GOP congressman and retired general says Trump should ‘absolutely’ fire Pentagon chief

One Republican member of Congress with an extensive military record is calling on President Donald Trump to fire Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During a Tuesday interview with CNN reporter Manu Raju, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force and member of the House Armed Forces Committee, expanded on his view that the embattled defense secretary should be “held accountable” following a Washington Post report. The report alleges that Hegseth ordered the deaths of two people who survived a missile strike.

“We do not kill two survivors who are not posing an imminent threat to anybody,” Bacon said. “I just want to make sure I get the facts. If what is being reported is true, somebody was wrong and they should be held accountable. It doesn’t sound good. And if somebody actually did this, they should be held accountable,” he continued. “And it should be at the top, not the bottom.”

When asked by Raju whether Hegseth’s actions necessitated his removal, Bacon responded, “absolutely.” He also referenced his prior call for Hegseth to be fired over a separate incident known as “Signalgate,” in which the defense secretary accidentally included Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg on a group text sharing classified information about impending strikes in Yemen.

“I felt that way under Signalgate. He should have taken responsibility then, and he didn’t,” Bacon said.

Hegseth’s account of his involvement in the strike has been inconsistent. Initially, during a Fox News interview, he claimed he knew “exactly” who was on the boat that was destroyed and that he watched the events unfold in real time.

However, during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting at the White House, Hegseth said he had left the room prior to the secondary strike that killed the two survivors. Instead, he stated that Admiral Frank M. Bradley, who was in charge of the mission, made the call to order the strike on the survivors. Hegseth called it “the correct decision.”
https://www.alternet.org/trump-fire-pete-hegseth/

OSP caught in another skewed investigation at MIIF

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says two major corruption probes involving the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) programme and the alleged diversion of petroleum products by more than 30 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have reached advanced stages. The Herald’s investigations into the MIIF this year, revealed that MIIF cash, which came from mineral royalties, was used for various purposes beyond the gold deal. It was used for fuel purchases, senseless procurement of mine equipment, bailouts for private mining companies, fixed deposits, outrageous corporate social responsibility (CSR), among others. Interestingly, the OSP led by Kissi Agyebeng, has been fixated on the activities of Goldridge Company Limited, owned by Nana Yaw Duodu, alias “Dr. Sledge”. He and his firm are one of the many companies that had access to the MIFF cash. The Herald had worked on damning details regarding the alleged mismanagement and misuse of Ghana’s mineral wealth under the leadership of Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the Chief Executive Officer of the MIIF, which oversees the controversial Agyapa Royalties Limited. One of the most shocking revelations is the enormous amount allocated to Dr. Sledge, who has been linked to what seems to be a major financial raid on MIIF under the Akufo-Addo government. His company, Goldridge Ghana Limited, received about US$119 million in two payments. Documents available to The Herald, showed that US$94 million was first paid to Dr. Sledge, a well-known socialite in East Legon, Accra, for a gold trade deal that suffered irregularities. In November 2024, Fidelity Bank Ghana, seized US$25 million of MIIF’s funds due to another financial facility MIIF guaranteed to Goldridge. The OSP initiated this investigation following a series of The Herald publications on events at MIIF. Indeed, the OSP contacted this paper to assist with information on MIIF, but this was declined because similar assistance to the OSP in the US$1. 61 billion Aker-Energy transaction and bribes paid to journalists and Civil Society Organizations in 2021 have been investigated or mentioned by the Special Prosecutor at his public conferences. In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Saturday, November 22, the OSP said it continues to push several high-value investigations forward, with rising public interest expected as the cases progress. The Office reaffirmed that its work remains anchored in due process, transparency, and the protection of the public interest. According to the update, the OSP disclosed that, under the MIIF investigation, it has already undertaken key statutory measures, including freezing accounts, seizing assets, and imposing restrictions on the movement of some individuals as part of the ongoing probe. The investigation centres on a gold-trading arrangement between MIIF and Goldridge Company Limited, introduced to support Ghana’s gold-for-oil and reserves programme intended to boost state revenue. In September 2025, the OSP confirmed that Nana Yaw Duodu, the Chief Executive Officer of Goldridge Company Limited, had been invited and subsequently detained after failing to meet bail conditions related to the same matter. Subsequently, on October 29, the Office of the Special Prosecutor raided Dr Sledge’s Trassaco residence and the Goldridge Company Limited offices in East Legon as part of ongoing investigations into the Minerals Income Investment Fund gold trade program. The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), created under Act 978 of 2018 to manage Ghana’s mineral royalties and state mineral investments, introduced its gold-trade initiative to support the government’s gold-for-oil and gold-for-reserves policies through private-sector partnerships. The second investigation involves an extensive fuel-diversion scheme in which more than 30 OMCs are being investigated for allegedly diverting marine gas oil, premix fuel, and diesel. The OSP says the alleged diversions have major revenue implications, and efforts are underway to recover millions of cedis that should have accrued to the state. The Office also mentioned that, beyond these two ongoing cases, several others, including issues involving the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), are already in court. The OSP emphasised that its mandate remains unchanged: to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption, and to ensure the effective recovery and management of state assets as the cases advance toward possible prosecution.
https://theheraldghana.com/osp-caught-in-another-skewed-investigation-at-miif/

Restored 1968 Porsche 911 Coupe Sportomatic

*Exchange Rates You are bidding for this item in EUR. This means, if you have the winning bid, you will need to make your payment to the seller in EUR. It is your responsibility to check the conversion rate, and you should also note that exchange rates may fluctuate between now and the due date of your payment after the end of the auction. Taxation If you are the highest bidder, you will also need to pay the seller any applicable taxes/VAT. Your bid may not be inclusive of these amounts. Relevant details are included in the listing, so please ensure you have read and understood this information before placing your bid. Note that, if you will need to import the vehicle to your country, you may be responsible for import-related taxes.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-porsche-911-46/

Gulf & Pacific Equities Corp. reports on Third Quarter Results with Revenue of $1,134,846

Toronto, ON, Nov. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gulf & Pacific Equities Corp. (TSX-V: GUF) an established company focused on the acquisition, management and development of anchored shopping centers in Western Canada, reports a 3. 0% decrease in revenues to $1,134,846 in the quarter ended September 30, 2025, from $1,169,849 at the same period last year. Details of the nine and three months financial results for fiscal 2025 and 2024 under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as summarized below, are also available at www. sedar release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Gulf & Pacific Equities. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the benefits of the offering and option transaction. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plansexpects” or “does not expectis expectedbudgetscheduledestimatesforecastsintendsanticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “maycouldwouldmight” or “will be takenoccur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Gulf & Pacific Equities to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to risks related to: economic conditions in Western Canada, interest rates, raising less than the required capital; not realizing on the anticipated benefits from the transaction or not realizing on such anticipated benefits within the expected time frame; and other risks of the real estate industry. Although management of Gulf & Pacific Equities has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Gulf & Pacific Equities does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/21/3192710/0/en/Gulf-Pacific-Equities-Corp-reports-on-Third-Quarter-Results-with-Revenue-of-1-134-846.html

Nillion Moves Fast After Unauthorized NIL Token Dump Sparks Market Shock

The Nillion team stepped in quickly after NIL tokens saw a sharp and unexpected price swing. The project confirmed that the sell-off was triggered by a market maker who unloaded a significant batch of tokens without authorization. The incident caused wide confusion across the community and within the team itself, as the sell orders hit the market without warning and with no communication from the party involved. Within hours, Nillion mobilized treasury funds and began buying back the affected NIL tokens. The team also worked with exchanges to freeze related accounts and started legal proceedings to hold the responsible party accountable. It was a fast, direct response to what Nillion described as a breach of trust and a violation of contractual terms. A Sudden Sell-Off Leaves the Team Searching for Answers The NIL market reaction caught everyone off guard. Traders watched an aggressive sell pressure ripple through the token price, triggering speculation and fear. The team admitted that it was just as confused as the community at the time. Nothing internal had changed. No major announcements had been made. The sudden move didn’t align with ongoing development, partnerships, or market conditions. Then the answer surfaced. Nillion discovered that one of its market makers had initiated large-scale sales of NIL tokens without the legal authorization of the Nillion Association. The team stated that communication attempts were made during the flash sell and continued for hours afterward, but the party in question did not respond. This lack of communication, paired with the unauthorized sale, escalated the situation quickly. It wasn’t just a market event, it was a breach of contract and trust. Nillion didn’t sugarcoat the situation. The team admitted that these kinds of events unfortunately happen in crypto. Market makers, private investors, or partners can sometimes act against agreements, leaving the project to deal with the consequences. In this case, trust was broken, and the fallout was immediate. But Nillion made it clear that it wouldn’t simply issue public statements and hope the situation faded away. The response would be decisive. Nillion Initiates Immediate Buyback With Treasury Funds The first major move was a treasury-funded buyback. The Nillion Association began repurchasing the tokens that were sold during the unauthorized flash dump. The aim was simple: Support the NIL market in real time Reduce the fallout from a third-party action Signal confidence in the project and its long-term trajectory Nillion also committed to something further, any funds recovered from the market maker through legal action will also be used to buy back additional NIL tokens. In other words, Nillion is turning every dollar retrieved into direct support for the token and community. It was a message meant to calm the market. But also, a way to show that the team was taking responsibility, even though the sell-off was not their doing. Exchanges Freeze Accounts Connected to the Incident There was another rapid move behind the scenes. According to Nillion, the team worked throughout the night with exchange partners. Their goal was to freeze accounts and wallets connected to the unauthorized sales. By the time the public statement was released, affected accounts were already blocked. This is a significant point. In crypto, time is everything. Capital can disappear in minutes if a bad actor wants to move it. The fact that exchanges cooperated immediately shows both existing relationships and the seriousness of the incident. Taking legal action also signals that Nillion is not letting this pass quietly. Contracts were broken. Terms were violated. The team wants accountability, and it is pushing the issue to the fullest extent possible. A Project Built on Privacy and Long-Term Mission Beyond the market turbulence, Nillion emphasized its core values. The project has built its identity around privacy, specifically, the belief that privacy is a fundamental human right. The team’s messaging made it clear that the incident, while disruptive, does not derail the mission. The market shock was real. Holders saw volatility and confusion. But Nillion showed an active stance instead of a reactive one. It didn’t blame the market. It didn’t disappear. It responded in real time and kept the community informed. That is a rare position in crypto where many teams prefer silence, vague messaging, or distancing themselves when something unexpected hits the price chart. Nillion took the opposite approach, open communication, immediate action, and accountability. Why This Situation Matters Incidents like this expose one of the more fragile parts of the digital asset space. Cryptocurrencies don’t only move based on product updates, roadmap progress, or user adoption. They also move based on the actions of third parties who hold tokens, manage liquidity, or execute market support roles. When one of those parties breaks rules, trust is damaged. Price can collapse. Community confidence can shake. Nillion’s response matters because it shows: Legal accountability Financial responsibility Market protection Transparency during turbulence It also shows that the project is standing behind its token rather than distancing itself. The message was simple: someone took an unauthorized action, but Nillion refuses to let it define the project’s trajectory. The incident was disruptive. Holders and market watchers were surprised. The team was blindsided. But the response has been structured and aggressive: Buybacks are underway Funds recovered will support further buybacks Accounts tied to the sale are frozen Legal pursuit is active The mission continues Nillion made it clear that it is here to build, and here to stay. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services.
https://themerkle.com/nillion-moves-fast-after-unauthorized-nil-token-dump-sparks-market-shock/

Alaska Airlines Pilot Who Attempted Engine Shutdown While High on Shrooms Granted No Extra Jail Time [WATCH]

A former off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to shut down the engines of a San Francisco-bound flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms will not serve additional prison time, a federal judge ruled Monday, as reported by The New York Post. Joseph Emerson was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release by U. S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio in Portland, Oregon. Federal prosecutors had sought an additional year in prison. “Pilots are not perfect. They are human,” Baggio said during the hearing. “They are people, and all people need help sometimes.” The incident occurred on Oct. 22, 2023, aboard a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. Emerson, who was riding off-duty in the cockpit, attempted to pull two red handles that could have activated the fire suppression system and cut the fuel supply to the engines. The plane was carrying more than 80 passengers. This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year Flight crew members subdued Emerson, and the aircraft diverted to Portland, where it landed safely. Emerson told police he had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier, had not slept in more than 40 hours, and believed he was dreaming when he reached for the controls. He said he had been grieving the death of a friend at the time. His attorney, Ethan Levi, described the episode as “a product of untreated alcohol use disorder.” Levi said Emerson had been drinking at the time and accepted mushrooms “because of his lower inhibitions.” After spending 46 days in jail, Emerson was released in December 2023 under conditions requiring sobriety, mental health treatment, and avoiding aircraft. Levi said Emerson has been sober since entering treatment. Before sentencing, Emerson told the court he took responsibility for his actions. “I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions,” he said. “I can tell you that this very tragic event has forced me to grow as an individual.” His wife, Sarah Stretch, also addressed the court. “I am so sorry for those that it’s impacted as much as it has,” she said, adding that she was proud of her husband’s progress. One of the pilots on the flight, Alan Koziol, said he did not believe Emerson intended to harm anyone, describing him as appearing “more like a trapped animal than a man in control of his faculties. Assistant U. S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow said Emerson’s actions were serious and credited the flight crew for preventing a disaster. “There were 84 people on that plane who could have lost their lives,” Barrow said. A passenger, Alison Snyder, told the court by phone that she and her husband will “never feel as safe flying as we once did.” Emerson pleaded guilty in September as part of an agreement with prosecutors. He faced federal charges of interfering with a flight crew. A separate Oregon state indictment charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft. At the state level, Emerson was sentenced to 50 days in jail with credit for time served and five years of probation. The court ordered him to complete 664 hours of community service, half of which may be completed at his nonprofit pilot health organization, “Clear Skies Ahead.” He must also pay $60,000 in restitution, mostly to Alaska Air Group, and comply with requirements related to sobriety, mental health treatment, and staying away from aircraft.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/11/alaska-airlines-pilot-who-attempted-engine-shutdown-while-high-on-shrooms-granted-no-extra-jail-time-watch/

“Cameron Green is a no” – Legendary spinner makes huge claim ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has made a significant claim regarding Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) strategy for the IPL 2026 auction. The legendary spinner stated that CSK will not target Australian all-rounder Cameron Green in the upcoming auction. Ashwin elaborated on why Green does not fit into the team’s plans, emphasizing the team’s existing lineup and player roles.

Ashwin, however, suggested that CSK might want to push Green’s price higher in the auction. The Chennai-based franchise could deliberately stretch Green’s price to benefit their team strategy. Instead, Ashwin believes CSK will focus on securing seasoned all-rounder Andre Russell, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the mini-auction.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said:

“CSK have two slots to fill — a spinner and a finisher. In this particular setup, Cameron Green is a no. There is a lot of talk that CSK should go for Green and bring him in. Firstly, CSK will not get Cameron Green, and secondly, in this line-up, he will not sit well. He is not a finisher. He will have to play after Mhatre, Ruturaj, Brevis, Dube, and maybe even Dhoni.

The ideal batter to come and finish the innings is Andre Russell. I have seen the CSK analyst put up Dre Russ, so I think they will go for him.”

Ashwin also warned that CSK might have to “break the bank” if they want either of the two all-rounders. He expressed optimism that the Super Kings might try to rebuy Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, while suggesting that pursuing another experienced all-rounder like Glenn Maxwell could be off the table.

He added:

“CSK don’t need Green as desperately as KKR need. But CSK also have the responsibility of pushing Green’s price. If CSK don’t stretch KKR to over ₹20 crore for Green, then they will again come back for Russell. Then CSK will not get both of them. CSK have to break their bank on one player.

It will be nice if they try to get Pathirana back. If they had let go of Overton, they could have pushed for Maxwell.”

### CSK’s Auction Purse and Player Retention

With ₹43.40 crore remaining, CSK hold the second-highest purse ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, only behind KKR, who have ₹64.30 crore in their bank.

**CSK retained players list:**
– Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)
– Ayush Mhatre
– Dewald Brevis
– MS Dhoni
– Urvil Patel
– Shivam Dube
– Jamie Overton
– Ramakrishna Ghosh
– Noor Ahmad
– Khaleel Ahmed
– Anshul Kamboj
– Gurjapneet Singh
– Nathan Ellis
– Shreyas Gopal
– Mukesh Choudhary

### “Dhoni Could Just Play as an Impact Player” – Ashwin’s Prediction Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Ravichandran Ashwin also speculated on MS Dhoni’s role for the upcoming IPL season. He believes that Dhoni might take on the role of an impact player, especially since Sanju Samson is available to fulfill wicketkeeping duties.

Ashwin urged the 44-year-old veteran to continue batting, as CSK currently lacks enough finishers, though the final composition depends on the auction buys.

He explained:

“If MS Dhoni does not want to play, this release list would have indicated that. The fact that Jadeja is gone, and they already don’t have power finishers, it tells us that MS Dhoni will continue.

Also, because Sanju can keep wickets, it is a very good possibility that Dhoni could just play as an impact player. Only he can tell whether there is enough petrol left in his tank, but the fact that the release list does not have his name is as good as a confirmation that he will play the season.”

Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2026, including live scores, auction predictions, match schedules, points tables, and detailed squad information for all franchises.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-cameron-green-no-legendary-spinner-makes-huge-claim-ahead-ipl-2026-auction

I Had Such a Good Time at My Wedding. Then I Started Tallying the Gifts.

Our advice columnists have heard it all over the years — so we’re diving into the Pay Dirt archives to share classic letters with our readers. Submit your own questions about money here. (It’s anonymous!)

### Dear Pay Dirt,

We just had a big wedding and our baby’s first birthday celebration. It was great to do a big party with friends. I’m struggling, though, because I’m surprised at how little our guests gave, and I’m feeling guilty about that.

Generally, I’ve always heard you give $100 to $125 per person, particularly if you’re drinking and eating (we had an open bar). However, many people we consider good friends gave much less. A few didn’t give at all.

Getting about $100 each would’ve covered the cost of each person at the wedding. Of course, if they didn’t have the money, we’d understand, but many of them are very financially comfortable.

I know it’s in the past now. But how do I not let this frustration and sadness color my friendships with these people? I know it’s not the point of the party, but it’s also hard not to feel like the celebration we threw was a bit underappreciated.

— Blue About the Wedding

### Dear Blue About the Wedding,

I am not a wedding planner, but this is the first I’ve heard of anyone being obligated to pay to attend a wedding, much less pay an amount equivalent to a meal at a three-star Michelin restaurant.

The point of a wedding is that your loved ones can celebrate with you, not that they can subsidize a very expensive party you want to throw for yourself and, in your own words, feel “appreciative” of it.

It’s not uncommon for people to give wedding presents (though that is not required either, to be clear). But even then, your price range — $300 per couple at the high end — seems extremely high to me. And I live in New York City, where everything is more expensive than virtually everywhere else in the country.

I also got married here, in a lovely venue, and had a sit-down dinner and open bar, which, as you note, is not cheap. But it never occurred to me for one second that my friends should be paying for it.

So, consider the possibility that your friends did their part, which is to show up to the wedding—at your convenience and not theirs—and celebrate your marriage with you. They already likely had to take time out of their schedules, in some cases travel and/or arrange and pay for child care, and I’m sure many of them did give you gifts.

I’m afraid the only person here who’s being unappreciative in an inappropriate way is you.

Weddings can be very expensive, but that is a choice. They don’t have to be. I know plenty of people who had small ceremonies in their backyards, with potluck dinners and flowers plucked from the local deli stand. They were just as meaningful as the fancier weddings I’ve attended at glamorous locations that were epic, multi-day affairs.

It doesn’t matter which option you choose, but it’s your responsibility to pay for your party, and no one else’s.

— Elizabeth Spiers

*From: I’m Frustrated My Friends Didn’t Get Me More Expensive Wedding Gifts. (June 16, 2022.)*

### Dear Pay Dirt,

My current job compensation includes a base salary, a very small percentage of the business I bring in, and profit-sharing. The idea is that as the company grows, profits increase and my piece of the pie gets bigger. So, along with several of my coworkers, I’m a part-owner.

The people directly benefiting from this model are my bosses, who each bring home about 10 times per month what I do in profits. If I get $2,000, they’re bringing home $20,000.

But one of my clients is actively headhunting me. I know passive income is an important part of building wealth and am reluctant to leave profit-sharing behind for only a salary.

The comp at both jobs would be similar and my career path would likely be very different if I made this move. It’s an emerging industry that’s not going anywhere — think renewable energy versus what I do now (general consulting). I know my compensation will steadily increase over the years where I am, and there’s a ton of flexibility.

A new job brings new, different, and interesting opportunities. I am torn. What are the things I should consider when switching jobs?

— Working For the Man

### Dear Working For the Man,

I think you’ve thought a lot about this and it’s hard to make a decision because, in the end, you have two paths to take. Each path is different and could revolve around a substantial payout.

At this time in your life, I’m wondering what you value more. I love the idea of flexibility — for personal reasons — but I’m also a firm believer that everyone should be able to have it. Life can change in the blink of an eye and you may need to alter your work schedule to fit a situation that came up.

I’m worried, however, that your stake in the company may not be enough for you to eventually bring home the profit you crave or deserve. I think it’s unfair that you’re getting $2,000 and your bosses are pocketing $20,000. As you said, in the long run staying in this position may line your bosses’ pockets more than it does yours.

Challenging yourself on a new career path could also open new avenues and ways to grow. Growth in your career is very important because your experience is what you’ll need to negotiate your salary in the future.

You can always have a talk with your boss about your current compensation and what they can do to meet you in the middle. If you’re bringing a lot of money in, they aren’t going to want to let you go. If they come back empty-handed, it’s time to jump ship.

— Athena Valentine

*From: A Year Ago, I Received a Large Sum of Cash. I’m Mortified About Where It’s All Gone. (June 21, 2022.)*

### More Money Advice From Slate

My husband and I have been together for 23 years. We met at a startup and he found a clever way to start the business he still runs today. Not long after, I joined the company where we worked together for almost 15 years.

The problem is, outside a handful of good years, the business is a zombie. It produces a very modest income and despite general plans for a future payout, there is no measurable progress. I am fed up and exhausted from being the breadwinner.

Have a money question or dilemma? Submit your anonymous query [here].
https://slate.com/advice/2025/11/money-advice-wedding-gift-disappointment.html?via=rss

1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL

**Exchange Rates**

You are bidding for this item in USD. This means that if you have the winning bid, you will need to make your payment to the seller in USD. It is your responsibility to check the current conversion rate. Please note that exchange rates may fluctuate between now and the due date of your payment after the end of the auction.

**Taxation**

If you are the highest bidder, you will also need to pay the seller any applicable taxes or VAT. Your bid may not include these amounts. Relevant details are provided in the listing, so please ensure you have read and understood this information before placing your bid.

Additionally, if you need to import the vehicle to your country, you may be responsible for import-related taxes.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-mercedes-benz-450sel-11/

Mamdani Will Ravage the Entire State

**Zohran Mamdani’s Win Should Send Tremors Far Beyond New York City**
*By Betsy McCaughey*

Zohran Mamdani’s victory Tuesday should send shockwaves far beyond New York City. A Mamdani win will likely ignite wholesale legislative attacks on property owners, charter schools, law enforcement, and businesses across the entire state of New York. From Buffalo to Amagansett, no sector will be spared.

In New York, the critical decisions about criminal law, education, rent laws, and taxation are made at the state level—not locally. Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) will be calling the shots not only at City Hall but also in Albany. New Yorkers, brace yourselves for radical laws and huge tax hikes.

Mamdani, currently a member of the New York State Assembly from Queens until he is sworn in as mayor, already secured endorsements from the state’s top legislative leaders and sizable blocs within both the Assembly and Senate—27 Assembly members and 16 state senators—before his victory. His triumph elevates him to national prominence and positions him as the de facto head of the Democratic Party in New York State, wielding far more influence than Governor Kathy Hochul.

With Hochul’s approval ratings at a historic low, she is now desperately seeking Mamdani’s favor to curry goodwill with the Left. Mamdani’s clout at the Capitol means moderate Democrats are likely to fall in line “to enact a lot of his wish list,” reports Democratic Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz from Long Island. Blumencranz calls it “a perfect storm” set to impact the entire state.

### A Radical Criminal Justice Agenda

At the top of the DSA’s list—and Mamdani’s agenda—is aggressive decarceration that would put criminals back on the streets. Pro-criminal DSA legislators led efforts to pass the “Less is More” Act in 2021, a law that allows violent criminals who violate parole (for example, by using drugs) to remain free.

This law partly explains why Jamel McGriff, who was allegedly violating parole, was able to invade the home of an elderly Queens couple last September, torture them to death, and set their house on fire with them inside.

DSA legislators are also pushing bills to decriminalize prostitution under the state Senate bill titled “Cecilia’s Act for Rights in the Sex Trade” and to eliminate all criminal and civil penalties for possession of illegal drugs.

Mamdani ally and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie backs a bill, already passed in the Assembly, to extend youthful offender status to alleged criminals ages 19 to 25. This would spare them from a criminal conviction and seal their arrest record, magnifying the mistake made by the 2019 “Raise the Age” legislation—which shifted the criminal responsibility age from 16 to 18.

New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch warns that “Raise the Age” has led to a quadrupling of homicides committed by juveniles and an 81% increase in juveniles being shot. Violent teens under 18 who commit heinous crimes receive merely a slap on the wrist in family court, and they soon return to offend again.

Mamdani’s allies in Albany are poised to worsen this situation by letting violent criminals in their 20s off the hook. It’s a dangerous and reckless approach.

### Hostility Toward Charter Schools

Mamdani and the DSA are fierce opponents of charter schools. They would rather see thousands of low-income and minority students languish in district schools assigned by geography—schools many consider “failure factories.”

Decisions about increasing charter schools are controlled in Albany by the State University of New York (SUNY) trustees, who generally support charters, and the SUNY Board of Regents, appointed by the legislature and heavily influenced by teachers unions aligned with the Democratic Party.

State Senate Bill 6800, sponsored by Mamdani ally Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn of Brooklyn, would strip SUNY trustees of their charter powers, effectively leaving charter schools vulnerable to the hostile Board of Regents. The biggest losers in this battle will be the students.

### Targeting Property Owners and Renters

Property owners are squarely in the DSA’s crosshairs. The party aims to expand rent regulation—which many argue has caused severe housing shortages and dilapidated properties in New York City—to the entire state through state Senate Bill 4659. Furthermore, they seek to extend rent regulations to commercial properties such as stores via Senate Bill 8319.

### Ambitious Tax Hikes and Costly Freebies

As a candidate, Mamdani promised free bus rides, free child care, and other costly benefits—expenses he wants the entire state to fund. His campaign proposed hiking the state’s corporate tax rate by almost half, to 11.5%.

Mamdani ally state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal has already introduced a bill to increase corporate taxes, though by a somewhat lesser amount.

However, corporate taxes ultimately affect employees and customers—not just business owners—and tend to stifle economic growth. New York State already ranks dead last (50th out of 50) in economic outlook, largely due to its notoriously high tax burden.

How much worse can it get? Mamdani’s appetite for money as mayor threatens to drain the state’s resources further.

### Call to Action: Mobilize Now

Now is the time to mobilize a statewide counteroffensive to prevent a socialist takeover of state government. Do not wait for next year’s statewide elections.

Leaders in the nonprofit sector, including the Business Council, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater New York, and the New York State Bar Association, need to flood the state legislature with warnings and provide reinforcements to the vastly outnumbered Republicans and beleaguered moderate Democrats.

Mamdani may have won in New York City, but the real battle is moving to Albany.

*Betsy McCaughey is a former Lieutenant Governor of New York State and Chairman & Founder of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths.*
Follow her on Twitter: [@Betsy_McCaughey](https://twitter.com/Betsy_McCaughey)
https://www.independentsentinel.com/mamdani-will-ravage-the-entire-state/