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Judge Upholds Sorority’s Right to Define ‘Woman,’ Rejects Lawsuit at University of Wyoming

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Gavel (Zolnierek/Getty Images via Canva Pro)

A federal judge ruled that the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at the University of Wyoming may admit transgender women, reaffirming the autonomy of private organizations in membership decisions. The court dismissed a lawsuit filed by sorority members opposed to a transgender woman’s inclusion, citing contract interpretation and freedom of association.

In the case, originally filed in 2023, plaintiffs challenged the admission of Artemis Langford—a transgender woman—arguing the sorority violated its all-female bylaws . U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson found no violation. He emphasized the sorority’s right—protected under private association law—to define “woman” based on gender identity, not strictly biological sex.

Judge Johnson noted that Kappa Kappa Gamma had openly clarified its inclusive membership stance, distributing materials affirming that “woman” includes individuals who identify as women. More importantly, he dismissed the plaintiffs’ reliance on a Trump executive order defining “woman” as “adult human female,” deeming it irrelevant in private contracts and saying he had no authority to impose that definition.

This dismissal was entered with prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs cannot refile this lawsuit in the same court. However, they retain the option to appeal the ruling. 

Houthi Prime Minister Killed in Devastating IDF Strike

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Saturday that a precision airstrike last week in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, eliminated several senior members of the Houthi regime, including the group’s so-called Prime Minister, Ahmed al-Rahawi. The Israeli Air Force conducted the strike on Thursday, August 28, with targeting based on real-time intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate.

According to the IDF, the facility hit in the strike was hosting dozens of top Houthi officials involved in military planning and operations against Israel. The airstrike successfully killed Rahawi, along with other high-ranking figures responsible for the Houthi regime’s force buildup and terrorist activity.

Israeli officials emphasized that the operation was executed swiftly following a short intelligence cycle. The strike marked one of the most significant blows to the Houthi leadership since the Iranian-backed militia began attacking Israeli interests during the ongoing war in Gaza. The IDF pledged continued operations to eliminate threats to Israeli civilians across all theaters of conflict, including Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.

The Houthis later confirmed Rahawi’s death, announcing Muhammad Ahmed Miftah as his successor. Houthi political chief Mahdi al-Mashat vowed retaliation, stating that “vengeance does not sleep.”

In a separate development, Israeli media reported Sunday that Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida had been targeted in an airstrike on Gaza City. While the IDF has not officially confirmed his death, Saudi and Israeli outlets claimed that Obeida—widely seen as a symbolic figure for Hamas—was killed in the attack. Hamas has yet to confirm the report, raising speculation over his status.

These developments come amid ongoing Israeli military operations in multiple regions, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and leadership networks threatening the Jewish state.

University of Nebraska Denies Link to ICE’s ‘Cornhusker Clink’ Facility

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

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is under fire after distancing itself from a new federal immigration detention center named the “Cornhusker Clink.” Although the university owns the trademark for “Cornhusker,” officials claim no involvement in the ICE facility’s development, branding, or operations—prompting backlash from critics who say the name tarnishes the school’s reputation.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the new 280-bed ICE facility in McCook, Nebraska, as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement strategy. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the center would operate under a state-federal partnership, with support from the Nebraska National Guard and State Patrol. The facility is housed in the former McCook Work Ethic Camp and is designed to assist in detaining illegal immigrants awaiting removal.

Despite the center’s name, university officials insist they learned about the “Cornhusker Clink” through public news reports and had no role in its creation. A university statement emphasized that it holds the “Cornhusker” trademark for university-affiliated branding only and does not plan to pursue legal action against the name’s use in this context. The statement also noted that “Cornhusker” is Nebraska’s official state nickname, which limits the university’s control over its broader usage.

The decision not to defend the trademark drew sharp criticism from State Senator Megan Hunt, who accused the university of allowing its brand to be co-opted for what she called a “morally offensive” purpose. Hunt and other left-leaning lawmakers argue the facility’s name falsely implies institutional support from the university for ICE operations.

The “Cornhusker Clink” has already become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration policy. Supporters of the Trump administration’s crackdown view the facility as a necessary tool for law enforcement. Detractors continue to press public institutions to oppose involvement—real or perceived—in detention operations.

Trans Agenda at Smith College Sparks Civil Rights Complaint

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LGBTQ Flags (Photo by Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty Images)

Smith College, a historically women-only institution, is under federal scrutiny after a civil rights complaint alleged its transgender admissions policy violates Title IX. The complaint centers on the school’s decision to admit men who identify as women while rejecting women who identify as men, raising questions about the future of sex-based protections in education.

A conservative nonprofit, Parents Defending Education, filed the complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on June 20, 2025. The filing argues that Smith College discriminates based on sex by allowing biological males who identify as female to enroll, while denying access to biological females who identify as male. The policy, the group contends, undermines the legal and cultural foundation of single-sex education.

Smith College’s current admissions policy, adopted in 2015, allows applicants who “consistently identify as women” to apply. This includes transgender women and nonbinary individuals who identify as female. However, the college does not accept applicants who were born female but now identify as male. The complaint states this double standard contradicts Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.

In addition to admissions, the complaint cites the use of gender-neutral facilities as a further violation of women’s rights. It argues that allowing biological males into all-gender restrooms and locker rooms compromises the privacy and safety of female students. These changes, implemented under the guise of inclusivity, have sparked backlash from advocates of sex-based rights.

The group’s legal challenge reflects growing national resistance to gender ideology in education. While many institutions have embraced gender identity policies in recent years, critics argue these shifts erode protections specifically meant for biological women. The complaint asks the Department of Education to investigate and require Smith College to return to a biologically based admissions policy.

Smith College has not yet responded publicly to the complaint. However, the case is expected to intensify debates over the role of women’s colleges in the transgender movement, particularly under a federal administration critical of DEI and gender-based mandates.

Joint U.S.–Taiwan Weapons Production on the Horizon, Says Top Republican Senator

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U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, signaled strong support for future joint weapons production with Taiwan—including drones—during his visit to Taipei this weekend. His remarks underline deepening defense collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan amid rising pressure from Beijing.

Wicker conveyed confidence in Washington and Taipei’s ability to co-develop military systems, noting, “I think there’s going to be joint production and joint efforts … we’re open to suggestion and innovation in that regard.” This was expressed at the close of a two-day trip that included a meeting with President Lai Ching-te, further cementing the message of U.S. readiness to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities.

As the U.S.’s most reliable arms supplier to Taiwan, Wicker’s comments represent a bold strategic step, even as formal diplomatic ties remain absent.

The visit unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional tension, exacerbated by President Trump’s new trade tariffs and ongoing security concerns prompted by intensified Chinese military pressure.

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Pet Cremation Fraud: Baltimore Couple’s Sick Scam Exposed

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Beagles (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

A Baltimore County couple is facing criminal charges after allegedly scamming grieving pet owners by faking cremations and returning bags of false ashes. Rodney and Yalanda Ward, owners of Loving Care Pet Funeral and Cremation Services in Catonsville, Maryland, are accused of dumping animal remains while continuing to charge families for cremation services.

Rodney Ward has been charged with 56 counts of malicious destruction of property, felony theft, and conspiracy. His wife, Yalanda, is facing the same charges. Prosecutors say the couple operated a fraudulent business for over a year, deceiving more than 50 pet owners. The returned ashes were not pet remains, but instead filled with items like gravel, sand, vermiculite, and baking soda.

Baltimore County State’s Attorney Adam Lippe stated, “None of those boxes came back to be pet remains.” The investigation began in March 2025 after several pet carcasses were discovered discarded along local roads. Authorities later searched the Wards’ property and found 38 animal bodies inside a hearse.

Rodney Ward was denied bail during an August 28 court hearing after fleeing authorities for a week before his arrest. Prosecutors argued he was a flight risk and a danger to the community. Yalanda Ward was arrested earlier and has since posted $10,000 bail.

The Wards allegedly continued their operation even while under investigation. Prosecutors say that despite law enforcement’s efforts, seven animals are still unaccounted for, and families are left devastated. One victim described the ashes she received as “beach sand,” not consistent with cremated remains.

Prosecutor Lippe emphasized the emotional toll on the victims, stating, “I may not be able to find their pets’ remains, but hopefully I’ll be able to close the story, the tragedy for them about how mean this crime is.” The state is pushing for a swift resolution as the case proceeds to trial.

School Shooter Linked to Extremist Networks

Reversed Pentagram symbol, Satanic sign (Allexxandar/Getty via Canva Pro)

Robert “Robin” Westman, the 17-year-old who killed two children and injured 17 others at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, was reportedly tied to shadowy online extremist groups that prey on vulnerable youth.

According to The Daily Mail, Westman’s writings and symbols suggest connections to the so-called “764 network” — a collection of nihilistic, satanic, and neo-Nazi communities that encourage violence, mass shootings, and even self-destruction. Groups within the network, including 764, COM, No Lives Matter, and the Order of Nine Angels, operate in secret through encrypted platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Terrorgram.

Experts say these communities target young people, particularly those struggling with identity or isolation, and pressure them into acts of self-harm, animal abuse, or mass violence. “It never fails that these shooters come from these places,” said News Junkie host Shawn Wasson. “These deranged people hatch in these shadow communities and unleash their nihilistic worldview on convenient victims.”

Idaho State professor David Riedman, who runs the K-12 School Shooting Database, said Westman’s use of coded Cyrillic writing pointed toward allegiance to these networks. He noted the shooter referenced Nashville Covenant School attacker Aubrey Hale, who herself cited Columbine killers, showing how each new attack feeds into extremist “lore” online.

Westman’s now-removed YouTube video showed him saying, “I wanna kill myself” and blaming his mother’s opposition to his transgender transition for fueling his rage. He added that he felt “good about the anticipation” of the massacre.

The extremist networks Westman is believed to have engaged with are not only violent but also criminal. The FBI has linked 764 members to child exploitation crimes, including the 2023 conviction of founder Bradley Cadenhead, sentenced to 80 years in prison for child pornography. Another California man was arrested this week for using the network to extort minors.

The Order of Nine Angels, a satanic fascist group dating to the 1970s in the UK, has been referenced in terrorism cases abroad. Its stated goal, according to the BBC, is to dismantle Judeo-Christian society and replace it with a brutal new order built on fascism, social Darwinism, and occult ideology.

Authorities continue investigating whether Westman had active ties to these extremist groups and how online radicalization played a role in the attack.

Seattle Braces for Sean Feucht’s “Revive in ’25” Worship Event at Gas Works Park

Seattle
(Andrea Leopardi/Unsplash)

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is preparing for Christian musician and activist Sean Feucht’s “Revive in ’25” worship tour stop at Gas Works Park this Saturday. City officials hope the event will remain peaceful amid tensions between Feucht’s movement and LGBTQ activists.

Feucht, founder of the Let Us Worship movement, announced on Facebook: “The city of Seattle has invited us back to Gas Works Park!!! It’s time to bring the fire again to the city!”

The worship event was initially slated for Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill — a neighborhood at the heart of Seattle’s LGBTQ community — but was moved after Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office requested a change, citing safety concerns.

Feucht has faced frequent protests over his opposition to transgender ideology and LGBTQ activism. In May, a similar worship event at Cal Anderson Park erupted into clashes between police and counterprotesters, leading to 23 arrests. Days later, local Christians rallied outside Seattle City Hall against what they called anti-faith policies of the city government.

Charlette LeFevre, founder of the Capitol Hill Pride Festival, criticized city officials for allowing Feucht’s concert, calling the move to Gas Works Park “insulting” to the LGBTQ community. She argued that his message amounts to hate speech: “When he’s out there defaming and demonizing the gay community, that’s not right.”

Feucht rejects those claims, insisting his message is one of faith and freedom. “God is using this to provoke a nationwide conversation about religious freedom and just testing how tolerant these tolerant people are,” he said in a recent interview.

The SPD said it will monitor the event closely, deploying its Police Outreach Engagement Team (POET) officers to maintain communication with both organizers and counterprotesters. SPD spokesperson Det. Eric Munoz confirmed that officers will intervene against violence or property damage.

Mayor Harrell’s office defended granting the permit, noting the city is bound by the First Amendment: “Seattle cannot decline a permit based on the anticipated message of the event or views of the organizers. At the same time, the city strongly celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community.”

The event is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. at Gas Works Park.

Newsom Deploys CHP Crime Teams, Bonta Pushes Torrance Police Reform

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that new California Highway Patrol (CHP) crime suppression teams will be deployed across the state to partner with local law enforcement in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire.

“These new deployments double down on partnerships to build on progress and keep driving crime down,” Newsom said, contrasting his approach with what he called the Trump administration’s efforts to “undermine cities.”

The CHP units will focus on high-crime areas, targeting repeat offenders, seizing firearms, and disrupting organized crime, according to the Governor’s Office. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said combining resources and intelligence will “better disrupt criminal activity and strengthen community safety.”

Since Newsom first deployed CHP officers to assist local agencies in 2024, the partnerships have resulted in more than 9,000 arrests, nearly 5,800 stolen vehicle recoveries, and over 400 firearms seized.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the move, calling it “a collaborative partnership” that will support LAPD and community organizations.

While Newsom spotlighted the new CHP efforts, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a five-year reform plan for the Torrance Police Department following a state Department of Justice investigation that uncovered racist, antisemitic, and homophobic messages among officers.

“Today’s enforceable agreement is an important step toward improving Torrance Police Department’s practices and strengthening trust,” Bonta said.

The reform package requires Torrance police to expand data collection, modernize oversight systems, improve supervisor training, and enhance Internal Affairs. Interim Police Chief Robert Dunn emphasized the department’s zero-tolerance policy for hate and discrimination and expressed optimism about rebuilding community trust.

Together, the dual announcements highlight California Democrats’ focus on both boosting crime enforcement and addressing misconduct inside law enforcement ranks.

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