Australian reporter hit by nonlethal round during live report from LA immigration protests

The Social Security Administration (SSA) faced some chaos earlier this year tied to DOGE—yes, the meme cryptocurrency. Even though Elon Musk, one of its biggest boosters, is no longer involved with the White House, the agency’s new leader is still banking on DOGE as part of a broader push to modernize Social Security into a "digital-first" operation.

Editor’s Note: It’s not every day you hear about a government agency leaning into a meme coin, but here we are. The SSA’s gamble on DOGE—despite its rocky reputation—shows how even stodgy institutions are trying to adapt to the digital age. Whether this ends up as a forward-thinking move or a misfire depends on how it plays out, but it’s definitely a sign of the times.

An Australian TV journalist got caught in the chaos during live coverage of L.A. immigration protests, taking a rubber bullet to the leg while reporting. The protests erupted over Trump’s immigration policies and the deployment of National Guard troops, turning tense as clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a reporter getting hurt—it’s a snapshot of how volatile these protests have become. When journalists on the ground become targets (even accidentally), it raises questions about safety, press freedom, and the intensity of public backlash against hardline immigration measures. It also puts a global spotlight on how U.S. tensions are playing out in real time.

Protests in Los Angeles have escalated, with police using rubber bullets and teargas to disperse crowds blocking a major freeway. Demonstrators even set self-driving cars on fire, while President Trump has threatened to deploy thousands of National Guard troops—about 300 are already on the ground. The unrest stems from growing opposition to Trump’s immigration policies, and tensions show no sign of easing.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another protest—it’s a flashpoint in the deepening divide over Trump’s policies. The use of military force against civilians, combined with violent clashes, signals a worrying breakdown in dialogue. How this plays out could set the tone for national unrest in the months ahead.

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles sparked controversy after clashing with former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines on X (formerly Twitter). Gaines claims Biles "incinerated her legacy" by appearing to support transgender athletes in women's sports, leading to backlash. The exchange highlights the ongoing, heated debate over fairness and inclusion in athletics.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about two athletes trading tweets—it’s a flashpoint in the larger, messy fight over transgender participation in sports. Biles’ stance puts her at odds with critics like Gaines, who argue biological fairness is at risk. The reaction shows how polarizing this issue remains, especially when high-profile figures weigh in. Whether you agree with Biles or not, the conversation isn’t going away anytime soon.

Comedian Kathy Griffin and ex-CNN host Don Lemon recently claimed they suspect foul play in the 2024 election, hinting it might have been manipulated to benefit Donald Trump. Their vague remarks—saying "something was off"—add to the swirl of unproven election fraud theories, though they didn’t provide concrete evidence.

Editor’s Note: When public figures float claims of election tampering without proof, it fuels distrust in democratic processes—something that’s already a hot-button issue. Whether it’s casual speculation or something more, these comments risk adding noise to an already polarized debate about how elections work (or don’t).