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What You Didn’t Expect: America’s Covert Role in Monitoring the Gaza Ceasefire
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What You Didn’t Expect: America’s Covert Role in Monitoring the Gaza Ceasefire

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The United States is quietly stepping into a vital — and risky — role in the new Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement.

Roughly 200 American troops will be deployed to Israel not to fight, but to support and monitor the fragile truce.

The mission is delicate, and its success—or failure—may rest on the competence of those on the ground and the resolve of political leadership back home.

According to U.S. officials, these troops will help staff a “civil-military coordination center” in Israel, tasked with facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza, oversight of logistics and security support, and ensuring the ceasefire’s terms are upheld.

In short, the center will be the linchpin in making sure promises translate into action.

Crucially, these American forces will not cross into Gaza itself. “No American troops will be sent into Gaza,” one official emphasized.

This deployment underscores how deeply tied the Trump administration is to the ceasefire framework. After all, this agreement is considered the first phase of a U.S.-led diplomatic push to halt the conflict.

Yet many questions remain unanswered: how will Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza proceed? Will Hamas truly disarm? Who will govern Gaza once fighting stops?

One of the officials involved in planning explained the mission more bluntly: the team’s role is to “monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the transition to a civilian government in Gaza.”

The servicemembers assigned bring specialized skills — in transportation, logistics, planning, security, and engineering — that are meant to strengthen the fragile truce.

There is more. The troops are drawn from both U.S. Central Command and other units worldwide, and many have already begun arriving in Israel. Over the coming weekend, more will travel to the region to begin groundwork for the coordination center.

Meanwhile, the Americans are expected to embed closely with partner nation forces, including those from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

This is no accidental initiative. The presence of U.S. troops on the ground is a signal: the Trump administration intends to see this plan through, not merely broker it.

At the White House, President Trump singled out Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, during a Cabinet meeting, saying “Cooper — I hear he’s been fantastic.” ([AP News][1]) Cooper joined U.S. negotiators in Egypt and even helped assure Arab nations that the U.S. commitment would be rock solid — assurances that later informed Hamas’s acquiescence.

Critics might question whether 200 troops are sufficient to hold the line, especially with no boots in Gaza itself.

But consider how this approach protects U.S. servicemembers while preserving influence. It allows American forces to remain behind the scenes as orchestrators, not occupiers.

Still, the success of this mission depends heavily on cooperation. Israel must adhere to its withdrawal commitments, Hamas must accept constraints on arms, and the new civilian authority in Gaza must be trustworthy. If any actor reneges, the entire scheme could unravel.

At the same time, the choice to keep U.S. forces out of Gaza proper gives plausible deniability — and buffer — against escalation. Critics will no doubt raise alarms about mission creep or entanglement.

Yet the Trump administration, through this deployment, is staking its credibility on making this ceasefire work.

In many ways, these 200 troops are the most important American footprint in the Middle East right now. Their mission is more diplomacy in uniform than conventional warfare.

Whether they are successful will depend on iron discipline, clear rules of engagement, steadfast political will, and the ability to hold all parties to their promises.

If this works, it could change how the U.S. engages in conflict resolution. If it fails, the burden of consequences will rest squarely on those who backed it publicly.

The Virginia Governor’s Debate was a Disaster for Democrat Candidate Spanberger
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The Virginia Governor’s Debate was a Disaster for Democrat Candidate Spanberger

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U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) refused to say whether she would rescind her endorsement of Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones after reports surfaced of violent text messages in which Jones allegedly threatened to shoot Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and made additional threats against Gilbert’s family.

According to messages obtained by the National Review, Jones wrote to a colleague in 2022 expressing that he wanted to put “two bullets” in Gilbert’s head.

The messages also included comments directed at Gilbert’s wife and children. “I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” Jones allegedly texted to Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner.

He went on to say, “I mean do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”

The threats prompted widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, though Jones has remained in the race for attorney general.

Spanberger has denounced the comments but has so far stopped short of withdrawing her endorsement or calling for Jones to drop out.

During a televised debate Wednesday night between Spanberger and her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the issue was raised directly.

Spanberger acknowledged she was “aware of” Jones’ messages but avoided taking a clear position on whether she would revoke her support.

“I denounced them when I learned of them and I will denounce them every chance I get,” Spanberger said.

Earle-Sears immediately pressed her for a direct answer on whether she would retract her endorsement, but Spanberger did not respond directly.

Co-moderator Deanna Albrittin followed up, giving Spanberger 15 seconds to clarify her position.

“We are all running our individual races. I believe my opponent has said that about her lieutenant governor nominee. And it’s up to every person to make their own decision. I am running my race to serve Virginia, and that is what I intend to do,” Spanberger said.

When moderators provided yet another opportunity to give a direct yes or no answer, Spanberger repeated her comments about “individual races” and personal choices without addressing whether she would continue to back Jones.

Earle-Sears then turned to her opponent and asked pointedly whether it would take Jones “pulling the trigger” for Spanberger to withdraw her endorsement.

Spanberger’s refusal to answer drew criticism online and from several political observers who noted her reluctance to confront the issue head-on.

Her body language during the exchange also became a focus of attention, as viewers pointed out that she frequently avoided eye contact with Earle-Sears, who faced her directly throughout the discussion.

Another tense moment came when Earle-Sears criticized Spanberger for what she described as a delayed response to a racist protest sign that appeared at one of the lieutenant governor’s campaign events.

The sign targeted Earle-Sears, who is Black, and stated she should be forced to use a separate water fountain if she opposed biological males competing in women’s sports.

The debate, viewed as one of the most consequential of the campaign, comes amid tightening polling in Virginia’s gubernatorial and congressional races.

A Cygnal poll released this week showed Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by just four points, 47% to 43%, with 5.6% of respondents undecided.

The same polling firm’s September survey had Spanberger ahead by seven points, indicating a steady narrowing of the race in recent weeks.

Letitia James Responds to Mortgage Fraud Indictment by a Grand Jury, Blames Trump
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Letitia James Responds to Mortgage Fraud Indictment by a Grand Jury, Blames Trump

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A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia has indicted New York State Attorney General Letitia James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution, U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan announced Thursday.

The indictment charges James with violations of two federal statutes: Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. § 1014.

Details of the alleged conduct leading to the indictment have not yet been released publicly, but officials confirmed that the case was initiated following a grand jury investigation in Alexandria, Virginia.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the indictment was returned earlier this week and unsealed following Halligan’s formal announcement of the charges.

James, who has served as New York’s Attorney General since 2018, is expected to appear in federal court in Virginia in the coming days.

Letitia James responded to the indictment on her official social media account, calling the charges politically motivated and accusing President Donald Trump of “weaponizing” the justice system against her.

“This is nothing more than a continuation of the President’s desperate weaponization of our justice system,” James wrote.

“He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding, all because I did my job as the New York State Attorney General.”

James, who gained national prominence for her civil fraud case against Trump and the Trump Organization, argued that the charges stem from political retribution.

“These charges are baseless, and the President’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost,” she said.

In her statement, James accused the administration of improperly interfering with the Department of Justice.

“The President’s actions are a grave violation of our constitutional order and have drawn sharp criticism from members of both parties,” she said.

“His decision to fire a United States attorney who refused to bring charges against me and replace them with someone who is blindly loyal not to the law, but to the President, is antithetical to the bedrock principles of our country.”

James called on lawmakers from both parties to speak out against what she described as a “blatant perversion” of the justice system.

“This is the time for leaders on both sides of the aisle to speak out against this blatant perversion of our system of justice,” she said.

The New York attorney general also reaffirmed her commitment to ongoing litigation against the Trump Organization, which resulted in a civil court finding earlier this year that Trump, his company, and two of his sons were liable for fraud.

“We conducted a two-year investigation based on the facts and evidence, not politics,” James said.

“Judges have upheld the trial court’s finding that Donald Trump, his company, and his two sons are liable for fraud.”

In closing, James invoked her faith and expressed confidence that she would overcome the charges.

“I’m a proud woman of faith, and I know that faith and fear cannot share the same space,” she said. “And so today, I’m not fearful. I’m fearless. And as my faith teaches me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

James concluded by pledging to continue her duties as attorney general despite the indictment.

“We will fight these baseless charges aggressively, and my office will continue to fiercely protect New Yorkers and their rights, and I will continue to do my job,” she said.

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Anti-Trump Florida Man Who Set Deadly L.A. Fire Was Obsessed With Climate Change
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Anti-Trump Florida Man Who Set Deadly L.A. Fire Was Obsessed With Climate Change

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A Florida man accused of igniting the massive Palisades Fire that devastated parts of Los Angeles earlier this year had a lengthy history of anti-Trump and climate change posts on social media, where he frequently mocked conservatives and blamed global warming for wildfires, according to reports.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has been charged with setting the blaze on January 1.

Prosecutors allege that he hiked into the hills above Los Angeles and deliberately started a brushfire that smoldered for days before reigniting on January 7.

The fire ultimately destroyed more than 7,000 homes and businesses, killed 12 people, and scorched roughly 24,000 acres across the region, according to the New York Post.

Officials estimate damages at approximately $150 billion.

Authorities say Rinderknecht not only filmed the initial fire but also called police to report it before later returning to the scene to watch firefighters attempt to contain the flames.

Investigators believe he left California shortly afterward and moved back to Florida, where he was later taken into custody.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Rinderknecht faces multiple felony charges, including arson causing great bodily injury and arson of an inhabited structure.

He is being held without bail pending extradition to California.

Investigators traced several social media accounts belonging to Rinderknecht, where they found a steady stream of political and environmental posts.

On Facebook, he frequently shared memes mocking supporters of President Donald Trump, promoted left-wing political causes, and reposted climate change headlines.

Among the content found on his page were links to a Harris-Biden campaign fundraiser and articles warning about global warming.

One of the shared stories, titled “Climate Change Will Force a New American Migration” from ProPublica, included imagery of wildfires tearing through residential neighborhoods in California.

Other posts featured headlines such as “Senator Kamala Harris Says Meat Is Destroying the Planet” and “Antarctica’s Ice Shelves Have Lost Millions of Metric Tons of Ice.”

Prosecutors say Rinderknecht also used artificial intelligence to create images depicting cities engulfed in flames and crowds running from apocalyptic scenes.

Authorities described the online content as consistent with his apparent obsession with fire and environmental collapse.

“The digital evidence supports the theory that the defendant was motivated by a fixation on climate-related disasters,” a law enforcement source familiar with the case told reporters.

In one of the few photos Rinderknecht shared of himself, he appeared with his face painted like a skull, his mouth open, and blood smeared across his face.

The Palisades Fire was among the most destructive in California’s history, forcing more than 60,000 residents to evacuate from Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Topanga Canyon.

Investigators say the dry conditions and high winds allowed the flames to spread rapidly through dense brush and into residential areas.

Federal and state agencies continue to assess the total damage, which has been described as catastrophic.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said that while the blaze is fully contained, the recovery and rebuilding process could take years.

Rinderknecht’s arraignment is expected later this month in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Prosecutors have not announced whether they will pursue enhanced charges related to the fatalities connected to the fire.

JB Pritzker Calls Chicago’s Violent Summer ‘Amazing’ as 123 Homicides Are Committed, Shootings Continue
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JB Pritzker Calls Chicago’s Violent Summer ‘Amazing’ as 123 Homicides Are Committed, Shootings Continue

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Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker praised Chicago’s summer as “amazing” during an appearance Thursday on Pod Save America, despite data showing 123 murders occurred across the city during June, July, and August, according to WBEZ Chicago, as reported by The Independent Review.

While the outlet reported that the total represented Chicago’s lowest summer homicide count since 1965, it still averaged more than one killing per day.

Aug 20, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAYpritz

Pritzker defended the city’s reputation, dismissing former President Donald Trump’s description of Chicago as a “hellhole” and pointing to record-breaking tourism numbers.

“We’ve had truly an amazing summer,” Pritzker said.

“And I would point out we’ve had greater tourism than ever before in the history of Chicago and in the state of Illinois. So the idea that people are continuing to come to Chicago to visit us and yet somehow it’s a hellhole and crime-ridden, and people are wearing flak jackets, and murders are happening right and left around you — it’s ludicrous.”

Pritzker acknowledged ongoing crime but compared Chicago’s current homicide rate favorably to past years. “I recognize we’re a big city. We’ve had crime in the past. I think every big city’s had a wave of crime that they’ve had to deal with,” he said.

“But four years ago to today, half the number of homicides in the city of Chicago… the state of Illinois, including the city, doesn’t rank in the bottom half in terms of violent crime. We’re 19th. I would like to be first, best, most, you know, safest. That would be first. We’re 19th safest.”

Despite his optimism, Chicago’s violence continues to generate concern. During Labor Day weekend alone, 58 people were shot and eight were killed, according to NBC 5 Chicago.

When pressed about the spike by reporter Mary Ann Ahern on September 1, Pritzker said crime was an unavoidable part of urban life.

“Look, big cities have crime. There’s no doubt about it,” he said. “But let’s just pay attention to what President Trump is doing [by] targeting Chicago. He’s overlooking red states that have much higher crime rates, much higher.”

Over the past 12 months, Chicago recorded 455 homicides as of August 26, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

Pritzker has faced criticism for downplaying the city’s violence and rejecting federal assistance to address it.

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the issue during an appearance on NewsNation’s CUOMO on September 3, arguing that the governor should work with federal authorities.

“When you look at Pritzker — right now, what you should be doing is this: ‘Excuse me, we gon’ get this together. I’m gon’ let the president do what he suggested. I’m gon’ get the help of the federal government to put a stop to this,’” Smith said.

“He could say something that simple — but it would be giving the president credit. It would be giving the other side credit.”

Portland Militants Urge “Laser Party” Over ICE Facility; Feds Warn Danger
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Portland Militants Urge “Laser Party” Over ICE Facility; Feds Warn Danger

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A blog post circulating among militant groups in Portland urged participants to use handheld lasers against aircraft flying over the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, setting off alarm among federal and local authorities ahead of a planned demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 11, officials and independent reporters said, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Independent journalist Andy Ngo shared the announcement this week, which called for a coordinated series of actions against helicopters reportedly conducting aerial patrols of the federal facility.

The post framed the action as a form of resistance to federal surveillance and urged people around the city to take part in a synchronized event that would target aircraft in the area.

Portland law enforcement and federal agencies condemned the call. FBI Portland said its recent enforcement actions included arrests tied to a person who allegedly pointed a laser at a Border Patrol helicopter, noting that such conduct poses a serious safety risk.

“FBI Portland just took down a residence of a suspect who allegedly targeted CBP officers — all four individuals located in the house are in the U.S. illegally and now in custody,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in comments shared with reporters.

“Come after law enforcement officers and this FBI will put you away.”

Federal authorities regard shining lasers at aircraft — whether police, Border Patrol, National Guard, or other government helicopters — as a grave danger that can distract or temporarily blind pilots and threaten public safety.

Aviation experts and prosecutors have warned that intentionally targeting aircraft can result in federal criminal charges, including assault on a federal officer, interference with aircraft operations, or other serious offenses.

Portland Police Bureau officials said they were monitoring online calls for the event and urged residents to avoid participating in any activity that could endanger people or lead to criminal charges.

“We advise the public that actions aimed at aircraft will be treated as hazardous and are likely to bring a swift federal response,” a bureau spokesperson said.

The announcement referenced a history of aerial surveillance during protests in Portland, and alleged misuse of aircraft to identify demonstrators in prior years.

Organizers invoked those incidents while encouraging what the post described as disruptive tactics to frustrate aerial law enforcement operations. Independent observers noted the post’s rhetoric echoed prior Antifa communications that advocate direct action.

Civil aviation safety groups emphasized the potential consequences: even non-violent interference with aircraft can cause pilots to take evasive action, divert missions, or abort operations, creating broader public-safety hazards.

In past cases across the U.S., individuals who aimed lasers at aircraft have been arrested and charged under federal statutes.

Local leaders and community groups called for protests to remain peaceful and lawful, urging citizens to voice grievances through established civic channels rather than actions that could put people at risk.

The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not announced any changes to routine patrols but said they would coordinate with local partners to ensure safety.

Investigators are continuing to track the online posts and will pursue leads. Anyone with information relevant to plans that threaten aircraft or public safety was asked to contact law enforcement.

Dem Rep Goldman Gets Destroyed Live on CNN Over His Party’s Violent Rhetoric
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Dem Rep Goldman Gets Destroyed Live on CNN Over His Party’s Violent Rhetoric

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Federalist journalist Brianna Lyman clashed with Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York on Wednesday night during a live appearance on “CNN NewsNight,” accusing the congressman of twisting facts and using dangerous rhetoric after he labeled President Donald Trump a “fascist.”

The exchange occurred during a discussion about escalating tensions at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, where multiple riots have taken place amid the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration.

In response to the unrest, President Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard to protect federal property, a move that prompted criticism from several Democratic officials, including Goldman.

Goldman joined host Abby Phillip alongside Lyman and “Just Right” host Phil Williams to discuss the deployment.

The segment quickly grew tense when Goldman claimed Phillip had been “fact-checking” the two conservative guests, leading to a sharp response from Lyman.

“You’re not going to sit here and fact-check us when you spread the Russia collusion hoax, come on!” Lyman said.

Goldman replied, “I didn’t actually fact-check you. Abby did.”

Williams then turned the discussion to immigration policy, criticizing Democrats for what he described as the dismantling of Trump-era border control measures.

“You’re absolutely on the wrong side — you’re on the wrong side of history on all of this, and you know it,” Williams said. “You let 11 to 12 to 13 million people stream across the border. And now we’re dealing with it.”

Goldman responded by claiming that Trump’s leadership was authoritarian.

“I guarantee you, I can guarantee you, that you are on the wrong side of history because this President is authoritarian and he is a fascist,” he said.

Lyman immediately objected. “That is assassination prep language,” she said, accusing Goldman of using rhetoric that justifies violence against political opponents.

As Goldman attempted to clarify his statement, Phillip interjected and played a clip of Trump calling then-Vice President Kamala Harris a “Marxist” and a “fascist.”

Phillip then argued that political labels should be held to the same standard on both sides.

“If you’re going to apply that standard to Congressman Goldman, you got to apply it to Donald Trump,” she said.

Lyman pushed back, stating that her objection applied universally.

“Abby, I don’t know if maybe you weren’t listening to what I just said. I just said it’s unacceptable for no matter who it is to call someone else a fascist,” she said.

Lyman went on to explain why such language is dangerous.

“When people hear the word fascist, Nazi, Hitler, you rightfully think of people in the 1940s who had to be defeated by any means necessary because of what they were doing to this world,” she said.

The conversation grew more heated when Goldman attempted to cite the recent murders of Minnesota Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband as evidence of political violence.

Lyman interrupted to challenge his account.

“By a guy who had a flag that said, ‘No Kings,’ or flyers that said, ‘No Kings?’ Who was appointed by Tim Walz?” she asked.

According to a report by the New York Daily News, the accused killer had claimed in a letter to the FBI that he was acting on behalf of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat.

Lyman continued by connecting Goldman’s rhetoric to other recent acts of political violence.

“When you call someone like Charlie Kirk, when you call someone like Speaker Gilbert, like Jay Jones — who I don’t know if your viewers know this because it hasn’t been discussed on this show in four days — when the attorney general candidate in Virginia is calling for two bullets to the head for Speaker Gilbert and calling his little children fascists, you are implicitly justifying resistance by any means necessary,” she said.

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Peru’s President Dina Boluarte Removed by Congress; Successor Declares ‘War on Crime’
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Peru’s President Dina Boluarte Removed by Congress; Successor Declares ‘War on Crime’

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Peru’s Congress voted early Friday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office on grounds of “moral incapacity,” and swiftly swore in congressional leader Jose Jeri as the nation’s new head of state, as reported by The New York Post.

The move came amid growing anger over violent crime, corruption allegations, and a major political scandal involving the outgoing president.

Boluarte, one of the most unpopular leaders in Peru’s modern history, was ousted just after midnight following a unanimous vote in Congress.

Lawmakers cited her handling of the country’s worsening security crisis, economic instability, and the so-called “Rolexgate” scandal involving undeclared luxury watches.

Within an hour of the vote, Jeri was sworn in as Peru’s seventh president since 2016. The 38-year-old congressman from the conservative Somos Peru party pledged an aggressive campaign against criminal organizations that have fueled widespread unrest.

“The main enemy is out there on the streets: criminal gangs,” Jeri told lawmakers as he donned the presidential sash. “We must declare war on crime.”

Jeri, who became Congress president in July, now joins the ranks of the world’s youngest heads of state. He inherits a deeply divided country facing economic uncertainty and public distrust in government institutions.

The vote to remove Boluarte came just hours after a violent incident added to national outrage.

Several members of the popular cumbia group Agua Marina were injured in a shooting during a concert held Wednesday night at a military-owned venue in Lima, intensifying criticism of the government’s failure to contain crime.

Crowds gathered outside Congress and near the Ecuadorian embassy after the vote amid speculation that Boluarte might seek asylum. Some supporters of her removal celebrated, waving Peruvian flags and playing instruments as word of Jeri’s inauguration spread.

Boluarte addressed the nation from the presidential palace shortly after her removal. “The same Congress that swore me in late 2022 has now voted for my removal, with the implications this has for the stability of democracy in our country,” she said. “At every moment, I called for unity.”

Lawmakers from across the political spectrum had summoned Boluarte to defend herself Thursday night, but she did not appear before Congress. Legislators proceeded with the impeachment process, citing sufficient votes for her removal.

Boluarte, 63, has denied all allegations of corruption and misconduct. Her approval rating had fallen to between 2% and 4% following accusations of excessive force during protests after the 2022 removal of her predecessor, President Pedro Castillo.

Her ouster continues a pattern of political instability in Peru. Three former presidents remain in prison on corruption charges.

The latest impeachment succeeded with backing from right-wing parties that once supported Boluarte, including Keiko Fujimori’s Popular Force and Rafael Lopez’s Popular Renewal. Both are expected to run in the 2026 presidential election.

Boluarte’s presidency began in December 2022 after Castillo’s arrest for attempting to dissolve Congress. His removal sparked deadly demonstrations, especially in Peru’s Andean and Indigenous regions.

Jeri’s government faces immediate challenges, including restoring public security and rebuilding trust after years of political turmoil.

Nobel Committee Chair Defends Decision to Deny Trump Peace Prize Despite Historic Israel-Hamas Deal
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Nobel Committee Chair Defends Decision to Deny Trump Peace Prize Despite Historic Israel-Hamas Deal

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The head of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee defended the organization’s decision not to award the 2025 prize to former President Donald Trump, even after his successful effort to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as reported by The New York Post.

Nobel Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes addressed the controversy Friday, following widespread calls for Trump to receive the honor in recognition of his role in ending the conflict.

Dec 8, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump stands with West Point cadets during the 119th Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Frydnes, without naming Trump directly, appeared to suggest that the committee did not view the former U.S. president as meeting the Nobel standard for the award.

“In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen many types of campaign, media attention,” Frydnes said. “We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say what, for them, leads to peace.”

“This committee sits in a room filled with the portraits of all laureates and that room is filled with both courage and integrity,” he continued. “So we base only our decision on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel.”

The Nobel Committee had finalized its decision earlier in the week, days before the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced. The 2025 prize ultimately went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for her work challenging the Maduro regime.

Trump, who played a central role in brokering the ceasefire, said earlier in the week that it would be “an insult to the United States” if he were not recognized for his peace efforts.

His supporters, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly urged the Nobel Committee to reconsider.

Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image of Trump wearing the Nobel Peace Prize medal, writing, “Give @realDonaldTrump the Nobel Peace Prize – he deserves it!”

Allies of the former president pointed to Trump’s diplomatic track record, noting that he also received international recognition for his previous efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine and for fostering normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations during his first term.

Despite those efforts, the Norwegian Nobel Committee stood by its decision, maintaining that its selection process is guided strictly by Nobel’s original intent and not by global campaigns or political pressure.

The committee has faced similar calls in the past from supporters of world leaders credited with advancing peace agreements, though it has rarely altered a decision once finalized. Frydnes reiterated that the committee’s independence remains central to the prize’s legitimacy.

The announcement of Machado’s award comes as Trump continues to receive international attention for his foreign policy initiatives and renewed diplomatic involvement in the Middle East.

JB Pritzker Picks a Fight with Pete Hegseth; It Does Not Go Well for Him
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JB Pritzker Picks a Fight with Pete Hegseth; It Does Not Go Well for Him

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Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker continued his public feud with President Donald Trump this week, renewing his criticism of federal immigration enforcement and the deployment of National Guard units to his state.

The Democrat governor’s comments mark the latest in a series of high-profile disputes that have defined his second-term relationship with the Trump administration.

Pritzker, who is rumored to be weighing a potential 2028 presidential run, has frequently positioned himself as a vocal opponent of Trump’s domestic policies.

His recent remarks came amid heightened tensions between federal authorities and Illinois officials over immigration enforcement and public safety in Chicago.

On Wednesday, Pritzker dismissed the administration’s law enforcement efforts, calling Trump “a convicted felon who is threatening to jail me” and labeling him “unhinged,” “insecure,” and “a wannabe dictator.”

Speaking to reporters, the governor added, “There’s one thing I really want to say to Donald Trump: if you come for my people, you come through me. So come and get me.”

The governor’s combative stance follows his long-standing opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago.

He has repeatedly resisted federal directives to assist in detaining and deporting criminal illegal immigrants and has criticized the use of National Guard troops in the state.

Pritzker’s position has drawn renewed scrutiny in light of recent ICE enforcement actions in Chicago under Operation Midway Blitz.

In September, federal agents arrested multiple criminal illegal aliens in the city, including individuals charged with sexual assault of a child family member, rape, armed robbery, and domestic battery.

ICE said the operation also honored the memory of Katie Abraham, who was killed in Illinois by drunk driver Julio Cucul-Bol, a criminal illegal immigrant.

The governor’s remarks also followed criticism of his handling of violent crime in Chicago.

Earlier this year, he publicly claimed the city was safe just one day after a violent Labor Day weekend that saw 58 people shot, eight of them fatally, during a span of 37 separate incidents.

Pritzker has continued to frame his disputes with the federal government as moral and political battles.

He previously injected himself into the redistricting debate in Texas, portraying himself as an advocate for fair maps despite Illinois being widely regarded as one of the most gerrymandered states in the country.

Critics have noted that the Illinois redistricting process has long favored the state’s Democratic establishment, including Pritzker himself.

On Wednesday, Pritzker shifted his focus to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of neglecting his duties to “set a world record for pushups” while Illinois was “being invaded by Trump’s military troops.”

Hegseth quickly responded, advising Pritzker to “do a few pushups himself” and reaffirming that National Guard units deployed under federal command would “do the job you refuse to do.”

The exchange adds to a growing list of confrontations between the Illinois governor and federal officials as tensions continue to mount between state and federal authorities over immigration policy, public safety, and the balance of power between Washington and state governments.


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