Lemon Indictment Underscores Need to Recuse Judge Patrick Schlitz

 A grand jury in Minnesota has indicted former CNN anchor Don Lemon for allegedly participating in the storming of a church in St. Paul. This event has sparked criticism of Judge Patrick Schlitz, who is accused of bias in handling the case.

1. Indictment Details: Don Lemon and three others were charged for conspiracy against rights, violating the FACE Act, and intimidation during church services. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest, which occurred while Lemon was covering the Grammy Awards.

2. Judicial Bias Allegations: The chief judge, Patrick Schlitz, is criticized for his political bias, particularly his support for immigrant rights, which some argue could affect his impartiality in cases related to immigration enforcement and deportation efforts.

3. Legal Proceedings: There was a dispute between Judge Schlitz and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over charges against Lemon. Despite the DOJ presenting probable cause, Schlitz refused to reverse another judge's decision not to charge Lemon, leading to a grand jury proceeding that ultimately indicted him.

4. Political Involvement: Judge Schlitz has been linked to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, a group associated with supporting immigrant rights. Critics argue that his donations to this organization compromise his neutrality in cases involving immigration law.

5. Controversial Statements: Schlitz has made various statements in court that some view as politically charged and lacking evidence. He accused ICE of violating numerous court orders and made claims about the legality and treatment of immigrants that critics believe misrepresent the facts.

The indictment of Don Lemon highlights not only issues of individual accountability but also raises serious concerns about the impartiality of judges involved in politically sensitive cases. Calls for Judge Schlitz’s recusal and a review of his conduct have been made to address these concerns and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

https://www.declassified.live/p/lemon-indictment-underscores-need

BLACK ROBE CORRUPTION: Michigan Judge and Three Co-Conspirators Accused of Looting Hundreds of Thousands from Incapacitated

Federal prosecutors have charged a sitting judge and three associates in a scandal involving the embezzlement of funds from incapacitated individuals in Michigan. The defendants are accused of misappropriating substantial amounts of money from those under their care, revealing serious misconduct within the judicial system.

• Defendants: The case involves four key figures:

• Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin: A current judge on Michigan’s 36th District Court.

• Avery Bradley: An attorney and father to Judge Bradley-Baskin.

• Nancy Williams: The owner of Guardian and Associates, an agency managing the affairs of incapacitated individuals.

• Dwight Rashad: Operated group homes for elderly individuals needing care.

• Charges: The four have been indicted on various charges:

• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

• Multiple counts of money laundering.

• Judge Bradley-Baskin is additionally charged with making a false statement to federal investigators.

• Allegations: The indictment details various forms of financial abuse:

• $70,000: Allegedly used by Bradley-Baskin for an ownership stake in a bar, taken from funds meant for a ward.

• $203,000: Taken from a legal settlement for a ward, with none benefiting the ward.

• Rent payments: Williams allegedly made for wards who never lived in one of Rashad’s facilities.

• Luxury expenses: Bradley-Baskin reportedly used embezzled funds to lease a new vehicle for herself.

• Context: The indictment highlights a systematic abuse of the fiduciary duty by the defendants, who were trusted to act in the best interests of their wards. Under federal law, guardians and conservators must protect the personal and financial affairs of individuals deemed incapacitated.

• Response from Authorities: U. S. Attorney Gorgon emphasized the breach of public trust represented by these allegations, stating that no one is above the law. Investigative agencies, including the FBI, have committed to prosecuting those who exploit vulnerable populations for personal gain.

The indictment against Judge Bradley-Baskin and her associates raises serious concerns about corruption within the Michigan judicial system, particularly regarding the protection of its most vulnerable citizens. The allegations of extensive financial misconduct highlight the urgent need for oversight and accountability within fiduciary responsibilities. Authorities have expressed their determination to bring justice for the victims affected by these actions. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/black-robe-corruption-michigan-judge-three-co-conspirators/

Russia's Lukoil To Sell Bulk Of International Portfolio To US Carlyle Group

Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, has agreed to sell a majority of its international assets to the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, due to ongoing Western sanctions. This decision follows a significant economic penalty imposed on Russia amid the continuing conflict in Ukraine.

• The deal involves Lukoil's international assets, initially valued at $22 billion, but excludes its operations in Kazakhstan, which will remain under Lukoil's control.

• The sale is a direct response to Western sanctions, particularly those imposed during the Trump administration, aimed at pressuring Russia regarding its involvement in Ukraine.

• The agreement requires approval from the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is still subject to multiple conditions.

• Lukoil expressed intentions to sell its international assets as early as October, acknowledging the impact of restrictive measures on its operations.

• After the announcement, other companies, including Chevron and ExxonMobil, showed interest in acquiring Lukoil's assets, notifying the US Treasury of their intentions.

• The ongoing negotiations with potential buyers indicate that Lukoil is exploring various options while the formal bidding process is underway.

The sale of Lukoil's international assets to the Carlyle Group marks a significant shift in the company’s operations due to external pressures from sanctions. With further negotiations ongoing and regulatory approvals required, the situation highlights the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on energy markets and corporate strategies. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/russias-lukoil-sell-bulk-international-portfolio-us-carlyle-group

A Voter Fraud Reckoning in Georgia?

The FBI recently conducted a raid on Fulton County’s Election Hub and Operations Center, authorized by a sealed search warrant. This raid is part of an investigation into possible voter fraud related to the 2020 election, with mixed reactions from the media and local officials.

1. Search Warrant Details: The warrant allows the FBI to search for various election-related documents, including physical ballots from the 2020 General Election, tabulator tapes, and voter rolls. The FBI has already seized 700 boxes of such records.

2. Legal Basis for the Raid: The warrant suggests potential violations of laws regarding the retention of election records and offenses related to procuring false votes or registrations. The inquiry may hint at a ballot-harvesting scheme.

3. Concerns About Record Handling: Local Democratic officials expressed worries about the handling and chain of custody of the seized records. Concerns were raised over whether these documents could be manipulated after leaving county control.

4. Previous Audits Questioned: Critics have pointed out that earlier audits of the 2020 election results were merely count checks and did not include authentication measures, which are critical for legitimacy.

5. Reported Issues with Election Records: Various irregularities have been reported regarding ballots, such as unsupported early vote ballots, lack of signature reviews, and discrepancies in recorded timestamps on ballot images.

6. Trump's Reaction: Former President Trump has shown interest in the investigation, stating that people related to the 2020 election will face prosecution for any wrongdoing.

The FBI's raid in Fulton County marks a significant development in ongoing discussions about the integrity of the 2020 election. As investigations unfold, further scrutiny of election integrity practices continues, with implications for future electoral processes. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/01/a_voter_fraud_reckoning_in_georgia.html

Investigators Can’t Find Tapes Showing Fulton County’s 2020 Ballot Count Started At Zero, Board Says

A significant issue has emerged regarding the handling of election documents in Fulton County, Georgia, related to the 2020 presidential election. Recent meetings and investigations have revealed that critical "zero tapes," which confirm that ballot counts started at zero, may be missing. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process in a county that faced multiple challenges during the 2020 elections.

1. Missing Tapes: Members of the State Election Board (SEB) expressed alarm during a recent meeting when it was revealed that "zero tapes," necessary for verifying proper ballot counting, could not be located for the 2020 election.

2. Zero Tapes Function: A "zero tape" must be printed and signed before counting begins on a ballot scanner. This tape shows that the count started at zero, and it helps ensure no previous votes are counted. In December 2020, Fulton County officials admitted they failed to sign over 100 tabulator tapes, affecting the count of approximately 315,000 votes.

3. Board Concerns: SEB member Jan Johnston clarified that the zero tape is critical for ensuring the integrity of the election process, comparing it to a trip odometer that needs to be reset before starting a journey.

4. Lack of Documentation: Investigators struggled to find any of the 148 early voting "zero tapes," as there seems to be confusion about where these tapes should have been delivered post-election. Fulton County’s regulations do not clearly outline the process, leaving many questions unanswered.

5. State Investigation: Following a complaint by election integrity advocate David Cross in 2022, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office investigated and confirmed the absence of zero tapes from early voting. This led to further inquiries about their whereabouts.

6. FBI Involvement: A week after the SEB meeting, an FBI raid occurred at the Fulton County election office, focusing on retrieving the missing zero tapes from the 2020 election.

7. Unclear Outcomes: The SEB is left with many uncertainties about the zero tapes. It is unknown whether they were properly handled and later disposed of or if they are simply misplaced. There is currently no evidence of a paper trail to confirm their status.

The situation in Fulton County raises troubling questions about the security and administration of elections. Missing zero tapes present a significant concern for election integrity, emphasizing the need for better clarity and procedures regarding election documentation. Without proper accountability and tracking of crucial materials, there is a risk that trust in the electoral process could be further undermined. As investigations continue, it remains unclear what will happen next regarding the missing tapes and the overall oversight of Fulton County's election operations. 

https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/30/investigators-cant-find-tapes-showing-fulton-countys-2020-ballot-count-started-at-zero-board-says/

Panama boots China from Panama Canal in another victory for Trump’s Monroe Doctrine revival

Panama’s Supreme Court has recently ordered the removal of a Chinese company from the Panama Canal, which aligns with former President Donald Trump's efforts to reassert U. S. influence in Latin America and diminish China's presence in the region.

1. Supreme Court's Decision:

• The ruling by Panama's high court forces the ouster of a Chinese port operator from the strategically important Panama Canal.

• This decision supports Trump's Monroe Doctrine revival aimed at curbing China's influence in Latin America.

2. Historical Context:

• Trump highlighted that the Panama Canal was handed over to Panama but has leaned towards Chinese control, claiming that the U. S. is reclaiming it.

• In his inauguration speech, he emphasized that the canal should not be in Chinese hands.

3. Legal Conflict:

• This ruling follows a year-long legal struggle between the Chinese and Panamanian governments concerning the operations at the canal's ports.

• The Chinese government's regulators had blocked the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchinson shipping company from selling its port stakes to an American consortium, revealing tensions around control and ownership.

4. U. S. Response:

• U. S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed approval of the court's decision, characterizing Chinese influence as a threat.

• The U. S. has pressured Panama to reject Chinese control over the canal, viewing it as vital for national security.

5. Chinese Influence in Latin America:

• In recent years, China has become a major trade partner and investor in Latin America, engaging in various infrastructure projects.

• China’s strategic relationships in the region, particularly with nations like Venezuela and Cuba, have raised concerns for the U. S.

6. Impact on Chinese Investments:

• The court ruling is a significant setback for China, who has sought to expand its influence in Panama and the wider region.

• The U. S. administration had already targeted Venezuela's Maduro, who was a close ally of Beijing, leading to further complications for Chinese investments.

7. Future Considerations:

• China's plans are hindered by the recent court ruling, and ongoing issues regarding U. S. sanctions and strategic pressures on Latin American nations pose challenges for Chinese investments and relationships.

• The dispute over CK Hutchison's contractual agreements reflects broader concerns about the economic interests tied to the canal.

The ruling by Panama's Supreme Court to remove Chinese control from the Panama Canal reflects a significant policy shift towards U. S. interests in the region, aligning with efforts to diminish China's growing influence. This decision, along with actions against China's relationships in Venezuela and elsewhere, suggests a proactive approach from the U. S. to secure its interests in Latin America through legal and diplomatic means. 

https://justthenews.com/government/diplomacy/panama-boots-china-panama-canal-another-victory-trumps-monroe-doctrine-revival

The War on Terror Came Home

In Drew T. Allen's article, he examines the current political climate in America, focusing on the left's treatment of various groups and the increasing intolerance towards dissent. Through his book, "For Christ and Country: The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk," he reflects on the dangers of moral fanaticism and the potential decay of American society.

• The article discusses how the left perceives illegal immigrants as victims while criminalizing law enforcement, like ICE agents. A contradiction arises when the left calls for the defunding of ICE following a protest-related death but continues to support open border policies after violent crimes by illegal immigrants.

• Allen points out the left's focus on military support for foreign conflicts while mocking domestic concerns about security. This double standard raises questions about national priorities.

• The shift in political discourse is detailed, starting with Hillary Clinton's labeling of Trump supporters as "deplorables. " Disagreements are no longer seen as mere political differences but as moral failings, leading to public shaming and physical violence against political opponents.

• Incidents of violence against Republicans, such as assaults and assassination attempts, illustrate the extreme consequences of intolerant rhetoric.

• The author argues that the left's tactics echo those of radical jihadist groups, rejecting debate and promoting submission instead. Intimidation and violence are normalized, creating an atmosphere where political disagreement is equated with moral evil.

• Allen stresses that the recent murder of Charlie Kirk serves as a warning sign for America, indicating what occurs when a political movement prioritizes coercion over persuasion. He asserts that nations decay gradually when citizens become desensitized to intimidation and fear.

The article warns that unless decisive action is taken to address the current political climate, including rejecting intimidation and publicly naming these issues, America may face further decay. Allen's work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confronting the troubling trends within political discourse before they worsen. The choice to reverse course lies with the citizens. 

https://amgreatness.com/2026/01/31/the-war-on-terror-came-home/