AG James’ day goes from bad to worse after internet finds damning old tweets
New York Attorney General Letitia James faced an avalanche of criticism on social media Thursday following news she was indicted for mortgage fraud as many conservatives brought up past tweets of her taunting then presidential candidate Donald Trump for being indicted.
“Roses are red. Violets are blue. No one is above the law. Even when you think the rules don’t apply to you. Happy Valentine’s Day!” James posted on X in February 2024, days before Trump was barred from operating his business in New York for three years and was found liable for more than $350 million in damages in the civil fraud case brought against him, his family and the Trump Organization by James.
The trial was labeled by Trump and many conservatives as politically motivated, and on Wednesday, James herself was indicted for alleged mortgage fraud, prompting conservatives to mock the attorney general over her previous claims on social media that “no one is above the law.”
“This aged perfectly,” conservative influencer Benny Johnson posted on X.
NEW YORK AG LETITIA JAMES’ INDICTMENT SPARKS SHARP PARTISAN DIVIDE
“If you didn’t complain about this blatant politicization and mocking of the justice system, then please spare me your complaints today,” Red State writer Bonchie posted on X.
“Life comes at you fast,” meteorologist Chris Martz posted on X.
“Roses are red. Violets are blue. If you commit mortgage fraud, a grand-jury will indict you!” Former GOP county executive candidate Chrissy Casilio posted on X.
ANDERSON COOPER SAYS IT WAS ‘NOT A GREAT LOOK’ FOR LETITIA JAMES TO THREATEN TO SUE TRUMP AFTER HER ELECTION
“According to the indictment, Tish James claimed this was a second residence, as opposed to an income property,” GOP Rep. Mike Lawler posted on X. “If true, then it would seem based on her own tweets, she believes that is a prosecutable offense as it resulted in a more favorable loan.”
“I totally agree!” Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz posted on X in response to a past James post. “No one is above the law!”
“No one is above the law and that includes NY’s criminal and failed attorney general Tish James – the most corrupt AG in the nation,” GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik posted on X.
“No one is above the law!” Outkick founder Clay Travis posted on X.
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A federal grand jury in Virginia indicted James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Lindsey Halligan said James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count and forfeiture if she’s convicted.
“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” Halligan said. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”
In a statement, James said the charges were part of Trump’s effort to impose “political retribution at any cost.”
President Trump receives positive health assessment after follow-up medical visit
President Donald Trump is in “excellent overall health,” the president’s doctor said in a memorandum after a follow-up evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday.
Earlier this week, the White House announced that Trump, 79, would undergo a “routine” semiannual physical on Friday.
The president also met with troops while at the hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.
TRUMP’S STAMINA IMPRESSES THE EXPERTS
“President Donald J. Trump successfully completed a scheduled follow-up evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center,” Navy Capt. Sean P. Barbabella, the physician to the president, wrote in a memorandum to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Barbabella said that the visit was part of an ongoing health maintenance plan that included “advanced imaging, laboratory testing and preventative health assessments conducted by multidisciplinary team of specialists.”
He added, “Comprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional, including stable metabolic, hematologic and cardiac parameters.”
In his summary, Barbabella said Trump, “remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance.”
Barbabella also said Trump also received updated COVID-19 and flu shots in preparation for international travel.
DOCTORS REACT TO ALLEGED TRUMP HEALTH CONCERNS AS PHOTOS SHOWING SWELLING AND BRUISING
“President Trump continues to demonstrate excellent overall health,” he wrote, adding that his cardiac age was found to be “approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age. He continues to maintain a demanding daily schedule without restriction.”
The medical checkup will be Trump’s second this year. He had a similar exam in April, during which his physician stated that he “remains in excellent health.”
In July, the president was diagnosed with a vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. At the time, Leavitt said Trump had noticed “mild swelling” in his lower legs and was evaluated by the White House medical unit.
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Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when veins in the legs struggle to allow blood to flow back up to the heart.
Leavitt attributed the bruising on the president’s hand to “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.”
US warns Americans about popular vacation spot as terror threat looms
The U.S. State Department issued a revised travel advisory pertaining to the Republic of the Maldives Oct. 7.
“Exercise increased caution in [the Maldives] due to terrorism,” the Level 2 travel warning notes.
The advisory indicates that “terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning.”
TOURISTS TOLD TO VISIT ICONIC DESTINATION ‘ON DOCTOR’S ORDERS’ AS PUSHBACK EMERGES
Tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and local government facilities are listed as possible targets.
Officials warn that attacks may also occur on remote islands, lengthening the response time of authorities in the event of an emergency.
Travelers who have trips planned are encouraged to monitor local and breaking news.
While in the Maldives, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations and crowds, officials said.
Purchasing travel insurance is also strongly recommended.
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In 2024, over 2 million people visited the Maldives, according to that government’s database.
The island is in South Asia near the eastern Arabian Sea within the northern Indian Ocean.
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The Maldives is made up of 1,192 islands — only 200 are inhabited — that stretch along a length of over 500 miles, according to the location’s tourist site.
Iconic 169-year-old outdoor retailer set to shutter dozens of locations nationwide
The Orvis Company, one of the nation’s oldest outdoor retailers, plans to close more than two dozen stores by 2026 as part of a broader effort to shrink its retail footprint and streamline operations in response to rising tariffs.
Orvis President Simon Perkins said in a statement that 31 stores and five outlets will shutter as the company enters a “new chapter” aimed at a “more focused retail store portfolio” and leveraging its retail partners that sell its products.
Orvis works with more than 550 domestic independent dealers and several national outdoor retailers. The company’s roots date back to 1856 and its headquarters remains in Sunderland, Vermont.
JOANN, MACY’S, OTHER STORE CLOSURES PART OF A 274% SPIKE IN RETAIL LAYOFFS IN 2025
“Like many in retail, Orvis’ business model faced a sizable shift with the introduction of an unprecedented tariff landscape,” Perkins said, noting that in order for the company to “ensure a durable brand and model for decades to come, we are focusing on our core strengths and making the difficult but necessary decision to rescale the business by tightening our assortment and reducing our corporate store footprint.”
Perkins said this effort to streamline operations is more than just focusing on its products.
“It’s about ensuring Orvis continues to lead in innovation, serve our angling and upland communities, and protect the wild places we love.”
RITE AID FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY FOR SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS
The company will also invest in areas where it sees potential, such as gear, apparel, outdoor experiences, and conservation efforts, while phasing out older products.
LUXURY RETAILER CLOSING STORES IN TWO STATES BY END OF AUGUST
As part of this transition, Perkins said Orvis will offer special savings on “Last Release” styles that will not return once they are gone, along with substantial savings at closing store locations.
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Orvis is far from the only company forced to become leaner in the face of tariffs. Macy’s, which has been in the midst of closing underperforming stores to try and boost profitability as it faces cost pressures including tariffs. Macy’s executives said on its earnings call last month that it had to pay steep tariffs, as high as 145%, on certain imported items.
Women strip at Maine school board to protest trans students in girls’ locker rooms
Maine’s trans athlete conflict reignited this week with residents taking action at school board meetings.
During one meeting of the school board in the state’s capital of Augusta Wednesday, two women undressed to protest the state’s policies that allow biological males to compete in girls sports and use girls locker rooms.
The stunt came while local parent Nick Blanchard delivered a monologue condemning the school board for enforcing the state’s policies on the issue. Blanchard had spoken earlier in the meeting but returned to the lectern at the end of the meeting with the protesting women behind him to carry out the act.
“I’m about to show you guys how uncomfortable it is for young girls,” Blanchard declared to the board members. “You feel uncomfortable? Because that’s what these young girls feel like when a boy walks into their locker room and starts unchanging in front of them. Yeah, you feel uncomfortable, right? That’s what these young girls feel like every time a young boy changes in front of them.”
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The two women continued to remove garments as Blanchard’s speech continued.
“This is Maine’s capital. We should be setting an example for the rest of the state. You know what example you guys are setting? That we do not care about the young girls in the rest of the state,” he added.
A similar stunt occurred at a California school board meeting when local women’s rights activist Beth Bourne undressed during a speech at a Davis Joint Unified School Board meeting Sept. 18. Bourne was also protesting policies that allow males in girls locker rooms.
Both California and Maine’s state education agencies are being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for their policies that allow trans athletes in girls sports.
MAINE GIRL INVOLVED IN TRANS ATHLETE BATTLE REVEALS HOW STATE’S POLICIES HURT HER CHILDHOOD AND SPORTS CAREER
Multiple individual school districts in both states have passed their own resolutions to support compliance with President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order, while Democrat leadership in those states have refused to comply.
Elswhere in Maine, the RSU 24 School Board adopted one such amendment this past week.
Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones spoke at the meeting in support of the resolution.
“I don’t have anything against people who feel differently about what they are, but in my mind’s eye, and according to God, there is one man and one woman, not two different types of men, not two different types of women. Biology doesn’t lie,” Jones said.
“Don’t let us go backwards. Let’s do what we need to do to protect every single girl in the state of Maine and make sure that they are not hurt in any way shape or form.”
Maine has loosely allowed trans athletes to compete with girls since 2005, when the Maine Human Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on gender identity.
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The Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) updated its policies in 2024 to explicitly allow transgender students to compete on teams matching their gender identity.
The state, particularly its Democratic leadership led by Gov. Janet Mills, is doubling down to defy Trump and protect its trans athletes’ rights to compete against girls and share girls locker rooms.
Many residents, and now school districts, have taken steps to oppose Mills. There have been multiple protests across the state, including two at the state Capitol in August, by activists looking to protect girls from trans competitors.
A survey by the American Parents Coalition found that, out of about 600 registered Maine voters, 63% said that school sports participation should be based on biological sex, and 66% agreed it is “only fair to restrict women’s sports to biological women.”
The poll also found that 60% of residents would support a ballot measure limiting participation in women’s and girls sports to biological females. This included 64% of independents and 66% of parents with kids under age 18.
High school football team pepper sprayed after losing game they traveled 500 miles for
A high school football game ended in chaos after police deployed pepper spray in an effort to defuse verbal and physical altercations.
The Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School football team from St. Louis traveled nearly 500 miles to Massillon, Ohio, and it turned into a nightmare of a trip.
Cardinal Ritter fell to Massillon High School 28-14 in what was said to be a chippy, physical game all night.
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Tensions boiled over during the postgame handshake, when multiple players had to be separated, prompting the use of pepper spray.
Police said the officers involved “operated within our policies and procedures.”
“Our task was to ensure the safety and security of all those who enter the stadium, which includes fans, students and athletes alike. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the game brought with it multiple physical altercations on the field between both teams,” the police said in a release.
The release then explained why the pepper spray was used.
“Team staff members, coaches and Massillon police officers were forced to intervene and separate players during the post-game ‘hand-shake.’ Officers gave lawful orders on multiple occasions for Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field and head toward their locker room,” the release continued.
PHILADELPHIA SUFFERS MISERABLE SPORTS NIGHT IN CITY’S FIRST ‘TRIPLE LOSS’ IN OVER FOUR DECADES
“The verbal commands were an attempt to de-escalate the pushing and shoving occurring. Those commands were ignored. At one point during the incident, a Massillon player’s facemask was grabbed; he was surrounded, and then chased by Cardinal Ritter players. Officers once again ordered the visiting team off the field. All of this was transpiring while the Massillon marching band and cheerleaders were now on the field for the ceremonial post-game playing of the school’s alma mater. This factor concerned officers as they continued to order Ritter players off the field.
“The Ritter players again charged at Massillon players who were now near the band. This was an unfortunate and difficult situation for officers, who, during the entirety of the incident, attempted to restore order. Ultimately, two Massillon police officers deployed pepper spray, which was effective. We have thoroughly reviewed this incident and found they operated within our policies and procedures for the use-of-force action taken.”
Cardinal Ritter officials told Fox 8 in Cleveland they have contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association to see what action they could take.
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“We are aware of the incident that occurred at the Massillon, OH, football game last week, and we were very troubled by a video of what happened,” Cardinal Ritter’s president Tamiko Armstead said in a statement.
Current Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams attended Cardinal Ritter. Paul Brown, the co-founder of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, also attended Massillon.
Trump launches additional 100% tariff on China as markets fall and tensions rise
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social Friday to announce the U.S. will impose an additional 100% tariff on imports from China beginning in November.
The announcement was made hours after a separate post from Trump, in which he warned of possible new tariffs and suggested canceling a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming Beijing was planning sweeping export controls on rare earth minerals.
“Starting November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump posted to Truth Social Friday afternoon.
STOCKS FALL AS US-CHINA TRADE WAR REIGNITES AFTER TRUMP THREATENS TARIFF HIKE
“Also on November 1st, we will impose Export Controls on any and all critical software.”
In the Truth Social post, Trump argued that China has taken an “extremely aggressive” stance on global trade.
TRUMP THREATENS ‘MASSIVE’ TARIFF INCREASE ON CHINA AMID DISPUTE OVER RARE EARTH MINERALS
“It has just been learned that China has taken an extraordinarily aggressive position on Trade in sending an extremely hostile letter to the World, stating that they were going to, effective November 1st, 2025, impose large scale Export Controls on virtually every product they make, and some not even made by them,” Trump said.
“This affects ALL Countries, without exception, and was obviously a plan devised by them years ago. It is absolutely unheard of in International Trade, and a moral disgrace in dealing with other Nations.”
The announcement came just hours after Trump warned of the possibility of fresh tariffs, claiming China had been telling other countries it wants to impose export controls on rare earth minerals, which are critical components for advanced technologies ranging from semiconductors to smartphones.
TRUMP PROPOSES LEVELING PLAYING FIELD WITH CHINA ON FLIGHTS OVER RUSSIA TO AND FROM US
“Some very strange things are happening in China!” Trump posted earlier Friday. “They are becoming very hostile, and sending letters to Countries throughout the World, that they want to impose Export Controls on each and every element of production having to do with Rare Earths, and virtually anything else they can think of, even if it’s not manufactured in China.”
The escalation jolted global markets on Friday, sending the S&P 500 down more than 2%, its steepest one-day drop since April, Reuters reported.
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On Thursday, China expanded its export controls on rare earth elements. The country supplies over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths and rare earth magnets, according to Reuters.
North Korea flaunts ‘most powerful’ nuclear weapon as Kim issues warning to enemies
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un displayed a new long-range intercontinental ballistic missile at a military parade in Pyongyang that included foreign leaders on Friday.
The yet-to-be-tested Hwasong-20 was described by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency as having the “most powerful nuclear strategic weapons system.”
The government also displayed shorter-range ballistic, cruise and supersonic missiles at the military parade, which marked 80 years since the founding of the Worker’s Party.
PUTIN, KIM JONG UN BEGIN BILATERAL TALKS IN BEIJING AFTER ATTENDING MASSIVE CHINESE MILTARY PARADE
Kim said at the parade that the military “must continue to evolve into an invincible force that eliminates all threats.”
The foreign dignitaries at the parade included Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam.
Kim also met with Medvedev on Friday, who praised the sacrifice of North Korean soldiers fighting with Russia in Ukraine.
NUCLEAR THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA LOOM QUIETLY BEHIND WARS IN GAZA AND UKRAINE AT UNGA
Kim said he hoped to strengthen ties with Russia and work together toward common goals.
Last summer, Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong warned the U.S. to not attempt to restart talks centered around denuclearization, adding that Pyongyang would view any attempt to pressure North Korea to denuclearize as “nothing but a mockery.”
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“If the U.S. fails to accept the changed reality and persists in the failed past, the DPRK- U.S. meeting will remain as a ‘hope’ of the U.S. side,” Kim Yo Jong said, referring to the nation by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Dems’ military pay stunt fails as Johnson slams Senate for blocking paychecks
A Democrat-led bid to force through a bill to pay the military during the government shutdown was blocked in the House on Friday.
Democrats and some Republicans have been demanding a House vote on ensuring U.S. troops do not miss their coming Oct. 15 paycheck or any others as the government shutdown barrels into a third week.
But GOP leaders have largely dismissed the request, panning it as a Democrat bid to save face after rejecting Republicans’ funding bill that would have kept the military and other federal workers paid.
Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., attempted to ask for unanimous consent to pass the legislation on Friday afternoon during a pro forma session in the House.
JOHNSON RAISES STAKES ON SCHUMER AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN BARRELS INTO WEEK 3
But House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., who was presiding over the chamber, gaveled out of session before Elfreth could finish reading her request.
Active duty service members are deemed “essential” and so must keep working during the government shutdown. But they and other federal employees are expected to miss pay until the government is funded — at which point they would receive back pay from the checks skipped during the shutdown.
The House passed a GOP-led CR largely along party lines on Sept. 19. It would keep current government funding levels roughly flat until Nov. 21 to give Congress more time to strike a deal on fiscal year 2026 spending levels.
The measure is free from other policy riders, save for about $88 million toward enhanced security for lawmakers, the White House and the judicial branch — which has bipartisan support.
But Democrats, furious at being sidelined in those government funding discussions, are calling for both an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies and an end to Republicans’ recent Medicaid cuts in exchange for their support.
The funding bill has been stalled in the Senate, where it’s been rejected by Democrats seven times.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was visibly frustrated on Friday when he addressed reporters for his now-daily shutdown press conference and broached the issue of military pay.
“By way of reminder, the House passed a clean, nonpartisan CR three weeks ago today to keep the government funded and, by extension, to pay our troops and TSA agents and Border Patrol agents and air traffic controllers and the rest of our federal workforce,” Johnson said.
SCREAMING MATCH ERUPTS BETWEEN HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MIKE LAWLER AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CHAOS CONTINUES
“We had that vote three weeks ago. And since then, Senate Democrats have voted repeatedly to keep the government closed. And the Senate, they have now voted seven times to block paychecks for 2 million federal civilian workers and 1.3 million active-duty military men and women.”
Johnson later told reporters on a press call that a standalone vote would be a “pointless exercise,” because “Senate Democrats will block it.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., told Fox News Digital that Democrats’ Friday effort on the chamber floor was a political stunt “of gargantuan proportions.”
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“You can’t do that in a pro forma session. So again, it’s just to get attention,” Emmer said.
And while the GOP has been largely united on the issue, at least two House Republicans, Reps. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., have publicly pushed for standalone votes on military pay.
Under rules dictated by the Constitution, the chamber must meet for brief periods every few days called “pro forma” sessions to ensure continuity, even if there are no formal legislative matters at hand.
Pro forma sessions can also be opportunities for lawmakers to give brief speeches or introduce legislation that they otherwise would not have.