News

Colonel Christine Littlejohn Becomes First Woman to Command Nevada’s 99th Air Base Wing
News

Colonel Christine Littlejohn Becomes First Woman to Command Nevada’s 99th Air Base Wing

/

For the first time in the history of the 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, a woman has assumed command of the unit.

Col. Christine Littlejohn officially took command during a ceremony held on July 17, marking a milestone for the organization while taking responsibility for one of the Air Force’s key installation support wings.

Littlejohn now leads 12 squadrons and two groups responsible for providing essential support for base operations.

Her new role places her in charge of the organization that helps keep one of the military’s premier combat aviation installations operating on a daily basis.

According to information released by Nellis Air Force Base, Littlejohn succeeds Col. Jason Glynn, who served as commander for the previous two years.

The transition took place during a formal change of command ceremony attended by military personnel and leadership.

Military Times asked base officials about the historic nature of the appointment.

While officials did not specifically comment on Littlejohn becoming the first woman to lead the wing, they did provide a list of previous commanders showing that all 16 of her predecessors were men.

A spokesperson for Nellis emphasized that leadership selections are based on qualifications rather than demographic factors. “The Air Force selects its commanders strictly on merit,” a Nellis spokesperson said.

“Col. Littlejohn has experience at various levels of command, ensuring the 99th Air Base Wing continues to maintain the highest standards of mission readiness and combat capability.”

Before arriving at Nellis, Littlejohn served as commander of the 502nd Installation Support Group at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

Colonel Christine Littlejohn Becomes First Woman to Command Nevada’s 99th Air Base Wing
U.S. Air Force Col. Christine Littlejohn, 99th Air Base Wing commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 17, 2026. The wing consists of 12 squadrons aligned under the 99th Mission Support Group, 99th Medical Group, and 99th Comptroller Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Amador Paulino)

In that position, she oversaw installation support functions for one of the military’s largest joint bases, giving her experience managing complex operations involving multiple organizations.

Throughout her military career, Littlejohn has held both strategic and operational assignments across several major commands as well as positions at Air Force headquarters.

Those assignments provided experience in planning, leadership, and support operations that prepared her for command of the 99th Air Base Wing.

Her record also includes support for several major combat operations conducted by the United States military.

According to the official announcement, Littlejohn provided critical support to deployments connected to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Littlejohn replaces Glynn following a period that included several significant challenges at Nellis.

During his tenure, the base navigated a federal government shutdown and restructuring involving the civilian workforce while continuing day to day operations.

The official statement also credited Glynn with leading recovery efforts following an F 16C Fighting Falcon aircraft incident.

In addition, base leadership highlighted work to address security threats affecting the installation’s main gate, along with other accomplishments during his command.

Colonel Christine Littlejohn Becomes First Woman to Command Nevada’s 99th Air Base Wing
The Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard presents the colors during the 99th Air Base Wing change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 17, 2026. The wing consists of 12 squadrons aligned under the 99th Mission Support Group, 99th Medical Group, and 99th Comptroller Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Heather Amador Paulino)

The 99th Air Base Wing performs a broad range of installation support missions that enable operations across Nellis Air Force Base.

The organization supports more than 10,000 personnel assigned to the Air Force Warfare Center, five wings, and 52 tenant units located on the installation.

Its responsibilities include maintaining the infrastructure and services needed for operational testing, tactics development, and training across the air, space, and cyberspace domains.

Those missions help ensure units stationed at Nellis can conduct advanced training and readiness activities.

Nellis Air Force Base remains one of the Air Force’s most important training locations for combat aviation.

The installation is home to a wide variety of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, aerial refueling aircraft, and transport platforms that support advanced exercises and operational preparation.

Overall, approximately 14,000 military members and civilian personnel work at the base.

With Littlejohn now in command of the 99th Air Base Wing, she assumes responsibility for the installation support organization that helps sustain those missions while maintaining readiness for current and future operations.

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

/

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

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

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

Brandon Gill Torches Smithsonian Director Over Radical Rewrite of American History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marine Drill Instructor Found Dead at Parris Island as Second Tragic Loss in Two Months
News

Marine Drill Instructor Found Dead at Parris Island as Second Tragic Loss in Two Months

/

A Marine Corps drill instructor assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island was found dead in her apartment on July 17, marking the second death involving a Parris Island drill instructor in just two months.

The Marine Corps confirmed the death while emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.

Sgt. Darilyn C. Duong was discovered in her apartment in Port Royal, South Carolina, just north of the famed recruit training installation.

She was 25 years old and served as a drill instructor with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

Officials have not released a cause of death, and Marine Corps representatives say investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened.

Until that process is complete, the service is withholding additional details.

Marine spokesperson 2nd Lt. Joshua Hartley addressed the loss in a statement released after Duong’s death was confirmed.

The service also asked for privacy for her family and fellow Marines during the investigation.

“The Marine Corps extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and fellow Marines affected by this loss,” Hartley said.

“At this time, it would be premature to speculate on the circumstances or results of the investigation. … Out of respect for the Marine’s family and loved ones, no additional details will be released at this time.”

Duong was originally from Winnebago, Nebraska, and built her Marine Corps career after first enlisting as a Food Service Specialist.

She later earned the demanding role of drill instructor, one of the Corps’ most respected and challenging leadership positions.

As a drill instructor, Duong was responsible for shaping new Marines during the demanding recruit training process at Parris Island.

The assignment requires long hours, strict discipline, and a significant commitment to developing the next generation of Marines.

Her military record included several notable awards recognizing both her service and conduct.

Among them were the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, two Good Conduct Medals, and the National Defense Service Medal.

The tragedy comes only weeks after another Parris Island drill instructor was found dead under separate circumstances. That earlier incident also remains a recent reminder of the losses that have affected the installation.

On May 30, Sgt. Albert Haynes II, 24, was found dead in a hotel room in Starke, Florida. He had been staying there while attending a poolee event with U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Station Jacksonville.

The deaths of two drill instructors within such a short period have drawn attention because of their timing, although Marine Corps officials have not indicated that the cases are connected.

At present, each incident is being handled according to its own investigative process.

Duong was single and had no dependents, according to information released by the Marine Corps. Beyond confirming her identity, service history, and awards, officials have declined to release further personal details out of respect for her loved ones.

As investigators continue their work, the Marine Corps has maintained that speculation would be inappropriate until the facts are established.

For now, the service is focused on supporting those affected by the loss while awaiting the results of the official investigation.

Trump’s Masterstroke? These Moves Could Make Iran and the Global Elites Irrelevant [WATCH]
News

Trump’s Masterstroke? These Moves Could Make Iran and the Global Elites Irrelevant [WATCH]

/

Glenn Beck argued that the long-term geopolitical significance of the conflict involving Iran extends beyond military operations and nuclear concerns, saying a series of major pipeline and infrastructure projects could permanently reduce Tehran’s ability to influence global energy markets.

Beck began by discussing Iran’s military capabilities before shifting to a historical comparison.

“We don’t know about their nukes,” he said. “They’re now a defense supplier building really dangerous weapons in drones. We’re in the middle of a European war.”

He then introduced a historical example involving Denmark and control of the Baltic Sea.

“The map, which takes me to Denmark, 1429 to 1857,” Beck said. “I can’t believe we’re talking about Denmark.”

According to Beck, Denmark collected tolls from ships entering the Baltic Sea for more than four centuries because it controlled both sides of a strategic waterway.

“Every ship that entered the Baltic Sea paid a toll to the king of Denmark,” Beck said. “Not a tax on Danish goods, a tax on other people’s trade collected because Denmark happened to own both sides of that narrow piece of water into the Baltic.”

He explained that the fees, known as the Sound Dues, became a major source of revenue for Denmark.

“The sound dues is what they were called,” Beck said. “They ran from 1429, and at their height, they were a third of the Danish crown’s entire income.”

Beck noted that European nations continued paying the toll because the alternative was conflict.

“Europe grumbled, but they paid because the alternative was war, and the toll was cheaper than war.”

According to Beck, the United States eventually challenged that system.

“Who refused to pay it? Us, the United States,” he said. “We said, you know what? We’ve had enough of this. We’re not going to recognize your levy, and we’re not going to pay it.”

Beck said that dispute ultimately resulted in the Copenhagen Convention.

“So everybody went to the negotiating table,” he said. “That was the Copenhagen Convention, and it was a one-time buyout, and the permanent principle that a straight is not a possession.”

He said that principle later influenced the construction of the Kiel Canal.

“The Kiel Canal came later,” Beck said. “They build this canal because they knew somebody’s going to look at that strait at some point in the future and go, ‘You got to pay us a toll, and it’ll choke everything down.'”

According to Beck, the canal made that strategic choke point optional.

“So they made a canal, making the choke point optional,” he said. “That’s the key to this.”

Turning to current events, Beck argued that concerns over Iran’s nuclear program are only part of a larger strategic picture.

“I think it is misdirection,” he said. “I think it’s serious. I think it’s real. The nuke part of it. I think it’s real. I think the drones are a real part of this.”

He said he believes the larger issue involves energy infrastructure now under development in the Gulf region.

“I think the choke point and the canal that is being built right now in the Gulf… that I think is what this is all about.”

Beck pointed to several projects that he said would reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz over the next several years.

“There is an east-west line, a million and a half barrels a day in service by early 2027,” he said. “Saudi Arabia weighing 2 million barrel expansion to the Red Sea, Iraq back at the table on a Mediterranean corridor through Turkey.”

He also cited projections from Goldman Sachs.

“Goldman Sachs counts seven different projects now,” Beck said, “and puts Gulf pipeline capacity over 14 million barrels a day by 2028.”

According to Beck, those projects would allow much of the region’s oil exports to bypass areas vulnerable to Iranian interference.

“More than 60 percent of what those seven states exported before the war now moving in places Iran cannot touch with a speedboat or a mine.”

Beck argued that the strategy is designed to maintain oil exports while reducing Iran’s leverage over international trade.

“This is not being held hostage by crazy people trying to take them out,” he said. “But keep the oil running while we build an end to the choke point.”

He concluded by arguing that the long-term objective extends beyond military targets.

“The prize is the permanent expiration of Iran’s veto over the world economy,” Beck said. “That’s the only asset that ever made a broke, isolated, demographically hollowing theocracy into a power anyone had to consult.”

WATCH:

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The investigations and legal proceedings remain ongoing.

Medical Student Dorms for 5,200 Troops Set for Demolition After Serious Construction Failures
News

Medical Student Dorms for 5,200 Troops Set for Demolition After Serious Construction Failures

/

Thousands of enlisted medical students assigned to one of the military’s premier healthcare training centers are being forced out of their dormitories after officials determined the buildings suffer from major construction flaws that cannot be repaired through ordinary maintenance.

The affected troops are assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where roughly 16,500 enlisted service members from the Army, Navy, and Air Force complete medical specialty training each year.

What was supposed to be a reliable home during their education has instead become another example of the military’s long running struggle with deteriorating living conditions.

KSAT TV first reported the situation involving the dormitories. Base officials later confirmed that widespread infrastructure problems are forcing a major relocation effort.

According to a spokesperson for Joint Base San Antonio, approximately 2,000 students have already been moved from the dormitories since July 11 because of persistent problems involving the buildings’ climate control systems.

The relocation effort will eventually affect about 5,200 enlisted medical students.

While the spokesperson did not detail the exact mechanical failures, both KSAT TV and the San Antonio Express News reported that mold concerns and poor construction played significant roles in the decision to evacuate the facilities.

Officials ultimately concluded that the structures suffer from foundational defects that cannot be corrected through routine repairs. Rather than continue spending money on temporary fixes, the buildings will be demolished and replaced.

“Students will move back onto the campus once the facilities have been replaced,” the spokesperson said. “Coordination is ongoing to minimize the timeline for the construction while also ensuring the facilities are built to the standards required.”

For now, students are being transferred into temporary lodging located on the installation. Base leaders hope construction on replacement facilities can begin before the end of the year, although no completion timeline has been announced.

The situation highlights a broader quality of life problem that has frustrated troops across the services for years. Aging barracks, deferred maintenance, and questionable construction have repeatedly surfaced as concerns at military installations throughout the country.

A 2023 Government Accountability Office report documented numerous problems at barracks across 10 military installations.

Inspectors found issues ranging from mold and pest infestations to sewage concerns, rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, and water quality problems, raising questions about the condition of housing provided to many junior enlisted personnel.

The Department of War has requested $57 billion in the next fiscal year for military facilities, with a significant share intended to improve barracks conditions.

Separately, a Pentagon barracks task force has been investing $1.2 billion in projects designed to modernize enlisted housing across the services.

Housing is only one piece of the quality of life challenge facing service members. Access to dependable dining facilities has also become an issue at several installations, creating additional hardships for troops who depend on those facilities for daily meals.

Junior enlisted personnel living in barracks typically rely on installation chow halls because part of their pay is withheld to support dining facility operations.

When those facilities close because of maintenance or sanitation problems, service members are left scrambling for alternatives.

The latest example emerged at Fort Hood, Texas, where a dining facility was shut down after video spread across social media showing cockroaches crawling along the walls of a food preparation area.

Stars and Stripes reported that installation officials closed the facility after becoming aware of the footage.

The problems in Texas underscore the continuing need for military infrastructure that meets the standards expected by the men and women serving in uniform.

As officials prepare to demolish and rebuild the medical student dormitories, thousands of enlisted troops will continue their training while waiting for replacement facilities that are expected to finally correct the failures built into the original structures.

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson also criticized economic policies adopted by several states.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Sheehy Drops Massive Truth Bombs on the Situation with Iran [WATCH]
News

Senator Sheehy Drops Massive Truth Bombs on the Situation with Iran [WATCH]

/

Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana delivered an emotional speech on the Senate floor, arguing that the Iranian regime has spent nearly five decades carrying out terrorism against Americans and others while successive U.S. administrations failed to hold it accountable.

Drawing on his military service, Sheehy said the threat posed by Iran extends beyond politics and has affected service members, their families, and civilians around the world.

Sheehy began by recalling a recent ceremony honoring fallen American troops.

“Yesterday, we saw the President of States and many others at Dover Air Force Base presiding over a ceremony that is very sacred to those of us who served,” he said, describing “a dignified return of remains from the war zone.”

Reflecting on his own military experience, Sheehy said he had participated in many of those ceremonies.

“I participated in many of those ceremonies myself, to include carrying friends of mine off the plane,” he said. Holding up a memorial bracelet, Sheehy added, “One of those is on this bracelet. He was cut in half by an Iranian EFP.”

Sheehy argued that Iran’s leadership does not distinguish between Americans based on politics, religion, or geography.

“This regime that we are fighting does not care about our partisan politics,” he said. “They don’t care who you voted for, who you pray to, or where you live.”

According to Sheehy, the regime has made its intentions clear through decades of violence.

“They want to kill all of us, and they don’t just say it; they actually do it, and they’ve been doing it for 47 years.”

Addressing criticism of U.S. military involvement, Sheehy said, “This is a war of choice. The Democrats are correct.” He immediately added that it “was begun by a radical, lunatic band of terrorists that took over a beautiful nation, 47 years ago.”

He said the regime seized power “with brutality, force, and savagery” and chose violence over improving the country.

“They didn’t free their people. They didn’t unleash the largest oil reserves in the world to build schools and bridges,” Sheehy said. “They took it over to murder their own people and to spread their disgusting ideology across the world.”

Sheehy argued that Iran’s actions over the years demonstrate its intentions.

“You don’t have to believe what they say,” he said. “You can simply watch what they’ve done.”

He cited attacks against civilians, families, and military personnel while describing what he called acts of extreme brutality committed by Iran-backed terrorists. He also said those responsible are celebrated rather than punished.

“They’ve done it to friends of mine,” Sheehy said. “They’ve done it to families who’ve been in this chamber.”

Sheehy criticized American elected officials whom he believes have minimized the threat.

“The fact that we sit here and listen to elected officials of this country defend these lunatics who want us all dead,” he said, adding, “they want all of us dead.”

He pointed to attacks including the 1983 Marine barracks bombing, the USS Cole bombing, and terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

“These are not humanitarian freedom organizations; they are death-dealing cults,” Sheehy said. “They want all of us to die brutal deaths.”

Recalling additional cases involving Americans, Sheehy referenced CIA officer William Buckley and U.S. personnel captured by Iranian-backed forces, arguing their families have never received justice.

“These families have never gotten restitution,” he said. “Not a single president has ever stood up to them.”

Sheehy contrasted that record with President Donald Trump’s approach.

“There’s never been a single president who has stood up to Iran and hit back for 47 years?” he said.

He also criticized leaders from both political parties for, in his view, failing to support American troops during overseas conflicts.

“When you’re fighting for your country, you don’t care what party’s in office,” Sheehy said. “You’re fighting to defend your country.”

He said service members are discouraged when they see elected officials criticizing military efforts.

“You turn on the news and see your elected officials stabbing you in the back,” he said, “telling you that you’re failing.”

Sheehy argued that recent Iranian actions do not reflect strength.

“An occasional missile strike and boats in the straits-that’s not military strength,” he said. “Those are the flailings of a failing empire.”

He closed by urging lawmakers to think about the troops currently serving overseas rather than political considerations.

“I encourage our colleagues on both sides of the aisle, whatever is politically convenient, whatever plays well on Twitter or Facebook, think about the people who are deployed right now,” Sheehy said.

Concluding his remarks, Sheehy argued that Iran initiated the conflict decades ago and said the United States must ensure future generations do not face the same threat.

“We did not start a war with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard; they started it with us 47 years ago,” he said. “It’s time to fix this problem and make sure another generations of Americans does not have to fight this murderous, savage adversary.”

WATCH:

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

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

/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Against my better judgment, I agreed.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Scroll to Top