Tag: politics

The not-so-hidden agenda behind Mamdani’s budget bumbling

Mayor Zohran Mamdani is making a show of cutting the budget, with videos of him looking for millions under sofa cushions.

He’s pretending he’s leaving no stone unturned to close a $5.4 billion budget gap.

Don’t buy it. These are token gestures meant to suggest the city has cut all it can, giving Albany cover to justify what he hopes comes next: Mamdani’s tax hikes on high earners and employers.

Sure, cutting low-value government spending deserves some credit, but the problem is that Mamdani’s savings are mostly speculative or trivial.

Even the largest cut so far, $100 million from removing ineligible health-care dependents, would only materialize if auditors find such dependents.

And even if he reaps all the $1.7 billion in savings that he’s seeking, it would still leave that $5.4 billion hole untouched.

In other words, his budget assumes those savings are real, even though they may never materialize, leaving not a $5.4 billion but a $7.1 billion gap.

Meanwhile, he’d be spending on things like a three-year, $1.86 billion, no-bid deal with the hotel industry to provide homeless shelters, including for migrants, who now have no time limit on their stay.

He somehow found another $260 million for a new “Mayor’s Office of Community Safety,” an office with just two staffers.

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Battle for Hungary: How the Russiagate blueprint has been unleashed against Orban

The shadow campaign to swing the Hungarian election against Viktor Orban has escalated with the wiretapping of Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The case offers a rare look into how bureaucrats, journalists, and spies run a regime-change operation in real time.

Three weeks out from the April 12 elections, the political opposition to Orban scored what seemed to be a win over the weekend, when Politico and the Washington Post ran articles alleging that Szijjarto had phoned Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with “live reports on what had been discussed” at multiple EU meetings. The reports cited anonymous “European security officials.”

Neither Orban nor Szijjarto make any secret of their desire to maintain cordial relations with Moscow, particularly on matters of energy security and the peace process in Ukraine. However, when bundled with more outlandish claims – that Russian “election fixers” are already embedded in Budapest, for example – the reports paint a picture of a government compromised by the Kremlin.

Orban’s leading opponent, Peter Magyar, has repeated these claims in his speeches. After the Szijjarto story broke, he accused the foreign minister of “betraying Hungarian and European interests,” and threatened him with “life imprisonment” for treason, should his Tisza party win the election.

All it took was one leaked audio file for the scheme to unravel.

The Szijjarto wiretapping plot

In an audio file released by Hungarian conservative outlet Mandiner on Monday, opposition journalist Szabolcs Panyi can be heard telling a source how he passed Szijjarto’s phone number to “a state organ of an EU country.” Once they had this number, he explained, agents of this country were able to extract “information about who that number spoke to, and they see who is calling that number or who that number is calling.”

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Trump Calls on Senate to End Filibuster, Says “Weak and Ineffective” Republican Senators that Stand in the Way Should be “Exposed”

President Trump once again called on Republican Senators to end the filibuster amid ongoing gridlock and partial government shutdown.

The Senate very early Friday morning, after a marathon session, unanimously approved a voice-vote package to fund the Department of Homeland Security, except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and key parts of Customs and Border Protection.

Democrats flat-out refused to support full funding without gutting immigration raids and deportation operations.

Instead of fighting for the full funding, Thune and the Senate GOP folded in the dead of night, when no one was watching.

The House of Representatives late Friday night passed a short-term DHS funding bill.

The House voted 213-203 to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security for 8 weeks.

However, the bill is likely dead on arrival in the Senate because it won’t get the 60 votes needed to pass the measure.

The SAVE America Act is still stalled in the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others have floated passing the SAVE America Act through reconciliation which only requires 51 votes.

This requires approval from the Senate Parliamentarian and she would immediately slash the SAVE America Act from the reconciliation package because it is not a budgetary item.

The only option is to nuke the filibuster and pass bills with 51 votes in the Senate.

The president once again called on Senators to nuke the filibuster.

Trump said it is time to expose the Republican Senators who stand in the way.

“It is time for the Senate Filibuster to END. Those weak and ineffective Republicans Senators that stand in the way of this should be exposed to the public. The Democrats are CRAZY!” Trump said in a Truth Social post.

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Vance Says Tim Walz Could be Prosecuted in Fraud Probe, Signals California Voter Fraud Will Also be Investigated

Vice President JD Vance discussed his plans with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud in an interview with Benny Johnson on Friday, where he said that Tim Walz and other Democratic officials could “absolutely” be prosecuted for defrauding taxpayers. 

Chaired by Vice President JD Vance, with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson as Vice Chairman, “the Task Force will coordinate measures to improve eligibility verification, implement pre-payment controls, detect high-risk fraud trends, and disrupt and dismantle fraud networks and the mechanisms through which fraud is committed,” according to the order.

Earlier in the interview, Vance stated that Somali Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)  “definitely committed immigration fraud, against the United States of America” and that the task force is looking into what can be done about it, The Gateway Pundit reported. ‘We’re trying to look at what the remedies are. That’s the thing we’re trying to figure out is what are the legal remedies now that we know that she’s committed immigration fraud? How do you investigate her? How do you go after her?” he added, suggesting that she may also be involved in the mass welfare fraud in the Somali community.

When asked about failed Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, Vance trolled Walz’s horrendous debate performance against him, then said, “We’re going to have to maybe kick him again a little bit.”

“We’re absolutely going to prosecute it,” he said if the investigation shows that Walz engaged in criminal activity.

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NY AG Letitia James referred again for criminal prosecution for alleged homeowner insurance fraud

The director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has again referred New York Attorney General Letitia James to the U.S. Department of Justice for criminal prosecution, proffering allegations that New York’s top cop may have falsified information on her homeowner’s insurance application. 

The FHFA Director William Pulte, who oversees Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Banks, asked U.S. Attorneys in Florida and Illinois on Wednesday to “authenticate and investigate” the information, according to two letters reviewed by Just the News. 

Pulte cites a series of social media posts by attorney and President of The Article III Project, Mike Davis, who explained how he believes the evidence laid out in previously published court documents demonstrate that James misled her home insurer when applying for coverage.

You can read the referrals here:

2026-03-25_14-03.pdf

2026-03-25_14-02.pdf

James allegedly classified a home in Norfolk, Virginia as her principal residence 

This is the second time Pulte has turned over criminal referrals to the Justice Department targeting James for alleged wrongdoing related to her homeownership.

The New York Attorney General’s office did not respond to a request for comment from Just the News. 

Last April, Pulte sent a similar letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche alleging James “falsified bank documents and property records to acquire government-backed assistance and loans and more favorable loan terms.” Among the allegations, Pulte said James classified a home in Norfolk, Virginia as a principal residence even though, as a New York State officer, she was required to maintain residency in the state. 

Later that year, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia indicted James, charging her with bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution. However, the charges were later dismissed after a judge ruled that the prosecutor, Lindsay Halligan, was not lawfully appointed, and the merits of the case were not reached. The grand jury declined to issue a new indictment after the disqualification, Just the News previously reported. 

In response to those earlier allegations, James accused President Trump and his administration of “weaponizing the justice system” and called the charges “baseless.” 

The new allegations from Pulte cite court exhibits attached to filings as part of this earlier legal action against James. 

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City that never sleeps to get 11 pm lights out order under Dem NY state lawmaker proposal

A proposed bill from a New York state lawmaker could dramatically change the nighttime atmosphere of New York City, potentially leaving landmarks like the Empire State Building and nearly half of the city dark after 11 pm.

Manhattan assemblywoman Deborah Glick has sponsored the “Dark Skies Protection Act,” which would require many businesses and residential buildings in New York City to turn off non-essential lighting between 11 pm and 5 am. The proposal aims to reduce energy consumption, cut down on light pollution, and protect migratory birds.

According to the legislation, its goal is to “preserve and enhance the state’s dark sky while promoting safety for people, birds and other wildlife, conserving energy and reducing our carbon footprint, and preserving the aesthetic qualities of the night sky.”

“Our ancestors were able to experience a night sky full of stars, but now 80% of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way and experience its profound beauty,” the bill states. “Exposure to excess artificial light can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythms – causing changes to brain wave patterns, hormone production, cell regulation, and other biologic activities.”

If passed, the measure would take effect in 2028. The bill includes exemptions for lighting “used for travel and public safety would be exempt.” However, the proposal has drawn criticism from those who argue that reduced lighting could lead to increased crime, including theft and gang-related activity.

“I guess Glick wants to push one last ridiculous idea before she retires,” said NYS Conservative Party chairman Gerard Kassar, according to The New York Post.

Despite the concerns, Glick appears to be prioritizing environmental concerns. The bill notes that 70 percent of bird species migrate annually, with 80 percent migrating at night using the night sky for navigation. Bright city lights, the bill argues, can disorient birds and lead to fatal collisions.

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Los Angeles Times Columnist Says if a Republican Wins the Race for Governor of California, ‘A Recall Would Begin Immediately’

In 2017, on the same day that Donald Trump was first sworn in as president, the Washington Post ran a story with the headline “The Campaign to Impeach President Trump has begun.”

That’s right, the people on the left who have been telling all of us for years that Trump doesn’t respect our democracy or accept election results are dealing purely in projection. That headline, coupled with their behavior ever since proves it.

Now, they might prove it to us all over again in California.

A columnist for the Los Angeles Times named Steve Lopez is promising that if a Republican wins the race for governor in California (GASP), that an effort to recall that person will begin immediately.

These people are not even waiting to lose elections anymore. They’re just telling us that they will never, ever accept Republican leaders, even if the voters choose them.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Yes, a Republican could be California’s next governor. And a recall would begin immediately

Once upon a time in California, I went to the Orange County fairgrounds to watch Arnold Schwarzenegger give the signal for a wrecking ball to drop onto a vehicle.

The audience went wild, and Schwarzenegger went on to become governor and deliver on his promise to roll back a car tax increase, thereby blowing a $4-billion hole in the state budget.

I think it’s fair to say that in the current gubernatorial campaign season, the excitement level is several decibels below what we experienced in 2003. But once again, it’s fair to say we’ve not seen anything quite like this year’s derby…

To break that down, eight Democrats and two Republicans are running in the primary, and here’s the craziest thing about that:

The two Republicans could be the top two vote-getters because the Democrats have arranged themselves into a circular firing squad. While the Dems scramble for votes in the June 2 primary, the two Republicans lead in the polls because they’re splitting the GOP vote, and under the rules of the top-two primary, they could face off in the November election.

Lopez fantasizes about how the recall effort would take shape, should a Republican win:

A wealthy Democratic donor could bankroll the recall campaign, Stutzman said. Or public employee unions might put up the money, given that a Republican winner is likely to create a state version of Elon Musk’s ham-handed attempt to fire nearly everyone on the federal payroll.

“The pitch,” Stutzman said of the recall strategy in an email, would be that “Trump still looms and CA must resist, and a GOP gov is a fluke of weird election law. Difficult to imagine it wouldn’t succeed.”

The most amazing thing about this column is that it barely even touches on why a Republican could win the election. California is losing population for the first time in history. The state has the highest taxes in the country. People are still struggling to rebuild their homes from wildfires that happened more than a year ago. Even the entertainment industry is deserting California.

Instead of focusing on this, the columnist’s entire premise boils down to: Here’s how we can make sure a Democrat wins and how we can sabotage the winning Republican if it comes down to that.

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Congress Is Trying to Sneak a CBDC into Their Must-Pass Housing Bill: Economist St Onge

Economist Peter St Onge raised concerns about a housing bill moving through Congress, arguing that a provision within the legislation could allow for the development of a central bank digital currency despite language presented as a ban.

“Republicans in Congress are pushing a central bank digital currency, once again disguised as a ban, so they can surveil and control every dollar you spend,” St Onge said.

He questioned the intent behind the proposal, adding, “Will it be the Republicans who make you eat the bugs?”

St Onge said the broader housing bill includes provisions addressing zoning regulations and mortgage rates but also contains additional elements he described as problematic.

“Republicans in Congress are currently pushing a housing bill that does some useful things to red tape zoning and mortgage rates while doing some shady things, this is Congress, remember,” he said.

He added that the legislation includes financial measures, stating, “Like letting banks print money they don’t have, and handing free money to people with bad credit, which didn’t work in 2008.”

St Onge said a key concern is a provision related to digital currency, explaining, “But hidden deep in the bowels is a little gem that effectively green lights a central bank digital currency, CBDC, so long as Wall Street gets a piece of the action.”

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Okmulgee city councilor arrested, accused of child abuse

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said an Okmulgee city councilor accused of child abuse was arrested on Tuesday.

On Nov. 24, 2025, the Okmulgee Police Department requested OSBI to investigate a report of child abuse.

OSBI said an Okmulgee Police report stated that 63-year-old Marcus Jeffrey struck several minors with a belt during a youth meeting at a local church.

Jeffrey, who is an Okmulgee city councilor, reportedly started as a teacher for the youth group a few weeks prior to the incident, according to OSBI.

OSBI said that while reviewing video surveillance from inside the church, Jeffrey was reportedly seen swinging a belt toward a group of children, hitting a number of them.

An arrest warrant was issued for Jeffrey on Tuesday, and he turned himself in to the authorities the same day.

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California Gubernatorial Debate Canceled Because Only White Candidates Qualified for the Event

There was supposed to be a debate tonight for the California gubernatorial race but it has been canceled because only white candidates met the criteria for the event.

Millions of Americans tonight are saying – So what? Who even cares about this?

California has massive problems right now. Is this really one of them?

Perhaps this is one of the reasons that California is bleeding population for the first time in history. Because the people in charge are obsessing over skin color instead of the crazy high taxes and homes that are still not rebuilt more than a year after the wildfires.

NBC News reports:

California governor debate canceled after criticism of criteria that excluded candidates of color

A California gubernatorial debate was canceled just hours before it was set to occur on Tuesday after mounting criticism that only white candidates in the crowded field had qualified for the event.

The criteria to participate in the debate, which was set to be co-sponsored by the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles TV station KABC, had emerged in recent days as a source of controversy in the wide-open race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom. The sprawling field includes eight prominent Democrats and two major Republicans, as well as several other lesser-known candidates.

USC had faced condemnation for using polling and fundraising criteria for participation in the debate that had resulted in the exclusion of all the nonwhite gubernatorial candidates.

In a statement from late Monday night, USC said that the “concerns about the selection criteria” for the debate had “created a significant distraction from the issues that matter to voters.”

“Unfortunately, USC and KABC have not been able to reach an agreement on expanding the number of candidates at tomorrow’s debate. As a result, USC has made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow’s debate and will look for other opportunities to educate voters on the candidates and issues,” the university said in that statement.

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