Home Blog Page 16

Seattle Mayoral Race Chaos, Recount Could Cost Taxpayers $400K

Seattle
(Andrea Leopardi/Unsplash)

The Seattle mayoral race is headed for a potential taxpayer-funded recount as progressive challenger Katie Wilson has overtaken incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by a razor-thin margin. With just 1,346 votes separating the candidates—50.1% of the total—Washington state law could soon trigger an automatic machine recount, the first in a Seattle mayoral contest in over two decades.

Under Washington law, an automatic recount is required if the margin is under 2,000 votes and less than 0.5% of total votes cast. With roughly 1,500 ballots remaining and a margin hovering just above the threshold, the city is bracing for what could be a prolonged and costly battle.

King County Elections officials estimate the recount could cost Seattle taxpayers around $400,000, depending on final ballot totals and recount logistics. If the final margin disqualifies the race from an automatic recount, either candidate could still request one—but would have to pay the cost upfront unless the outcome is reversed.

So far, 273,996 ballots have been counted. A candidate-requested machine recount would require a deposit of $41,099, while a hand recount would cost $68,499. Late-counted ballots from progressive-leaning neighborhoods like Capitol Hill have shifted momentum in Wilson’s favor—a common trend in Seattle elections.

Originally trailing by over 10,000 votes on Election Day, Wilson has steadily gained ground. Her campaign manager Alex Gallo-Brown declared cautious confidence: “We want to wait until every vote has been counted to declare victory, but we believe that we’ve won this race.”

If Wilson’s lead holds, she would become mayor after one of the tightest races in city history, rivaling only the 2001 contest where Greg Nickels edged out Mark Sidran by just over 1%.

Mayor Harrell’s campaign has not commented publicly on the latest developments.

AI Will Destroy Humanity? Majority Say Yes in Shocking Yahoo Poll!

AI, Artificial Intelligence (Just_Super/Getty via Canva Pro)

A new Yahoo/YouGov survey reveals a deep undercurrent of fear among Americans regarding the future of artificial intelligence. Despite Silicon Valley’s excitement and Wall Street’s investment boom, over half of Americans—53 percent—now believe it is likely that AI will eventually “destroy humanity.”

The poll, conducted in late October among 1,770 U.S. adults, comes amid major AI advancements, including the rise of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas and Nvidia’s record-breaking $5 trillion market cap. While 85 percent of those who’ve used AI chatbots say they’re at least somewhat helpful, the optimism ends there.

More than half of respondents (59 percent) said they encounter AI-generated content online too often, and 56 percent admitted they’ve mistaken it for real content. Though 54 percent feel confident in their own ability to distinguish AI-generated content from real content, only 21 percent believe the average person can do the same.

When asked how AI impacts personal intelligence, only 16 percent said AI makes them smarter. Thirty percent believe it helps in some areas but makes them “dumber” in others. Just 17 percent see AI having a mostly positive effect on their lives, while nearly twice as many (32 percent) expect a negative impact.

The poll also presented respondents with predictions about AI’s future. Sixty percent believed AI will eventually help solve complex problems like curing cancer. But even more—63 percent—said they believe AI will become so advanced that humans will lose control over it. Most alarming: 53 percent said it’s “somewhat” or “very” likely that AI will destroy humanity.

Even when asked about AI’s greatest promise, like curing cancer, only 15 percent said that outcome was “very likely.” In contrast, 20 percent said the total destruction of humanity by AI was “very likely.”

Tax the Rich? She IS the Rich

Jasmine Crockett
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In the grand theater of American politics, few acts are more tiresome than the Democrat elite's annual performance of "I'm Just Like You." They descend from their ivory towers—coastal estates, private jets, and Botox-fueled fundraisers—to lecture the working class on humility, all while their Federal Election Commission filings read like a Neiman Marcus catalog. . .

This content is only available for American Faith Premium Subscribers. For as low as $3.99/mo, you can access all our Premium content, learn more here.

If you are already a Premium subscriber, please log in to view this content.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Michael Burry Drops Bombshell, Big Tech Cooking the Books?

AI
Image via Canva Pro

Michael Burry, famed for predicting the 2008 financial collapse and dramatized in The Big Short, is now sounding alarms about the AI boom—accusing major tech firms of using deceptive accounting practices to overstate profits. In a new warning posted on X, Burry alleges that leading “hyperscalers”—companies providing cloud and AI infrastructure—are manipulating depreciation schedules to artificially inflate earnings.

Burry claims these companies are extending the estimated lifespan of expensive AI chips and servers beyond realistic timelines, minimizing annual depreciation costs and boosting reported profits. “Understating depreciation by extending useful life of assets artificially boosts earnings – one of the more common frauds of the modern era,” Burry stated.

He estimates this tactic will understate depreciation by a staggering $176 billion from 2026 through 2028, allowing firms to present an overly optimistic picture to investors. Specifically, he singled out Oracle and Meta, projecting their earnings could be inflated by 27% and 21% respectively by 2028.

Burry’s allegations target the heart of the AI investment frenzy, which has driven tech valuations to record highs. Under GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), companies have some flexibility in estimating asset lifespans. However, Burry argues this leeway is being abused to mask the true cost of fast-depreciating equipment like Nvidia AI chips, which typically follow a 2-3 year product cycle.

The accusations follow Burry’s earlier moves to short AI heavyweights. Regulatory filings from Scion Asset Management reveal put options against Nvidia and Palantir, signaling a bearish bet that these companies are overvalued. Burry hinted more revelations are coming, promising to release additional findings on November 25.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp responded by dismissing Burry’s positions as “super weird” and “batshit crazy,” but the high-profile investor has a history of being early—and right.

Google Sues Chinese Cyber Gang, Massive Scam Exposed

google
Google App (Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

Google has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against a Chinese cybercrime syndicate responsible for a global smishing operation that has scammed over a million victims across 120 countries. The lawsuit, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, the Lanham Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), targets the group’s phishing-as-a-service platform known as “Lighthouse.”

The operation, dubbed the “Smishing Triad” by cybersecurity researchers, used sophisticated SMS phishing messages to impersonate reputable brands like Google, E-ZPass, and the U.S. Postal Service. Victims were tricked into clicking malicious links that directed them to counterfeit websites designed to steal Social Security numbers, bank credentials, and credit card information.

Google alleges the gang may have compromised between 12.7 million and 115 million U.S. credit cards. Halimah DeLaine Prado, Google’s general counsel, stated the Lighthouse software was built to mimic real brands, enabling criminals to launch coordinated attacks at scale.

The smishing network is organized and multi-layered, with public Telegram channels used to coordinate attacks. Roles within the operation include “data brokers” who provide contact lists, “spammers” who distribute phishing texts, and a “theft” group that exploits stolen data. Over 2,500 individuals are estimated to be involved.

The scam relies on SIM farms—industrial setups loaded with thousands of SIM cards—to blast text messages globally. These scams are also linked to a broader fraud ecosystem where stolen credit card numbers are installed on digital wallets and used to purchase iPhones, luxury goods, and gift cards.

While legal experts question how much impact a U.S. civil lawsuit can have against criminals in communist China, Google is also backing three bipartisan anti-fraud bills to enhance protections: the GUARD Act, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, and the Scam Act.

ICE Nabs Illegal Scumbags, Noem Says ‘Self-Deport or Else’

Sakhorn38/Getty via Canva Pro

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested multiple illegal aliens with violent criminal records, continuing what Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem describes as a targeted crackdown on the most dangerous offenders. In a statement to Breitbart News, Noem made it clear that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the administration is prioritizing public safety and aggressive enforcement.

“Sex offenders. Violent thugs. Drug traffickers. These are just a few of the scumbags here illegally who we have arrested thanks to President Trump,” Noem said. She urged illegal aliens to “self-deport” using the CBP Home App or face arrest and removal.

Among those recently arrested are:

  • Modesto Morales-Bernabe of Mexico, convicted of third-degree sexual assault in Gunnison County, Colorado.
  • Mario Joel Marquez of Honduras, convicted of assault and two counts of aggravated assault in Davidson County, Tennessee.
  • Gabriel Rodriguez-Martinez of Mexico, convicted in McAllen, Texas, of conspiring to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine.
  • Gilbert Ruiz-Broche of Cuba, convicted of methamphetamine distribution in Austin, Texas.
  • Claudio Alejandro Ayvar of the Dominican Republic, convicted of fentanyl distribution in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Secretary Noem emphasized that the new DHS approach under President Trump includes a strong incentive for self-deportation. Through the CBP Home App, illegal aliens can schedule their own deportation and may qualify for stipends if they can prove voluntary compliance.

The arrests underscore the administration’s commitment to restoring law and order amid rising concerns about border security and violent crime tied to illegal immigration. ICE officials have maintained that more than 70% of current immigration enforcement targets have prior convictions or pending criminal charges.

Tim Kaine Torches Trump’s Venezuela Move

uss harry truman

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s military strategy in the Caribbean during an interview on CNN’s The Situation Room, calling recent naval actions and lethal strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela a “catastrophic blunder.”

Host Wolf Blitzer pressed Kaine, a member of both the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, about Venezuela’s reported military mobilization in response to the U.S. buildup of warships and personnel. Kaine warned the administration’s approach could provoke a dangerous escalation with Venezuela.

“I think this policy is a catastrophic blunder,” Kaine said. “Treating this as a military intervention is a big mistake.”

Kaine pointed to growing diplomatic fallout from the Trump administration’s aggressive posture in the region. “You saw yesterday that our closest ally, the United Kingdom, has now stopped sharing intelligence with the U.S. on activities in the Caribbean and the Pacific… because they believe the U.S. strikes are violating international law,” he added.

The senator expressed concern that the U.S. naval buildup could be misinterpreted by the Venezuelan military as a prelude to an attack, increasing the likelihood of a hostile response. “When you amass such naval presence near Venezuela, you are dramatically raising the risk that Venezuela… will think they’re going to be under attack and then respond in kind.”

Kaine further cautioned that Venezuela possesses “significant weapons” purchased from U.S. adversaries, suggesting that any miscommunication could endanger American service members. “The last thing I want to see… is Venezuela get the mistaken impression that an attack is imminent and start using these weapons against American sailors and troops.”

His remarks signal deepening Democratic concerns over the Trump administration’s foreign policy strategy in Latin America, particularly the risk of triggering unnecessary conflict with a heavily armed regime on America’s doorstep.

Jack Schlossberg Shocks NY with Bold Anti-Trump Run

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and son of U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, has launched a bid for New York’s 12th Congressional District seat as Rep. Jerry Nadler prepares to retire. In a dramatic campaign announcement Tuesday, Schlossberg warned voters, “This is our last chance to stop Trump — it won’t come again,” positioning his campaign as a defining battle for the future of the Democratic Party.

His campaign platform features a 12-point “Promises to the People” pledge built around vague but upbeat values like “Unity,” “Creativity,” and “Patriotism.” The seat he’s pursuing spans some of Manhattan’s most powerful ZIP codes, from Union Square to the Upper West Side.

Schlossberg’s political résumé remains light. He has served as a surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign, briefly worked at the State Department, and was appointed to the federal America 250 Commission by Sen. Chuck Schumer. However, he’s never held elected office and faces criticism from within his own party. Nadler, who has not endorsed a successor, said bluntly in September, “He doesn’t have a record of public service or accomplishment… he is not going to be a major candidate.”

Still, Schlossberg brings name recognition, a large social media following, and a bold, confrontational online persona. He has attracted headlines for inflammatory posts, including mocking Vice President JD Vance’s wife, attacking conservative pundits, and running polls comparing female politicians to his late grandmother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Despite the backlash, Schlossberg is entering a crowded primary featuring several established Democrats including State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, Assemblyman Alex Bores, and City Councilman Erik Bottcher.

His campaign reflects a resurgence of dynastic politics, echoing other family legacies like Christine Pelosi’s recent run in California. But in a district that leans heavily progressive, Schlossberg’s Kennedy heritage may not be enough to counter the competition or the criticism.

White House Condemns Latest Epstein Scandal

(Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

The White House condemned the latest effort from House Oversight Committee Democrats to pin President Trump in the middle of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

The Oversight Dems said they received emails from Epstein’s estate, arguing they “raise serious questions about Donald Trump and his knowledge of Epstein’s horrific crimes.”

The documents show a redacted name labeled as “victim,” the identity of whom many believe to be the late Virginia Guiffre.

A 2011 email from Epstein to Ghislaine Maxwell reads, “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump. VICTIM spent hours at my house with him, has never once been mentioned.”

Another email, dated 2019, sees Epstein writing to author Michael Wolff,”[Victim] mara lago. [Redacted]. Trump said he asked me to resign, never a member ever. Of course he know about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.”

Guiffre publicly said she “never witnessed wrongdoing by President Trump,” the Oversight Committee wrote on X. “Democrats are trying to create a fake narrative to slander President Trump. Shame on them.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Democrats “selectively leaked emails to the liberal media to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump. The ‘unnamed victim’ referenced in these emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and ‘couldn’t have been friendlier’ to her in their limited interactions.”

Leavitt explained that President Trump “kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre.” She further noted that the “stories are nothing more than bad-faith efforts to distract from President Trump’s historic accomplishments, and any American with common sense sees right through this hoax and clear distraction from the government opening back up again.”

President Trump took to Truth Social to comment on the matter, stating that the Democrats are “trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they’ll do anything at all to deflect on how badly they’ve done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects.”

“Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap. The Democrats cost our Country $1.5 Trillion Dollars with their recent antics of viciously closing our Country, while at the same time putting many at risk — and they should pay a fair price,” he wrote. “There should be no deflections to Epstein or anything else, and any Republicans involved should be focused only on opening up our Country, and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats!”

U.S. Mint Ends Penny Production

Elijah Mears/Unsplash

The U.S. Mint ended production of the penny, a change made to save money.

“Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing,” said Kristie McNally, Acting Mint Director. “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on. As its usage in commerce continues to evolve, its significance in America’s story will endure.”  

The penny was first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792. Due to economic and production factors, combined with “evolving consumer behavior, have made its continued production unsustainable,” the Mint explained. “Over the past decade, the cost of producing each penny has risen from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents per penny.”

While production has concluded, the penny will remain legal tender. There are an estimated 300 billion pennies in circulation.

President Trump called for the change in a February statement on Truth Social, “For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful! I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies. Let’s rip the waste out of our great nations budget, even if it’s a penny at a time.”

In the 2024 fiscal year, the government spent approximately $85.3 million to produce nearly 3.2 billion pennies.

The American Bankers Association sent an October letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, urging them to “take coordinated steps to smooth the operational challenges associated with the decision to discontinue minting the penny, including by educating the public, giving guidance on rounding transactions, and ensuring the existing penny supply continues to circulate during the transition.”

1...151617...3,836Page 16 of 3,836
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 American Faith Media Network. All rights reserved.