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Daily Beast Issues Public Apology to Melania Trump Over Retracted Epstein Story

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First Lady Melania Trump (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Daily Beast has issued a formal apology to First Lady Melania Trump after publishing and later retracting a story that falsely linked her to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The original article, which cited author Michael Wolff, alleged that Melania was introduced to Donald Trump by a modeling agent connected to Epstein—a claim now acknowledged as unsubstantiated and below editorial standards. The outlet has removed the story and issued a correction after facing legal pressure from Trump’s attorneys.

The article, originally titled “Melania Trump ‘Very Involved’ in Epstein Scandal: Author”, was based on claims made by Wolff during a podcast episode hosted by The Daily Beast. The podcast segment and the article were both removed in July 2025 following objections from Melania Trump’s legal team. The outlet initially issued a brief editor’s note but later revised it to include a full apology, stating, “We apologize to the First Lady and our readers.”

Melania Trump’s memoir, released in 2024, details that she met Donald Trump at a Fashion Week party in New York in 1998—not through any agent tied to Epstein. Her legal team pushed back against the Daily Beast’s implication that she had any connection to Epstein’s network, which they labeled as defamatory and baseless.

The retraction and apology come amid heightened scrutiny of media outlets accused of using misleading or false claims to smear public figures, particularly those aligned with conservative causes. The incident has reignited calls from the right for greater accountability in journalism and renewed criticism of media bias targeting the Trump family.

While the Daily Beast has taken corrective steps, critics argue the damage to Melania Trump’s reputation was already done. The First Lady has long maintained a low public profile compared to other political spouses, and this incident marks a rare but significant defense of her personal integrity in the public sphere.

FBI: Ryan Routh’s SUV ‘Looked Lived-In,’ Loaded with Phones, Passports, and Suspicious Notes

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Gavel (Zolnierek/Getty Images via Canva Pro)

An FBI special agent testified this week that the SUV belonging to Ryan Routh—accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump—appeared to be set up as a mobile living space and was filled with items suggesting concealment, evasion, and potential planning. The testimony, delivered in federal court, described a vehicle packed with bedding, clothing, phones, passports, and handwritten notes. Prosecutors are using this evidence to argue that Routh’s actions were calculated and premeditated.

The black Nissan Xterra was searched shortly after Routh’s arrest. Inside, agents found the back seats folded down, a makeshift bed, a portable toilet, gloves, zip ties, a disposable tablecloth, a black face mask, and other tools. A .45-caliber shell casing was discovered in the glove compartment. One of the stickers on the outside of the SUV had been spray-painted black, with paint drips left behind, and three different license plates were found inside and under the vehicle.

FBI Special Agent Kyle Carroll, who testified at the trial, said agents recovered six phones, a U.S. passport, an expired Hawaii driver’s license, and receipts from gas stations in Florida dating back several weeks. Among the most troubling items were two handwritten notes. One listed items including “pipe,” “C-clamp,” “blanket,” “poncho,” and phone numbers. Another note included references to flight options under an alias: “Bryan Wilson,” including departure cities, destinations, and specific airline details.

One note also read “Make tourniquet,” suggesting preparation for potential injury. Carroll told the court the vehicle “looked lived in,” describing it as cluttered and packed with items used for extended stays or travel. He said the evidence supported a theory that Routh was living out of the vehicle while avoiding detection.

Routh, who is representing himself in court, has questioned the timeline and chain of custody for some of the evidence. He asked whether certain items could have been in the vehicle long before the alleged plot. The defense appears to be focused on undermining claims of intent and premeditation, while federal prosecutors argue the contents of the SUV show planning, mobility, and possible efforts to disguise identity.

The case continues to highlight the seriousness of political violence and the need for heightened security around public officials. Prosecutors are building a detailed profile of Routh’s movements and actions, using the SUV contents as key physical evidence in their case.

Randi Weingarten Promotes Anti-Fascism Book Days After Charlie Kirk Murder, Sparks Backlash

Randi Weingarten (Keith Mellnick/Wikimedia Commons)

Just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten is promoting her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers, drawing criticism for the timing and message. The book argues that educators are primary targets of fascist regimes and portrays conservative policies on education as part of a broader authoritarian threat. Critics say the decision to proceed with the launch without addressing Kirk’s killing demonstrates a lack of basic decency and further politicizes a moment of national mourning.

The event, hosted by the Democratic training group Emerge, features Weingarten alongside Emerge President A’shanti F. Gholar. According to the event page, the discussion will focus on the “essential role of educators in safeguarding democracy.” The promotional material and registration site remain active, despite Kirk’s high-profile assassination during a public event at Utah Valley University.

Weingarten did issue a brief social media statement following Kirk’s death, saying, “Violence is never okay. My prayers are with Charlie Kirk, his family, and everyone who was present. We must condemn it unequivocally.” However, neither AFT nor Emerge responded to inquiries from Fox News asking whether the book event would be postponed or if Kirk’s assassination would be addressed during the discussion.

The book claims that fascist governments target teachers because they foster critical thinking, suggesting that recent efforts by conservative lawmakers to reform public education resemble historical authoritarian tactics. Weingarten’s rhetoric has long drawn criticism from parents and conservative leaders who see teachers’ unions as politically biased and hostile to traditional values.

The decision to move forward with the event so soon after a politically motivated murder has only intensified that criticism. Many conservatives argue that Weingarten is using inflammatory language that contributes to political polarization, while simultaneously refusing to fully confront the reality of left-wing violence. Her continued framing of educational disputes as a battle against “fascism” is seen by critics as both divisive and irresponsible.

Manchin Admits He Wanted GOP to Win Senate to Stop Democrats’ Power Grab

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for JDRF

In a striking admission, former Senator Joe Manchin revealed he secretly hoped Republicans would take control of the U.S. Senate in 2024 to halt what he called the Democratic Party’s pursuit of “raw political power.” In his new memoir, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense, Manchin accused top Democrats—including President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer—of pushing radical reforms aimed at centralizing partisan control and silencing opposition.

Manchin, who left the Democratic Party and now identifies as an independent, said he viewed the GOP as the only remaining obstacle to prevent Democrats from eliminating Senate guardrails like the legislative filibuster. He wrote that Schumer’s leadership was driven by the demands of progressive activists and that Senate Democrats were pressured to vote in lockstep to dismantle institutional checks on majority rule.

According to the memoir, Manchin resisted that pressure and warned his colleagues that governing through brute force would come at a national cost. He specifically cited efforts to kill the filibuster and fast-track progressive legislation without bipartisan support. Manchin stated that while he didn’t align with Republicans on many issues, he preferred GOP control of the Senate if it meant preserving the balance of power.

The former West Virginia senator also noted his refusal to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, citing her alignment with those within the party seeking to override traditional Senate norms. He recalled being alarmed by how quickly Democratic leadership abandoned long-standing procedures for short-term political advantage, particularly during the passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

Manchin’s comments are likely to inflame tensions within the Democratic Party and affirm conservative concerns about the Left’s push to erode institutional boundaries. His account supports broader arguments that today’s Democratic leadership prioritizes political dominance over deliberative governance, using party unity to suppress dissent and bypass compromise.

$254M Boston Deal Given to Ayanna Pressley’s Husband Raises Serious Conflict of Interest Concerns

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 30: Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at the kick off for the Earthshot celebration at Speaker’s Corner by City Hall on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu awarded a $254 million housing development contract to a firm linked to Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s husband, Conan Harris, raising concerns over political favoritism and lack of transparency in city contracting. Harris is listed as a partner and investor in DREAM Development, one of the companies selected to build hundreds of housing units on public land in Roxbury. The deal was quietly awarded in April 2024 and has now come under scrutiny following reports of community opposition and unanswered questions about how the contract was secured.

The project, backed by the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), will develop parking lots owned by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission into roughly 400 housing units. DREAM Development and Related Beal were selected as the primary development partners. Harris’s financial interest in DREAM Development links the lucrative public contract directly to the household of a sitting member of Congress.

Public records show Harris’s name listed on DREAM Development’s business filings. Wu defended the deal as being in the public interest, calling it “a public good.” However, members of the Roxbury community have voiced strong opposition, saying their input was ignored and that the zoning board pushed the project through despite local concerns.

The development raises broader questions about how political connections influence major city projects. Harris, a former senior advisor to Mayor Marty Walsh and founder of a consulting firm, stands to profit directly from a deal brokered by Boston’s current Democratic leadership. Pressley, a prominent member of the far-left “Squad” in Congress, has long positioned herself as a champion of equity and fairness, making the silence from her office on this matter particularly notable.

Critics argue the deal represents a clear conflict of interest, as it involves taxpayer-funded land and city resources benefiting someone closely tied to an elected official. The lack of transparency and the involvement of a high-profile political spouse has prompted calls for further investigation and reform in the city’s procurement processes.

CCP Agents Operating on U.S. College Campuses Through ‘Overseas Party Branches’

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American Flag, Chinese Flag (Photo by cbarnesphotography/Getty Images)

A new investigation by the Daily Caller News Foundation reveals that members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are quietly operating “overseas party branches” on American university campuses. These branches are linked to Chinese universities and serve as ideological and political arms of the CCP—embedded directly within U.S. institutions of higher learning. The report uncovers evidence of propaganda, indoctrination, and deep institutional cooperation, all happening without proper disclosure or oversight.

The investigation identifies multiple CCP “overseas party branches” connected to schools such as Oklahoma State University, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and the University of Colorado–Denver. These CCP units are not formally registered student organizations on campus, yet continue to meet and promote communist ideology under the radar. CCP members involved are enrolled in dual-degree or exchange programs and use these arrangements to advance the Party’s objectives.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, students from China’s Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) participate in a “3+1” program. While on American soil, these students organize ideological lectures, engage in political training, and receive instructions to “tell China’s story well”—a phrase often used by the Chinese government to frame propaganda efforts. Similarly, China Agricultural University (CAU) maintains active partnerships with Oklahoma State and the University of Colorado–Denver. These programs have produced organized “study meetings” and “thematic education events” promoting Marxist thought and Party loyalty.

The CCP’s reach into American universities raises serious national security and academic freedom concerns. These branches operate without disclosure to the host institutions, exploiting the openness of the American educational system. Experts warn that such efforts not only enable technology transfer and research exploitation but also inject foreign political agendas into U.S. academic spaces.

This revelation comes as federal officials and lawmakers grow increasingly concerned over Chinese espionage, influence operations, and ideological subversion. While American institutions claim to promote diversity and global engagement, they may have unknowingly allowed foreign authoritarian agents to spread propaganda and undermine national interests.

Bill Maher Blames Both Sides After Charlie Kirk Assassination—Warns of Rising Political Violence

Republican, Democrat (Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash)

Bill Maher addressed the political fallout following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, arguing that both the Left and the Right are contributing to a dangerous climate of political hostility. On his HBO show Real Time, Maher warned against the growing acceptance of violence as a response to speech and condemned the escalating rhetoric coming from both major parties. His remarks followed a week of political unrest and public mourning for Kirk, who was gunned down while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck by 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson, who now faces capital murder charges. The killing of a high-profile conservative figure has sparked nationwide debate about political extremism and public safety. Maher opened his monologue calling it “an ugly week in America,” referencing both the Kirk shooting and the surrounding political climate.

In a discussion with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and journalist Tim Alberta, Maher pointed to new polling data that showed just 57% of Generation Z respondents believe there is never an excuse for violence in response to speech. He said the trend reveals a worrying shift in American political values, where younger generations increasingly view force as a legitimate form of protest.

Maher condemned efforts to frame the issue as a partisan problem, insisting that “both sides do it now.” He argued that moral grandstanding and finger-pointing have done little to resolve the broader cultural rot, stating, “The only way this starts to get better is if both sides admit [responsibility].” Maher cited inflammatory rhetoric and the breakdown of public decorum as key contributors to the nation’s political instability.

Political Violence After Charlie Kirk Murder: Reagan Insider Issues Chilling Warning

American flag (David Everett Strickler/Unsplash)

Former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan issued a sobering warning following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, stating that America’s descent into political violence has moved from gradual decline to sudden crisis. In a Wall Street Journal column, Noonan wrote that incidents like Kirk’s murder and the 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump represent a terrifying escalation of targeted violence.

Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck during a live appearance at Utah Valley University. His killing shocked the conservative movement and underscored what Noonan calls a “slow drift” into chaos that has now become “sudden and shocking.” Noonan used the phrase “gradually, and then suddenly,” quoting novelist Ernest Hemingway, to describe how fast political stability can unravel once violence becomes normalized.

Noonan warned that this level of political aggression cannot continue without tearing the nation apart. She stated that the line from rhetorical hostility to actual violence has grown dangerously thin, and that America is in a “very precarious place.” Political discourse, once governed by debate and dissent, now teeters on the edge of volatility, with public figures increasingly becoming targets of deadly attacks.

Noonan did not lay blame on any one party but emphasized the urgent need for national reflection and restraint.

University Meltdown Over Border Patrol Jobs Ad

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(Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)

A short-lived job posting for U.S. Border Patrol recruitment on the University of Minnesota’s career website sparked outrage among left-wing faculty, who called the federal agency’s presence offensive and dangerous. The ad, part of a third-party job board tool used by many colleges, was removed after complaints from professors who oppose immigration enforcement. The backlash highlights growing hostility toward law enforcement and federal agencies on left-leaning campuses.

The ad, promoting a federal webinar for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) jobs, was posted via Handshake, a common platform used by universities for career services. Though the university did not sponsor the event directly, professors condemned the school for allowing it to appear at all.

Amelia Montes, chair of the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies, said she felt “nauseated” that students could be recruited to work for agencies she associated with “human rights abuses.” Montes claimed the ad was offensive to immigrant students and undermined the school’s message of inclusion. Michael Gallope, a professor in Cultural Studies, echoed her concerns, saying federal recruitment for immigration enforcement was inconsistent with the university’s values.

Jimmy Patiño, director of the school’s Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program, called it a “mixed message” to allow CBP recruitment while also claiming to support undocumented students. He questioned whether the university had “any protocols or guidelines” in place for approving job postings by federal law enforcement agencies.

Career Services confirmed that the job webinar was not created or advertised by the university itself, but was automatically fed into the job board via Handshake’s external listings. Nevertheless, the administration quietly removed the ad from the school’s site on September 3.

The uproar reflects a growing trend on progressive campuses where federal agencies tasked with border enforcement face blanket condemnation.

Bob Vylan Show Cancelled After Controversial Kirk Remarks

(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan had their upcoming concert in Tilburg, Netherlands, canceled after frontman Bobby Vylan made inflammatory remarks about slain American activist Charlie Kirk. The cancellation follows a firestorm of criticism over comments made during a performance in Amsterdam, where Vylan appeared to mock Kirk just days after his assassination.

During the show, Bobby Vylan referred to Kirk using the pronouns “was/were” and called him a “piece of shit” before dedicating a song to him. He then shouted to the audience, “If you chat shit, you will get banged!” The rapper also urged fans to “kick Nazis” and “find Zionists in the street,” stoking anger both in the Netherlands and abroad.

The performance sparked immediate backlash, with critics saying the comments glorified political violence. The 013 Poppodium concert venue in Tilburg, where the band was set to perform next, quickly announced it would no longer host the show. In a statement, venue representatives said the band’s words crossed a line and were no longer in line with the values the venue upholds.

Vylan attempted to clarify the remarks on social media, claiming he was not celebrating Kirk’s death and that the statements were being misrepresented. However, his follow-up did little to calm the outrage. Many accused the artist of inciting violence under the guise of punk activism.

This is not the first time Bob Vylan has courted controversy. Earlier this year, they led a crowd in chanting “Death to the IDF” at a UK music festival, prompting an investigation and widespread condemnation. The band has since been dropped by their management and barred from entering the United States.

The fallout from the Charlie Kirk remarks has further damaged the group’s reputation, with more venues expected to follow suit.

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