaders continue working toward legislation that can secure enough support in both the House and Senate before the Sept. 30 funding deadline.

Democrat Seth Moulton Admits Party Has No Clear Immigration Agenda Today [WATCH]
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Democrat Seth Moulton Admits Party Has No Clear Immigration Agenda Today [WATCH]

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Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton said during a television interview this week that Democrats have not presented voters with a clear plan on immigration and have relied too heavily on opposition to President Donald Trump, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Moulton made the remarks during an appearance Tuesday on MS NOW’s “Money, Power, Politics,” where he discussed challenges facing the Democratic Party, including Arizona’s gubernatorial primary.

According to Fox News, Moulton acknowledged that Democrats have struggled to articulate specific policy proposals on immigration while focusing much of their messaging on opposing Trump.

“We don’t have a plan for immigration. We’re not able to say what, actually, Democrats should do to fix the problem,” Moulton said. “All we are is opposition to Trump.”

The Massachusetts congressman, who is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate, said he has discussed the issue with voters during town hall meetings across his home state.

“I’ll ask people, ‘How many of you are opposed to Trump’s immigration enforcement?’ Every hand in the room goes up,” Moulton said.

“Like, I’ve asked thousands of people in Massachusetts this question.”

Moulton argued that opposition to the president’s immigration policies alone is not enough to present voters with a governing agenda.

His comments came as Democrats continue debating how to approach immigration policy following the 2024 election cycle.

In addition to immigration, Moulton said Democrats did not adequately address concerns over inflation during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

“Under Biden, we said inflation is not really a big deal. It’s transitory. It’s going to go away,” Moulton said.

“The point is we have this history of kind of just like washing over problems and not addressing real concerns that voters have.”

His comments represented a public critique of his own party’s messaging on two issues that have consistently ranked among voters’ top concerns.

The interview also touched on broader questions surrounding the Democratic Party’s strategy heading into future elections.

Moulton suggested that the party needs to offer voters more than criticism of Trump and should instead present concrete policy proposals.

Trump Eyes Australian Style Retirement Plan, Promises to Make It Even Sharper for Americans

Fox News reported that Moulton’s remarks came while discussing Democratic political challenges, including the Arizona governor’s race, where immigration remains a major issue.

Video of the interview circulated widely on social media, prompting discussion from both supporters and critics of the Democratic Party.

Moulton’s comments stood out because they acknowledged concerns that political observers have raised about Democratic messaging on immigration and the economy.

His remarks also reflected an internal debate over how the party should respond to Trump’s policies while presenting its own agenda to voters.

The congressman did not outline a specific alternative immigration proposal during the interview but instead focused on what he viewed as the party’s failure to communicate one.

His comments regarding inflation revisited criticism of the Biden administration’s earlier messaging as consumer prices increased.

Moulton said the party did not sufficiently address concerns raised by voters during that period.

The interview concluded with Moulton reiterating that Democrats need to confront issues voters consider important rather than relying solely on opposition to Trump.

His remarks quickly attracted attention online, where supporters and critics debated his assessment of the party’s current political strategy.

Brandon Gill Puts ABA President on the Spot as She Struggles to Answer [WATCH]
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Brandon Gill Puts ABA President on the Spot as She Struggles to Answer [WATCH]

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Texas Rep. Brandon Gill questioned American Bar Association President Michelle Behnke during a congressional hearing after citing the organization’s website, which states that “all of us have implicit biases,” as reported by The Nerd Stash.

The exchange drew attention after Gill repeatedly asked Behnke to identify what implicit biases she personally has while referencing the American Bar Association’s public statements on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Following the hearing, Gill shared a video of the exchange on X and highlighted the ABA’s language regarding implicit bias.

Brandon Gill Torches Smithsonian Director Over Radical Rewrite of American History

“The American Bar Association claims on their website that all of us have ‘implicit biases.'”

“I asked their President what groups she has implicit biases against and if she’d like to reflect on them.”

During the hearing, Gill first asked Behnke whether she agreed with the ABA’s position that everyone has implicit biases.

Rather than giving a direct yes-or-no response, Behnke began discussing the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Gill interrupted to clarify that she had not answered his question.

“That’s not my question, ma’am,” Gill said before asking again whether she believed everyone has implicit biases.

Behnke again did not directly answer the question. Gill then shifted to asking about her own views.

“Against which groups do you have implicit biases?” he asked.

Behnke responded by saying it was important to examine everyone’s point of view. Gill said she was filibustering and repeated the question.

As the exchange continued, Behnke said she was speaking in her capacity as president of the American Bar Association.

Gill then asked whether she had reflected on her own biases.

Behnke replied that she constantly considers how she operates in the world. When Gill asked her to identify any specific implicit biases, she again answered on behalf of the ABA rather than naming any particular group.

The hearing concluded without Behnke identifying any group against which she said she held implicit bias.

The exchange generated significant reaction on social media after Gill posted the video online.

One user wrote, “He takes their own words and asks simply for an explanation. And they refuse because they know they can’t defend what they write or believe.”

Another commenter stated, “She should have just answered the question. She wouldn’t have sounded so stupid.”

A third user wrote, “Great questions – so great, in fact, that she can’t (won’t) answer them. ‘The thing speaks for itself.'”

Another response argued, “To say that everyone has implicit biases on a business you lead, and being unwilling to express one of your own implicit biases, just goes to show it’s a convenient weaponization tool – more so when one doesn’t practice what they preach.”

Not all reactions supported Gill’s approach during the hearing.

One commenter wrote, “When someone has to insist it’s a ‘yes or no’ question, it makes them look stubborn and ignorant.”

Another questioned Gill’s handling of the exchange, writing, “Can you let her at least try to answer? It’s not that I agree with her, but when you keep cutting her off like a butthole, you’re not winning anyone over.”

The hearing ended without Behnke directly responding to Gill’s request to identify any personal implicit biases.

The exchange has continued to circulate online as supporters and critics debate both the questioning and the ABA’s public statements regarding implicit bias.

Michigan Widow Questions $150,000 in Donations Attributed Through ActBlue Records [WATCH]
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Michigan Widow Questions $150,000 in Donations Attributed Through ActBlue Records [WATCH]

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An 88-year-old widow living in a trailer in rural Michigan says she was shocked after learning that federal campaign finance records attribute nearly $150,000 in political donations to her over the past five years, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

According to reporting first highlighted by Michigan Enjoyer and later detailed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charlie LeDuff, Federal Election Commission records list Elizabeth Waffle as making 14,696 separate donations totaling nearly $150,000 through the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue.

The records indicate the donations averaged roughly eight contributions every day for five years.

Waffle told LeDuff she had made a handful of legitimate political donations over the years because she considered herself a supporter of Democratic causes.

However, she said the volume and total amount of donations listed under her name were impossible.

According to the records, Waffle also made 47 separate donations to Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during the past two years.

After reviewing the records, Waffle said she did not recognize many of the listed contributions.

She also said some donations were connected to previous addresses and others were directed to candidates she had never heard of.

“One hundred and fifty thousand?… Hell no. I don’t have that kind of money. This is very abnormal,” Waffle said.

“I think it’s wrong, and I think there’s something in there that’s off.”

The latest claims arrive as ActBlue continues to receive scrutiny from congressional investigators and federal authorities regarding its donor verification procedures and allegations involving potentially fraudulent campaign contributions.

ActBlue has previously faced questions regarding donor verification, including allegations involving straw donations, foreign contributions, prepaid cards and other payment methods.

According to the original report, ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones reportedly invoked her Fifth Amendment rights multiple times during congressional testimony concerning foreign contribution questions.

Investigative journalist James O’Keefe, founder of O’Keefe Media Group, pointed to earlier reporting by his organization on similar allegations.

“This isn’t news to us—we’ve been investigating ActBlue fraud for years. Illegal donations threaten election integrity. The work to expose the truth continues…” O’Keefe said.

The issue has also drawn attention from several state attorneys general and congressional investigators.

According to the report, ActBlue and other online political fundraising platforms are being examined by at least 20 state attorneys general, as well as the House Administration Committee.

The fundraising platform is also involved in litigation in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, where a judge recently allowed limited discovery to move forward.

The article also referenced previous reporting from December 2024 by The Gateway Pundit’s Brian Lupo concerning campaign finance data analyzed by engineer Chris Gleason.

According to that reporting, Gleason identified what he described as large numbers of individuals making hundreds or even thousands of political donations annually.

The report stated that many of those listed appeared to be ordinary Americans rather than wealthy political donors and claimed investigators observed recurring patterns within campaign finance records.

In October 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requested that the U.S. Department of Justice open a criminal investigation into ActBlue.

According to Paxton’s office, investigators uncovered what they described as a network involving alleged straw donations made through false identities and payment methods that were difficult to trace.

Additional investigations were launched in August 2024 by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray.

According to the report, Miyares opened an investigation into ActBlue, ActBlue Civics, Inc. and ActBlue Charities, Inc. following allegations of fraudulent, deceptive and illegal activity involving the organizations.

The article also stated that in April 2026, President Donald Trump ordered an investigation into alleged unlawful voter mule activity involving ActBlue.

The investigations and legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Florida Climbs to World’s Fourteenth Largest Economy as Blue States Keep Losing [WATCH]
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Florida Climbs to World’s Fourteenth Largest Economy as Blue States Keep Losing [WATCH]

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Florida has climbed to become the world’s 14th-largest economy after posting strong economic growth over the past year, according to new figures released by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, as reported by Fox News.

The Florida Chamber Foundation reported that the Sunshine State’s economy reached $1.8 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP), growing 6.3% over the past year.

That growth allowed Florida to move ahead of Australia and Mexico in global economic rankings.

The state now trails South Korea, ranked No. 13, and would need about 2% additional growth to surpass it. Reaching the world’s top 10 economies would require roughly 21% more growth to overtake Canada.

Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson said the state’s economic expansion reflects years of policy decisions focused on lower taxes, fewer regulations and support for private businesses.

“The best way to help America move forward is to have Florida lead the country forward when it comes to free enterprise and freedom,” Wilson told Fox News Digital.

“If we would follow Florida’s lead, everyone wins.”

Wilson said Florida has spent roughly two decades following a long-term economic strategy supported by state leaders and the business community.

“The secret sauce for us in Florida is this has been part of a 20-year plan,” Wilson said.

“From the governor to the legislature, to nearly all of us in the business community, we’ve been on an ultra-focused pathway here of doing the right things from a policy standpoint so that we can grow Florida the right way. So people can work, people can live the American dream, and we can show the rest of the country and the world how to do it.”

Wilson contrasted Florida’s approach with several states he described as facing economic challenges.

“We’re trying to grow the private sector and shrink the government sector,” Wilson explained.

“I mentioned the ‘death spiral,’ when you look at New York, when you look at Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, California, they keep increasing taxes. They keep increasing government regulations, and they keep forcing people to leave their states or incentivizing people to leave their states… so it only increases our resolve.”

According to Wilson, Florida’s daily population growth has moderated from post-pandemic highs to approximately 500 to 600 new residents each day.

However, he said wealth migration into the state continues at more than $4 million every hour.

He added that “places like New York and California are losing population, they’re losing wealth, they’re losing businesses and places like Florida are gaining [them].”

The chamber said Florida continues to rely on major industries such as tourism, agriculture and construction while also expanding into aerospace, defense, financial technology, healthcare, logistics and commercial space.

Wilson also pointed to Central Florida’s $11.6 billion modeling-and-simulation industry and chamber data showing Florida ranks first nationally in new business startups and manufacturing job growth.

Wilson also argued that maintaining low state debt has helped shield Florida businesses from broader national financial pressures. According to the chamber, Florida has the nation’s lowest state debt per capita at less than $1,000 per resident, while New York carries more than $6,500 per resident.

Wilson also addressed a recent Bloomberg analysis that found the combined cost of living in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach region is approximately 5% higher than in the New York metropolitan area and nearby suburbs.

“We’re taking a deep dive into that [report], that actually doesn’t compare New York to Florida, it compares Miami to New York City,” Wilson responded.

“And what we’re looking at is not just the cost of living, but there are things like crime. Miami is now one of the safest places in America… It’s safe to walk the streets at night. Sometimes there’s no price tag you can put on some of these amenities Florida has.”

Wilson also criticized economic policies adopted by several states.

“Our country’s now at a fork in the road where some of these death spiral states like New York have adopted socialistic policies, which, of course, never work. They take away freedom, and they increase taxes and regulations.”

He said state and local leaders are continuing efforts to improve education and expand workforce housing.

“The leadership in the Miami area, I’ve spoken to them, and we’re in partnership that over the next several years, we’re going to continue to do things like improve an already awesome education system, and make sure that we have the affordable workforce housing solutions so that more and more people can live the American dream right here in Florida,” he continued.

Wilson also discussed the relocation of major companies and wealthy individuals to Florida, saying the trend has brought investment despite concerns about rising housing costs.

“They’re looking for places where they’re welcomed,” he said.

“What’s interesting is a lot of billionaires are relocating to Florida, but they’re also investing in Florida businesses… There’s no question that when a lot of wealth moves into an area, it can increase the cost of living in an area. There’s no question that that’s true… But it also brings with it an overwhelming value proposition of more wealth, more jobs, more businesses.”

“I would hate to be New York, Illinois or California, where the billionaires are leaving, the millionaires are leaving, the middle class is leaving. And there’s no one left to pay the taxes.”

Looking ahead, Wilson said the Florida Chamber remains focused on moving the state into the world’s top 10 economies before the end of the decade.

The Florida 2030 Blueprint outlines long-term goals involving workforce development, fiscal policy, infrastructure and industries including life sciences, defense, agricultural technology, logistics, commercial space and cybersecurity.

“It’s like a military operation where we have all the branches, from education to infrastructure, to taxes, to regulation, to litigation — we all realize that we have a country to save,” Wilson said.

“If we’re better than other states in certain metrics, then those states can up their game. If some states have found some things that Florida can learn from, then we’ll learn from them, and that’s gonna make America better.”

Obama Center Construction Fallout Leaves Contractor Seeking Millions Through Legal Action [WATCH]
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Obama Center Construction Fallout Leaves Contractor Seeking Millions Through Legal Action [WATCH]

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A Chicago plumbing contractor that worked on the Obama Presidential Center has shut down operations, laid off 25 union employees, and entered a legal battle after claiming his company suffered nearly $4 million in losses connected to the project, as reported by Fox News.

Mike Owen, owner of Chicago-based Adamson Plumbing Contractors, told Fox News Digital that the financial impact of the dispute forced the company to walk away from roughly six other construction projects. He said suspending operations was the only way to avoid bankruptcy.

“Laying off close to 30 people is something that no owner in our industry wants to do,” Owen said. “It’s a hard thing to do, especially when you know you can finish them and the company can still make money. But we were put in a pretty bad corner.”

Adamson Plumbing performed work at the Obama Presidential Center under the name Marsh-Adamson. The company has now filed a $1.72 million mechanic’s lien against the property, claiming it remains owed money for plumbing work completed at the Chicago campus.

The dispute comes weeks after the Obama Presidential Center officially opened in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side.

Owen previously told Fox News Digital that the project left his company with approximately $3.9 million in losses tied to project delays, labor overruns, rework and changing construction demands.

He said he spent months attempting to negotiate with Lakeside Alliance, the project’s construction manager, before deciding to publicly discuss the dispute.

According to Owen, Adamson and Lakeside Alliance reached an agreement before the June 19 opening under which his company would provide two journeyman plumbers to complete last-minute housekeeping work during premium nighttime hours.

In exchange, Owen said Adamson was supposed to receive part of its outstanding payment before the center opened.

An email reviewed by Fox News Digital reportedly showed a Lakeside representative informing Owen that $100,000 would be released through Adamson’s May payment application.

Owen said his company completed the requested work, but the payment did not arrive before he suspended operations on June 25.

“We negotiated it in good faith,” he said.

“Against my better judgment, I agreed.”

“Not getting that large sum of money just kind of pulled the brakes on the train. It was just the final death blow to the company,” he added.

“Rather than try to stretch it out and go bankrupt, I just decided the responsible thing was to shut it down. We’ll regroup, and we’ll see where we’re at come September.”

Owen said the promised $100,000 retainage payment and approximately $35,000 for change orders eventually arrived more than two weeks after operations had already been suspended.

“It’s almost like too little, too late,” Owen said. “It probably would have just prolonged the inevitable at this point. We’re still deep in the hole of what they owe us.”

He said the money reduced debt owed to one supplier but did not change the company’s situation.

Owen also said Adamson has vacated its office building and that he is now working from home while attorneys handle the dispute.

The newly filed mechanic’s lien seeks $1.72 million, though Owen said he continues to pursue the broader $3.9 million he believes the company lost during the project.

“It doesn’t mean that I’m not going to pursue the $3.9 million in change that we lost overall,” Owen said.

“I’m still working with my legal team on that $3.9 million figure because I feel that it’s only right that we still hold ownership at the presidential center accountable.”

Owen said he initially tried to avoid legal action while seeking a negotiated settlement.

“I’m not a litigious person, but at the same time, our legal system is there to protect the small guy,” Owen said.

“I’m just going to have to fight this out legally from here on out, and these aren’t cheap costs.”

Lakeside Alliance, a joint venture led by Turner Construction along with UJAMAA Construction, Powers & Sons Construction, Brown & Momen and Safeway Construction, served as construction manager for the project.

The alliance previously said approximately 475 contractors worked on the Obama Presidential Center.

In its latest statement, Lakeside said that contractual closeout on projects of this size continues long after construction is complete.

“Lakeside Alliance remains committed to working through all outstanding matters to successfully close out the project,” a spokesperson said.

The Obama Foundation said Lakeside Alliance was responsible for managing subcontractor payments and stated it had no outstanding disputed charges with the construction manager.

The foundation also said it exceeded industry standards by using a 15-day payment cycle and, in some cases, accelerating payments or advancing funds before work was completed.

The project has also drawn attention for rising construction costs. Initially estimated at about $350 million, costs had climbed to $830 million by 2021 and have since reportedly exceeded $1 billion.

Questions have also been raised after only $1 million was deposited into a planned $470 million reserve intended to protect Chicago taxpayers.

The Obama Foundation secured the 19.3-acre Jackson Park site through a 99-year lease requiring a one-time $10 payment.

Reflecting on the experience, Owen said the project has taken a heavy personal toll.

“This entire process really drained me out financially and emotionally,” Owen said. “So that’s where I’m at — just kind of in a holding pattern.”

He said the center’s opening celebration, which featured Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Bono, The Edge and others, made the situation even more difficult for subcontractors who were still seeking payment.

“There would be holy hell to pay,” Owen said.

“They would be picketing. They would be storming the castle.”

Owen also questioned why Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker had not publicly addressed the payment disputes or the union layoffs.

“But he hasn’t said anything publicly about the union companies at the presidential center getting stiffed,” Owen said. “And it bothers me.”

Pritzker’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Owen said he is not blaming former President Barack Obama personally but believes the Obama Foundation should recognize the subcontractors’ concerns and work toward resolving them.

“It’s become perfectly obvious to me that the ownership group there — they truthfully just don’t care,” he said.

“I don’t know any other way to say it.”

He added that many contractors believed the disputes would be settled once construction concluded.

“But I think a lot of us out there, the main subcontractors, all still had this feeling that it was going to be worked out in the end — until it wasn’t,” he said.

Looking ahead, Owen said he is uncertain whether Adamson Plumbing will reopen.

“I mean, the only leverage I have now is just to continue speaking out and see where it goes,” he said.

“But my career — it’s funny — I’m going to have to go find a job, which is fine. It’s just that I did not anticipate the completion of this project would take this turn.”

Jim Jordan Refers Jack Smith to Justice Department for Possible Criminal Charges Over False Testimony [WATCH]
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Jim Jordan Refers Jack Smith to Justice Department for Possible Criminal Charges Over False Testimony [WATCH]

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House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has formally referred former Special Counsel Jack Smith to the U.S. Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution, alleging that Smith made false statements to Congress during sworn testimony regarding the scope of his investigation into President Donald Trump, as reported by PJ Media.

According to the referral, which was sent July 22 to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Jordan contends Smith provided inaccurate testimony during a December 2025 deposition before the House Judiciary Committee.

The referral alleges Smith testified that his office obtained only telephone toll records and did not seek or review the contents of text messages belonging to members of Congress.

Jordan argues that recently released records contradict that testimony.

“All individuals have an obligation to comply with a duly authorized congressional inquiry. Mr. Smith is no different,” Jordan wrote in the referral, accusing the former special counsel of making “intentionally false statements” that impeded congressional oversight.

The referral follows the release of records by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

According to Grassley, investigators working for Smith reviewed text messages involving 44 members of Congress from both political parties, along with current and former Trump administration officials, during an investigation known as Operation Arctic Frost.

Grassley also alleged that some communications were reviewed before a Justice Department filter team completed its privilege review, raising questions about compliance with procedures designed to protect privileged material.

During his December 2025 deposition, Smith testified that investigators sought telephone toll records containing routing information such as phone numbers, dates, times, and call durations rather than the contents of calls or text messages.

Jordan’s referral argues that the records released by Grassley demonstrate Smith’s team obtained and reviewed message content, which Republicans contend conflicts with Smith’s sworn testimony.

The Justice Department confirmed it had received Jordan’s referral and stated it would review evidence of any alleged criminal conduct. No criminal charges have been filed against Smith, and the referral itself does not initiate a criminal prosecution.

Smith has denied wrongdoing.

The issue has also drawn attention from other Republican lawmakers.

Last week, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., discussed the matter during an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity.

“What did he do with the text messages? We don’t know that yet. What we do know is he absolutely read them. He absolutely shared them with members of his team and all of that illegally,” Hawley said.

“The Justice Department requires that there be screening for any members of Congress [regarding] their text messages. Jack Smith said under oath that he didn’t seek the text messages of members of Congress, but in fact, we know that he did. So he lied, he violated the law, he violated the Constitution. This guy ought to be prosecuted.”

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee disputed Jordan’s referral.

Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., described the referral as “baseless and vindictive,” arguing that Republicans have mischaracterized Smith’s testimony.

According to Raskin, Smith was not specifically questioned about presidential records or lawmakers’ text messages during more than 13 hours of testimony and answered questions regarding telephone toll records as they were presented.

Jordan’s referral marks the latest step in ongoing congressional scrutiny of Smith’s handling of investigations related to President Trump.

In November 2025, Jordan separately referred Smith’s former deputy, Thomas Windom, to the Justice Department over alleged obstruction of Congress.

In that earlier referral, Jordan wrote, “Congress cannot perform its oversight function if witnesses who appear before its committees corruptly refuse to provide information that the law requires them to furnish.

The obstruction of a committee investigation undermines Congress’s core constitutional oversight obligations.”

Jordan’s latest request asks the Justice Department to determine whether Smith’s testimony should be evaluated for possible perjury or making false statements before Congress.

The department has not announced whether it will pursue any additional action beyond reviewing the referral.

Software Company Fires Back At Democrat Governor Over Illegal Voter Software ‘Glitch’ [WATCH]
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Software Company Fires Back At Democrat Governor Over Illegal Voter Software ‘Glitch’ [WATCH]

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A technology company identified by New Jersey officials in connection with the erroneous registration of thousands of non-citizens to vote is disputing claims that a software malfunction caused the problem, saying its system processed information according to specifications provided by the state, as reported by Trending Politics News.

The dispute follows a press conference Tuesday in which New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that approximately 6,600 non-citizens were registered to vote between June 2023 and June 2024 through the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission system.

According to Sherrill, the registrations occurred when individuals applied for driver’s licenses or identification cards and indicated that they were not U.S. citizens.

The governor said a software error nevertheless resulted in those individuals being registered to vote.

“Last week I learned that a serious software error in New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle System led to the registration of roughly 6,600 people who indicated that they were not U.S. citizens between June 2023 and June 2024, almost three years prior to my taking office,” Sherrill said.

“These individuals answered ‘no’ when asked on a keypad whether they were a U.S. citizen when applying for drivers’ licenses and identification cards, but through no fault of their own, the system registered them anyway.”

Sherrill said a preliminary review found that fewer than 400 of those individuals cast ballots.

She announced that the affected registrations would be removed from the voter rolls and said the state had retained an outside organization to investigate the circumstances surrounding the registrations.

The governor also stated that the Motor Vehicle Commission had begun replacing the vendor associated with the registration system.

The vendor, French technology company IDEMIA, responded by rejecting the characterization that its software experienced a glitch or improperly altered voter information.

“The 6,600 records submitted to the [Motor Vehicle Commission] and Division of Elections contained correct information according to the design specifications as set out by the state,” an IDEMIA spokesperson said.

“All 6,600 individuals indicated ‘Yes’ to wanting to register to vote and ‘NO’ to being a US Citizen.”

The company added, “At no point was a noncitizen ever marked as a citizen in the database.”

IDEMIA said its role is limited to collecting information provided by applicants and transmitting that information through the system.

“IDEMIA does not control or manage voter enrollment, our role is simply to collect self-reported citizenship and interest data,” the company said.

The statement also questioned how the registrations were ultimately approved, saying, “This leads to more questions – if the Division of Elections had missing information which is required to register in the State of New Jersey, did the Division of Elections approve these individuals be added to the Voter Rolls?”

According to the company, the records transmitted to the Division of Elections also lacked certain information, including party affiliation.

The conflicting accounts have prompted federal scrutiny.

Following the governor’s announcement, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division opened a formal investigation into the matter.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the division, announced the investigation in a public statement.

“Today, NJ Gov. Sherrill stated that 400 non-citizens voted in elections. This is unacceptable and illegal! The Civil Rights Division at the Justice Department is investigating this unlawful dilution of American votes,” Dhillon said.

As of publication, New Jersey officials and IDEMIA continued to disagree over whether the registrations resulted from a software malfunction or from the way the state’s voter registration process handled information submitted through the Motor Vehicle Commission.

The Department of Justice investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the registrations and determine whether federal election laws were violated.

Historic Buffalo Church Torched in Arson Amid Push to Convert Site Into Mosque [WATCH]
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Historic Buffalo Church Torched in Arson Amid Push to Convert Site Into Mosque [WATCH]

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Authorities have determined that a second fire at the former St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Buffalo, New York, was intentionally set, marking the latest incident involving the historic property after another blaze damaged the site just days earlier, as reported by the Gateway Pundit.

According to the Buffalo Fire Department, firefighters responded to reports of a fire at the former church on Broadway at approximately 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Fire crews located the fire and extinguished it before it spread throughout most of the building.

Investigators later ruled that the fire was the result of arson.

St. Ann’s Catholic Church was constructed in 1886 and served the Buffalo community for more than a century before permanently closing in August 2024.

Following its closure, the property was sold for $250,000 to an Islamic community. According to the report, there have been plans to convert the former Catholic church into a mosque.

The latest fire came less than one week after firefighters battled another major blaze at the same property.

Last Friday, the Buffalo Fire Department responded to a three-alarm fire at the former church.

The report did not indicate whether investigators have connected that incident to the arson fire reported this week.

The church property has experienced multiple significant fires this year.

In January, firefighters responded to a four-alarm fire at the former St. Ann’s Roman Catholic School, which is located next to the church.

According to the report, that fire destroyed much of the building’s interior, although the exterior structure remained standing.

The extent of the damage caused by Tuesday’s arson has not been fully disclosed. Officials said it remains unclear exactly where within the building the fire originated.

A spokesperson for the Buffalo Fire Department told WGRZ that investigators concluded the latest fire was intentionally set after examining the scene.

WGRZ reported:

“The Buffalo Fire Department was once again called to fight a fire at the former St. Ann’s Church on Broadway, with investigators determining arson as its cause.

A spokesperson for Buffalo Fire told 2 On Your Side that fire crews were sent to the site of the former church at around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday for reports that another fire had started in the building.

They add that fire investigators have ruled the cause of the fire as arson.

Firefighters were able to find the fire and extinguish it before it spread to most of the building. It is unknown exactly where the fire was in the building and how badly the building was damaged.

This is the second fire that was started at the former church in just the past week. Last Friday, Buffalo Fire tackled a three-alarm fire at the site, and in January, a four-alarm fire ripped through the church’s neighboring building, the former St. Ann’s Roman Catholic School.

That first fire destroyed much of the inside of the former school; however, the exterior is still standing.”

Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the arson investigation, and no information has been released regarding a possible suspect or motive.

The investigation remains ongoing as fire officials continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the latest blaze and whether it is connected to the previous fires at the property.


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