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Kamala Harris Blasts Biden’s Reelection Bid as Pure “Recklessness” in Memoir
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Kamala Harris Blasts Biden’s Reelection Bid as Pure “Recklessness” in Memoir

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is taking direct aim at former President Joe Biden’s decision to seek a second term, calling it an act of “recklessness” in her upcoming memoir, as reported by The New York Post.

Excerpts from the book, 107 Days, obtained on Wednesday by The Atlantic, reveal Harris’s sharp criticism of Biden’s choice to remain in the 2024 race despite growing concerns about his age and health.

Washington DC USA – August 15, 2024 – President Biden and Vice President Harris appear together for the first time since Biden stepped down from the election. They were speaking at a health care event

Harris wrote that Biden’s decision should not have been left to “an individual’s ego” or “an individual’s ambition.” She reflected:

“Was it grace, or was it recklessness? In retrospect, I think it was recklessness.”

Harris acknowledged that she had doubts but refrained from publicly urging Biden to step aside, saying she feared it would be perceived as self-serving.

“I knew it would come off to him as incredibly self-serving if I advised him not to run. He would see it as naked ambition, perhaps as poisonous disloyalty, even if my only message was: Don’t let the other guy win,” Harris explained.

The former vice president described the environment inside the White House, where aides and allies repeated a refrain that “It’s Joe and Jill’s decision.” Harris said the sentiment became “like a mantra, as if we’d all been hypnotized.”

Despite her reservations, Harris said she chose loyalty during “months of growing panic” about Biden’s condition. “The American people had chosen him before in the same matchup,” she wrote, noting that she allowed for the possibility Biden could prevail again.

Harris also addressed speculation that the administration concealed Biden’s health struggles.

President Joe Biden speaks and Vice President Kamala Harris during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center.

She pushed back on conspiracy claims, writing, “Here is the truth as I lived it. Joe Biden was a smart guy with long experience and deep conviction, able to discharge the duties of president. On his worst day, he was more deeply knowledgeable, more capable of exercising judgment, and far more compassionate than Donald Trump on his best.”

Still, Harris acknowledged Biden’s limitations at his age. “But at 81, Joe got tired. That’s when his age showed in physical and verbal stumbles,” she wrote, attributing his poor debate performance to exhaustion following overseas trips and a Hollywood fundraiser.

She insisted she would have intervened if she believed Biden was truly incapable of serving. “I don’t believe it was incapacity. If I believed that, I would have said so. As loyal as I am to President Biden, I am more loyal to my country,” Harris concluded.

The memoir 107 Days is set for release later this year, promising more revelations about Harris’s perspective on the 2024 election and her role in the administration.

Soft-on-Crime Judges Could Be Held Liable if GOP Rep Randy Fine’s Bill Passes
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Soft-on-Crime Judges Could Be Held Liable if GOP Rep Randy Fine’s Bill Passes

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Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., announced on Sunday that he will introduce legislation aimed at holding judges accountable when repeat violent offenders they release commit additional crimes.

The move comes in response to the August 22 killing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed while traveling on Charlotte’s Lynx Blue Line light rail system.

The attack took place at the East/West Boulevard station in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., a repeat offender with a history of felony convictions.

“I’m going to introduce legislation to hold judges accountable when violent repeat offenders they release commit new crimes,” Fine said.

“It’s easy to release criminals when you’re protected by an armed bailiff at all times. The rest of us aren’t so lucky.”

He added, “Those 12+ judges that released Decarlos Brown Jr. should have their day in court too.”

Brown has a lengthy criminal record.

According to the New York Post, he has been convicted of felony larceny, communicating threats, and robbery with a dangerous weapon, for which he served a five-year sentence.

Local station WBTV reported that Charlotte police had arrested Brown on multiple occasions, including a January arrest for misusing 911.

Court records from that arrest indicate Brown told officers that he believed “man-made material” had been placed inside his body to control his actions, including eating, walking, and talking.

Following the rail station stabbing, Brown was taken into custody and charged with murder.

The case has raised concerns about judicial leniency toward repeat offenders.

Fine’s proposal would focus on creating accountability measures for judges who approve the release of individuals with violent criminal histories and who then commit further crimes.

President Donald Trump also addressed the killing, offering condolences to the victim’s family and criticizing the conditions that allowed Brown to be free at the time of the attack.

“I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed … in Charlotte by a madman — a lunatic,” Trump said.

Describing the attack, he noted, “He just got up and started — it’s right on the tape. [It’s] not really watchable, because it’s so horrible, but just viciously stabbed. She’s just sitting there.”

Trump added, “So they’re evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that we don’t have a country.”

The murder has drawn criticism of the broader criminal justice system, particularly in Charlotte, where residents and officials have previously expressed concern over repeat offenders being released back into the community.

Fine’s upcoming legislation is expected to generate debate over the role of judicial discretion in such cases and whether lawmakers should impose additional checks on judges who release individuals with violent records.

The killing of Zarutska, a young refugee seeking safety in the United States, and the criminal history of the accused, showcase the ongoing discussion over public safety and judicial accountability.

Lawmakers are preparing to examine Fine’s proposal in the coming weeks as the case continues to unfold in North Carolina courts.

Greta Thunberg’s Lead Gaza Aid Boat Erupts in Flames After Alleged Drone Strike
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Greta Thunberg’s Lead Gaza Aid Boat Erupts in Flames After Alleged Drone Strike

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A boat carrying members of an activist flotilla led by Greta Thunberg was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters on Monday, according to organizers.

The vessel, known as the “Family Boat,” was flying under a Portuguese flag at the time of the incident.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Steering Committee reported that the strike ignited the main deck and below-deck storage area, causing visible fire damage.

The group stated that the boat was inside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said when the attack occurred.

The Israel Times reported that Thunberg and other committee members were aboard when the strike took place.

According to the organizers, all six passengers and crew members survived the incident without injury.

Tunisian authorities confirmed that no casualties occurred.

Footage released by the group showed individuals rushing across the deck immediately after a flash of light struck the vessel.

In the video, voices could be heard shouting, “The boat is on fire!,” as flames spread across the bow.

The 22-year-old activist was among participants in what organizers described as the “largest solidarity mission” to Gaza.

A total of 20 boats departed Barcelona on Aug. 31 with the goal of reaching the Gaza Strip to deliver aid.

Thunberg had joined the mission before Israel warned that she and other activists faced arrest and detention if they attempted to breach the blockade.

Israel Hayom reported that Israeli authorities had already prepared plans to intercept the flotilla.

The report said activists would face detention under strict “terrorist-level” conditions if they were taken into custody.

Prior to her departure, Thunberg said her involvement was part of what she called “a global uprising of people standing up” against what she described as “atrocities” in Gaza.

The flotilla’s Steering Committee emphasized that they intended to continue their mission despite the incident.

“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us.

Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement released after the drone strike.

The organization did not provide further details on who may have been responsible for the strike.

It said the incident remains under investigation, and that additional updates would be shared when available.

The flotilla’s route from Barcelona to Gaza was already subject to heightened scrutiny by regional authorities.

This latest development added to tensions surrounding the group’s efforts, with video evidence of the attack circulating widely on social media.

At present, the Family Boat remains in Tunisian waters following the strike.

Organizers have not said whether repairs will be undertaken to allow the vessel to continue toward Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla reaffirmed its intent to move forward with the remaining boats in the mission.

The reported strike marks the most serious incident to affect the convoy since its departure.

Lawmakers and regional authorities are closely monitoring developments as questions remain about the origin of the drone and the broader implications for the flotilla’s mission.

Heckler Calls Don Lemon “Full of Sh*t” During Street Filming
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Heckler Calls Don Lemon “Full of Sh*t” During Street Filming

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Former CNN host Don Lemon was confronted by a heckler in Manhattan during the filming of his podcast, leading to a profanity-filled exchange that was caught on video, as reported by The New York Post.

The clash occurred on a New York City street while Lemon, 59, attempted to conduct a man-on-the-street interview.

The encounter began when Lemon approached a man and asked where he was from. The stranger quickly interrupted him. “You’re a f**king moron, dude,” the man said.

“Thank you. So are you,” Lemon replied, smiling before trying to continue the conversation.

The man accused CNN and MSNBC of being “full of sh*t,” alleging that the networks misrepresented coverage of Gaza and other international conflicts. Lemon countered by saying the outlets were reporting on rulings from international courts, but the man was unmoved.

“They would never say it’s genocide. They were protecting Israel,” he said.

Lemon attempted to argue that the man contradicted himself by claiming not to watch him while referencing his past segments. “You must watch me. So you’re not making any sense,” Lemon told him.

The man compared it to recognizing actor George Clooney without seeing his movies, before adding, “And I’ve seen you spouting nonsense.”

As the argument escalated, Lemon asked why the man would approach him with an insult. “Because it just comes out, man. Because you’re big and think you’re something,” the man responded.

Lemon then suggested that the man’s behavior reflected poor self-respect.

“I would never in a million years walk up to anybody, whether I knew them or not, and call them a f**king moron,” Lemon said. “Not unless I had terrible self-respect and I wanted to lash out because I felt bad about myself.”

The heckler stood his ground. “I called you a f**king moron. I don’t need to defend that, cuz it’s accurate,” he said.

The exchange devolved into back-and-forth accusations, with Lemon insisting the man had repeated the insult multiple times and the heckler accusing Lemon of insulting him in return.

The interaction ended only after the man walked away, telling Lemon to “go find a library.” Lemon shot back, “You go find a library. There’s a bookstore right there.”

Afterward, Lemon admitted on camera that the argument was “beneath” him but also said he found it “fun.”

The man in the video has not been identified. The New York Post reported that Lemon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Lemon was fired by CNN in April 2023 after controversies that included on-air remarks about women being “past their prime” and disputes with colleagues.

Japan’s Prime Minister Resigns After Uproar Over African Migration Plan
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Japan’s Prime Minister Resigns After Uproar Over African Migration Plan

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Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Sunday that he will step down following months of internal party pressure and public uproar over his government’s controversial “African Hometown” program.

X Screenshot – Shigeru Ishiba

The decision comes as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faces falling poll numbers and rising criticism from both political opponents and the Japanese public.

Ishiba, 68, took office in October and has faced calls to resign for more than a month.

He argued that stepping down would create a political vacuum during a time when Japan is grappling with significant domestic and international challenges.

However, with the LDP scheduled to meet Monday to decide whether to hold an early leadership election, Ishiba’s announcement preempted what was widely viewed as a looming no-confidence vote.

The resignation follows mounting controversy surrounding the African Hometown program, which was promoted under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The initiative designated four Japanese cities—Kisarazu, Sanjo, Nagai, and Imabari—to partner with cities in Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania.

The program quickly sparked outrage after the Nigerian government announced that Japan would create “a special visa category for highly skilled, innovative, and talented young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu to live and work.”

Nigerian officials also said that “artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill will also benefit from the special dispensation visa to work in Japan.”

The announcement set off a wave of anger among Japanese citizens, particularly in Kisarazu, where residents discovered that Google Maps had briefly labeled the city office as the “Nigerian city office.”

News of the Nigerian statement spread rapidly, leading residents in Sanjo, Nagai, and Imabari to flood their municipal offices with inquiries about the implications of the program.

Critics accused Ishiba’s administration of using the African Hometown program as a backdoor to introduce large-scale migration, a move many said contradicted longstanding government policies designed to limit immigration.

The controversy added fuel to Japan’s growing anti-immigration sentiment, which has been reflected in recent political gains by the right-wing Sanseito party.

The party campaigned on a “Japanese First” message and won significant victories in parliamentary elections earlier this year.

Japan has one of the fastest-shrinking populations in the world, with birth rates far below replacement levels.

The government has identified population decline as one of the most pressing crises facing the country, with projections showing significant impacts on the workforce and overall economic stability in the coming decades.

While some policymakers have argued that immigration is necessary to offset labor shortages, many in Japan remain opposed to policies that would significantly increase the number of foreign residents.

Ishiba’s resignation signals the end of a brief tenure that began less than a year ago.

His successor will inherit the dual challenges of managing Japan’s demographic decline while navigating public resistance to migration programs.

The LDP leadership election will determine the direction of the party and government as Japan faces growing domestic pressures and international scrutiny.

The controversy over the African Hometown program is expected to remain a central issue in the leadership race, as candidates seek to distance themselves from Ishiba’s policies and respond to voter demands for stricter immigration controls.

DHS Rips New York Times for “Disgusting” Sob Story on Deported Murderer
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DHS Rips New York Times for “Disgusting” Sob Story on Deported Murderer

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized The New York Times this week for publishing a story it described as a “sob story” about a deported illegal alien convicted of murder, questioning why the paper ignored the victims of his crimes.

“The New York Times ran a sob story of Orville Etoria, an illegal alien from Jamaica and a convicted MURDERER,” DHS said in its news release.

“In addition to murder, this serial criminal’s rap sheet includes criminal possession of a weapon, armed robbery, and forcible theft with a deadly weapon.”

Etoria’s immigration case stretches back more than a decade. “Following his criminal convictions, Etoria’s green card was revoked,” the DHS release stated.

“Etoria was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2009. Sixteen years later, this dangerous individual is finally off our streets and out of the country thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem. On July 17, he was deported.”

A DHS spokesperson asked, “Why does the New York Times continue to peddle sob stories of criminal illegal aliens? When will they finally shed light on their victims?” The agency added, “Every single day President Trump and Secretary Noem fight for justice for American victims of illegal alien crime and nearly every single day the media ignores these victims and their families.”

The New York Times article in question, published Tuesday and co-authored by reporters in Washington and South Africa, attempted to frame Etoria as someone who had rehabilitated after decades in prison.

The piece noted that he earned academic degrees while incarcerated and found work at a shelter after being granted parole in 2021.

However, the article acknowledged that Etoria had been convicted of murder for fatally shooting a man in the head in Brooklyn in 1996 and had a long history of violence and criminal activity.

Court records detailed in the article indicated Etoria struggled with drug abuse, mental illness, hallucinations, and paranoia, and that he had previously been arrested in 1981 on charges of attempted murder, robbery, and kidnapping.

He pleaded guilty in that case and served three years in prison.

The Times story reported that in the 1996 murder case, Etoria entered a leather goods shop and shot the victim three times in the head.

Prosecutors said the motive was never determined and that there was no indication the crime was gang-related.

Etoria claimed he had no memory of the attack because of drug use and hallucinations at the time.

Despite the severity of his criminal record, the article emphasized Etoria’s treatment following deportation to Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.

It highlighted complaints that he was not given an attorney and quoted a relative describing his deportation as “inhumane.”

DHS officials contrasted that narrative with the absence of commentary from the victims’ families.

They noted that Etoria’s violent history had left lasting harm on Americans and that his deportation closed a long-running case that should have been resolved years earlier.

According to DHS, the decision to deport Etoria fulfills a commitment to enforce immigration laws against individuals convicted of serious crimes.

Officials said the department will continue to prioritize removals of those who pose a threat to public safety.

The deportation of Orville Etoria underscores the administration’s policy of targeting convicted criminals for removal.

DHS said its focus remains on ensuring that American communities are protected from individuals with extensive records of violence.”

Jasmine Crockett: Not All Criminals Are Criminals
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Jasmine Crockett: Not All Criminals Are Criminals

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Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said this week that poverty can drive people to commit certain crimes and suggested that not all offenses should result in prosecution if they involve basic survival needs.

Speaking on the Grounded podcast, Crockett, who previously worked as a public defender, drew a connection between economic hardship and criminal activity.

“There is a direct link between poverty and susceptibility to having to engage in certain things,” she said.

While acknowledging that not everyone in poverty resorts to crime, Crockett argued that financial circumstances often push individuals toward unlawful behavior.

“There are crimes that are committed, not because people are criminals, but because they literally are trying to survive,” she stated.

Crockett cited comments made by Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, who in the past indicated his office would not prosecute theft cases involving small amounts of essential goods such as food or diapers.

Crockett said Creuzot “probably shouldn’t have said it out loud,” but agreed with the underlying policy, adding that “there is no good point in doing it because a decent defense attorney would have a defense.”

Watch the cued-up clip here.

Her remarks add to a growing record of controversial statements on crime and politics.

On the same day the podcast episode was released, Crockett appeared on MSNBC and accused President Donald Trump of “unlawfully going into various minority controlled cities” with the National Guard.

The Texas congresswoman has also attracted attention for previous comments about political violence and Republican policies.

In July, she told The Atlantic that her large social media following made her the strongest choice to lead Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

The position ultimately went to Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA).

That same month, Crockett said in an interview that “all violence” in American politics comes from Trump supporters, despite multiple recent high-profile attacks linked to left-wing actors.

Earlier this year, Crockett clashed with Republicans in a committee hearing over legislation related to women’s sports.

During the exchange, she accused GOP lawmakers of pushing “demonic” policies in their efforts to keep men out of women’s athletics.

Crockett, first elected to Congress in 2022, has been promoted by several Democratic activists since her arrival in Washington.

In May, then-DNC vice chair David Hogg praised her publicly, saying she represented “the type of leader we’re looking to support.”

Her recent comments on poverty and crime add to an ongoing debate over prosecutorial discretion and how law enforcement should respond to thefts involving basic necessities.

Supporters of policies like those cited by Crockett argue that such measures prioritize limited resources and address root causes of crime.

Critics maintain that they risk excusing unlawful behavior and undermining enforcement of the law.

JD Vance Completely Cooks Liberal Troll Defending Drug Trafficking Cartel Members
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JD Vance Completely Cooks Liberal Troll Defending Drug Trafficking Cartel Members

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Vice President J.D. Vance sparred with anti-Trump commentator Brian Krassenstein on Saturday after defending the U.S. military strike that killed 11 suspected narco-terrorists in the southern Caribbean.

The exchange began when Vance posted on X following the strike against a Venezuelan vessel allegedly carrying narcotics. “Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military,” Vance wrote.

His comment came after U.S. officials confirmed that 11 suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were killed during the operation on Tuesday.

Krassenstein, a frequent critic of the Trump administration, responded to Vance’s statement by accusing him of endorsing war crimes.

“Killing the citizens of another nation who are civilians without any due process is called a war crime,” Krassenstein wrote.

Vance rejected the criticism outright. “I don’t give a s— what you call it,” the vice president replied.

Krassenstein later escalated his remarks, claiming that Vance “should face impeachment,” over the tweet.

The dispute unfolded as the administration continued to highlight its campaign against international drug traffickers.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed the strike during an appearance on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday, framing it as part of a broader effort to defend U.S. interests in the hemisphere.

“It’s a new day. It’s a different day, and … this is an activity the United States is not going to tolerate in our hemisphere,” Hegseth said.

Hegseth emphasized that the operation targeted a “narco-terrorist organization” that has sought to transport drugs into the United States.

He said the strike delivered a decisive message that such activities would be met with force.

“It won’t stop with just this strike. Anyone else trafficking in those waters, who we know is a designated narco-terrorist, will face the same fate, and it’s important for the American people to protect our homeland and protect our hemisphere,” Hegseth stated.

President Donald Trump also weighed in after the strike, releasing footage of the fiery explosion. He praised the operation and said it should serve as a warning to drug traffickers attempting to target the United States.

The president underscored that no American forces were injured during the action.

Trump further confirmed that the strike took place within the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.

He said the suspected traffickers were in international waters transporting narcotics bound for the United States when the strike occurred.

The operation marks one of the latest moves in the administration’s efforts to confront cross-border drug trafficking networks, which officials have described as a direct threat to U.S. security.

The Tren de Aragua, the group targeted in Tuesday’s strike, has been linked by U.S. authorities to violent operations across South America and attempts to smuggle narcotics northward.

The clash between Vance and Krassenstein underscored the political divides over the administration’s tactics.

While officials defended the strike as a lawful and necessary response to international drug trafficking, critics continued to raise questions about the use of military force against foreign nationals in international waters.

For the administration, the operation was presented as part of a clear policy shift.

Hegseth and other officials framed it as a direct warning that future attempts to smuggle narcotics into the United States will be met with military action, reinforcing the administration’s message of deterrence against transnational criminal organizations.

Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens
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Durham, NC, Takes “Sanctuary City” to the Next Level, Makes Move to Protect Illegal Aliens

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Durham, North Carolina, has officially declared itself a “Fourth Amendment Workplace” after city leaders approved a measure aimed at restricting cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and increasing protections for illegal immigrant workers.

The Durham City Council unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday, according to The Duke Chronicle.

The measure directs city staff to “uphold the 4th Amendment at their workplace and city agencies and report back to Council any barriers to effective training on the 4th Amendment for any departments.”

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures and requires warrants supported by probable cause before an arrest or property seizure can take place.

Durham’s resolution states that the city has “historically pursued equity and safety for all residents,” and that trust between residents and local government is essential for city operations.

The measure emphasizes that fear of “unconstitutional seizure” has prevented migrants in the city from “safely engaging in public life, including pursuing employment and education.”

The action comes weeks after an incident at the Durham County Courthouse in July, when four plainclothes ICE agents arrived to detain an illegal immigrant who faced a felony domestic violence charge.

The individual never appeared for his scheduled court hearing, and no arrests were made, according to WRAL.

“Our residents witnessed ICE agents in our community, instilling widespread fear and uncertainty,” Durham Mayor Leo Williams said after the incident.

“While local leaders cannot legally override the federal government’s use and weaponization of ICE, we can and must stand in strategic solidarity with our neighbors.”

That same day, residents organized a demonstration outside the courthouse to protest ICE’s presence.

Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam participated in the protest, saying, “This is a direct threat to the safety and dignity of our communities. The Courthouse should be a place where people can seek justice, not where they’re hunted down by federal agents.”

During Tuesday’s council meeting, migrants and their families voiced support for the resolution, citing daily fears of enforcement actions.

Local activists and residents urged the council to expand training for city employees to enforce the new policy.

Elise Ballan, chair of the Durham Workers’ Rights Commission, argued that the resolution was necessary to counter what she described as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement measures.

“Durham celebrates a rich diversity of residents, and we understand that the Trump administration’s mass deportation targets a completely manufactured panic surrounding immigrants, puts anyone who does not appear White, anyone who does not speak English or has an accent, anyone regardless of papers or immigration status, at risk of abuse, abduction and even deportation to [a] country they have no ties to,” Ballan said.

Durham is the second city in North Carolina to adopt such a policy, following Carrboro, which passed a similar “Fourth Amendment Workplace” measure in May.

Earlier this year, ICE conducted operations in Durham, arresting 11 individuals living illegally in the United States.

The arrests raised concerns among some residents about the safety of their families.

In April, the federal government accused Durham of functioning as a “sanctuary” city for allegedly refusing to cooperate with ICE.

Durham officials rejected the claim, stating the label had “no legal or factual basis.”

The resolution also comes against the backdrop of a statewide political battle over immigration enforcement.

In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly overrode a veto by Democrat Gov. Josh Stein to enact a law requiring sheriffs to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Despite the state mandate, Durham leaders have maintained their opposition to cooperation with ICE.

Mayor Pro Tempore Mark Anthony Middleton reiterated that position at a candidate forum earlier this week, saying he would “never back collaboration” between Durham police and ICE, according to The Chronicle.

The new resolution reinforces Durham’s stance on immigration enforcement, setting up continued conflict between city officials, state lawmakers, and federal authorities.

Eleven-Term Democrat’s Seat in Jeopardy as Missouri Redistricting Gets Heated
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Eleven-Term Democrat’s Seat in Jeopardy as Missouri Redistricting Gets Heated

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Missouri lawmakers opened a special legislative session this week to consider a new congressional map that could eliminate the seat of Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented the Kansas City area for more than two decades.

The proposal, pushed by the Republican majority, would shift Missouri’s congressional delegation from its current 6-2 GOP advantage to a 7-1 split.

Cleaver, an 11-term lawmaker, faces the greatest threat under the new lines, which carve portions of his Kansas City district into Republican-held areas.

On Thursday, the Missouri House special committee on redistricting approved the plan by a 10-4 party-line vote.

The bill would divide parts of Kansas City between the districts of Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO), while also reshaping districts represented by Reps. Bob Onder (R-MO) and Ann Wagner (R-MO) in the St. Louis area.

The full House is expected to begin debate early next week.

President Donald Trump has endorsed the effort, calling it a chance for Missouri voters to elect another Republican.

“The tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm Elections,” Trump said in a statement.

Cleaver criticized the plan in an interview with Politico, describing it as “as stinky a plan as you could have.”

Speaking to KBIA, he argued that “someone over at the White House is seemingly committed to fomenting what I call national nastiness as a way of establishing a one-party rule in our country.… And I think it is very dangerous.”

The redistricting fight in Missouri mirrors efforts across the country, where both parties are attempting to secure advantages ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Texas Republicans recently enacted a map adding five GOP seats, while California Democrats are working on plans to counter with five new Democratic districts.

Democrats have warned that they cannot offset Republican gains if multiple red states adopt new maps.

Missouri Democrats, who hold a super-minority in the state legislature, acknowledge they have few tools to block the GOP’s proposal.

“We can’t do what Texas did,” Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune told NBC News, referring to the 2021 walkout by Texas Democrats.

“There’s literally nothing procedurally, there’s nothing strategically that we can do as Democrats in the super minority to prevent these maps from passing.”

Doug Beck, Democratic leader in the state Senate, agreed.

“They can have session without us if we’re not there,” he told reporters.

Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO), who won his seat after defeating Cori Bush in a primary, said the effort to remove Cleaver is deeply unfair.

“It’s disappointing because we’re seeing legislators picking their voters instead of voters picking their legislators,” Bell said.

He praised Cleaver as “a friend and an ally and a mentor” and added, “He served not only his state, but his country, with dignity and class and honor, and we’re going to fight in every way that we can because we know what they’re doing is wrong.”

Cleaver, a former Kansas City mayor, has represented Missouri’s 5th Congressional District since 2005.

His seat covers much of Kansas City and surrounding suburbs, long considered a Democratic stronghold.

Some Republicans expressed personal respect for Cleaver even while backing the redistricting plan.

Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) said, “There’s a lot of Democrats I don’t agree with whatsoever, and that I think should be removed. But I have a lot of healthy respect for Emanuel Cleaver.”

Others framed the fight as part of a broader national struggle over political maps.

“The Democrats have been playing this game for a very, very long time,” Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) said.

“I’m glad Republicans are moving forward on redistricting in a way that comports with their own state constitutions. That’s what Missouri is doing.”

Schmitt argued that Democrats have already exhausted their opportunities to gain seats through redistricting.

“I think we’ve got a lot more to gain [nationwide] than they do, because they’ve already squeezed all the juice out of the lemon they can,” he said.

Rep. Alford added that Republicans intend to “advance the America First agenda, while providing top-notch service to ALL constituents no matter their political affiliations.”

He stressed that the redistricting effort was coordinated between Gov. Mike Kehoe, the legislature, and the White House.

Burlison, who has long supported a 7-1 GOP map, noted that the change was delayed by internal party disputes.

“The only reason why it didn’t happen [sooner] is because of politics,” he said.

“So it’s ironic now that here we are, four years later, and the people who were the key decision leaders, Republicans, back then that played politics and drew a 6-2 map, are having to eat crow and draw a 7-1 map.”

The Missouri House is expected to take up the redistricting bill in the coming days, with passage considered likely given the GOP’s supermajority.

If approved, the map would likely end Cleaver’s tenure in Congress, further strengthening Republican control of Missouri’s congressional delegation.


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