The Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) has backed down on nearly half of its pending obstruction charges against January 6 defendants, following a Supreme Court ruling making it harder to pursue such charges. Many January 6 defendants were prosecuted for obstructing an official proceeding—namely, Congress’s certification of the 2020 electoral votes.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that this was an abuse of the relevant statute, originally intended to punish people for actions such as destroying documents to impede financial crime investigations in the wake of the Enron scandal.
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Last week, the DOJ dropped obstruction charges in about 60 of 126 pending cases. They plan to proceed with charges against 13 defendants but are still deciding on the remainder. For those already tried, the DOJ has agreed to dismiss 40 of 133 obstruction charges, with reviews ongoing for the rest.
The DOJ is trying to downplay these moves, saying, “There are zero cases where a defendant was charged only for [obstruction of an official proceeding],” so “even if the government foregoes this charge, every charged defendant will continue to face exposure to other criminal charges.”
However, 17 defendants were solely convicted of obstruction, showing the charges had real consequences for many.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: An active shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has seen between ten and 20 people shot and several fatalities, according to unconfirmed preliminary reports.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Police, emergency services, unidentified victims, and an unidentified gunman.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Church, Minneapolis.
🎯IMPACT: Police have yet to officially confirm details of the casualties, the status of the gunman, or his suspected motivations. The church and surrounding areas are under lockdown as officers secure the scene.
IN FULL
UPDATE: 10:50 AM — President Donald J. Trump has responded to the shooting, writing on his Truth Social platform, “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”
Sources now indicate the gunman is dead following a self-inflicted gunshot.
UPDATE: 10:45 AM — Law enforcement has confirmed the suspect in the shooting has been “contained;” whether or not he has been killed is currently unclear. Reports indicate there is no continuing threat to the public.
Original report continues below.
Police and emergency services are currently responding to an active shooting at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where multiple casualties have been reported. While initial reports suggest ten to 20 people have been shot, including fatalities, official confirmation is pending.
The incident began around 8:30 AM on Wednesday when officers were alerted to an active shooter at the Catholic church, which also houses a K-8 Catholic school. The gunman is reportedly armed with a rifle, but it remains unclear whether the shooting specifically targeted the church’s daily mass or the school.
A large contingent of emergency services has been dispatched to the scene as officers work to secure the area. The status of the suspect remains uncertain at this time.
Local officials and eyewitnesses have provided limited details as the situation is still developing. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continue.
This story is developing…
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Chinese cancer researcher was charged with stealing trade secrets for China, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Yunhai Li, a 35-year-old research scholar at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The charges were filed on Monday in Harris County, Texas. The alleged theft occurred earlier this year at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We have zero tolerance for any attempts that hurt our nation and our community’s ability to pioneer critical medical breakthroughs.” — Sean Teare, Harris County District Attorney.
🎯IMPACT: The case highlights concerns about intellectual property theft and national security risks within U.S. research institutions.
IN FULL
Yunhai Li, a 35-year-old Chinese national and cancer researcher, has been charged with theft of trade secrets and tampering with government records, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Li, who had been a researcher at MD Anderson Cancer Center since 2022, is accused of attempting to steal cancer-related research and transfer it to China.
Li was in the U.S. on a Department of State research exchange scholar visa, with his work funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD). He reportedly uploaded nearly completed research on a vaccine to prevent breast cancer from spreading to a Chinese server, Baidu, before abruptly quitting his position on July 1.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), intercepted Li at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on July 9. They found unpublished research, trade secrets, and confidential files stored on a laptop linked to the Chinese server. Prosecutors allege that Li also conducted undisclosed research for Chongqing Medical University, violating his non-disclosure agreements.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare stated, “Houston is proudly home to some of the most groundbreaking medical institutions in the world—publicly funded centers that are saving lives each day thanks to their innovative research. We have zero tolerance for any attempts that hurt our nation and our community’s ability to pioneer critical medical breakthroughs.”
Li was arrested and later released on a $5,100 bond after surrendering his passport. He allegedly told police he stole the research because he felt it was his right and that it was “going to waste.” Federal prosecutors may also pursue charges against Li.
The arrest comes as President Donald J. Trump has said his administration plans to double the number of Chinese students studying in the United States. It is unclear whether the Trump White House, especially Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is championing the visa expansion, has adequately weighed the national security implications of such a move.
❓WHAT HAPPENED: Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has decreased by nearly half since President Donald J. Trump deployed federal troops and law enforcement agents in the city.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., from August 7 through August 25, 2025.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals—over 1,000.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: More than 1,094 arrests have been made, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, and significant reductions in violent crime and burglaries have been reported.
IN FULL
Over the three weeks since President Donald J. Trump federalized Washington, D.C. law enforcement and deployed federal agents and troops to restore order, violent crime has reportedly dropped by nearly 50 percent, based on a CBS News analysis of crime data.
The analysis examined incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from August 7 to August 25, revealing a notable decline in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024 and the five-year average. Burglaries have decreased by 48 percent, and car thefts have dropped by 36 percent.
Contrary to some corporate media reports, federal forces have focused on high-crime areas, such as U Street, NW, where gun crimes were well above the citywide average, with the National Guard providing a deterrent present at locations such as subway stations. The White House has reported over 1,094 arrests since the operation started, including eight gang members affiliated with MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and the seizure of 115 firearms.
On August 25 alone, 87 arrests were made, including 39 illegal immigrants. Notably, D.C.’s sanctuary policies protecting illegals have been suspended since federalization.
President Trump commented on the effort, saying, “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals – over 1,000.” He also called D.C.’s crime data “phony,” likely referring to reports from police unions that senior officers are deliberately misclassifying crimes. At least one police commander is currently facing charges for allegedly doctoring statistics.
Federal forces are also aiding “beautification” projects in D.C., with at least 49 homeless encampments being cleared.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a 30-day ultimatum for California, New Mexico, and Washington to enforce federal English proficiency rules for truck drivers or face losing federal funding.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Department of Transportation, and officials from California, New Mexico, and Washington.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made August 26, following an investigation into a deadly August 12 crash on the Florida Turnpike involving an illegal alien trucker.
💬KEY QUOTE: “This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs—semis—can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained.” – Sean Duffy
🎯IMPACT: States could lose millions in federal funding, with California at risk of losing $30 million, Washington $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million if they fail to comply.
IN FULL
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has given California, New Mexico, and Washington a 30‑day ultimatum on August 26 to enforce federal English‑proficiency requirements for commercial truckers, or face the loss of federal funding. This directive follows a federal investigation launched after a deadly crash earlier this month on the Florida Turnpike, in which Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, allegedly made an illegal U‑turn and killed three people.
“This is about keeping people safe on the road. Your families, your kids, your spouses, your loved ones, your friends. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs, semis, can understand the road signs, that they’ve been well trained,” Duffy stated.
The Department of Transportation’s probe into the Florida crash revealed several lapses. Singh received his commercial driver’s license from both California and Washington despite his illegal status. New Mexico authorities failed to administer the required English‑language test after Singh was pulled over for speeding in July. He reportedly answered only two of 12 questions correctly in an English Language Proficiency test, and misidentified three of four road traffic signs.
From June 25 to August 21, California alone allowed at least 23 drivers with documented violations in English proficiency to continue driving. Similar enforcement failures were identified in Washington and New Mexico.
Should they fail to come into compliance, California faces up to $30 million, Washington about $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million in potential federal funding losses under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.
In response to the tragedy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, framing the action as both a safety and economic measure, announced an immediate pause in issuing work visas for commercial truck drivers, including H‑2B, E‑2, and EB‑3 categories, citing concerns over road safety. Rubio emphasized the decision was aimed at preventing unqualified or unsafe drivers from entering U.S. roads and protecting American truckers.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel reversed its rebranding decision and restored its old logo following public backlash.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Cracker Barrel, President Donald Trump, and conservative activist Robby Starbuck.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made Tuesday, following earlier statements and public feedback.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.” – Cracker Barrel
🎯IMPACT: The decision aligns with customer feedback and addresses concerns over the company’s direction.
IN FULL
Cracker Barrel announced it would revert to its old logo after facing significant backlash over its rebranding. The decision came after public criticism and a statement from President Donald Trump urging the company to listen to its customers.
Fox News’ Bret Baier reported the news on X, quoting the company’s statement: “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”
President Trump weighed in on the situation earlier, posting on Truth Social: “Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before.” He added that the company could turn the situation into a “great opportunity” if handled correctly.
The company had initially apologized on Monday, stating that “Uncle Herschel” would remain on road signs and branding, but stopped short of restoring the old logo at that time. By Tuesday, Cracker Barrel reversed course entirely, citing the importance of listening to its customers.
The controversy also brought attention to Cracker Barrel’s involvement in DEI initiatives, “all ages” pride events, and a “diversity” supplier program, which had drawn criticism from conservative voices, including activist Robby Starbuck.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: Federal agents and federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers conducted a crackdown on delivery drivers in Washington, D.C., seizing mopeds and arresting individuals.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Metropolitan Police Department, delivery drivers, and pro-illegal immigrant groups.
📍WHEN & WHERE: August 2025, Washington, D.C.
💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy.” – Michael Lukens, Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
🎯IMPACT: The crackdown highlights issues with bosses exploiting illegal immigrants for cheap labor.
IN FULL
Federal agents and officers from the federalized Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recently conducted a joint operation in Washington, D.C., targeting delivery drivers across the city. Witnesses say officers in tactical gear seized scooters and mopeds, loading them into trucks already filled with impounded vehicles.
The MPD says the operation is part of an effort to address unsafe driving. According to officials, more than 1,200 scooters have been impounded and 139 arrests have been made since the initiative began. However, the department did not address the visible involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“It’s very clear ICE is targeting delivery drivers because they’re outdoors, which makes it easier to do warrantless arrests. It’s a population that ICE is aware is very immigrant-heavy. And frankly, it’s easy for ICE to go after them,” said Michael Lukens, executive director of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights. He added that many of those arrested are recent Venezuelan immigrants and could be subject to fast-tracked deportation.
The crackdown has led to a noticeable drop in the number of delivery drivers on city streets. Videos circulating on social media show agents detaining drivers, tackling one outside a coffee shop.
A growing number of food delivery workers in the D.C. area are illegal immigrants, especially from Venezuela, who often lack work permits, insurance, and vehicle registration. Many of these workers use unregistered mopeds and scooters while waiting for legal asylum or work authorization. Locals have expressed concern about reckless scooter driving.
So far, major food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash have not commented on the arrests or the broader issue of illegal alien workers on their platforms.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem say Israel is demanding they leave their churches in Gaza and evacuate, but they intend to remain where they are.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem, the Israeli armed forces, and Gazans.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem released a joint statement on August 26.
💬KEY QUOTE: “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge,” the joint statement reads.
🎯IMPACT: Intensification of the war in Gaza could lead to the destruction of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Holy Land.
IN FULL
The Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem have issued a joint appeal warning of a humanitarian catastrophe as Israel prepares to take control of Gaza City. In their statement, the Patriarchs condemned “the gates of hell” scenario unfolding in Gaza, where “massive military mobilization” and evacuation orders are forcing hundreds of thousands, including the Christian minority, to flee south.
Clergy and nuns at the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Catholic Holy Family complex declared they would not flee. They say they are sheltering malnourished children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, describing leaving as “nothing less than a death sentence.” They argue that “There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians, or revenge.”
Their plea echoes the words of Pope Leo XIV, who recently affirmed: “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected… especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.”
In an address on August 13, the America-born pontiff expressed deep concern about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, warning, “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved… they must be freed. But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.
On July 17, 2025, an Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic Church, Holy Family parish, killed three civilians and wounded ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The building had become a refuge for both Muslims and Christians, including children with disabilities. Israel labeled the attack accidental, caused by stray tank fire, but the Patriarchate challenged this, saying it amounted to a grave violation of sanctity.
In response, Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III made a rare personal visit to Gaza on July 18. They brought hundreds of tons of emergency aid, coordinated evacuations for the injured, and offered solidarity to survivors.
President Donald J. Trump is reported to have been furious about the strike on the church, communicating his anger over the incident to the Israeli government directly.
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By Popular Demand.
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❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge appointed by President Donald J. Trump dismissed a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit targeting all 15 federal judges in Maryland, calling it “not ordinary.”
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: District Judge Thomas Cullen, the Trump administration, and the Maryland federal judges.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The ruling was issued on Monday in Maryland.
💬KEY QUOTE: “To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law.” – Judge Thomas Cullen
🎯IMPACT: The ruling underscores tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration, with over 200 lawsuits challenging the administration’s policies.
IN FULL
A federal court has dismissed a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit that targeted all 15 federal judges in Maryland. The case stems from an order that blocked the Trump administration from deporting illegal immigrants who sought to challenge their removal in court.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Cullen, who was appointed by President Donald J. Trump in 2019, described the lawsuit as “not ordinary” and criticized the administration’s approach. He stated, “Any fair reading of the legal authorities cited by Defendants leads to the ineluctable conclusion that this court has no alternative but to dismiss.”
The DOJ had argued that the judges’ pause on deportation proceedings hindered the President’s authority to enforce immigration laws. However, Cullen sided with the Maryland judges, who contended that the lawsuit was an attack on the judiciary.
In his ruling, Cullen emphasized that the administration should address grievances through proper legal channels, stating, “If Trump truly believes that the Maryland judges’ order is illegal, then the administration should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal.”
While the case was always considered a long shot, some in the administration had hoped a win could tamp down the scale of Democratic lawfare currently hampering efforts to deport the millions of illegal immigrants allowed into the country under former President Joe Biden.
There has been tension between President Trump and Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society since he began his second term, with the America First leader contending they recommended bad judges to him during his first term.
❓WHAT HAPPENED: A Ukrainian cargo ship captain was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence after piloting a massive container vessel into Seattle while intoxicated.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Oleh Danylin, a 48-year-old Ukrainian cargo ship captain, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
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📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, when the MSC Jubilee IX arrived at Terminal 5 in Seattle, Washington. Charges were filed on Tuesday, August 26.
💬KEY QUOTE: “A single miscalculation could have put lives, property, and critical shipping lanes in danger.” – Prosecutor’s filing.
🎯IMPACT: Captain Danylin faces up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted, with further legal proceedings scheduled.
IN FULL
A Ukrainiancargo ship captain, Oleh Danylin, has been charged in King County, Washington, for allegedly piloting a massive container vessel into Seattle, Washington, while intoxicated. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges of Operation of a Vessel While Under the Influence, a gross misdemeanor, against Danylin on Tuesday morning, August 26.
The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, when the MSC Jubilee IX arrived at Terminal 5 in Seattle. A Puget Sound pilot assigned to guide the ship through local waters reported smelling alcohol on Captain Danylin and alerted the U.S. Coast Guard. Danylin denied drinking, claiming the odor was from mouthwash, but failed field sobriety tests. A preliminary breath test registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.241, three times the legal limit. Further testing confirmed levels of 0.253 and 0.254.
Danylin was arraigned in King County District Court, where he entered a plea of not guilty. He was released on personal recognizance but ordered to surrender his passport to the U.S. Coast Guard and barred from operating any vessel while the case is pending. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the risks posed by operating a large cargo vessel while impaired.
“This isn’t just a weekend boater,” the filing stated. “A single miscalculation could have put lives, property, and critical shipping lanes in danger.” While most DUI cases in King County are handled at the city level, the county prosecutor’s office has jurisdiction over certain waterways.
If convicted, Danylin faces up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. His next court appearance is a pre-trial hearing scheduled for August 27, with a routine pre-trial session set for September 27. Prosecutors have requested a jury trial.
❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted.
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👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal prosecutors, and murderers in Washington, D.C.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on August 26, 2025.
💬KEY QUOTE: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” — President Trump
🎯IMPACT: The new policy aims to serve as a further deterrent to violent crime in D.C.
IN FULL
President Donald J. Trump announced that federal prosecutors trying homicide cases in the District of Columbia will now be directed to seek the death penalty against those convicted. The America First leader revealed the federal prosecutorial policy change during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
“Anybody murders someone in the capital, capital punishment,” President Trump said. “Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital—Washington, D.C.—we’re going to be seeking the death penalty. And that’s a very strong preventative, and everybody that’s heard it agrees with it.”
“We have no choice. So in D.C., in Washington—states are going to have to make their own decision—but if somebody kills somebody… it is the death penalty,” he added.
🚨 @POTUS: “If somebody kills somebody in the capital — Washington, D.C. — we’re going to be seeking the death penalty.” pic.twitter.com/Aa47sLzDbk
While the federal death penalty can be sought in all 50 U.S. states and territories, its application has been exceedingly rare. Currently, there are only three prisoners on federal death row after former President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 men last December.
Notably, of the 16 federal prisoners executed since 2001, 13 of them were executed during President Trump’s first term between July 2020 and January 2021.
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By Popular Demand.
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