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Military Eliminates Al-Qaeda-Linked Man

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Military helmet (israel palacio/Unsplash)

The United States military killed a senior Al-Qaeda-linked attack planner earlier this month, U.S. Central Command announced.

The man, Muhammad ‘Abd-al-Wahhab al-Ahmad, was connected to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Ansar al-Islam.

Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, said in a statement, “U.S. forces in the Middle East remain postured to disrupt and defeat efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks. We will continue to defend our homeland, warfighters, allies and partners throughout the region and beyond.”

In February, CENTCOM conducted a precision airstrike leading to the death of a senior military leader in the Al-Qaeda affiliated group, Hurras al-Din (HaD).

“As we have said in the past, we will continue to relentlessly pursue these terrorists in order to defend our homeland, and U.S., allied, and partner personnel in the region,” Commander of U.S. Central Command Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said at the time.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth moved earlier this year to consolidate forces in Syria in light of recent successes against ISIS.

“This consolidation reflects the significant steps we have made toward degrading ISIS’ appeal and operational capability regionally and globally. This deliberate and conditions-based process will bring the U.S. footprint in Syria down to less than a thousand U.S. forces in the coming months,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell explained, adding, “As this consolidation takes place, consistent with President Trump’s commitment to peace through strength, U.S. Central Command will remain poised to continue strikes against the remnants of ISIS in Syria. We will also work closely with capable and willing Coalition partners to maintain pressure on ISIS and respond to any other terrorist threats that arise.”

San Francisco Chaos: 91-Time Felon Sparks Outrage as Repeat Offenders Get Yet Another Break

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A San Francisco courtroom has become ground zero in the fight over repeat offenders, as 91-time felon Troy McAlister seeks to dodge decades in prison by entering a state-sponsored rehab program. His request — under California’s controversial Penal Code §1001.36 — has reignited public anger over the city’s lenient justice policies that critics say protect criminals over communities.

McAlister’s attorney asked the court Friday to consider “mental-health and substance-abuse diversion,” which would let the career criminal receive treatment instead of prison time. But furious residents protested outside the Hall of Justice, demanding accountability for the man accused of killing two innocent pedestrians during a 2020 New Year’s Eve “methamphetamine-fueled rampage.”

“91 felonies, 2 deaths, No more chances,” read signs outside the courthouse. Scotty Jacobs, director of Blueprint for a Better San Francisco, captured the outrage: “Troy McAlister has demonstrated that despite being given that opportunity multiple times, he has continued to pose a threat to San Franciscans, and we believe he needs to be in jail.”

McAlister’s case — emblematic of soft-on-crime policies once championed by ousted DA Chesa Boudin — has revived debate over restorative justice in California’s deep-blue cities. After the fatal crash, Boudin admitted his office had missed warning signs, saying, “Every single law enforcement agency that has had contact with Mr. McAlister wishes they had done something different that might have prevented this tragedy.”

Under DA Brooke Jenkins, prosecutors are pushing back, arguing that justice must outweigh leniency. For many residents, McAlister’s case proves what they’ve long believed: San Francisco repeat offenders have turned compassion into chaos — and the public is paying the price.

Shocking Stabbing Leaves German Mayor Fighting for Her Life Amid Rising Political Violence

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The shocking stabbing of a German mayor has left newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer, 57, fighting for her life after she was found with multiple stab wounds in her home in the western German town of Herdecke. Authorities say the center-left Social Democrat, who recently defeated a conservative incumbent, sustained severe injuries to her neck and abdomen before managing to drag herself inside after the attack.

According to Bild and Reuters, Stalzer’s 15-year-old son reported that several men assaulted her, though investigators have not ruled out “close family involvement.” Both her son and 17-year-old daughter were brought in for questioning as police sealed off the area and launched a full investigation.

Stalzer was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition. The violent assault follows what reports described as a bitterly contested election, underscoring growing fears over the rise in political violence across Germany.

Last year, several German politicians were attacked during campaign events, and Reuters noted that nearly 60% of public officials report having experienced violence at least once.

German Chancellor Fredrick Merz condemned the attack as “an abominable act,” saying, “We are anxious about the life of the designated mayor Iris Stalzer and hope for her complete recovery. My thoughts are with her family and her relatives.”

As Europe faces rising instability and polarized politics, the German mayor stabbing serves as a grim reminder that political hatred increasingly spills beyond rhetoric.

Publisher Apologizes to Melania Trump Over Epstein Allegation

(Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Book publisher HarperCollins UK issued an apology to First Lady Melania Trump after a book claimed that she was introduced to her husband through Jeffrey Epstein.

“HarperCollins UK recently published a book by Andrew Lownie titled ‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York.’ We have, in consultation with the author, removed passages of the book that referenced unverified claims about the First Lady of the United States Melania Trump,” HarperCollins UK said in a statement. “Copies of the book that include those references are being permanently removed from distribution. HarperCollins UK apologizes to the First Lady,” the statement added.

The first lady shared the statement on social media.

While the book did not allege any wrongdoing by Melania Trump, it originally said Epstein “facilitated” the Trump’s introduction.

“The true account of how the first lady met President Trump is in her bestselling book, Melania,” a spokesperson told Mediaite.

Similarly, The Daily Beast apologized for and retracted a segment of a podcast that suggested First Lady Melania Trump was “very involved” with Jeffrey Epstein.

“Upon reflection, we have determined that the article did not meet our standards and has therefore been removed from our platforms,” the publication said in August. “In response to a letter from the First Lady’s attorneys, The Daily Beast has also removed a portion of an episode of The Daily Beast Podcast titled ‘Trump’s Epstein Scandal Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ referencing the First Lady. The First Lady points to her bestselling book Melania as the definitive account of her life story. We apologize to the First Lady and our readers,” the outlet added.

Fed-Up Travelers Blast Hidden Hotel Resort Fees, Choose Cheaper Trips Abroad Instead

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Artturi Jalli/Unsplash

Rising hotel resort fees across the United States are driving frustrated vacationers to seek better deals overseas, with many claiming it’s now cheaper to fly abroad than to book a trip to popular domestic destinations like New York, Miami, or Las Vegas.

In the “r/travel” forum on Reddit, one user summed up the frustration bluntly: “Just me or is the U.S. now far and away the most expensive place to travel to?” Others quickly agreed, citing inflated prices, tipping culture, and the explosion of hidden charges added to hotel stays. “We wanted to plan a trip to Colorado,” one commenter wrote, “and with hotel, flights and car rental, we ended up booking a trip abroad instead.”

Travelers complained that hotels now charge for everything — from parking and Wi-Fi to gym access, beach chairs, and even basic facility use. “I have been charged ‘resort fees’ (mostly in the States) in the past that I suppose are just as cheeky,” one post read, adding that these costs often aren’t disclosed until checkout.

Mallory Dumond, a travel advisor with Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale, told Fox News Digital that “major metropolitan areas will have fees, especially during peak times.” She noted that international travel often feels like a better value: “International hotels tend to have much more included in the standard room price, such as breakfast, transportation and use of their amenities.”

For many Americans, the message is clear — if hotels keep piling on hotel resort fees, travelers will keep taking their money elsewhere.

Cuban-Led Caravan Heads for Mexico City as Trump Immigration Policies Reshape Migrant Routes

(Brandon Bell/Getty)

A caravan of roughly 1,200 migrants—mostly from Cuba—is trekking north through southern Mexico, but unlike those in years past, this group isn’t heading for the U.S. border. Instead, they’re bound for Mexico City, a shift many attribute to the firm Trump immigration policies that have sharply reduced illegal crossings into the United States.

The caravan began its journey in Tapachula, a struggling border city long overwhelmed by waves of migrants fleeing Central America’s poverty and crime. Now, more are choosing to stay in Mexico rather than risk the journey to the U.S. under Trump’s renewed enforcement measures.

“Why would I want to go to the United States? They hate us there,” one Cuban woman told El País while traveling with her children. That sentiment underscores a broader regional recalibration as the U.S. tightens its borders and Mexico becomes a more common destination.

Elaine Dezenski of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Fox News Digital that “increased U.S. border enforcement and deportations are influencing migrants’ choices,” with more seeking asylum in Mexico than in previous years. Under Trump’s policies, illegal border encounters have plummeted to levels “not seen since the 1960s,” according to the Migration Policy Institute.

While some analysts warn of labor shortages tied to reduced migration, conservatives see this as proof that strong borders work. America’s sovereignty, once dismissed as unattainable, is being restored through resolve and enforcement.

James Comey Pleads Not Guilty

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(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to two federal charges, making a false statement and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Comey’s attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, said before announcing the plea: “It’s the honor of my life to represent Mr. Comey in this matter,” reports indicate.

District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff set oral arguments for November 19 and December 9, and a jury trial was set for January 5.

Upon Comey’s September 25 indictment, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, “No one is above the law. Today’s indictment reflects this Department of Justice’s commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.”

U.S. Attorney Halligan said at the time “The charges as alleged in this case represent a breach of the public trust at an extraordinary level.”

“The balance of power is a bedrock principle of our democracy, and it relies upon accountability and a forthright presentation of facts from executive leadership to congressional oversight,” Halligan continued. “Any intent to avoid, evade, prevent, or obstruct compliance is a violation of professional responsibility and, most importantly, the law.”

Following his indictment, Comey declared he was “not afraid,” urging Americans to “vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does.”

He went on to assert that he is innocent. “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent, so let’s have a trial and keep the faith,” he said.

Missouri Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty While Serving Warrant

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15: Members of the Los Angeles Sherifs Department bow their heads during a prayer during the National Peace Officers Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol on May 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Service honors law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of service. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

A tragedy has shaken Missouri after a Missouri police officer was killed while serving a warrant was identified as Officer Henry Franklin, 41, of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety (SDPS). Franklin was fatally shot on Oct. 6 while helping the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office apprehend a homicide suspect.

According to authorities, Franklin was part of a mutual aid response to serve a warrant for Nathan B. Peters, 36, wanted in connection with a killing earlier that day. Officials say Peters barricaded himself inside a residence and opened fire on officers shortly after 7:35 p.m. Franklin was struck during the gunfire exchange.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop C SWAT Team later entered the home and found Peters dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Franklin had served with SDPS since 2013 and was a proud veteran of the Army National Guard. Known for his dedication and partnership with his K-9, Odin, he was deeply rooted in the Charleston, Missouri community.

“Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss,” SDPS Director James McMillen said. “Officer Franklin was not only a dedicated public servant but also a husband, father, son, and brother. We ask that you keep Franklin’s family and our department in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time.”

In a nation where law enforcement faces increasing scrutiny and danger, Officer Franklin’s sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the bravery behind the badge.

Pam Bondi Erupts at Senate Hearing, Confronts Sen. Blumenthal Military Lies

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Attorney General Pam Bondi (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

During a fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi clashed with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), over questions about her former law firm — but it was Blumenthal’s past controversy and lies about military service that quickly took center stage.

When Blumenthal pressed Bondi about a merger involving Ballard Partners, she erupted. “Sen. Blumenthal, I cannot believe that you would accuse me of impropriety when you lied about your military service. You lied — you admitted you lied to be elected a U.S. senator,” Bondi declared. “How dare you? I’m a career prosecutor. Don’t you ever challenge my integrity.”

Blumenthal’s decades-old scandal resurfaced instantly. In 2010, he admitted he had “misspoken” about serving in Vietnam — an explanation critics saw as far too convenient. “On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service, and I regret that and take full responsibility,” Blumenthal said at the time, calling his past remarks “absolutely unintentional.”

Texas Deploys 200 National Guard Troops to Illinois Amid Anti‑ICE Protests

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Chicago (Pedro Lastra/Unsplash)

Texas has sent 200 National Guard troops to Illinois in a mission labeled “Federal Protection,” citing the need to protect federal personnel and property amid escalating protests. The Pentagon confirmed the deployment is for an initial 60‑day period under federal orders.

Troops landed at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, just south of Chicago, where they are staging before moving into the city. Illinois officials pushed back, saying they were not consulted about the deployment and challenging its legality.

Governor Greg Abbott’s office says he authorized 400 guard members to assist in enforcing federal law across states including Illinois and Oregon. Chicago officials and the state have filed suit to block the mobilization, arguing the move violates state sovereignty and constitutional limits on military intervention.

Mayor Brandon Johnson decried the deployment as “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous and wrong.” He also issued an executive order to bar federal agents from using city property for enforcement operations.

Supporters argue the troops aim only to protect federal facilities—especially ICE and DHS sites—amid “Operation Midway Blitz,” the administration’s intensified immigration enforcement campaign in Chicago.