Tag Archives: administration

Fanatics mulls predictions market entry in partnership with Crypto.com

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**Fanatics Explores Entry into Predictions Market in Partnership with Crypto.com**

Fanatics, the sports merchandising and collectibles giant, is reportedly considering entering the predictions market through a potential collaboration with Crypto.com. According to a Financial Times report, the plans for this partnership are still in the early stages and could evolve as discussions continue, based on information from unnamed sources.

### Fanatics’ Shift in Focus

Fanatics is primarily known as a sports-focused retail and technology company, with significant operations in collectibles such as trading cards. The company has attracted over $700 million in funding from leading investors including SoftBank, Silver Lake, Fidelity, and Clearlake Capital. As of December 2022, Fanatics was valued at $31 billion.

Prediction markets have recently emerged as a promising niche in the United States, with sports betting drawing considerable interest from both investors and bettors. Currently, the sector is dominated by a few major players like Kalshi and Polymarket, which have experienced rapid growth and increasing institutional attention.

### New Entrants and Crypto.com’s Role

In the past few months, several new entrants have entered the space aiming to capitalize on the momentum and establish early positions in the sector. Crypto.com, a global cryptocurrency exchange, has recently ventured into offering regulated event contracts. The platform has also provided infrastructure support to consumer-facing platforms such as Underdog and Hollywood.com, helping them launch dedicated prediction markets.

At the time of reporting, neither Fanatics nor Crypto.com had confirmed the development. However, significant regulatory changes have occurred since earlier comments were made this year, influencing the market landscape.

### Regulatory Clarity Spurs Prediction Market Growth

A key factor fueling the boom in prediction markets is evolving regulatory clarity. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which fined Polymarket in 2022 and effectively pushed it out of the U.S. due to unregistered contracts, has recently shifted its stance under the current administration.

In September, the CFTC issued a no-action letter approving Polymarket’s acquisition of QCX. This move effectively allows Polymarket to resume operations in the United States and signals a regulatory environment now more favorable to federally supervised prediction markets.

Meanwhile, Kalshi, which has faced multiple legal challenges across various U.S. states regarding the classification of its contracts as either gambling or derivatives, has secured several courtroom victories. These rulings have reinforced Kalshi’s federal regulatory standing.

### Big Brands Making Big Bets

With the regulatory environment becoming clearer, major brands are increasingly investing in the predictions market. For example, Polymarket has recently secured high-profile partnerships, including one with the UFC to integrate prediction features into live broadcasts. Additionally, Yahoo Finance now displays Polymarket odds across its platform, broadening reach and engagement.

As the predictions market continues to gain traction, collaborations like that between Fanatics and Crypto.com could play a significant role in shaping the sector’s future.
https://crypto.news/fanatics-mulls-predictions-market-entry-in-partnership-with-crypto-com/

SNAP Benefits Funding Divides Supreme Court

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**Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Opposes Supreme Court Stay on SNAP Funding Amid Shutdown**

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson broke from the majority on the nation’s highest court, indicating she would have denied the Trump administration’s request to stay court orders requiring the government to fully fund SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court extended a stay of the order, initially granted on November 7, through 11:59 p.m. on November 13. The released order noted that Justice Jackson would have denied both the extension and the original request for a stay. No other justices were named as dissenting.

**Why It Matters**

The Trump administration made headlines when it ceased distributing SNAP funds after October, citing the ongoing government shutdown that began October 1—the longest in United States history. About 1 in 8 Americans receive SNAP benefits, making the program a lifeline for over 40 million people.

Following the shutdown, several lawsuits were filed. Judges initially ruled that the government must at least partially fund SNAP, a decision the Trump administration accepted. The situation escalated when a judge later ordered full funding to resume, prompting the administration to seek a stay from the Supreme Court. The administration argued that fully funding the program would require tapping into emergency reserves earmarked for other situations.

On Monday, an appeals court mandated that full funding resume the following night. However, the Supreme Court handed down an extension of the stay before the order could take effect.

**Key Developments**

Solicitor General D. John Sauer filed the motion to stay the orders on November 7. In his application, Sauer wrote:

> “Given the imminent, irreparable harms posed by these orders, which require the government to transfer an estimated $4 billion by tonight, the Solicitor General respectfully requests an immediate administrative stay of the orders pending the resolution of this application by no later than 9:30 p.m. this evening.”

Sauer also stated that the government had exhausted the entirety of its SNAP contingency reserve—over $5 billion—which would only be enough for partial payments in November. He warned:

> “If allowed to stand, this decision will metastasize and sow further shutdown chaos. Every beneficiary of a federal program could run into court, point to an agency’s general discretion to prioritize funding, and claim that failing to prioritize their chosen program was arbitrary and capricious.”

Respondents’ attorneys countered that over 40 million Americans reliant on SNAP had gone more than a week without essential assistance for food:

> “Any further stay would prolong that irreparable harm and add to the chaos the government has unleashed, with lasting impacts on the administration of SNAP. The government has offered no defensible justification for that result. The administrative stay should be terminated, and no further stay should be granted.”

**What People Are Saying**

Solicitor General Sauer further argued:

> “The district court is commandeering sensitive funding-allocation decisions in the middle of a shutdown, in ways that frustrate efforts to end that shutdown and result in new appropriations for all of these programs. Instead of allowing Congress to do that work, the district court’s order directs USDA to redirect billions of dollars from one program to another, with no means available to recoup those funds once soon spent. This Court has not hesitated to intervene in similar cases where the lower courts have commandeered the Executive’s prerogatives over allocating limited resources.”

Meanwhile, attorneys for the respondents contended:

> “The government’s remaining claim of irreparable harm, that the district court’s orders are interfering with negotiation tactics in the government shutdown, only confirms what has been clear all along—that the government is leveraging SNAP to gain partisan political advantage in the shutdown fight. This Court should not participate in that effort. There is no justification for the Court to step in to stop needed benefits from flowing to the children, seniors, low-wage workers, veterans, and others who rely on them for food.”

**What Happens Next**

The Supreme Court’s stay is currently set to expire on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. The outcome will determine whether tens of millions will see their SNAP benefits restored, or if the chaos and uncertainty will continue.

*This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.*
https://www.newsweek.com/snap-benefits-funding-divides-supreme-court-11035669

Adams administration throws support behind 16-year-old Bronx student detained by ICE

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Mayor Eric Adams is standing behind a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler, Joel Camas, who was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The city has formally filed legal papers supporting Camas’s lawsuit aimed at halting his deportation.

Camas was arrested during a routine immigration check on October 23 and now faces deportation to Ecuador. He originally fled Ecuador in 2022 to escape threats from violent gangs, according to documents submitted in Manhattan federal court.

The Adams administration argues that Camas, as a teenage public school student, should have the right to “access city schools and services while their immigration issues are being resolved.” This stance was detailed in a brief filed Monday in support of the teen.

In a statement, Mayor Adams described Camas as “a hard-working student, dedicated to his school work and future, who followed the proper immigration process.” He added, “We are proud to support his petition for justice, just like we have done with the many other New York City Public School students who have been detained during routine immigration proceedings.”

Since his arrest, Camas has been held at an Office of Refugee Resettlement youth shelter in The Bronx, according to news outlet THE CITY.

The city further argues that Camas poses no flight or safety risk, making detention unnecessary. Muriel Goode-Trufant, the city’s top attorney, stated, “The Trump administration has not met the very high bar for detaining this minor student who is better served remaining in the community with his family.”

However, federal authorities remain determined to deport Camas. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, Jay Clayton, also requested the judge to keep Camas detained pending his trial, emphasizing the government’s intention to reunite him with his mother in Ecuador.

Camas arrived from Ecuador in December 2022 with his mother, who self-deported earlier this year. She entrusted Joel to relatives in hopes he could build a better life. According to Camas’s lawsuit, both have had orders of removal against them since losing their asylum case in 2024—an appearance they made without legal representation.

Currently a junior at Gotham Collaborative High School in The Bronx, Camas maintains a perfect attendance record, as noted in the city’s supportive amicus brief. His teachers have described him as a “committed” student who is so motivated to learn English that “he refuses materials in his native language,” the filing states.

The city’s backing of Joel Camas highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of immigrant students and the importance of access to education and services during immigration proceedings. Mayor Adams’s administration continues to champion these causes as part of its broader commitment to supporting New York City’s immigrant communities.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/us-news/city-throws-support-behind-bronx-student-detained-by-ice/

new era for DeFi or ‘a sad day for DAOs’?

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Uniswap Founder Proposes Activation of Long-Awaited UNI Fee-Switch

Hayden Adams, the founder of Uniswap, yesterday announced his proposal to activate the long-awaited UNI fee-switch on the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector’s leading exchange. Widely expected to pass this time, the move would mark a significant milestone for DeFi — but not everyone is convinced.

### The Proposal

The proposal would see a portion of fees, which currently go to liquidity providers (LPs), redirected to the buy-and-burn of UNI tokens. For most pools, this would amount to one-sixth of the total fees, with some of the lower tiers contributing up to 25%.

As part of the initiative, 100 million UNI tokens will be burned to represent the amount that “would have been burned if fees were on from the beginning.” Additionally, sequencer fees from Unichain will also be directed towards the UNI burn. Other features under consideration include earning fees on external pools and capturing Miner Extractable Value (MEV) on the protocol.

Notably, the wildly unpopular front-end fees — which have generated almost $180 million for Uniswap Labs to date — will be abolished under this proposal.

*Read more: [Uniswap’s new trading fee neglects UNI holders]*

### Overcoming Past Challenges

Despite multiple fruitless attempts in the past, the UNI fee-switch has yet to be implemented. Legal concerns have often been cited as reasons for delay. Adams refers to this as “a hostile regulatory environment that cost thousands of hours and tens of millions in legal fees.”

However, the Trump Administration’s more permissive regulatory landscape may have helped ease earlier worries. Coming this time directly from founder Hayden Adams — who speaks as if the proposal is a done deal — it seems likely that the changes will be enacted following 22 days of governance proceedings.

*Read more: [To fee or not to fee? That is the question — does Uniswap have an answer?]*

### A New Era for DeFi

Adams states that the “proposal comes as DeFi reaches an inflection point.” Alongside the shift in regulatory approach, he praises decentralized platforms’ “performance and scale,” the mainstream adoption of tokens, and increasing institutional interest as key tailwinds pushing the sector forward.

Uniswap remains DeFi’s dominant decentralized exchange, with approximately $5 billion of total value locked (TVL) and over $100 billion in trading volume in the past 30 days. During that period, it generated $109 million in fees — which, at a minimum, would translate to around $18 million worth of UNI tokens burned, approximately 0.3% of its $5.7 billion market cap.

Estimates using annualized revenue put the figure closer to $38 million monthly revenue, placing the scale of this initiative alongside similar buyback and burn programs like those for PUMP and HYPE tokens.

The idea has garnered popularity within the DeFi community, with $30 billion liquid staking giant Lido also considering similar buybacks. This “anti-cyclical” mechanism would increase buybacks during bull markets and tighten spending during tougher times.

*Read more: [Uniswap Labs launches Unichain without UNI unanimity]*

### Criticism and Concerns

Competitors warn that the reduction in swap fees going to liquidity providers may lead to an exodus of liquidity, potentially worsening trade execution and opening up opportunities for rival exchanges.

More broadly, supporters feel the move signals a new era of confidence for DeFi. Bankless’ Ryan Sean Adams summarized the moment as Uniswap “[keeping] a promise” and “inject[ing] a little belief back into our jaded souls.”

*Read more: [TradFi tactics win on Uniswap v3 says BIS study]*

### “A Sad Day for DAOs”?

Adams’ proposal has not escaped criticism. While many celebrate a long-awaited milestone, others have expressed concerns about what the move means for decentralized governance as a whole.

Worries over the influence of large UNI stakeholders such as a16z and Binance have fueled accusations of “decentralization theater.” Critics are frustrated by what they see as a further transfer of power to Uniswap Labs, whose actions are not governed by token holders.

Under the proposal, foundation teams would transition to a legal entity structure under Labs — a shift described by some as an admission that “DAOs are inefficient at governing and allocating resources.”

In response, Adams states there is an “explicit commitment from Labs ensuring Labs does not pursue strategies that conflict with token holder interests.” He also insists that Uniswap’s “vision has always been to minimize the need [for Labs’ intervention] by relying on automation and protocol decentralization.”

Others speculate that Uniswap never intended to have a token in the first place, only launching UNI in response to 2020 competitor SushiSwap. The fee-switch proposal “basically reverts this; buyback and burn is the mostly simple, boring way to do so.”

*Read more: [Is Uniswap becoming more TradFi than DeFi?]*

—

The activation of the UNI fee-switch could represent a pivotal moment for Uniswap and the broader DeFi ecosystem, balancing innovation with governance challenges as the sector matures.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/new-era-for-defi-or-a-sad-day-for-daos/

MSNBC Panelists Rage At Democrats For Getting ‘Nothing In Return’ After Shutting Government Down

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MSNBC panelists criticized Democrats on Sunday for appearing to cave to President Donald Trump as they prepared to reopen the government without securing extensions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

Eight Democratic senators broke ranks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by supporting the Republican-led continuing resolution (CR) in a procedural vote. This CR would reopen and fund the government until January 30.

On “The Weekend: Primetime,” panelists expressed frustration that Democrats, despite shutting down the government for the longest period in U.S. history, are not receiving Obamacare subsidy extensions in return.

“For 40 days, you shut the government down and now you’re going to open the government up and what did you get in return? Nothing? Nothing?” MSNBC columnist Dean Obeidallah said. “After the pain you inflicted — people were willing to take the pain. I talked to union workers from TSA who said, ‘I’ll take the pain, it’s going to help me get health insurance subsidies paid.’ So you’re getting nothing in return. I don’t know how, and you just won an election on Tuesday, and you lose numbers.”

The panelists also found it unclear why several Democrats flipped their position after maintaining a firm stance over healthcare demands during the shutdown.

Democratic Virginia Senator Tim Kaine voted in favor of reopening the government just five days after the party’s significant victory in Virginia’s gubernatorial race.

The bipartisan compromise would reverse layoffs affecting 4,000 federal workers and schedule a vote on ACA subsidy extensions in December.

Co-host Antonia Hylton suggested that Trump ultimately emerged victorious, rendering the 40-day shutdown meaningless.

“In a way, it seems like the president is kind of getting what he wanted 40 days ago when all this started,” Hylton said. “He was out there saying that, ‘oh, this is all about Democrats trying to give health care to illegal immigrants.’ He just said that to reporters moments ago, repeating that refrain that Democrats had actually very successfully pushed back against.”

“There’s all this energy in the wake of Tuesday’s election. The president made remarks basically acknowledging he was on his back foot, saying Republicans are being harmed by all of this. And now, here he is, winning again?” she added.

Trump and Republicans have argued that Democrats supported the shutdown because they wanted to provide government-run healthcare to illegal immigrants. Data shows Medicaid spending for illegal immigrants nearly tripled under the Biden administration, coinciding with record-high illegal border crossings surpassing 2 million and 3 million encounters in a single fiscal year.

Additionally, the cost of Medicaid for illegal immigrants’ emergency care rose 142% in fiscal year 2024.

Obeidallah expressed confusion over Democratic senators’ decisions to cave. “I don’t understand how a Democratic senator goes, ‘Wow, we won really big. Let me cave now.’ That makes no sense to me.”

Notably, none of the Democrats who voted to reopen the government—including Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen—are facing reelection in the 2026 midterms.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/10/msnbc-panelists-democrats-govt-down-obamacare/

Analysts See Trump’s $2,000 Dividend as the Most Bullish Liquidity Event — Plan Could Inject $3 Trillion into Crypto

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**Trump Proposes $2,000 Tariff Dividend for Most Americans: Potential Impact on Crypto Markets**

The Trump administration is floating a new policy that would redistribute tariff revenues collected by the U.S. government directly to American citizens. If implemented as planned, these payments—set at a minimum of $2,000—could see a portion funneled into cryptocurrency investments, according to financial commentator Sumit Kapoor.

**Trump Announces $2,000 Dividend Plan**

Donald J. Trump recently announced a plan to distribute a dividend of at least $2,000 to most Americans, with higher-income individuals excluded from eligibility. The announcement came alongside a robust defense of his economic policies, especially his use of tariffs as a central pillar of U.S. trade strategy.

Trump’s “distribution to the people” concept isn’t entirely new. He first mentioned the idea during an October interview with One America News Network, suggesting payments between $1,000 and $2,000. At that time, he noted the proposal hinged on resolving the ongoing government shutdown, which as of today, has extended into its 40th day.

**Trump Defends Tariff Policy on Social Media**

On his Truth Social account, Trump vehemently defended his tariff policy, stating that those who oppose it are “FOOLS.” He declared that the U.S. has become the “Richest, Most Respected Country in the World,” highlighting “Almost No Inflation” and a “Record Stock Market Price.” Trump also pointed to the growth of Americans’ retirement savings, reporting 401(k) values at their “Highest EVER.”

He further argued that tariff revenues are enabling the U.S. to take in “Trillions of Dollars” and maintain a strong economic posture, claiming these gains would help pay down the nation’s “ENORMOUS DEBT, $37 Trillion.” He cited “Record Investment in the USA,” including new plants and factories, as proof of his economic success.

**A Liquidity Wave for Crypto?**

The potential economic ramifications of Trump’s dividend proposal have sparked swift analysis, particularly within the cryptocurrency community. Sumit Kapoor noted on X that, if enacted, the dividend could serve as a “bullish liquidity event for crypto.” Kapoor drew comparisons to the 2020-2021 stimulus checks, which coincided with a massive rally in digital assets. During that period, $1,400 stimulus payments aligned with Bitcoin’s climb from around $30,000 to more than $65,000, as retail traders invested excess cash in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and various altcoins.

Kapoor estimates that if even 20% of the proposed dividend capital found its way into the crypto market, it could inject approximately $125 billion in fresh liquidity. Given the crypto sector’s sensitivity to new capital inflows, Kapoor suggests this could boost the total market capitalization of digital assets by $2.5 to $3 trillion.

Currently, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $3.59 trillion, with Bitcoin representing 59% market dominance and Ethereum about 12%.

**Tariff Revenues Reach Record Highs**

According to U.S. Treasury Department data, the federal government collected roughly $195 billion in tariff duties during the first three quarters of this year. However, much of this financial burden has ultimately been shouldered by American consumers, as the average effective tariff rate climbed to 18% by mid-October—the highest since 1934.

**Related Congressional Proposal: The American Worker Rebate Act**

In a related development, Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 (S. 2475) on July 28. This legislation seeks to distribute rebate checks to American workers and families, funded by tariff revenues. The proposal calls for payments of at least $600 per adult and dependent child, meaning a family of four could receive a minimum of $2,400.

—

*Recommended for you:*
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/analysts-see-trumps-2000-dividend-as-the-most-bullish-liquidity-event-plan-could-inject-3-trillion-into-crypto/

Greek-American Billionaire Catsimatidis Threatens to Leave New York Over Mamdani’s Policies

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**Greek-American Billionaire Catsimatidis Threatens to Leave New York Over Mamdani’s Policies**

*By Nick Kampouris | November 9, 2025 | Greek Reporter*

Greek-American billionaire John Catsimatidis has threatened to leave New York and relocate his business to Florida following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Catsimatidis cited the incoming administration’s plans for affordable city-run grocery stores that would sell subsidized essentials to ease the cost-of-living crisis experienced by many New Yorkers.

The Red Apple Group owner, whose estimated net worth stands at $4.8 billion, had initially vowed to move his operations to New Jersey. However, he reversed course after Democrat Mikie Sherrill won the state’s gubernatorial race this week, according to Forbes.

### Who Is Catsimatidis and Why Is He Against Mamdani’s Plans?

Catsimatidis immigrated to New York from Greece as an infant and built his grocery empire from a single Red Apple store opened in 1971. Today, he controls Gristedes and D’Agostino supermarkets, which are among the most popular in New York. His company claims to operate the largest supermarket chain in New York City, with most stores concentrated in Manhattan.

The billionaire has warned of potential job losses and operational downsizing, blaming declining profitability, increased shoplifting, and what he views as hostile city policies for the challenging business environment.

### Mamdani’s Vision for New York

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and former state assemblyman, won the mayoral race with an overwhelming majority and against all odds. He ran on a platform promising to address food insecurity and high grocery costs through city-operated stores.

His proposals resonate deeply with New Yorkers frustrated by rising living costs and limited access to affordable food in underserved neighborhoods. The mayor-elect plans to establish grocery stores exempt from rent and property taxes, selling goods at wholesale prices. This initiative particularly appeals to working-class residents and families struggling with inflation and high housing costs.

Mamdani’s broader agenda includes increased investment in public services, funded by a 2 percent income tax surcharge on individuals earning over $1 million and corporate tax increases expected to raise $9–10 billion annually. Throughout his campaign and victory speech, Mamdani emphasized solidarity with ordinary New Yorkers facing economic hardship, positioning his administration as a counterweight to the business interests of the billionaire class — which many voters believe have neglected the city’s most vulnerable communities.

### Opposition From Catsimatidis and Other Business Leaders

Catsimatidis has repeatedly criticized Mamdani’s agenda, arguing that city-sponsored, tax-exempt grocery stores would create unfair competition and drive private operators out of business. He told Forbes that the Red Apple Group has operated with no profit margins for two years, citing record levels of shoplifting and declining sales as stores resort to locking up merchandise.

The billionaire suggested Florida as a likely destination for relocation due to its lower tax burden and more favorable business climate under conservative Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Other prominent Republican-leaning business figures share Catsimatidis’ concerns. Investor Bill Ackman warned that the departure of high earners could devastate the city’s tax base. The National Grocers Association issued a statement urging officials to enforce antitrust laws and combat monopolistic practices rather than launching government-run stores.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, expressing concern that Mamdani intended to “take over” Catsimatidis’ grocery stores, claiming the billionaire had contacted him about the matter, Forbes reported.

### Mamdani Responds

Mamdani has defended his proposals, stating that city-run grocery stores will complement rather than replace private retailers. The Mamdani administration is expected to launch a pilot program for city-run grocery stores in 2026.

Business coalitions may pursue legal challenges or legislative action to block the initiative. Meanwhile, Catsimatidis has not announced a definite timeline for relocation or layoffs.

—

**Topics:** Business/Economy; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: New York
**Keywords:** grocery stores, Mamdani, New York City

—

*Comments Section Highlights:*

– *nickcarraway:* “Enough threatening! Do you think you’re a Hollywood star threatening the country with your absence if Trump wins? Mamdani won, so just shake the dust from your sandals and move on.”

– *KarlInOhio:* “(I pray that the sleeping giant has finally awakened and been filled with a terrible resolve.)”

– *DoodleBob:* “Gravity’s waiting period is about 9.8 m/s².”

– *nwrep:* “His daughter is hot!”

—

**Disclaimer:** Opinions posted are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Greek Reporter or its management. All materials posted are protected by applicable copyrights.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4351627/posts

Bessent says no formal White House health care proposal as shutdown drags on

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified on Sunday that there is no formal proposal from the White House to defund the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and instead send money directly to Americans. This statement comes despite a social media post from President Donald Trump on Saturday promoting such a plan.

During an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” anchor George Stephanopoulos asked Bessent about the president’s new proposal to eliminate Obamacare and redirect funds directly to the people. Bessent responded, “We don’t have a formal proposal.”

When pressed about whether such a plan would be proposed to the Senate, Bessent stated that the administration is not proposing it “right now.”

Bessent also addressed Trump’s push to end the Senate’s filibuster. Stephanopoulos asked, “Is the best way to end the shutdown right now to end the filibuster?” Bessent replied, “The best way is for five Democratic senators to come across the aisle.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bessent-formal-white-house-health-care-proposal-shutdown/story?id=127350445

Trump has accused Venezuelan boat crews of being narco-terrorists. The truth, AP found, is more nuanced

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Trump Has Accused Venezuelan Boat Crews of Being Narco-Terrorists. The Truth, AP Found, Is More Nuanced
Associated Press | 11/08/2025 | Regina Garcia Cano

GÜIRIA, Venezuela (AP) — One was a fisherman struggling to eke out a living on $100 a month. Another was a career criminal. A third was a former military cadet. And a fourth was a down-on-his-luck bus driver.

The men had little in common beyond their Venezuelan seaside hometowns and the fact that all four were among the more than 60 people killed since early September when the U.S. military began attacking boats that the Trump administration alleges were smuggling drugs.

President Donald Trump and top U.S. officials have alleged the craft were being operated by narco-terrorists and cartel members bound with deadly drugs for American communities.

The Associated Press learned the identities of four of the men and pieced together details about at least five others who were slain, providing the first detailed account of those who died in the strikes.

In dozens of interviews in villages on Venezuela’s breathtaking northeastern coast from which some of the boats departed, residents and relatives said the dead men had indeed been running drugs but were not narco-terrorists or leaders of a cartel or gang.

Most of the nine men were crewing such craft for the first or second time, making at least $500 per trip, residents and relatives said. They were laborers, a fisherman, a motorcycle taxi driver. Two were low-level career criminals. One was a well-known local crime boss who contracted out his smuggling services to traffickers.

The men lived on the Paria Peninsula, in mostly unpainted cinderblock homes that can go weeks without water service and regularly lose power for several hours a day. They awoke to panoramic views of a national park’s tropical forests, the Gulf of Paria’s shallows, and the Caribbean’s sparkling sapphire waters.

(Read the full article at apnews.com)

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**Topics:** Crime/Corruption, Foreign Affairs, News/Current Events, War on Terror
**Keywords:** drugs, narcotics, Venezuela

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https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/4351549/posts

No people thought unaccounted for as UPS cargo plane crash toll stands at 14, Louisville mayor says

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The number of victims from the UPS cargo plane crash has been confirmed at 14, with no one believed to be missing, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Saturday.

The 13 victims found at the crash site matched the total number of missing persons reported to police, Greenberg stated in a post on X. “We believe the total number of victims will be 14,” including one individual who died Friday in a hospital, he added.

The Jefferson County coroner is working to identify the victims and will release their names as soon as the identifications are confirmed.

The crash occurred Tuesday at UPS Worldport when an MD-11 cargo plane bound for Honolulu went down. The three pilots onboard were killed. According to reports, a large fire developed in the left wing, and an engine separated during takeoff, causing the plane to crash into nearby businesses.

Following the accident, both UPS and FedEx decided on Friday to ground their fleets of MD-11 aircraft as a precautionary measure. MD-11 planes make up about 9% of UPS’s airline fleet and 4% of FedEx’s fleet.
https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2025/11/09/no-people-thought-unaccounted-for-as-ups-cargo-plane-crash-toll-stands-at-14-louisville-mayor-says/