In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, Illinois, citing escalating crime and unrest in the city. This decision follows a tense confrontation between immigration authorities and protesters, during which an armed woman was shot after allegedly ramming her vehicle into law enforcement cars. The incident has further fueled tensions in the Democrat-led city, where protests against immigration enforcement have intensified in recent weeks. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized the deployment, accusing Trump of manufacturing a crisis and abusing federal power. The announcement comes on the heels of a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, temporarily blocking a similar deployment of 200 troops, ruling that such actions risk undermining state sovereignty and blurring the lines between civil and military authority. Legal challenges are expected in Chicago as well, though it remains unclear whether any troops have been mobilized yet. The White House defended the decision, emphasizing the need to protect federal officers and assets amidst what it described as lawlessness in American cities. The situation in Chicago mirrors recent deployments in other Democratic strongholds, including Washington, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Portland, all of which have sparked widespread debate over the role of federal military intervention in local affairs.
标签： North America
北美洲
-
FBI agent suspended over refusal to ‘perp walk’ former director
Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted on two federal charges in Virginia, just days after former President Donald Trump urged law enforcement to intensify investigations into his political opponents. The charges, which include lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding, stem from allegations that Comey authorized a leak of classified information to the media in 2020. Comey, who led the FBI during a period marked by investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server, has denied the allegations, expressing confidence in the federal judicial system. The indictment comes shortly before the five-year statute of limitations would have expired and follows Trump’s appointment of Lindsey Halligan, his former personal attorney, as a top prosecutor in the region. Trump has publicly called for investigations into Comey and other political adversaries, emphasizing the urgency of such actions. Meanwhile, an FBI agent was reportedly suspended for refusing to participate in a ‘perp walk’ for Comey, a practice where law enforcement publicly escorts an accused individual, often in view of media cameras. Comey is scheduled to appear in court on October 9 for his arraignment, where the charges will be formally read. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. The situation underscores the ongoing political tensions in the U.S., with Comey remaining a focal point of Trump’s ire since his firing in 2017.
-
Ex-Jets quarterback Sanchez in hospital after stabbing
Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez is currently hospitalized in stable condition following a stabbing incident in Indianapolis, where he was also arrested for his involvement. The 38-year-old, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft for the New York Jets, was in the city to commentate on the Colts vs. Las Vegas Raiders game for Fox Sports. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the incident involved a physical altercation between two men, resulting in one sustaining lacerations and the other, Sanchez, suffering stab wounds. Police later confirmed that Sanchez had been arrested on charges of battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. Fox Sports released a statement expressing gratitude to the medical team for their care and requesting privacy for Sanchez and his family. The New York Jets also shared a message of support on social media, wishing Sanchez a speedy recovery. Sanchez, who wore number six during his five seasons with the Jets, led the team to two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances. Over his 10-year career, which included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Commanders, he threw for 15,357 yards, 86 touchdowns, and 89 interceptions. After retiring in 2019, Sanchez transitioned to broadcasting, first with ESPN and later with Fox Sports in 2021.
-
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sentenced to more than four years in prison
Hip-hop icon Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges involving two former girlfriends. The sentencing, delivered by Judge Arun Subramanian in New York, came after a nearly two-month federal trial where prosecutors detailed Combs’ history of domestic violence and coercive behavior. Despite defense attorneys advocating for a 14-month sentence, citing his remorse and reform during 13 months of pre-trial incarceration, prosecutors pushed for an 11-year term, emphasizing the severity of his actions. Combs, 55, was acquitted of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, but found guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. In a heartfelt courtroom address, Combs apologized to his victims, ex-girlfriends Casandra Ventura and ‘Jane,’ and his family, acknowledging his ‘disgusting, shameful, and sick’ behavior. He pleaded for mercy, vowing never to jeopardize his family again. The court also heard emotional testimonies from Combs’ children, who described him as a ‘changed man.’ Judge Subramanian, while acknowledging Combs’ charitable contributions and family ties, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that his actions constituted ‘subjugation’ and caused lifelong trauma to his victims. Combs will receive credit for time served and must pay a $500,000 fine. His legal team plans to appeal the decision.
-
Moment Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs learned his fate after tearful day in court
In a dramatic turn of events, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music mogul, was sentenced to over four years in prison in the same courtroom where he was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges just three months prior. The sentencing came after a judge found Combs guilty of using his influence to subjugate and abuse two women. During the hearing, Combs remained subdued, often looking down as the judge delivered a stern rebuke, stating, ‘This is the reality of what happened.’ This marked a stark contrast to his jubilant reaction following his previous acquittal, where he had confidently declared to his family, ‘I’m coming home.’ As the court adjourned, Combs turned to his family, appearing to mouth the words, ‘I love you, I’m sorry.’ The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and accountability in high-profile legal battles.
-
Trump’s Grim Reaper – from Project 2025 to shutdown enforcer
As the U.S. government shutdown enters its third day, former President Donald Trump is wielding the conservative blueprint of Project 2025 as a bargaining chip in his budgetary negotiations with Democrats. At the center of this strategy is Russell Vought, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who has emerged as a pivotal figure in Trump’s push to drastically reduce federal spending and reshape government operations. Vought, though not a household name, is a key architect of Project 2025, a 900-page policy document that outlines sweeping conservative reforms, including shrinking the federal government, expanding presidential authority, and enforcing strict immigration policies. Trump, who initially distanced himself from the project during the 2024 campaign, is now using it as a threat to pressure Democrats into acquiescing to his demands. On his Truth Social platform, Trump shared an AI-generated parody video depicting Vought as the ‘grim reaper,’ ready to slash government programs favored by Democrats. Republican leaders on Capitol Hill have echoed Trump’s characterization of Vought as a formidable force in the White House. Senator Mike Lee of Utah remarked that Vought has been ‘preparing for this moment since puberty,’ highlighting his extensive experience in federal budgeting and conservative policy circles. Vought, who previously served as deputy director of the OMB during Trump’s first term, has transformed the office into a powerful engine for implementing Trump’s fiscal agenda. Earlier this year, he collaborated with Elon Musk’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (Doge) to shutter multiple federal agencies and downsize departments. Now, with the government shutdown creating a legal grey area, Vought has the opportunity to make even deeper and more lasting cuts. He has already halted major infrastructure projects in New York City and Chicago and canceled nearly $8 billion in clean energy initiatives across 16 states that supported Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election. Democrats and federal worker unions have vowed to challenge these cuts in court, accusing Trump of making empty threats to force concessions. Economists have also criticized the administration’s approach, noting that its deficit-ballooning policies undermine claims of fiscal responsibility. Despite these criticisms, Vought and the White House appear undeterred, viewing the long-term benefits of reducing government spending as outweighing the short-term political risks. As the shutdown continues, the stakes for both parties grow higher, with Republicans warning of the potential backlash if the public perceives the administration’s cuts as overly aggressive.
-
Senate stalemate sends US shutdown into second week
The United States government shutdown has entered its fourth week as Senate leaders failed to pass critical spending proposals, deepening the political impasse. Both Republican and Democratic proposals fell short of the required 60-vote threshold, leaving federal operations in limbo. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson have squarely blamed Democrats for the crisis, while Democrats accuse Republicans of obstructing progress on healthcare reforms. The White House has warned of mass layoffs to sustain essential services, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the situation as a matter of ‘fiscal sanity.’ The potential scale of these layoffs remains unclear, but discussions with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are ongoing. The core disagreement centers on healthcare, with Democrats aiming to protect low-income health insurance subsidies and reverse Medicaid cuts, while Republicans accuse Democrats of prioritizing healthcare for undocumented immigrants. Votes on both proposals revealed stark partisan divides, with 54 Senators supporting the Republican plan and 45 backing the Democratic alternative. Meanwhile, the White House has suspended billions in federal infrastructure funding for Democratic-led states, including Chicago and New York City. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of resolving the healthcare issue, warning of devastating consequences if no action is taken. Early polls indicate a divided public, with 47% blaming Republicans and 30% blaming Democrats for the shutdown. As negotiations remain stalled, the economic toll continues to mount, with estimates suggesting a $15 billion weekly loss in GDP.
-
Prolonged shutdown could push US economy over the edge
The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, poses a significant threat to the U.S. economy, with its impact largely dependent on its duration. While a swift resolution would minimize economic damage, a prolonged shutdown could push the already fragile economy into a recession. The U.S. labor market is already under strain, with consumer confidence waning and uncertainty escalating. Economists warn that the indirect effects of the shutdown, such as reduced consumer spending and business confidence, could be more detrimental than the direct economic losses. Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity, is particularly vulnerable to a decline in confidence. The shutdown has already delayed federal discretionary spending, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating an $11 billion reduction in real GDP during the 2018-2019 shutdown. Although most of the lost output was recovered post-shutdown, permanent losses amounted to $3 billion. The current shutdown could exacerbate existing economic challenges, including a stagnant labor market, rising long-term unemployment, and reduced labor demand due to AI adoption and cost-cutting measures. Federal Reserve rate cuts, while expected to stimulate spending, are unlikely to address deeper structural issues such as government deficits, household budget constraints, and a shrinking labor force. The shutdown’s psychological impact on consumers and businesses could further destabilize the economy, making a swift resolution critical to avoiding long-term economic damage.
-
‘No good outcome’ – voters across US share concerns about shutdown
The ongoing US government shutdown has ignited a fierce blame game between Democrats and Republicans, leaving thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave and critical services in limbo. With no resolution in sight, both parties are locked in a stalemate over key issues, including healthcare subsidies and government spending. Democrats are refusing to support the Republican-backed spending plan unless expiring healthcare subsidies, which they argue are vital for working families, are renewed. Conversely, Republicans are pushing for a short-term funding bill before addressing the subsidies, further deepening the impasse.
-
Trump gives Hamas Sunday deadline to accept Gaza peace plan
In a bold move to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, former US President Donald Trump has presented a 20-point peace plan, setting a strict deadline for Hamas to accept the proposal. Trump, via his Truth Social platform, declared that an agreement must be finalized by 18:00 Washington time (22:00 GMT) on Sunday, warning of severe consequences if Hamas fails to comply. The plan outlines an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of those believed deceased, within 72 hours. In return, hundreds of detained Gazans would be freed. Arab and Turkish mediators are reportedly urging Hamas to consider the proposal positively. However, a senior Hamas official has indicated that the group is likely to reject the plan. Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.’ Mediators have engaged with Hamas’s military wing leader in Gaza, who has expressed disagreement with the US ceasefire proposal. While some political leaders of Hamas in Qatar are open to accepting the plan with modifications, their influence is limited as they do not control the hostages. A significant obstacle for Hamas is the requirement to release all hostages within the first 72 hours of the ceasefire, effectively relinquishing their primary bargaining leverage. It is estimated that 48 hostages are still held by Hamas in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive. The 20-point plan, jointly announced by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, also stipulates that Hamas will have no role in governing Gaza and leaves the possibility open for a future Palestinian state. However, Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, stating, ‘It’s not written in the agreement. We said we would strongly oppose a Palestinian state.’ Trump has assured that Israel would have US support to ‘finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas’ if the group rejects the plan. Netanyahu has echoed this sentiment, vowing that Israel ‘will finish the job’ if Hamas does not comply. The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, Israeli attacks in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 66,288 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.