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Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients
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Mark Cuban Endorses TrumpRx Program, Citing Transparency and Savings for Patients

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Entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban voiced his support for the TrumpRx program and its Cost Plus Drugs model, describing the initiative as a major step toward price transparency and affordability in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, as reported by The Gateway Hispanic.

Cuban called the program “amazing” and said it has the potential to deliver meaningful savings for seniors and patients nationwide.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

Cuban, who founded CostPlusDrugs.com to simplify access to affordable medications, praised the TrumpRx program for its use of transparency as a tool to rebuild trust between patients and the healthcare system.

The initiative allows consumers to see exactly how drug prices are calculated and how much profit is being made on each sale.

Through the TrumpRx API and the CostPlusDrugs.com platform, patients can view daily updates on drug prices that include full cost breakdowns and a flat 15% profit margin.

The approach removes layers of middlemen, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), who have long been blamed for inflating prescription costs.

“Trust is what we truly sell in this industry, and that has allowed us to grow so quickly,” Cuban said. He noted that by connecting manufacturers directly to patients, the TrumpRx model and the Most Favored Nation (MFN) program are making brand-name drugs more affordable and accessible.

Cuban acknowledged that while the program does not fix every issue in the healthcare system, it represents a significant improvement in price clarity and patient savings.

Seniors—who are most affected by prescription costs—stand to benefit the most from these changes.

The entrepreneur also highlighted that the TrumpRx program’s structure reflects the broader goals of President Donald Trump’s administration: providing practical, market-based solutions that put patients first and reduce the influence of corporate intermediaries.

The program’s emphasis on consumer choice and transparency aligns with conservative efforts to create more accountability in healthcare spending.

Apr 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Mark Cuban after the game against the LA Clippers during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

“The combination of transparency, savings, and direct access to medications gives patients more control and confidence,” Cuban said. He emphasized that rebuilding public trust in healthcare depends on honest pricing and eliminating unnecessary costs.

Support from prominent business leaders like Cuban has brought renewed attention to TrumpRx’s promise of efficiency and cost reduction.

The initiative’s advocates argue that it showcases a model of free-market healthcare reform that delivers real benefits to citizens without additional government expansion.

As Cuban continues to champion affordable drug pricing, the TrumpRx program remains a focal point in the broader debate over how to lower healthcare costs while empowering patients through information and competition.

Zohran Mamdani Protested Biden Over Israel Yet Secured Endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul
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Zohran Mamdani Protested Biden Over Israel Yet Secured Endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul

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New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, has drawn attention for winning endorsements from two of New York’s most prominent Democrats — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul — despite his history of public opposition to President Joe Biden’s stance on Israel, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Mamdani, who has been outspoken in his criticism of U.S. foreign policy, joined demonstrations against Biden during the 2024 Gaza conflict. At the time, Biden had reaffirmed America’s support for Israel as it defended itself against Hamas terrorist attacks.

New York, NY – January 7, 2020: Former Vice President & Democratic hopeful Joe Biden made foreign policy statement at Current on Pier 59

Mamdani accused the administration of enabling “war crimes” and aligned himself with protest groups calling for a “global intifada,” a term widely recognized by Jewish leaders as a call for violence.

After widespread backlash, Mamdani said he would no longer use the term “global intifada,” but the controversy highlighted a growing divide within the Democratic Party over its stance toward Israel.

While Mamdani’s positions put him at odds with the Biden administration and pro-Israel voters, Jeffries and Hochul have both endorsed his mayoral campaign.

Jeffries, traditionally viewed as a reliable supporter of Israel, backed Mamdani despite the candidate’s history of protests against Democratic leadership. Hochul, who had previously criticized Mamdani’s rhetoric, later followed suit with her own endorsement.

Dec. 7, 2023; Washington, D.C., USA; House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaking at a press conference on Dec. 7, 2023 in Washington, D.C.. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

The endorsements represent a striking political contradiction — two leading Democrats supporting a candidate who publicly opposed the president from their own party.

Mamdani’s candidacy has drawn sharp criticism from Jewish organizations and moderate Democrats who view his policies as dangerous to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

His calls to reduce American military aid to Israel and his participation in anti-Israel demonstrations have raised concerns among New York’s large Jewish population.

For many observers, the support Mamdani has received from top Democrats reflects the growing influence of the party’s far-left faction. Critics argue that the endorsements signal a shift away from the party’s long-standing commitment to Israel as a key American ally.

Zohran Mamdani speaks to the press at the 2025 NYC Pride March, Jun 29, 2025, NYC, NY, USA. Yannick Peterhans/NorthJersey.com

The Biden administration has maintained its position that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism.

Mamdani, however, has continued to align himself with activists who oppose U.S. military assistance to the Israeli government and frame the conflict as one of oppression rather than defense.

Despite the controversy, Mamdani’s campaign has continued to gain traction among progressive circles. His endorsements from Jeffries and Hochul underscore the challenges facing Democratic leaders as they navigate tensions between moderate and socialist factions within the party.

Brennan Panics on MSNBC as Jordan Refers Him for Prosecution
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Brennan Panics on MSNBC as Jordan Refers Him for Prosecution

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Former CIA Director John Brennan appeared uneasy during an MSNBC interview this week as House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan formally referred him to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.

The referral alleges that Brennan knowingly made false statements to Congress during a May 2023 interview regarding the CIA’s use of the Steele dossier in its assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Jordan sent the referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, citing “significant evidence” that Brennan “knowingly made false statements” before the House Judiciary Committee.

The letter details how Brennan’s testimony contradicted the official record established by both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the CIA.

“We write to refer significant evidence that former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Brennan knowingly made false statements during his transcribed interview before the Committee on the Judiciary on May 11, 2023,” Jordan wrote.

The referral accuses Brennan of violating federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully make materially false statements to Congress.

Jordan emphasized that such conduct undermines the constitutional role of legislative oversight.

“Congress cannot perform its oversight function if witnesses who appear before its committees do not provide truthful testimony.

Making false statements before Congress is a crime that undermines the integrity of the Committee’s constitutional duty to conduct oversight,” Jordan stated.

According to the letter, Brennan’s claim that the CIA was not “involved at all” with the Steele dossier cannot be reconciled with newly declassified documents.

Those records, Jordan said, show that a CIA officer drafted an annex summarizing the dossier, and that Brennan, along with then-FBI Director James Comey, made the final decision to include that information in the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA).

“Brennan’s assertion that the CIA was not ‘involved at all’ with the Steele dossier cannot be reconciled with the facts,” Jordan wrote.

“As the newly declassified documents show, a CIA officer drafted the annex containing a summary of the dossier; Brennan made the ultimate decision, along with then-FBI Director James Comey, to include information from the dossier in the ICA; and, as discussed further below, Brennan overruled senior CIA officers who objected to the inclusion of the dossier material.”

The referral further alleges that Brennan misled Congress by claiming the CIA opposed including the Steele dossier in the ICA.

Jordan’s letter argues that evidence contradicts that testimony, pointing to internal CIA communications and records from the House Intelligence Committee.

During his interview on MSNBC with host Nicolle Wallace, Brennan dismissed Jordan’s referral as political retribution.

Wallace asked, “New tactic, same story. What is your response to Jim Jordan getting in the action?”

Brennan replied that Jordan was “getting into the action of Trump’s revenge tour.”

“Well, it’s clear that that’s exactly what he’s doing. He’s trying to get into the action of Trump’s revenge tour,” Brennan said.

“As I’ve said several times on this program, as well as in congressional testimony, I’ve cooperated with all these inquiries and investigations of the government.”

“I have explained exactly what transpired during the Russian interference in the 2016 election,” he continued.

“And Jim Jordan now, I think, is trying to twist my words and misrepresent and mischaracterize the facts as a way to play to and be a supplicant to Donald Trump, which is why he’s making this referral now to the Department of Justice.”

Brennan added that the matter had already been reviewed multiple times and claimed his account was consistent with what he described in his memoir.

“But as you pointed out, I’ve said before, this ground has been retread and plowed numerous times. And I even wrote about it in my memoir, exactly what happened there,” Brennan said.

He concluded by denying any wrongdoing. “Why, oh, why would I have any motivation to not tell the truth to Congress about this? Because it’s already a matter of public record,” Brennan said.

The move marks the latest development in ongoing congressional investigations into the origins of the Russia probe and the use of opposition-funded materials in U.S. intelligence assessments.

Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’
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Chicago Mayor Gets Triggered Over Reporter Using Term ‘Illegal Alien’

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reacted sharply during a press briefing this week after a reporter used the term “illegal alien” while asking a question about the city’s ongoing migrant crisis.

Johnson interrupted the reporter and rejected the terminology outright.

“We don’t have illegals. Aliens — I don’t know if that’s from some sort of sci-fi message you wish you’d had. The legal term for my people was slaves — you want me to use that term too?” Johnson said.

“Let’s get the language right. We’re talking about undocumented individuals who are human beings. The last thing I’m going to do is accept racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”

Chicago remains a sanctuary city, meaning local authorities do not assist federal immigration enforcement agencies in deporting individuals who entered the country illegally unless those individuals are wanted on a criminal warrant, have been convicted of a serious crime, or are deemed a threat to public safety or national security.

The confrontation drew attention as Chicago continues to face rising crime and a growing influx of migrants.

Conservative commentator and Townhall radio host Guy Benson reacted to Johnson’s comments on social media, writing, “He’s a moron.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also appeared on Fox News this week, where he declined to acknowledge Chicago’s escalating violent crime crisis.

When asked about recent spikes in homicides and carjackings, Pritzker avoided directly addressing the issue, instead pointing to state funding initiatives for social programs and law enforcement training.

Meanwhile, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, criticized the state’s leadership for what he described as an ongoing failure to address violence in Chicago.

Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat once held by Barack Obama, was pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020 after serving eight years in federal prison.

President Trump has previously ordered federal intervention in Chicago to help reduce violent crime.

During his presidency, he deployed federal law enforcement resources not only to Chicago but also to Washington, D.C., and Portland, Oregon, in response to ongoing violence and unrest in major U.S. cities.

Johnson’s comments come amid growing frustration among residents over Chicago’s handling of immigration and public safety.

Since 2023, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have been transported to Chicago from southern border states as part of relocation efforts led by state officials in Texas and Arizona.

The city has struggled to house the influx, with temporary shelters filling public schools, park facilities, and vacant buildings.

Earlier this month, Townhall reported that federal agents arrested an illegal immigrant accused of placing a $10,000 bounty on the head of a federal officer.

The arrest has intensified concerns about violent criminal activity connected to individuals residing in the country unlawfully.

Johnson, who has defended Chicago’s sanctuary city policies since taking office, has faced criticism from both local residents and state leaders over his administration’s response to the migrant crisis and persistent violent crime.

His exchange with the reporter has added to ongoing debate over how city officials are addressing immigration enforcement and public safety challenges as Chicago continues to face financial strain and overcrowded city shelters.

Trump Accuses Canada of ‘Crooked’ Ad, Hits Nation With New Tariffs
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Trump Accuses Canada of ‘Crooked’ Ad, Hits Nation With New Tariffs

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President Donald Trump announced a new 10% increase on tariffs against Canada on Saturday, escalating an ongoing trade dispute after condemning Ontario’s anti-tariff ad campaign as “fraudulent” and accusing the province of distorting former President Ronald Reagan’s legacy.

Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, writing that Canada had been “caught, red handed” using “selective audio and video” of Reagan’s 1987 radio address in an advertisement opposing tariffs.

He claimed the campaign was intended to influence an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case involving his authority to impose such trade measures.

“Because of their serious misrepresentation of the facts, and hostile act, I am increasing the Tariff on Canada by 10% over and above what they are paying now,” Trump wrote.

The President stated, “Ronald Reagan LOVED Tariffs for purposes of National Security and the Economy, but Canada said he didn’t!”

He added that the advertisement “was to be taken down, IMMEDIATELY, but they let it run last night during the World Series, knowing that it was a FRAUD.”

The dispute followed Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decision to temporarily suspend the province’s $75 million anti-tariff campaign on Monday after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The ads, launched earlier this month, featured Reagan’s 1987 remarks that tariffs “hurt” Americans—comments the Ontario government said were meant to show the negative impact of protectionist trade policies.

The one-minute spot aired on several major U.S. networks, including Fox, NBC, and CNBC, and had been scheduled for national broadcast during the World Series.

The campaign drew swift condemnation from President Trump, who abruptly ended trade talks with Canada on Thursday in response.

The Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said Ontario “did not seek nor receive permission” to use Reagan’s speech and stated it was “reviewing its legal options.”

The foundation also accused the province of misrepresenting Reagan’s comments, supporting Trump’s claims that the advertisement was misleading.

Ford defended the campaign as an effort to “initiate a conversation” about tariffs’ economic consequences, saying it had reached “U.S. audiences at the highest levels.”

In a post on X, Ford said Ontario would continue running the advertisement through the first two World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers before pausing it as planned.

Speaking to reporters before departing for his Asia trip, President Trump dismissed Ford’s defense, accusing Canada of attempting to “illegally influence the United States Supreme Court.”

He called the ad “really dishonest” and “crooked.”

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as prime minister earlier this year, has been working to reestablish trade negotiations following the Trump administration’s previous imposition of broad 35% tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobile imports.

The new tariff hike announced Saturday increases those penalties further, raising concerns about renewed trade tensions between the two nations.

Trump has argued that the tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and national security, while Canadian officials have described them as harmful to both economies.

As of Sunday, Canadian trade officials had not announced whether they plan to retaliate against the new U.S. tariff increase.

Economic analysts in both countries have warned that the latest escalation could affect cross-border supply chains, which remain vital to manufacturing and energy production in North America.

The dispute over Ontario’s advertisement and the Reagan speech has added new friction to an already tense trade relationship.

The White House said Trump’s economic team will continue reviewing further measures if Canada fails to remove the ad permanently and issue an official apology.

Democrat Strategist Admits Crockett Running for Senate Is ‘Dream Scenario’ for GOP
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Democrat Strategist Admits Crockett Running for Senate Is ‘Dream Scenario’ for GOP

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NewsNation political contributor Chris Cillizza cautioned Thursday that if Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett runs for U.S. Senate in 2026, it could significantly increase Republicans’ chances of keeping the seat.

During a segment on his YouTube channel, Cillizza analyzed Crockett’s comments from her appearance a day earlier on SiriusXM’s “The Lurie Daniel Favors Show,” where she said she is considering launching a campaign for the Senate.

“The problem is it’s very difficult for me to see how Crockett would reach out to the middle, particularly in a state like Texas where there just are not enough Democrats.

Even if you get all the Democrats to vote for you, you don’t win,” Cillizza said.

“So I think this would be a dream scenario for Republicans. Because I think Ken Paxton has a real chance at winning the primary against John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt. And if he does, the best chance Republicans have of keeping that seat is Jasmine Crockett as the Democratic nominee.”

Cillizza continued by suggesting that other Democratic contenders would be more competitive in a statewide general election.

“To me, there’s no question that either Colin Allred or James Talarico, or honestly maybe even Beto O’Rourke, would be a stronger general election candidate against Paxton or Cornyn or Hunt than Jasmine Crockett,” he said.

He also speculated that Crockett might ultimately decide not to run, saying that her public consideration of a campaign could serve as a fundraising strategy.

“But the possibility will make Democrats nationally nervous,” Cillizza said.

“I do not think that is the right nominee. And what’s worse for national Democrats, I think it’s very hard to stop Jasmine Crockett [from] winning the Democratic nomination if she does run for the Senate.”

Crockett, however, expressed confidence in her chances during her SiriusXM interview, citing internal and public polling showing her ahead of other potential Democratic candidates.

She currently leads a hypothetical Democratic primary field with 31% support among likely voters, according to an October University of Houston–Texas Southern University poll.

State Rep. James Talarico and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke each garnered 25% in the same poll, while former Rep. Colin Allred — who ran unsuccessfully against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024 — received 13%.

O’Rourke has not yet announced whether he will enter the 2026 race, though he has indicated that he would consider supporting Crockett if she decides to run.

A separate National Republican Senatorial Committee poll conducted in July and first reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation also found Crockett with an early advantage among Democratic primary voters, showing her at 35% support compared to 20% for Allred.

“I think the key to winning Texas isn’t about looking at the current electorate. It’s about expanding the electorate,” Crockett said.

“If we can expand the electorate, then I will strongly be considering hopping in the Senate race.”

Crockett has gained national attention for her combative exchanges with Republican lawmakers and controversial remarks.

In March, she drew backlash after referring to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair, as “Governor Hot Wheels.”

Cillizza’s assessment adds to growing speculation over how the Democratic field will shape up in Texas, where Republicans have maintained control of every statewide office for more than two decades.

The seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn is up for re-election in 2026, and Attorney General Ken Paxton has indicated he is considering entering the GOP primary.

While Crockett’s potential candidacy has energized some Democratic activists, party strategists remain divided on whether her style and political profile can appeal to the moderate and independent voters needed to win a statewide race in Texas.

Kamala Hints at Presidential Run in 2028, Fox News Hosts Lose It
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Kamala Hints at Presidential Run in 2028, Fox News Hosts Lose It

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Kamala Harris told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that she may run for president again in 2028, signaling a potential return to national politics despite her loss in the 2024 election.

“I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones,” Harris said in an interview with “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” scheduled to air this weekend.

Harris, who served one term as vice president, dismissed polling that places her behind California Governor Gavin Newsom in early surveys of potential Democratic contenders for 2028.

“If I listened to polls, I would have not run for my first office, or my second office — and I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here,” she told the network.

Recent polling shows Harris trailing Newsom among Democrats and independents. A Politico-Citrin Center-Possibility Lab survey conducted between July 31 and August 11 found Newsom leading with 25 percent support, while Harris received 19 percent.

Additional analysis released Friday by pollster Lakshya Jain indicated that Harris holds one of the highest unfavorability ratings among major Democratic figures, with 54 percent of respondents saying they view her somewhat or very unfavorably.

In her interview, Harris repeated familiar themes from her 2024 campaign, including criticism of President Donald Trump, whom she described as authoritarian.

She also accused him of targeting media figures and political opponents, offering specific claims regarding ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension earlier this year.

“You look at what has happened in terms of how he has weaponized, for example, federal agencies going around after political satirists,” Harris said.

“His skin is so thin he couldn’t endure criticism from a joke, and attempted to shut down an entire media organization in the process.”

Harris claimed that President Trump followed through on earlier promises to use federal law enforcement for political purposes.

“He said he would weaponize the Department of Justice,” she said.

“And he has done exactly that.”

ABC suspended Kimmel in September after the network found he misrepresented details surrounding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.

Harris suggested that President Trump was directly involved in the host’s removal, though no evidence has surfaced to support that claim.

Harris also criticized corporate and political leaders for continuing to align themselves with the administration.

“There are many… that have capitulated since day one, who are bending the knee at the foot of a tyrant, I believe for many reasons, including they want to be next to power, because they want to perhaps have a merger approved or avoid an investigation,” she told the BBC.

The remarks mark Harris’s most direct reemergence on the international stage since leaving office.

Her public appearances have increased in recent weeks, including a speech in California commemorating what she described as “democracy’s ongoing struggle against authoritarianism.”

When asked for a response to Harris’s interview, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson rejected her claims.

“When Kamala Harris lost the election in a landslide, she should’ve taken the hint — the American people don’t care about her absurd lies,” Jackson told the BBC.

“Or maybe she did take the hint and that’s why she’s continuing to air her grievances to foreign publications.”

Harris has not made an official announcement regarding a 2028 campaign, but her comments suggest she is keeping the possibility open.

Fox News hosts react:

Several Democratic strategists have indicated that both Harris and Newsom are likely to test support among donors and early state party leaders over the next year as the party begins looking toward its next presidential cycle.

Blue City Police Commissioner Heaps Praise on Kash Patel’s FBI After Massive Bust
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Blue City Police Commissioner Heaps Praise on Kash Patel’s FBI After Massive Bust

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Federal authorities in Philadelphia announced on October 24, 2025, the results of a large-scale operation targeting the open-air drug market in the city’s Kensington neighborhood, one of the most violent and drug-plagued areas in the country.

The coordinated effort led to the indictment of 33 individuals accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine throughout the region.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania unsealed the indictment, which focused on the Weymouth Street Drug Trafficking Organization.

Prosecutors allege the group controlled the 3100 block of Weymouth Street — described as the center of Kensington’s drug trade — from January 2016 through October 2025.

The investigation was carried out under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Recon initiative and involved the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other local and federal partners.

The operation included 11 search warrants executed across Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, Delaware, and New Jersey. Nine tactical teams and hundreds of officers participated in the raids.

During the searches, authorities recovered firearms, cash, and large quantities of narcotics.

Of the 33 individuals charged, 24 were arrested during the operation, eight were already in custody on unrelated charges and will be transferred to federal detention, and one suspect remains at large.

Key defendants named in the indictment include:

  • Jose Antonio Morales Nieves, 45, of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, who is accused of overseeing the organization’s operations and charging “rent” to drug dealers operating on the block.
  • Ramon Roman-Montanez, 40, of Philadelphia, identified as the organization’s day-to-day manager.
  • Nancy Rios-Valentin, 33, of Philadelphia, who allegedly handled the group’s financial transactions.

Although the indictment does not include murder or shooting charges, federal prosecutors said the organization relied on violence and intimidation to maintain control of territory and to silence witnesses.

U.S. Attorney David Metcalf called the case “the largest federal indictment in this district in decades” and described it as part of a renewed federal strategy to treat open-air drug markets as organized criminal enterprises.

FBI Director Kash Patel commended the operation and its outcome, calling it a blueprint for urban crime reduction. “This takedown is how you safeguard American cities from coast to coast,” Patel said.

“We have permanently removed a drug trafficking organization off the streets of Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel credited federal cooperation for the success of the operation.

“We’re not going to apologize for removing people who terrorize our community. This is the model we can keep running,” Bethel said.

He added, “Director Patel, I appreciate the support. This is the work I constantly tell people. We are having SIGNIFICANT success across the city this year…it’s those relationships…it’s the FBI I would turn to to help us.”

Authorities said follow-up efforts will include public safety initiatives, community engagement programs, and continued enforcement to prevent other organizations from filling the power vacuum in the Kensington drug market.

Kensington has long been regarded as one of the nation’s most concentrated drug markets.

Between 2015 and 2019, its 1.4 square miles recorded more than 630 fatal overdoses.

The opioid crisis, initially driven by prescription painkillers, evolved into a wave of fentanyl and xylazine (“tranq”) distribution, leading to severe addiction and health consequences.

Gun violence has also plagued the area, with over 1,400 shootings reported between 2015 and 2022 near Kensington and Allegheny Avenues.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the crisis, with national overdose deaths rising by 27% in 2020.

Recent federal and local efforts, such as the 2024 Kensington Initiative, helped reduce overdose deaths in the area by 20% through a combination of targeted arrests and harm-reduction programs.

Officials said the October 2025 operation marks a major step toward dismantling entrenched criminal networks that have controlled the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics in the city for years.

Kensington remains a top enforcement priority for federal and local agencies due to its links to gang activity and cartel-connected trafficking of synthetic drugs like powdered xylazine.

Eric Swalwell’s Trump Derangement Syndrome Reaches New Heights with 2028 Pledge Demand
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Eric Swalwell’s Trump Derangement Syndrome Reaches New Heights with 2028 Pledge Demand

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Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is calling on future Democratic presidential candidates to make a striking campaign promise: destroy President Donald Trump’s newly constructed White House ballroom if elected.

“Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” Swalwell wrote on X on Saturday.

His post quickly drew attention as debate continues over the president’s ongoing redesign and expansion of parts of the White House complex.

For the first time in the building’s history, the White House will include a formal ballroom, constructed on the site of the former East Wing.

The addition, announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on July 31, marks one of the largest structural projects ever undertaken at the executive residence.

Leavitt said the 90,000-square-foot ballroom will be able to host about 650 seated guests and is designed to match the White House’s neoclassical style.

“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt stated.

She added that the new facility would be “a much-needed and exquisite addition.”

Construction began earlier this month and is expected to continue through 2026.

The total cost is estimated at $250 million, fully financed by President Trump and private donors, according to officials.

The project’s unveiling came as crews began clearing sections of the East Wing, with images of demolition circulating widely online.

The work has drawn both praise and criticism — supporters calling it an investment in American hospitality and tradition, while opponents accuse the president of altering a historic landmark.

In addition to the ballroom, several other changes have been introduced across the White House grounds.

The Oval Office and Cabinet Room now include gold accents, while the Rose Garden lawn features new stone pavers.

Two 88-foot flagpoles have been installed near the North Lawn, visible from Pennsylvania Avenue.

A monument titled the “Arc de Trump” is being constructed near the South Portico, and a “walk of fame” display includes portraits of past presidents.

Among them is a photograph of the autopen that signed documents during Joe Biden’s tenure, an inclusion that has drawn attention from visitors and staff alike.

White House officials have emphasized that none of the upgrades will require taxpayer funding.

All contributions, Leavitt confirmed, are privately sourced and approved through the same commission process used for prior renovations.

While the ballroom’s completion is still months away, it has already become a centerpiece of political discussion in Washington.

Swalwell’s call for Democrats to campaign on demolishing the addition signals how the construction has evolved from an architectural project into a partisan talking point ahead of the 2028 election cycle.

The ballroom is intended to host state dinners, summits, and ceremonial events traditionally held offsite due to space limitations.

When finished, it will become one of the largest enclosed venues within the White House complex — and, according to officials, a permanent fixture unless a future administration acts otherwise.

Twelve NJ Democrat Mayors Break Ranks to Endorse Republican Jack Ciattarelli
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Twelve NJ Democrat Mayors Break Ranks to Endorse Republican Jack Ciattarelli

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Republican New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli announced that he has received endorsements from at least 12 Democratic mayors across the state as early voting gets underway.

During an appearance on Fox News, Ciattarelli said his campaign had just completed its second of six early-voting rallies and highlighted the growing bipartisan support behind his candidacy.

“When Democratic mayors are endorsing the Republican nominee, it tells you how badly people want change,” Ciattarelli said.

“We’ve raked up at least 12 Democratic mayors that have endorsed me.”

According to Newsweek, the Democratic mayors who have publicly backed Ciattarelli include North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, Branchville Mayor Anthony Frato, and Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto Jr. Garnto also announced that he is leaving the Democratic Party entirely following his endorsement of Ciattarelli.

Sacco, a longtime critic of Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, formally endorsed Ciattarelli two weeks ago, citing dissatisfaction with what he described as years of state funding cuts affecting local communities.

“North Bergen has faced significant challenges in recent years, losing critical state funding and aid despite our ongoing appeals for support,” Sacco wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Jack has been consistently responsive and pledged to stand with North Bergen and ensure that our community—and others like it across New Jersey—receive the resources and attention they deserve.”

Sacco continued, “I have full confidence in his leadership and his commitment to doing what’s right for our residents and for the future of our state. The welfare and well being of our North Bergen residents are more important than party lines.”

The endorsements mark a significant development in the closely watched gubernatorial race, which has drawn national attention as early voting begins.

Ciattarelli’s campaign has focused heavily on cost-of-living issues, state tax rates, and education funding, while his Democratic opponent, Mikie Sherrill, has emphasized maintaining state programs implemented under Governor Murphy.

In addition to the endorsements from New Jersey mayors, Ciattarelli has received support from the New Era Democrats, a Brooklyn-based political organization that describes itself as a working-class advocacy group.

“We are proud to endorse Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey,” said the group’s president, Celia Lervasi.

“As life continues to become unaffordable for the working class and New Jersey continues to be one of the highest taxed states in the country, Jack is the right person that is needed to make life more affordable for the residents of the Garden State.”

Ciattarelli’s campaign has sought to expand its appeal beyond the Republican base, focusing on bipartisan endorsements as evidence of discontent with the state’s current leadership.

The New Jersey race has become one of the most competitive statewide contests in the country, with both parties viewing it as a potential bellwether ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

A Rutgers University–Eagleton poll released Thursday shows Sherrill holding a narrow lead, with 50 percent of likely voters supporting her compared to 45 percent for Ciattarelli.

The same survey found that nearly one in ten voters remain undecided, a margin that could play a decisive role as early voting continues through next week.

Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman and 2021 Republican nominee, has emphasized fiscal reform and education accountability as the centerpieces of his campaign.

He has pledged to lower state property taxes, expand small-business incentives, and address concerns about classroom curriculum transparency.

Sherrill, a former U.S. Representative, has campaigned on maintaining social service funding, preserving state healthcare programs, and continuing climate initiatives launched during Murphy’s administration.

Both campaigns have increased statewide outreach in the final stretch before Election Day, with early voting expected to drive record turnout levels.


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