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Minneapolis Police Chief Apologizes After Blaming Crime on ‘East African Kids’
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Minneapolis Police Chief Apologizes After Blaming Crime on ‘East African Kids’

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara issued an apology Thursday at a press conference following comments he made during a Nov. 11 interview in which he referred to “groups of East African kids” while discussing ongoing crime investigations.

The remarks were made to local station WCCO as O’Hara provided updates on an Oct. 31 homicide case.

A petition on Change.org calling for an apology collected 629 signatures.

Before O’Hara spoke at the press conference, two Somali community leaders made remarks through interpreters.

O’Hara addressed his relationship with the Somali community during his statement.

“The Somali community here in Minneapolis has been welcoming and has shown love towards me, and I appreciate it,” he said.

“Over the last three years we have been working together to try and address some of the real serious problems that we have in our community.”

He later added, “We have to be honest at times with the problems that we’re having in our community, and we need our community to help us fix those problems together because it’s real and it’s serious. At the same time, if people have taken anything that I have said out of context in a way that’s caused harm, I apologize, and I’m sorry for that because that’s not my intention at all.”

During the Nov. 11 interview, O’Hara told WCCO that gang activity was part of the issue, along with the fact that many individuals involved in crimes such as vandalism and carjacking were not Minneapolis residents.

He also said lenient prosecutorial and judicial practices in the city have made crime response more difficult, according to Alpha News.

O’Hara said, “They aren’t the poor kids from Minneapolis that are our residents, these are kids coming down in mommy’s Mercedes-Benz to Dinkytown, and they don’t know where they are.”

He noted that the person killed in the Oct. 31 shooting, as well as one of the individuals wounded, were not from Minneapolis.

In the Nov. 11 interview, O’Hara stated, “Groups of kids, groups of East African kids that are coming from surrounding communities and not just one community, kind of all over the place.”

The press conference came shortly after another high-profile incident in the city.

Democratic City Councilman Jamal Osman was carjacked on Nov. 10, one day after winning reelection on a platform focused on “restorative justice” and “violence prevention programs.”

Authorities continue to investigate that carjacking and other recent cases involving juveniles and groups operating in areas such as Dinkytown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Democrats’ Fundraising Collapse Forces Party Into Record Debt
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Democrats’ Fundraising Collapse Forces Party Into Record Debt

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Federal Election Commission filings show the Democratic National Committee borrowed $15 million in October, a loan taken as the committee ended the month with $18.3 million in cash on hand.

The filing describes the loan as an unusually large amount this far from a major election.

The committee spent $16.9 million in October, its highest monthly total this year.

More than $6 million of that spending went toward gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison’s executive director, Sam Cornale, defended the decision to take on the loan.

“We can’t win elections or fight back against Trump if the DNC downsizes operations like it often does after a presidential cycle,” he said.

“I made a bet that investing early would build power, rack up wins and rally supporters back to the table. That bet is paying off.”

Party officials have pointed to victories in New Jersey and Virginia, though both states are traditionally Democratic.

The financial filings also reflect broader challenges inside the party’s fundraising operation.

Major donors have remained on the sidelines as the committee works to rebuild following the 2024 cycle.

According to Politico, the DNC has taken on debt in past cycles but not typically at this point in the timeline or at this size.

During President Trump’s first term, the DNC reported $3.2 million in debt in November 2017 and more than $7 million a few months later.

The committee has not reported more than $15 million in total debt since February 2014.

The DNC raised $7.5 million from donors in October.

That figure is close to what the committee raised in October 2021, but filings show donor participation slowed earlier in the year as the committee worked through outstanding obligations.

The party spent part of 2025 paying down expenses linked to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The committee covered $18 million in remaining campaign costs from that race.

Those payments, according to party officials, reduced funds available for organizing efforts ahead of the next cycle.

The Republican National Committee reported $86 million in cash reserves at the end of September with no debt.

The filings show a significant financial gap between the two national committees entering the next phase of the cycle.

The DNC’s October report lists the loan, spending totals, donor contributions, past debt comparisons, and payments on prior-cycle obligations as the committee continues its fundraising efforts heading into 2026.

Good News: Thanksgiving Costs Lowest in 4 Years Despite ‘Experts’ Predictions
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Good News: Thanksgiving Costs Lowest in 4 Years Despite ‘Experts’ Predictions

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The American Farm Bureau’s 40th annual survey shows the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner has dropped to its lowest level since 2021.

The organization reported Thursday that a classic holiday meal for 10 people will cost $55.18 this year, a decrease of five percent compared to 2024.

The annual survey, conducted since 1986, relies on volunteers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico who record local prices for a set list of traditional items.

Those items include turkey, cubed stuffing, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, frozen peas, fresh cranberries, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix and crusts, whipping cream, and whole milk.

According to the Farm Bureau, prices rose sharply in recent years.

Inflation accelerated to its fastest pace in four decades during the presidency of Joe Biden, pushing the cost of the standard Thanksgiving meal up 14 percent in 2021 to $53.31.

The following year saw an additional 20 percent increase, bringing the price to $64.05.

By Biden’s final Thanksgiving, the survey found that the cost of the traditional dinner had risen 24 percent compared with when he took office.

The Farm Bureau said this year’s overall decline was driven primarily by a drop in the price of turkey.

A 16-pound turkey will cost an average of $21.50, a reduction of 16 percent from last year.

Three other items in the fixed basket—cubed stuffing, fresh cranberries, and dinner rolls—also fell in price.

Five items increased in cost: sweet potatoes, frozen green peas, a vegetable tray including carrots and celery, whole milk, and whipping cream.

Prices for pumpkin pie mix and pie shells were nearly unchanged from 2024.

Despite the price reduction, the report noted that the cost of the full meal remains above pre-inflation levels.

The Farm Bureau’s data continues to compare rising costs during the years of elevated inflation with the recent easing in prices.

This year’s decrease aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent remarks that Thanksgiving dinner has become more affordable for American families.

The price decline followed predictions that trade and immigration policies under the Trump administration would lead to higher food costs, projections that did not materialize in the Farm Bureau’s findings.

Trump Responds to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation from Congress
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Trump Responds to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Resignation from Congress

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President Donald Trump said he was not informed in advance about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s plan to leave office on January 5, 2026, and indicated he does not intend to speak with her following the announcement.

“Nah, it doesn’t matter, you know? But I think it’s great,” Trump said.

“I think she should be happy.”

Greene, a Republican from Georgia and once one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, had recently clashed with the president over documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and disagreed with him on several policy positions.

BEDMINSTER, JULY 31, 2022: Tucker Carlson (C) jokes with former President Trump (R) at the 16th Throne during the latest LIV golf tournament held at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The disagreements led to escalating tensions between the two.

Last week, Trump withdrew his endorsement of Greene and called for her to face a primary challenge ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

He signaled that he would support her opponent in that race.

In her resignation letter, Greene wrote, “I have too much self respect and dignity, love my family way too much, and do not want my sweet district to have to endure a hurtful and hateful primary against me by the President we all fought for, only to fight and win my election while Republicans will likely lose the midterms.”

She added, “It’s all so absurd and completely unserious. I refuse to be a ‘battered wife’ hoping it all goes away and gets better.”

Greene’s planned departure will change the House’s narrow margin.

The chamber currently has 219 Republicans and 213 Democrats.

According to a source speaking to NBC News, House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana was not given advance notice of Greene’s decision to resign.

Greene had previously attempted to remove Johnson from his leadership role last year.

A House GOP aide described Greene’s resignation plan to the New York Post as a “vindictive” effort intended to “f**k” over the Republican majority.

Kristi Noem Accuses ‘Democrats of Running a Shadow Government Through a Maze of NGOs’
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Kristi Noem Accuses ‘Democrats of Running a Shadow Government Through a Maze of NGOs’

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War Secretary Kristi Noem announced that federal grant funding to nongovernmental organizations accused of assisting illegal immigration has been halted, telling Fox News host Will Cain that the move follows a review of how taxpayer dollars were being used by agencies distributing grants.

Noem said the action was taken to stop federal money from supporting operations she described as contributing to illegal border crossings.

“Today, we are announcing that we have stopped all grant funding that’s being abused by NGOs to facilitate illegal immigration into this country,” Noem said.

She stated that “hundreds of millions of dollars” had been directed to organizations involved in what she called an “invasion of our country.”

Noem said she ordered a reevaluation of those grants to “make sure that we’re actually using the taxpayer dollars in a way that strengthens this country, that keeps us safe.”

She said the review includes examining how grants are awarded and ensuring those funds are no longer used in ways that could contribute to illegal entry.

“That evaluation needs to be done. We’re not spending another dime to help the destruction of this country,” she said.

Noem added that the decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s directives on border security.

“We’re going to make sure that we follow through on what President Trump has promised, and that’s to make sure that we’re securing our border, departing those who are here illegally and committing criminal actions, and that our taxpayer dollars aren’t spending, aren’t spent to help it.”

During the segment, Cain said many Americans may not be aware of the extent to which NGOs are involved in operations linked to illegal immigration.

“And Madam Secretary, I don’t think people fully understand the role that NGOs play. Many NGOs play in facilitating illegal immigration,” Cain said. He pointed to federal spending figures, noting that “over $380 million did in 2024 for sheltering and service programs for illegal immigrants,” and said that a “vast network of NGOs” operates along routes through Central and South America.

Cain said these groups assist individuals moving through Panama and Mexico before reaching the United States.

“So what you’re telling us today is that now stops, at least the federal funding of that stops,” he said.

Noem confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has ceased the use of federal dollars for these organizations.

“Yes. Through the Department of Homeland Security, we have stopped spending those dollars to fund those NGOs,” she said.

Noem added that officials learned many of the groups receiving funding have active operations on the Mexico side of the border.

She said some organizations are “telling those illegal immigrants to come to them and they will get them across the border,” describing activities outside the United States that assist individuals seeking to cross illegally.

Noem also discussed how she previously viewed NGOs and how her understanding changed as she observed their development.

“I was one of those Americans that years ago when somebody said NGO to me, I thought, Oh, that’s amazing. That’s a nonprofit that’s out there telling somebody about Jesus or spreading faith and salvation or doing good work and charitable work helping people that are less fortunate,” she said.

She said she later concluded that some NGOs had shifted away from those roles.

“Then I realized over the years, it’s been perverted into this shadow government. An NGO is sometimes an operation that does things that the government cannot do, can’t legally do. So they create an entity to use government dollars, taxpayer dollars, to do something that the federal government isn’t allowed to do, to do a shadow government operation that really has been used recently to undermine our country’s national security.”

The review of federal grants and the halt in funding remain in effect as DHS and other agencies continue assessing programs connected to nonprofit organizations operating along the border and outside the United States.

Panic as Climate Summit Goes Up in Flames, Thousands Evacuated
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Panic as Climate Summit Goes Up in Flames, Thousands Evacuated

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The COP30 United Nations climate talks in Belém, Brazil, were evacuated Thursday night after a fire broke out inside the main venue.

The incident forced thousands of attendees to leave the area as emergency crews moved in to contain the flames.

According to organizers, smoke and flames spread through the pavilion area as temperatures rose and security personnel directed delegates toward exits.

Fire crews entered the affected zone while security staff formed a human barrier across the hallway to keep the evacuation route clear.

Reuters reported that security footage showed flames spreading quickly along an internal fabric shell that lined the building’s walls and ceiling.

The fire was extinguished shortly afterward.

Organizers said thirteen people were treated at the venue for smoke inhalation.

Medical teams provided support on site, and the individuals’ conditions were monitored following treatment.

The local fire service said the blaze was likely caused by electrical equipment, identifying a microwave as a probable source.

Fire officials reported that the flames were brought under control within six minutes.

Videos posted from the scene showed emergency responders working to extinguish large flames as thick black smoke rose from the structure.

In a statement released Thursday evening, organizers said, “Earlier today, a fire broke out in the Blue Zone of the COP30 venue in Belem. The fire department and UN security officers responded swiftly, and the fire was controlled in approximately six minutes. People were evacuated safely.”

They added, “Thirteen individuals were treated on site for smoke inhalation. Their condition is being monitored, and appropriate medical support has been provided.”

A follow-up statement said, “Following a safety assessment, we inform you that the site has been inspected and deemed safe by the Fire Department.”

Roughly 50,000 delegates traveled to Brazil to register for COP30.

The summit includes both formal discussions and planning sessions for future climate negotiations.

President Donald Trump did not attend the event and did not send an official U.S. delegation.

Hakeem Jeffries Blows a Gasket On Live TV, Earns ‘Iconic’ Eye Roll from CNBC Host
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Hakeem Jeffries Blows a Gasket On Live TV, Earns ‘Iconic’ Eye Roll from CNBC Host

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushed back sharply during a CNBC appearance Friday after host Rebecca Quick questioned whether he was leveraging the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits for political advantage.

Jeffries is seeking a three-year extension of the subsidies, originally enacted during the Biden-Harris administration, while Republicans have rejected anything beyond a shorter renewal.

During the interview on “Squawk Box,” Quick suggested that Jeffries preferred allowing the subsidies to lapse rather than accepting a shorter extension that could gain bipartisan support.

“It’s important context to make me realize that I don’t think you want to get a deal done. I think this is something where you’d like to see the rates go higher and allow the Republicans to hang themselves with that. Is that the answer? Is this politics?” Quick said.

Jeffries responded forcefully. “That’s absolutely a ridiculous assertion,” he said.

“Three years is not going to get passed, so what do you do? Shame on you for saying that. It’s not a partisan issue for us. In fact, the states that are most impacted as it relates to an Affordable Care Act tax credit expiration are all Republican states.”

The dispute comes weeks after Democrats voted for what became the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

The shutdown began October 1 after Democrats opposed the Republican-led funding bill, which did not include extensions of the ACA subsidies.

The government reopened after 43 days without an agreement on the credits, leading to frustration within the Democratic caucus, including from Jeffries.

Quick argued that a shorter deal could still be reached if both parties returned to negotiations.

She noted that House Republicans might accept a one- or two-year extension rather than the three-year plan Jeffries is seeking.

Jeffries insisted that Democrats want to negotiate.

“Listen, this is not a partisan fight for us. It’s a patriotic fight,” he said.

“We’re fighting for every constituent, even if Republicans aren’t necessarily fighting for their own constituents. We want to find a bipartisan path forward, and that is what we’ve repeatedly indicated we want to do. Like, we want to sit down and have a reasonable discussion, find common ground to address this issue. Now, Republicans said in the House they were willing to deal with the Affordable Care Act tax credit issue after the government funding agreement was reached.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing an extension up for a vote.

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune agreed to hold a vote on the credits as part of the negotiations that secured Democratic support for reopening the government.

Jeffries said Republicans have had a full year to reach a deal and have not produced a proposal that could pass.

Quick pressed the point that a one-year extension could buy time for both parties to develop a longer-term plan, but Jeffries maintained that Democrats have been willing to negotiate throughout the process while Republicans have not agreed to terms that would avoid lapses in coverage.

The Affordable Care Act tax credits remain unresolved as both chambers return to budget discussions.

Jeffries continues to call for a multi-year extension while insisting that Democrats are ready to work on a bipartisan agreement once Republicans present a framework they are willing to support.

Historic First: Antifa Members Officially Plead Guilty to Terror Charges in Texas
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Historic First: Antifa Members Officially Plead Guilty to Terror Charges in Texas

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Five defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court to providing material support to terrorists for their roles in a coordinated shooting on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Alvarado, Texas.

The incident occurred on the night of July 4, 2025, at the Prairieland facility.

The plea agreements mark the first known case in which individuals have formally admitted to being part of an organized Antifa cell in the United States.

On November 19, Seth Sikes, Joy Abigail Gibson, Lynette Read Sharp, Nathan Baumann, and John Phillip Thomas each pleaded guilty to one count of providing material support to terrorists.

The charges stem from the shooting attack that left a police officer shot in the neck and led to additional officers coming under fire.

As part of their plea deals, the defendants agreed to federal sentences capped at 15 years, avoiding the possibility of decades in prison.

The plea agreements included stipulated facts. Baumann, Gibson, and Sikes acknowledged, “Beginning on or about July 3, 2025, and continuing until on or about July 4, 2025, in the Northern District of Texas, [defendant name] planned with others to provide resources and personnel, including [himself/herself], knowing and intending that they would be used to carry out acts of terrorism.” They admitted the acts were “calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion, or to retaliate against government conduct.”

Baumann further admitted, “Baumann found that others who participated in the acts against Prairieland adhered to an Antifa, revolutionary anarchist or autonomous Marxist ideology that is anti-law enforcement, anti-immigration enforcement, and calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and the system of law. Antifa is a militant enterprise that advocates insurrection and violence to affect the policy and conduct of the U.S. government by intimidation and coercion.”

He also admitted participating in planning the “direct action” attack on July 3 and July 4.

All five defendants acknowledged that the Antifa cell “conducted an act of terrorism.”

Sikes provided additional detail in his agreed facts: “Sikes and his coconspirators adhered to an Antifa, anarchist ideology and organized cells or ‘affinity groups’ around their beliefs.”

According to the filing, the group formed decentralized cells modeled on Antifa’s organizational practices.

Gibson admitted using an encrypted messaging app to send reconnaissance photos of Prairieland’s surveillance cameras to others involved in the attack.

She stated that some participants conducted in-person reconnaissance at the facility earlier in the day on July 4.

Baumann, Gibson, and Sikes also admitted they wore black bloc clothing to conceal their identities from law enforcement.

Court filings stated that “co-conspirator-1,” who prosecutors say stood about 200 meters from the main group with an AR-15 rifle, fired on the facility to help Baumann escape.

Baumann admitted this during his plea.

Evidence in separate documents identifies the individual as Benjamin Hanil Song.

Sharp and Thomas, who were not present during the shooting, admitted to helping Song evade arrest.

Sharp acknowledged learning on July 5 that Song was hiding in the woods near the facility.

Sharp and Thomas admitted to providing property, lodging, communications equipment, personnel, or transportation while Song was an FBI and Texas Most Wanted fugitive for 11 days.

Sharp admitted using an encrypted messaging app to arrange housing for Song and stated, “Then on July 6, Sharp provided Coconspirator-1 with clothing, a whig [sic], a face covering, and other items so Coconspirator-1 could disguise his appearance from law enforcement.”

Sharp also arranged a transfer point in a parking lot so another individual could move Song to a second apartment.

The plea deals follow the indictment of additional suspects.

On November 14, seven more individuals — Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto, and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada — were indicted on federal charges including providing material support to terrorists, rioting, using weapons and explosives, obstruction, and attempted murder.

Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts were indicted on October 15 on similar terrorism counts, becoming the first individuals in the United States accused at the federal level of Antifa-related terrorism offenses.

Prosecutors expect more plea deals.

Rebecca Morgan and another defendant are scheduled to plead guilty next week.

Eighteen total individuals have been identified as suspects in the Prairieland attack, facing a combination of state and federal charges.

The five defendants who entered federal guilty pleas also face state charges in Johnson County.

Children’s Book Describes Abortion as a ‘Uniquely Human Superpower,’ Marketed to 5-Year-Olds
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Children’s Book Describes Abortion as a ‘Uniquely Human Superpower,’ Marketed to 5-Year-Olds

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A new children’s book aimed at readers as young as 5 years old is drawing widespread attention after describing abortion as a “uniquely human superpower.”

The book, titled Abortion Is Everything, was created by activist Amelia Bonow, founder of the “Shout Your Abortion” campaign.

The book was promoted on the group’s social media platforms.

A post highlighted the project as a resource for adults discussing abortion with children.

“Parents, caregivers, and educators who work with children have long been searching for a tool to talk with kids about abortion, especially given the volume of political noise currently surrounding the issue,” the post on Instagram stated.

According to the promotional material, the book attempts to describe what an abortion feels like and why people have them.

The Instagram post added, “With accessible, inclusive language, ‘Abortion Is Everything’ frames abortion as the actualization of a uniquely human superpower: our capacity to imagine the future and make choices that lead us towards the life we envision. Abortion is a tool that allows human beings to shape our destinies, and which has shaped the entire world around us.”

The pro-life organization Live Action condemned the book in a statement on social media.

“The founder of ‘Shout Your Abortion’ is now targeting kids. With a children’s book. Promoting abortion,” the group wrote.

“The book is marketed to children from 5 to 8, with the goal of explaining abortion in kid-friendly language. This isn’t just propaganda. It’s grooming.”

In a separate statement on its website, Live Action said, “The abortion industry has long tried to indoctrinate children into their pro-abortion agenda. This book, presenting abortion as human empowerment, is just the latest example.”

The release of the book comes as abortion policy continues to be decided state by state following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned federal abortion protections.

The shift has led to ongoing public debate, legislative activity, and ballot measures across the country.

The book’s promotion drew national attention due to its intended age range and its framing of abortion.

 

Massive Cargo Ship Blaze Rocks Los Angeles Port, Shelter in Place Orders Issued
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Massive Cargo Ship Blaze Rocks Los Angeles Port, Shelter in Place Orders Issued

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Nearly 200 firefighters responded to a large fire aboard a cargo ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday night, after officials declared a major emergency.

All 23 crew members on board were evacuated without injury.

According to the Daily Breeze, the fire was first reported at approximately 6:38 p.m. local time.

Authorities said the blaze began as an electrical fire below deck while the ship was carrying hazardous cargo. By around 7 p.m., the fire had spread across several levels of the 1,102-foot vessel.

Officials reported that the situation escalated when an explosion occurred in the mid-deck area as the fire continued to grow.

Fire crews worked to contain the blaze as smoke spread across nearby neighborhoods.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a public notice advising communities near the port to remain indoors.

“A shelter in place order is in effect for communities surrounding the Port of Los Angeles, including San Pedro and Wilmington,” she said.

“Remain at home, keep windows closed and turn off HVAC systems. Emergency responders continue attacking the container ship fire.”

The Port of Los Angeles is recognized as the busiest port in North America.

The vessel involved in the incident, the One Henry Hudson, is operated by One Ocean Express, a Singapore-based shipping company.

Before arriving in Los Angeles, the ship had recently traveled through Japan, with stops in Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo.

A spokeswoman for Ocean Network Express confirmed the incident in a statement to the Daily Mail.

“Ocean Network Express (ONE) has been alerted to a fire onboard the 2008-built Panama-flagged container vessel, M/V ONE HENRY HUDSON,” she said.

“ONE can confirm that the vessel is time-chartered and all crew have been safely accounted for.”

The company said it is closely following developments.

“ONE is deeply concerned by this incident and is closely monitoring the situation. We thank first responders onsite and remain fully committed to supporting incident management and subsequent investigations,” the spokeswoman added.

Fire crews continued operations Friday night as officials monitored conditions on and around the vessel.

Authorities have not released additional details on the cause of the electrical fire or the specific hazardous materials on board.


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