Mark Bray, a Rutgers University history professor known for his scholarship on anti‑fascist movements, attempted to relocate his family to Spain amid mounting threats — only to have his flight canceled moments before departure. Bray suspects the cancellation was intentional.
Bray claimed his reservation at Newark Liberty International was abruptly revoked without clear explanation. The airline then rebooked them for a flight the following day. He told the Washington Post, “I may sound conspiratorial, but I don’t think it is a coincidence.”
The timing follows increased pressure on Bray. After public criticism and accusations labeling him as “Dr. Antifa,” the discussion intensified when activists circulated a petition through a Rutgers Turning Point USA chapter demanding his termination. Bray denied involvement with any antifa group, insisting his role is purely academic and research-based.
This incident highlights a broader clash on campus over academic freedom, political labeling, and whether targeted campaigns against controversial faculty cross into intimidation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed a new round of sweeping gun control laws Friday, including a measure expanding the state’s red flag law by granting new authority to prosecutors. The bill, AB 1344, allows district attorneys in select counties to petition courts to confiscate firearms from individuals they deem dangerous.
Previously, California law permitted law enforcement, immediate family members, employers, coworkers, and teachers to request a gun violence restraining order. Under the new legislation, district attorneys in Alameda, El Dorado, Santa Clara, and Ventura counties are now authorized to file petitions as well.
The orders can block an individual from owning or possessing firearms for a period of one to five years, with the option to renew the restriction. Critics have long warned that red flag laws are ripe for abuse and lack sufficient due process protections, allowing firearms to be seized based on subjective accusations rather than criminal convictions.
In addition to AB 1344, Newsom signed two other controversial gun control bills. One measure requires firearm barrel sales to be conducted only through licensed dealers, who must perform a state “eligibility check” on the buyer and charge a $5 fee for each transaction. The law goes into effect July 1, 2027.
Another law, known as the “Glock ban,” prohibits new sales of Glock pistols and similar handguns beginning in July 2026. The bill reclassifies many Glock models as “machinegun-convertible pistols” due to their compatibility with illegal “Glock switches,” despite such devices already being banned under federal law. The move effectively targets one of the most popular handguns used by law-abiding citizens for self-defense.
The wave of legislation marks the latest chapter in Newsom’s aggressive push to make California a national model for gun control, even as critics argue the laws punish lawful gun owners and fail to address the state’s rising violent crime rates.
A disturbing new trend on TikTok is sparking nationwide alarm as pranksters use AI-generated images to fabricate home invasions, terrifying family members and triggering SWAT-level emergency responses. Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are now issuing stern warnings: this viral prank isn’t just dangerous—it could be criminal.
The prank involves creating AI-generated images of strangers appearing inside someone’s home—on their couch, in their bed, or at the front door—and then sending those images to family members or friends with misleading messages like, “He says he knows you” or “I told him he could stay.” The realistic images and messages have caused panic, with some recipients believing their homes have been breached by intruders.
TikTok user Ray Spencer, whose video on the prank garnered over 5 million views, admitted the images are easy to make and “really funny”—until the fear they cause becomes all too real. Spencer’s husband reportedly began “shaking” in panic, believing a stranger had entered their home.
Police departments across the country are now seeing a sharp increase in 911 calls related to the trend. Officers emphasize that these incidents trigger high-priority responses, including potentially dangerous home clearances with weapons drawn or full SWAT deployments. “It causes a pretty aggressive response for us,” one official said. “We’re worried about the safety of individuals in the home.”
The Round Rock Police Department in Texas confirmed responding to multiple false home invasion reports linked to the AI image prank. In some cases, charges were not filed, but at least one police department has confirmed pressing charges against two juveniles, sending a strong signal that such behavior may be treated as criminal moving forward.
Authorities warn that beyond public panic and resource strain, this prank poses serious risks: miscommunications during emergency responses can end in injury—or worse. Police are urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of misusing AI technology and the legal consequences that may follow.
One of Illinois’ most powerful political figures, former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, is officially headed to federal prison. On the eve of the state legislature’s fall veto session, Madigan—who dominated state politics for decades—will begin serving a 7.5-year sentence for corruption.
Madigan, a Chicago Democrat, served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021 and held the speakership for all but two years between 1983 and 2021. He also led the Democratic Party of Illinois and Chicago’s 13th Ward political machine, solidifying his control over state politics.
A jury found Madigan guilty on ten counts, including bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and using a facility to promote unlawful activity. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey handed down the sentence and ordered Madigan to pay a $2.5 million fine. He is set to report to prison on Monday, October 13.
During sentencing, Judge Blakey reflected on Madigan’s long reign and ultimate downfall: “Being great is hard, but being honest is not.”
Madigan’s conviction marks a historic fall for a man often considered more powerful than the state’s governors. His control over legislative processes and political appointments made him the central figure in Illinois government for nearly four decades.
University of Illinois political science professor Brian Gaines noted that while Illinois has seen powerful politicians imprisoned before, Madigan’s conviction stands out due to the breadth and longevity of his influence. Gaines remarked that many voters may forget the details of the case over time, but the damage to public trust is lasting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the court Madigan’s crimes had eroded public confidence in government more deeply than even former Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump after serving time for corruption.
“Governors came and went, but Madigan stayed. His power and his presence remained constant,” Streicker said. “The primary harm is the erosion of trust in government.”
President Donald Trump received a glowing health report following a comprehensive physical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday. U.S. Navy Captain and White House Physician Sean Barbabella confirmed that Trump “demonstrates excellent overall health” and shows no signs of physical limitation.
The medical evaluation, part of Trump’s ongoing health maintenance plan, included advanced imaging, lab work, and assessments by a team of medical specialists. Barbabella stated that Trump “remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance.”
Trump’s lab results were labeled “exceptional,” with stable metabolic, hematologic, and cardiac indicators. Notably, the 78-year-old president’s “cardiac age” was measured at 65 years—14 years younger than his actual age. Barbabella credited this to Trump’s active lifestyle and ability to maintain a rigorous daily schedule without restrictions.
During the visit, Trump also received updated COVID-19 and flu vaccine boosters in preparation for upcoming international travel. His itinerary includes planned visits to China in early 2026 and trips next week to Israel and Egypt following his landmark peace deal between Israel and Hamas.
This latest assessment reinforces the findings of Trump’s prior health review in April, where Barbabella similarly praised the president’s vitality and credited his active schedule for supporting his overall wellness.
Power has been restored to more than 800,000 residents in Kyiv after Russian missile and drone strikes targeted Ukraine’s power grid on Friday, causing widespread blackouts and injuring at least 20 people. The strikes marked one of the largest concentrated assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since the war began more than three years ago.
Ukraine’s main private energy company, DTEK, confirmed Saturday that primary repairs had been completed, though localized outages remain. The attack hit residential buildings and critical infrastructure across the country, leaving large areas of Ukraine in the dark just as winter approaches.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called the strikes “one of the largest” coordinated assaults on the country’s energy sector. Russia’s defense ministry claimed it targeted military-linked energy sites and used Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and drones to carry out the attack.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted or jammed 54 of 78 Russian drones overnight. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down 42 Ukrainian drones in its own airspace, indicating intensifying aerial combat on both sides.
The energy grid remains a key target in Russia’s winter warfare strategy, with repeated attempts to freeze out civilians and weaken public morale during the coldest months of the year. The attacks come amid mounting international coordination to financially support Ukraine’s defense efforts.
On Friday, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany held a joint call agreeing to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine’s military. In a statement, they said the action would apply more pressure on President Vladimir Putin and help bring him to the negotiating table. The countries vowed to coordinate closely with the United States in this effort.
mphillips007 from Getty Images Signature via Canva Pro
Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed two major gun control bills Friday, further tightening California’s already restrictive firearm laws and targeting both handgun sales and firearm parts. The legislation includes a sweeping ban on new Glock pistols and a separate law requiring extensive background checks and fees for purchasing gun barrels.
The “Glock Ban” – Assembly Bill 1127
Under Assembly Bill 1127, California will ban the sale of new Glock-brand pistols and similar firearms beginning July 1, 2026. The law reclassifies these widely used handguns as “machinegun-convertible pistols” because of their compatibility with illegal “Glock switches”—small devices that can turn a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon.
Though “Glock switches” are already federally banned and used primarily by criminals and gang members, California Democrats have responded by outlawing one of the most popular and reliable handguns among law-abiding citizens.
The bill defines a “machinegun-convertible pistol” as any semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be modified with household tools or parts to fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. The new classification effectively turns a standard Glock into a “machinegun” under California law, prohibiting its sale, possession, manufacture, or transportation once equipped with a converter.
Gun Barrel Control – Senate Bill 704
Governor Newsom also signed Senate Bill 704, which will take effect July 1, 2027. This law requires all gun barrel sales to go through licensed firearms dealers and mandates a comprehensive “eligibility check” for buyers. A $5 fee will be added to every barrel transaction to fund the checks.
The required information for a barrel purchase will include the buyer’s name, date of birth, ID number, address, telephone number, firearm make and model, and more. Dealers must record all information on forms prescribed by the California Department of Justice. Failure to comply could result in penalties.
Critics say the law creates a burdensome process for purchasing a simple gun part and unnecessarily targets legal gun owners, while doing little to stop criminals who obtain firearms through illegal means.
Political Fallout and Second Amendment Concerns
Both laws are part of a broader push by California Democrats to expand gun control under the guise of public safety. However, critics argue the measures punish lawful gun owners and impose regulations that criminals routinely ignore.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation has already called out the Glock ban, noting it affects tens of thousands of law-abiding Californians who rely on the pistol for personal protection and sport shooting.
As the state tightens its grip on firearms, legal challenges are expected. Gun rights groups have already begun preparing lawsuits, arguing the laws infringe on constitutional rights and target legal firearm use instead of criminal behavior.
Department of Justice (DOJ) (YinYang/Getty via Canva Pro)
Former Acting ICE Director and current Border Czar Tom Homan revealed in an exclusive interview that the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump is actively investigating who is funding the recent wave of organized attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities.
Speaking on The Alex Marlow Show podcast, Homan described the violence in cities like Portland, Los Angeles, and Broadview, Illinois—all sanctuary jurisdictions—as not only targeted but highly coordinated. “It absolutely is organized,” Homan stated. “You don’t think what’s happened in Portland is organized? What’s happened in Chicago is organized.”
According to Homan, attackers are arriving at ICE facilities in large groups with identical gear—matching masks, shields, and weapons—which he said indicates centralized planning and financial backing. “Are they all going to the same mini mart and buying the same stuff? No,” Homan remarked. “That’s being supplied to them. They’re being paid to do this.”
Homan confirmed the Trump DOJ is aggressively pursuing leads on who is orchestrating and funding the violence. “The Department of Justice is all over this,” he said. “They will find out who is funding this, and they will be held accountable.”
In recent weeks, ICE locations have come under assault from rioters in several cities. In Portland, federal agents were forced to respond to sustained attacks on federal property. In Los Angeles, large-scale demonstrations quickly turned violent, resulting in injuries and property damage. A similar pattern was observed in Broadview, Illinois.
The revelation that the DOJ is tracking the source of financial support for these attacks adds a new layer of urgency to the escalating crisis at federal facilities. With ongoing threats to agents and infrastructure, the investigation could mark a turning point in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for fueling violent anti-enforcement actions.
French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister just days after his resignation, as the government faces growing pressure to avoid collapse and pass a national budget. The political maneuvering follows a week of intense talks and backroom deals aimed at keeping control of the fractured National Assembly.
Lecornu had declared his “mission was over” on Wednesday, but returned to lead what is now being called his “second” government in less than a month. Macron’s decision to bring him back reflects a high-stakes gamble to avoid parliamentary elections that could favor opposition forces, particularly Marine Le Pen’s populist National Rally.
In a bid to gain the Socialist Party’s support or at least avoid their opposition, Macron reportedly offered a compromise on the controversial 2023 pension reforms, which raised France’s retirement age from 62 to 64. That reform sparked nationwide protests after it was forced through without a parliamentary vote. However, Socialist leader Olivier Faure signaled the party would still censure the government unless the reform is fully suspended.
Meanwhile, Macron risks alienating his center-right and neoliberal allies by backing away from the pension overhaul. Former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe’s Horizon party has rejected any compromise on pensions, calling it a red line. Les Républicains leader Bruno Retailleau, who led the charge against Lecornu’s first cabinet earlier this week, also opposes both a new Macronist government and any rollback of the reform.
Macron appears to be betting that the center-right is more likely to back down than the left. However, any failure to pass the budget could lead to a vote of no confidence. If the Socialist Party or Les Républicains join the effort to censure the government, France may face another government collapse.
Lecornu, now reinstated, vowed Friday to deliver a budget and restore financial order, warning that France’s debt crisis cannot be ignored. “Restoring our public finances remains a priority for our future and our sovereignty,” he said.
Marine Le Pen, leading in presidential polls, seized on the chaos to renew calls for the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections. “The maneuvers continue, censorship is therefore necessary, and dissolution is more indispensable than ever,” she said, promising to hold all enablers of Macron’s agenda accountable.
Nigel Farage (AP Photo/(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
The Afghan migrant convicted of threatening to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has a long and violent criminal history in Sweden, it can now be revealed. Fayaz Khan, also known as Fayaz Hosseini and operating online under the alias “Madapasa,” was found guilty Friday by Southwark Crown Court of making death threats against Farage, in addition to pleading guilty to illegally entering the United Kingdom.
Khan, 26, previously lived in Sweden for a decade as a failed—but undeportable—asylum seeker. During that time, he was involved in at least ten criminal incidents, including violent threats against women, weapons charges, drug offenses, and theft. He is also awaiting trial in Sweden for alleged child pornography possession involving a video of a naked girl.
In court, video evidence showed Khan mimicking gunfire while referencing Farage, saying, “I’m coming to England. I’m going to pop, pop, pop.” Khan, who has a Kalashnikov-style rifle tattooed on his face, claimed the video was just an online act intended to amuse his social media followers. His defense team described him as “moronic” but “comedic,” and claimed a people smuggler pressured him to make the anti-Farage video.
Farage responded to the conviction by calling for Khan’s deportation and condemned the lack of serious vetting for illegal migrants crossing the English Channel. “This is the kind of person we don’t want in the United Kingdom,” Farage said, pointing to the firearm tattoo and Khan’s violent record. He emphasized that such cases underscore the risk of allowing unknown individuals to freely enter and remain in Britain.
Khan’s Swedish record includes an incident in which he assaulted a female train ticket inspector and issued graphic threats after being caught fare dodging. He was found carrying counterfeit cash at the time. In another case, he was convicted for possessing a large knife but fled Sweden before sentencing.
The case has also reignited concerns about the drastic cuts to Farage’s security detail. Despite two MPs being murdered in recent years, the Reform UK leader—whose high profile and polarizing views make him a frequent target—has seen his police protection slashed by 75 percent.
