THREAD: news highlights archive

TIMING of Debate Announcement SPARKS Outrage

10 September 2024 — Rep. Meeks suggested the timing of a recent announcement, just before a major debate, is politically motivated. He criticized the selective reporting of testimony involving Kamala Harris and questioned the integrity of the process.

Meeks argued that if this were not a political game, the entire context of events should be examined. He condemned using Gold Star families for political purposes, stating their grief should not be paraded in hearings.

Host Jake Tapper noted that Gold Star families feel ignored by President Biden’s administration. Meeks acknowledged their concerns but emphasized that some claims made during hearings have been debunked, including one about a sniper having a bomber in his sights.

DEA AGENTS’ Shocking "World Debauchery Tour" Exposed

25 July 2024 — A WhatsApp chat among DEA agents revealed a shocking “world debauchery tour” involving “boozing and whoring” on taxpayer money. They shared lurid images and joked about serious crimes. The arrest of George Zoumberos in 2018 for allegedly forcing anal sex on a woman in Madrid highlighted the issue.

Despite the severity, U.S. officials barely investigated the woman’s claims. The DEA has long avoided discussing this case, only stating that such misconduct is unacceptable. Thousands of secret documents obtained by AP show a culture of corruption within the agency.

Zoumberos claimed the interaction was consensual and was released after U.S. Embassy intervention. A Spanish judge dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence, and Zoumberos returned to duty with just a reprimand for “poor judgment.” The woman maintains she clearly refused his advances.

This scandal raises serious questions about accountability within federal agencies tasked with enforcing drug laws globally. Taxpayers deserve transparency and integrity from those entrusted with such significant responsibilities.;

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION Under Fire for Ignoring Israeli Victims

28 June 2024 — The Biden-Harris Administration’s recent fact sheet on conflict-related sexual violence has sparked controversy. The document highlights victims in various countries but omits Israeli victims and Palestinian terrorists’ crimes on October 7.

Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Dan Goldman (D-NY) have voiced their concerns, sending a letter to the White House. They criticized the exclusion of sexual violence committed by Hamas against Israelis from the fact sheet.

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a screening of Sheryl Sandberg’s film Screams Before Silence, which documents these atrocities. This omission is particularly embarrassing for Democrats following Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s primary defeat this week.

DEADLY NHS Scandal: 3,000 Lives Lost to HIV and Hepatitis

20 May 2024 — A scandal involving Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) has led to the deaths of around 3,000 people from HIV and hepatitis infections. The report is expected to criticize pharmaceutical companies, medical practitioners, civil servants, and politicians. Many involved have already passed away due to the passage of time.

The scandal could result in a massive compensation bill for the British government. Tireless campaigners exposed the scale of this tragedy, which might have remained hidden otherwise. Jason Evans, whose father died from infected blood plasma in 1993, played a key role in establishing the inquiry in 2017 under Prime Minister Theresa May.

Infected blood transfusions during the 1970s and 1980s exposed thousands to hepatitis and HIV. Evans hopes that with Monday’s report release, he and countless others can find some closure after decades of suffering and loss.

COLLEGE PROTESTS Intensify: US Campuses Erupt Over Israeli Military Moves in Gaza

29 April 2024 — Protests are growing on U.S. college campuses as graduation nears, with students and faculty upset about Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They are demanding that their universities cut financial ties with Israel. The tension has led to the setup of protest tents and occasional clashes among demonstrators.

The number of arrests has climbed as tensions rise, with about 275 students detained in one day at various institutions including Indiana University and Arizona State University. The total number of arrests linked to these demonstrations has reached nearly 900 after a major police operation at Columbia University earlier this month.

The protests are now focusing on the consequences for those arrested, with increasing calls for amnesty from both students and faculty members. This shift highlights growing concerns over the potential long-term impacts on students’ futures.

In reaction to how these events are being managed, faculty members in several states have shown their disapproval by casting votes of no confidence against university leaders, signaling deepening discontent within the academic community.

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, once a prominent face on SportsCenter, has publicly ended his subscription to the New York Times. He pointed out what he sees as biased reporting on President Biden. Olbermann announced his decision to his nearly one million social media followers.

Olbermann directly accused A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, of holding a personal grudge against President Biden. He believes this resentment influences the newspaper’s focus on Biden’s age and results in unduly negative coverage.

The root of this issue appears in a Politico piece discussing tension between the White House and the New York Times. Olbermann suggests that Sulzberger’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s limited interactions with the press is prompting harsher scrutiny from reporters at the Times.

However, skepticism surrounds Olbermann’s assertion that he has been a subscriber since 1969 — a claim that would mean he started his subscription at age ten — raising questions about his accuracy and reliability in this controversy.

MEDIA BIAS Outrage: Olbermann Cancels NYT Subscription Over Biden Coverage

28 April 2024 — Keith Olbermann, a well-known media personality, has publicly ended his subscription to The New York Times. He claims the newspaper’s publisher, A.G. Sulzberger, shows a bias against President Joe Biden. Olbermann announced his decision on social media, reaching nearly a million followers.

Olbermann argues that Sulzberger’s personal dislike for Biden is harming democracy. He believes this bias is why the Times has been particularly critical of Biden’s age and his administration’s actions, especially noting the president’s limited interviews with the paper.

Furthermore, Olbermann challenges the accuracy of reports from Politico regarding tension between the White House and The New York Times. His bold move to cancel his subscription and voice criticism underscores significant concerns about fairness in political journalism today.

This incident sparks broader discussions on media integrity and bias in political reporting among conservatives who value journalistic accountability and transparency in news coverage.

USC CHAOS: Students’ Milestones Disrupted Amid Protests

28 April 2024 — Grant Oh faced a maze of police blockades at the University of Southern California as officers detained protesters of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This turmoil is just one of many disruptions during his college years, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh has already missed crucial events like his high school prom and graduation due to global upheavals.

The university recently canceled its main commencement ceremony, which was expected to host 65,000 attendees, adding another missed milestone to Oh’s college experience. His academic journey has been marked by continuous global crises, from pandemics to international conflicts. “It feels definitely surreal,” Oh commented on his disrupted educational path.

College campuses have long been hubs for activism, but today’s students are encountering unprecedented challenges. These include increased social media influence and isolation caused by pandemic restrictions. Psychologist Jean Twenge notes that these factors significantly contribute to elevated anxiety and depression rates among Generation Z compared to earlier generations.

TEXAS UNIVERSITY Police Crackdown Sparks Outrage

25 April 2024 — Police detained over a dozen individuals, including a local news photographer, during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas at Austin. The operation involved officers on horseback who moved decisively to remove protesters from the campus grounds. This event is part of a larger pattern of protests at various U.S. universities.

The situation intensified rapidly as police wielded batons and applied physical force to break up the assembly. A Fox 7 Austin photographer was forcibly pulled to the ground and detained while documenting the incident. Additionally, an experienced Texas journalist sustained injuries amid the chaos.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that these detentions were carried out following requests from university leaders and Governor Greg Abbott. One student criticized the police action as excessive, warning it could provoke further protests against this aggressive approach.

Governor Abbott has not yet commented on the incident or the use of force by police during this event.

HAITI NIGHTMARE: Gangs Unleashed as Prisons Breached and Thousands Set Free

04 March 2024 — Haiti is grappling with a violent crisis. In a shocking turn of events, armed gang members infiltrated the nation’s two biggest prisons over the weekend, setting free thousands of prisoners. To regain control, the government has enforced a nighttime curfew.

The gangs, believed to have dominance over approximately 80% of Port-au-Prince, have grown alarmingly bold and organized. They are now daringly attacking previously untouched sites such as the Central Bank — an unprecedented escalation in Haiti’s ongoing battle against violence.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry is pleading for international assistance in forming a UN-backed security force to stabilize Haiti. However, with only around 9,000 officers responsible for more than 11 million citizens, Haiti’s National Police force is frequently outmatched and outgunned.

The recent onslaught on state institutions has led to at least nine fatalities since Thursday — including four police officers. High-profile targets like the international airport and national soccer stadium were not spared from these coordinated attacks.

ISRAEL and HAMAS on the Brink of a Landmark Hostage Deal: Here’s What You Need to Know

28 February 2024 — A potential breakthrough is in sight as Israel and Hamas edge closer to a deal. This agreement could liberate about 130 hostages currently held in Gaza, offering a brief respite from the ongoing conflict, says U.S. President Joe Biden.

The deal, which could be enacted as early as next week, would bring much-needed respite to both Gaza’s battle-weary residents and the families of Israeli hostages taken during a Hamas attack on October 7th.

Under this proposed agreement, there would be a six-week cease-fire. During this time, Hamas would release up to 40 hostages — mainly civilian women, children, and older or ill captives. In exchange for this act of goodwill, Israel would release at least 300 Palestinian prisoners from their jails and permit displaced Palestinians to return home to designated areas in northern Gaza.

Moreover, aid deliveries are expected to surge during the cease-fire period with an estimated daily influx of between 300-500 trucks into Gaza — a significant leap from current figures," shared an Egyptian official involved in brokering the deal alongside U.S. and Qatari representatives

ISRAELI RAID on Gaza Hospital: A Harrowing Search for Hostage Remains

16 February 2024 — Israeli forces made a dramatic entry into Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza this past Thursday. This action followed a week of intense siege. The Israeli army stated that they were on the hunt for remains of hostages, believed to be held by Hamas. Tragically, an earlier Israeli strike resulted in one patient’s death and injuries to six others within the hospital.

The raid was initiated after the army instructed thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter in the hospital to evacuate immediately. This is part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hamas in the city of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, tensions are heightening as Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group amplify their attacks.

The military reported that it had “credible intelligence” suggesting that Hamas used Nasser Hospital as a holding place for hostages and their remains could potentially still be inside. However, it is important to note that international law strictly prohibits targeting medical facilities unless they are being utilized for military purposes.

As troops meticulously searched through the hospital buildings, over 460 staff members, patients and their relatives were relocated into an older building within the compound that was ill-equipped to handle such numbers. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported severe shortages of food, water and baby formula with six patients left unattended in intensive care.

EPSTEIN Papers REVEAL: High-Profile Figures HIT With Shocking Allegations

10 January 2024 — The final batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein from a 2015 lawsuit has been unsealed. These papers reveal startling accusations against several well-known individuals. Virginia Giuffre, the accuser in the case, named Bill Richardson, Marvin Minsky, and Les Wexner as participants in sex trafficking during her 2016 deposition. These names were previously hidden in an earlier version of the document.

Jean-Luc Brunel and Glenn Dubin are also implicated in these recent filings. Brunel passed away while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Dubin’s allegations were previously made public and he has since denied them. Richardson is known for his roles as former Democratic governor of New Mexico and President Clinton’s ambassador to the United Nations.

Minsky was a respected computer scientist at MIT who died in 2016. Wexner is recognized as the founder of Limited Brands and ex-CEO of Victoria’s Secret. Despite these serious allegations, no charges have been filed against Wexner who cut ties with Epstein back in 2007.

Giuffre alleges she had numerous sexual encounters with Wexner including one incident involving another victim, Sarah Kellen. However, it remains uncertain why certain parts of Giuffre’s deposition needed to be redacted before being stricken from record and re-filed.

2023 RECAP SHOWDOWN: Washington Examiner Editors’ Battle in Year-End Trivia Challenge

26 December 2023 — As 2023 draws to a close, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the year’s most noteworthy events in Washington. Join Chris Irvine, Managing Editor, and Jim Antle, Executive Magazine Editor of the Washington Examiner for an engaging recap.

Witness these two seasoned experts as they go head-to-head in a trivia duel. The contest is orchestrated by Investigations Editor Sarah Bedford to determine who holds the upper hand when it comes to knowledge about the West Wing, Supreme Court, and Capitol Hill happenings.

To jog your memory on 2023’s major headlines and more, join our Washington Examiner reporters and editors for this festive end-of-year trivia challenge. It promises to be an enlightening journey through the past year’s key moments.

DEATH PENALTY On Trial: Americans Voice Unfairness, Report Unveils Shocking Shift

01 December 2023 — The U.S. death penalty is under fire as more Americans express concerns about its fairness. This change in public sentiment is leading to the increasing marginalization of capital punishment in the country, according to a recent annual report.

However, it remains unclear whether this waning support will result in the end of capital punishment. While some experts anticipate its complete abolition soon, others predict a slow decline rather than an immediate vanishing.

In 2023, only 24 individuals were executed and 21 were sentenced to death. This marks the ninth year in a row with fewer than 30 executions and less than 50 death sentences. Only five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions this year; the smallest number in two decades.

A Gallup poll from October disclosed that half of Americans believe capital punishment is unjustly applied. This level of doubt represents the highest since Gallup started surveying this topic back in 2000.

IRAN’S Death March: Over 100 Lives Silenced Since Hamas Attack

17 November 2023 — Since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, Iran has silenced over a hundred lives, drawing global scrutiny. This alarming surge in executions, referred to as Tehran’s “execution spree,” was spotlighted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) on November 15, 2023.

The NCRI revealed this disturbing trend while the United Nations General Assembly’s Third Committee was contemplating a resolution to condemn Iran’s human rights abuses. Despite numerous UN rebukes for their “systematic and widespread violation of human rights,” the Iranian regime remains undeterred in its brutal execution campaign.

The council implored the international community to isolate Iran as a response to these heinous actions. The NCRI denounced any form of appeasement with Iran, notorious for its record-breaking executions and warmongering activities. They argued that such tolerance clearly contradicts international human rights standards.

Independent news outlet Al-Monitor reported that since October 7, Iran has executed 114 people for “fabricated crimes,” including vague charges like “corruption on Earth” and “enmity against God.” While the NCRI estimates slightly fewer executions at around 107 so far, they anticipate this number will continue to escalate in the coming days and weeks. This grim situation emphasizes an urgent call-to-action against Iran’s ongoing human rights

London PRO-PALESTINE Protests Ignite Controversy: Multiple Arrests and Shocking Symbols Unveiled

15 November 2023 — Central London witnessed a wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations on Saturday. The majority of the event was peaceful, but nearly 100 protesters were detained. An equal number of hard-right counter-protesters also faced arrests.

The Metropolitan Police are seeking six marchers for questioning, including one woman who displayed a contentious sign. This woman, identified as ex-Labour activist Kate Varnfield, held a placard stating “no British politician should be a ‘friend of Israel’,” with an alarming Swastika-Star of David symbol splattered with red.

Varnfield’s spouse defended the sign’s symbolism, claiming it wasn’t antisemitic but instead represented the emblem for Raelism — a UFO cult from the '70s that purports human life was engineered by extraterrestrials prepping for their return to Earth. Authorities have questioned two individuals regarding this controversial placard.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Wipe Out Images of Hamas Hostages: A SHOCKING Act of Erasure

08 November 2023 — A startling incident involving pro-Palestinian protesters has come to light. They were caught on video removing posters of innocent victims from a recent Hamas terrorist attack. The video features Lucia Mendoza, a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion VP at her sorority. This act has sparked outrage and raised questions about the root cause of such dehumanization.

The October 7 Hamas attack resulted in the capture of at least 240 hostages from diverse nationalities. Among these hostages were vulnerable individuals like the elderly and infants. Supporters of the Palestinian cause are now under fire for allegedly trying to erase these victims’ images.

When confronted about this unsettling trend by NBC News’ Peter Alexander, Jean-Pierre could not provide a clear answer. This failure to defend free speech and innocent victims’ rights has triggered widespread criticism across social media platforms.

This incident highlights an increasing worry about supporters’ potential moral responsibility for atrocities committed in their cause’s name. As these events continue to unfold, it’s crucial that all parties involved maintain respect for human rights and dignity.

AMERICAN TEEN Freed: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Family’s Fight Against Hamas Captivity

21 October 2023 — Natalie Raanan, an American teenager, has been released after enduring two harrowing weeks as a hostage under Hamas in Gaza. Her father, Uri Raanan from Illinois, confirmed the news of her freedom and reassured that she is recovering well. The announcement sparked an outpouring of relief and joy within the family who had spent anxious hours praying for Natalie’s safe return.

Uri Raanan expressed his overwhelming relief and joy at the thought of his daughter being home in time to celebrate her upcoming 18th birthday. Before her abduction, Natalie and her brother Ben had made plans to get matching tattoos as a symbol of their bond on this special day. In a heartfelt tribute during her absence, Ben got a tattoo that intertwined their names.

The family’s group text message thread turned from cautious optimism to jubilant celebration upon receiving the news about Natalie’s release. Despite their happiness, they remain conscious that other families continue to live under the shadow of fear for their captive loved ones.

ISRAEL-HAMAS Conflict Sparks Heated Debate at Harvard: Students Caught in the Crossfire

17 October 2023 — Harvard University, a renowned center for political and philosophical debate, finds itself in the throes of a heated discussion over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The recent outbreak of war has led to a polarized campus atmosphere filled with apprehension.

Pro-Palestine student organizations have released a statement attributing the escalating violence solely to Israel. This declaration ignited immediate backlash from Jewish student groups accusing them of endorsing Hamas attacks.

Pro-Palestinian students refute these accusations, stating their message has been misinterpreted. The discord on campus reflects the nationwide debate over this sensitive issue.

Students associated with these groups are experiencing intense criticism both within university grounds and on social media platforms. Amidst this fiery controversy, both pro-Palestinian and Jewish students report feelings of fear and alienation.