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NJ Pharma Executive Charged After 103 MPH Wrong-Way Crash Kills Olympic Swimmer
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NJ Pharma Executive Charged After 103 MPH Wrong-Way Crash Kills Olympic Swimmer

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A New Jersey pharmaceutical executive is facing multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, after allegedly driving more than 100 mph in the wrong direction and causing a fatal head-on collision that killed a former Olympic swimmer, as reported by The New York Post.

Prosecutors say 47-year-old Brian Baldari drove his Cadillac CT5 Blackwing in the wrong direction down Route 70 in Lakewood for approximately two miles before colliding with 66-year-old Edwin Borja’s Mazda CX5 on March 23.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced the charges on Wednesday.

The crash occurred at around 5:50 a.m. Baldari’s vehicle struck Borja’s car head-on before hitting six other vehicles. Responding officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department found Baldari’s Cadillac on fire with him trapped inside.

First responders pulled him from the vehicle, and he was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center before being transferred to Weill Cornell Medicine Burn Center in New York City.

Borja, a former Filipino Olympic swimmer, was also airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He died from his injuries 11 days later. A third driver was injured in the crash, treated at Ocean University Medical Center, and later released.

According to investigators, Baldari’s vehicle reached speeds of up to 103 mph. Following a months-long investigation, prosecutors charged him with aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and assault by auto. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years in prison.

Baldari surrendered to Lakewood police on Wednesday and was booked into the Ocean County Jail, where he will remain pending a detention hearing, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Baldari’s LinkedIn profile describes him as an “award-winning” and “seasoned Biopharmaceutical Executive” with more than a decade of industry experience, claiming a record of launching 14 blockbuster brands.

A Rutgers University graduate, he is currently employed as Vice President of Franchise Portfolio Management-Cardiometabolics, Ophthalmology, and Respiratory at Azurity Pharmaceuticals in North Carolina.

Borja, who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines with his family in 1971, competed for the Philippines at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

His events included the 1,500-meter freestyle, 4 × 200-meter freestyle relay, 400-meter freestyle, 200-meter butterfly, and 400-meter individual medley.

Borja earned his degree from La Salle University in Pennsylvania and worked as a controller for Dana Companies. He was active in Saint Andrew Catholic Church, sang in the choir, and enjoyed bowling. He is survived by two children and four grandchildren.

His wife, Marieta Espe Borja, died in 2019.

Hillary Clinton on Trump: “I’d Nominate Him for a Nobel Peace Prize”
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Hillary Clinton on Trump: “I’d Nominate Him for a Nobel Peace Prize”

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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would nominate President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize if he successfully ends the war in Ukraine without ceding territory to Russia, as reported by The New York Post.

Speaking on the “Raging Moderates” podcast in an interview released Friday, Clinton said she would back such a nomination if Trump could secure a peace agreement that protected Ukraine’s borders and stood up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump sits in the family box with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum, Jul7 17, 2024. Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

“Honestly, if he could bring about the end to this terrible war, if he could end it without putting Ukraine in a position where it had to concede its territory to the aggressor, could really stand up to Putin — something we haven’t seen, but maybe this is the opportunity — if President Trump were the architect of that, I’d nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize,” Clinton told host Jessica Tarlov.

“Because my goal here is to not allow capitulation to Putin,” she added.

The comments came as President Trump traveled to Alaska for scheduled talks with Putin aimed at ending the three-year conflict. Trump has said he believes the Russian president is open to a deal, estimating a 25% chance the negotiations will fail.

Clinton’s remarks mark a stark contrast to her past statements about Trump, particularly since losing to him in the 2016 presidential election.

During that campaign, she famously referred to many of his supporters as a “basket of deplorables” and said he was “not just unprepared – he’s temperamentally unfit” to serve as president.

She also criticized him for speaking favorably about Putin. “He praises dictators like Vladimir Putin and picks fights with our friends,” she said during the campaign.

Aug 19, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former Secretary of State, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. The DNC program will feature President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during Monday’s ceremonies. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY

Clinton claimed Trump was “too thin-skinned” to handle nuclear codes and continued to attack him after leaving public office.

In February, she wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times calling Trump’s administration “dumb” and warning that “Mr. Trump’s America will be increasingly blind and blundering, feeble and friendless.”

Last October, she said he was “more unhinged, [and] more unstable” than when she ran against him.

The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, is given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to peace efforts.

Clinton did not indicate whether she believed Trump could realistically achieve the outcome she described but said her focus was on preventing concessions to Moscow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama has voiced support for the Texas Democrats before.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Bessent Slams ‘Eye-Popping’ Congressional Trades, Backs Stock Ban Plan: ‘The American People Deserve Better’
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Scott Bessent Slams ‘Eye-Popping’ Congressional Trades, Backs Stock Ban Plan: ‘The American People Deserve Better’

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling for a ban on individual stock trading by members of Congress, citing the “eye-popping” returns some lawmakers have reported and warning that such activity erodes public trust in government, as reported by The Western Journal.

Speaking to Bloomberg on Wednesday, Bessent said Americans are right to be skeptical when elected officials report profits that would rival the best-performing hedge funds.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives for a meeting with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on December 10, 2024.

“I am going to start pushing for a single stock trading ban, because it is the credibility of the House and the Senate that you look at some of these eye-popping returns,” Bessent said.

He pointed specifically to the financial gains reported by California Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Oregon Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, remarking, “Every hedge fund would be jealous of them.”

Bessent, a former hedge fund manager himself, said that lawmakers should not be using their positions for personal enrichment.

San Francisco, CA – August 23, 2019: Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, speaking at the Democratic National Convention Summer Meeting in San Francisco, California.

“And you know, the American people deserve better than this. People shouldn’t come to Washington to get rich,” he continued.

“They should come to serve the American people, and it brings down trust in the system because, I can tell you, that if any private citizen traded this way, the SEC would be knocking on their door.”

While multiple bills have been introduced in Congress to address the issue of lawmakers trading stocks, Bessent said he has yet to see a proposal that he considers the “perfect bill.” He emphasized that excessive trading by lawmakers undermines the integrity of Congress.

“The House and the Senate, they’re supposed to be working for the American people, their constituents.”

“They’re supposed to be making law. And they shouldn’t be trading every day. I’m not going to name names, but there was one person in Congress who had 1,200 or 1,300 trades two years ago. And you know, my hedge fund didn’t have that many trades.”

President Donald Trump has also voiced support for a ban on individual stock trades by members of Congress. In an interview with Time Magazine in April, Trump said:

“Well, I watched Nancy Pelosi get rich through insider information, and I would be OK with it. If they send that to me, I would do it.”

He confirmed that he would “absolutely” sign such a measure into law.

Bessent said the effort is about restoring credibility to the legislative branch and ensuring lawmakers focus on their legislative responsibilities instead of personal financial gains.

CNN Panelist Dismantles Gavin Newsom’s Redistricting in Under 30 Seconds
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CNN Panelist Dismantles Gavin Newsom’s Redistricting in Under 30 Seconds

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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday in Los Angeles that the state will hold a special election on November 4 for a ballot initiative to adopt a new Democratic-led redistricting plan ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The proposal, unveiled during a public address, drew sharp criticism from CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, who argued that Newsom’s plan undermines his stated opposition to gerrymandering.

Speaking on CNN’s “The Arena With Kasie Hunt,” Jennings said the governor’s remarks revealed a contradiction between his stated principles and proposed actions.

“Let me summarize Gavin Newsom’s speech today: gerrymandering is evil, please vote for my gerrymandering,” Jennings said.

“Of course he failed to mention that it’s already gerrymandered — Republicans get 40% of the vote in California, they have 17% of the congressional seats under a supposed independent redistricting commission — so we’re gonna further gerrymander the gerrymandering.”

According to PolitiFact, Republicans routinely receive about 40% of the statewide vote in California but hold just 9 of the state’s 52 congressional seats, representing 17% of the delegation.

California’s congressional maps are currently drawn by an independent redistricting commission, established in 2010 through a ballot measure intended to reduce partisan control.

Critics argue that despite the commission’s role, the current district boundaries favor Democrats significantly.

Newsom’s announcement comes as national debates over redistricting intensify ahead of the next election cycle.

Democrats have accused Texas Republicans of manipulating district boundaries before 2026, while Republican lawmakers point to similar practices by Democrats in other states.

Jennings referenced the inconsistency in how such disputes are covered, noting that major news outlets have amplified Texas Democrats’ claims of defending democracy while giving less attention to similar issues in Democratic-controlled states.

 

Illinois has been cited as one example of a heavily skewed map. Despite President Donald Trump receiving over 43.5% of the statewide vote in 2024, Democrats control 82% of Illinois’ U.S. House seats.

In 2021, Texas Democrats left the state for Illinois to block a vote on Republican-backed election legislation, drawing criticism from opponents who pointed to Illinois’ partisan map.

Beyond California and Illinois, Democrats have explored redrawing congressional lines in other states, including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Oregon.

In several of these states, courts and independent commissions have imposed limits on redistricting changes, creating legal and political roadblocks.

The proposed California ballot measure will go before voters in less than three months, placing the state in the center of the national conversation over electoral boundaries.

The initiative, if approved, would alter district lines before the 2026 elections, impacting representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Neither Newsom’s office nor the California Redistricting Commission provided immediate responses to questions regarding the specific changes proposed in the new plan.

Election officials said the measure will be filed with the Secretary of State’s office ahead of the November vote.

The special election marks another chapter in California’s ongoing redistricting debate, which has been a point of contention since voters shifted authority from the legislature to the commission more than a decade ago.

Illegal Alien with DUI History Kills Former WNBA Player’s Mother in Head-On Collision
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Illegal Alien with DUI History Kills Former WNBA Player’s Mother in Head-On Collision

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The mother of former WNBA player Sophie Brunner was killed in a head-on collision in Illinois involving an illegal alien with a documented history of drunk driving offenses, authorities said, as reported by The New York Post.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 61-year-old Darcy Connolly-Brunner died Saturday afternoon when a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Rolando Ico-Choc of Guatemala crossed into the wrong lane in Freeport, striking her car.

Ico-Choc, who was also killed in the crash, had a criminal record that included multiple DUI convictions.

Investigators are examining whether Ico-Choc was under the influence at the time of the collision. Officials have stated there is no indication Connolly-Brunner had consumed alcohol.

According to a source, Ico-Choc entered the United States illegally in July 2021 by swimming across the Rio Grande. He was released into the country by border agents and given a court date in September 2026.

State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security had been aware of Ico-Choc’s immigration status.

“A woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community was killed in broad daylight by a man who never should have been in this country or on the road,” Chesney said.

He noted Ico-Choc’s prior charges for DUI, aggravated DUI, and battery, adding that he had crossed the border during the Biden administration.

Court records show Ico-Choc’s encounters with law enforcement began at least in March 2022, when he was arrested for DUI and driving without a valid license.

He pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor DUI and was placed under two years of court supervision. In February 2023, while still banned from driving, he was arrested again for DUI, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to a short jail term and supervision.

In June 2023, he was arrested for domestic battery and sentenced to six days in jail.

Chesney criticized Illinois’ TRUST Act, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

“Over the last few years, this man was shielded by systems that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants and are more focused on allowing criminals to walk free than on protecting Illinois citizens,” he said.

“I am not going to sit by silently while dangerous repeat offenders who are in this country illegally are given free rein to destroy lives.”

State Rep. John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) placed direct blame on Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the state’s Democratic leadership. “I hold JB Pritzker personally responsible. I hold the Democrats personally responsible. This should not have happened. Period,” Cabello said.

Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall, who was friends with Connolly-Brunner, described her as “a kind and giving person” who made people “feel welcome and valued.” Stovall said her death “has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her.”

Sophie Brunner played for the Phoenix Mercury in 2017 and previously competed in the NCAA for Arizona State University.

City-Owned Grocery Store Plagued by Empty Shelves Finally Closes After Years of Loses
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City-Owned Grocery Store Plagued by Empty Shelves Finally Closes After Years of Loses

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A city-owned grocery store in Kansas City, Missouri, has shut its doors after years of financial challenges and the investment of millions of taxpayer dollars.

The closure comes as similar proposals for government-run grocery stores are being promoted elsewhere, including in New York City by Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.

The Kansas City Sun Fresh market, located in Midtown, closed on Tuesday morning.

Local news outlet KSHB reported that a note was posted on the store’s entrance informing customers of the shutdown.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer, at this time, able to serve the residents of this important community,” the note read.

“It has always been our dream and passion to provide quality products and services in a safe, family environment. At this time, unfortunately, we are unable to do that.”

Fox News Digital confirmed the closure through a statement from Emmet Pierson, CEO of Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the non-profit organization that took over ownership of the market in 2022.

The acquisition was handled through Midtown Grocers LLC, an entity operated by CBKC.

“Community Builders of Kansas City, through Midtown Grocers LLC, has worked tirelessly to provide food and necessary services to the urban community throughout its history,” Pierson said in the statement.

“Community Builders has been vocal for years about our concerns and fears regarding the increasingly insurmountable challenges of the KC Sun Fresh Midtown location – they are well-documented and well-known to the community, the media and the City of Kansas City, Missouri (the landlord of the Sun Fresh Midtown location).”

Pierson added that the decision to close was effective as of August 12, 2025.

“As of August 12, 2025, CBKC is no longer able to serve the residents from this Midtown Sun Fresh location. We have no other comments at this time.”

The store had been considered a community resource in a neighborhood that faced limited access to grocery options.

However, operational and financial challenges persisted over the years.

Local reports indicate that the market faced difficulties maintaining sufficient customer traffic and covering operating expenses, despite public funding support.

The City of Kansas City owns the building in which the Sun Fresh market operated.

Officials have not yet announced plans for the future use of the property or whether a new grocery store will occupy the location.

The closure underscores the risks and challenges associated with municipally owned retail operations.

In the case of Sun Fresh, despite public and private efforts to sustain the store, declining revenues and other economic pressures ultimately led to its shutdown.

While the Kansas City experiment in city-owned grocery retail has come to an end, similar proposals are currently under discussion in other parts of the country.

In New York City, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has suggested that city-run grocery stores could help address food access issues in underserved neighborhoods.

The Kansas City outcome may factor into debates over the viability and long-term sustainability of such programs.

Community leaders in Kansas City have expressed concern about the loss of the Midtown grocery option and the potential impact on residents who relied on the store for food access.

No timeline has been provided for replacing the store with another grocer or service provider.

Bill Clinton Named as “Prime Suspect” In High-Stakes Epstein Investigation
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Bill Clinton Named as “Prime Suspect” In High-Stakes Epstein Investigation

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House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) identified former President Bill Clinton as a “prime suspect” in the panel’s ongoing investigation into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking case.

Comer made the statement Monday in an interview with Newsmax, pointing to longstanding reports linking Clinton to visits to Epstein’s private island.

“Everybody in America wants to know what went on in Epstein Island, and we’ve all heard reports that Bill Clinton was a frequent visitor there, so he’s a prime suspect to be deposed by the House Oversight Committee,” Comer said.

His office later confirmed the remarks to Fox News Digital.

On August 5, the Oversight Committee issued a series of deposition subpoenas to individuals with connections to Epstein, including both Bill and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Lawmakers from both parties voted to authorize the subpoenas, with the committee requesting Hillary Clinton appear on October 9 and Bill Clinton on October 14.

“So, hopefully we’ll win that court battle with that subpoena and see President Clinton in October,” Comer told Newsmax.

Bill Clinton has repeatedly denied visiting Epstein’s island. In his 2024 memoir Citizen, Clinton wrote that he had never traveled there and expressed regret over ever meeting Epstein.

A spokesperson for Clinton did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Oversight Committee’s actions come amid renewed public attention on the Epstein case.

In July, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI announced they would not release new records related to the matter and that their review into Epstein was closed.

The agencies stated that no new individuals had been identified for prosecution and that they had not compiled a list of sexual predators connected to Epstein.

That position contrasts with the committee’s ongoing inquiry, which seeks to obtain all Justice Department records concerning Epstein.

Alongside the Clintons, the Oversight Committee issued subpoenas to former FBI Director James Comey, former Attorneys General Eric Holder, Jeff Sessions, and Merrick Garland, among others.

The DOJ faces a Tuesday deadline to provide the requested documents, according to previous reports by Fox News Digital.

Comer acknowledged that compelling the former president to testify will present challenges, but expressed confidence based on his past success in enforcing subpoenas.

“I’ve never lost a subpoena battle,” Comer said Monday.

“I’ve been chairman of that committee for a year and a half — this is the most challenging subpoena I’ve ever issued, but what makes this subpoena different is that the Democrats voted with Republicans.”

The committee’s investigation is focused on uncovering the full scope of Epstein’s activities and the extent of any political or high-profile connections.

Lawmakers have signaled that testimony from key figures, along with access to DOJ records, will be central to determining whether further action is warranted.

Kash Patel’s FBI Hits the Ground Running with Trump’s Plan to Clean Up Washington DC
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Kash Patel’s FBI Hits the Ground Running with Trump’s Plan to Clean Up Washington DC

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FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday that the bureau has made 10 arrests during the first night of President Donald Trump’s federal initiative to address crime in the nation’s capital.

The arrests were part of the administration’s broader effort to “make D.C. safe again,” launched earlier this week.

In a post on X, Patel detailed the arrests, which included charges of prior murder, unlawful possession of firearms, multiple outstanding warrants for driving under the influence, and violation of a restraining order.

“These are just a few examples — we are just getting started,” Patel wrote.

“Federal partners joined local police and arrested 23 in total. When you let good cops be cops they can clean up our streets and do it fast.”

He concluded with, “More to come. Your nation’s Capital WILL be safe again.”

The announcement came one day after Trump declared “Liberation Day” for Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control and activating the National Guard.

The move invokes Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, granting the president the authority to assume control of the city’s police force in certain circumstances.

“This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump said at a White House press briefing on Monday.

“We’re taking it back under the authorities vested in me as the president of the United States. I’m officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control.”

The president said that roughly 800 National Guard troops would be mobilized to support MPD with logistics, transportation, and guarding federal and law enforcement facilities.

The federalization is expected to last 30 days, with Attorney General Pam Bondi overseeing the MPD during that period. Trump emphasized that the troops would be “allowed to do their job properly.”

The FBI is among several federal agencies participating in the operation, working alongside the National Guard and local police.

Federal officials say the joint effort aims to increase law enforcement presence in high-crime neighborhoods and address outstanding warrants.

The decision has faced opposition from some local leaders and critics who argue the federal takeover is unnecessary.

They point to city statistics showing a drop in reported crime over the past year.

However, some law enforcement officials have questioned the accuracy of those figures.

Last month, a Washington, D.C., police commander was suspended after alleging that MPD Chief Pamela Smith and other top officials had manipulated crime data.

Trump had first raised the possibility of federalizing D.C.’s police force during his 2024 presidential campaign, citing concerns about rising crime.

The issue resurfaced earlier this month when a Department of Government Efficiency staffer was attacked by several juveniles in the city.

Trump cited that incident as evidence of unsafe conditions and pledged immediate action.

The administration has said it will provide further updates on the progress of the operation in the coming days.

For now, federal officials say the initial results underscore the ability of coordinated law enforcement efforts to deliver swift arrests and restore public safety.

Dark-Money Donors, Including George Soros, Pump Million Into DC Anti-Trump Protest Movement
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Dark-Money Donors, Including George Soros, Pump $20 Million Into DC Anti-Trump Protest Movement

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Left-wing dark-money donors, including billionaire George Soros, have contributed more than $20 million to progressive groups funding protests against President Donald Trump’s law enforcement crackdown in Washington, D.C., according to financial records reviewed by The New York Post.

The protests are organized by Free DC, described as a “fiscally sponsored special project” of progressive nonprofits Community Change and Community Change Action.

On Monday, the group brought approximately 150 demonstrators near the White House to oppose Trump’s decision to federalize the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deploy National Guard troops to the city.

Free DC promotes a set of “guiding principles” that include slogans such as “Do not obey in advance” and “Take up space.”

The group encourages nightly demonstrations, urging participants to “go outside at 8:00 PM and bang pots and pans, sing, chant, or make noise for five minutes” during what it describes as “this occupation.”

Police car at night with lights on. Zag Advertising – Shutterstock.com

The group has also scheduled additional events, including a “Cop Watch Training,” signaling continued protests against Trump’s plan to increase policing, dismantle homeless encampments, and improve public safety in the capital.

Community Change and Community Change Action, which fund Free DC’s activities, have received substantial contributions from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, the Tides Foundation, and the Arabella Advisors network, according to research by Americans for Public Trust.

“It is ironic that a protest to ostensibly ‘Free DC’ was hosted by Community Change, a group funded by massive amounts of outside dark money to push a pro-crime agenda,” Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust, said in a statement.

“D.C. is facing shootings, carjackings, and assaults, and yet progressive groups like The Pritzker Foundation, George Soros, and the Arabella Network all spend millions of dollars to manufacture protests that weaken our communities.”

Financial disclosures show that in 2023 alone, Community Change and Community Change Action received $4 million from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, $680,000 from the Arabella Advisors network, and $145,000 from the Tides Foundation.

Between 2020 and 2023, the groups received $12.6 million from Open Society Foundations, $5.6 million from Arabella’s network, and $1.9 million from the Tides Network, under grants labeled for “civil rights, social action, advocacy” and “social welfare activities.”

Arabella Advisors, based in Washington, D.C., oversees several funds — including the Sixteen Thirty Fund, Windward Fund, and New Venture Fund — that have contributed to Community Change and Community Change Action since 2020.

Additionally, Community Change received $1 million in 2021 and 2022 from Future Forward USA Action, a Democratic-aligned super PAC connected to Future Forward PAC, one of the main political committees supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Free DC’s website states that it began organizing in 2023 in response to a congressional effort to block a revision of the D.C. criminal code. Neither Free DC nor Community Change responded to requests for comment.


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