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Jerusalem Terror Shooting Leaves 5 Dead, 15 Wounded

Jerusalem (Robert Bye/Unsplash)

At least five people were killed and 15 others wounded Monday morning when terrorists opened fire on bus commuters at a busy intersection in northern Jerusalem.

According to Israeli police, two attackers armed with automatic weapons boarded a bus and began shooting during the morning rush hour. A soldier returned fire, killing the terrorists shortly after the attack began.

The shooting occurred at a major junction leading to Jewish communities in east Jerusalem. Israeli authorities are describing the incident as a terror attack, though no militant group has immediately claimed responsibility.

Footage from the scene showed commuters running in panic as gunfire erupted. Paramedics reported chaotic conditions, with victims lying on the ground and shattered glass scattered across the road and sidewalks. Several of the wounded remain in critical condition.

Police quickly secured the area as emergency teams worked to treat and evacuate victims. Rescue officials said the bus and nearby stop were both struck heavily by gunfire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the nation later Monday as security forces investigate whether additional attackers were involved.

The attack is the latest in a series of deadly assaults targeting civilians since Hamas’s October 7 massacre and the subsequent escalation of violence across the region.

Ghazala Hashmi’s Racist Smears Haunt Demorats in Virginia Race

(Photo by Manuel Augusto Moreno/Getty Images)

The Ghazala Hashmi racism controversy is back in the spotlight as Virginia’s Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor faces scrutiny over years of smearing her own state’s voters.

During a 2021 interview after Governor Glenn Youngkin’s victory, Hashmi endorsed the view that “the majority of voters in Virginia are racist, or at least susceptible to racist dog whistles.” She called the outcome “very disturbing,” blaming Virginians for inheriting “the results of four years of the Trump administration, an administration that thrived on these kinds of demonization, racist stereotypes, scapegoating of minority communities.”

Her attacks didn’t stop there. In 2022, when Fairfax County parents raised concerns about sexually explicit books in school libraries, Hashmi compared them to fascists: “The very first step of fascism—and I’m going to use that word in the context of history—very first step of fascism is to undermine the education system, to undermine the trust in teachers, and also to begin to systematically remove materials, conversation, discussions around issues the government itself might find offensive.” She later claimed that parents pushing for a rating system were targeting minority and LGBTQ authors.

Hashmi has also branded opposition to DEI programs as bigotry, declaring, “The use of the word or phrase ‘DEI’ is simply another coded language for racism, for misogyny.”

For a candidate who now needs independents and parents to win, these remarks could prove fatal.

Trump Loses Bid to Toss Defamation Verdict

trump
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

A federal appeals court in New York upheld a civil judgment directing President Trump to pay $83.3 million to former magazine writer E. Jean Carroll.

“We conclude that Trump has failed to identify any grounds that would warrant reconsidering our prior holding on presidential immunity. We also conclude that the district court did not err in any of the challenged rulings and that the jury’s damages awards are fair and reasonable,” the judges wrote, adding, “We hold that the district court did not err in any of the challenged rulings and that the jury’s duly rendered damages awards were reasonable in light of the extraordinary and egregious facts of this case.”

A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said in a statement to The Hill that Americans “are supporting President Trump in historic numbers, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoaxes, the defense of which the Attorney General has determined is legally required to be taken over by the Department of Justice because Carroll based her false claims on the President’s official acts, including statements from the White House.”

“President Trump will keep winning against Liberal Lawfare, as he is focusing on his mission to Make America Great Again,” the spokesperson said.

Trump was ordered to pay $5 million in 2023 after a jury found him liable for sexually abusing Carroll. In a separate trial, Carroll was awarded another $83.3 million in damages.

Trump made a counterclaim in 2023 that alleged Carroll knew her statements were “false” and were made with “reckless disregard for their truth or falsity.”

“Counterclaim Defendant made these false statements with actual malice and ill will with an intent to significantly and spitefully harm and attack Counterclaimant’s reputation, as these false statements were clearly contrary to the jury verdict in Carroll II whereby Counterclaimant was found not liable for rape by the jury,” the counter-lawsuit adds. The counterclaim lawsuit was dismissed.

Actor Blasts Fans as Racist Over Backlash to Batman Casting

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Actor Jeffrey Wright slammed social media critics over the 2022 Batman casting in an interview with Collider, calling complaints about his role as police Lt. Jim Gordon “[Expletive] racist and stupid.” Wright, who is Black, portrayed Gordon in 2022’s The Batman alongside Robert Pattinson.

Some fans objected to a Black man playing a character originally written as White. Wright expressed frustration at the reaction, saying, “It’s just so blind in a way that I find revealing to not recognize that the evolution of these films reflects the evolution of society, that somehow it’s defiling this franchise not to keep it grounded in the cultural reality of 1939, when the comic books were first published.”

Wright noted that Black actors often face pushback when taking roles traditionally portrayed by White performers. He called the objections “absent all logic” and highlighted the diversity of Gotham City, inspired by New York City, which has always been multicultural. “Obviously, New York City is the template for Gotham, and if you look around New York City in the ‘70s, or if you look around New York City, of course, today, it’s a multicultural place,” he said.

The actor also emphasized his personal connection to the role. “The thing is, as well, I feel that I own these stories as much as anyone. Perhaps now, because I’m a part of them, I have the most skin in the game,” Wright said.

Wright concluded by arguing that the original creators, Bob Kane and Bill Finger, would likely support his portrayal, citing their “openness of imagination” when creating Gotham.

Ilhan Omar Wealth Scandal Persists After Error-Filled Denial

Ilhan Omar
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

The Ilhan Omar wealth scandal has intensified after the Minnesota Democrat issued an error-filled video denying reports that her family fortune soared to as much as $30 million.

“Another day, another lying headline about millions of dollars that apparently I have,” Omar said in an Instagram post. The video attempted to discredit a Washington Free Beacon report citing her own financial disclosures. Omar argued that income from an asset was different from the asset’s value, dismissing the multimillion-dollar figure as “misleading shit.”

But ethics experts say Omar’s denial only highlights her lack of understanding—or willingness to mislead—about her growing wealth. Caitlin Sutherland of Americans for Public Trust noted, “Net worth is more than cash in a bank account. Rep. Omar should know it’s the value of assets that makes someone a millionaire.”

Omar’s disclosure shows her and husband Tim Mynett valued his businesses between $6 million and $30 million in 2024—an astonishing jump from just $51,000 the year before. Watchdog attorney Paul Kamenar called on Omar to amend her filing, stating, “She must amend her report to comply with the House instructions… otherwise allegations of her wealth are correct.”

This latest controversy follows years of scrutiny over the couple’s financial entanglements, including Mynett’s firms collecting nearly $3 million from Omar’s campaign before pivoting into new ventures. For a congresswoman who once claimed it was “ridiculous” to call her a multimillionaire, the evidence now paints a very different picture.

Media Lies Exposed: Gazan Boy Declared Dead Found Alive

Gaza residents trapped
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP, Unsplash

An alleged tragedy pushed by politicians and media figures has unraveled after reports confirmed a Gazan boy once declared dead is alive. The media lies involved false claims that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed eight-year-old Abdul Rahim “Abood” Muhammad Hamden. In reality, the boy was safely evacuated from Gaza with his mother, appearing in a video interview where he smiled and said, “Outside the Gaza Strip is nice.”

The misinformation spread after Tony Aguilar, a former Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) contractor, gave vivid but fabricated accounts of the boy’s supposed death. Aguilar told outlets that Israeli forces shot the child, even describing “a shot to the torso” and “a shot to the leg.” His story reached national prominence, amplified by commentators and politicians, including Tucker Carlson and Senators Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen.

The GHF formally announced Thursday that the child is “alive and safe.” GHF executive chairman Johnnie Moore condemned those who spread the falsehoods, stating, “Too many people, including in the press and civil society, were quick to spread unverified claims without asking the most basic questions.”

Senator Ted Cruz called out Carlson’s role in elevating Aguilar’s claims, noting the host had sat “nodding solemnly” during the false interview. The revelation highlights the danger of rushing to blame Israel based on unverified reports, a pattern that has fueled misinformation in the ongoing conflict.

Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ to Hamas: Accept Deal or Face Consequences

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

President Trump publicly delivered an ultimatum to Hamas, urging the militant group to accept a proposed hostage release agreement—or face the consequences of refusal. The president declared it was his “last warning,” affirming that Israel has already accepted the terms of the deal.

The proposal reportedly includes Hamas releasing 48 remaining hostages on the first day of a truce, in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners being released by Israel and the launch of ceasefire negotiations. Israel is said to be seriously considering the offer.

Hamas responded by acknowledging receipt of the proposals through intermediaries and indicated readiness to discuss them further. However, the group emphasized that any release of hostages must be accompanied by a clear end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Trump maintained that negotiations are ongoing and satellite a breakthrough could be imminent. He expressed confidence to reporters that “we’re going to get them all,” whether alive or deceased, signaling unresolved but advancing diplomacy.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Rules Out 2028 Presidential Run

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has officially ruled out a run for president in 2028, affirming his focus on state leadership and an upcoming re-election campaign. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Governor Moore firmly dismissed presidential speculation, saying, “Yeah, I’m not running for president.” When pressed further, he reiterated his commitment to serving Maryland through the end of his term and beyond.

The governor touted his administration’s achievements, including a dramatic drop in unemployment and one of the nation’s fastest reductions in violent crime. He expressed enthusiasm for a second term as governor, insisting that his priorities remain local and practical.

Moore’s assertion aligns with past refusals, including repeated denials during national discourse and public appearances. He has emphasized that his national engagements—such as speeches at major events like South Carolina’s Blue Palmetto Dinner—should not be misconstrued as presidential positioning.

The announcement comes as Democrats face questions about the strength of their 2028 bench. Moore, once floated as a rising star with national ambitions, now appears determined to avoid the presidential spotlight. His decision leaves the field open to other contenders while reinforcing his role as a state-focused leader at a time when Democrats continue to debate the party’s national direction.

Justice Barrett Stands Firm in Defense of Dobbs Ruling

Supreme Court Justices (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett defended the Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, during a rare TV interview with CBS anchor Norah O’Donnell.

Pressed on the dissenters’ concerns—particularly that Dobbs could complicate access to methods like the morning-after pill, IUDs, and IVF—Barrett dismissed the notion that Dobbs imposed morality or made abortion illegal. She stated, “Dobbs did not render abortion illegal. Dobbs did not say anything about whether abortion is immoral.” Instead, she emphasized that the case restored authority over abortion to the democratic process.

Barrett defended the ruling as a constitutional duty, not a political act. She argued that the Constitution grants no explicit right to abortion and that such decisions must be made by voters and their representatives—not by courts.

Barrett’s remarks align with excerpts from her forthcoming memoir, Listening to the Law, in which she frames the Court as an engine of democratic integrity rather than moral or political judgment.

Her stance comes amid a broader pattern of judicial restraint and originalist decision-making. Critics on both sides note that Justice Barrett often surprises ideological expectations in sensitive rulings.

Ohio Business Donors Abandon Tim Ryan, Pour $220K Into Ramaswamy’s Gubernatorial Bid

ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Ohio business leaders who once supported Democrat Tim Ryan are switching allegiance to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 governor’s race. Reports show nearly $220,000 in donations to Ramaswamy came from former Ryan backers in early fundraising.

Prominent contributors include Caryn and Sam Covelli of Mahoning Valley. They donated $10,000 to Ramaswamy this cycle after giving more than $59,000 to Ryan in past cycles. Likewise, business executive Bruce Zoldan gave Ramaswamy $5,000 following contributions exceeding $53,000 to Ryan.

Other notable defectors include Adam Thomarios ($10,000 to Ramaswamy, nearly $17,000 previously to Ryan), and Anthony Manna ($10,000 to Ramaswamy after nearly $25,000 to Ryan between 2005 and 2021). Regina Mitchell gave more than $13,600 to Ramaswamy after a $2,700 donation to Ryan in 2017. Jeff and Lisa Edwards of Columbus donated about $33,000 to Ramaswamy, versus $5,800 to Ryan in 2022.

Campaign strategist Jai Chabria described the shift as more than campaign finance—it signals disillusionment with the “tired model” of traditional Democratic leadership. He said Ohioans are drawn to Ramaswamy’s message of economic growth and fresh ideas.

Ohio GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou called the donor movement “impressive” and evidence of Ramaswamy’s strength. He praised Ramaswamy’s early endorsement by the state GOP and appealed to working-class voters with policies on manufacturing, education, and eliminating the state income tax.

Ramaswamy’s campaign also reported raising $9.7 million from February through June, the most ever raised by an Ohio gubernatorial candidate this early, according to his team. A supportive super PAC has added about $17 million more.