Federal investigations and arrests, alleged political corruption, disputes over polling credibility, and early voting trends dominate political news. Other developments include Amazon canceling data-center plans in Virginia, a federal appeals court ruling on immigration detention, a proposed New Jersey crackdown on products containing microplastics, continued economic activity and foreign investment in the US, and international headlines involving North Korea. Entertainment news includes Tom Skerritt’s death, Billy Ray Cyrus and Liz Hurley’s engagement, and a reported investigation involving Meghan Markle’s father. A Minnesota youth reportedly rescued 18 children from a runaway school bus.
1) Former FBI agents were reportedly arrested for allegedly lying to Congress about Hunter Biden’s laptop. Jeff Childers compiled a list of Democratic officials arrested for various alleged crimes, including officials in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, South Carolina, and Hawaii. Childers argues that corruption has flourished in Democratic-led cities and metropolitan areas because of inadequate enforcement. He also cites recent federal arrests involving government insiders and a Massachusetts investigation into sham green-card marriages reportedly costing up to $40,000.
2) The DOJ reportedly plans to challenge Alaska Senate results if a Democratic candidate benefits from the addition of a second candidate named Dan Sullivan, which could split Republican votes. Separately, the department is investigating former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski over alleged favorable contracting and two Connecticut cities over delays in gun permits. The DOJ is also seeking California’s assistance in identifying noncitizen voters.
3) Apple News, Yahoo, Google, and Microsoft MSN are accused of suppressing news and information from right-leaning sources.
4) Another polling firm has reportedly joined several others that faced scrutiny over allegedly unscientific or propagandistic polling practices. The source questions whether the industry will reform, citing similar controversies surrounding polling in 2016.
5) CNN reportedly released a poll showing Republicans leading Democrats by six points in the generic congressional ballot, despite a previous pollster showing Democrats with a substantial lead. The source questions the credibility of the conflicting results.
6) Early voting patterns are shifting as additional polling locations open. Florida Republicans reportedly held a 10.6% lead, with new voting sites opening in heavily Republican counties. Republicans also reportedly took an early lead in Arizona. Younger voters are turning out at higher rates, which the source identifies as a positive sign for Democrats.
7) Jewish voters are reportedly leaving the Democratic Party, although the source notes that this does not necessarily mean they are becoming Republicans.
8) Amazon has reportedly abandoned plans for data centers in Loudoun County, Virginia. The source argues that data centers are necessary but should cover their own costs and avoid placing excessive demands on local water supplies.
9) The Fifth Circuit reportedly ruled that the federal government is not required to provide individual bond hearings for every person facing deportation, allowing detention to continue during the relevant proceedings.
10) The Department of Homeland Security plans to test a directed-energy device described as a “heat ray,” reportedly designed to create an intense sensation that prompts people to move away from the affected area. The source suggests deploying it at the southern border.
11) New Jersey is considering restrictions on chewing gum, cutlery, and tea bags over concerns about microplastics.
12) Energy commentator David Blackmon argues that the United States has developed a broad range of advantages in liquefied natural gas (LNG).
13) Economic activity and inflation are reportedly running hotter than expected, challenging predictions of an impending economic collapse.
14) Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier reportedly plans to invest $400 million across four US states, adding to foreign investment in American manufacturing.
15) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose death had been rumored, reportedly appeared at an event in China.
16) Emmy-winning actor Tom Skerritt, known for Alien and Top Gun, has died at age 93.
17) Billy Ray Cyrus and Liz Hurley have reportedly become engaged.
18) Meghan Markle’s father is reportedly under investigation in connection with child sexual abuse material.
19) The Milwaukee Brewers won Game 1 of the World Series.
20) A Minnesota youth reportedly jumped aboard a runaway school bus and helped save 18 children after the driver suffered a seizure.