Volcanic Ash: Legislators not in any rush to police members’ bribery

A 92-year-old Honolulu architect was convicted in state court for bribery last week and faces up to 10 years in prison after being recorded in 2022 trying to slip a $20 bill to a city permit officer.

Yet, there have been no charges and conflicting explanations in the 2022 federal case involving a tape of an unnamed state legislator taking a bag containing $35,000.

**Corruption Fighting, Hawaii-Kine**

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura last week finally voiced concern about “the cloud placed over the entire state Legislature,” but her remarks came off as an invitation to the feds to ask her to back off. Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson quickly obliged.

The case stems from federal bribery prosecutions that jailed state Sen. J. Kalani English and state Rep. Ty Cullen. Cullen cooperated with authorities to receive a reduced sentence.

In a 2023 filing, federal prosecutors stated that Cullen recorded “an influential state legislator” accepting a purported $35,000 campaign donation from a person of interest to authorities. They alluded to a “chargeable bribery offense.” However, there has been radio silence since.

Alexander Silvert, the retired federal public defender who spurred federal corruption convictions of Louis and Katherine Kealoha, stirred public attention with a Change.org petition demanding that the Legislature conduct its own investigation of its member’s possible corruption. The petition (change.org/p/restore-public-trust-investigate-the- unknown-hawai%CA%BBi-legislator) had 813 signatures as of Friday.

In a Star-Advertiser commentary, Silvert noted that the statute of limitations on the bribery case is looming in January 2027. “One could assume that the Legislature would want to police its own and investigate,” he wrote. “Particularly when it might prevent a possibly corrupt legislator from continuing to actively participate in voting on new laws, such as anti-corruption legislation or campaign spending limits.”

Representatives Della Au Belatti and Kanani Souza have also agitated for investigations by the Legislature, the Campaign Spending Commission, and the Ethics Commission.

Nakamura initially said a legislative investigation would be inappropriate while the federal probe is ongoing. But feeling the heat, last week she wrote to Sorenson asking if the federal investigation is still active and whether “parallel investigations by state authorities would complement or potentially interfere with your office’s work.”

She also wrote to state Attorney General Anne Lopez “to determine whether any Hawaii state laws may have been violated,” while noting that “my request is not intended to interfere with or duplicate federal efforts.”

Sorenson quickly responded that the federal probe remains active and “a parallel investigation by state authorities would potentially interfere with our investigation.”

In a confusing statement, he said, “the referenced ‘bribery offense’ is unrelated to the $35,000 in the paper bag. Put another way, the so-named ‘influential state legislator’ was not involved in the ‘bribery offense’ alluded to in the filing.”

So, a legislator took a paper bag stuffed with $35,000, and it wasn’t bribery? Then what was the bribery offense?

The cloud over the state keeps getting darker.

Viewing this tap dancing against the $20 handshake, the lesson seems to be: if you want to get away with bribery in Hawaii, bribe big.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/11/16/hawaii-news/volcanic-ash/volcanic-ash-legislators-not-in-any-rush-to-police-members-bribery/

New Docs Expose Jack Smith’s Direct Connection to Russia Collusion, Clinton Cover Up [WATCH]

Justice Department officials connected to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s work were involved in blocking an FBI inquiry into whether Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign violated federal campaign finance laws when it funded the Steele Dossier through intermediaries, according to emails released Thursday.

The documents add to a series of disclosures emerging as the Trump Justice Department pursues a sweeping investigation into alleged anti-Trump conduct inside federal agencies dating back a decade.

The emails appear to show DOJ officials advising the FBI against opening a probe into whether the Clinton campaign improperly used cutouts to finance Fusion GPS and former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele. The FBI ultimately did not pursue the potential violations. Two officials now tied to Smith’s investigation were linked to the decision.

### Trump DOJ and FBI Expand Investigation into Alleged Political Conspiracy

The Trump DOJ and FBI have opened a wider inquiry into what investigators describe as an ongoing criminal conspiracy involving years of political activity inside federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Congressional investigators have released information over recent months indicating that the FBI quietly began examining Democratic Party-aligned efforts dating back to the Trump-Russia allegations and extending to Smith’s pursuit of President Donald Trump. Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to lead the Biden Justice Department’s investigations involving Trump.

### Background on Jack Smith and the Arctic Frost Inquiry

Newly declassified materials connected to the Arctic Frost inquiry describe a broad set of legal actions targeting Trump and his allies beginning in 2022, as Trump considered another presidential run.

Before his selection as special counsel, Smith headed the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section from 2010 until early 2015. During that period, the IRS controversy involving Lois Lerner unfolded, in which her division scrutinized conservative nonprofit groups. Lerner apologized for the conduct but denied political motives.

Records show Smith’s unit engaged with Lerner and the IRS during that time, with the IRS transferring nonprofit tax records to the FBI, although no prosecutions followed.

### FBI’s Retention of Investigative Documents

Recent disclosures also include the FBI’s discovery of investigative documents kept inside “burn bags” at FBI headquarters. According to court filings connected to the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, the records included materials on the Mar-a-Lago search, the January 6 Capitol breach, the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, and the classified appendix to Special Counsel John Durham’s work.

Just the News reported that more than two dozen Russiagate-related subpoenas are planned, coinciding with new information disclosed in the Comey prosecution. Additional records show that long-standing investigative materials related to Trump had been retained inside the FBI without full disclosure.

### Federal Election Commission Findings on 2016 Clinton Campaign Payments

The Federal Election Commission ruled in 2022 that there was “probable cause” to believe Hillary for America and the Democratic National Committee violated federal law by misreporting payments connected to Fusion GPS.

– The DNC paid $849,407, and
– The Clinton campaign paid $175,000 to Perkins Coie.

The FEC said the campaign labeled the expenses as “legal services,” and the DNC described them as “legal and compliance consulting.”

Clinton campaign lawyer Marc Elias hired Fusion GPS in 2016, and Fusion in turn hired Steele. Elias testified that he met with Steele during the campaign, knew Steele planned to brief reporters, and provided periodic updates to the Clinton campaign based on Fusion’s research.

Special Counsel John Durham later said campaign officials, Fusion GPS, and Perkins Coie acted jointly in advancing collusion claims during the 2016 race. The FBI declined to open a criminal investigation into the campaign finance matter.

### Key DOJ Officials Involved in Decision Not to Investigate

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said Thursday that emails show the decision was made by Richard Pilger, then a leader in the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section, and J. P. Cooney, then with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

Grassley noted that Pilger later played a key role in approving the launch of Smith’s Arctic Frost investigation, and that Cooney served as Smith’s deputy special counsel.

An FBI communication dated July 2019, released Thursday, showed the bureau sought consultation from DOJ officials regarding “DNC and Fusion GPS FEC violations.” The document indicated the FBI did not move forward after receiving input from Pilger and Cooney.

### Grand Jury Subpoenas and Expanded Investigations

A federal grand jury is issuing more than 30 subpoenas related to Trump-Russia allegations. Additional subpoenas involve former CIA Director John Brennan and his handling of Steele’s dossier and the 2016 intelligence community assessment. A grand jury in South Florida is overseeing portions of the inquiry.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe sent a referral on Brennan in July, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also delivered declassified evidence to the DOJ describing a “treasonous conspiracy.”

New information indicates Comey expected Clinton to win in 2016 and was aware of intelligence describing a Clinton plan linking Trump to Russia. Records also reference alleged leaks by Comey’s associate Daniel Richman.

### Phone Records Obtained in Arctic Frost Investigation

Further disclosures show Smith and the FBI obtained phone records from eight Republican senators and one Republican House member during the Arctic Frost investigation.

A 2023 FBI record stated investigators conducted a limited toll analysis involving calls associated with the following members of Congress:
– Senators Ron Johnson, Lindsey Graham, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, Cynthia Lummis, Marsha Blackburn
– Representative Mike Kelly

Lawyers for Smith defended the decision. Grassley released documents showing Smith issued nearly 200 subpoenas seeking information from more than 400 Republican officials and groups.

### High-Level Approvals and Coordination with White House

Records further show that Attorney General Merrick Garland, then-FBI Director Chris Wray, and then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco approved the Arctic Frost inquiry.

Emails also show coordination between the Biden White House Counsel’s Office and an FBI agent to transfer phones belonging to former President Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence.

Arctic Frost extended to dozens of Republican officials and organizations, according to documents released earlier this year.

### Continued Scrutiny of Smith’s DOJ Tenure

Smith’s earlier period at DOJ continues to receive scrutiny. Congressional records show he arranged meetings between DOJ officials and IRS leadership in 2010 and 2013 to discuss campaign finance enforcement.

Representatives Jim Jordan and Darrell Issa sought Smith’s testimony in 2014, citing concerns about DOJ involvement. Smith testified that the Public Integrity Section debated possible investigations but did not open cases.

Senate investigators reported that IRS and DOJ officials exchanged documents and explored potential theories for criminal charges involving tax-exempt organizations. They described follow-up contacts between DOJ officials and IRS leaders, including discussions about 501(c)(4) political activity. An IRS official cautioned DOJ that the agency had not seen conduct warranting criminal investigation.

Senate investigators later described DOJ’s interest as unusually aggressive compared with standard IRS enforcement practices.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/new-docs-expose-jack-smiths-direct-connection-to-russia-collusion-clinton-cover-up-watch/

Cleveland ‘s Luis Ortiz to appear in court over allegations he took bribes to rig pitches

BOSTON (AP) — Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz is due in court Monday on charges accusing him and teammate Emmanuel Clase of taking bribes to help bettors in their native Dominican Republic win prop bets placed on pitches they threw.

According to the indictment against the two, unsealed Sunday, the highly paid pitchers took several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two unnamed gamblers in their home country win at least $460,000 on bets placed on the speed and outcome of certain pitches, including some that landed in the dirt.

Clase, who was the Guardians’ closer, and Ortiz, a starter, have been on nondisciplinary paid leave since July, when MLB began investigating what it described as unusually high in-game betting activity when the two pitched. Some of the games in question took place in April, May, and June.

Ortiz, 26, was arrested Sunday by the FBI at Boston Logan International Airport. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston on Monday. Clase, 27, is not in custody, officials said.

Ortiz and Clase “betrayed America’s pastime,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said. “Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”

Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, said in a statement that his client is innocent and “has never, and would never, improperly influence a game not for anyone and not for anything.” Georgalis added that Ortiz’s defense team previously documented for prosecutors that the payments and money transfers between him and individuals in the Dominican Republic were for legal activities.

Major League Baseball said it contacted federal law enforcement when it began investigating unusual betting activity and has fully cooperated with authorities. “We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing,” a league statement said.

In a statement, the Guardians said: “We are aware of the recent law enforcement action. We will continue to fully cooperate with both law enforcement and Major League Baseball as their investigations continue.”

Clase and Ortiz are each charged with wire fraud conspiracy, honest services wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests by bribery. The top charges carry a potential punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

In one example cited in the indictment, Clase allegedly invited a bettor to a game against the Boston Red Sox in April and spoke with him by phone just before taking the mound. Four minutes later, the indictment said, the bettor and his associates won $11,000 on a wager that Clase would throw a certain pitch slower than 97.95 mph (157.63 kph).

Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time American League Reliever of the Year, had a $4.5 million salary in 2025—the fourth season of a $20 million, five-year contract. The three-time AL save leader began providing the bettors with information about his pitches in 2023 but did not ask for payoffs until this year, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Ortiz, who earned a $782,600 salary this year, joined the scheme in June and is accused of rigging pitches in games against the Seattle Mariners and the St. Louis Cardinals.

These charges are the latest bombshell developments in a federal crackdown on gambling in professional sports. Last month, more than 30 people, including prominent basketball figures such as Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, were arrested in a gambling sweep that rocked the NBA.
https://whdh.com/news/cleveland-s-luis-ortiz-to-appear-in-court-over-allegations-he-took-bribes-to-rig-pitches/

Bongino Announces ‘Conspiracy to Smuggle Biological Materials’ Charges Against 3 Chinese Nationals

Federal authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals accused of conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the United States under the guise of academic research. The arrests mark the latest development in a series of investigations into Chinese nationals connected with American university research programs.

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced the arrests Thursday on X, naming the suspects as Xu Bai, 28, Fengfan Zhang, 27, and Zhiyong Zhang, 30.

“An update for you on our efforts to protect the homeland: THREE research scholars from China — Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang — have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the United States and for making false statements to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers,” Bongino wrote.

“These are the latest charges in a string of cases stemming from Chinese national students’ criminal activities at university research centers,” Bongino added. “FBI Counterintelligence will NOT tolerate any attempt to exploit American institutions to break the law, and we remain dedicated to protecting our communities and our educational institutions from threats like these.”

According to the Department of Justice, the three researchers were affiliated with the University of Michigan. Their arrests bring to six the number of Chinese nationals linked to the university who have faced criminal charges this year involving smuggling or false statements.

The Department of Justice stated that Bai and Fengfan Zhang were charged with conspiracy to smuggle biological materials into the country, while Zhiyong Zhang was charged with making false statements to federal agents. The materials involved were related to roundworm research.

Prosecutors allege the defendants received samples from another Chinese national, Chengxuan Han, who had previously been charged with similar offenses and later deported. Han’s case, filed in June 2025, involved the smuggling of biological materials and making false statements to U.S. authorities. His arrest led to a broader federal investigation that identified multiple individuals allegedly involved in the illegal importation of biological substances.

In a related case, two other Chinese nationals, Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, were charged with conspiracy, smuggling goods into the country, making false statements, and visa fraud. According to court filings, Jian and Liu attempted to bring into the United States a fungus that infects grain crops. Jian allegedly intended to study the fungus in a University of Michigan laboratory. Both were arrested earlier this year.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a statement emphasizing the national security implications of the case.

“Allegedly attempting to smuggle biological materials under the guise of ‘research’ is a serious crime that threatens America’s national and agricultural security,” Bondi said. “We will remain vigilant to threats like these from foreign nationals who would take advantage of America’s generosity to advance a malicious agenda.”

U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon, Jr. commented on the arrests, suggesting a recurring pattern of activity.

“At some point, pattern becomes practice. And, apparently, these three men are part of a long and alarming pattern of criminal activities committed by Chinese nationals under the cover of the University of Michigan. This is a threat to our collective security,” Gorgon stated.

Investigators revealed that after Han’s deportation, Bai, Fengfan Zhang, and Zhiyong Zhang refused to cooperate with federal agents and were subsequently terminated by the university. The three later attempted to leave the United States but were stopped before they could flee.

“This case underscores the vital importance of safeguarding the American people and addressing vulnerabilities within foreign student and exchange visitor programs,” said Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons. “Educational institutions must enhance their admissions procedures to prevent exploitation, which can pose risks to national security, as demonstrated in this instance.”

FBI Director Kash Patel affirmed the agency’s commitment to ongoing investigations involving foreign nationals attempting to bypass U.S. law through academic or research institutions.

“These charges show the FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate and hold accountable those who violate our laws, and that academic research cannot excuse illegal activity,” Patel said. “The Chinese nationals charged today allegedly were involved in smuggling biological materials into the U.S. on several occasions. The FBI and our partners are committed to defending the homeland and stopping any illegal smuggling into our country.”
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/bongino-announces-conspiracy-to-smuggle-biological-materials-charges-against-3-chinese-nationals/

Seven Arrested After Hours-Long Greeley Standoff

By North Forty News Staff | NorthFortyNews

For the latest news and updates, visit [greeleypd.com](https://www.greeleypd.com).

Source: Greeley Police Department, Public Information Office.
https://northfortynews.com/category/news/seven-arrested-after-hours-long-greeley-standoff/

Argentina’s Milei Strengthens Political Power Amid LIBRA Scandal

**Milei’s La Libertad Avanza Party Wins Big in Argentina’s 2025 Midterms Amid Ongoing LIBRA Crypto Scandal**

Argentine President Javier Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), secured a significant victory in the 2025 midterm legislative elections, capturing nearly 41% of the national vote. This impressive win bolsters Milei’s influence in Congress and strengthens his position to advance his reform agenda. However, the triumph comes amid an escalating LIBRA cryptocurrency scandal that continues to erode public trust and intensify legal scrutiny surrounding Milei and his associates.

### Victory in the 2025 Midterms

La Libertad Avanza emerged as a dominant political force in Argentina’s 2025 midterm elections, making notable gains in key districts such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. With approximately 41% of the vote, LLA surpassed the Peronist alliance, which garnered 31.6%.

Following the elections, LLA now holds 101 out of 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, a substantial increase that enhances Milei’s legislative leverage. This expanded control is expected to facilitate the passage of Milei’s ambitious reforms in tax policy, labor laws, and pensions.

Reflecting on the victory, Milei stated, “During the first two years, we avoided falling off the cliff. In the next two years, we will continue the reformist path to make Argentina great again.”

### LIBRA Crypto Scandal Continues to Unfold

Despite his electoral success, Milei’s association with the LIBRA cryptocurrency project has sparked ongoing controversy. The scandal began when Milei publicly endorsed LIBRA, a meme coin that saw a rapid rise in market capitalization.

However, the coin’s value crashed after insiders sold off their holdings, causing significant losses for investors. Although Milei has since distanced himself from LIBRA and denied direct involvement in its operations, the fallout severely impacted his public approval.

A recent Zuban Córdoba survey indicates only 36% of Argentinians still support Milei, while 57.6% express distrust in his leadership. This sharp decline in confidence has led to both criminal and congressional investigations targeting Milei and his advisers.

### Legal Scrutiny Intensifies

Legal repercussions surrounding the LIBRA scandal have intensified in recent months. In October, an Argentine prosecutor ordered forensic examinations of the phones belonging to President Milei and his close aides as part of an ongoing inquiry into their possible roles in the cryptocurrency project.

Additionally, U.S. legal sources suggest that Milei, along with his brother Karina Milei and promoter Hayden Mark Davis, likely control assets linked to LIBRA. This development has increased pressure on the president’s inner circle, with calls mounting for the detention of two aides implicated in the launch of the token.

### Struggling to Maintain Credibility

While the 2025 midterm election results increased Milei’s political power, the LIBRA scandal poses a serious threat to his credibility. Accusations of insider trading and market manipulation continue to dominate media coverage, contributing to waning public trust.

Milei faces a delicate balancing act: managing the fallout from the LIBRA scandal while delivering on the reforms that secured his electoral success. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to pushing forward with his policy agenda.

### Looking Ahead

The coming months will be critical for Milei’s administration as it grapples with legal investigations and public skepticism. Restoring trust may prove essential not only for maintaining political momentum but also in shaping the trajectory of his government ahead of Argentina’s 2027 presidential election.

**Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.**
https://coincentral.com/argentinas-milei-strengthens-political-power-amid-libra-scandal/

H-1B Visas Have Become a Boon for “So-Called American Companies”

“So-called American companies say they have no choice but to use the H-1B program because they ‘can’t find Americans for these jobs,’” says InvestAzoria CEO James Fishback.

“Here’s the ugly truth,” he writes, “they’re not even looking for Americans. They refuse to interview them. They hide job postings in obscure newspapers to ‘check the box,’ and when no one ‘applies,’ they import another foreign worker—denying yet another qualified American a job, a wage, and the dignity and purpose that come with both. It’s disgraceful. It’s time to finally and fully dismantle the H-1B scam.”

A community note correctly points out that the postings are required by law and are legal, but this does not change the main point. American companies prioritize H-1B visa holders and abuse the program. They aren’t genuinely seeking American candidates.

Currently, several companies are suing against the $100,000 fee per applicant that President Trump imposed. The former president has vowed to fight these legal challenges.

### The Program Is an Exercise in Abuse

The H-1B visa program is often criticized for being exploited by employers to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, particularly in the IT sector. This practice leads to wage suppression and raises national security concerns.

Originally, the program was designed to fill jobs that are specialized and hard to fill with American workers. However, widespread abuses have undermined the job market for Americans and fueled concerns about its integrity.

Ongoing investigations and regulatory changes aim to address these issues and ensure the program serves its intended purpose without harming U.S. workers.

### Legal Challenges to the $100,000 Fee

The Trump administration is preparing to defend its controversial new H-1B visa policy in federal court, following a wave of lawsuits challenging the $100,000 fee imposed on new visa applicants. The administration argues that this fee hike is necessary to protect American jobs and restore integrity to the skilled worker program.

However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce contends that the new $100,000 fee is unlawful because it overrides requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Specifically, the litigation asserts that visa fees must be based on the government’s actual costs in processing visas—a benchmark that the six-figure fee drastically exceeds.

In addition to the Chamber’s filing, a broad coalition of unions, employers, educators, and religious groups has filed separate lawsuits in federal courts across Washington, D.C., and California. These groups claim the fee is “arbitrary and capricious” and argue it will ultimately harm critical U.S. industries relying on high-skilled foreign talent.

### Impact on the Tech Sector

The tech sector, including companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, heavily utilizes the H-1B program to fill specialized roles. These legal battles reflect deep divisions over how to balance the needs of American workers with the demand for skilled foreign labor.

Despite these challenges, critics argue that many corporate interests represented by groups like the Chamber of Commerce have little regard for protecting American workers. Instead, their agendas often prioritize access to cheaper foreign labor.

As debates continue, the future of the H-1B program remains uncertain. Policymakers must carefully weigh the interests of American workers, employers, and national security to craft a fair and effective skilled worker visa system.
https://www.independentsentinel.com/h-1b-visas-have-become-a-boon-for-so-called-american-companies/

Twitch faces backlash after popular streamer Emiru allegedly assaulted by fan on video at TwitchCon meet and greet

Twitch Faces Backlash After Popular Streamer Emiru Assaulted by Attendee at TwitchCon

Livestreaming service Twitch is facing significant backlash following disturbing videos that captured popular streamer Emiru being assaulted by a fan during a TwitchCon meet and greet event.

The incident occurred on the first day of Twitch’s flagship convention in San Diego on Friday. Video footage circulated widely on social media showed a man storming toward Emiru—whose real name is Emily-Beth Schunk—and attempting to grab her face and kiss her. Schunk, 27, visibly recoiled as her personal security guard rushed to shove the man away.

Emiru, a well-known cosplayer with over two million followers on Twitch, criticized the platform’s handling of the situation in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). She wrote, “Yesterday, the man who assaulted me was allowed to cross multiple barriers at TwitchCon and even in front of another creator’s meet and greet to grab me and my face and try to kiss me.”

She added, “The security in the clip who reacts is my own security. However, there were at least 3 or 4 other TwitchCon security staff in the area who did not react and let the guy walk away.”

Twitch responded on Saturday, announcing it would enhance security measures by adding additional personnel and implementing a rule that bans attendees from bringing plus ones to TwitchCon. Their statement read:

“We immediately blocked this individual from returning to the TwitchCon premises, and they are banned indefinitely from Twitch, both online and in-person events. We are coordinating with the impacted creator’s team and, per our standard protocols, continue to cooperate with any law enforcement investigations.

Twitch has zero tolerance for harassment or acts that inhibit the safety and security of our community.”

However, Schunk disputed Twitch’s account, calling the company’s statement a “blatant lie.” She stated that the assaulter was not immediately detained or apprehended. “He was allowed to walk away from my meet and greet, and I didn’t hear he was caught until hours after he attacked me, and it felt like this only happened because of my manager pressing for it, not because TwitchCon staff present thought it was a big deal,” she explained.

Visibly shaken by the ordeal, Schunk also posted a video to YouTube where she revealed that her manager contacted police following the incident and that she plans to press charges against the man. She further claimed that Twitch is planning to suspend the attacker from the platform for one month before possibly deciding on an indefinite ban.

The San Diego Sheriff’s Office has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the identity of the individual or any charges filed.

This alarming event comes amidst growing concerns from female streamers about their safety at TwitchCon events. These worries have intensified following the tragic murder of Japanese streamer Airi Sato in March. According to The New York Times, Sato, 22, was fatally stabbed by a follower on a busy Tokyo street while filming herself at major train stations. The assailant, 42-year-old Kenji Takano, allegedly attacked her by stabbing her in the head, neck, and torso.

As Twitch continues to address safety issues within its community, the recent incident involving Emiru highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect creators and fans alike.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/20/us-news/twitch-faces-backlash-after-popular-streamer-emiru-allegedly-assaulted-by-fan-on-video-at-twitchcon-meet-and-greet/

THIS actress was seen in Lee Min Ho’s popular show, accused her agent of forcing her to provide sexual favors to…, was found dead in…, her name is…

**Why Is the Suicide Case of Jang Ja-yeon Making Headlines Again?**

The tragic suicide case of South Korean actress Jang Ja-yeon, which occurred in 2009, has recently resurfaced in the headlines. Korean President Moon Jae-in has ordered prosecutors to reinvestigate the case, emphasizing that the full truth must be uncovered to ensure that no one is wronged.

### All About Jang Ja-yeon’s Tragic Death and Controversy

In March 2009, 30-year-old actress Jang Ja-yeon took her own life by hanging herself at her home. At the time, she was a newcomer in the entertainment industry and had appeared in a few TV dramas. After her death, police discovered a suicide note in which she made serious allegations against her agent.

Jang revealed that her agent had forced her to attend parties and engage in sexual activities with several high-profile individuals, bringing to light a disturbing and dark side of the entertainment industry.

### Was Jang Ja-yeon’s Agent Punished?

Jang’s agent, known as Kim, was arrested during the initial police investigation. He was accused of physically abusing Jang, threatening her, and forcing her to participate in these parties. In 2009, Kim was convicted and sentenced to one year in prison.

However, despite Jang naming 31 influential people in her suicide note, none of these individuals faced legal punishment at that time, leaving many questions unanswered.

### Who Were the People Jang Ja-yeon Blamed in Her Suicide Note?

Before her death, Jang wrote nearly 50 letters to acquaintances, describing the harrowing pressure she endured. In these letters, she detailed being coerced into attending about 100 drinking parties and having to please 31 prominent figures, including business tycoons, media executives, and politicians.

Jang referred to these individuals as “monsters” and expressed her deep sense of helplessness in the face of their abuse.

### The Scandal Exposed and Questions Raised About Agencies

Jang Ja-yeon’s death shook South Korea and sparked widespread media coverage focused on the people she named in her letters. This controversy ignited a broader national debate about the unfair contracts and exploitative practices that many celebrities, especially newcomers, face.

Accusations flew that entertainment agencies treat artists like slaves, imposing unjust working conditions. In response to this and similar cases, financial and legal institutions initiated investigations into these exploitative contracts.

### President Moon Jae-in’s Recent Orders Regarding Jang’s Case

A petition demanding a reinvestigation of Jang Ja-yeon’s case was posted on the presidential office website. This petition quickly gained momentum, amassing over 600,000 signatures within days.

Moved by public demand, President Moon Jae-in instructed the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough and comprehensive reinvestigation into the matter, aiming to deliver justice and reveal the full truth.

### The Ongoing Jang Ja-yeon Investigation

A special commission from the Ministry of Justice has extended its investigation deadline to allow for a detailed review of all available evidence. Actress Yoon Ji-oh, who claimed to have seen Jang’s suicide letter, recently testified before the commission.

Yoon’s testimony included naming three journalists and a politician as figures mentioned in the alleged letter, rekindling public interest and excitement about the case’s potential revelations.

The reinvestigation of Jang Ja-yeon’s case symbolizes a broader effort in South Korea to address abuses within the entertainment industry and ensure that victims receive justice. As the investigation unfolds, many await the uncovering of truths that have long remained hidden.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/jang-ja-yeon-was-seen-in-lee-min-hos-popular-show-accused-her-agent-of-forcing-her-to-provide-sexual-favors-was-found-dead-3267859/

PIL filed in Supreme Court seeks inquiry into toxic cough syrup deaths of 14

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an inquiry and systemic reforms in drug safety mechanisms. This comes in the wake of the deaths of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly due to the consumption of toxic cough syrups.

The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, requests a court-monitored probe into the incidents. It also urges the constitution of a National Judicial Commission or an Expert Committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to oversee the matter.

Additionally, the plea seeks the transfer of all pending FIRs and investigations related to the deaths of children across various states to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The plea further urges the court to direct the Central government to constitute a national-level judicial or expert body to identify regulatory failures that allowed the distribution of substandard medicines. It also calls for mandatory toxicological testing of all suspected products before they are allowed for further sale.

*Disclaimer: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed/agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content (without notice) at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/pil-filed-in-supreme-court-seeks-inquiry-into-toxic-cough-syrup-deaths-of-14-children-23597687