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Trump’s Crypto Agenda Gets Million Boost From Winklevoss Brothers
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Trump’s Crypto Agenda Gets $21 Million Boost From Winklevoss Brothers

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Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange, announced Wednesday that they donated more than 188 bitcoin — valued at approximately $21 million — to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC.

The political action committee is aligned with President Donald Trump’s efforts to expand America’s role as a global leader in cryptocurrency.

“Today, @cameron and I donated $21 million in bitcoin (188.4547 BTC) to the Digital Freedom Fund PAC. The mission of the @FreedomFundPAC is to help realize President Trump’s vision of making America the crypto capital of the world,” Tyler Winklevoss wrote on X.

According to the announcement, the Digital Freedom Fund PAC will focus on supporting Trump’s crypto policies and ensuring Republicans maintain control of Congress during the 2026 midterm elections.

“We will identify and support champions of President Trump’s crypto agenda in primary races and the midterm elections,” Winklevoss added.

In his post, Winklevoss cautioned that if Republicans lose the majority in either chamber, Democrats could work to obstruct the administration’s agenda.

“Democrats will have power to slow down and interfere with President Trump’s agenda. We know from their past behavior that they will resort to whatever bad faith tactics and tricks they can think of (e.g., bogus impeachments, lawfare, etc.) to try to derail the President. We don’t want that. We want the American Golden Age and we are ready to fight for it,” he wrote.

The twins outlined several policy priorities the PAC will advocate for, including reforms to support the growth of the cryptocurrency industry.

Winklevoss said they will push for “thoughtful Market Structure legislation that enshrines the freedoms that will allow the crypto industry to thrive and avoids the pitfalls of overregulation, bloated licensing regimes, and increased red tape that only serves to choke off innovation, grow the Regulatory Industrial Complex, and empower the swamp.”

Another stated priority is advancing legislation that would establish a “Bitcoin & Crypto Bill of Rights.”

Such measures would aim to protect individuals’ ability to own digital assets, hold them in self-custody, and use them for peer-to-peer transactions without interference.

Winklevoss also emphasized opposition to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), arguing they represent a threat to personal freedoms.

“We will fight for legislation that bans Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and other totalitarian technologies that tread on your freedoms and can be easily wielded by power hungry politicians and unelected bureaucrats to encroach upon and take away your liberty,” he wrote.

The announcement reflects the twins’ ongoing public support for Trump. Both Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss endorsed Trump ahead of the 2024 presidential election and have continued backing his administration’s approach to cryptocurrency policy.

The donation marks one of the largest single contributions in bitcoin to a political committee and underscores growing efforts among cryptocurrency entrepreneurs to shape legislation favorable to the industry.

The Digital Freedom Fund PAC is expected to play a significant role in upcoming campaigns as Republicans seek to maintain congressional majorities in 2026 while advancing Trump’s economic and regulatory policies.

Carnival Cruise Descends Into Chaos as Passengers Brawl Over Fried Chicken?
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Carnival Cruise Descends Into Chaos as Passengers Brawl Over Fried Chicken?

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A large brawl broke out on a Carnival Cruise ship early Monday morning, reportedly sparked by an argument in a late-night food line.

The incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m. aboard the Carnival Sunshine as the ship was returning to Miami from a voyage that included stops in the Bahamas.

Footage from the scene shows about two dozen passengers engaged in a violent altercation, while others shouted for security to intervene.

In the video, one bystander can be heard yelling, “Where the f–k is security?!” as multiple passengers exchanged punches and tackled one another to the floor.

Several shoes and personal belongings were seen scattered across the area as the fight continued.

Carnival security personnel attempted to break up the melee.

At one point, an officer appeared overwhelmed, retreating from the crowd and reaching for his radio to call for additional assistance.

Bronx-based content creator Mike Terra, who was aboard the ship, filmed the incident and shared it on his social media accounts.

While recording, he turned the camera on himself and said, “Over chicken tenders is crazy.”

Terra later explained in follow-up comments that the fight was an “isolated incident” that escalated around 2 a.m.

He added that while food appeared to be at the center of the dispute, there may have been other factors involved.

Speaking with the New York Post, Terra said, “We weren’t close enough to know why [the fight] really started, we just knew they were in line for food.”

In his video caption, Terra wrote: “I always hear Carnival is ghetto/ratchet. I been cruising for years but this my 1st time seeing some action on a ship I was on. YNs was tripping.”

The footage quickly spread online, drawing attention to the disruption during what was otherwise a routine cruise.

Terra emphasized that such disturbances are rare, despite perceptions of Carnival ships as rowdy.

The Carnival Sunshine had departed Miami on Thursday and visited two destinations in the Bahamas before heading back to the United States.

The altercation occurred during the final leg of the voyage, just hours before the ship was scheduled to return to port in Miami.

As of Wednesday, Carnival had not released a public statement detailing what prompted the fight or whether any passengers faced disciplinary action.

The cruise line typically enforces strict codes of conduct for passengers, and security staff are tasked with addressing any violations on board.

No serious injuries were reported in connection with the brawl.

The company has not confirmed whether local law enforcement was contacted once the vessel returned to port.

The altercation marks the latest in a series of high-profile incidents on cruise ships that have been widely shared on social media in recent years, often drawing public scrutiny to passenger behavior and the ability of ship security to respond to large-scale disturbances.

Texas Dem Flees Bathroom Video Conference Call When Informed She’s Committing a Felony
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Texas Dem Flees Bathroom Video Conference Call When Informed She’s Committing a Felony

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Texas Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier abruptly left a virtual call with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders after claiming she was told her participation from inside the state Capitol could constitute a felony.

Collier joined the meeting with Newsom, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, and other party members while the Texas House of Representatives was debating a redistricting bill backed by President Donald Trump.

During the call, Collier argued that the bill violated the Voting Rights Act, saying it would “prevent Black and Brown individuals from selecting the candidates of their choice because they’re cracking and packing these districts.”

Roughly 30 minutes into the call, Collier interrupted Martin to announce she had to leave.

“Sorry, I have to leave. They said it’s a felony for me to do this,” she said.

Collier explained that she was not permitted to remain on the House floor or even in the bathroom during the meeting.

Turning off camera, she added, “You told me I was only allowed to be here in the bathroom,” before concluding, “No, hang on. Bye everybody. I’ve got to go.”

Her sudden exit prompted immediate responses from other Democrats on the call.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said, “That is outrageous. Let me tell you something, Rep. Collier in the bathroom has more dignity than Donald Trump in the Oval Office.”

Newsom responded, “There you go,” nodding in agreement.

Booker added, “What they’re trying to do right there is silence an American leader, silence a Black woman, and that is outrageous. What we just witnessed, them trying to shut her down and saying it’s illegal for her to be in the bathroom and on this call, this is the lengths that they’re going to in Texas.”

The exchange occurred against the backdrop of ongoing Democratic resistance to the Texas redistricting plan.

Weeks earlier, dozens of Democratic lawmakers left the state for more than two weeks to block the measure by denying the House a quorum.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders ordered the absent lawmakers to be arrested if they did not return to conduct legislative business, warning they could also face removal from office.

Upon their return, Democrats were met with new security protocols designed to maintain quorum. Lawmakers reported that officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety monitored their movements throughout the Capitol, including standing guard outside their offices and following them when they left.

Some legislators said they were required to sign “permission slips” to leave the building and submit to surveillance.

Collier chose to remain on the House floor late into Monday night and Tuesday rather than comply with the restrictions.

Despite the ongoing dispute, the Texas House voted on Wednesday to approve new congressional maps.

In response, Newsom announced that California would push forward with its own redistricting plan to counter Texas’ legislation.

On Friday, California Democrats and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) released a new map that could eliminate five Republican congressional seats in California, potentially offsetting the five additional seats Republicans would gain under the Texas maps.

The parallel developments in Texas and California underscored the partisan battle over redistricting ahead of future elections, with both parties using state legislatures to shape congressional representation.

U.S. Tourist Tracks Down Pickpocket in Venice, Holds Screaming Suspect by Ponytail
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U.S. Tourist Tracks Down Pickpocket in Venice, Holds Screaming Suspect by Ponytail

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A North Carolina woman vacationing in Venice took matters into her own hands last week when she tracked down a suspected teenage pickpocket and restrained her by the ponytail until police arrived, as reported by The New York Post.

The tourist, traveling with her husband, reported that her purse was stolen on a narrow bridge after being surrounded by several young girls. The stolen bag contained her passport, credit cards, cash, a metal water bottle, and a set of AirPods.

Using the “Find My Friends” feature linked to the AirPods, she was able to track the location of her belongings.

Her daughter, Karis McElroy, posted video of the incident on TikTok, showing her mother gripping a 14-year-old girl by the hair as crowds gathered around in the Italian city.

“Her and my stepdad immediately started tracking her purse through her AirPods on Find My Friends, and they were able to track it down back to those three girls,” Karis said in a follow-up video.

According to McElroy, her mother confronted the suspects and grabbed one of them by the ponytail. Two of the girls stayed while one fled with the purse.

“She said she didn’t care about any of the other stuff in the bag, but she just at least wanted her passport so she could get home,” Karis explained.

The Airbnb host where the couple was staying told the tourist that the trio of girls were known pickpockets in Venice. The host stood by while the woman waited for police.

In the video, the teen being held can be heard screaming as the tourist responded, “I have eight kids, you’re not getting to me.”

When officers arrived, one of the suspects allegedly swung the stolen purse and struck the tourist in the head.

“And in the bag was that metal water bottle that they took from my mom. So my mom had a massive gash on her head, and it was bleeding everywhere. She got a black eye from it, and the girls were arrested. And then my mom had to go to the hospital and get some stitches,” Karis said.

Authorities later intercepted the third girl, who had boarded a train to the airport. The woman’s passport and credit cards were recovered, but her cash and AirPods were not returned.

Despite the incident, McElroy said her mother noted the kindness of local residents. A jewelry store owner near the family’s Airbnb gave her a necklace following the ordeal.

Italian outlet Il Messaggero reported that the 14-year-old girl arrested during the confrontation was released on bail two days later.

The family, from North Carolina, is currently on a Mediterranean cruise after boarding in Venice, according to McElroy.

Stephen Miller Goes Scorched Earth on Sanctuary City ‘Leaders’
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Stephen Miller Goes Scorched Earth on Sanctuary City ‘Leaders’

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White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller delivered sharp criticism of sanctuary city and state officials this week, accusing them of violating federal law by releasing illegal aliens back into communities despite Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests.

Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday, Miller said Democratic leaders who refuse to comply with ICE orders could face criminal charges under federal law.

“They had a deadline to comply with federal law and hand over the criminal illegal aliens in their custody, the child rapist, the child predators, the drug traffickers, the human traffickers,” Miller said.

“The sanctuary cities like Boston refused to turn over these menacing threats to public safety, and so now they face not only revocation of funds, not only the loss of taxpayer support, but also potential criminal charges for harboring and smuggling. This is as real as it gets, Sean.”

The comments came after Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she would continue to defy federal authorities and allow illegal aliens in custody to be released back into the city despite ICE requests.

Miller has previously argued that sanctuary policies violate 8 U.S. Code § 1324, which criminalizes bringing, transporting, harboring, or concealing illegal aliens.

The statute carries potential prison sentences for violators. In April, Miller told The Gateway Pundit that sanctuary leaders were engaged in “systemic criminal violations” and obstructing federal law.

On Fox News, Miller said Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice have made clear that cities and states were required to comply with federal law.

He said their failure to do so will have consequences.

“The Department of Justice laid out to these mayors how they were breaking our laws, and they refused to change their policy, and Attorney General Bondi is going to see this thing through to the end,” Miller stated.

Miller also directed criticism at California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, saying their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement was endangering children.

“They are guilty of crimes against humanity for their facilitating child trafficking and sex trafficking,” he said.

“They think this is a game. They think this is a joke. This is life and death.”

During the interview, Hannity compared the actions of sanctuary city leaders to aiding and abetting criminal activity.

“If I went down to the border, and if I were to pick people up that were illegally in the country and transport them around the country and maybe give them a place to stay and protect them and let them know when ICE was going to raid, what would happen to me?” Hannity asked.

“Wouldn’t I be charged with aiding and abetting?”

Miller replied, “You’d be facing felony charges, numerous felony charges, charges for trafficking, charges for smuggling, charges for harboring, charges for concealing, charges for illegal interstate commerce, charge after charge after charge.”

He added that sanctuary policies result in illegal aliens who have committed crimes being released and reoffending in communities while ICE agents are forced to track them down again.

“What they’re doing, Sean, is evil, and President Trump will see that they are held to account for their crimes.”

Miller described the Democratic Party as an “extremist organization,” saying its leaders were prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens.

“All you see, all day long, are crazy Democrats screeching on TV on behalf of foreign terrorists, hardened criminals, and violent illegal aliens,” he said.

“A political party exclusively dedicated to protecting terrorists, criminals, gang bangers and murderers. That’s what they’ve become.”

Miller’s remarks highlight growing tensions between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions, with the Department of Justice indicating that enforcement action could include both the loss of federal funds and criminal prosecution of officials who obstruct federal immigration law.

Newsom’s Policies Repel Another Major Brand, Then Mocks Them Online
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Newsom’s Policies Repel Another Major Brand, Then Mocks Them Online

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Bed Bath & Beyond’s Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis announced Wednesday that the company will not open or operate retail stores in California, citing high costs and heavy regulation as reasons for the decision.

In a statement posted on X, Lemonis said the move was not motivated by politics but by the company’s need to remain financially viable.

“California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America,” Lemonis wrote.

He explained that higher taxes, higher fees, higher wages, and “endless regulations that strangle growth” made it impossible for the company to sustain operations in the state.

Lemonis added that California’s budget surpluses are being built at the expense of “ordinary citizens who are paying too much and businesses who are squeezed until they break.”

He said the company would not participate in what he described as a system that undermines both customers and shareholders.

Instead, Bed Bath & Beyond will focus on strengthening its online presence in California.

According to Lemonis, the company will provide delivery service through BedBathandBeyond.com with orders arriving within 24 to 48 hours, and in some cases, same-day delivery.

Lemonis said the strategy would allow the company to avoid the “inflated costs created by an unsustainable model” while still serving California customers.

The announcement comes as the retailer attempts to regain footing after its collapse in 2023.

Bed Bath & Beyond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2023 and shut down all of its physical locations.

At the time, analysts pointed to what Reuters described as “poor inventory management, slow adoption of online shopping trends and overreliance on coupon shopping” as key reasons for the decline.

Overstock.com purchased Bed Bath & Beyond’s intellectual property, including its brand name and domain, for $21.5 million in June 2023.

The website was relaunched under the Bed Bath & Beyond banner by August, and Overstock rebranded itself as Beyond, Inc. in November 2023.

In February, Kirkland’s Inc. finalized a $25 million investment deal with Beyond, giving Kirkland’s exclusive rights to operate new Bed Bath & Beyond retail locations across the country.

The partnership is focused on smaller-format “neighborhood” stores.

The first of these new Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores opened earlier this month in Nashville, Tennessee.

On Monday, Lemonis announced that the company had changed its corporate name back to Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.

The company’s common stock will begin trading under the ticker symbol BBBY on the New York Stock Exchange starting August 29.

Lemonis said the name change underscores the company’s effort to “highlight the most valuable pieces of intellectual property that investors and consumers know today.”

In addition to reviving Bed Bath & Beyond, Lemonis said the company aims to build Overstock.com back into a billion-dollar name and to maximize the value of blockchain assets tZERO and GrainChain.

Lemonis emphasized that the company’s strategy is focused on delivering value to customers and stability to shareholders as it reestablishes itself in the retail sector.

While Bed Bath & Beyond’s decision leaves California without a physical store presence, its executives maintain that the online service model will ensure that the state’s consumers remain part of its growth strategy.

Meanwhile, the Gavin Newsom Press Office account on X, had this to say:

Navy Pilot Rescued After Ejecting from Super Hornet Off Virginia Coast
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Navy Pilot Rescued After Ejecting from Super Hornet Off Virginia Coast

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A U.S. Navy pilot was safely rescued Wednesday morning after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet during a training mission off the coast of Virginia.

The incident, which drew an immediate and coordinated search and rescue response, highlights both the risks of military aviation and the effectiveness of emergency procedures when they are most needed.

According to the Navy, the mishap occurred at 9:53 a.m. Eastern time when the pilot, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 83, was forced to eject from the aircraft during a routine training flight.

The squadron, known as the “Rampagers,” operates out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Rescue teams were dispatched quickly and located the downed aviator less than two hours later. “The pilot was rescued at 11:21 a.m. and taken to a nearby hospital for further medical evaluation,” the Navy release confirmed.

The identity of the pilot has not yet been made public, but officials indicated that the aviator was in stable condition after recovery.

Navy Pilot Rescued After Ejecting from Super Hornet off Virginia Coast
An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter hoists two sailors during search and rescue training in front of the USS Monterey in the Persian Gulf, Sept. 23, 2016. The Monterey is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Jenkins

The Navy further stated, “The F/A-18E remains in the water where it crashed. The cause of the mishap is under investigation.”

While the statement offered few details, it underscored that the precise reason for the crash has not yet been determined.

This is not uncommon in military aviation, as investigations often take weeks or even months to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to such incidents.

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a single-seat, carrier-capable fighter jet widely used by the Navy for both combat and training missions.

Known for its versatility, the aircraft has been a central part of naval aviation since its introduction in the late 1990s.

However, like all advanced aircraft, it requires constant maintenance and monitoring, and even well-trained pilots occasionally face emergencies that demand split-second decision-making.

In this case, the ejection system designed into the Super Hornet proved lifesaving.

Ejection seats are equipped to rapidly propel a pilot out of a malfunctioning aircraft, deploy a parachute, and give the aviator the best chance of survival.

The quick location of the pilot by search and rescue teams further illustrates the effectiveness of the Navy’s emergency response protocols. Because the training flights are carefully tracked and monitored, rescuers were able to quickly identify the crash site and reach the downed aviator.

Although the Navy has not immediately specified the cause of the crash, aviation experts note that training flights, while routine, always carry risks.

Pilots must prepare for a range of potential emergencies, from mechanical malfunctions to sudden weather changes. At the same time, the training environment is essential for ensuring readiness in real-world missions.

Every flight provides crucial experience, but it also carries inherent danger.

Navy Pilot Rescued After Ejecting from Super Hornet off Virginia Coast
Search and rescue teams safely recovered a Navy pilot off the coast of Virginia after the pilot ejected from an F/A-18E Super Hornet, like the one shown here, on Wednesday. (Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske/U.S. Air Force)

Naval Air Station Oceana, the home of Strike Fighter Squadron 83, is one of the Navy’s largest and most significant air installations.

Located in Virginia Beach, it serves as a hub for fleet replacement squadrons, operational fighter squadrons, and training missions across the Atlantic coast.

The station plays a central role in preparing aviators for deployment on aircraft carriers worldwide.

The Navy’s statement did not say whether the aircraft will be recovered from the water, but it is common practice for the service to attempt to retrieve downed planes when possible.

Recovering the aircraft not only allows investigators to better understand the cause of the crash but also prevents sensitive technology from remaining unsecured.

While the pilot’s safe recovery is a relief, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by service members even in non-combat situations.

Training missions are the backbone of readiness, but they also demand precision and expose aviators to the possibility of mechanical failure or unforeseen challenges.

In the coming weeks, the Navy will continue its investigation into the mishap. The results will likely inform future safety measures and provide insights into what went wrong on Wednesday morning.

Until then, the focus remains on the pilot’s health and recovery, as well as the lessons to be drawn from the accident.

For the men and women of Strike Fighter Squadron 83, the event underscores the unpredictable nature of their work.

Although the mishap ended without loss of life, it stands as a sobering reminder that every flight carries risk, and that preparation, training, and rapid response can mean the difference between tragedy and survival.

Unhinged Woman Goes on Wild Rampage, Kicks Agent, Smashes Computer at Orlando Airport
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Unhinged Woman Goes on Wild Rampage, Kicks Agent, Smashes Computer at Orlando Airport

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A woman caused a scene at Orlando International Airport last week after missing several flights, attacking a Southwest Airlines gate agent and damaging equipment in front of shocked travelers.

The incident occurred Thursday when the unidentified passenger attempted to board multiple standby flights but failed to make the list, according to witness Peyton Turberville, who filmed the confrontation and shared details with Storyful.

“She tried to get in through the gate after it closed and they asked her to stop,” Turberville said.

Video from the scene shows the woman shouting “Are you kidding me?” at a Southwest employee in a pink shirt behind the gate desk. The agent can be seen asking her to step back as she continues to yell. Moments later, she kicks him.

“Ooh that’s assault,” Turberville is heard saying while recording the incident.

The passenger then paces around the gate area, speaking incoherently, before returning to the counter and slamming her hand onto a computer. Witnesses can be heard gasping as the screen shakes.

“Two flights wasted! Three planes! After 45 minutes!” she shouted.

The employee moved away from the desk as the situation escalated. The woman, still visibly angry, urged onlookers to “call the police” while continuing to argue.

Returning again to the counter, she wound up and punched the computer monitor, knocking it from its stand and onto the desk. She then followed the gate agent around as he tried to avoid further confrontation before eventually walking away from the area.

The footage shows bystanders stunned by the display, with some recording on their phones.

It is not clear whether the woman was taken into custody or if charges have been filed. Southwest Airlines and Orlando International Airport have not released statements regarding the incident.

The video quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention due to the intensity of the outburst and the physical attack on the airline employee. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and disruptive, as the gate area was crowded with passengers preparing for flights.

Law enforcement response to the episode has not yet been confirmed, and the identity of the passenger has not been disclosed.

The disturbance at the Orlando terminal adds to a growing list of high-profile confrontations between passengers and airline staff in recent years, with authorities and airlines emphasizing that unruly behavior can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest and federal charges.

Chaos Erupts: Pro-Palestinian Activists Hijack Democrats’ Town Hall Meeting
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Chaos Erupts: Pro-Palestinian Activists Hijack Democrats’ Town Hall Meeting

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A Missouri Democrat’s town hall event spiraled into chaos Tuesday night, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators repeatedly disrupted Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and clashed with fellow attendees.

Bell, who unseated progressive Rep. Cori Bush in last year’s Democratic primary, began the event by addressing his views on Israel and Hamas but was quickly met with constant interruptions.

Within 20 minutes of his opening remarks, the forum descended into heated exchanges.

“Stop talking. This is not your town hall. You can leave,” Bell told protesters at one point.

Soon after, he urged the audience to consider the broader challenges facing the country.

“While we’re sitting here being divided and fighting one another, we’ve got other folks out there who are taking our democracy from us.”

The congressman’s remarks on Hamas sparked some of the loudest reactions from the crowd.

When he stated that Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel “was not just a terror attack, October 7 was an invasion,” the audience responded with boos and jeers.

Later, when Bell suggested the need to “surge aid” to Gaza, demonstrators again shouted over him.

“You disagree with that?” he asked the crowd, drawing another round of protests.

As the disruptions continued, activists shouted accusations, calling Bell a “war criminal” and alleging that his stance amounted to support for genocide.

Tensions escalated further when Bell pushed back on a participant who labeled Israel’s military response a genocide.

“You don’t get to set the genocide definition,” one activist shouted.

Bell replied, “No, I don’t… and here’s the thing, people can disagree, that’s what makes our country great.”

He added, “When it comes to the word genocide, I kind of disagree with you… because Israel was attacked by an openly genocidal terrorist group.”

“Hamas said openly that they want to destroy Israel… and so you’re accusing somebody of genocide, you’re standing with an organization that says they want to commit genocide. You don’t see that?” he continued, as boos grew louder.

Despite the disruptions, Bell maintained that a balanced approach was needed.

“We need to see a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza, we need to see an end to the war. We need to see every single hostage returned, and we need to see a viable future for Gaza without Hamas.”

While much of the event was dominated by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, many attendees expressed support for Bell, particularly when he shifted the discussion to local issues.

“The number one killer of kids in St. Louis between [ages] 1 and 17 is gun violence, and there’s people who want to talk about that too,” Bell said, drawing applause from the audience.

At one point, a woman in the crowd confronted the protesters directly. “Shut up with your White privilege,” she shouted.

“You’ve never been hungry, you’ve never had a child be hungry, and yet you want to stand here and diminish the work he’s doing?”

It was not clear whether the activists responded.

The moderator also attempted to calm the situation, calling for security to remove one disruptive attendee just minutes into the event.

She urged the crowd to let the discussion continue. “Let’s do this the Democratic way, the democracy way. You can’t hear anyone yelling. I hear you. As a mixed-race person, I hear you,” she said.

“We can’t get through this if you are yelling and barking and acting like you want to get physical.”

Despite the confrontations, Bell later released a statement expressing gratitude for the turnout.

“I want to thank everyone that came out to our town hall this evening – yes the conversations were passionate at times, but Democracy is messy and we have to passionately defend it,” he wrote on X.

“At the end of the day we’re going to continue to fight for the St. Louis region and for our country.’

DoD to Offer New Medal for Personnel Deployed to Southern Border
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DoD to Offer New Medal for Personnel Deployed to Southern Border

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In a decisive move that underscores the renewed focus on securing the Southern Border, the Department of Defense has announced the creation of a brand-new military decoration.

This award, known as the Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM), will honor service members deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border who are actively supporting Customs and Border Protection in safeguarding the nation.

The Pentagon confirmed the authenticity of the memorandum establishing the medal, which circulated online before being officially recognized.

“Effective immediately, the Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM), is hereby established to recognize Service members deployed to the U.S. international border with Mexico for DoD support to United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP),” the memo reads.

This recognition is more than symbolic. It reflects a fundamental shift in how the country acknowledges the efforts of its men and women in uniform who are directly engaged in protecting America’s sovereignty.

For years, personnel who assisted at the border were eligible only for the Armed Forces Service Medal.

Now, the MBDM replaces that award, elevating border security service to a distinct and prestigious recognition of its own.

Inside the Steely Resolve Locking Down America's Southern Border

Eligibility for the medal is specific and underscores the seriousness of the mission. Military personnel qualify if they have been “permanently assigned, attached, or detailed to a unit that deployed” in support of operations alongside CBP within 100 nautical miles of the border after January 20, 2025.

That date is significant because it marks the day President Trump signed a bold executive order to curb “unlawful mass migration” by deploying additional military forces to the Southern Border.

Service members stationed in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and the adjoining U.S. waters up to 24 nautical miles are covered under this new recognition.

Veterans who already received the Armed Forces Service Medal for previous deployments can apply to have their award swapped out for the Mexican Border Defense Medal.

However, regulations make it clear that both medals cannot be retained simultaneously.

The creation of this medal is not simply about rewarding service. It sends a clear message that border security is a national defense priority.

By establishing the MBDM, the administration acknowledges that protecting the border is every bit as critical as missions overseas.

It also demonstrates to service members that their sacrifices are not overlooked but valued at the highest levels of government.

The timing of this move also reflects a broader strategy. Over the past eight months, the administration has steadily increased its presence along the Southern Border.

U.S. Northern Command established Joint Task Force-Southern Border on March 14, 2025, specifically to lead enforcement efforts and strengthen coordination. As of July 2, roughly 8,500 troops were attached to the task force, reflecting the scale of this mission.

Pentagon's Bold $200 Million Move Sends Message: Security Comes First, No Exceptions
Crews install a 30-foot barrier panel at the Barry M. Goldwater Range along the U.S.-Mexico border near Yuma, Arizona, March 3, 2020. The Pentagon alerted Congress that it plans to divert funding from the services to build another 20-miles worth of border wall at the range. Army photo by James Woods.

While halting illegal crossings is a central priority, the administration has also turned its attention to the dangerous flow of narcotics across the border.

This summer, the U.S. Navy joined forces with the Coast Guard to disrupt cartel smuggling operations. In one remarkable success on August 11, the guided missile destroyer USS Sampson and the Coast Guard intercepted 1,296 pounds of cocaine from a drug-running vessel.

This operation highlights the effectiveness of a united military front against transnational crime.

Behind this initiative is a vision of national security that understands the border as a front line.

The Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has strongly supported a military posture that places border security on par with traditional defense missions overseas.

His leadership reflects a philosophy rooted in both strength and clarity: America must defend itself not only from threats abroad but also from those who attempt to exploit weaknesses at home.

New No-Go Zone on the Border: Military Takes Control as Desert Chaos Escalates in Arizona
Engineer Soldiers from the 62nd Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas, place concertina wire along the Arizona-Mexico border wall, Nov. 7, 2018. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border of the United States. (Army photo by 2nd Lt. Corey Maisch)

By backing the creation of the Mexican Border Defense Medal, Hegseth and the administration are reaffirming their commitment to the men and women who stand watch on American soil.

At the same time, they are reminding the public that the border is not an abstract political issue but a matter of national defense with real consequences for safety, sovereignty, and stability.

The announcement of this medal is a milestone in the ongoing mission to secure the border.

It validates the efforts of thousands of troops, highlights the strategic importance of this deployment, and underscores the seriousness with which this administration approaches national defense.

Because of bold leadership and decisive action, America’s border defenders now stand recognized not only by their commanders and communities but by the nation itself.

The Mexican Border Defense Medal is more than just a ribbon on a uniform. It is a powerful acknowledgment that those who protect America at home deserve the same honor as those who defend it abroad.


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