InsiderWire Staff

Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, a top regional commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in the western state of Nayarit. Flores, known by the alias &quot;El Jardinero&quot; (The Gardener), controlled extensive CJNG territory along Mexico's Pacific coast.The arrest removes a key figure from one of Mexico's most violent criminal organizations. Flores was considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera, alias &quot;El Mencho,&quot; who ran the cartel until his death in a security operation in February.The CJNG has emerged as one of Mexico's most powerful and ruthless cartels over the past decade. The organization controls major drug trafficking routes into the United States and has expanded operations across multiple Mexican states through extreme violence against rivals and government forces.Flores's capture represents a major blow to the cartel's command structure, particularly in the Pacific coastal regions that serve as critical smuggling corridors for fentanyl and other narcotics flowing north to American cities. The area under his control includes key ports and highways used to transport drugs manufactured in clandestine labs.The timing of this arrest comes as the Trump administration has made border security and cartel disruption a top priority. Mexican cartels like CJNG have flooded American communities with deadly fentanyl, contributing to over 100,000 overdose deaths annually in the United States.For American national security, dismantling cartel leadership structures remains essential to reducing the flow of drugs and violence that spills across the border. However, cartels have historically proven resilient, often replacing captured leaders within weeks or months.Mexican authorities have not disclosed specific details about the operation that led to Flores's capture or whether it involved intelligence cooperation with U.S. agencies. The arrest occurred in Nayarit, a state that has become a key battleground between CJNG and rival criminal organizations.Watch for potential cartel retaliation against Mexican security forces and civilians in the coming weeks, as CJNG has historically responded to leadership arrests with increased violence. The cartel's ability to quickly replace Flores will test the organization's resilience following the loss of its top leader earlier this year.

Mexican special forces arrested Audias Flores, a top regional commander of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in the western state of Nayarit. Flores, known by the alias "El Jardinero" (The Gardener), controlled extensive CJNG territory along Mexico's Pacific coast.

The arrest removes a key figure from one of Mexico's most violent criminal organizations. Flores was considered a potential successor to Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," who ran the cartel until his death in a security operation in February.

The CJNG has emerged as one of Mexico's most powerful and ruthless cartels over the past decade. The organization controls major drug trafficking routes into the United States and has expanded operations across multiple Mexican states through extreme violence against rivals and government forces.

Flores's capture represents a major blow to the cartel's command structure, particularly in the Pacific coastal regions that serve as critical smuggling corridors for fentanyl and other narcotics flowing north to American cities. The area under his control includes key ports and highways used to transport drugs manufactured in clandestine labs.

The timing of this arrest comes as the Trump administration has made border security and cartel disruption a top priority. Mexican cartels like CJNG have flooded American communities with deadly fentanyl, contributing to over 100,000 overdose deaths annually in the United States.

For American national security, dismantling cartel leadership structures remains essential to reducing the flow of drugs and violence that spills across the border. However, cartels have historically proven resilient, often replacing captured leaders within weeks or months.

Mexican authorities have not disclosed specific details about the operation that led to Flores's capture or whether it involved intelligence cooperation with U.S. agencies. The arrest occurred in Nayarit, a state that has become a key battleground between CJNG and rival criminal organizations.

Watch for potential cartel retaliation against Mexican security forces and civilians in the coming weeks, as CJNG has historically responded to leadership arrests with increased violence. The cartel's ability to quickly replace Flores will test the organization's resilience following the loss of its top leader earlier this year.

Audias Flores, known as 'El Jardinero', was captured in Nayarit state. The CJNG regional commander controlled territory along Mexico's Pacific coast.

Mexican Forces Arrest Top Cartel Commander — Potential Successor to CJNG Leader

Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected Iran's latest peace proposal Monday, telling Fox News that Tehran's offer to ease control over the Strait of Hormuz falls short of U.S. demands as the conflict enters its third month.Iran's proposal would loosen Tehran's grip on the strategic waterway in exchange for lifting the U.S. naval blockade, according to two officials familiar with the matter. But discussions on Iran's nuclear program would be delayed to an unspecified future date under the Iranian plan.&quot;The nuclear question is the reason why we're in this in the first place,&quot; Rubio said in the Fox News interview. The Secretary of State made clear that Washington will not allow Iran to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz or continue charging tolls to ships passing through the international waterway.&quot;Those are international waterways. They cannot normalize, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalize, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway and how much you have to pay them to use it,&quot; Rubio stated.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X Monday that Iran's oil industry is &quot;creaking&quot; under pressure from the U.S. blockade. &quot;While the surviving IRGC Leaders are trapped like drowning rats in a sewage pipe, Iran's creaking oil industry is starting to shut in production thanks to the U.S. BLOCKADE,&quot; Bessent wrote. He predicted Iran's pumping capacity &quot;will soon collapse&quot; and warned of imminent gasoline shortages inside Iran.The peace talks come after President Trump announced &quot;major combat operations&quot; against Iran on February 28, launching massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Initial U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan earlier this month failed to produce an agreement, though Trump later announced an open-ended ceasefire extension.Rubio highlighted concerns about Iran's internal political situation, noting that U.S. negotiators face complications beyond just Iranian officials. &quot;One of the impediments here is that our negotiators aren't just negotiating with Iranians. Those Iranians then have to negotiate with other Iranians,&quot; he said, referencing questions about new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's authority.The standoff has major implications for global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as a chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world's oil shipments. Iran's attempt to control the waterway threatens the free flow of commerce that American allies and trading partners depend on for economic stability.As <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/trump-huddles-with-security-team-on-irans-strait-of-hormuz-proposal">Trump huddles with his security team</a> on Iran's proposal, the administration faces pressure to resolve the crisis without compromising on core national security interests. The next phase of negotiations will test whether Iran's weakened position forces genuine concessions on its nuclear program.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected Iran's latest peace proposal Monday, telling Fox News that Tehran's offer to ease control over the Strait of Hormuz falls short of U.S. demands as the conflict enters its third month.

Iran's proposal would loosen Tehran's grip on the strategic waterway in exchange for lifting the U.S. naval blockade, according to two officials familiar with the matter. But discussions on Iran's nuclear program would be delayed to an unspecified future date under the Iranian plan.

"The nuclear question is the reason why we're in this in the first place," Rubio said in the Fox News interview. The Secretary of State made clear that Washington will not allow Iran to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz or continue charging tolls to ships passing through the international waterway.

"Those are international waterways. They cannot normalize, nor can we tolerate them trying to normalize, a system in which the Iranians decide who gets to use an international waterway and how much you have to pay them to use it," Rubio stated.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X Monday that Iran's oil industry is "creaking" under pressure from the U.S. blockade. "While the surviving IRGC Leaders are trapped like drowning rats in a sewage pipe, Iran's creaking oil industry is starting to shut in production thanks to the U.S. BLOCKADE," Bessent wrote. He predicted Iran's pumping capacity "will soon collapse" and warned of imminent gasoline shortages inside Iran.

The peace talks come after President Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28, launching massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites. Initial U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan earlier this month failed to produce an agreement, though Trump later announced an open-ended ceasefire extension.

Rubio highlighted concerns about Iran's internal political situation, noting that U.S. negotiators face complications beyond just Iranian officials. "One of the impediments here is that our negotiators aren't just negotiating with Iranians. Those Iranians then have to negotiate with other Iranians," he said, referencing questions about new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's authority.

The standoff has major implications for global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as a chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world's oil shipments. Iran's attempt to control the waterway threatens the free flow of commerce that American allies and trading partners depend on for economic stability.

As Trump huddles with his security team on Iran's proposal, the administration faces pressure to resolve the crisis without compromising on core national security interests. The next phase of negotiations will test whether Iran's weakened position forces genuine concessions on its nuclear program.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed Iran's peace proposal in Fox News interview, saying nuclear program remains core U.S. condition for ending conflict.

Rubio Rejects Iran Peace Proposal — Nuclear Issue Must Come First

The former president of Republika Srpska says he expects the Trump administration to reshape America's view of Bosnian Serbs, potentially upending decades of U.S. policy in the volatile Balkans region. The leader made the comments in a Bloomberg interview as Trump's family and allies work to rehabilitate the Serbian entity's international standing.Republika Srpska, the Serbian half of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has faced international isolation since the 1990s Bosnian War that killed over 100,000 people. The entity's leadership has repeatedly challenged the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the conflict, sparking fears of renewed instability in southeastern Europe.The former president told Bloomberg he's counting on the new U.S. administration to change the &quot;narrative&quot; about Bosnian Serbs. His optimism stems from connections between Trump associates and Serbian interests, though he provided no specifics about promised policy shifts.For American taxpayers, any pivot toward Republika Srpska leadership would mark a sharp break from bipartisan U.S. policy. Washington has spent billions stabilizing the Balkans since the 1990s wars, including deploying thousands of peacekeeping troops and supporting war crimes prosecutions at The Hague.The timing raises questions about Trump's broader Europe strategy as NATO faces pressure on multiple fronts. Russia maintains strong ties with Serbian leadership and has used Balkan tensions to destabilize Western alliances. Any American accommodation of Republika Srpska could complicate relations with key allies like Germany and the UK, who view Bosnian territorial integrity as a red line.Current Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik faces U.S. sanctions for undermining Bosnia's constitutional order. He has repeatedly threatened secession and blocked federal institutions, moves Washington has called threats to regional peace. European officials warn that legitimizing such actions could trigger renewed conflict in a region still scarred by ethnic warfare.The Trump administration has not announced any formal policy review for the Balkans, where American influence has waned as China and Russia expand their footprint. European Union membership remains the stated goal for all Western Balkan nations, but progress has stalled amid internal divisions and external interference.Watch for signals from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's team about whether Washington will maintain sanctions on Dodik or shift toward engagement with Republika Srpska leadership.

The former president of Republika Srpska says he expects the Trump administration to reshape America's view of Bosnian Serbs, potentially upending decades of U.S. policy in the volatile Balkans region. The leader made the comments in a Bloomberg interview as Trump's family and allies work to rehabilitate the Serbian entity's international standing.

Republika Srpska, the Serbian half of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has faced international isolation since the 1990s Bosnian War that killed over 100,000 people. The entity's leadership has repeatedly challenged the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the conflict, sparking fears of renewed instability in southeastern Europe.

The former president told Bloomberg he's counting on the new U.S. administration to change the "narrative" about Bosnian Serbs. His optimism stems from connections between Trump associates and Serbian interests, though he provided no specifics about promised policy shifts.

For American taxpayers, any pivot toward Republika Srpska leadership would mark a sharp break from bipartisan U.S. policy. Washington has spent billions stabilizing the Balkans since the 1990s wars, including deploying thousands of peacekeeping troops and supporting war crimes prosecutions at The Hague.

The timing raises questions about Trump's broader Europe strategy as NATO faces pressure on multiple fronts. Russia maintains strong ties with Serbian leadership and has used Balkan tensions to destabilize Western alliances. Any American accommodation of Republika Srpska could complicate relations with key allies like Germany and the UK, who view Bosnian territorial integrity as a red line.

Current Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik faces U.S. sanctions for undermining Bosnia's constitutional order. He has repeatedly threatened secession and blocked federal institutions, moves Washington has called threats to regional peace. European officials warn that legitimizing such actions could trigger renewed conflict in a region still scarred by ethnic warfare.

The Trump administration has not announced any formal policy review for the Balkans, where American influence has waned as China and Russia expand their footprint. European Union membership remains the stated goal for all Western Balkan nations, but progress has stalled amid internal divisions and external interference.

Watch for signals from Secretary of State Marco Rubio's team about whether Washington will maintain sanctions on Dodik or shift toward engagement with Republika Srpska leadership.

Former Republika Srpska president tells Bloomberg he expects Trump administration to change narrative about Bosnian Serbs amid regional tensions.

Bosnian Serb Leader Banks on Trump to Rehabilitate War-Torn Region

Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow demanded CBS fire anchor Norah O'Donnell Monday, accusing her of elevating terrorism by planning to force President Trump to respond to a terrorist's manifesto during an interview.Speaking on &quot;The Alex Marlow Show,&quot; the media executive slammed O'Donnell's approach to covering the terrorist's written statements. &quot;She was going to read his words, and then she was gonna force Trump to respond to it,&quot; Marlow said during Monday's broadcast.The Breitbart chief called for immediate consequences. &quot;Norah O'Donnell should resign right now. She should get fired,&quot; Marlow declared, arguing the CBS anchor crossed ethical lines in her coverage plans.Marlow's criticism centers on the journalistic practice of amplifying terrorist messaging. Media experts have long debated whether broadcasting terrorists' manifestos serves the public interest or provides the attention extremists seek to inspire copycat attacks.The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between conservative media figures and mainstream broadcast networks over coverage of politically motivated violence. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/fbi-reveals-cole-allen-called-trump-pedophile-rapist-and-traitor-in-manifesto">Recent FBI revelations about terrorist manifestos</a> have intensified debates over how news organizations should handle such content.CBS has not responded to Marlow's calls for O'Donnell's termination. The network typically does not comment on personnel matters or criticism from partisan media figures.O'Donnell has anchored &quot;CBS Evening News&quot; since 2019 and previously co-hosted &quot;CBS This Morning.&quot; She has conducted high-profile interviews with political figures across the spectrum during her tenure at the network.The incident reflects broader conservative criticism of how mainstream media covers terrorism and political violence. Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators frequently argue that detailed coverage of manifestos and terrorist motivations inadvertently promotes extremist ideologies.Watch whether CBS executives will address Marlow's accusations or if other conservative voices join his call for O'Donnell's removal.

Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow demanded CBS fire anchor Norah O'Donnell Monday, accusing her of elevating terrorism by planning to force President Trump to respond to a terrorist's manifesto during an interview.

Speaking on "The Alex Marlow Show," the media executive slammed O'Donnell's approach to covering the terrorist's written statements. "She was going to read his words, and then she was gonna force Trump to respond to it," Marlow said during Monday's broadcast.

The Breitbart chief called for immediate consequences. "Norah O'Donnell should resign right now. She should get fired," Marlow declared, arguing the CBS anchor crossed ethical lines in her coverage plans.

Marlow's criticism centers on the journalistic practice of amplifying terrorist messaging. Media experts have long debated whether broadcasting terrorists' manifestos serves the public interest or provides the attention extremists seek to inspire copycat attacks.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between conservative media figures and mainstream broadcast networks over coverage of politically motivated violence. Recent FBI revelations about terrorist manifestos have intensified debates over how news organizations should handle such content.

CBS has not responded to Marlow's calls for O'Donnell's termination. The network typically does not comment on personnel matters or criticism from partisan media figures.

O'Donnell has anchored "CBS Evening News" since 2019 and previously co-hosted "CBS This Morning." She has conducted high-profile interviews with political figures across the spectrum during her tenure at the network.

The incident reflects broader conservative criticism of how mainstream media covers terrorism and political violence. Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators frequently argue that detailed coverage of manifestos and terrorist motivations inadvertently promotes extremist ideologies.

Watch whether CBS executives will address Marlow's accusations or if other conservative voices join his call for O'Donnell's removal.

Alex Marlow calls for CBS anchor's termination, claiming she planned to force Trump to respond to terrorist's written manifesto during interview.

Breitbart Editor Demands CBS Fire Norah O'Donnell Over Terrorist Manifesto Coverage

A UK House of Commons inquiry found &quot;shortcomings and failings&quot; in the delivery of the AUKUS submarine program, raising fresh questions about the trilateral defense pact's ability to counter China's military expansion in the Pacific.The parliamentary investigation adds to mounting concerns about Australia's military readiness. The nation's shadow defense minister warned this week that Australia remains &quot;ill-prepared&quot; for potential conflict, highlighting gaps in both equipment and strategic planning.The AUKUS agreement, signed in 2021 between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, represents the largest military technology transfer in decades. Under the deal, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines using American and British technology, with the first vessels expected in the 2030s.The British inquiry's findings expose potential delays and cost overruns that could push back delivery timelines even further. For American taxpayers, this means extended commitments to subsidize allied defense capabilities while China continues its rapid military modernization.The submarine program forms the backbone of Western strategy to maintain naval superiority in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region. Any delays weaken the alliance's ability to project power where it matters most for American trade routes and military positioning.Australia canceled a $66 billion contract with France to build conventional submarines, choosing instead to pursue nuclear-powered vessels through AUKUS. The decision strained relations with Paris but aligned Canberra more closely with Washington's strategic priorities in the region.The White House <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/trump-names-david-brat-as-ambassador-to-australia">recently nominated David Brat</a> as ambassador to Australia, signaling continued American commitment to the partnership despite implementation challenges.Congressional defense hawks have pushed for faster submarine production to match China's naval buildup. Beijing launched more warships in the past five years than most nations operate in their entire fleets, fundamentally shifting the Pacific balance of power.The inquiry's findings will likely prompt calls for tighter oversight of the AUKUS program and clearer accountability measures. American defense contractors involved in the project face renewed scrutiny over their ability to meet aggressive delivery schedules while maintaining quality standards.Watch for the full parliamentary report's release, which could trigger congressional hearings and demands for program restructuring before American submarine technology transfers begin.

A UK House of Commons inquiry found "shortcomings and failings" in the delivery of the AUKUS submarine program, raising fresh questions about the trilateral defense pact's ability to counter China's military expansion in the Pacific.

The parliamentary investigation adds to mounting concerns about Australia's military readiness. The nation's shadow defense minister warned this week that Australia remains "ill-prepared" for potential conflict, highlighting gaps in both equipment and strategic planning.

The AUKUS agreement, signed in 2021 between the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, represents the largest military technology transfer in decades. Under the deal, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines using American and British technology, with the first vessels expected in the 2030s.

The British inquiry's findings expose potential delays and cost overruns that could push back delivery timelines even further. For American taxpayers, this means extended commitments to subsidize allied defense capabilities while China continues its rapid military modernization.

The submarine program forms the backbone of Western strategy to maintain naval superiority in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region. Any delays weaken the alliance's ability to project power where it matters most for American trade routes and military positioning.

Australia canceled a $66 billion contract with France to build conventional submarines, choosing instead to pursue nuclear-powered vessels through AUKUS. The decision strained relations with Paris but aligned Canberra more closely with Washington's strategic priorities in the region.

The White House recently nominated David Brat as ambassador to Australia, signaling continued American commitment to the partnership despite implementation challenges.

Congressional defense hawks have pushed for faster submarine production to match China's naval buildup. Beijing launched more warships in the past five years than most nations operate in their entire fleets, fundamentally shifting the Pacific balance of power.

The inquiry's findings will likely prompt calls for tighter oversight of the AUKUS program and clearer accountability measures. American defense contractors involved in the project face renewed scrutiny over their ability to meet aggressive delivery schedules while maintaining quality standards.

Watch for the full parliamentary report's release, which could trigger congressional hearings and demands for program restructuring before American submarine technology transfers begin.

House of Commons inquiry reveals delivery problems with AUKUS submarine program as Australia's shadow defense minister warns nation unprepared for conflict.

UK Parliament Finds 'Shortcomings and Failings' in AUKUS Sub Deal

The Trump administration fired every member of the National Science Board Friday, terminating 22 scientists and engineers who oversee the National Science Foundation's $9 billion budget. The Presidential Personnel Office sent emails &quot;on behalf of President Donald J Trump&quot; stating positions were &quot;terminated, effective immediately.&quot;The fired board members include specialists in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and aerospace engineering from universities and industry. Keivan Stassun, a dismissed board member from Vanderbilt University, said he &quot;wasn't entirely surprised&quot; but called the decision &quot;enormously disappointing.&quot;The National Science Board advises the president and Congress on science policy, approves major funding awards, and guides NSF's strategic direction. Created in 1950, it typically operates with 25 members serving staggered six-year terms appointed by the president.Yolanda Gil, another terminated member from the University of Southern California, said the board planned to meet next week and was completing a report on the state of US science. &quot;I think this is one more indication of the sweeping changes that the administration has in mind for the NSF,&quot; Gil said.The Trump administration attempted to slash NSF's budget by more than half last year — a cut that would have eliminated roughly $4.5 billion in research funding. Congress maintained the agency's full budget, but similar cuts remain under consideration for the coming fiscal year.Without the advisory board's oversight, Stassun warned such dramatic budget reductions might prove easier to execute. The cuts could &quot;eviscerate investments in fundamental research and in the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers for our nation,&quot; he said.Senator Maria Cantwell, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, labeled the firings &quot;a dangerous attack on the institutions and expertise that drive American innovation and discovery.&quot; The NSF funds research at universities nationwide that supports everything from military technology to medical breakthroughs.The administration has already relocated NSF headquarters to a smaller building, signaling broader changes ahead for the agency that has operated with bipartisan support since the Truman era. The mass termination removes a key institutional check on executive power over federal science funding.Watch whether Trump appoints replacements quickly or leaves the oversight role vacant while pursuing budget cuts.

The Trump administration fired every member of the National Science Board Friday, terminating 22 scientists and engineers who oversee the National Science Foundation's $9 billion budget. The Presidential Personnel Office sent emails "on behalf of President Donald J Trump" stating positions were "terminated, effective immediately."

The fired board members include specialists in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and aerospace engineering from universities and industry. Keivan Stassun, a dismissed board member from Vanderbilt University, said he "wasn't entirely surprised" but called the decision "enormously disappointing."

The National Science Board advises the president and Congress on science policy, approves major funding awards, and guides NSF's strategic direction. Created in 1950, it typically operates with 25 members serving staggered six-year terms appointed by the president.

Yolanda Gil, another terminated member from the University of Southern California, said the board planned to meet next week and was completing a report on the state of US science. "I think this is one more indication of the sweeping changes that the administration has in mind for the NSF," Gil said.

The Trump administration attempted to slash NSF's budget by more than half last year — a cut that would have eliminated roughly $4.5 billion in research funding. Congress maintained the agency's full budget, but similar cuts remain under consideration for the coming fiscal year.

Without the advisory board's oversight, Stassun warned such dramatic budget reductions might prove easier to execute. The cuts could "eviscerate investments in fundamental research and in the training of the next generation of scientists and engineers for our nation," he said.

Senator Maria Cantwell, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, labeled the firings "a dangerous attack on the institutions and expertise that drive American innovation and discovery." The NSF funds research at universities nationwide that supports everything from military technology to medical breakthroughs.

The administration has already relocated NSF headquarters to a smaller building, signaling broader changes ahead for the agency that has operated with bipartisan support since the Truman era. The mass termination removes a key institutional check on executive power over federal science funding.

Watch whether Trump appoints replacements quickly or leaves the oversight role vacant while pursuing budget cuts.

Trump administration terminated all 22 members of the National Science Board Friday via email, clearing path for potential NSF budget cuts of $4.5 billion.

Trump Fires Entire National Science Board — 22 Scientists Terminated

President Trump selected former Virginia congressman David Brat to serve as US ambassador to Australia. Brat, a Republican who holds a Master of Divinity degree, represented Virginia's 7th congressional district for two terms.The appointment puts an Ayn Rand scholar who has argued for merging Christianity and capitalism in charge of America's relationship with a key Pacific ally. Brat gained national attention in 2014 when he defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a shocking primary upset, running on a platform that combined free-market economics with religious principles.Australia represents one of America's most reliable security partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The country hosts US military installations, participates in the AUKUS submarine deal worth hundreds of billions, and serves as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. The ambassador role carries heightened importance as tensions with Beijing continue escalating.Brat's academic background includes expertise in Austrian economics and the philosophy of Ayn Rand, whose objectivist principles champion individual liberty and limited government. During his congressional tenure, he served on the House Budget Committee and consistently voted for reduced federal spending and lower taxes.The former congressman lost his House seat in 2018 to Democrat Abigail Spanberger in a district that shifted during the Trump era. Since leaving Congress, Brat has worked in academia and maintained his focus on economic policy and constitutional governance.His nomination requires Senate confirmation, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. The appointment signals Trump's intention to place ideological allies in key diplomatic posts, particularly in regions where economic and security interests align with conservative principles.The ambassador will oversee trade relationships worth over $60 billion annually and coordinate military cooperation that includes joint exercises and intelligence sharing. Brat's business-friendly approach could strengthen economic ties as both nations seek to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.

President Trump selected former Virginia congressman David Brat to serve as US ambassador to Australia. Brat, a Republican who holds a Master of Divinity degree, represented Virginia's 7th congressional district for two terms.

The appointment puts an Ayn Rand scholar who has argued for merging Christianity and capitalism in charge of America's relationship with a key Pacific ally. Brat gained national attention in 2014 when he defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a shocking primary upset, running on a platform that combined free-market economics with religious principles.

Australia represents one of America's most reliable security partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The country hosts US military installations, participates in the AUKUS submarine deal worth hundreds of billions, and serves as a bulwark against Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. The ambassador role carries heightened importance as tensions with Beijing continue escalating.

Brat's academic background includes expertise in Austrian economics and the philosophy of Ayn Rand, whose objectivist principles champion individual liberty and limited government. During his congressional tenure, he served on the House Budget Committee and consistently voted for reduced federal spending and lower taxes.

The former congressman lost his House seat in 2018 to Democrat Abigail Spanberger in a district that shifted during the Trump era. Since leaving Congress, Brat has worked in academia and maintained his focus on economic policy and constitutional governance.

His nomination requires Senate confirmation, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. The appointment signals Trump's intention to place ideological allies in key diplomatic posts, particularly in regions where economic and security interests align with conservative principles.

The ambassador will oversee trade relationships worth over $60 billion annually and coordinate military cooperation that includes joint exercises and intelligence sharing. Brat's business-friendly approach could strengthen economic ties as both nations seek to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.

Former Virginia congressman David Brat, who holds a Master of Divinity and served two terms in Congress, selected as US ambassador to Australia by President Tru

Trump Names David Brat as Ambassador to Australia

Former Virginia congressman David Brat, who holds a Master of Divinity and served two terms in Congress, selected as US ambassador to Australia by President Trump.

ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed at least 29 people in Guyaku village in Nigeria's Adamawa State, marking another deadly strike by terror groups operating in the region where 100 US soldiers are currently deployed to train local forces.The attack lasted several hours before gunmen withdrew from the village. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the community Monday and vowed the &quot;act of cowardice&quot; would &quot;not go unpunished.&quot; He announced plans to intensify support for military and vigilante groups conducting security operations.ISIS announced the attack through its Telegram channel, though it remains unclear which of the two major ISIS-backed groups operating in Nigeria carried out the assault. The claim comes as the region faces escalating violence from multiple terror organizations, including Boko Haram and al-Qaeda affiliates.The same day brought fresh horror elsewhere in Nigeria when attackers raided an orphanage in the north-central region and kidnapped 23 children. Authorities rescued 15 but are still searching for eight remaining victims, described as pupils typically aged 12 and under. No group claimed responsibility for the orphanage attack, which officials said fits the pattern of increasing kidnappings for ransom.The violence underscores the security crisis that prompted direct US military involvement. American forces launched airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated fighters in December, then deployed 100 soldiers to northern Nigeria in February to train and advise local forces battling the terror groups.The attacks fuel ongoing debate over religious persecution in Nigeria. President Trump and conservative voices have accused Nigerian authorities of failing to prevent what they call a &quot;Christian genocide.&quot; However, data from ACLED, a US crisis-monitoring group, shows that out of 1,923 civilian attacks in Nigeria between January and November 2025, only 50 specifically targeted Christians for their faith.Nigerian officials maintain that terror groups kill indiscriminately, targeting Muslims and traditional worshippers alongside Christians. The government says it wants to do more to protect all civilians but faces resource constraints in combating well-armed terror organizations across multiple regions.The Guyaku massacre demonstrates why Nigeria matters for US national security interests. The country's 200 million people make it Africa's most populous nation, and its oil reserves are strategically important. Terror groups gaining ground there threaten regional stability and could create another Afghanistan-style safe haven for planning attacks against Western targets.Watch for increased US military engagement as these attacks escalate, particularly if American-trained Nigerian forces fail to contain the spreading violence.

ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack that killed at least 29 people in Guyaku village in Nigeria's Adamawa State, marking another deadly strike by terror groups operating in the region where 100 US soldiers are currently deployed to train local forces.

The attack lasted several hours before gunmen withdrew from the village. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the community Monday and vowed the "act of cowardice" would "not go unpunished." He announced plans to intensify support for military and vigilante groups conducting security operations.

ISIS announced the attack through its Telegram channel, though it remains unclear which of the two major ISIS-backed groups operating in Nigeria carried out the assault. The claim comes as the region faces escalating violence from multiple terror organizations, including Boko Haram and al-Qaeda affiliates.

The same day brought fresh horror elsewhere in Nigeria when attackers raided an orphanage in the north-central region and kidnapped 23 children. Authorities rescued 15 but are still searching for eight remaining victims, described as pupils typically aged 12 and under. No group claimed responsibility for the orphanage attack, which officials said fits the pattern of increasing kidnappings for ransom.

The violence underscores the security crisis that prompted direct US military involvement. American forces launched airstrikes against ISIS-affiliated fighters in December, then deployed 100 soldiers to northern Nigeria in February to train and advise local forces battling the terror groups.

The attacks fuel ongoing debate over religious persecution in Nigeria. President Trump and conservative voices have accused Nigerian authorities of failing to prevent what they call a "Christian genocide." However, data from ACLED, a US crisis-monitoring group, shows that out of 1,923 civilian attacks in Nigeria between January and November 2025, only 50 specifically targeted Christians for their faith.

Nigerian officials maintain that terror groups kill indiscriminately, targeting Muslims and traditional worshippers alongside Christians. The government says it wants to do more to protect all civilians but faces resource constraints in combating well-armed terror organizations across multiple regions.

The Guyaku massacre demonstrates why Nigeria matters for US national security interests. The country's 200 million people make it Africa's most populous nation, and its oil reserves are strategically important. Terror groups gaining ground there threaten regional stability and could create another Afghanistan-style safe haven for planning attacks against Western targets.

Watch for increased US military engagement as these attacks escalate, particularly if American-trained Nigerian forces fail to contain the spreading violence.

ISIS claimed responsibility for deadly attack on Guyaku village in Nigeria's Adamawa State as 100 US troops train local forces against terror groups.

ISIS Claims Attack That Killed 29 in Nigeria — US Forces Already Deployed

The family of Hisham Abugharbieh repeatedly warned police about his violent behavior before he allegedly murdered two University of South Florida doctoral students, his younger brother told CBS News. Ahmad Abugharbieh, 22, said his family feels &quot;so much shame and guilt&quot; over the deaths of roommate Zamil Limon, 27, and Nahida Bristy, 27.&quot;I didn't know he had a roommate,&quot; Ahmad Abugharbieh said of his 26-year-old brother. &quot;He should've lived on his own or been homeless.&quot; The suspect faces two first-degree murder charges after authorities found Limon's body Friday and human remains Sunday near Tampa's Howard Frankland Bridge while searching for Bristy.The family had filed two protective orders against Hisham Abugharbieh — one granted in 2023 and another denied in 2025, according to court records. Ahmad Abugharbieh said he dropped potential battery charges against his brother in 2023 due to financial concerns. &quot;I dropped them because I thought it was going to cost me a lot of money,&quot; he said. &quot;I regretted that choice immediately after.&quot;In the 2023 protective order obtained by CBS News, Ahmad wrote that his brother &quot;repeatedly punched me in the head, he ripped my shirt and made me bleed and gave me a few bruises.&quot; A judge denied the 2025 protective order request because battery charges were not pursued. The brothers had been estranged since 2023, court records show.The deadly weekend began when Hisham Abugharbieh showed up at the family home Friday morning. Ahmad called police to remove him, describing his brother's behavior as &quot;very weird.&quot; According to an arrest report, the suspect's younger sister found him in the living room playing video games wearing only a towel. &quot;The defendant was attempting to kiss the victim,&quot; the report states. &quot;The victim was able to push away.&quot;Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrested Hisham Abugharbieh in dramatic fashion Friday. He emerged with his hands up, still wearing only a towel. He remains held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Both victims were 27-year-old doctoral students at the University of South Florida.Ahmad Abugharbieh delivered an emotional message to the victims' families: &quot;I just can't stop thinking about all of them. I'm just, I just feel so awful. I'm really sorry about everything. I feel so, my entire family feels so much shame and guilt.&quot; The case raises questions about whether more aggressive intervention could have prevented the tragedy, as the family's warnings about the suspect's escalating violence went largely unheeded by the system.

The family of Hisham Abugharbieh repeatedly warned police about his violent behavior before he allegedly murdered two University of South Florida doctoral students, his younger brother told CBS News. Ahmad Abugharbieh, 22, said his family feels "so much shame and guilt" over the deaths of roommate Zamil Limon, 27, and Nahida Bristy, 27.

"I didn't know he had a roommate," Ahmad Abugharbieh said of his 26-year-old brother. "He should've lived on his own or been homeless." The suspect faces two first-degree murder charges after authorities found Limon's body Friday and human remains Sunday near Tampa's Howard Frankland Bridge while searching for Bristy.

The family had filed two protective orders against Hisham Abugharbieh — one granted in 2023 and another denied in 2025, according to court records. Ahmad Abugharbieh said he dropped potential battery charges against his brother in 2023 due to financial concerns. "I dropped them because I thought it was going to cost me a lot of money," he said. "I regretted that choice immediately after."

In the 2023 protective order obtained by CBS News, Ahmad wrote that his brother "repeatedly punched me in the head, he ripped my shirt and made me bleed and gave me a few bruises." A judge denied the 2025 protective order request because battery charges were not pursued. The brothers had been estranged since 2023, court records show.

The deadly weekend began when Hisham Abugharbieh showed up at the family home Friday morning. Ahmad called police to remove him, describing his brother's behavior as "very weird." According to an arrest report, the suspect's younger sister found him in the living room playing video games wearing only a towel. "The defendant was attempting to kiss the victim," the report states. "The victim was able to push away."

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrested Hisham Abugharbieh in dramatic fashion Friday. He emerged with his hands up, still wearing only a towel. He remains held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday. Both victims were 27-year-old doctoral students at the University of South Florida.

Ahmad Abugharbieh delivered an emotional message to the victims' families: "I just can't stop thinking about all of them. I'm just, I just feel so awful. I'm really sorry about everything. I feel so, my entire family feels so much shame and guilt." The case raises questions about whether more aggressive intervention could have prevented the tragedy, as the family's warnings about the suspect's escalating violence went largely unheeded by the system.

Ahmad Abugharbieh says family repeatedly warned police about brother Hisham's violent behavior before he allegedly killed two USF doctoral students in Tampa.

Family Warned Police Before Tampa Student Killings: 'He Shouldn't Have Had Roommates'

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, unleashed a scathing attack on President Trump Monday after his heated &quot;60 Minutes&quot; interview, accusing him of showing &quot;internalized misogyny&quot; toward CBS host Norah O'Donnell.The California &quot;First Partner&quot; posted on X that her family watched Sunday's interview &quot;and we were shocked&quot; by Trump's treatment of the female journalist. During the contentious exchange, Trump called O'Donnell &quot;disgraceful&quot; and a &quot;disgrace&quot; after she read excerpts from <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/fbi-reveals-cole-allen-called-trump-pedophile-rapist-and-traitor-in-manifesto">alleged shooter Cole Allen's manifesto</a>, which labeled the president a &quot;rapist,&quot; &quot;pedophile&quot; and &quot;traitor.&quot;&quot;Seeing a president speak to a woman journalist with that level of contempt — and a clear allergy to facts — is disturbing, though at this point not unexpected given his pattern of behavior,&quot; Siebel Newsom wrote in her Monday post.The interview grew heated when O'Donnell read portions of the manifesto prepared by Allen, the 31-year-old Torrance, California man who opened fire at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner. Trump's defensive response escalated quickly: &quot;I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would because you're horrible people. Horrible people.&quot;Siebel Newsom framed Trump's behavior as a broader cultural threat. &quot;When that level of disrespect from the highest office in the country repeats itself, it starts to trickle down into our culture and define what power looks like, shaping how boys and plenty of men see women and girls and what they come to accept as normal behavior,&quot; she argued.The manifesto that sparked the confrontation contained anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric, according to authorities who identified Allen after the Saturday shooting. O'Donnell's decision to read the document's accusations about sexual abuse and treason triggered Trump's angry outburst during the Sunday evening broadcast.Fox News reached out to the White House and representatives for both Governor Newsom and his wife but received no response. The First Partner's criticism reflects the ongoing political fallout from Saturday's violence, which marked another security incident involving the president.Siebel Newsom's attack carries particular weight given her husband's position as a prominent Democratic governor and potential future presidential candidate. Her framing of Trump's media interactions as a threat to how young Americans view gender dynamics signals how Democrats plan to weaponize the president's combative interview style.Watch for more Democratic officials to echo Siebel Newsom's themes as the fallout from both the shooting and Trump's media response continues to unfold.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, unleashed a scathing attack on President Trump Monday after his heated "60 Minutes" interview, accusing him of showing "internalized misogyny" toward CBS host Norah O'Donnell.

The California "First Partner" posted on X that her family watched Sunday's interview "and we were shocked" by Trump's treatment of the female journalist. During the contentious exchange, Trump called O'Donnell "disgraceful" and a "disgrace" after she read excerpts from alleged shooter Cole Allen's manifesto, which labeled the president a "rapist," "pedophile" and "traitor."

"Seeing a president speak to a woman journalist with that level of contempt — and a clear allergy to facts — is disturbing, though at this point not unexpected given his pattern of behavior," Siebel Newsom wrote in her Monday post.

The interview grew heated when O'Donnell read portions of the manifesto prepared by Allen, the 31-year-old Torrance, California man who opened fire at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Dinner. Trump's defensive response escalated quickly: "I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would because you're horrible people. Horrible people."

Siebel Newsom framed Trump's behavior as a broader cultural threat. "When that level of disrespect from the highest office in the country repeats itself, it starts to trickle down into our culture and define what power looks like, shaping how boys and plenty of men see women and girls and what they come to accept as normal behavior," she argued.

The manifesto that sparked the confrontation contained anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric, according to authorities who identified Allen after the Saturday shooting. O'Donnell's decision to read the document's accusations about sexual abuse and treason triggered Trump's angry outburst during the Sunday evening broadcast.

Fox News reached out to the White House and representatives for both Governor Newsom and his wife but received no response. The First Partner's criticism reflects the ongoing political fallout from Saturday's violence, which marked another security incident involving the president.

Siebel Newsom's attack carries particular weight given her husband's position as a prominent Democratic governor and potential future presidential candidate. Her framing of Trump's media interactions as a threat to how young Americans view gender dynamics signals how Democrats plan to weaponize the president's combative interview style.

Watch for more Democratic officials to echo Siebel Newsom's themes as the fallout from both the shooting and Trump's media response continues to unfold.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom blasted Trump's treatment of CBS host Norah O'Donnell during contentious interview about White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.