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Trump Admin Hits the Department of Education with Massive 20% Job Cut
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Trump Admin Hits the Department of Education with Massive 20% Job Cut

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The Department of Education announced this week that nearly 460 employees have been laid off as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the size of federal agencies and shift authority over education back to states and local communities.

The cuts represent roughly 20 percent of the department’s workforce and mark a major step in the administration’s long-promised effort to reduce Washington’s involvement in public education.

The largest reductions affected the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, along with staff associated with the TRIO college access program.

According to administration officials, the decision was driven by the need to streamline operations and eliminate duplicative programs that have grown over decades of federal expansion.

Teachers unions and Democratic lawmakers immediately criticized the move, arguing that the layoffs would negatively impact students and families.

Several union representatives called the reductions “harmful to students,” claiming they would reduce federal oversight of special education and college preparation programs.

However, administration officials countered that the current system has become inefficient and costly, diverting billions of dollars into administrative overhead rather than directly benefiting classrooms.

President Trump has consistently argued that the Department of Education has grown into a “bloated bureaucracy” that consumes taxpayer funds while producing limited results.

His executive order to begin phasing out the department is part of a broader initiative to return decision-making power to states, local districts, and parents.

The president has said that education policy should be determined “by those closest to the students, not by bureaucrats in Washington.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon reiterated that students with disabilities will remain a top priority under the restructuring.

She noted that responsibility for some disability-related programs could eventually shift to the Department of Health and Human Services, where existing medical and rehabilitation expertise could improve coordination.

“This is about better management, not abandonment,” McMahon said during a briefing.

“We are focused on ensuring students receive services more efficiently and effectively.”

Administration officials said the restructuring is designed to consolidate overlapping functions and reduce redundancy between agencies.

They also emphasized that many state education departments have the capacity to manage federal grants and special programs directly, reducing the need for multiple layers of review from Washington.

Republican lawmakers have expressed support for the downsizing, calling it a necessary correction to decades of federal overreach in education policy.

They argue that the federal government’s growing list of mandates and compliance requirements has imposed costly burdens on schools while producing little improvement in academic outcomes.

“For too long, states have had to navigate a maze of federal regulations just to access their own education funding,” one GOP congressional aide said.

“This reform puts that control back where it belongs.”

Democratic leaders have opposed the cuts and accused the administration of using them to advance a political agenda.

The ongoing dispute has contributed to a partial government shutdown affecting several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, where approximately 90 percent of remaining staff have been furloughed.

Despite the political fallout, administration officials maintain that the layoffs are part of a larger strategy to modernize federal operations and prioritize efficiency.

President Trump’s team estimates that reducing the size of the department will save hundreds of millions of dollars annually while redirecting resources toward state and local education initiatives.

President Trump has framed the move as part of his broader commitment to reforming Washington’s bureaucracy.

“Our goal is simple,” the president said earlier this year.

“Put power back in the hands of parents, teachers, and communities, and end the waste that has defined the federal education system for far too long.”

The Department of Education’s workforce reduction is expected to continue in phases as the administration evaluates additional areas for consolidation.

The plan reflects the administration’s broader education strategy—one that prioritizes local control, fiscal responsibility, and greater accountability to families rather than federal agencies.

Virginia Dem Candidate Can’t Answer Gender Locker Room Question During Debate
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Virginia Dem Candidate Can’t Answer Gender Locker Room Question During Debate

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Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger faced off Thursday night in the Virginia gubernatorial debate, held just weeks before Election Day and days after the emergence of the Jay Jones texting scandal that has roiled the state’s Democratic Party.

The debate, broadcast statewide from Richmond, gave both candidates an opportunity to address key issues shaping the race — including ethics, education, and gender policies — though Spanberger faced sustained questioning over her continued endorsement of Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general.

Jones came under fire earlier this month when a series of text messages from 2022 surfaced in which he appeared to fantasize about murdering then-Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilbert, a Republican, and about Gilbert’s children dying in his wife’s arms.

The texts were sent to a former GOP colleague and have prompted widespread condemnation.

Despite repeated questions from moderators and from Earle-Sears during the debate, Spanberger declined to say whether she still supports Jones or whether she believes he should withdraw from the race.

“We are all running our individual races,” Spanberger said.

“It is up to every person to make their own decision.”

When pressed again on whether she continues to endorse Jones following the revelations, Spanberger avoided a direct answer, instead reiterating that voters now “have the information” and can “make an individual choice based on this information.”

Her refusal to address the issue directly drew scrutiny from political observers, with some noting that the controversy has complicated Democratic efforts to regain ground in a state that has seen a political shift in recent election cycles.

The debate also turned tense over questions about education policy and gender identity — an issue that has been at the forefront of political debate in Virginia since 2021, when the state became a flashpoint for disputes over transgender policies in schools.

Spanberger was asked whether she supports allowing biological males to use girls’ locker rooms and restrooms, a question she has avoided throughout the campaign.

She again declined to give a direct answer, offering instead a response emphasizing local control.

“My answer is that each local community decision should be made between parents and educators and teachers in each community,” Spanberger said, referencing her background in law enforcement and her role as a mother.

“Nothing is more important to me than the safety of all children.”

However, Spanberger did not say whether she would repeal the policy signed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin that requires students to use restrooms corresponding to their biological sex.

Earle-Sears seized on Spanberger’s reluctance to take a clear position.

“Parents deserve to know exactly where their leaders stand,” Earle-Sears said during her response.

“This is not a time for ambiguity. It’s a time for leadership.”

The exchange became one of the most discussed moments of the evening, with political analysts comparing Spanberger’s performance to a “Dukakis moment” — referencing the 1988 presidential debate in which Democrat Michael Dukakis was criticized for giving a detached response to a question about crime.

Throughout the 90-minute debate, the two candidates also clashed on public safety, taxes, and Virginia’s economic outlook.

Earle-Sears emphasized her record on fiscal management and law enforcement, while Spanberger attempted to frame her campaign as focused on education and bipartisanship.

The fallout from the Jones scandal continues to hang over the Democratic ticket, with several state lawmakers calling his texts “disqualifying.”

Jones has not withdrawn from the race and has apologized publicly for his comments, calling them “deeply inappropriate.”

The Virginia gubernatorial election will take place in early November, with both campaigns now turning to their final round of rallies and media appearances.

Early voting began last week across the state.

Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco
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Dem Mega Donor and Major Tech CEO Wants Trump to Send National Guard to San Francisco

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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, a longtime Democratic donor and one of San Francisco’s most prominent business leaders, sparked outrage among Democrats on Friday after publicly praising President Donald Trump and endorsing his proposal to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco.

Benioff’s comments were made during an interview with The New York Times, in which he discussed the city’s ongoing problems with crime, homelessness, and public disorder.

His remarks marked a sharp departure from his longstanding support for Democratic politicians and causes.

According to The New York Times, President Trump, during an Oval Office meeting in August, mentioned he was considering sending federal troops into San Francisco, citing the city’s deteriorating conditions.

The report stated that the president had said Democrats had “destroyed” San Francisco and vowed that he would “clean that one up, too.”

Benioff told the publication that he supported the president’s idea and believed National Guard soldiers could help stabilize the situation.

“I fully support the president,” Benioff said.

“I think he’s doing a great job.”

The statement quickly drew backlash from prominent Democrats and local officials.

Many have long opposed the use of the National Guard in urban areas, particularly in cities that have experienced unrest related to immigration enforcement or protests against federal agencies.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Matt Dorsey, who represents portions of the city’s downtown, called Benioff’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal “a slap in the face to San Francisco.”

In a post on X, Dorsey wrote that the city did not need federal intervention and criticized Benioff for supporting what he described as an unnecessary show of force.

State Senator Scott Wiener also condemned the idea, saying in a statement that National Guard involvement would amount to an “illegal military occupation.”

Wiener wrote, “Inviting Trump to send the National Guard here is not one of those good things. Quite the opposite. We neither need nor want an illegal military occupation in San Francisco.”

Despite the criticism, Benioff’s comments reflect growing frustration among business and civic leaders over the city’s ongoing public safety and homelessness issues.

San Francisco has struggled for years with open-air drug markets, rising theft, and widespread encampments, even after repeated promises by state and local leaders to address the problems.

Benioff, whose company is headquartered in downtown San Francisco, has been one of the city’s most vocal advocates for reform.

He has funded housing initiatives, supported local nonprofits, and regularly spoken out about improving public safety and civic engagement.

However, his endorsement of President Trump’s approach marks a significant shift from his usual alignment with Democratic policy positions.

White House cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks highlighted the moment on X, describing Benioff’s remarks as a turning point for San Francisco’s political and business community.

Sacks, who has previously criticized city leadership for its handling of crime and homelessness, celebrated the Salesforce CEO’s comments as evidence that even longtime Democratic donors were losing faith in local governance.

San Francisco’s challenges have become a national issue in recent years, with many major retailers closing stores in the city and residents voicing concerns about deteriorating safety and cleanliness.

Benioff’s support for the president’s plan places him among a growing number of tech executives and investors who have shifted their political views amid frustration with progressive leadership in California.

While other technology figures have become more outspoken about supporting President Trump’s policies, Benioff’s endorsement stands out given his history of donating millions to Democratic campaigns and liberal causes.

As of Friday evening, Benioff had not issued any clarification or retraction of his remarks.

The White House and San Francisco officials have not commented on whether discussions about a potential National Guard deployment are ongoing.

JD Vance Hit Back So Hard On ABC’s Stephanopoulos, He Had to Cut to Commercial
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JD Vance Hit Back So Hard On ABC’s Stephanopoulos, He Had to Cut to Commercial

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Vice President J.D. Vance pushed back sharply against ABC News host George Stephanopoulos during a tense Sunday interview, accusing him of fixating on unproven allegations against Border Czar Tom Homan instead of discussing the government shutdown and its impact on Americans.

The exchange, which aired on This Week with George Stephanopoulos, centered on reports alleging that Homan had accepted a $50,000 bribe — claims that have not been substantiated.

Stephanopoulos cited an FBI audio tape from September 2024 that he said contained evidence of the alleged payment.

Vance immediately rejected the premise of the question.

“I don’t know what tape you’re referring to, George, I saw media reports that Tom Homan accepted a bribe. There’s no evidence of that,” Vance said.

“And here’s George why fewer and fewer people watch your program, and why you’re losing credibility because you’re talking for now five minutes with the Vice President United States about this story regarding Tom Homan, a story that I’ve read about, but I don’t even know the video that you’re talking about.”

The Vice President criticized Stephanopoulos for what he described as misplaced priorities during a time of national crisis.

“Meanwhile, low income women can’t get food because the Democrats and Chuck Schumer have shut down the government,” Vance said.

“Right now we’re trying to figure out how to pay our troops because Chuck Schumer has shut down the government. You are focused on a bogus story. You’re insinuating criminal wrongdoing against a guy who has done nothing wrong.”

Vance continued, urging the conversation to shift toward the government shutdown and its effect on working families.

“Instead of focusing on the fact that our country is struggling because our government shut down, let’s talk about the real issues,” he said.

“George I think the American people would benefit much more from that than from you going down some weird left wing rabbit hole where the facts clearly show that Tom Homan didn’t engage in any criminal wrongdoing.”

Stephanopoulos defended his line of questioning, insisting that it was legitimate to raise the issue.

“It’s not a weird left wing rabbit hole,” Stephanopoulos responded.

“I didn’t insinuate anything. I asked you whether Tom Homan accepted $50,000 as was heard on an audio tape recorded by the FBI in September 2024, and you did not answer the question. Thank you for your time this morning.”

As Stephanopoulos moved to end the segment, Vance attempted to continue responding. “No. George, I said…” Vance began, before the host interjected.

“We’ll be right back,” Stephanopoulos said, cutting to commercial.

The exchange drew immediate attention online, with clips circulating widely on social media.

Supporters of the Vice President praised him for standing up to what they viewed as biased questioning, while critics argued that he evaded a direct answer.

Tom Homan, who serves as President Donald Trump’s Border Czar, has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and no official evidence has been released supporting the bribery allegations mentioned during the broadcast.

Kamala Repeatedly Heckled, Whines About Name Not Being Pronounced Correctly in Chicago
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Kamala Repeatedly Heckled, Whines About Name Not Being Pronounced Correctly in Chicago

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Kamala Harris’ book tour stop in Chicago was interrupted several times on Saturday afternoon as security removed multiple protesters during her appearance promoting her new memoir, “107 Days.”

The event, held at a downtown venue, featured Harris in conversation with journalist Michele Norris.

According to attendees, the first disruption occurred when a woman began shouting from the audience during the discussion, prompting members of the crowd to respond with shouts of “get her out.”

Security personnel quickly escorted the woman from the room as Harris and Norris paused briefly before continuing.

Footage from the event captured at least two additional interruptions. In one instance, a man reportedly shouted about genocide before being removed by security officers.

The motivations of the individuals involved in the disruptions were not immediately clear.

After the second incident, Norris addressed the crowd directly, saying, “We encourage people to use their voices, but we want them to show respect for this woman.”

Harris followed with a lighthearted remark, saying, “And please pronounce my name correctly…” drawing laughter from parts of the crowd before resuming the conversation.

The disruptions marked the latest in a series of protests that have followed Harris’ national book tour since its launch in late September.

The tour, organized to promote her memoir “107 Days,” has included stops in several major cities and has been met with both enthusiastic supporters and vocal critics.

The book recounts Harris’ 107-day campaign for the presidency in 2024 following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

It provides a behind-the-scenes account of her campaign operations, internal staff challenges, and key political decisions made during that period.

Harris has described the memoir as a reflection on her rapid presidential bid and a look into what she called “a defining period of political change.”

However, critics have questioned both the content and timing of its release, suggesting it has reopened divisions within the Democratic Party less than a year after her campaign ended.

An advisor to a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate told Politico, “At a time when people are looking for a vision and leadership… and want to see leaders rise to the level of threat facing the country, it’s pretty crazy she chose to write a gossip book that prioritizes the pettiness of her politics.”

The advisor added, “It’s embarrassing for her, and for all Democrats, considering she was the leader of the party less than a year ago.”

Former CNN journalist Chris Cillizza also criticized Harris’ recent media tour on his Substack newsletter, writing, “Harris’ recent media tour to tout her memoir — ‘107 Days’ — has reminded me of something I think I have long known: She is simply not a very good politician. And she hasn’t gotten much better over her decades in the business.”

Cillizza expanded on those comments in a post on X, writing that Harris’ reemergence on the national stage “reminded me she’s not good on her feet” and that “she speaks in word salads.”

Democratic strategist Gary South also questioned the decision to publish the memoir so soon after the 2024 election.

In an interview with The Hill, South said the tone of the book appeared combative. “She came out with arms flailing and guns blazing, blaming everyone but herself for her loss,” he said.

“It is a curiously negative and ungracious tome for someone who reportedly thinks she can run again in 2028.”

Despite the criticism and repeated disruptions, Harris’ team has indicated that her book tour will continue as scheduled, with future stops planned in several major cities across the United States.

Filmmaker Exposes Letita James’ Decades-Long Mortgage Fraud Schemes
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Filmmaker Exposes Letita James’ Decades-Long Mortgage Fraud Schemes

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New York Attorney General Letitia James is facing growing scrutiny following new allegations that she engaged in a decades-long pattern of mortgage fraud, according to evidence presented by conservative filmmaker and journalist Joel Gilbert.

The claims surfaced this week after Gilbert detailed what he described as a consistent history of falsified mortgage applications and misrepresentations spanning more than 40 years.

Speaking on Real America’s Voice, Gilbert said his investigation uncovered extensive public records showing that James repeatedly misrepresented property information to obtain favorable mortgage terms.

“Letitia James probably should not have been charging Donald Trump with trumped-up charges of mortgage fraud in New York, given the fact that New York is a public record state and that all of her mortgages for 43 years were online for myself or anybody else to pull up,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert began his investigation by examining property records dating back to 1983. He claimed James’s first known case of mortgage irregularity occurred when she was 24 years old.

“She purchased her first home with her father, claiming that her father was her husband,” Gilbert said.

“They purchased it as husband and wife in order to help Letitia qualify for a mortgage that she was not entitled to.”

He said that pattern allegedly continued with a four-story, five-unit building James purchased in Brooklyn years later.

“She bought a four-story, five-unit apartment building, and for 24 years she told the banks it was either four units or one unit, even though the certificate of occupancy for the building said it was five units,” Gilbert explained.

He added that “if you have four units or less, you get a residential mortgage rate, which is lower. You also get almost no closing costs. Five units or higher, like Letitia had, you get high interest rates and very high closing costs.”

Gilbert also said James failed to comply with rent stabilization requirements.

“She also didn’t register for rent stabilization, which she was supposed to do every year,” he said.

“Her building is a crime scene, and she defrauded and scammed banks for 24 years” to obtain benefits “she wasn’t entitled to.”

The filmmaker then outlined what he described as similar irregularities involving three properties in Virginia.

“Every one of those three homes, there’s mortgage fraud,” Gilbert alleged.

“She buys a foreclosure with her aunt, and then she doesn’t appear on the deed, which is illegal.”

One of those Virginia properties, located on Sterling Avenue in Norfolk, drew particular attention.

“She explicitly says, ‘I bought this for my niece’s children,’ to make us think that, oh, she’s trying to help little kids,” Gilbert said.

“Well, her niece’s two children are adult convicted felons. One of them is an absconder from justice with an arrest warrant out of North Carolina. So Letitia bought the property specifically to harbor a fugitive.”

Gilbert also accused James of falsifying information about her primary residence status to secure better loan conditions.

“My colleague Sam Antar pointed out that Letitia claimed that would be her primary residence. It was actually rejected by the bank nine times. The tenth time, Letitia says, ‘That’s gonna be my primary residence.’ It gets approved, and that was illegal ‘cause she got the mortgage and lower interest rates because she’d be the primary resident,” he said.

Gilbert asserted that one of the Virginia properties has already drawn legal attention. He said James allegedly rented out a home despite signing a mortgage agreement requiring her to occupy it or treat it as a second residence.

He noted that such a violation could constitute bank fraud carrying penalties of up to 30 years in prison under federal law.

According to Gilbert, James’s alleged pattern of mortgage misrepresentation and falsification continued as recently as 2021.

He suggested that further investigation could reveal additional violations, calling the current findings “the beginning of a much larger case.”

“Letitia James has repeatedly gamed the system, defrauded banks, and misrepresented herself on property transactions for decades,” Gilbert concluded.

“All while pursuing politically motivated cases against others.”

WATCH:

Virginia Dem Gov Candidate’s ‘Soulless’ Debate Performance Now a Devastating Ad
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Virginia Dem Gov Candidate’s ‘Soulless’ Debate Performance Now a Devastating Ad

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Virginia congresswoman and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger faced renewed criticism Thursday after refusing to withdraw her endorsement of fellow Democrat Jay Jones, whose campaign for attorney general has been rocked by the release of text messages showing him wishing death upon Republican lawmakers and their families.

The controversy erupted earlier this month when messages allegedly sent by Jones surfaced, revealing disturbing language targeting members of Virginia’s GOP-led legislature.

In one message, Jones reportedly expressed hope that the children of then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert would die of gunshot wounds to force a change in gun control policy.

The revelation has caused widespread backlash across the state, including from within Jones’s own party.

Spanberger, who is running for governor against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, was asked about Jones’s comments during a televised debate on Thursday.

Instead of directly answering whether she would continue to endorse him, Spanberger avoided the question, offering only general remarks condemning political violence.

“Thank you, I didn’t hear an answer there on the endorsement issue so I just want to make sure, will you continue to endorse Jay Jones to be the next attorney general of Virginia and were you aware of these text messages before their release?” the debate moderator asked.

“In fact, it appears that it was the, uh, those who released the text messages and held them for years so the public was unaware who had knowledge of these text messages…” Spanberger said, reiterating that she denounced Jones’s violent comments once they became public.

“And importantly, um, at this point as we move forward, the voters now have this information, information that was withheld for them, presumably for political reasons. But the voters now have the information and it is up to voters to make an individual choice based on this information.”

The moderator followed up, pressing Spanberger to clarify her position.

“Whether voters continue to support Jones is a separate issue,” the moderator said.

“Do you continue to endorse him?”

Spanberger again declined to give a direct answer.

“We are all running our individual races. I believe my opponent has said that about her lieutenant governor nominee,” she replied.

“It’s up to every person to make their own decision. I am running my race to serve Virginia, and that is what I intend to do.”

Her refusal to clearly disavow Jones drew immediate criticism from political observers and from her opponent.

During the same debate, Winsome Earle-Sears accused Spanberger of failing to show leadership by refusing to condemn her party’s nominee outright.

Sears later released a campaign ad highlighting Spanberger’s vague response and questioning her judgment.

The incident adds to a growing list of challenges for Spanberger, whose campaign has struggled to navigate divisive cultural and political issues in recent weeks.

Earlier in the campaign, Spanberger faced backlash over her unclear stance on gender policies involving locker rooms and bathrooms.

Republican officials have accused her of avoiding straightforward answers on issues of public concern, while Democratic strategists have reportedly expressed frustration over her handling of controversial topics.

The fallout from the Jones controversy has further complicated Spanberger’s campaign, as both candidates face scrutiny over their handling of questions about political violence.

Jones, who remains in the race, has not denied sending the messages but has apologized for his remarks, calling them “regrettable.”

While the Democratic Party of Virginia has not officially rescinded its support for Jones, several lawmakers have distanced themselves from him publicly.

Republican officials have called for Spanberger to clearly revoke her endorsement, saying that continued silence from top Democrats signals a tolerance of violent rhetoric in politics.

Wild Helicopter Crash Caught on Camera in Huntington Beach, California
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Wild Helicopter Crash Caught on Camera in Huntington Beach, California

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A helicopter crashed in Huntington Beach, California, on Saturday afternoon, leaving five people hospitalized after the aircraft spiraled out of control and slammed into a parking lot near the coast, authorities confirmed.

The Huntington Beach Fire Department said law enforcement and emergency crews responded at approximately 2 p.m. to reports of a downed helicopter in a beachside parking lot between Twin Dolphins Drive and Beach Boulevard.

The crash occurred just one day before the “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” event, which officials confirmed the helicopter was affiliated with.

Video recorded by witnesses shows the helicopter spinning rapidly before plunging toward the ground.

The aircraft landed between a building and several palm trees, coming to rest amid debris scattered across the lot.

“As of this time, the two people who were in the helicopter have been safely pulled from the wreckage, and three people on the street have sustained injuries,” a spokesperson for the Huntington Beach Fire Department told Fox News Digital.

“All five people were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

The City of Huntington Beach released a statement confirming that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Officials said the extent of the victims’ injuries was not immediately known, though none were reported to be life-threatening as of Saturday evening.

Police closed off surrounding streets as investigators worked to secure the site and recover the wreckage.

Tim Robinson, a Huntington Beach resident who witnessed the crash, captured video footage showing the helicopter spinning before impact.

“At first I thought it was a movie,” Robinson told Fox News Digital.

“It seemed like a pretty crazy stunt to do. And it spun around a few times and slammed into that. It was crazy.”

Robinson said he walks along the same stretch of beach nearly every day and noticed something unusual just moments before the crash.

“As it was coming down low, I heard kind of like a ping, and a part came flying off the helicopter,” he said.

“I don’t know what it was. I have no clue. It came off, and that’s when it started spinning out of control.”

The area where the crash occurred was crowded with beachgoers and families visiting the coastal parks and shops nearby.

Emergency crews quickly cordoned off the scene and warned residents to avoid the area as they worked to stabilize the wreckage and clear debris.

City officials said the investigation will focus on what caused the helicopter to lose control in midair.

Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft was operating in connection with the “Cars ’N Copters on the Coast” event, which showcases helicopters and luxury automobiles along the Huntington Beach shoreline each year.

The FAA confirmed it will examine the helicopter’s flight records, maintenance history, and communications with air traffic control prior to the incident.

The NTSB will oversee the formal investigation, which could take several months to complete.

As of late Saturday, no additional information about the helicopter’s make, model, or operator had been released.

Authorities said updates will be provided once the investigation determines what led to the sudden mechanical failure and loss of control.

‘Antifa Professor’ Arrested Outside Chicago ICE Facility with a Loaded Handgun, Extra Ammo
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‘Antifa Professor’ Arrested Outside Chicago ICE Facility with a Loaded Handgun, Extra Ammo

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A professor at Northeastern Illinois University was arrested last month after federal agents discovered he was carrying a loaded firearm outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the Chicago area.

Authorities say the man, identified as Elias Cepeda, has suspected ties to Antifa and a record of making violent statements against law enforcement online.

Cepeda was taken into custody on September 26 outside the ICE detention center in Broadview, Illinois, where federal agents say he arrived armed with a handgun and multiple rounds of ammunition.

The Broadview facility has been a flashpoint for protests in recent weeks, including several demonstrations that escalated into violence targeting law enforcement officers.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Cepeda’s arrest came as tensions mounted among demonstrators.

Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said Cepeda was detained before the situation could escalate further.

“Elias Cepeda has suspected ties to the domestic terrorist organization ANTIFA and has a history of glorifying violence against—and the killing of—our brave law enforcement,” McLaughlin said in a statement.

“Violent individuals like Cepeda are putting the public and our law enforcement’s lives in danger. Just two days after the horrific attack on ICE in Dallas, Cepeda brought a loaded gun and multiple magazines to our ICE facility in Chicago,” she continued.

“Thank God law enforcement intervened and arrested Cepeda before he could have potentially shot or killed anyone.”

McLaughlin added that the administration would continue to support federal officers protecting immigration facilities across the country.

“Let this serve as a stark warning to any individual who wishes to do our law enforcement harm or any ANTIFA terrorist: President Trump and Secretary Noem will fight every day to protect and defend the men and women who keep our country safe from violent extremists and criminal illegal aliens alike,” she said.

Investigators confirmed Cepeda is a faculty member at Northeastern Illinois University, where he teaches journalism.

Federal sources said his arrest followed months of monitoring online posts and prior incidents in which he appeared to promote violence toward federal agencies.

Cepeda’s social media accounts show a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric directed at ICE agents.

In June, responding to a Department of Homeland Security post about an immigration arrest in Los Angeles, he wrote, “First of all, the video you just posted showed your Nazi asses are lying. Secondly, we’d all be morally justified in taking your Nazi heads off with weed whackers.”

In another post in January, made shortly after President Trump took office, Cepeda wrote, “Now that ICE is showing up at elementary schools with weapons and no warrants attempting to terrorize kids I am in favor of teachers and staff being armed to protect children.”

Federal officials say those remarks, combined with his presence at multiple anti-ICE demonstrations, drew the attention of law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring potential threats against immigration facilities.

The Department of Homeland Security said the arrest came just days after a separate violent incident targeting ICE personnel in Dallas.

 

That attack, which resulted in multiple injuries, led to increased security measures at federal offices nationwide.

Authorities have not announced whether Cepeda will face criminal charges related to the September 26 incident.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is reviewing the case, according to officials familiar with the investigation.

Cepeda’s arrest followed another Broadview case earlier in the week in which a grand jury declined to indict two individuals accused of assaulting federal agents while armed at the same ICE facility.

The incidents have prompted renewed attention to violent threats against law enforcement amid escalating protests surrounding immigration enforcement actions across several U.S. cities.

Maine Activists Strip at School Board Meeting to Protest Transgender Policy
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Maine Activists Strip at School Board Meeting to Protest Transgender Policy

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Three activists stripped down to their underwear during a school board meeting in Augusta, Maine, this week to protest a district policy allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.

The demonstration, led by local activist Nick Blanchard, took place Wednesday before members of the Augusta School Department board, according to Central Maine.

The protest began near the end of the meeting, when Blanchard — who also goes by the name “Corn Pop” — stood before the board with two women and a man.

As the group began removing their clothing, Blanchard addressed the board directly.

“I’m about to show you guys how uncomfortable it is for girls,” he said as the women beside him continued disrobing.

“You feel uncomfortable? Because that’s what these young girls feel like when a boy walks into their locker room and starts unchanging in front of them. That’s what these young girls feel like every time a young boy changes in front of them.”

The act drew mixed reactions from board members — some visibly unsettled, others looking away, and a few appearing unmoved.

Blanchard continued speaking as the demonstration played out. “This is Maine’s capital,” he said.

“We should be setting an example for the rest of the state. You know what example you guys are setting? That we do not care about the young girls in the rest of the state.”

After the incident, Blanchard told Central Maine that his intent was to spark attention to what he views as the unfairness of the district’s transgender participation policy.

He said that since the protest went viral locally, more than 150 people have reached out in support.

“Do I think these tactics work in a way of changing policy? Probably not,” he said. “But the only way to get them to listen to us is to do something crazy and get in the national spotlight.”

The Augusta school board ultimately voted to uphold its current policy, which follows the Maine Human Rights Act.

That law allows student athletes to play on teams that correspond with their gender identity, WGME reported.

The board’s decision aligns with statewide guidance supporting the inclusion of transgender students in school sports programs.

The protest in Augusta occurred shortly after similar demonstrations elsewhere.

In September, a California mother, Beth Bourne — who chairs the local chapter of Moms for Liberty — staged a comparable protest by undressing to her underwear during a Davis Joint Unified School Board meeting.

Bourne’s demonstration was meant to oppose the district’s policy permitting transgender students to use girls’ locker rooms.

At the federal level, President Trump signed an executive order in February designed to protect women’s sports under Title IX by preventing biological males from competing in female divisions.

Since then, multiple school districts in Maine and California have passed resolutions affirming their compliance with the order, according to Fox News.

While reactions to Blanchard’s protest remain divided, the issue continues to gain attention across the country as schools weigh how to handle policies regarding gender identity and athletic competition.

The Augusta school board has not indicated plans to revisit the matter following this week’s meeting.


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