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Maine Democrats Nominate Tattooed Extremist Graham Platner to Challenge Susan Collins [WATCH]
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Maine Democrats Nominate Tattooed Extremist Graham Platner to Challenge Susan Collins [WATCH]

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Graham Platner will be the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine after winning the party’s primary election on June 9, setting up a general election contest against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, as reported by Townhall.

The result was widely expected, with both Platner and Collins securing their respective party nominations. Collins, who was first elected to the Senate in 1996, ran unopposed for Republican renomination as she seeks a sixth six-year term.

NBC News projected that Collins and Platner would advance to the November election, which is expected to become one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

The Maine contest carries national significance as both parties compete for control of the Senate. Democrats currently hold 47 seats and would need a net gain of four seats to win a majority.

Collins is considered a key target because she is the only Republican senator representing a state that President Donald Trump lost in the 2024 election.

While the primary outcomes were largely anticipated, attention is now shifting to the general election campaign and the issues that could shape voter decisions in the months ahead.

Platner enters the race with several controversies already drawing scrutiny.

Reports have highlighted allegations and disputes involving his past conduct, including a sexting scandal, graphic social media posts, allegations of domestic abuse, and questions surrounding a tattoo that has generated public criticism.

Those issues are expected to become part of the broader campaign as Republicans and Democrats battle over one of the nation’s most competitive Senate seats.

NBC News noted that the race is likely to become a major test of Democratic messaging and voter priorities, particularly as Platner’s past conduct continues to attract attention.

According to the report, the election has already emerged as a broader political battleground that could offer insight into the direction of the Democratic Party while also testing the strength of Collins’ long-standing support among Maine voters.

Collins has repeatedly demonstrated political resilience during her Senate career.

Since first winning election nearly three decades ago, she has maintained a reputation as one of Maine’s most durable political figures and has survived multiple competitive reelection campaigns.

Platner, meanwhile, has built support among Democratic voters and raised significant campaign funds during the election cycle.

His victory gives Democrats a nominee who has energized portions of the party’s base as they seek to flip a seat that could play an important role in determining Senate control.

The campaign between Collins and Platner is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as both candidates begin focusing on the general election.

With national attention, significant fundraising, and Senate control potentially at stake, Maine is likely to remain one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds heading into November.

Voters will decide the race this fall when Collins seeks another term, and Platner attempts to deliver Democrats one of their most important Senate pickups of the election cycle.

Nancy Mace Crashes Out, Concedes as Trump-Backed Pamela Evette Surges Ahead
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Nancy Mace Crashes Out, Concedes as Trump-Backed Pamela Evette Surges Ahead

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Rep. Nancy Mace conceded defeat in South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday night after early returns showed her trailing well behind Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, as reported by The New York Post.

Less than two hours after polls closed, Mace acknowledged the outcome and threw her support behind South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who advanced to a runoff election against Evette.

“This isn’t the end of the fight, but it is the end of a chapter,” Mace said during her concession speech.

With votes still being counted, Mace held just 11.3% of the vote, placing fifth in the Republican field. Evette led with roughly 29%, while Wilson received about 26%, securing the two runoff spots.

Shortly after conceding, Mace posted a message to X thanking supporters and reflecting on her time in office.

“Serving South Carolina has been the greatest honor of my life,” Mace wrote. “Every vote I cast, every hearing I called, every fight I picked — it was always for you.”

Mace also suggested that some of the issues she championed may have contributed to her defeat.

She pointed to her efforts involving the release of government records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as her work highlighting congressional sexual harassment settlements.

“As a survivor, I chose to stand on principle and stand against the Epstein cover-up,” Mace wrote. “I chose to expose the names hidden in the sexual harassment slush fund. I chose to expose DEI judges. I chose to expose the abusers of children.

“And apparently, I chose wrong if the goal was winning an election.”

The race was largely shaped by the competition for President Donald Trump’s endorsement. On May 29, Trump formally endorsed Evette, a move widely viewed as a major development in the contest to replace term-limited Gov. Henry McMaster.

Before the endorsement, both Mace and Evette worked to present themselves as strong supporters of Trump and prominently featured him in campaign materials.

In one of the earliest advertisements of the race, Evette emphasized her support for Trump.

“It’s good to have President Trump’s back,” Evette said. “I’ve backed him from Day One.”

Mace pushed back on those claims at the time, arguing Evette was overstating her relationship with the president.

“Pamela Evette is NOT ENDORSED by DONALD TRUMP. Do not believe her LIES,” Mace wrote in an X post.

Hours later, Trump officially endorsed Evette.

In his endorsement announcement, Trump praised the lieutenant governor’s loyalty and early support.

“Highly Respected and very popular Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, Pam Evette, is an America First Patriot who has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump wrote.

“She never wavered, never let me down, and was the only South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate to Endorse me as soon as I launched my 2024 Presidential Campaign,” he added.

 

 

 

“She crisscrossed South Carolina and other States for me, and I said, at the time, that this is truly something which I cannot forget!”

Trump reinforced that support during an election eve tele-rally, where he described Evette’s opponents as “not serious” and again highlighted her early endorsement of his presidential campaign.

During the same event, Evette told Trump that others in the race were attempting to “take credit for being one of your favorites.”

Following Trump’s endorsement, Mace argued that her support for releasing Epstein-related documents may have cost her valuable political support.

“I know I put the likelihood of an endorsement on the line when I demanded transparency on the Epstein files,” Mace wrote. “I demanded it because you deserved the truth – ALL OF IT – and as a survivor of a corrupt and broken court system, I will always pursue justice for those who deserve it.”

“If sacrificing my values is the price of an endorsement, I will never pay it.”

Mace has been one of the most high-profile members of Congress since winning election to the House in 2020.

The first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets, she has frequently drawn national attention through her legislative battles, public disputes, and outspoken political style.

Her relationship with Wilson has also been contentious. Mace previously accused the attorney general of failing to act on allegations she raised against her former fiancé and others. Wilson rejected those claims, calling them “categorically false.”

Despite their differences, Mace announced during her concession speech that she and Wilson had “buried the hatchet” and urged supporters to back him in the runoff.

The June 23 runoff between Evette and Wilson will determine the Republican nominee for governor. Given South Carolina’s recent electoral history, the GOP nominee will enter the general election as the clear favorite.

The state has not elected a Democrat as governor since 1998.

Lara Logan Drops a Bombshell on the Real Reason Trump Went After Maduro [WATCH]
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Lara Logan Drops a Bombshell on the Real Reason Trump Went After Maduro [WATCH]

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Investigative journalist Lara Logan argued that a range of domestic and international issues are interconnected, pointing to Venezuela, election integrity concerns, illegal immigration, organized crime, and political movements she believes are influencing events in the United States.

Logan said the Trump administration took action against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro because of what she described as Venezuela’s involvement in the 2020 election.

“With all due respect, I say this. The Trump administration went after Nicholas Maduro in Venezuela because they rightly knew they had worked for 12 years on an indictment on Nicholas Maduro,” Logan said.

She further alleged that Venezuela played a direct role in the 2020 election and claimed other foreign actors were involved.

“Right, Venezuela was involved directly involved in the theft of the 2020 election. They stole that election from President Trump working with Iran, working with the CCP, working with others,” Logan said.

Logan claimed that a senior Venezuelan official currently in prison provided information about those events.

“We know a lot of the details because there is a Venezuelan, very senior Venezuelan sitting in prison who was actually a witness, an eyewitness to the theft,” Logan said.

According to Logan, the administration focused on Maduro but did not pursue other members of his government whom she believes were involved.

“But what President Trump’s administration did not do is they did not go after all the other people in Maduro’s administration who were involved in the theft of the 2020 election,” Logan said.

Logan specifically referenced Delcy Rodríguez and Jorge Rodríguez, claiming they played a broader role in election-related activities around the world.

“Delci Rodriguez and her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, who presided over the theft of the 2020 election, are 100% complicit in the theft of elections in 72 countries worldwide,” Logan said.

She also alleged that Venezuelan criminal organizations exert influence beyond their own borders.

“You want to know why President Trump doesn’t get the support that he needs from a country like Spain? Because the cartel in Venezuela, the cartel that runs the country, Cartel de la Souls, they selected the Spanish Prime Minister,” Logan said.

Logan argued that multiple political and criminal organizations operate together and should not be viewed as separate threats.

“Why does America get all this heat all over the world? Because the globalist Marxist Islamist alliance that that has these cartels as their army, they all work together, so we don’t face one enemy,” Logan said.

Turning to California, Logan connected local political controversies to broader national and international concerns.

“The election in LA, the corruption there, the corruption in the system, this isn’t about one enemy, this is about all of America’s enemies working together,” Logan said.

She also criticized the impact of illegal immigration on representation and the justice system.

“And all of those illegal immigrants in that sanctuary state of California, who not only distort California’s representation in the house, but who also get their own jury, so they’re involved in the criminal justice system,” Logan said.

Logan argued that the ultimate goal of these forces is to weaken both individual and national sovereignty.

“I mean, all of these people, what they’re doing is they are diminishing citizenship, they want to take your individual sovereignty and your national sovereignty, and they want to make it mean nothing,” Logan said.

She also claimed violent criminal organizations from Venezuela have been imported into the United States.

“They imported the most violent people from Venezuela’s prisons,” Logan said.

Referring to Tren de Aragua, Logan described the group as a violent organization created through prison recruitment.

“They literally, they were created by going into Venezuela’s prisons and recruiting the most violent people and creating this organization that is a paramilitary force. It is a violent, armed, trained paramilitary force that was infiltrated into our towns and cities,” Logan said.

Logan further claimed that members of the group have been involved in demonstrations surrounding immigration enforcement.

“And these are the people that are in front of the ICE detention centers and helping to fuel the protests, so you have them, they fight on every single front. Elections is one front, it’s only one,” Logan said.

She concluded by criticizing Marxism and arguing that California serves as a testing ground for ideas that later spread nationwide.

“And the idea that you could have a Marxist, when Marxism has forced out 8 million Venezuelans, has failed people worldwide, has been responsible for the death of how many people worldwide, and we are still glorifying it and glamorizing it,” Logan said.

“So these things are tied together, and you can’t fight on one front, you have to fight on every front, and you can’t pretend that LA is just a city in the West, on the West Coast. No, what happens in the state of California is actually tested there, and then it’s proliferated all over the country,” Logan said.

WATCH:

NBA Commissioner Shreds Hakeem Jeffries’ Trump Knicks Smear [WATCH]
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NBA Commissioner Shreds Hakeem Jeffries’ Trump Knicks Smear [WATCH]

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver pushed back Monday against criticism surrounding President Donald Trump’s attendance at a New York Knicks playoff game, saying the president has been a longtime supporter of the franchise and a familiar presence at Madison Square Garden for decades.

Silver made the remarks before Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where he was interviewed by ESPN’s broadcast crew.

His comments came after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned Trump’s appearance at the game and suggested the president was using the event to draw attention to himself, as reported by Red State.

According to Silver, Trump’s history with the Knicks and Madison Square Garden is well established.

“He was a fixture at Madison Square Garden,” Silver said during the broadcast.

“You guys remember – all of you – when you played here back in the old days, he had courtside seats. He was here all the time. He was at drafts, so he’s a genuine Knicks fan.”

Silver’s comments were widely circulated on social media as debate continued over Trump’s appearance at the game.

The commissioner also used the opportunity to discuss the broader role of sports in public life, arguing that sporting events should bring people together rather than deepen political divisions.

“The arena is packed. People got through extra security,” Silver said. “I think we should be using sports to create more of a sense of community with people, not less.”

The discussion followed comments made earlier in the day by Jeffries during a press conference on Capitol Hill. The New York Democrat questioned whether Trump was genuinely a fan of the Knicks and criticized the president’s attendance at the game.

“It also is not clear to me that Donald Trump is a big Knicks fan. I mean, does this guy even know the difference between Karl Rove and Karl-Anthony Towns?!? I don’t think so. He’s just injecting himself into the NBA Finals because he always has to bring the MAGA circus into town, and that’s unfortunate,” Jeffries said.

The exchange added another political dimension to a high-profile sporting event that drew national attention.

Trump, who grew up in New York City, has attended Knicks games for many years and has frequently appeared at major sporting events during his time in public life.

Neither Trump nor the White House immediately responded to Jeffries’ remarks. However, Silver’s comments provided a direct response to questions surrounding the president’s connection to the team.

The controversy emerged as the Knicks continue their postseason run and as political figures from both parties increasingly use major sporting events as opportunities to connect with voters and supporters.

Silver did not address the political aspects of the dispute beyond his comments about sports serving as a unifying force. Instead, he focused on the president’s long history of attending games and participating in events associated with the franchise.

The episode underscores how major sporting events continue to intersect with politics, particularly when high-profile elected officials attend nationally televised games.

In this case, the debate centered not on the action on the court but on whether a longtime public figure’s ties to the team were genuine.

As attention remained focused on the NBA Finals, Silver’s remarks shifted the discussion back toward the league and the game itself, emphasizing what he described as the value of sports in bringing communities together.

Platner Melts Down, Calls Fetterman an ‘A–hole’ in Explosive Town Hall Rant [WATCH]
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Platner Melts Down, Calls Fetterman an ‘A–hole’ in Explosive Town Hall Rant [WATCH]

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Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner escalated his ongoing dispute with Sen. John Fetterman during a town hall event in Portland, Maine, on Sunday, using a profanity to describe the Pennsylvania Democrat while discussing how he would approach relationships in Washington if elected, as reported by Fox News.

The exchange came just days before Maine Democrats head to the polls in a closely watched Senate primary that will determine who challenges incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

During the town hall, Platner was asked by a supporter about lawmakers he hoped to work with if elected to the Senate. While discussing the importance of building relationships in Congress, Platner took aim at Fetterman, who has become one of his most vocal Democratic critics.

“The Senate really is a place of, it’s a lot about relationships, and I-I don’t want to go down there and simply be nonfunctional,” Platner said.

“I mean, as you can all probably tell, we got a lot of criticisms about the way this government functions. But in order for us to make it functional, we’re going to have to do stuff. And you can’t just go down there and be John Fetterman and just and just kind of just sort of be an a–hole.”

Platner then added, “He’s said mean things about me, I’m allowed to say that.”

The comments marked the latest development in a growing public feud between the two Democrats. In recent days, Fetterman has repeatedly criticized Platner over several controversies that have surrounded the Maine candidate’s campaign.

During an appearance with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Fetterman criticized Platner and referenced reports regarding an online Kik account linked to the candidate.

“This is a guy that had a problem with me, how I dress, but he seemed to have no problem posing in a towel at a disgusting website that consistently had serious problems about that kinds of depravity,” Fetterman said.

The Pennsylvania senator also challenged Platner to release messages reportedly exchanged with women through the platform.

“Let me make a deal. I’ll tell P-Hustle, I’ll wear a suit every day, if he releases all those texts and messages that he’s had… [with] the dozen women,” Fetterman continued, referring to Platner’s reported username.

Platner responded over the weekend in a post on X.

“John Fetterman seems to genuinely think that the reason no one likes him is because he refuses to wear a suit.”

“It’s not the hoodie, dude. It’s because you’ve become a stooge for AIPAC and the Republican Party.”

The dispute has unfolded as Platner’s Senate campaign continues to face scrutiny over a series of controversies that have received national attention. Reports have focused on allegations involving sexually explicit messages sent during his marriage, an active Kik profile, past social media posts, and claims made by a former girlfriend regarding his behavior. Platner has denied allegations of abusive conduct and has described criticism of his campaign as politically motivated.

Despite the controversies, Platner focused much of Sunday’s event on his campaign message, emphasizing economic issues and what he described as growing concentrations of power in American politics.

“We must understand that we have entered a new phase in the American political story,” Platner told supporters.

“We have entered an era that I think looks a lot more like the 1880s or the 1930s or the 1960s than the last 40 years. We have entered an age of a politics of power, and we need to start acting like it.”

Earlier in the event, Platner described himself as an unlikely candidate seeking higher office.

“I am very much just some random guy from Sullivan, Maine,” he told the crowd before receiving a standing ovation after predicting that “we are going to beat Susan Collins” in November.

Platner enters Tuesday’s Democratic primary as one of the leading candidates in the race. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and former senior government official David Costello are also on the ballot.

If he secures the nomination, Platner will face Collins in the general election this fall.

Mamdani Ally’s Adviser Exposed for Questionable Nude Photo Past as Platner Scandal Widens [WATCH]
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Mamdani Ally’s Adviser Exposed for Questionable Nude Photo Past as Platner Scandal Widens [WATCH]

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A Democratic political strategist credited with helping New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani secure a major electoral victory is facing increased scrutiny in Maine after old writings resurfaced while he assists Senate candidate Graham Platner as the campaign confronts a series of controversies ahead of a key Democratic primary, as reported by Fox News.

Morris Katz, a New York-based Democratic strategist, has drawn attention from Maine Republicans over comments he made in past writings and his role advising Platner as the candidate responds to reports about his personal conduct and campaign-related controversies.

Katz, who has been widely credited with helping Mamdani’s successful mayoral campaign, wrote in a 2019 post on the Medium blogging platform that he had both “sent” and “received nudes.”

He also authored a puberty guide for boys in 2020 that included a footnote stating he had initially considered using “images of my penis” to illustrate portions of the publication before being told by a publisher that such content would be inappropriate.

The resurfaced writings have become a new point of criticism from Republicans as Platner’s campaign continues to address questions surrounding reports that he exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women during the early years of his marriage through the messaging platform Kik.

Republicans in Maine have argued that Katz’s background raises additional questions about judgment as he works to help Platner navigate the fallout from the controversy.

Jason Savage, executive director of the Maine Republican Party, criticized Katz’s actions and alleged attempts to pressure individuals connected to the controversy.

“Morris Katz thinking that he was going to call up and intimidate Genevieve McDonald shows how bad his judgment is — he was never going to succeed at that, and the fact he didn’t have the instincts to know better is just the first red flag of many for him,” Savage told Fox News Digital.

Savage continued by criticizing both Katz and Platner.

“The combination of Morris Katz and Graham Platner is this weird horror story where neither one of them really understands the guardrails on decency. Neither one of them can recognize when there is a boundary,” he said.

An anonymous Republican strategist from rural Maine also criticized Katz’s involvement in the race and argued that national political operatives were attempting to influence a contest with significant implications for the state.

“This guy [Katz], who is unbelievably strange, comes in from out of state and tries to get this horribly flawed guy, like limping, pleading across the finish line. That is so arrogant,” the strategist told Fox News Digital.

“The arrogance that it takes to come in and say, ‘I’m an out-of-state progressive socialist here to make some money off a flawed candidate bleeding in the polls,’ and then try to take that away from the people who really need it, you’re going to take away what Susan Collins has done and will be able to do for these people.”

Platner is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.

His campaign has faced a series of controversies in recent months. Reports have alleged that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married.

According to reports, Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, disclosed the messages during an internal campaign vetting process. The campaign has acknowledged the messages existed while maintaining that the matter was handled privately between the couple.

Additional scrutiny followed reports that Platner maintained an active Kik profile. The profile reportedly featured a shirtless mirror selfie with a towel around his waist.

The image later became the subject of a protest outside Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., where Republican staffers appeared wearing towels in an effort to mock the reported profile photo.

Platner has also faced criticism over a tattoo that critics identified as having links to Nazi symbolism. He has stated that he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning when he received the tattoo years earlier and later covered it up.

Genevieve McDonald has disputed his account and argued he was aware of the symbol’s meaning.

The candidate previously apologized after old Reddit posts resurfaced containing inflammatory comments regarding race, political violence, police officers, rural Americans, military veterans, and other subjects.

Platner has said his views changed over time and that some of the posts reflected a difficult period following his military service.

Most recently, Platner denied allegations from a former girlfriend who accused him of abusive behavior. He described those allegations as politically motivated.

His campaign has argued that critics and media coverage have focused heavily on personal controversies rather than policy issues affecting Maine voters.

Fox News Digital reported that requests for comment were sent to Katz, the Platner campaign, Fight Agency, Mamdani’s team, and McDonald.

Moms for America Leader Drops Bombshell Bid to Flip Blue Florida District Red [WATCH]
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Moms for America Leader Drops Bombshell Bid to Flip Blue Florida District Red [WATCH]

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Conservative activist, veteran, and policy advocate Aly Legge announced that she is running for Congress in Florida’s 14th Congressional District, making the announcement during an appearance with David Pollack.

Pollack introduced the announcement by telling viewers that Legge had significant news to share and suggested it could have broader implications beyond the district.

“I hear that you have a very big announcement, and I have the opportunity here on my show. I think it’s the first time you’re announcing it. Do you want to tell the viewers what this big announcement is, and how it’s going to help save America?” Pollack asked.

Legge thanked Pollack for providing the platform and confirmed that she is entering the race.

“I do. So, my announcement. Thank you, David, so much for giving me this opportunity. First of all, to allow your audience to know firsthand, to be the exclusive ones, to find out first that I have decided to run for congressional office in Congressional District 14 in Tampa, Florida,” Legge said.

Legge said the decision came after years of involvement in grassroots activism and public policy efforts. She described herself as someone who has spent years working directly with communities and advocating for conservative causes.

“This is something that I have thought of for quite some time, you know, as boots on the ground, as a conservative, as a mom, as an activist, as a veteran, this is something that I think is needed,” Legge said.

She argued that many candidates campaign on promises but fail to deliver meaningful results once elected.

“Too many people have run based on promise, and look what happens when they get into office. Nothing really does move,” Legge said.

Legge said her record distinguishes her from candidates whose accomplishments are limited to campaign rhetoric.

She pointed to her involvement in shaping policy both in Florida and nationally.

“But I have the repertoire, I have the, the, the receipts you’d like to say of what I’ve done, I’ve been able to push policy, not just in Florida, but nationally,” Legge said.

According to Legge, her advocacy work has placed her in debates over major legislative issues and policy proposals affecting states and local communities.

“You guys have seen me almost everywhere. I’ve been advocating, even just last month, against the Save Our Bacon Act, which would completely obliterate states’ rights when it comes to our farms and our small farmers, which is the backbone of America,” Legge said.

Legge said her public policy involvement stretches back more than a decade and has focused on a range of issues including parental rights, veteran concerns, medical freedom, and community advocacy.

“So, I’ve been doing this largely for about 12 years, advocating for communities, moms, parents, veterans, medical freedom,” Legge said.

She also credited grassroots coalitions and parent-led organizations with helping shape policy changes in Florida.

“And a lot of the laws that we currently have in Florida would not have been able to come to fruition if it weren’t for our coalition of parents and grassroots organizations,” Legge said.

Legge said her campaign will be built on the same principles and advocacy efforts that have defined her work over the past 12 years.

“So that is why I am running, and I am excited to announce that today,” Legge said.

WATCH:

The race for Florida’s 14th Congressional District is expected to draw attention from conservatives and grassroots activists as Legge seeks to translate her advocacy background into elected office.

Marines Plot Bold Airpower Upgrade to Smash Enemy Chokepoints at Sea
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Marines Plot Bold Airpower Upgrade to Smash Enemy Chokepoints at Sea

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The Marine Corps is taking aim at one of the toughest problems facing American sea power: how to break through hostile chokepoints and keep amphibious forces moving when our enemies throw everything they have to stop them.

In a bold new Request for Information, Naval Air Systems Command, on behalf of the Corps, is seeking innovative tools and methods to boost the “Future Attack/Strike,” or FASt, initiative.

The mission is simple: obliterate obstacles, control the air, and clear the seas so America’s amphibious groups can punch through any hostile corridor.

This is not theoretical war gaming; this is about real-world problems. From the Strait of Hormuz to the South China Sea, American warfighters face adversaries armed with drones, missiles, and fast-attack vessels.

Chokepoints have become kill zones, and the Marines want to flip that script.

The FASt program comes as the service prepares to retire aging workhorses like the AV-8B Harrier, AH-1Z Viper, and F/A-18 Hornet.

In their place, the Corps wants tech that extends beyond conventional airframes—think long-range precision missiles, MQ-58 Valkyrie combat drones, electronic warfare systems, and other next-gen tools that rely as much on information dominance as firepower.

Marines Put New Cruise Control Swim Feature to the Test in Amphibious Vehicle Prototype
The Textron ARV-30 prototype conducts open water testing at Camp Pendleton, California. (U.S. Marine Corps)

According to the Marine Aviation Plan for 2026, these assets will need to integrate seamlessly into amphibious assault operations, where the line between air and sea is razor thin.

The new RFI calls for analytical models able to simulate complex operations under fire, identify weak points, and test how new systems could crush those vulnerabilities fast and hard.

This push is a recognition that America’s next big fights may not be about large-scale land invasions but about controlling naval arteries—those narrow straits and waterways that dictate whether your convoys move or burn.

Iran’s harassment in the Persian Gulf and China’s fortifications in the Pacific are clear reminders that the Marines must be ready to fight for every inch.

Marines Explore Counter-Drone Capabilities for Amphibious Combat Vehicle Amid Growing Threats
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PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2011) An amphibious assault vehicle assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) approaches the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is underway for routine operations off the coast of Southern California in preparation for the ship’s first operational deployment later this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Douglas Bedford/Released)

The Corps wants inputs on how airpower, long-range fires, and autonomous tech can secure “key maritime terrain” while guaranteeing “passage through critical chokepoints under threat.”

That means everything from spotting hidden missile batteries to ensuring commercial and military shipping can pass safely.

This concept isn’t just about launching missile strikes; it’s about weaving together intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance over both sea and land.

It’s about escorting transport aircraft, delivering offensive air support, and neutralizing mobile launchers and hardened enemy sites before they can strike first.

Drone swarms, fast boats, and underwater threats are all on the radar. The analytical toolkit the Marines want must also calculate how to defend Amphibious Ready Groups and Marine Expeditionary Units against these multi-directional, multi-domain attacks.

Marines Explore Counter-Drone Capabilities for Amphibious Combat Vehicle Amid Growing Threats
U.S. Marines assigned to Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base Hawaii Ð KaneÕohe Bay stand by in R7-A1 amphibious assault vehicles off Pyramid beach July 12, 2012, to meet up with the USS Essex (LHD-2) off shore during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2012.. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from Jun. 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.(Department of War photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth/Released)

The battles of the future won’t look like the past—they’ll be chaotic, fast-moving, and fought in contested zones where communication and logistics are just as critical as ordnance.

Anticipating this environment, the Corps notes that new tools must handle scenarios where manned aviation is largely grounded or limited by advanced Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).

That means AI-powered—well, let’s call it machine-driven—analytics to evaluate the use of long-range, autonomous, and semi-autonomous weapons capable of fighting even when human pilots can’t reach the front.

Another element in development is the “joint kill web,” a cutting-edge networked targeting system linking sensors, shooters, and decision-makers across the battlespace.

Analytical platforms must map how this web functions in real time, from detection to strike to battle damage assessment, ensuring that enemies never get the last move.

In addition, the Marine Corps wants to analyze the logistical spine supporting these operations—how to sustain extended combat periods from both sea and land, under electronic interference, and while maneuvering in hostile waters. That level of modeling goes far beyond a single mission; it’s about readiness for prolonged conflict.

Tensions Flare as Venezuela Accuses U.S. Navy of Raiding Tuna Boat in Caribbean
U.S. Marines with Alpha Battery, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fire at targets during a combat marksmanship practice range aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support regional stability, reassure partners and allies, and maintain a presence postured to respond to any crisis ranging from humanitarian assistance to contingency operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Adam Dublinske)

The Corps isn’t just turning to major contractors for answers, either.

The RFI specifically mentions a desire to work with small businesses and “non-traditional vendors,” signaling a willingness to innovate faster and smarter than the lumbering bureaucracy of the past. America’s warfighters are looking for creativity, not red tape.

Their goal is to wrap up development by fiscal 2027, ensuring that by the time new threats emerge in the Indo-Pacific or Middle East, the United States Marine Corps will have both the technology and the tactics to keep amphibious warfare viable, deadly, and dominant.

Across the Pentagon, there’s growing understanding that control of chokepoints defines modern power.

With enemies like Iran and China salivating at the idea of bottling up American naval convoys, the Marines’ FASt initiative is a loud signal: not on our watch. The sea lanes will stay open—and they’ll stay American.

Repeat Offender on Probation Charged After Killing Texas Father Who Tracked Stolen Truck [WATCH]
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Repeat Offender on Probation Charged After Killing Texas Father Who Tracked Stolen Truck [WATCH]

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A Houston man was killed Saturday after he tracked down a pickup truck that authorities say had been stolen from his family, leading to a confrontation that ended in gunfire and multiple criminal charges against a repeat offender who was already on probation, as reported by The New York Post.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 56-year-old Louis Erebia.

Investigators say Erebia was attempting to recover a stolen Chevrolet Silverado when he was allegedly shot by London Hogan Sr., who has since been charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

According to authorities, the incident began when Erebia’s son was putting gas into the Silverado. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office told FOX26 that Hogan allegedly approached, displayed a firearm, and took the truck.

After learning the vehicle had been stolen, Erebia and a friend used GPS tracking technology to locate it. The tracking data led them to the area where the truck was being driven.

Deputies said the vehicle Erebia was traveling in became involved in a collision with the stolen Silverado, disabling the truck. Authorities then say a male and female suspect exited the stolen vehicle and fled on foot.

According to investigators, Erebia pursued the suspects. During that pursuit, deputies allege Hogan opened fire.

Erebia was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities also say Hogan allegedly shot another man during the incident. That victim is expected to survive.

The case has drawn additional attention because of Hogan’s criminal history and his status at the time of the alleged offense.

Court records cited by authorities show Hogan was serving a five-year term of community supervision after receiving deferred adjudication on Nov. 12, 2023, in a case involving assault of a family or household member by impeding breath or circulation.

Additional entries in Hogan’s criminal history include:

Sept. 3, 2020: Felon in possession of a weapon — dismissed
Sept. 3, 2020: Unauthorized use of a vehicle — dismissed
Sept. 3, 2020: Possession of a controlled substance — dismissed
Aug. 24, 2016: Possession of a controlled substance — guilty
Oct. 15, 2015: Possession of a controlled substance — guilty
Dec. 16, 2009: Burglary — guilty

During a court hearing Monday, a judge referenced Hogan’s probation status while reading the charges.

“Looks like you are on a 5-year felony deferred for assault, impeding breath. And Mr. Hogan entered into that deferred March 27th of 2024. Also, murder is an SB9 offense,” the judge said.

Family members and loved ones have continued to mourn Erebia following his death.

Amber Burrough, a relative of Erebia, shared a tribute on Facebook describing him as a man dedicated to helping others and serving his community.

“Louis died doing exactly what he did every day of his life—protecting others. He was a hero down to his very last breath. A pillar of our community, the backbone of our family, and a man whose selflessness impacted countless lives, Louis never hesitated to help those in need. He gave of himself freely and served others without question,” Burrough said.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case. Hogan remains charged in connection with the death, and the allegations against him will be addressed through the court process as the case moves forward.

Navy Super Hornet Blows Iranian-Bound Tanker Out of Action in Gulf of Oman
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Navy Super Hornet Blows Iranian-Bound Tanker Out of Action in Gulf of Oman

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A decisive warning rippled across the Gulf of Oman Monday as a U.S. Navy Super Hornet fired a precision strike into an oil tanker attempting to defy America’s blockade against Iran.

The message was clear: the United States will not allow rogue maritime traffic to aid Tehran or undermine U.S. enforcement of sanctions.

According to U.S. Central Command, the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex ignored multiple directives from U.S. forces as it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port. The vessel had no cargo on board and was operating in international waters when it chose to test the resolve of U.S. naval patrols.

That decision turned out to be a serious mistake. The Super Hornet, flying from the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, delivered a precision munition that disabled the ship’s engineering and steering compartments, effectively halting it in place.

“Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran,” read the statement from U.S. Central Command, a line that’s being quoted across the world as evidence that Washington’s military deterrence in the region remains fully operational and more than capable.

This was not an isolated event. The operation stems from a broader naval blockade first launched April 13 to impose strict maritime controls around Iranian waters.

U.S. forces have already intercepted or disabled seven noncompliant ships, a number that signals American persistence and tactical dominance in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.

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U.S. Navy maintainers for the F/A-18E Super Hornet, seen here launching from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, say they’ve had to repurpose parts from grounded aircraft to address maintenance needs. (MCS Daniel Kimmelman/Navy)

Central Command added that over 100 vessels have complied with the blockade, voluntarily diverting course or awaiting inspection.

Meanwhile, ships carrying humanitarian supplies have been permitted to pass — forty-two in total — underscoring that the operation’s target is Tehran’s illicit trade, not the Iranian people.

The clarity of purpose and precision of execution have caught attention in both Washington and allied capitals. This mission is another example of the War Department maintaining American naval dominance while ensuring Iran’s destabilizing behavior encounters direct consequences.

Analysts say that Iran’s use of proxy routes and reflagged vessels to bypass restrictions has tested U.S. enforcement mechanisms.

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Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group fly a mission over the Middle East March 3, 2025. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske.

Monday’s strike signals that the testing is over. Under the Biden administration such responses were hesitant, but now, under renewed leadership focus on hard power, the U.S. military is backing words with action.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, operating in the area, has been maintaining freedom of navigation patrols while simultaneously enforcing the blockade.

The ship’s pilots, sailors, and support personnel are operating with precision that evokes the Navy’s best traditions of deterrent strength at sea.

Critics in the international press may whine about “aggression” or “escalation,” but let’s be clear: the Marivex was given multiple chances to comply.

It chose defiance. The result was swift, proportional, and entirely lawful under the mission’s rules of engagement.

US Navy Takes Out Two Iranian Tankers Defying Blockade in Strait of Hormuz
An F/A-18E Super Hornet taxis on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on April 16, 2026. (U.S. Navy)

The Navy’s decisive action also serves a strategic messaging purpose. It reminds all actors — especially Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and their maritime smuggling networks — that American enforcement is not symbolic. Steel does the talking. The days of empty rhetoric and unenforced red lines are over.

In the broader geopolitical sense, operations like this one secure not just international waters but global energy stability.

By cutting off illicit oil routes that fund Iranian aggression, the United States is protecting allies and averting future conflict. A strong America leads to a safer world — and that begins with dominance at sea.

The pilots aboard the Abraham Lincoln, the sailors on watch, and the planners at Central Command are executing a clear, lawful mission aimed at isolating Iran’s mischief.

They deserve credit for maintaining peace through overwhelming superiority, not the kind of bureaucratic caution that weakened deterrence in years prior.

The Gulf of Oman remains a flashpoint, but it is one now controlled by disciplined American hands.

Each operation, each interdiction, each successful strike builds a pattern of consequence for those who think they can outmaneuver U.S. resolve.

For the men and women wearing the uniform, moments like these reaffirm that America’s Navy remains unmatched, unyielding, and unstoppable when the mission calls for force. That’s how deterrence works — not through talk, but through precision fire from the sky.


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