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Iván Cepeda Launches 2026 Bid to Finish Petro’s Agenda

Colombia
Colombia (German Rivera De La Torre/Unsplash)

Senator Iván Cepeda, a staunch leftist and longtime opponent of former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, has been chosen as the 2026 presidential candidate by Colombia’s ruling Historic Pact coalition. The decision follows a low-turnout primary election held Sunday, solidifying the Petro-led bloc’s commitment to continuing its socialist agenda.

Cepeda won with around 65% of the vote, defeating former Health Minister Carolina Corcho. Just 2.37 million Colombians participated in the primary—down sharply from the 5.8 million who voted in the coalition’s 2022 primary, where President Gustavo Petro secured 4.5 million votes.

A self-described “human rights defender,” Cepeda has played a leading role in Colombia’s controversial peace negotiations with Marxist terrorist groups FARC and ELN. Both groups continue to conduct drug trafficking, child recruitment, and attacks across Colombia. FARC members have been tied to the recent assassination of conservative Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Cepeda is widely known for initiating a judicial process against former conservative President Álvaro Uribe, which led to a high-profile legal battle. After years of litigation, Uribe was convicted of fraud and bribery in July. However, a Colombian appeals court overturned the conviction last week, citing judicial bias and due process violations. Cepeda condemned the reversal and vowed to continue pursuing Uribe through legal channels.

While Petro is barred from seeking reelection, Cepeda pledged to continue his policies. “Democracy prevails and must be obeyed,” Petro said following Cepeda’s win. Cepeda echoed the sentiment, calling the Historic Pact “the most powerful political force” in Colombia.

The coalition is now seeking to consolidate into a single unified party. A separate group of leftist parties, the Broad Front, plans a March 2026 primary to select a rival candidate. It remains unclear whether Cepeda will participate, pending a legal ruling on the Historic Pact’s political status.

The View Explodes, Trump Will ‘Remain in Power’

Sunny Hostin on 'The View' (Screenshot from X/@CharlieKirk)

Liberal hosts on ABC’s The View erupted Monday over President Donald Trump’s leadership and rising popularity, with co-host Sunny Hostin claiming he is “most definitely going to try to remain in power.” The discussion came after remarks from Trump and his former strategist Steve Bannon sparked a wave of speculation among left-wing media figures.

Co-host Whoopi Goldberg began the segment by calling Trump a “dictator,” referencing a recent interview in which Bannon joked to The Economist that Trump could secure a “third term.” The comment, made in clear hyperbole, was immediately seized upon by the panel as evidence of authoritarian intent.

Goldberg said, “You know who told us he was going to be a dictator on day one? And damn if he isn’t a dictator.” She accused the president of consolidating power and warned viewers of what she described as an “escalating threat to democracy.”

In response, Hostin declared, “The 22nd Amendment is so clear. No president can run twice.” She then suggested Trump might try to defy that constitutional limit, arguing, “I’ve come to the conclusion that he is most definitely going to try to remain in power because he’s hooking up the White House like he doesn’t plan on leaving it.”

Her remarks drew laughter and disbelief from viewers online, many of whom pointed out that the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars any president from serving more than two terms. Supporters of President Trump dismissed the claims as baseless fearmongering designed to distract from his strong polling numbers and expanding political influence.

The latest comments from The View underscore how Trump continues to dominate headlines—and provoke emotional reactions from his critics—as he maintains a commanding lead heading into the 2026 political season.

When Fire Falls: How the Great Welsh Revival Ignited My Faith—and the World

Photo by Kenny Eliason, Unsplash

I was a pre-law student when my life changed forever. What began as a historical curiosity soon became a spiritual hunger. If God could shake a nation through one surrendered heart, then surely He could move in mine. . .

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TikTok Bounty Threat Pam Bondi, $45K ‘Dead or Alive’

Pam Bondi
Pam Bondi (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Federal authorities have arrested a Minnesota man accused of posting a TikTok video that offered a cash bounty for the murder of former U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The suspect, identified as Tyler Maxon Avalos of St. Paul, now faces federal charges after allegedly inciting violence against a public official.

According to court documents, Avalos posted a graphic on TikTok featuring an image of Bondi with a red sniper scope dot placed over her head. The caption read: “WANTED: Pam Bondi — REWARD: $45,000 — DEAD OR ALIVE (Preferably Dead).” The post also included the words: “Cough cough. When they don’t serve us, then what?”

A TikTok user who saw the post reported it to authorities, triggering a federal investigation. Agents arrested Avalos at an apartment complex last Thursday. Prosecutors say his criminal record includes prior convictions for stalking and domestic violence, making the threat even more serious.

Investigators noted Avalos’ TikTok account was filled with anti-government symbols and content promoting anarchism. One of the links on his profile directed users to “An Anarchist FAQ,” a known anti-state publication.

Despite political criticism in recent years, including from figures like Ty Cobb, Pam Bondi remains an active advocate for law enforcement and national security. She has taken a leading role in pushing back against soft-on-crime policies and has criticized Democrat officials who obstruct immigration enforcement.

Bondi has also warned local leaders who threaten ICE officers, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between lawful citizens and those in the country illegally. She continues to support federal efforts to reduce violent crime and defend law enforcement operations.

The case underscores rising concerns over online threats targeting public officials and the growing influence of extremist content on social media platforms.

Illinois Illegal Immigration Law Blows Up in Democrats’ Faces

Pritzker
(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Republican congressional candidate Christian Maxwell is calling out Illinois Democrats for deflecting blame on illegal immigration policies while ignoring the role of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s pro-illegal alien legislation. Speaking after a Democrat-led press conference in Chicago, Maxwell criticized the state’s delegation for failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with President Donald Trump on immigration reform.

At the event, Rep. Delia Ramirez claimed Trump and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem created a “violent invasion,” while other Democrats, including Reps. Chuy Garcia and Jonathan Jackson, left the room before taking any questions. Rep. Robin Kelly admitted no attempts had been made to request a meeting with the president, dismissing the possibility outright.

Maxwell, who is running against Jackson in Illinois’ 1st District, said refusing to seek solutions disqualifies their criticism. “If they haven’t even tried to pursue a meeting, you cannot make a single claim about what Trump will not do, because you never asked,” Maxwell stated.

He also highlighted Illinois’ own role in the crisis, pointing to the 2021 Way Forward Act signed by Gov. Pritzker. The act restricts law enforcement from inquiring about immigration status and ends agreements between local jails and ICE. Maxwell argued this created sanctuary-style protections and increased the burden on federal resources.

By making it harder for ICE to detain illegal aliens in Illinois, Maxwell said the law forced the federal government to move detainees out of state at taxpayer expense. He called out the hypocrisy of Democrats blaming Trump while supporting state laws that obstruct immigration enforcement.

Maxwell’s comments tap into growing frustration over sanctuary policies and the breakdown of border security, positioning immigration as a central issue in his challenge to the Democrat stronghold.

Exposed, Benefits for Criminal Illegals You Paid For

U.S. Money (Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash)

The Biden administration is under fire after revelations that illegal aliens convicted of heinous crimes—ranging from sexual assault to attempted murder—have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded Medicaid benefits. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) disclosed the information as Democrats push for continued funding amid the ongoing government shutdown.

HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill exposed the Medicaid payments in a series of posts, citing multiple illegal alien convicts who benefited from government health care programs. One case involved 84-year-old Abraham Pineda Tovar, an illegal alien from Guatemala convicted of sex offenses, who received $7,829 in Medicaid benefits.

Another recipient, 38-year-old George Bestman, convicted of sexual assault in 2021, received over $5,500. Similarly, 33-year-old Elias Nyawenda, also convicted of sex crimes, has received more than $176,000. Galuak Rotgai, a 41-year-old convicted of attempted second-degree murder, collected over $34,000.

The list also includes 52-year-old Patrick Galoustian, an illegal alien from Iran convicted of multiple sexual assaults, who received more than $7,500 in taxpayer-funded health care.

O’Neill sharply criticized Democrat lawmakers, accusing them of prioritizing benefits for criminal illegal aliens over paychecks for American federal workers. He stated that Democrats are using government shutdown negotiations to protect these Medicaid payouts, while scientists and staff at HHS are left without pay.

The revelations strike a nerve in the ongoing debate over illegal immigration and federal entitlements. Conservative lawmakers are calling for immediate reforms to prevent further misuse of taxpayer funds. The incident underscores growing concerns about federal oversight and the prioritization of illegal immigrants over American citizens.

Florida Judge Shocks State With Concealed Carry Ruling

Illinois

A Florida judge ruled Friday that the state’s ban on concealed carry for adults aged 18 to 20 violates the Second Amendment. Broward Circuit Judge Frank Ledee declared the restriction unconstitutional, stating that the law unjustly limits the rights of legal adults to defend themselves.

Judge Ledee wrote in his opinion that the law “strips a class of legal adults of their ability to exercise the very right the Constitution guarantees.” He added that the restriction is overly broad and fails to respect the constitutional protections afforded by the Second Amendment.

The case focused on 19-year-old Joel Walkes III, who was arrested after police found a firearm in his waistband during a traffic stop. Walkes reportedly admitted to carrying the weapon. His defense argued that adults aged 18 to 20 are granted full legal responsibilities in many areas, including voting, marriage, and military service.

Ledee agreed with this reasoning, highlighting that the law unfairly singles out a group of legal adults and denies them a fundamental right. His ruling challenges the existing state law that bars these adults from legally carrying concealed firearms, a regulation that has stood despite their eligibility for other adult responsibilities.

The decision may pave the way for broader challenges to gun control measures that target specific age groups. It also aligns with recent federal court rulings that have emphasized an originalist interpretation of the Second Amendment—where the right to bear arms is not age-restricted for legal adults.

Florida’s attorney general may appeal the ruling, but for now, the decision marks a significant legal victory for gun rights advocates in the state and sets a potential precedent for similar laws across the country.

Indiana Redistricting Special Session Could Flip Congress

American flag (David Everett Strickler/Unsplash)

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced a special legislative session set to begin November 3 to redraw congressional districts and update the state’s tax code in line with the new federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The move aims to bolster conservative representation and bring tax consistency ahead of the 2026 filing season.

Braun emphasized that the session is necessary to ensure Indiana voters are not sidelined by redistricting efforts in Democrat-controlled states. “I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington,” Braun said in his announcement. The session will also address mismatches between Indiana’s tax code and new federal standards introduced under sweeping federal reforms.

Indiana uses the federal tax code as a foundation for its own system. Without prompt adjustments, taxpayers and preparers could face delays, amended returns, and confusion during the 2026 filing season. Braun said immediate action would ensure “stability and certainty for taxpayers” while maintaining Indiana’s reputation for sound fiscal management.

Republican lawmakers have increasingly pushed for mid-decade redistricting, citing concerns that current district boundaries underrepresent conservative voters. State Sen. Liz Brown indicated the GOP caucus was ready for action, stating that “Republican voices are not being heard” under current maps.

The redistricting effort enjoys strong support from the state’s congressional delegation. All seven of Indiana’s Republican House members have endorsed the session, including Rep. Marlin Stutzman, who called it necessary to give “conservative Hoosiers the representation in D.C. they deserve.”

Indiana follows a broader national trend among red states. Texas, Missouri, and Florida have all undertaken redistricting initiatives designed to expand GOP representation. Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump have encouraged red states to take bold steps to counter gerrymandering by Democrat-run legislatures.

Currently, Indiana’s nine-member House delegation includes seven Republicans and two Democrats. The new maps are expected to solidify Republican advantages ahead of the 2026 midterms. If passed with an emergency clause, the changes could take effect immediately.

Jasmine Crockett Ethics Scandal Explodes, What She Hid

Jasmine Crockett
(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Radical leftist Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is under fire after revelations that she failed to disclose a secret stock portfolio and attempted to launch a marijuana business while serving as a public official. The findings have sparked serious ethics concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

Records show Crockett held shares in at least 25 companies, including Amazon, General Motors, ExxonMobil, Ford, AstraZeneca, and Aurora Cannabis. These holdings were not reported during her 2022 congressional campaign or upon entering Congress, despite her previous admissions as a Texas state legislator. The undisclosed assets raise questions about whether Crockett sought to conceal investments that could pose conflicts with her legislative agenda.

Crockett also reportedly attempted to open marijuana dispensaries in Ohio, holding a 20% stake in a cannabis startup. At the same time, she served as legal counsel for a man accused of murder in a drug-related case involving marijuana. Despite these ties, she has aggressively pushed for decriminalization legislation at both the state and federal levels.

Critics note that some of the companies in Crockett’s portfolio would directly benefit from bills she has championed. Others stand in stark contrast to her public persona as a climate activist. For example, while publicly advocating for green energy, Crockett privately held investments in fossil fuel giants. This discrepancy further fuels accusations that she is misleading constituents.

In a separate incident, Crockett recently stated that committing a crime doesn’t necessarily make someone a criminal, depending on their “mindset.” The comment drew widespread criticism for downplaying personal responsibility and the rule of law.

Crockett has presented herself as a self-reliant figure, never married and financially independent, yet she failed to disclose debts totaling over $100,000 from her time in the Texas legislature. These financial inconsistencies, combined with her undisclosed investments, have intensified calls for accountability.

With whispers of a potential Senate run in Texas, Crockett’s credibility and ethical standing are now under national scrutiny.

Trump’s New Civics Test Stuns Immigrants, Twice as Hard

ICE reporting bill
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers (Photo by Bryan Cox/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump’s administration has expanded the U.S. naturalization civics test, doubling the number of questions immigrants must answer to become American citizens. Under the direction of USCIS Deputy Director Joseph Edlow, the revised test aims to ensure deeper understanding of American history and constitutional principles.

The change aligns with Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” The revised civics test increases the number of questions from 10 to 20. To pass, applicants must now answer at least 12 correctly, up from the previous six. The questions remain orally administered and cover U.S. history, government structure, and foundational principles.

A federal notice explains the intent behind the update: “These changes balance the need of USCIS to ascertain the aliens’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of American history, and of the principles and form of government of the United States.” The change is aimed at reinforcing national identity and encouraging assimilation.

The policy applies to all immigrants who filed for naturalization on or after October 20. The goal is to ensure legal immigrants are well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of American citizenship.

In an August interview, Edlow made clear the administration’s reasoning. “It’s important for people to understand English, it’s important for people to understand our history and our government,” he said. “The way the test is written right now and the way it is executed right now, it’s just a little too easy.”

The changes follow a broader Trump-era push to prioritize legal immigration while securing the country against potential threats. The tougher test reinforces an immigration policy centered on national security, integration, and respect for the Constitution.