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Jews’ Influence Crucial in Michigan Senate Race Dynamics

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– Key Voting Demographic in Michigan Senate Election: Concerned Jewish Voters
– Controversy Surrounds El-Sayed’s Support from Pastor Praising Farrakhan
– Michigan’s Democratic AG Criticizes Party’s Insufficient Response to Antisemitism

Lifelong Democrats in Michigan are contemplating a shift that could dramatically impact the political landscape. Alarmed by the progressive stance of candidate Abdul El-Sayed, particularly his anti-Zionist remarks, many Jewish voters are considering a pivot to Republican contender Mike Rogers as a defensive strategy. This group, comprising more than 100,000 voters in a state previously decided by a mere 19,000-vote margin, is poised to significantly influence the upcoming election. Such a potential exodus could spell disastrous consequences for the Democratic Party, possibly shifting Senate control to the Republicans.

AOC, El-Sayed and Bernie at a rally

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (left); Michigan Senate candidate Abdulrahman El-Sayed (center); Sen. Bernard Sanders (right). (Andrew Roth/Reuters)

Stunning aerial footage unveils the ancient 2,000-year-old reservoirs that historically supplied Jerusalem with water, now embroiled in debates over conservation, heritage, and territorial rights.

Abdul El-Sayed’s bid for the Michigan Senate seat is embroiled in controversy following his endorsement from a pastor with a controversial history. The pastor had previously commended Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, known for his inflammatory antisemitic rhetoric, calling him a “truth teller.” Compounding the issue, El-Sayed’s campaign has invested $75,000 for consulting services with the pastor’s nonprofit organization. Is this a strategic effort to win votes, or does it signal baggage that could weigh down El-Sayed’s campaign?

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is blasting her own party, boycotting the upcoming Democratic convention over security fears. The state’s top legal officer slammed party leaders for and shockingly allowing members facing criminal charges for antisemitic threats to attend. Nessel says the party is abandoning civil discourse—making the August gathering a powder keg.

Michigan AG Dana Nessel

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel accused the Democratic Party of allowing members accused of antisemitic acts to attend the upcoming convention. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon is blasting as a complete “blood libel” fed by Hamas propaganda. A fresh UN-backed survey blew the lid off the narrative, revealing child malnutrition has plummeted to pre-war levels. Danon slammed anti-Israel critics for relying on fake terrorist data while Hamas actively hijacked and marked up aid.

: George Deek, Israel’s first special envoy to the Christian world, writes that, while Israel faces anti-Christian extremism that demands prosecution, these isolated acts do not define the nation. Unlike the declining Christian populations across the Middle East, , growing, and fully integrated—serving as judges, diplomats, and leaders—proving that localized bigotry does not reflect the country’s true character.

“Right now, however, it feels as though extremism on the left is not only becoming louder, but increasingly normalized. That has created a frightening moment for American Jews and certainly for the Jewish community here in Michigan.” – Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in suburban Detroit.

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Affordable celimax Retinal Cream: Save on Amazon’s $25 Deal

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A secret coupon promotion has made it possible to purchase the celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Dual Cream for under $25, making this anti-wrinkle treatment more accessible than ever.

For those on the hunt for an effective retinoid cream without the high-end price tag, the celimax offering could be the solution. Typically retailing at $30, the cream is now available for $24, thanks to a current 20% discount, presenting an ideal opportunity to try it out.

Although I haven’t personally tested this specific K-beauty cream, I have tried its popular counterpart, The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster from the same celimax line. The booster made a noticeable difference in my skincare routine, brightening dark circles and firming up my skin, which piqued my interest in the Dual Cream.

celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Dual Cream

Amazon

Both products emphasize anti-aging benefits, with the Dual Cream crafted as a rich formula rather than a booster. It includes 0.05% retinal, along with 3% matrixyl and 5% panthenol, all working together to smooth fine lines and enhance skin hydration for a softer appearance.


Retinal stands out for those seeking wrinkle solutions, as it converts one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, offering potentially enhanced benefits. Products with retinal are gaining traction among those focusing on addressing fine lines, texture inconsistencies, firmness, and uneven skin tone. However, as with all retinoids, it’s important to introduce them slowly into your routine to mitigate potential dryness or irritation.

The celimax booster that I’ve used contains 0.1% retinal and 3% Matrixyl, and celimax recommends starting every other night when introducing retinal into a routine. The brand also recommends sunscreen the following morning.

At $24 with the coupon, the Dual Cream is especially appealing for anyone curious about stepping into retinal skincare without spending $50 or more. For an anti-aging cream built around retinal, peptides and hydrating panthenol, under $25 is a price worth checking twice.


This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.


Accused LSU Cheerleader Assailants Fight Legal Battle for Justice

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In a controversial move, the defendants accused of sexually assaulting and abandoning LSU cheerleader Madison Brooks are utilizing several legal strategies to evade justice before their trial, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The individuals involved, Casen Carver, 22, Desmond Carter, 21, and Kaivon Washington, 21, are confronting numerous rape charges connected to the tragic January 2023 incident that left the 19-year-old victim abandoned on the side of a busy highway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The trial for Carter is set to commence on Monday. Meanwhile, Carver faces charges of video voyeurism along with first and third-degree rape, with his courtroom proceedings scheduled for November 30.

Sadly, after being left on the road, Madison was struck by an Uber driver who was unaware of her presence in the dimly lit conditions, leading to injuries that claimed her life at the hospital.

As Carter’s trial approaches, the Daily Mail uncovers that the defendants have resorted to various tactics to avoid going to trial, including an effort by Carter’s lawyers to prevent Madison’s family from wearing her favorite color during the proceedings.

The 21-year-old’s legal team had argued that the family dressing in pink constituted a threat directed at the jury and would violate his right to a fair trial.

But furious prosecutor Sonya Cardia-Porter hit back, calling the move an ‘absurd exaggeration’ and ‘unpersuasive’ and noted that Madison’s family are ‘silent, passive spectators’.

Last week, Judge Gail Ray ruled the family would be allowed to wear pink during next week’s proceedings but banned photographs of the 19-year-old from being worn on t-shirts.

Madison Brooks, 19, was fatally struck by a car after she was allegedly sexually assaulted in the back of a car by several men after a night out near Louisiana State University's campus in January 2023

Madison Brooks, 19, was fatally struck by a car after she was allegedly sexually assaulted in the back of a car by several men after a night out near Louisiana State University’s campus in January 2023

Kavion Washington, 21

Casen Carver, 22

Desmond Carter

Kaivon Washington, 21, Casen Carver, 22, and Desmond Carter, 21, are all facing rape charges. Carter’s trial is set to begin August 17,  while Carver’s has been pushed to November. A trial date for Washington is yet to be set

The move is just one of a multitude of wheezes the defense teams have used to get off the hook and, despite the trial being imminent, have filed a motion trying to dismiss Carter’s first-degree rape charge and try him only on a second charge of third-degree rape, claiming the two are the same and would thus cause him to face double jeopardy.

Co-defendant Carver’s trial has already been pushed back until November after the prosecution made repeated attempts to boot Judge Ray off the case after Carver was caught sending texts telling his father ‘she (Ray) knows how to help us’ after discovering her son is a convicted rapist.

Ray’s 46-year-old son Nelson Taylor was convicted in 1997 of multiple counts of rape and burglary involving teenage girls.

Carver was also involved in another egregious legal maneuver when he attempted to sue Madison’s mother Ashley Baustert for defamation over an interview she gave to veteran broadcaster Nancy Grace in 2024.

The 22-year-old sued along with Washington’s uncle Everett Lee, 32, who was also in the car on the night of Madison’s death, although the rape charges against him were dismissed without prejudice by a Louisiana Grand Jury.

According to Carver and Lee, Baustert defamed them by implying the pair are rapists in a July 2023 Fox Nation special program called ‘Left For Dead: The Case of Madison Brooks’.

Baustert had said when asked if she’d been to any hearings in the case: ‘It’s just too hard. I know what they’re going to say. It’s…

‘Of course, they’re going to say what they’re going to say. They’re going to victim blame and act like this was a consensual act. We all know it wasn’t. It’s very hurtful to listen to it.’

A 29-second clip from the night of her death shows Madi appearing to tell the Desmond Carter, then 17, to 'get out' of the car so she can 'Uber on her own'

The college student was slurring her words and seen getting out of the car

A 29-second clip from the night of her death shows Madi appearing to tell the Desmond Carter, then 17, to ‘get out’ of the car so she can ‘Uber on her own’

Other footage released by lawyers for the defense shows the moment Brooks ran after the group of men on the night she died

Other footage released by authorities shows the student running after the group of men on the night she died

The case was later thrown out by New Orleans judge Carl J Barbier.

Madison’s family are now planning to attend the trials of Carter, Carver and Washington – for whom a trial date is yet to be set.

In an interview with the Daily Mail last week, Baustert said she believed it was her ‘duty’ to be in court for the legal proceedings.

She said: ‘My immediate family plan to attend every day of the trial. It’s going to be hard, especially because I have two other children at home.

‘Separating those feelings and then coming home and being a mom is going to be a challenge.

‘Honestly, I don’t know how I prepare. I’m just going to take it moment by moment, day by day. 

‘If I need to leave the courtroom, I’ll quietly excuse myself. But I’m going to try my best to be there. I feel it’s my duty to be there for her.’

Madison died in January 2023 after meeting the four men in Reggie’s Bar – a popular student hangout that has since been shut down.

Louisiana born and raised, the sassy and adventurous cheerleader intended to major in communications

Louisiana born and raised, the sassy and adventurous cheerleader intended to major in communications

Brooks's mother Ashley Baustert, will come face to face with one of the three men accused of attacking her daughter on August 17

Brooks’s mother Ashley Baustert, will come face to face with one of the three men accused of attacking her daughter on August 17

The men had offered to give Madison a lift home after she lost her phone and friends, with surveillance footage showing the quintet leaving the bar in which the LSU student appears visibly drunk.

Troubling video filmed by Carver and included in the prosecution case shows the now 22-year-old laughing and telling the camera: ‘These guys are crazy! They finna [fixing to] rape her.’

Prosecutors claim Madison’s muffled voice can be heard above blaring music yelling: ‘Get off!’

And, they say, the men then dropped her off on Burbank Drive, alone in the dark at 3am, where she was hit by an Uber that killed her.

Man Arrested for Persistently Stalking Woman’s Home

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Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a disturbing turn of events, Kendrick O’Neal Bradley, 28, was apprehended yesterday on charges of stalking a woman. Reports indicate that Bradley had an unsettling desire to “look at” the victim, leading him to twice trespass onto her front porch. Alarmingly, he allegedly confessed to an officer that he should keep away from women and might have attempted to engage in a sexual act with the victim had the circumstances allowed.

The first incident occurred around 1 a.m. on July 20. The woman’s doorbell camera recorded footage of a man accessing her sheltered front porch. In a peculiar move, he took one of her flip-flops, tucked it into his waistband, and then made a hasty retreat.

The tension escalated on August 8 around 10 p.m., when the victim was startled by a loud noise outside. Upon checking her doorbell camera, she witnessed a man, who was carrying a backpack, slowly making his way to her porch. Reacting promptly, she switched on her exterior lights, which prompted the man to retreat across the street to an abandoned house. He lingered there for about five minutes, fixated on her home.

The victim immediately contacted 911. Unfortunately, the man disappeared before Gainesville Police Department officers arrived on the scene.

Because of her fear of the man, the victim went to stay with a friend, and at about 11 p.m. on August 8, she saw the same man on her doorbell camera. She used the two-way audio feature to tell the man she was calling police and she ordered him to leave her property, but the man did not appear to be deterred by this and remained in the area for some time before leaving.

The responding police officer noted that between July 20 and August 8, the same man was repeatedly seen walking past the victim’s house, causing emotional distress to the victim.

A photo line-up was administered to the victim, and she reportedly ruled out all but the picture of Bradley; however, she said she could not be sure Bradley was the man she’d seen at her house because Bradley’s face was “chubbier” in the photo.

The officer noted that GPD has recent body-worn camera footage of Bradley, and he has lost weight since the photo in the line-up was taken. The officer identified the man in the doorbell camera video as Bradley.

Bradley was arrested in the 1700 block of NW 6th Street on August 11 and was interviewed at GPD Headquarters.

Post Miranda, he reportedly identified himself in the victim’s doorbell camera video and admitted to taking a flip-flop from the front porch. He reportedly said he often walks by the victim’s house, and after seeing the victim getting out of her car, he has walked by her house and stayed in the area to “look at” her. He reportedly said he should not be around women, and if he had encountered the victim while he was on her property, he probably would have attempted to have sex with her.

Bradley, who is described as homeless in a court document, told Court Services that he has been in the area for about two months. He has been charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling and stalking. He has three felony convictions (non-violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (non-violent). Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

P-Square’s Future at Risk: Former Colleague Warns of Regret over Past Decisions

A former employee of British American Tobacco, known as CDO, has stepped forward to support Lola’s impact on the early success of the music duo P-Square. He asserts that she played a crucial role by offering vital opportunities that significantly boosted their career. Furthermore, he stands by Peter Okoye’s marriage to Lola, arguing that prior apprehensions about her influence have proven unfounded.

CDO has cautioned that both P-Square and Jude Okoye might come to rue their persistent familial discord, suggesting they could view their actions with regret a decade or more down the line.

Addressing the family tensions, CDO expressed concern that all involved parties, including P-Square and Jude, might look back with regret in the coming 10 to 15 years over their current decisions.

He candidly shared, “A decade from now, or even 15 years, they may find themselves filled with remorse. Both P-Square and Jude could end up regretting their present choices.”

“Ten years from now, 15 years from now, they will all be full of regrets. Both P-Square and Jude. They will regret what they are doing now,” he said.

CDO also spoke about Lola, saying he knew her personally from his time working with British American Tobacco.

“I worked with British American Tobacco. I know Lola,” he said.

According to him, Lola played an important role in P-Square’s early career and helped expose the duo to opportunities within the entertainment industry.

“Lola gave P-Square the platform,” he said.

He recalled her involvement with Rhythm Council and FKG2, claiming she ensured P-Square performed at several FKG2 events when the company was among the major corporate event managers.

“Lola made sure that she put them on almost every FKG2 event,” he said.

CDO further credited Lola with helping the brothers establish themselves as P-Square.

“Lola single-handedly held them and dragged them to P-Square, to becoming P-Square,” he said.

Speaking about Peter Okoye’s relationship with Lola, CDO described Peter as “the most humane person in that family” and said he understood why Peter chose to marry her.

He acknowledged that some members of the family reportedly had concerns about Peter marrying a woman about 10 years older than him.

“There’s nobody that would see his younger brother or son getting married to a woman that is about 10 years older than you… and be happy,” he said.

However, CDO argued that those concerns should have been set aside if Lola proved to be a good person.

He also questioned claims that Lola would control Peter or negatively influence him, noting that their marriage had continued for several years.

“You people have seen this marriage go on for so many years, and none of those happened,” he said.

Nigerians react

The comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users agreeing with CDO while others questioned his account of Lola’s role in P-Square’s career.

@Taiwo Adeyemi wrote: “Na only People wey dey see far know wetin Verydarkblackman do for Jude and Paul . Peter wanted to finally bury his brothers in the Industry.”

@Osisiego Onyego commented: “Story may there move on know regret only issue is talking too much and crying on media”

@El Stan Chimebuka said: “Real talk”

@Gozie Bosco wrote: “Siant Peter and Lola.”

@Anuli Chukwuka Asiegbu commented: “This matter is beyond the physical its more of spiritual”

@Chinemerem Martins Eniola said: “Real”

@Mayram Onahwosa wrote: “it is well”

@Joy Ada Jacobs commented: “People can lie sha…..it’s well”

@Ikenna Czar Nnaji said: “Hahaha story tellers. That’s how Regina Daniels made Ned Nwoko a billionaire”

@Chinedu C Anyanwu asked: “Wetin this one dey talk?”

@Uche Antoinette Ndu commented: “Taa gbafuo..you never talk watin una get together”

Albanese Controversy: Unravel the Mystery Behind Prized Melons

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Amidst the political storm stirred by Anthony Albanese’s controversial comments about melons, the significance of the gifted fruit itself has been somewhat overshadowed.

But the crown melons presented by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Albanese are far from ordinary.

In the context of Japanese culture, these melons stand as some of the most esteemed gifts one can offer.

While appearing on Nikki Osborne’s Deep Bush podcast last month, Albanese referred to the melons as “pretty strange,” a remark he balanced with compliments on their quality.

Despite the playful tone, gestures he employed during the discussion have sparked critique, although his office has dismissed any negative interpretations.

But what exactly did Takaichi’s gift represent?

What are crown melons?

Both the fruit and gift-giving hold deep significance in Japanese culture.

Waka Ikeda, writing in the Japan Times, describes a crown melon as “perfection, based on the Japanese artisan spirit of takumi” — something you bring when you wish to honour someone. Her op-ed highlighting Albanese’s comments on the podcast kickstarted the furore that has spilled over onto the international stage

Gwyn McClelland, senior lecturer in Japanese studies and president of the Japanese Studies Association of Australia, told SBS News that he shared the Japan Times story with his students to express how “incensed” he was by the prime minister’s gesture.

His students were “also quite embarrassed”, he said.

“I was just really annoyed that he didn’t realise the giving of fruit could be really lovely and important,” he said.

“In an Australian context, that doesn’t look like an amazing gift, necessarily … [but] I was upset that Albanese hadn’t thought about gift-giving culture because it is very central in Japan.

“For me, the faux pas was really not taking the gift-giving seriously.”

However, even for Japanese people, social etiquette around giving and receiving gifts is not straightforward. Eri Dennis, former officer at the Australian embassy in Tokyo and current cultural consultant at manufacturing consultancy Shinka Management, told SBS News the practice is deeply ingrained and “definitely an important part of our culture”.

“Whenever we visit someone, even a family member or your friend, for some significant occasion, or if you haven’t met them for some time, it’s just a natural part of our culture that we bring along gifts,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, but it’s a gesture that we care about you.”

Shizuoka Crown Melons are considered by some in Japan as closer to an art form than a fruit. Much like champagne, the “king of fruit” can only be produced in the Shizuoka prefecture on the south coast, grown in raised beds, hand-pollinated, and massaged to improve their look and sweetness.

Dennis notes that melons — grown throughout Japan with varieties tied to each prefecture — are associated with wealth and considered a “very expensive fruit”. Typically, a valuable melon would be presented as a gift with ornate wrapping and placed in a special box.

“Japanese people, we enjoy the beauty of fleeting nature,” he said, noting that gifts from nature are also tied up in aspects of Shinto Buddhist cultural understanding.

Shizuoka Crowns have a clean, highly concentrated honey-like flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Eating them is generally a communal act, shared between the family of those who have been presented with the melon, once it has been chilled in the fridge and the guest has long departed.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presents a crown melon to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a meeting.

Dennis explains that the agricultural industry has significant sway in Japanese politics and that a gift of fruit or vegetables is also seen as a way to honour the farmers who laboured to produce it. With each region boasting particular types of produce cultivation, regional and national pride stems from the growers themselves.

Yosuke Suzuki, a senior official at Shizuoka Prefecture Greenhouse Agricultural Cooperative, which has been producing Shizuoka Crown Melons since 1921, told SBS News that their cultivation techniques have been passed down through generations.

“One of the distinctive features of our melons is a cultivation method known as “ichiboku ikka” — one fruit per plant. We grow just one melon on each plant, so all the nutrients are concentrated into that single fruit. That allows us to produce an exceptionally delicious melon,” he said.

Crown melons are a type of muskmelon, which are so called because they have been bred to omit a fragrant odour that fills the room when cut. They are graded for their appearance and prized for their T-shaped stems, with the most symmetrical melons fetching eye-watering sums at auction.

In 2019, a pair of Yubari King melons grown in Hokkaido sold for ¥5 million ($44,400). More typically, top-grade melons retail for upwards of $300.

“It isn’t just about the taste. We also place great importance on their appearance. The netting pattern on the surface is beautifully and evenly distributed. That is the result of the tremendous care producers put into each melon, tending to them every single day,” Suzuki added.

Japanese melons for auction in a wooden box with a man displaying them.

Takaichi brought the melons from Shizuoka for Albanese in May in celebration of the Australian import standards being relaxed to allow their sale here. Suzuki notes that his company are targeting 3,000 melons for sale on the domestic market.

High-end Japanese restaurants have already received the first batch of Shizuoka Crowns, according to Japanese media; however, SBS News could not locate any of the recipient restaurants and was told by one high-end importer that they were unaware of the rule change.

On Wednesday, the Opposition referred the issue to the Australian Federal Police, which confirmed to SBS News that it has received correspondence about confidential communications via Japanese official channels.

Dennis doesn’t believe that Albanese “did anything wrong”, although she can see how describing the gift as “strange” could be seen as disrespectful to some.

“Maybe the older generation might think ‘how rude’, but I think it’s just part of cultural exchange and we move on,” she said.

That said, she expects the incident has been an incredible boost to the Japanese melon industry and expects that many Australians will be eager to try the fruit that has caused such a fuss.

This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Japanese.


Former Chicago Detective Unveils Effective Blueprint for Reducing Crime in Windy City

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A seasoned ex-detective from Chicago is suggesting that his city might benefit from following the lead of a southern metropolis where a significant decrease in murders followed the arrival of National Guard troops. This could offer Chicago insights into solving its ongoing crime challenges.

According to statistics from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, Memphis saw a dramatic 43.7% drop in homicides during the first half of 2026 compared to the same stretch in the previous year. This came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September 2025, which led to the arrival of the National Guard in Memphis that autumn.

Monday night proved to be a harsh reminder of Chicago’s struggle with violence, as nine individuals were shot, including three fatalities. One particularly severe episode involved two men suffering critical injuries in a shooting in the Near North Side area of the city.

Police officer takes a picture

In Chicago, a police officer was on the scene where a shooting left a 47-year-old man and a 39-year-old man wounded on the 2400 block of West Monroe Street on July 7, 2024. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

“We were relaxing in our living room, mistaking the noise for another random rainstorm hitting the city,” one resident shared with FOX 32. “Then, as we peeked outside through our windows, we witnessed police lights illuminating the entire street.”

Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy told News Media that Chicago officials aren’t utilizing federal resources to clean up the city’s crime problem amid a shortage of officers.

“Chicago has just 2,500 fewer police officers than it did just two or three years ago. You can’t keep doing more with less. It’s got to come down,” Roy said. “As far as cooperation in preventative levels, which involves street-level policing, there’s very little cooperation, if any, between Chicago and the federal authorities.”

The city’s police officer shortage has been exacerbated by a November 2025 decision to pause classes at its training academy and slow hiring to roughly 50 recruits per month, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The cut in training and hiring was made to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall that the city faced.

Beale street at evening

Historic Beale Street, known as the Home of the Blues in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. (Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images))

Roy pointed to Memphis in particular as a “success story” on what happens when local and state governments effectively partner with the federal government, as the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies surged into the city.

“Memphis is a success story on how this can work out. From the material I’ve looked at, they had cooperation from the governor on down, some reluctance at the city level, but they’ve done the right things the right way and it results in the, it’s produced the results,” Roy said.

“The mere presence of police serves as a disincentive to commit crime. You want people to say, ‘hey, people are going out to do something, a robbery, a burglary or whatever. Man, it’s hot out here. The police are everywhere. Let’s forget about it. Let’s do it a different time, a different place. Let’s move on.’ That’s how you prevent crime.”

“Done right, done properly, it is a godsend,” he said.

Memphis recorded 67 homicides in the first six months of 2026, down from 119 during the same period in 2025, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Chicago Police Department HQ exteriors

Chicago Police Department headquarters on May 17, 2021. (Chicago Tribune via Getty Images)

If done properly in Chicago, Roy said bringing in the National Guard to help would “mirror those in Memphis and other locations where there’s been a truly cooperative effort between the federal and local government.”

Roy said it’s not entirely unprecedented for a Democratic governor to deploy its National Guard to deter crime.

New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed at least 1,000 National Guard members to New York City’s subway system in March 2024 following a series of high-profile crimes, saying it creates a deterrent effect.

“For people who are thinking about bringing a gun or knife on the subway, at least this creates a deterrent effect. They might be thinking, ‘You know what, it just may just not be worth it because I listened to the mayor and I listened to the governor and they have a lot more people who are going to be checking my bags,'” Hochul said.

News Media reached out to the Chicago Police Department and the Illinois governor’s office for comment.

WNBA Struggles to Define ‘Woman’ in Critical Leadership Summit

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There’s a common stereotype that women struggle with decision-making, and the WNBA inadvertently fueled that notion on Wednesday. Following lengthy discussions about eligibility criteria for their league, they reached no clear conclusion.

Absolutely zilch, nada.

Instead of arriving at a decision, the league chose to address critics, particularly those questioning the inclusion of men in women’s sports, a debate that feels intuitively absurd to many.

Now, before accusations of sexism fly, let me clarify—there’s humor in this. As a husband and father of daughters, I’ve earned the privilege to make light-hearted jokes. My wife is decisively assertive—a fact to which our couch can attest when I’m exiled there for my quirks.

But in all seriousness, after hours spent deliberating transgender athlete participation, producing no outcomes just seems like a missed opportunity.

To wit:

As we’ve reported, the women’s league has been put on notice by former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White that it’s time for them to put up or shut up on the issue. By declaring their intentions to play in the Association, the testosterone-fueled pair is attempting to force a long-overdue reckoning in sports: are you just all about vapid woke messaging, or do you mean what you say? Are you really for an all-encompassing inclusivity, or only when it suits your left-wing worldview?

Grow a pair and take a stand.

Hint: I’m guessing there’s not a single female in the WNBA ­— whether player or executive — who’s excited about the prospect of facing the 6-foot-10, heavily muscled Kanter Freedom. But they don’t have the, um, guts to say it.


MORE: WNBA Player Ejected for Smacking Sophie Cunningham Across the Face, but Her Reaction Is Even Worse

The WNBA Is in Free Fall As 2nd Former NBA Player Declares for Its Draft


As I wrote Wednesday, the various and sundry controversies crowding the unpopular league might actually be good for them in the moment, because not a whole lot of people were paying attention to them beforehand. That being said, controversy and idiocy can only keep you in the headlines for so long, and at some point you have to put forth a product that people are actually interested in.

The league’s latest wishy-washy statement, which only hates on those who would dare to call out their hypocrisy yet comes up with exactly zero answers of their own, only adds to the appearance of an Association that is a toxic brew of extremism, intolerance, and hypocrisy.

Good luck going forward, ladies.

Checkmate:

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Jenna Ortega’s Sister Addresses Fans’ Worries About Actress’ Weight Loss

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Jenna Ortega’s sister, Aliyah Ortega, has addressed the swirling fan concerns over the actress’s recent appearance in a straightforward manner.

The younger sibling of the “Wednesday” star delivered her response via Instagram on Wednesday. She supported a post urging social media enthusiasts to “mind [their] business and leave @jennaortega alone.”

In a show of agreement, the 22-year-old punctuated her endorsement with three emphatic exclamation points, underscoring her support for the post’s strong message.

The passionate caption hinted at the rising “assumptions about [Jenna’s] health,” which have emerged in the aftermath of an interview with Esquire made public on Tuesday.

“She has every right to make whatever decisions she feels are best for herself without being judged, discriminated against, or subjected to unnecessary speculation,” the post continued. “Sometimes the most respectful thing we can do is simply give someone privacy, support them, and let them be.”

The post also referenced Jenna’s recent statement that she would “go all day” without eating or drinking on set as a child star in order to not “be in the way.”

The caption read, “We don’t know what she may be going through, and we shouldn’t assume anything based on appearances or a few comments from an interview.

“Stop concerning yourselves with her personal life and asking intrusive, unnecessary, and random questions. … Just leave Jenna alone and allow her to live her life on her own terms.”

The “You” alum, notably, has yet to address online chatter — which comes on the heels of Ariana Grande announcing a step back from the spotlight amid concern about her health as well.

Jenna’s rep has yet to respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

The Golden Globe nominee, who has four siblings, said during her Esquire sitdown that she told her parents about her acting dreams at age 7 — and they laughed.

“That kind of was the root of everything. The motivation,” Jenna, 23, said. “I never really stopped, because I’m very stubborn. And then I never questioned it.”

The former Disney Channel star nearly quit acting altogether at the thought of transitioning her roles on “Stuck in the Middle” and “Jane the Virgin” into more mature parts.

“It just felt like a good time to call it quits if I was going to,” Jenna explained on Kid Cudi’s “Big Bro” podcast in April. “I was starting high school, and, ‘it was a good run’ sort of thing. We had talked about it for a few months with my team.”

However, she recalled, “I booked that show ‘You,’ and then I went on that set, and I loved it and had the best time. I thought, ‘Yeah, there’s no way I could let this go.’”