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Ilhan Omar Calls for Assault Weapons Ban After Minnesota Tragedy

Ilhan Omar
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) called for a national ban on assault weapons during an appearance Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union, citing a recent school shooting in Minnesota as evidence of urgent need for reform. The Democrat lawmaker argued that taking firearms off the streets is essential to preventing further mass tragedies.

Speaking about the incident, Omar said, “There was someone who came into that school through the window and assassinated two beautiful angels as they prayed and put 214 other children in the hospital who are still fighting for their lives.” She used the example to highlight the scale of violence possible with high-powered weapons.

Omar called for a multi-pronged response. “One is to make sure that we are getting rid of assault weapons in our community,” she said. “Two, that we are addressing mental health issues if there are some.” She stressed that no single solution would suffice but insisted that legislative action must include removing access to so-called assault-style firearms.

She also advocated for more community-level intervention and early detection of potential threats, urging people to speak up when someone displays troubling behavior. “Yes, we do alert law enforcement,” Omar said, “but this is not the moment to point fingers. It is time for us to come together and figure out what the solutions are so that there are no more angels in our communities.”

Omar’s comments come as Democrats continue to push gun control legislation, including the renewal of the federal assault weapons ban. However, with Republicans in control of the House, any such effort is unlikely to pass without bipartisan support.

Trump D.C. Crime Surge Sparks Capitol Showdown

Trump Daddy
(Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images)

When Congress returns from its Labor Day recess, it will immediately face high-stakes decisions on Washington, D.C.’s future. At the center is President Donald Trump’s declaration of a state of emergency in the district on August 11—dubbed “Liberation Day”—which launched a sweeping law enforcement surge that has produced dramatic reductions in violent crime.

Under the D.C. Home Rule Act, a presidentially declared emergency in the district lasts only 30 days unless extended by Congress. Trump’s emergency powers are set to expire on September 11, unless lawmakers act swiftly to authorize an extension and consider deeper reforms.

The move has ignited a legislative battle over the capital’s governance and safety. In February, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Representative Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced the BOWSER Act—named after D.C.’s Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser—calling for Congress to reclaim oversight of the city. The legislation, currently in committee, cites the city’s “failure to prevent violent crime, corruption, and voting by non-citizens” as reasons for federal intervention.

Ogles sharply criticized Bowser’s progressive agenda: “Washington is now known for its homicides, rapes, drug overdoses, violence, theft, and homelessness. Bowser and her corrupt Washington City Council are incapable of managing the city.”

The Home Rule Act of 1973 granted limited self-governance to D.C., but the Constitution gives Congress ultimate authority over the federal district. Trump’s crackdown—and its early success—has renewed calls among Republicans to revisit and potentially revoke that arrangement.

Bowser, while critical of federal overreach, acknowledged Thursday that Trump’s law enforcement surge has significantly improved public safety. Carjackings have dropped by 87%, robberies by 46%, and violent crime by 22% since the National Guard and federal officers were deployed. The D.C. Police Union reports an 8% drop in total crime.

Despite those numbers, Democrats remain fiercely opposed. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) labeled the federal presence an “authoritarian takeover,” and accused Trump of draining law enforcement resources from other national priorities. He and other Democrats continue to push for D.C. statehood, framing the Republican-led oversight effort as an assault on political representation.

In January, 41 Senate Democrats introduced legislation to grant D.C. full statehood, arguing that its 700,000 residents are denied equal representation in Congress. Both statehood bills remain stalled in committee.

Though 54% of voters support Trump’s crime surge—including 28% of Democrats and 47% of independents, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll—Republicans face a narrow path forward in Congress. With Democrats unified against ending Home Rule and the GOP holding only a slim House majority, passing Trump’s desired reforms may require significant political negotiation—or a deal with Mayor Bowser.

Bill Clinton’s Health in Spotlight After Airport Defibrillator Sighting

Bill Clinton (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki, File)

Former President Bill Clinton, 79, is facing renewed public concern over his health after being spotted at a Hamptons airport with what appeared to be a portable defibrillator. The device, believed to be a Propaq MD Air Medical Bag, was carried by someone accompanying him and his wife, Hillary Clinton, as they exited the plane.

Clinton’s well-documented history of heart and lung issues dates back over two decades. He underwent a quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 after nearly suffering a major heart attack, received stents in 2010, and had lung surgery in 2005. In recent years, he was hospitalized for sepsis in 2021 and again in December 2024 due to a fever.

Two months earlier, Clinton was seen stumbling on a New York City sidewalk—adding to growing worry among observers. No official statement has been released regarding his condition following these events.

As a former president and high-profile public figure, Clinton continues to engage publicly—attending events and preparing for forthcoming congressional testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. But the recent defibrillator sighting—and his prior health incidents—remind many of the fragility that can accompany advanced age and medical history.

Texas Human Trafficking Law Brings 99-Year Sentences

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Starting September 1, Texas will implement some of the toughest anti-human trafficking laws in the nation. Under new legislation signed by Governor Greg Abbott earlier this month, convicted traffickers could face up to 99 years in prison, with no possibility of parole in certain cases.

Governor Abbott signed House Bill 2306 and Senate Bill 1212 into law during a ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion. The event included lawmakers, survivors, and anti-trafficking advocates. “We want to ensure that we do all we can so that human traffickers never walk the streets of Texas again,” Abbott stated.

Senate Bill 1212 reclassifies human trafficking as a first-degree felony, raising the punishment range from a previous maximum of 20 years to a potential life sentence of up to 99 years. House Bill 2306 ensures that individuals convicted of trafficking children or disabled persons will be ineligible for parole. Abbott noted this clause is intended to make certain “the worst of the worst” serve their full sentences behind bars.

The legislation reflects growing bipartisan momentum in Texas to combat human trafficking through harsher sentencing and greater survivor support. The Governor was joined at the signing by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, multiple state legislators, and leaders from anti-trafficking organizations.

Jacquelyn Aluotto, co-founder of No Trafficking Zone, praised the sweeping nature of the new laws. “First it was school zones, then foster care and juvenile detentions, universities, community centers,” she said. “This legislative session, we said it’s time to make all of Texas a no-trafficking zone.”

Texas has consistently led national efforts to fight trafficking, and the new laws represent a significant escalation in the state’s legal arsenal against traffickers.

Maxine Waters Demands 25th Amendment Be Used Against President Trump

nuclear
(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) is urging the use of the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office, claiming his recent actions prove he is unfit to serve. Waters made the call during an MSNBC interview after the president dismissed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a move she described as a dangerous threat to the U.S. economy.

Waters argued that President Trump’s firing of Cook, who faced questions over misrepresented mortgage information, could destabilize financial markets. She warned the action gave Trump excessive influence over Wall Street and placed the nation’s economic security at risk. “This stands to basically upend the entire economy,” Waters said, insisting that immediate action was necessary rather than waiting for the courts.

The 25th Amendment provides a mechanism for the vice president and a majority of Cabinet members to declare the president unable to discharge the duties of the office. If invoked, the president can contest the decision, at which point Congress would have the final say, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Waters contends that this process should be initiated to “determine his unfitness, to determine that something’s wrong with this president.”

Her remarks add to growing Democrat attacks on President Trump as his administration pursues aggressive economic and immigration policies. By singling out the 25th Amendment, Waters is calling for an extraordinary step that has never successfully removed a sitting president in American history.

While unlikely to succeed given Republican control and Cabinet loyalty to President Trump, Waters’ comments highlight the escalating partisan conflict surrounding the administration’s policies and its authority over independent institutions such as the Federal Reserve.

Norway Buys British Frigates to Face Rising Threats

Flags of the member states flying before the NATO headquarters Brussels, Belgium, circa 1970. Among the flags of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization members are (clockwise from left) Luxembourg, Iceland, Greece, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, NATO flag, United States, United Kingdom, Turkey, Portugal, Norway, and the Netherlands. (Photo by Pix/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

The Norwegian government announced Sunday it will purchase a fleet of British-made warships to strengthen its navy amid growing regional security concerns. The move marks a significant defense investment by the NATO member as tensions escalate in Europe following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed plans to buy five or six frigates during a press briefing, according to public broadcaster NRK. He described the current climate as “the most serious security situation since World War II” and emphasized the need for upgraded naval capabilities.

The decision follows a competitive bidding process that included offers from the United States, Germany, and France. However, Oslo ultimately selected the United Kingdom’s Type 26 frigates—modern vessels built specifically for anti-submarine warfare. Designed by BAE Systems, the Type 26 ships are already in use or on order by the British, Australian, and Canadian navies.

“Norway and Great Britain are close allies with common interests and very close ties,” Støre said, highlighting the nations’ shared security priorities in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

The frigates will significantly enhance Norway’s maritime readiness, especially as Russian naval activity intensifies near NATO waters. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its military posture, particularly in response to heightened threats along its northern border with Russia.

While the total cost of the new fleet was not disclosed, the purchase is expected to be one of the most substantial naval acquisitions in Norwegian history. The deal also strengthens UK-Norwegian defense ties at a time when NATO allies are deepening cooperation in response to Russia’s aggression.

RFK Jr. Rejects Gun Control, Targets Psychiatric Drugs in Mass Shooting Crisis

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed new calls for gun control following a deadly church shooting, instead announcing a federal investigation into the role of psychiatric drugs in mass violence. Labeling the surge in mass shootings a “health crisis,” Kennedy argued the problem stems not from firearms but from deeper mental health issues and overmedication.

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church was carried out by a 23-year-old identifying as transgender. In response, Kennedy challenged the popular narrative that tighter gun laws are the solution, pointing out that firearms have long existed in American culture without such violent consequences. He referenced his own upbringing, recalling a time when students brought rifles to school without incident.

“What changed,” Kennedy said, “is not the guns—it’s something in our society that is altering behavior at a massive scale.” He pointed to psychiatric medications, particularly SSRIs, which carry FDA black-box warnings for suicidal and homicidal ideation. According to Kennedy, the United States is the most overmedicated nation in the world, and that overuse of psychiatric drugs could be contributing to the breakdown in behavior.

The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a review into the potential link between psychiatric medication and violent outbursts. This includes a study of SSRIs and other widely prescribed drugs, as well as environmental and dietary factors. The initiative reflects Kennedy’s long-standing skepticism of pharmaceutical influence and his stated commitment to what he calls “unbiased science.”

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that antidepressant use in the U.S. has risen by nearly 400% since the early 1990s. Despite this surge in treatment, depression rates continue to climb. A Gallup survey from 2023 reported that nearly 29% of American adults had been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives.

Kennedy’s decision to prioritize mental health over gun restrictions marks a significant shift in federal conversation surrounding mass shootings. Critics have called for tighter firearm laws, but Kennedy maintains the evidence demands a closer look at the pharmaceutical and psychological roots of violence.

Court Overturns Shutdown After Assault Arrest Sparks Protests

London (Sabrina Mazzeo/Unsplash)

Controversy erupted Friday after the Court of Appeal overturned a local council’s attempt to shut down a migrant hotel, sparking outrage over alleged judicial bias. The lead judge in the case, Lord Justice David Bean, is now facing formal complaints for undisclosed ties to far-left political groups and the Labour Party.

The ruling sided with the Home Office against Epping Forest District Council in Essex, which had secured a High Court injunction to close the Bell Hotel in Epping. The hotel became a flashpoint following the arrest of an illegal migrant from Ethiopia accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town. The incident provoked widespread protests among local residents, who raised concerns about public safety and the growing number of illegal migrants housed in their community.

In court, Home Office barrister Edward Brown KC argued that the residents’ safety concerns did not outweigh the government’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights to provide shelter to asylum seekers. Brown stated there was a “national interest in ensuring vulnerable individuals, namely asylum seekers, are accommodated.”

In delivering the judgment, Lord Justice Bean ruled that protests and local backlash were outweighed by “public interest factors” and maintaining the legal “status quo” ahead of a future trial. The decision marks a significant win for the Labour-led government, which is currently housing over 30,000 alleged asylum seekers—many of whom entered illegally via the English Channel—in hotels across the UK.

However, the ruling has come under sharp scrutiny. Prominent barrister Steven Barrett has filed a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, arguing that Lord Justice Bean should have recused himself due to clear political and ideological conflicts. Barrett cited Bean’s role as a founding member of Matrix Chambers—a law firm known for championing pro-migration cases—and his long-time membership in the Labour Party, as well as his past leadership of the socialist Fabian Society.

Barrett accused the judge of failing to apply the legal test of “apparent bias,” which requires not only impartiality but also the appearance of fairness. Critics argue that Lord Justice Bean’s political affiliations and connections to groups that openly advocate for open borders cast doubt on the objectivity of his judgment.

Matrix Chambers also counts Cherie Blair KC among its founders, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, under whose Labour government many of Britain’s liberal immigration laws and “human rights” frameworks were expanded.

The Fabian Society, which Lord Justice Bean once chaired, has long advocated for progressive immigration policies. In a 2019 Fabian Society publication, now-Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an “amnesty for undocumented migrants” and demanded broader rights for asylum seekers. Founded in 1884, the Fabian Society’s original coat of arms depicted a wolf in sheep’s clothing—symbolizing its slow, strategic push for socialist policies through cultural and institutional influence.

The Court of Appeal’s ruling now threatens similar legal efforts by other local councils trying to resist the government’s mass migrant housing plan. The case raises broader questions about judicial neutrality and the unchecked power of unelected courts in overriding local community concerns in favor of controversial international obligations.

New York Forces Colleges to Hire Title VI Enforcers Amid Rising Campus Tensions

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Gov. Kathy Hochul (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

New York has become the first state in the nation to mandate Title VI Coordinators on every college and university campus. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation in August, requiring these coordinators to monitor and enforce civil rights protections related to race, color, and national origin in higher education. The law follows a sharp increase in campus-based antisemitism and racial tensions.

Each college will be required to appoint a Title VI Coordinator within 90 days of the law’s effective date. These officials must have expertise in federal civil rights law and will be responsible for receiving and investigating discrimination complaints, conducting training, maintaining records, and ensuring policy compliance. The requirement applies to both public and private institutions across the state.

Annual training for all students and employees will become mandatory beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. The New York State Division of Human Rights is developing model training materials to be distributed statewide. Institutions will also be required to send yearly notices outlining nondiscrimination policies, coordinator contact information, and procedures for filing complaints.

Supporters argue the law is necessary to combat rising antisemitism, anti-Asian bias, and other forms of discrimination. Governor Hochul praised the measure as a direct step to protect students, stating that no one should feel unsafe while pursuing higher education. The law is part of a broader package of bills aimed at strengthening civil rights protections in educational environments.

The SUNY and CUNY systems had already begun implementing similar policies ahead of the new mandate. The new law codifies those efforts and extends them to all higher education institutions in New York. Failure to comply could lead to investigations or funding penalties.

While some civil liberties advocates warn of potential overreach, state officials claim the move enhances accountability and gives students clear channels to report discrimination without federal delays.

Aid Flotilla Challenges Israeli Blockade as Gaza Conditions Worsen

(Photo by Fabrizio Villa/Getty Images)

A flotilla of ships set sail from Barcelona on Sunday carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip, amid intensifying Israeli military operations in the region. The maritime convoy, called the Global Sumud Flotilla, aims to breach Israel’s naval blockade and deliver food, water, and medicine to Palestinians suffering from extreme shortages.

Organizers say the convoy will eventually include up to 20 ships, with vessels joining from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia. Delegates from 44 countries are participating in the mission. The movement is supported by activists, journalists, and celebrities, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and actors Susan Sarandon and Liam Cunningham.

The ships were seen departing Barcelona’s port under Palestinian flags, as crowds gathered to chant anti-Israel slogans. Thunberg, speaking at a press conference, claimed Palestinians were being “deliberately deprived” of the basic means of survival and criticized global leaders for remaining silent.

This is not Thunberg’s first attempt to enter Gaza waters. In June, she was deported by Israeli forces when her ship, the Madleen, was intercepted. A later attempt in July ended with the detention of 21 international activists and the seizure of baby formula, food, and medicine, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

The renewed flotilla effort comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Gaza’s Health Ministry claims 332 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition, including 124 children. Earlier this month, international food security monitors declared a famine in Gaza City and warned of “catastrophic” hunger affecting over 500,000 people.

An Israeli official stated on Saturday that humanitarian aid to northern Gaza would soon be restricted further as Israel expands its offensive in Gaza City, now designated a combat zone. The military continues operations targeting Hamas infrastructure following the October 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. In the war’s aftermath, Gaza health officials report over 63,000 Palestinian deaths, though those figures are unverified.

Actor Liam Cunningham, also part of the flotilla, played a video of a young Palestinian girl named Fatima singing while preparing her funeral. Cunningham said the girl died four days ago and questioned how the world had reached a point where children plan their own burials.

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