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Category: News
April 11, 2025
Corruption
Election Integrity

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces FEC Scrutiny Over ActBlue Donations.

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❓What Happened: The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has initiated an investigation into Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) over campaign donations made through ActBlue.

👥 Who’s Involved: Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the FEC, conservative advocacy group Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, and ActBlue.

📍 Where & When: The complaint was filed in March 2025; the FEC notified the group on April 2, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: FEC assistant general counsel Wanda D. Brown informed, “The respondents will be notified of this complaint within five business days.”

⚠️ Impact: The scrutiny could impact Rep. Crockett’s campaign financing and bring attention to ActBlue’s fundraising operations.

IN FULL:

The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) has initiated an inquiry into donations to Rep. Jasmine Crockett‘s (D-TX) campaign. The inquiry will focus on contributions made via ActBlue, a platform for Democratic fundraising currently under increased scrutiny over allegations centered on foreign straw donations.

According to the FEC, its investigation seeks to determine whether donations made through ActBlue and designated for Crockett’s campaign adhere to federal campaign finance laws, given suspicious patterns in when the contributions were made.

A March 2025 complaint by the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, a conservative advocacy organization, prompted the FEC’s action. The group has raised concerns over the nature of the fundraising activities linked to Rep. Crockett and allegations of voter intimidation. On April 2, 2025, the FEC formally communicated its intent to review these matters to the foundation.

Dan Becker, attorney for the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, was informed of the investigation through a letter from FEC’s assistant general counsel for complaints examination and legal administration, Wanda D. Brown. Brown indicated that the parties involved would be notified promptly, and any additional information gathered would be shared with the Office of the General Counsel.

At the core of the complaint is a case involving a donor, reportedly linked to 53 individual donations amounting to $595 made using the ActBlue portal. These donations were attributed to a 73-year-old Texas resident, Randy Bes. However, Bes’s spouse reportedly denied knowledge of these transactions. This has led to further suspicion regarding the legitimacy of such donations, possibly mirroring a pattern seen amongst other contributions.

“Rep. Crockett, through her principal campaign committee Respondent Jasmine for U.S., has received thousands of other donations through ActBlue totaling over $870,000,” the complaint filed with the FEC states, before continuing: “It is unclear how many of these are similarly fraudulent transactions, made in the name of unsuspecting innocent people who did not actually provide the funds.”

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April 11, 2025
Immigration

This European Country Has Started Sending Illegals to Detention Centers Overseas.

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❓What Happened: Forty migrants with no permission to remain in Italy have been transferred to Italian-run centers in Albania, marking the first time a European Union (EU) country sent rejected migrants outside the EU to a country that is neither their country of origin nor a transit destination.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Italian government, the Albanian authorities, and migration experts.

📍 Where & When: Italian media reported on April 11 that the migrants left Brindisi, Italy, towards centers in Shengjin and Gjader, Albania.

💬 Key Quote: “It is a new, courageous, unprecedented path, but one that perfectly reflects the European spirit and has all the makings of a path to be taken with other non-EU nations as well.” — Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

⚠️ Impact: The legality of this action under EU law is in question, with concerns from rights groups over potential violations of so-called asylum rights. However, if successful, the initiative by Italy could set a precedent for similar actions by other EU countries.

IN FULL:

Italy has initiated the transfer of 40 illegal migrants to detention centers in Albania. It is the first instance of a European Union (EU) country sending rejected migrants to a non-EU nation that is neither their point of origin nor a transit destination. This move instituted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has raised legal uncertainties and attracted attention from leftist groups who claim it compromises the right to seek asylum.

The migrants embarked from the Italian port of Brindisi and are being housed in Italian-managed facilities in Shengjin and Gjader, Albania. These centers were initially intended to process the asylum requests of individuals intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea, although their purpose seems to be shifting under new decrees. The Albanian facilities came into existence through an agreement with Italy worth 800 million euros over five years, allowing a significant monthly number of migrants to be processed or repatriated.

Australia largely ended seaborne illegal immigration through Operation Sovereign Borders, which saw would-be asylum seekers transferred to safe third countries years ago, but Italy is the first European nation to implement a similar policy. Britain’s former Conservative government funded a scheme to transfer migrants to Rwanda but allowed it to be bogged down in lawfare for years, with the new Labour Party government canceling it as soon as they were elected last summer.

The measure parallels proposals from the European Commission advocating for “return hubs” across EU member states, although approval remains pending. Legal experts and “human rights” organizations are closely watching the situation, as Italy’s example may inspire similar policies in other EU nations, with the Netherlands reportedly considering transferring migrants to Uganda.

Italy is also curbing migrant inflows by strengthening its border policies. This year has seen a reduction in migrant arrivals to Italian shores, dropping to just under 11,000. Last year, Italy saw over 66,000 illegals arrive by sea. Primary arrivals in 2025 are from Bangladesh, Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt.

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April 11, 2025
Education

Michigan Refuses to Comply with Trump DEI Order.

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❓What Happened: The state of Michigan has decided not to comply with a directive from the Department of Education demanding schools eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump, Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor.

📍 Where & When: Michigan, United States.

💬 Key Quote: Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice insisted, “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

⚠️ Impact: This position underscores Michigan’s commitment to DEI initiatives, while other states, like Indiana, have chosen to comply with federal directives. The national discourse on the legality and value of DEI initiatives in education continues.

IN FULL:

Michigan is rejecting a federally imposed directive demanding schools cut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The move comes in response to a recent memo from the Department of Education. The Trump administration’s directive urged schools nationwide to align with its interpretation of federal civil rights law, which limits the use of racial considerations in education settings.

Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice asserts that the state adheres to all federal civil rights mandates. He emphasized the importance of DEI efforts, proclaiming them both lawful and vital. Rice contends that “Pre-K-12 programs that promote diversity representing all children, regardless of race, and inclusion of all children, regardless of race, do not inherently harm particular groups of children and are not de facto violations of Title VI.”

The February memo from the Department of Education mandates that educational institutions cease using racial preferences in decisions regarding admissions and scholarships and outlines potential consequences for noncompliance, including investigations or loss of federal funding. However, a number of state education leaders have joined Michigan in resisting the Trump administration directive, including in Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Each state claims it already meets federal civil rights guidelines.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor argues that DEI initiatives lead to discrimination, favoring one group over another. “For decades, schools have been operating on the pretext that selecting students for ‘diversity’ or similar euphemisms is not selecting them based on race. No longer. Students should be assessed according to merit, accomplishment, and character—not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Trainor stated in February. He warned: “The Office for Civil Rights will enforce that commitment.”

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April 11, 2025
Immigration
NatSec

Immigrants on Terror Watchlist Granted Medicaid Benefits.

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❓What Happened: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed that a group of 6,300 individuals admitted into the U.S. under the Biden regime were identified to have criminal records or were on the terrorist watchlist and subsequently able to obtain government benefits like Medicaid.

👥 Who’s Involved: The individuals were processed by Border Patrol and identified by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during Joe Biden’s term of office.

📍 Where & When: These incidents have been occurring since at least 2023 within the United States.

💬 Key Quote: The Department of Government Efficiency stated that these paroles “have since been terminated with immediate effect.”

⚠️ Impact: Paroled individuals were able to receive social security numbers and file for work authorization. It was found that 905 individuals accessed Medicaid, 41 collected unemployment benefits, 22 received federal student loans, 409 received tax refunds, and several benefited from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payouts.

IN FULL:

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has identified a cohort of 6,300 individuals admitted into the United States without legal status who are listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Terrorist Screening Center watchlist or possess criminal records. According to DOGE, almost all of these illegal immigrants were admitted and paroled into the United States by the former Biden government.

Despite lacking official legal status, these paroled individuals filed for work permits and were granted social security numbers. Subsequently, they were able to obtain access to various government benefits, raising concerns regarding eligibility and oversight failures.

Among the identified 6,300 people, 905 were found to be registered for Medicaid, including four individuals on the terrorist watchlist, accruing $276,000 in expenses. Additionally, 41 individuals collected unemployment insurance worth $42,000, and 22 had federal student loans totaling $280,000.

Furthermore, 409 individuals received tax refunds totaling $751,000 in 2024 alone. Several have also reportedly accessed benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, commonly known as food stamps. The investigation into the exact number of SNAP recipients continues.

The Department of Government Efficiency stated that these paroles “have since been terminated with immediate effect.” However, the revelations have prompted questions within the government regarding the rigor of current screening processes and the mechanisms in place for vetting individuals.

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April 11, 2025
Immigration

Court Sides with Trump, Illegal Immigrants Must Register Federally.

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❓What Happened: A federal judge ruled in favor of the Trump administration, requiring anyone in the U.S. illegally to register with the federal government and carry documentation.

👥 Who’s Involved: Judge Trevor Neil McFadden, President Donald J. Trump, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem were central figures in this ruling, alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

📍 Where & When: The ruling occurred in a federal court and will go into effect Friday.

💬 Key Quote: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.”

⚠️ Impact: The ruling enforces a longstanding requirement, extending to non-U.S. citizens who must register and provide fingerprints. Noncompliance can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

IN FULL:

A federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s policy requiring individuals in the U.S. illegally to register with federal authorities and carry documentation or else face stiff financial and criminal penalties. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Trevor Neil McFadden ruled that a group challenging this requirement lacked the standing necessary for their claims to be considered. The decision will begin to take effect on Friday.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that individuals without legal status who have been within U.S. borders for longer than 30 days must comply with this registration requirement. “President Trump and I have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said, reiterating that illegal immigrants should leave the United States before they are either forcibly deported or face other legal action.

President Donald J. Trump‘s imposition of the registration requirement and financial penalties for those who fail to comply is rooted in provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. The legislation outlines various measures to monitor illegal immigrants and encourage them to depart voluntarily.

Adhering to these provisions requires anyone aged 14 and older without legal status to provide their fingerprints and current address. Canadians staying in the U.S. for over 30 days also fall under this mandate. The Trump administration underscores the importance of these laws for maintaining national safety and security.

The registration concept isn’t new, having been applied more stringently after September 11, 2001. Back then, males 16 and older from select countries were required to register, a program that was later suspended in 2011 and ultimately dissolved in 2016.

The DHS has been proactive in notifying illegal immigrants since February, warning of substantial consequences for those who fail to comply.

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April 11, 2025
Economy
News

China Imposes 125% Tariffs, Accuses Trump of ‘Bullying and Coercion.’

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❓What Happened: China increased tariffs on U.S. goods to 125 percent in response to U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products.

👥 Who’s Involved: China, the United States, President Donald J. Trump, and the Chinese Ministry of Finance.

📍 Where & When: The announcement was made on Friday.

💬 Key Quote: “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules…” claims China’s Ministry of Finance.

⚠️ Impact: U.S. products, including soybeans, pharmaceutical drugs, and airplanes, are affected; tensions between the two nations rise, with implications for international trade systems.

IN FULL:

Beijing is striking back against the United States, imposing a 125 percent tariff on American goods. The move follows U.S. President Donald J. Trump clarifying on Thursday that the effective tariff rate on Chinese imports now stands at 145 percent, up from the previous 125 percent.

Among American goods falling under the new Chinese import duties are soybeans, pharmaceuticals, and aircraft. The duty on soybeans is likely to be the most impactful, as while China exports far more to the United States than it imports, the American goods that China does buy tend to be agricultural.

In announcing the new trade measures, the  Chinese Ministry of Finance accused the United States of violating international trade norms and engaging in economic coercion. “The U.S.’s imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules,” claimed the ministry.

The U.S. had cited China’s involvement in the fentanyl trade as a factor for the tariff increase. President Donald J. Trump has been vocal about what he perceives as China’s long-standing unfair trade practices against the U.S., cautioning Beijing against further retaliation. Trump’s recent statements emphasize the need for China to recognize that its economic practices are unsustainable.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, Chinese officials maintain that the new rates leave no viable market for American exports to China. “If the U.S. continues to impose tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the U.S., China will ignore it,” the Chinese ministry remarked. However, it is important to note that China—a surplus economy—is far more reliant on the U.S. purchasing Chinese goods than vice-versa.

China appears to have halted efforts to defend its currency, the yuan Renminbi, against the U.S. tariffs. After initially devaluing earlier in the week, the yuan began to appreciate again last night. Notably, the Chinese purposefully devalue the yuan to give the country’s exports a competitive advantage in global trade.

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April 10, 2025
Crime
News

Florida AG Charges Attempted Trump Assassin Ryan Routh.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Charges filed in Florida against Ryan Routh for an alleged assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump.

👥 Who’s Involved: Ryan Routh, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

📍 Where & When: Assassination attempt at West Palm Beach golf course, Florida; charges announced on Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: Uthmeier highlighted Bondi’s role, stating she was “instrumental in preserving Florida’s sovereign authority to do what is right and bring justice where it is due.”

⚠️ Impact: Routh faces serious charges, including first-degree attempted murder and terrorism.

IN FULL:

Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, announced on Thursday that Ryan Routh is being charged in connection with his alleged assassination attempt on President Donald J. Trump. The charges come after difficulties were noted in prosecuting the case under the former Biden-Harris regime, according to Uthmeier. He acknowledged the efforts of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in maintaining Florida’s ability to bring the prosecution, indicating her role as crucial in the proceedings.

Ryan Routh has been charged with first-degree attempted murder and a terrorism offense. Law enforcement alleges that Routh had intentions to target Trump while he was at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, during the 2024 election campaign.

This incident has led to attention on the security measures surrounding the President, especially in relation to his frequent visits to the golf course in West Palm Beach. Following Routh’s arrest, President Trump briefly halted his golfing activities but resumed them following his election victory last November.

Routh is also being charged with similar crimes on the federal level, with his trial yet to begin. Court documents revealed earlier his week showed that he attempted to source anti-aircraft missiles from Ukraine to target President Trump’s private aircraft.

Having served as an attempted recruiter of foreign mercenaries for Ukraine, Routh had deep ties to the Eastern European country and has visited it extensively, also having contacts with the Ukrainian military.

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April 10, 2025
Lawfare

Judge Greenlights Defamation Suit Against Trump for Central Park Five Comments.

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❓What Happened: A judge allowed a defamation lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump to proceed.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, Korey Wise, and Judge Wendy Beetlestone.

📍 Where & When: Philadelphia, ruling made on Thursday.

💬 Key Quote: “The Plaintiffs seek to correct the record and clear their names once again,” said Shanin Specter, lawyer for the plaintiffs.

⚠️ Impact: The case looks to address Trump’s statements about the plaintiffs during the 2024 presidential election.

IN FULL:

President Donald J. Trump is facing a defamation lawsuit concerning statements about the Central Park Five after a federal judge on Thursday determined the legal action can proceed. Philadelphia-based U.S. District Judge Wendy Beetlestone ruled that the claims presented sufficient evidence to advance.

The lawsuit was initiated in October by five individuals—Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Antron Brown, and Korey Wise—who were convicted in 1989 of brutally attacking and sexually assaulting a female jogger in Central Park. They were exonerated in 2002 after a confession by another man, accompanied by DNA evidence linking him to the victim’s sexual assault—although it remains unclear whether others may have played a role in the attack prior to the sexual assault.

The victim remains convinced that more than one person was involved, and police and prosecutors have defended their case against the Five.

The legal action claims that Trump made false and damaging statements about the group. In the past, Trump had publicly advocated for the death penalty for the men. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he asserted that the Five had confessed to murder—a claim they deny. Trump’s legal defense maintains that his remarks are shielded by First Amendment rights.

The controversy was a focal topic during a presidential debate between Trump and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump insisted that the Central Park Five had admitted guilt, linking them to severe violence against a victim and suggesting contradictions in their pleas.

However, Judge Beetlestone believes that “an objective assessment” would classify Trump’s statement as false. The plaintiffs’ attorney, Shanin Specter, reiterated the group’s efforts to rectify public perception and clear their reputations following the lawsuit’s filing.

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April 10, 2025
Economy
News

Trump’s Deregulation Moves Projected to Save Average Family $11,000.

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❓What Happened: The Trump Administration has initiated measures to cut down on federal regulations, projecting substantial cost savings for American families.

👥 Who’s Involved: President Donald J. Trump and various federal agencies are involved in deregulatory actions.

📍 Where & When: Actions have been implemented across the United States since the beginning of President Trump’s second term.

💬 Key Quote: “The administration expects major cost savings from the President’s aggressive deregulatory agenda as firms respond to the improved business environment over the next several years.” — Council of Economic Advisers (CEA).

⚠️ Impact: The deregulatory measures could result in a total saving of approximately $935 billion, aiding both households and businesses.

IN FULL:

The Trump Administration’s actions to reduce the administrative state could translate into nearly $11,000 in savings for a family of four. One significant aspect of this effort involved President Donald J. Trump immediately halting all unfinalized rules from the Joe Biden era upon taking office, which saved Americans over $180 billion, or around $2,100 per family of four.

Significant savings are also projected from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rollback of tailpipe emission regulations for light- and medium-duty vehicles and modifications and the Department of Transportation rollback of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. These actions are expected to account for $755 billion in total savings, equating to approximately $8,800 per family of four.

In addition to these steps, the administration is employing a “10-to-1” deregulatory initiative. This policy mandates that each new proposed rule requires eliminating ten existing ones, amplifying the deregulatory momentum established in the president’s first term. During that period, a “two-for-one” minimum rule led to the removal of 5.5 existing regulations for each significant new one enacted.

President Trump has also managed to save Americans money by crushing inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing the biggest drop in prices in half a decade in March.

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April 10, 2025
William Upton
Corruption
Crime
Data

DOGE Finds Massive Unemployment Fraud with Alleged Babies and 115-Year-Olds Claiming Benefits.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has found an estimated $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments, prompting the Department of Labor (DOL) to launch a recovery effort.

👥 Who’s Involved: DOGE, DOL, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and state unemployment offices.

📍 Where & When: The United States, April 9, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans’ stolen tax dollars. We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud—accountability is here,” said Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer regarding the data exposing large-scale unemployment fraud.

⚠️ Impact: The DOGE data has spurred the DOL to launch an investigation and recovery effort regarding fraudulently claimed unemployment payments. If criminal negligence is found, this could significantly impact state unemployment offices that administer payments.

IN FULL:

The United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has found an estimated $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments, with some recipients being either impossibly young or impossibly old. Now in possession of the DOGE data, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) says it is investigating the fraudulent claims and will recover the stolen money.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), DOGE unveiled their review of unemployment payments found that “24.5k people over 115 years old claimed $59M in benefits,” “28k people between 1 and 5 years old claimed $254M in benefits,” and “9.7k people with birth dates over 15 years in the future claimed $69M in benefits.”

Notably, the oldest living American is 114 years old, meaning there are certainly not nearly 25,000 people over 115. Also, U.S. employment laws bar child labor, meaning no American between the ages of one and five years old—as DOGE found—should be able to collect unemployment, nor should anyone not yet born, as with the “birth dates over 15 years in the future” cohort.

“This is another incredible discovery by the DOGE team, finding nearly $400 million in fraudulent unemployment payments,” United States Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement addressing the DOGE data. “The Labor Department is committed to recovering Americans’ stolen tax dollars. We will catch these thieves and keep working to root out egregious fraud—accountability is here.”

Allegations of wide-scale unemployment fraud have been suspected for decades at the state level. Several prior investigations into unemployment data point to state workers—either through incompetence or intentional negligence—allowing the scams to continue until their public exposure.

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