Democratic candidate for state AG caught wishing death upon political opponent

Michael Ben’Ary, a senior national security prosecutor in Virginia, has been dismissed from his position, allegedly due to backlash from a January 6 conspiracy theorist on social media. In a farewell note to his colleagues, he expressed concern over the implications of such actions on the integrity of the justice system. This incident raises significant questions about the influence of social media on professional conduct and the potential chilling effect on prosecutors who may face public scrutiny for their affiliations.

As the government shutdown stretches into its third day, President Donald Trump has taken a controversial step by freezing $2.1 billion in transit funding for Chicago, a city led by Democrats. This move is part of a broader strategy where Trump's administration has now withheld at least $28 billion from Democratic cities and states, raising concerns about the politicization of federal funding. This situation not only affects public services but also highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders, making it a significant issue for both local governance and national politics.

This week, President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism for their partisan remarks directed at military leaders in Virginia. Their comments, which targeted 'fat generals,' raised concerns about the politicization of the US armed forces. Many observers questioned the sincerity and substance of their statements, suggesting that this could undermine the integrity of military leadership. This situation is significant as it highlights the ongoing tension between political rhetoric and military professionalism, potentially impacting public trust in the armed forces.

The Trump administration's decision to freeze $2.1 billion in funding for Chicago's transit projects has raised concerns about the impact on infrastructure and public transportation in the city. This move, presented by OMB director Russ Vought as a stance against diversity efforts, highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and Democratic-led cities. The funding freeze could hinder essential improvements and maintenance, affecting daily commuters and the overall economy of Chicago.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has proposed that police be granted more powers to impose restrictions on repeated protests. While this move is not intended to ban protests outright, it aims to establish conditions under which they can occur. This is significant as it reflects ongoing debates about the balance between public order and the right to protest, highlighting the government's approach to managing civil liberties in the context of social movements.

As matchday approaches, Postecoglou is focused on securing a win for Forest while the Women's Super League (WSL) action heats up. The atmosphere is tense, especially after recent fan protests at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday, which halted play. This highlights the ongoing challenges clubs face with fan engagement and satisfaction, making this weekend's matches crucial for both teams and supporters.

The Tory conference is set to begin as the Home Office unveils plans to enhance anti-protest laws, allowing police to assess the cumulative impact of demonstrations. This move has sparked controversy, especially as recent polling from Opinium indicates that while some Conservative policies resonate with voters, their support wanes when linked to Kemi Badenoch. This highlights a growing disconnect between party leadership and public sentiment, raising questions about the effectiveness of these new measures and their potential backlash.

Power has been restored to 50,000 homes in Scotland following the aftermath of Storm Amy, which caused significant disruptions. While a yellow weather alert has expired, a smaller warning for high winds remains in effect. This recovery is crucial for residents as it marks a return to normalcy after the storm's impact.

In response to escalating tensions, Poland has scrambled fighter jets to secure its airspace following reports of Russian strikes in Ukraine that resulted in five fatalities. This move highlights the growing concerns among NATO allies about regional security and the potential for further conflict, emphasizing the importance of collective defense in the face of aggression.

The Home Office has announced new powers for police to target repeated protests, particularly those related to Gaza, following the arrest of nearly 500 individuals at a recent pro-Palestinian demonstration in London. This move raises concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the right to protest, as many view it as a crackdown on dissenting voices. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and the government's response to public demonstrations.